Sunday, July 31, 2011

Momma's Big Boy

At my ultrasound this last Tuesday I was 36 weeks and 3 days.  This little (pun intended) man measured that he was 40 weeks and 3 days weighing a whopping 9 pounds and 4 ounces!  That was as of last Tuesday, the 26th.  Today I am (according to LMP) 37 weeks and 1 day.  My uterus still measures right on at my original date and we still have our date of August 17th for induction (which is routine practice here).  My doc is a stickler for full term babies if they can stay in that long.  We can't blame the diabetes for his size because I have had my sugars under control and my weight gain is not out of this world either.  She thinks 5 of the pounds recently gained is the swelling in my legs and feet and then 4 are obviously on him from our last measurements.  I was a little shocked when I went to the doc 2 weeks ago that she didn't say more about the swelling (as she left her fingerprints in my calves) but all she said was bedrest flat on my side 3 times a day for 15 minutes.  Doesn't do much because if they do go back down they swell back up within 10 minutes of getting out of bed.  I have been staying in there at least 2 hours a day to try and keep it under control.  When I get out of bed in the mornings they look like toothpicks!  And when they aren't swollen they still feel like they are black and blue.  Even not swollen, it is hard to walk as they feel like someone has beat on them with a bat.  I was also dilated to a 1 at that last visit and she thought she could feel his head (and yes ma'am, as far as it felt your arm was crammed up there I bet you did feel his head!).  He has definitely already dropped some.

My non-stress testing has been going well and he's been passing within 30 minutes each time.  I also experienced a very good contraction the time before last and it was neat to watch it on the screen and be able to tell what was going on.  At least I know what to look for now contraction wise.  Honestly, he could stay in there as long as he wanted if it weren't for the carpel tunnel and swelling.  He isn't bothering me at all!  Well, it has become a little difficult to breath and do some things but I can handle all that!  So, that's the latest big news from here.  I was going to post my 37 week picture but I haven't taken it yet!

On a side note, we had my mom and step-dad out last night along with my brother and his family.  It was a nice time, at least I thought.  Wish it wasn't so hot so we could have spent more time outdoors.  This coming week is supposed to be the hottest yet.  Seriously?  30-something days over 100 already isn't enough?  Today was a nice relaxing day and last night I finally slept decent.  I did take Tylenol PM and it helped tremendously.  Still got up 4 or 5 times to pee but that's normal!

I'm looking forward to a less busy week this week.  Last week I was gone somewhere every day.  This week I only have Tuesday and Friday for appointments.  I do plan to get a pedicure one of those days and may try and sneak it in on a day I'm already out.  I'm also planning a haircut and such just because we are getting close enough you never know!  The sooner the better but I want him to be there as long as he needs to.  He'll come when he's ready or the 17th.

Either way this momma and daddy can't wait to hold him!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

The Principal's Office

About two weeks ago I met with my doctor for the first time since I started my new diabetes diet.  If you'll recall, she stated that she would yell and scream at me if my numbers were bad.  I honestly felt as though I was waiting for the principal in grade school like I had done something wrong and was gonna get chewed out!  I had trouble with my sugars the whole week before but I blame stress.  It started the day of my shower and then continued through what was a very tough week in which I cried daily.  Still not sure what that was but I got over it.  I think the carpel tunnel and swollen ankles finally got to me!  Not to mention a complete change in lifestyle.  I went from working 40 hours a week to staying home and being extremely limited in what I can do because of my hands and feet.  That was tough for someone who prefers not to be "lazy".  I have recently begun to tell myself that I am not being "lazy"...........I am being 8 months pregnant in the middle of summer!!

So, back to that appointment.  She was very pleased with my numbers.  I honestly think she was shocked.  I don't think they expect pregnant women to be able to follow that strict of a diet.  Folks, I didn't even have cake or punch at my own damn shower.  It was horrible, but I did it.  The only issue was not being real consistent with my eating times. I have to eat at roughly the same time of day, each day, for all meals.  This eating breakfast at 7:00 am during the week but sleeping in on the weekends then eating at 8:30 or 9:00 wasn't going to cut it.  Same for lunch and supper.  So, even if I am to eat with family or friends, if they don't want to eat until 8:30 I can't.  I have to stay consistent.  I am happy to say that after my shower and "pity party" week things got back to normal on my sugars.  And, I did eventually have a piece of that shower cake. :o)

The shower was amazing.  I was so blessed and even got "tired" from opening all the gifts.  Not that I didn't appreciate them, just tired!  The house, inside, is finally getting finished up and the nursery is complete.  I LOVE it!  We had professional belly pics made and I got those hung in there also.  (Becca, I'll have to send an updated picture!).  Car seat is in the car, swing and bouncer put together........everything is ready (except for maybe me).  Considering his size and the fact that we may in fact go sooner than expected gave us incentive to get ready.  At 32 weeks he was measuring the weight of a 35 week baby.  We will find out on the 26th via ultrasound how big he is and see if we need to do anything.  With my diet, I have only gained 1 pound in the last month (this was at my last appointment almost two weeks ago).  We got insulation put in the attic yesterday and the new AC unit is coming Tuesday.  I am sooooo excited.  This hot weather has taken it's toll on pregnant ol' me.  We have had majority of the days in the 100's and have on record one of the hottest summers in the last 30 years.

There's so much more I wanted to blog about but I'm doing good with this much so far!  I will post some pregnancy highlights and then some pictures for y'all!  Muah!

Weeks:  35 Weeks

Biggest Complaint:  Swollen (painful) ankles (see pic below) and carpel tunnel syndrome.

Cravings:  Nothing really.  I'm blessed in that aspect since I can't have anything I want.  I usually do but in moderation.  I think mostly I am just thirsty ALL the time.

Sleep:  Up at least 4 times a night to pee (due to that extreme thirst).  I also feel like Ralphie's little brother, Randy, in "A Christmas Story" when I have to roll over in bed.  It's one of those things where you pray you don't get stuck on your back mid roll because it's like when he falls in the snow with all his winter gear on.  He just rolls back and forth and can't get up!!

Miss most:  Being able to do things with my hands.  I can't grip, hold, type, write or anything without numbness and weakness.  And there's SO much I want to do!

Weight Gain:  17 pounds total.  Only ONE POUND in a month since I started my diet.  That was about two weeks ago so we'll see what I did these last two weeks when I go in on Tuesday.

I am also doing two times a week non-stress testing and that has gone well.  The doc was right, I don't have time to work between all my appointments!

Ok, since I can't even sleep in I guess I'm gonna get to bed!

This picture of swollen feet was taken over a week ago. They are much worse than this now and get this way within 30 minutes of getting out of bed.  My ankles nearly are the width of softballs!




Here are two of the professional pictures we had taken.  They turned out so well and I love the one we have with his name on it.  But.........I didn't post it.  :o)





Becca and Aubrey................e-mails coming your way soon!  I'm hoping for tomorrow.  I just have to get the computer out and do it.  If I think about it I start thinking about my hands then I won't even touch it!  This is the first time I've opened my actual computer in four days I think!!