32 Weeks, baby!

First of all, I would like to THANK ALL DEITIES who happen to be listening for this glorious Summer weather!!! If it were a typical, humid Summer, I would be absolutely miserable. As it is, this puffy lady is holding it together. Some days, just barely. I should offer up a goat (if I had one), or dance naked around a fire under a full moon. Or something.

Speaking of puffiness (fluid retention), I found out from my midwife this morning that two foods are natural diuretics: watermelon and lemon. Bring 'em on! I also may need to reign in the sodium intake. We learned in our Bradley course that I should NOT eliminate salt, for that could have adverse affects (quite the opposite of a non-pregnant diet). But, I may have gone in the opposite direction. I'll need to scale it back a bit, and just find a balance. I may be consuming so much that no amount of water is flushing my system, and flushing is what I need right now. I DON'T HAVE ANKLES.

My prenatal visit this morning went really well:

-No protein in my urine :)
-Blood pressure is still in the safe zone, considering all the water retention :)
-Belly measuring "really good" :)
-Baby's heart rate has slowed (typical at this stage), and is in the "excellent" range of 120-130 :)
-Midwife was fairly certain the baby is backside-up, which means head down :)

We also went over the birth plan (or, birth "preferences", as they prefer it to be called), and the midwife was pleased with it. Said to leave it at the three pages (!), and not to pare it down like we had thought of doing. She said she'll scan it in and it will be with my chart for everyone to see on Birth Day. There are only a couple of things she seemed to question, and said that they really are "standard practice", even for nurse midwives. These things are: rupturing membranes: if I'm dilated 5-6, for instance, rupturing membranes "speeds up the process" by releasing more of the hormones my body needs to signal progression; the other is giving Pitocin to release the placenta after birth, to reduce the risk of my losing too much blood. These things will take a bit more research on our part, and probably some discussion with our Bradley teachers. Regardless, she says, at the time, we always discuss what's happening, and what's going to happen, always analyzing the risks vs. the benefits. I really like this particular midwife. If only we had a choice in who will be delivering. Unfortunately, as I've mentioned before, it's a matter of who is on call.

I must be in good shape, because the midwife gave me the option to go 4 weeks out on the next prenatal visit, as opposed to the typical 2 weeks (standard at this stage). It's hard to believe that the next time I have an appointment, I'll be 36+ weeks!

That's about it for now. Still working on getting our home in order and ready for Jellybean. I decided, last weekend, to paint the crib. That has been an exercise in patience as well as a test to see how far my fingers will allow me to go before they scream, "Stop Now Woman!!! You're Killing Us!!!". The crib has 48 spindles, of the extra "spindly" shape. Not easy to paint anyway, but with the carpal tunnel syndrome, it's a bit more difficult. It's looking really pretty though. Can't wait until it's done, and to get the room put together. But, if I know me (and I think I do), I'll find some other project in that room that will keep me from getting it done any time soon.

31 Weeks

Here we are at 31 weeks. Growing, growing, growing! (if the picture appears strange, it's because I had to touch it up; my back is to the light, therefor creating a shadow, and the shadow makes me look bigger than I am. ) Looking at last week's picture confirms for me that Jellybean was in a strange position then, making me appear larger. Can't you just imagine babe snuggled up in there?!

Here's another angle of this big ol' belly.

No "snooze button" yet (as it was referred to in the movie Juno) . Actually, I don't think my belly button is going to pop out. I've always thought "outies" on pregnant bellies were so cute!

I know it's far too early, but I'm getting really anxious to meet this little one! The more Jellybean moves (and hiccups, which is a lot), and the larger my tummy gets, the more I imagine what he/she looks like and acts like. But my imagination only goes so far. I'm excited, and of course a bit nervous, about the birth. I still feel confident it's going to go well. I think if I'm nervous about one thing more than another, it's that I don't want it to happen before it's time. Once we pass the 36 week mark, I'll feel much less anxious ("5 weeks, Jellybean; hold on!") I also just want to know everything is alright in there, and that all is developing as it should be.

This is going to be a short post, as my fingertips are excruciatingly prickly, which of course makes typing really unpleasant. The carpal tunnel syndrome is only getting worse, and making life a bit challenging (to say the least). I plan to do some acupuncture this week, and speak to a woman in the know about herbs that can help with the fluid retention and inflammation.

Physically (aside from the fingers), I still feel pretty good. I'm feeling A LOT of pressure on my pelvis, and that can be plenty uncomfortable at times. Getting tired a lot easier, so naps are sounding like a better and better idea everyday. Just can't get into the routine. Soon, though, I'm sure I'll be forced to find the time, if I want to be at all functional. Emotionally, I just get a little taxed with the days and days of fingertip numbness and prickles, but otherwise, awesome! I can be a bit moody, but I think I'm holding an even keel for the most part (guess you'll have to ask my husband for the truth on that one). Jellybean was really quiet the other day, and that put me into a bit of a funk. Mentally, all thoughts are on babe and getting things ready. Well, about 98% of my thoughts, anyway. What else is there, right? :)

I should note that we'll be registering for gifts soon. We shouldn't be needing too much, but a lot of what we do need is not inexpensive, unfortunately. We'll register for what we can at Twin Cities Green (you can check out our registry at their online store when we have one). Other items we'll (regrettably) have to look to Target to fill. Please don't feel obligated to gift, but if you want to and can't afford much, we could always use the gift of time. I'd love to see as many of our friends and family, as much as possible, in the next few weeks. Come visit! Or, if you're talented in the kitchen, you could always whip up something delicious that freezes well. Having easy meals - as in, from the freezer to the oven - for post birth would be a wonderful gift!

Until next week...

30 Weeks

Look at this massive belly!! It really doesn't seem this big to me. Until I saw this picture, I didn't think I was any bigger than last week, but I'm pretty sure there's been significant growth since then. Of course, it could just be a matter of positioning too.

Speaking of positioning, this is a subject that's been on my mind a lot lately. I think, by now babe is supposed to be head down. This would be the case by week 36, anyway - ideally. I'm fairly certain head is down most of the time. I can feel what I think is the backside up above my naval - too big, and not round enough, to be the head. Given the fact that we're intending for a natural birth, I just want to ensure (as far as I can) that we're not dealing with a breech position.

Some things we're doing on a regular basis, however, should help. We have been doing the Rebozo Technique, which - if we're doing it correctly - should encourage the baby into the proper position. (plus, it feels really good - leaning on an exercise ball while on my knees, and having belly supported by something other than my back) I'm also continuing to do my pelvic rock exercises learned in the Bradley class.

I'm somewhat "dealing" with the symptoms of this carpal tunnel syndrome I've acquired. (my husband would tell you otherwise; bless his heart for dealing with me) It does get rather frustrating, not feeling the tips of now 4 of my fingers. The only thing I can do is keep busy, to keep my mind off of it. Otherwise it will drive me absolutely batty. The next couple of months could be a challenge, especially if we get any kind of normal Summer weather. The humidity really makes it worse. I'm loving the weather lately, for this and the lesser swelling elsewhere!

But, really, I can't complain. I feel good. Heavy, but good. I feel really confident that the pregnancy, as well as the birth, are going to turn out well. I had a dream last night that I gave birth (right now, so far too early) somewhere - don't know where, but not in a hospital. The only other person there was an old friend, who caught the baby, and everything went swimmingly. The baby came out beautiful and healthy, with a full head of the darkest brown hair, and golden olive skin. But, even in my dream, I didn't know if Jellybean was a boy or a girl. For some reason, we couldn't tell. It was kind of a silly, but sweet, dream.

Working on Jellybean's room. I could call it close to done, but I just can't. The creative, artistic, "designery" person in me can't say that. That person sees so much more to do. Not sure how much I'll do, but whatever I do, I need to get on it. Everything from painting furniture (which I wasn't going to do), to a special painting technique on the wall, to sewing linens... So much! But, I really want this room to be special. If we're on schedule, we have only 8-12 weeks to get it done, along with all the other stuff we need to get done around here (the rest of the house is still in need of organization; we need to start making food to freeze, for the first couple of months after the birth; I need to do a deep cleaning; we have classes and birth center tours to take and a birthplan to write up...).

Speaking of "schedule"... I should point out two things: 1) I have - and always have had - a sneaky suspicion that our "due date" is a bit off. As in late. I think we're a few weeks further along than 30. This makes me think that if we're a bit early, we may just be on time. Regardless, 2) "due dates" are not something to be taken literally, as I'm sure everyone knows. But, it should really be considered a general time frame, especially by mama and papa, so as to not have too many expectations. An OB will generally tell you you're "late" at 42 weeks, and want to induce, but that's really not necessary most of the time. And, if you're "early", you could panic, as could others, and then the birth becomes "a situation". If I'm at 40 weeks, and nothing is really happening, the week or two (or three) following could be very trying. On the other hand, if I start to go into labor at 37 weeks, I want to be prepared - not in shock.

So, I should like for everyone to keep in mind that September 20th is a general date, and not only could we be early or late, it's not a date we're going to fixate on. At least not anymore. These days, if anyone asks when we're due, we say "mid to late September". It would be helpful if everyone got into this mindset along with us. Thanks in advance!

The Poop

So, this is a strange post, but I felt the need to share. And - so you're aware - I will be talking about poop.

This morning I had my usual post-breakfast BM, and all seemed normal. No pain, no weirdness, no "staining" on the TP. But then I turned around to flush and saw that the bowl of "stuff" was slightly reddish. Hm, strange. Of course, like just about anyone, the first thing I thought was, "Oh my god, blood!". To make things more concerning, there seemed to be little red balls in the stool. Cause for alarm? Perhaps. (what would you think?)

Well, while remaining calm (trying not to be alarmed), I was sure to call Michael to see what he thought. For one thing, having a spouse with whom you feel comfortable discussing such matters, sometimes you find out that they have experienced something you yourself are experiencing for the first time. Second of all, I wanted to know if he could think of anything we'd eaten recently that may not have been easily digestible. I couldn't think of anything, and neither could he. So I called the Blue Cross nurse line.

After asking all the standard questions (and there were many), and basically coming up with nothing specific, "Juanita" suggested I call to make an appointment with my doctor sometime in the next week or so, and to watch for more of the same, but not to be alarmed unless something changed drastically. It didn't sound like an emergency. She also said that due to the color of red (assuming it was blood) I described, it's most likely higher up the digestive tract and not, say, a hemorrhoid, or something else further down. But, no guesses on the little "balls".

I wanted a second opinion, so I called the nurse line at the women's clinic where I've been doing my prenatals. I figured, for all Juanita knows, this isn't an emergency under normal circumstances, but perhaps it would be for someone who is pregnant. After some discussion with "Peg", telling her all of the same stuff I told Juanita, she figured it very well could have been a hemorrhoid, just internal. But, in the end, basically gave me the same advice: watch my subsequent BM's and note anything unusual. If it persists, call and make an appointment. I asked if she had an opinion about the little balls, and she suggested (or did she ask if I thought...) perhaps blood clots. Gasp!

While continuing to talk with Peg, and describing to her size of the balls - about the size of a pea - something hit me! "The size of a pea"...

Huh. Peas? Why, yes, I had eaten peas recently. As a matter of fact, raw peas, straight out of the pod, in a salad... And, what else was on that salad? Beets! I had eaten this salad Wednesday night, and then again the leftovers Thursday for lunch. I asked Peg, after slightly laughing at myself, if she thought it possible for the color of the beets to have made its way through, and if the peas were just too difficult to digest. She kind of laughed a little, and said it was entirely possible.

I think it's more than possible, but probable. And altogether too funny.

I, myself, have never seen my poo colored from beets, and I guess I just never paid attention to whether or not my body was able to digest raw peas. I am sort of self-diagnosing here, but I'm about 99% sure this is the answer. (I will, of course, be watching and paying close attention to the way I feel, and see someone promptly should anything change; so far, nothing to worry about)

So, in sharing this, I'm hoping to alleviate some alarm in others should they experience something like this. (Of course, I'm not advocating that you "assume" the same for yourself. I just hope that you won't be worried it's blood clots or worse, at least until you see someone or do some detailed evaluation of what you've eaten recently) I did a little research about the color of beets making its way through to the end, and found out that not only is it entirely possible, it's medical condition: beeturia. I'm not even kidding. It totally sounds like a made-up name, as in, made up by a child. Apparently, only a small percentage of the population is susceptible to it. Who knew? I also read (and will continue to research), that it's a sign that my body is struggling with the uptake of iron. Hm.

Speaking of poo (because I can't speak of it enough..?): I ordered diapers today! (yes, I am a mom-to-be and a slight geek about all things pregnancy/baby/parenting, so ordering diapers is a "yay!" moment) Remember my post about the free gDiapers? Well, the company that came out with flushable diaper inserts has now come out with washable inserts, upon customer demand. So, now you can use the same pants and liners for at-home and out-and-about purposes. Since, in our free stash, we acquired 2 pairs of pants (both with liners), two extra liners and a total of 40 flushable inserts, we just needed a few more pants and the cloth inserts. Ordered the six pack of pants - originally $70, but I found an online coupon that saved us $30 - and 24 inserts. We should be good to get started once Jellybean arrives, and if we find we're running behind on washing, we can order more and use the flushables in the meantime.

Given these (and all diapers) are sized, and "small" is what we're starting with, we'll have to buy another whole set once Jellybean is 14+ lbs. At least for now, we can say we got a steal for these, and we'll be saving tons compared to disposables. Heck, even if we end up buying these at full price from now on, we're saving money compared to disposables. Not to mention, feeling much better about ourselves about the whole thing, environmentally (that is what got this ball rolling in the first place).

I will also be creating my own wipes solution (100% natural) to use on washable cloth wipes. I'll keep a spray bottle and the dry wipes next to the changing station, and we're good to go. Saving on waste here as well. Yay! Who knew one could be so thrilled about poo?!

29 Weeks

Prenatal appointment on Wednesday went well. I passed the test for gestational diabetes with flying colors (so relieved)! UA came out looking good as well. Size and development of Jellybean is right on track, and heartbeat is still very strong (140's). I had to go back on Thursday to have blood drawn again, and for the shot of Rhogam to my tushy, because the clinic overlooked that I was to have that done on Wednesday. Good thing I thought of it Wednesday afternoon and called about it.

We've apparently experience a growth spurt since the last visit (even since last week!). I've known it for about a week, with feeling quite a bit "fuller" earlier in the day (I tend to wake up feeling somewhat deflated, and then feel fuller as the day goes on anyway, but now it's pretty much right after breakfast). Baby is definitely getting stronger. Those kicks and punches have yet to make contact with the ribs, but there are times they stop me in my tracks for sure!

Still struggling with the carpal tunnel syndrome, with fingertips feeling tingly or numb a lot of the time. I have a sneaky suspicion that it isn't just a wrist thing. It would be interesting to see what happens with a good massage (there is a knot in my back/shoulder deeper and tighter than I've ever experienced before). I would like to visit an acupuncturist as well. Something is keeping things from moving, I just know it. It may just be fluid retention, but I feel like something is "stuck". And I want it unstuck! Very frustrating, to feel incapacitated (when I can't feel my fingertips), when all I want to do is keep busy (nesting!!).

Michael was home all week, last week, and we had a lovely time together. Getting some things done around the house, and spending a lot of time reconnecting. We've really needed it, and I think it came at a perfect time. I very quickly got used to him being here, and it was sad to see him go off to work this morning.

Now that the carpet is installed in the basement, and our "office" is getting set up down there, we should be able to get the baby's room done. I can't wait to see it all come together. We picked up a rocker, found through Craigslist, for fifteen dollars! I found it, and told Mike we were going to pick it up, no questions asked - so that I can finally just have a rocker and stop looking. It just so happened to be exactly like the one he had in his room growing up, so he definitely didn't have any reservations about getting it - especially at the price. Jellybean's room will definitely be a mismatched, eclectic grouping of furniture and things, but then again, so is the rest of the house, and that's just the way we like it. So far we've spent $20 (not including paint, which wasn't cheap, but the paint used was also used in other rooms), and I plan to sew up any fabric-related items (crib sheets, etc.) from fabrics/sheets we have on hand. We'll see how that works with the tingly, numb fingers, but I'm determined to get it done, and get it done on the cheap (not compromising taste and style, of course, if I can help it). Hopefully we'll have pictures coming soon.

For now, I've got to finish cleaning and such, and get some things put together for our last Bradley class tonight (potluck!). Being a stay-at-home mom in training rocks.


P.S. We're hoping to have a visitor this weekend!! One of my dearest friends, Andrea, may be coming from Wisconsin, to spend the whole weekend. I'm super-excited to have an entire weekend of catching up, especially since I haven't seen her since the wedding. I hope things line up to allow her to come and see us!!