28 Weeks Update

I called the automated test results hotline at my OB office and found out that my Gestational Diabetes test came back normal. Sweet! That's one less thing I have to worry about. I'm hearing that having an Epidural is not fully covered by most insurance companies so now I have to check my provider. That's really frustrating because I don't have a lot of money just laying around for that shit. I'm not even convinced that I will go that route, but I want the option.

I'm really stressed out right now. Gas prices are through the roof and I have to save up so that I can make the trip to Michigan for my first baby shower. My home life is turning into a cluster fuck from hell and the the great results of my nesting phase went to shit once the girls came here on Wednesday. Their behavior was the equivalent to caged animals being set free in a strange environment and it hasn't stopped since they got here. I'm not getting much help from Dave and I swear I'm about to blow my stack so instead, I'm just locking myself up so that I don't start screaming bloody murder.

Sorry for the negativity. I'm just pissed off right now and the best way for me to release this stuff is to write about it.

Happy Mother's Day to all the fabulous mommy's and expected mothers-to-be! I hope you guys have a very relaxing day.

The Nesting Phase

Week 28

Summer is near and I’ve been having a lot of nostalgic thoughts about what it was like for Dave and I last year. I’m glad we partied it up then because now we’ll be playing a different ballgame all together. We had plans to go to Rock on the Range, a 2-day rock concert held in Columbus with a ton of bands. It sold out on us last year. Unfortunately I’m too pregnant to enjoy the experience. I can still do some of the things I love such as hanging out at friends’ places enjoying BBQ’s, but come July I’ll be on baby alert and most likely, very physically uncomfortable. It’s already starting actually.

I'm officially in my 3rd trimester, woo hoo! My belly has popped out even more this week and although people are telling me that I look good, I’m having trouble with the important stuff like female grooming and painting my toe nails. I attempted the toes yesterday and they came out ok, however, I had to place my legs in positions I don’t usually try during sex. Perhaps that’s a sign to spice that shit up a bit as well, lol.

Hoisting myself out of bed is now becoming a chore and it makes me not want to sit down. When it’s time for me to get up, I have to hope Dave is around. Otherwise, I have to assess the situation, assume the position and roll off the furniture from the side and that just makes me feel debilitated! This experience is turning into comedic film. All of this at only 28 weeks, can you believe it?

I’ve been saying how cool it is that my little guy is very active. Well…it was cool until this week when I realized that this kid isn’t taking a liking to sleep. That’s right, folks. He’s moving, kicking and punching from the time I wake up in the morning until it’s time for me to go to bed. It takes me at least an hour to get used to the movements so that I can find a position that will allow me to fall asleep. Even then he wakes me up in the middle of the night and I’m needing to find something to do for a couple of hours until I get tired again. I know, I know…this is just preparation for what’s to come, but damn. I should be able to get a break while he’s still in the womb, right? Guess not.

On the brighter side of things, I got my brows waxed and a hair cut yesterday. Thank God because my hair gets heavy and I have to deal with really bad headaches. It’s pretty short for me, but I don’t want to deal with the styling. I’m taking the easy way out, which is something I don’t normally do, but hey, I’m pregnant! If I can’t get a normal REM cycle, at least I have some relief in the beauty department.

This pregnancy is forcing me to rely a bit on other people and their services, which I really hate. When it comes to household chores, I deserve some cooperation for sure. Dave is really starting to step up to the plate in that regard, which he should be doing anyway. I’m going to do my best to make sure he keeps to this standard after the baby is born. God knows I’m going to need it.

Now I feel like I’ve officially entered the nesting phase of the pregnancy. All I want to do is clean and organize. Dave thinks I’m off my rocker and I sure he’s silently cursing me since I’ve enlisted him to do most of the heavy labor, lol. I pounded out 7 loads of laundry yesterday, which is mostly the girls’ and Dave’s clothes. I also organized the girls’ bedroom and am working on my own. The baby’s crib is now set up along with the pack ’n play and bouncer seat. We have our stroller and other stuff stored in the basement. Pretty soon he’ll have to move my recliner to my office and I’ll have to decorate the baby’s room. I still have pictures to put up all around the house and I’m desperate to do something great with my office.

Pregnancy Symptoms for the Week:

* Stretchy cramps
* Insomnia
* Fatigue
* Minor skin break-outs

Bumps in the Night

Week 27

I’m porking out, yo! This week I’ve noticed my pregnant belly has pushed out big time. I’m starting to lose my “innie” belly button, I can feel my uterus right under my breasts and the baby is moving a lot there. It’s a funky feeling and it’s taken me a couple of days to get used to it. The little guy is starting to throw punches. I guess my joke to Dave about him being an “Ultimate Fighter” when he’s older may be right on target, lol. Last night it was so strong that I could see and feel, what I believe to be his little fist, popping through and I could almost grab it. Weird.

My friend Stacy has warned me since the beginning of the pregnancy to stay calm and try not to freak out over stupid stuff because the baby will feel everything I do. Well, I had my proof the other night. I woke up in the middle of the night quite emotional about an issue and the baby didn’t stop moving, poking and kicking until I calmed down. Even though I believed Stacy before, this little reality has moved me to change my perspective and alter the amount of responsibilities I’m taking on.

I’m back to having trouble sleeping again because now this child seems to be active all day and night. Dave and I are slugs when it comes to our sleep. We can normally go down at any time and for hours so with any luck, the baby will take after us in that regard once he’s born. Unfortunately, we both love to eat so I’m guessing this child is going to be a little piggy like his mommy and daddy and you know what that means…up every 2 hours.

I went to the Dr. on Thursday for my Glucose test. The orange crap I drank tasted like flat soda, but I was able to get it down in 5 minutes like I was supposed to. The nurse had to stick me a few times in each arm because my veins weren’t cooperating. She measured my uterus and I was right on target for 27 weeks. The baby’s heartbeat was at 160, as usual.

I met a new doctor in the practice and she told me that I wouldn‘t be getting another ultrasound, no more blood tests and they won‘t be checking my cervix until 38 weeks, unless I call them with something out of the ordinary. That makes me a bit nervous because my friend Dawn is having major complications with her pregnancy. I’m feeling tempted to go and pay for a 3/D ultrasound so I can get my little guy measured and weighed. I’m also dying to get a glimpse of his features since those pictures are quite amazing.

Pregnancy Symptoms for the Week:

* Constipation (ugh!)
* Gas
* Stretchy cramps
* The waddle
* Extreme fatigue

My next appointment is at 30 weeks and I’m having Dave go so he can hear the baby’s heartbeat. He hasn’t been able to experience that since the ultrasound at 7 weeks when I was bleeding and it wasn’t very clear then. After that I’ll be going to my appointments every 2 weeks.

Where Art Thou Balance?

Week 25

Wow, what a crazy week! I’ve noticed that I’m finally experiencing slight mood swings. My tolerance for stupid shit has been a bit low, especially on the home front. I’m trying to work through it. The only problem is that my schedule is now revolving around the kids and that’s been tough to deal with. It’s a huge adjustment from me being able to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted to only getting stuff done when nobody is around or when the kids are in bed.

Of course with the pregnancy and nicer weather, the kids are going to bed later and by that time I’m ready to crash myself. The baby isn’t even here yet and already I’m missing my alone time with Dave. He’s been busy with writing tons of essays for college and I’m dead to the world by the time he’s available to me. Welcome to “marriage” and motherhood, eh? LOL

As for the pregnancy symptoms, it’s like I’m starting all over again. The nerve pains, needing to pee all the time, eating like a pig, not feeling comfortable sleeping and of course, the farting (that’s the worst).

Under The Weather
Week 26

Getting up early every day is taking its toll on me. I feel like I can’t function well unless I wake up after 7:30am, but with all the responsibilities I’ve taken on, that’s not going to happen anytime soon. I am needing to take naps during the day again, however, I can’t seem to fit any in and when I actually have time, I don’t fall asleep. I’m bummed about that, big time!

This past week I felt like I was coming down with a cold. It only affected me one day, but I was pretty miserable. With all the changes in the weather, my body is reacting and not favorably. I wish it would just stay Spring-like so I wouldn’t feel so up and down. It’s affecting my moods and all I want is some stability.

My belly is starting to get in the way of life these days. I’m finding difficulty trying to vacuum the corners in my rooms without screaming in pain due to pinching nerves. Shaving my legs and putting on socks has also become a chore. I can’t reach anything anymore! LOL Unfortunately summer is abound and I must find a way that’s comfortable for the shaving. When I told Dave to gear up and help, he looked at me like I was living on Mars. So I guess I should count him out on that one.

On a lighter note, my little guy is very active. I’m starting to feel him poking me right around my rib cage. It’s kind of weird. It hurts a bit when I’m laughing if he’s right there. Any time the baby kicks or moves, my stomach is doing all sorts of funky shifts. That’s one of the coolest things about being pregnant, in my opinion.

I have my next OB appointment on May 1st. I have to take that Glucose test where I have to swallow this orange crap in 3-5 minutes, then get my blood taken. I’m not looking forward to that, however, I’ve heard that it’s a breeze and I have nothing to worry about. I’m also going to find out when my next ultrasound is. I don’t think I have one for a while. I believe that I start going to my appointments every 2 weeks in June and then July is every week. I can’t believe how fast this pregnancy has gone! I will be holding my little man before I know it.

Getting Adjusted

Weeks 22 & 23

This past week has been pretty uneventful with regards to the pregnancy. I feel my little guy moving and kicking regularly. I’ve had a couple of crappy nights of sleep because he’s keeping me awake and giving me a hard time with getting comfortable. It doesn’t matter how many pillows I have or which position I try, it seems like he’s awake 24/7.

The funny thing is that he must know when a hand is placed on top of him. I think he can sense light and darkness pretty well. When I feel a kick and try to push back, he moves to a different spot. It’s like a cat and mouse game with this one, lol. I can feel the kicks inside and out now so it’s only a matter of time until Dave will get his turn. Trenity got lucky the other day and was able to feel a small kick from her little brother. The pure joy on her face was simply precious. I wish I had a camera because it really was a Kodak moment.

My feet aren’t hurting as much these days and I’m giving Dave a break from rubbing my feet every night. I think it’s because I finally used my brain. I’m wearing footie socks, a cushy pair of slippers and bought new shoes. It’s saving my life and going up and down 2 flights of stairs every day was really killing me. At least it’s giving me plenty of cardio action. I was starting to get real winded, but now I’m feeling much better with all that excersize. I should’ve started a regimine much earlier in the pregnancy, but better late than never right?

I’m doing great emotionally, but now I’m mentally preparing myself for the child birth process. I still have a lot of fear, but trying to manifest things to occur the way I want them to. I did that with the pregnancy and it’s worked thus far so let’s just hope I get my requests granted for B-Day. I’m realistic though. I’m certain that I may need the drugs, but everything in my body is screaming “No, don’t do it!” I’m not exactly sure why. I know this sounds silly, but I’m trying to find my center and meditation method that may block out some of the physical pain. Mind over matter.

This week Trenity had her very first soccer practice and game! It was so exciting to watch her play and she did very well. The other little girls were very nice to her and I think this was a very good decision made by Dave and myself to put her in. We had Halle’s birthday party on Saturday as well. She’s going to be 4 and is growing incredibly fast. She was very happy with her presents, especially the spring and summer clothes. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks, but we’re finding some balance now.

Week 24
Finally, a good night’s rest!

Yesterday and today I was able to sleep in until 8 and 9am, woo hoo! It was really nice and now I’ve found my comfortable place in the bed. I’m hoping that this 4:30am wake-up stuff is in the past for now. I really didn’t realize how important sleep is during pregnancy until last week. I watch my girlfriend’s daughter during the week and take her to school, so pretty soon I’ll have to be up at 6:30am again.

I’m doing a bit of Spring cleaning with my computer’s hard drive and tieing up loose ends with my old apartment. It’s so nice to finally be free of some of the crap from my old home and life. I’m still going through boxes and a bunch of “little” stuff left from the move. My organizational skills have been in the dumps where work is concerned. I’m going to spend more time on that this week.

Dave and I are taking advantage of the walking path, now that the weather is getting better. The path goes 25 miles and the scenery is gorgeous. I did a mile and a half the other night and I’m going to slowly increase each week. Dave is on a walking program through work and it’s nice to have someone to do this with, especially since he can get some cash out of the deal.

I have my next OB appointment on Thursday. It’s nothing special, although I am seeing a new doctor in the practice. As far as I know, they’re just going to weigh me, take my blood pressure and check the baby’s heartbeat.

A lot of people have been asking, but I still have not named the baby yet. I really do need to wait until he’s born. Dave and I only agree on one name, but I don’t know if it’ll suit him yet. I think that once I see him, the right one will just pop in my head.

It's A BOY!

Sorry I haven’t posted in a little bit. I’ve been really busy due to the move and the Easter holiday. We’re all still getting adjusted to the new place and I finally have time to write because this baby woke me up at 5:30am this morning. I just started week 22, but I‘m posting weeks 20 and 21 for you all.


Week 20

Dave and I went to my OB appointment for B-Day (March 13th), which is what my friend Stacy was calling “Boy Day”, LOL. I’ve been so adamant about this boy thing and from the very beginning and every time I tried to imagine a girl, I just couldn’t. Well I was right, we’re having a little BOY!

Dave doesn’t generally show much emotion about anything other than sports, so watching him squirm on his chair while the doctor was measuring the baby made me giggle. He kept inching closer and closer to the edge, fists clenched just waiting for her to announce the sex. At first glance the baby’s legs were crossed and my poor boyfriend looked defeated. After a couple of tries she said, “That looks like a scrotum…there‘s a penis…oh yeah, it’s definitely a boy”.

I thought he was going to take a flying leap as if he were at a Chicago Bulls game and his favorite player just scored a 3 pointer to win in overtime. For a second I thought he was going to let out a huge “YEAAAAHHHH”, LOL. Of course he called everyone and their mother to tell them to good news and that he’s going to decorate the baby’s room with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Chicago sports gear. Now that we’re having a boy he cares about the décor. That’s a man for ya.

Check out my photo album for a couple of ultrasound pictures and updated ones of my belly!

That same day we picked up the keys to our condo. It was a pain in the ass because we had to wait all day since they didn’t have it ready. Apparently the last tenant really trashed the place. We ended up getting the keys really late and weren’t able to start our move until the next day. All the big stuff got moved that Saturday the 15th and we’re still in the process of getting stuff out of our apartments. My old place is looking pretty good and all that’s left is the cleaning. Dave, on the other hand, has a lot more work to do on his old apartment, but he still has until April 1st.

Week 21 - The Power Bloat

One of my best friends, Dawn, got her 17 week ultrasound and check-up. She found out she is having a boy, but her doctor saw a mass on his lung. She had to go to the hospital to get a 3-D scan and they told her the baby has a benign tumor that is pushing the baby’s heart to the left side. Although her baby’s organs are functioning well, she now has to get a fetal MRI next week and ultrasounds every 3 weeks to monitor the tumor. If it grows too quickly, the baby could go into cardiac arrest and she’ll lose him. There is a chance that it won’t grow and he’ll be fine. I’m praying like crazy for her. It’s so difficult for me to be happy for myself when this is happening.

As for me, I’ve been trying to get back into the swing of things after the move. Working has been a bit difficult due to Easter and having Dave’s kids. They’re very excited about all this change and went kind of nuts running up and down our stairs, unpacking their toys in the playroom we made for them. All that Easter candy didn’t help either, lol. My cats are having a difficult time adjusting to their new surroundings. Angelica is pretty pissed at me for subjecting her to Dave and the kids, lol. She’s the most needy, territorial cat I’ve ever seen!

This week my ankels and feet have really swelled. It’s so bad that I need to go buy new socks and shoes, ugh! My feet are in so much pain, but it’s very hard to just sit around and do nothing since I have a ton of stuff to get done around here. I’m still unpacking boxes and it seems like I’ll never get done. I’m trying to pace myself and hopefully I’ll have the majority of it cleared up.

The other issue is that I’m having a hard time finding a comfy sleeping position. It doesn’t matter how many pillows I have. As a matter of fact, that makes things worse. I almost knocked poor Dave off the bed last night because there’s not enough room for the pillows, him and my big, pregnant ass.

Other than the power bloat and sleeping situation, I’m feeling pretty great. I’ve noticed the baby’s movements and kicks more consistently and I think it’s very cool! Dave told me yesterday that I’m looking real pregnant finally. My belly has grown a bit more in the last couple of weeks, but I’m not having any trouble moving around and bending over, thank God.

Love Is In The Air

Week 19

I’m almost to the half way point in my pregnancy, yay! I’m getting really excited for my OB appointment next Thursday. This once a month check up thing sucks as I get a little paranoid if I don’t feel the baby move consistently. I know it’s not supposed to right now, but I’ve gotten used to the feeling. I guess it’s common for first time mommies to freak out once in a while. I am getting better with keeping myself calm though.

Thursday my friend Dawn S and I went out to lunch then to the nail salon for pedicures. OH THANK GOD! My feet were horrendous! It was the best one I’ve ever had. They spent a good half hour rubbing our feet at the end of the session. I’m going to make it a point to have this done at least once a month. I may even consider bi-weekly sessions. My feet have been sore for a while now since I’m starting to blow up. That’s right folks, the cankles are on the way, UGH.

Friday night Nikki, Dawn and I enjoyed a ladies’ night. We went to dinner and bowling. Since my life is going to change dramatically next week with the move I wanted to spend some quality time with some of my friends. I’m sure I’ll be able to do it more often than I think before the baby is born, but I still needed to get out of my apartment. I didn’t bowl as well as I did on my birthday, but I had a blast anyway. Now it’s time to get back to reality with work and packing, but I‘m having trouble keeping balance between the two.

I believe that my libido has been healthy for the last couple of months, but I’ve put Dave in the “have sex with me, it’s your only job” box lately. It’s funny to see the look on his face when he comes home and I don’t even care how his day went. He’s genuinely surprised every single time and that cracks me up. Sometimes I wonder about that boy, LOL. Love is in the air and I’m taking full advantage while I still can!

JUST 6 MORE DAYS UNTIL WE FIND OUT THE SEX! I’m very very excited!!! Week 20 here I come!