Friday, December 30, 2011

Peach- 13 weeks- Second trimester!

So, I am 13 weeks today, and Thank God! am starting to feel a little better. I completely and utterly despise going to UIC for appointments with the high risk OB, but I will suffer through them. Here's what's going on this week, according to thebump.com

Yay! It’s the last week of the first trimester and you did it. We’re not just talking about getting through those work meetings without falling asleep (or puking!), we’re talking about how you’ve completed one whole third of your pregnancy -- and the reputed toughest one at that. You’ve grown a fetus that has vocal cords, teeth and even fingerprints (wow!) and you probably kept this incredible news (mostly) secret while you constantly wished you could shout it from the rooftops -- or, at the very least, use it as an excuse for getting to work late. It’s about this time that many parents-to-be start spreading the word (to more people than just close family and friends) that there’s a baby on the way. But know that there are no hard and fast rules about when you should divulge your secret. It could be after your next prenatal doctor visit, once you start showing or at a big family event where everyone will be gathered. Or maybe everyone already knows! That’s totally your call.

your baby's the size of a peach!
She's about 2.9 inches long and weighs about .81 ounces, and -- proportion-wise -- her head's now about 1/3 the size of her body (remember? It used to be bigger!).
Share this with family and friends

your baby at 13 weeks
Can you believe she's forming vocal cords and teeth?!
And even though she's still teeny, she already has fingerprints.
Her intestines are moving from the umbilical cord to their more permanent place, in her tummy.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas

Oh, wow, Christmas was wonderful! Santa was so very good to Nathaniel, and so was our family. Suffice it to say that Nathaniel will not be bored while at home with me this week. Just a few pictures to share:


Before the Unwrapping
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The car from Grandma
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Rock and Roll Mickey:
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And, hopefully, a video of Nathaniel looking for and opening his Mickey, the present he has been asking for since before Halloween!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Plum! 12 weeks

I have made it to twelve weeks. I have felt pretty good during the first trimester- only a few issues with morning sickness. Got sick once at school (during the winter program of all things) and then once again in the morning the day after the program. I think the stink was still in my nose!

My sugar levels have been really good, although I am concerned about my blood pressure. I am getting so stressed out lately and I know that's not good. But I have no swelling, so until the doctors tell me otherwise, I will try to tell myself that everything is fine.

SO, now the baby is the size of a plum. Holy shit! A plum!! None of my clothes fit, and I started wearing maternity clothes whenever I can. I really need to get a few more pairs of pants. When I was pregnant with Nathaniel, I was able to wear my own clothes until I was nearly 20 weeks along, so I only have three pairs of maternity pants. Maybe after I pay the mortgage this month. We'll see what we have left over. So, here's what's going on inside, according to the bump.com

Things are changing fast. You’re reaching the home stretch of the first trimester (we know, finally!) at 12 weeks which means your hormones are likely to tone things down a bit -- which might make you feel a little less emotional! And it will probably help the symptoms subside a bit, too. One warning though: your morning sickness and fatigue might get replaced by headaches and dizziness. But we think that’s a reasonable trade-off. The other big change? Baby’s almost done developing her body’s important systems and parts, which means, it’s mostly about getting bigger and more mature from here on out. Around week 12, you might want to know more about baby, so you’re probably having genetic testing done to determine her risk of birth defects or other problems. This can be a little scary -- and confusing -- so be sure to ask your OB plenty of questions, and know that it’s much more likely baby’s A-OK than anything else.

your baby's the size of a plum!
The average fetus at 12 weeks is about 2.1 inches long and .49 ounces. Now that she's got pretty much all her parts, her main job is to keep on growing.

your baby at 12 weeks
Most of her critical systems are fully formed!
She's about to enter the growth and maturation stage, in which her organs and tissues will grow and develop rapidly.
She's now developing her reflexes -- if you poke her body, she'll likely move.
She's opening and closing her fingers and curling her toes, too.
Her brain is developing fast!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Christmas Break

Well, today is Wednesday (I think... I am pretty sure it is...) so I have been on break for three days now. I've done nothing. And enjoyed almost every minute of it.

I've been sending Nathaniel to school this week, since his party isn't until Friday and I have to pay for daycare anyway. I've gotten all the presents wrapped and baked a lot of cookies.

But I haven't done any laundry and I haven't cleaned anything. I haven't finished shopping, although I only have to get something for Pat and my mom. (Pretty sure Pat hasn't bought a thing.)

My blood sugar has been pretty good, even though I am at home. Normally, it's not good when I'm at home. I've been trying my best though. And I've discovered that Jewel brand hash brown patties are the closest thing to heaven that I'm going to find on this planet. Oh so yummy!!!!

On a completely unrelated note, Nathaniel is wearing "nite-nite underwear" to bed. Yeah, they're pull-ups. He gets one box from Costco. He has 81 nights left. We are going diaper free when we run out, and there's only 9 left, so definitely by Friday. Excited for my little boy. He understands that he's got to go on the potty if there's no diapers, so I am hoping that he will do well. I really want him potty trained with a few months under his belt before the new baby comes.

So I guess that's about all. I have two doctor appointments this week, one at UIC and the other with the endocrinologist. Friday will be baby update time, so I will do that after my appointment.

Very much looking forward to Christmas, which is just 4 days away. For Christmas eve, we are going to my younger sister's house. I hope there's not a lot of smokers there, actively smoking in my face. I fucking hate that. But it should still be a good time. We are going around 3:30, because I need to eat at 4:30 to 5.

During the day, my mom is coming over here to help me get ready for Christmas dinner. She is also making the turkey and stuffing (oh, how I love her stuffing!). I can't even look at raw poultry without running for the toilet, so I am really glad she agreed to do it!

But that reminds me I have to email my older sister and ask her how to make the gravy.

SO I guess I still have a lot to do, but very little time left to do it. I hope to find my motivation soon, at least before Christmas day.

Oh! Nathaneil has been asking Santa for Rock and roll Mickey, and I know that Santa got it for him, so we are planning to have that be the last present he opens. I am hoping that I can find a way to put the video of it in here, to share with everyone. At the very least, there will be pictures. He has been asking for this thing since before Halloween, so I am pretty sure he will be excited to see it. Can't wait!!!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Lime!

Ok, so I am a day alte with this week's update. But to be fair, it's been a hell of a week. Morning sickness kicked in for me right in the middle of our holiday program at school. My class was on stage and the combination of students body odor, parent body odor, the heat in the gym, and a dropping blood sugar level.... yeah. I had to run to the bathroom. Several teachers saw and knew what was going on. The next day they laughed and said "Joi, they were that bad..." I guess I can laugh about it now.

So, here we are, at week 11. 28% done. All is going well. No more bleeding, and at this week's doctor appointment I had another ultrasound (which will from now on be abbreviated u/s). I kept my eyes closed, as you can see the screen in the office, so that I wouldn't see if there was something wrong. Nope! The tech said "There he is, jumping and dancing around in there." I was so excited. So here's the info on week 11.

Around 11 weeks, you’ll probably notice some subtle changes, like an increase in vaginal discharge and a dark, vertical line appearing down the center of your belly (known as the linea nigra). It’s probably tough to feel calm right now, since your hormones are still haywire and you may still be feeling pretty nauseated. But know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel -- just two more weeks left in trimester one! Week 11 is a great time to start planning a babymoon: a romantic getaway with your partner. Just about everyone recommends you do this in the second trimester, since that’s when you’ll likely feel most energized (and we doubt you’ll want to do a lot of traveling once you hit trimester three). A babymoon isn’t just a cool way to celebrate your anticipation for baby’s arrival; it’s a great way to bond with your partner before baby starts taking up a ton of your time and attention. Hey, maybe you’ll also get to relax a little! So take your mind off your queasiness and start scouting some babymoon destinations. And if you need another diversion, imagine your growing baby, doing just fine in there, becoming more and more mature every day.

your baby's the size of a lime!
Your fetus is about 1.6 inches long, and she's got about a 1:1 head to body ratio. She now weighs in at about .25 ounces.

your baby at 11 weeks
You can't see it, but she's moving fluidly and gracefully in there.
Her skin is see-through, but she's on her way to looking more like a baby.
Her fingers and toes aren't webbed anymore.
Tooth buds, hair follicles and nail beds are forming.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Could That Be.... Happiness I Feel??

Well, I had another doctor appointment last night, with Dr. A. Baby is growing well, and is only measuring a week behind now, not two. My blood sugar levels have been great, and I don't have to go back for two weeks!!!!

I had said last night that I could finally relax and maybe get some sleep. Nope. No sleep for me again. I hate that. Tiday is going to be a really long day and I was hoping for a good night's sleep.

We have our student's holiday program today, Twice, actually. Once this morning and again this afternoon. Ugh. it's gonna suck big time.

And I think I'm getting a migraine. But, I am still happy that all is going well with the baby.

Just gotta make it until Friday afternoon.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Prune

I am having a hard time typing this today. In my heart, I know that everything is fine. But then my damn brain has to wake up and start thinking. Long story short, I was in the ER last night because I was having some bleeding. But, the baby is still there and seems to be doing really well. In fact, he has grown a week in just 3 days! (Our ultrasound on Monday at UIC said the baby was measuring 8 weeks, but the one last night (thursday) measured him at 9 weeks. I am resting this weekend (which is damn near impossible!) but I know that it will be well worth it!

Here is what baby is up to:
Baby's now the size of a prune!
With bones and cartilage starting to form and vital organs beginning to function, baby is making major progress. Body length will almost double in the next three weeks, and arm joints are now working. (Soon, legs will start working too.)

Notice a network of tiny blue veins crisscrossing your already achy breasts and (sorry) disappearing waistline? Though you may not love the new look, these veins carry the extra blood needed to nourish your burgeoning baby. You also might see the effects of pregnancy on your face -- in the form of major breakouts, that is. (Thanks, hormones.)
Now that you’ve reached 10 weeks, you can stop wondering when you’ll start to actually look pregnant. It’s probably right around now, as your baby continues her rapid growth and your tummy starts to develop some extra curve (of course, you still might be the only one who notices). In the process, your ligaments and muscles are starting to stretch, so don’t be surprised if you start feeling some aches and pains. While, some moms-to-be don’t really get them, others find these sensations -- called “round ligament pain” -- well, downright painful. Your breasts have probably gotten bigger too, since they’ve been prepping for breastfeeding for weeks already! That’s why week 10 is probably a good time to stock up on some new, looser clothes -- and maybe your first round of maternity wear. Don’t go too crazy though. As your body continues to change, you’ll likely want to get some more essentials along the way.

Your baby's the size of a prune!
Now, she's about 1.2 inches long and weighs about .14 ounces. Her body length will almost double in the next three weeks.

SO, if you could keep us in your prayers, I would greatly appreciate it. July is a long time from now!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Green Olive

It's Friday!!! Baby update day! Here is what the baby is up to this week, according to thebump.com

Your Baby: Week 9
Your little embryo has now officially graduated to fetus-hood. Adding to the excitement, a Doppler ultrasound device might be able to pick up the beating heart. With basic physical structures in place and increasingly distinct facial features, baby is kind of starting to look like... well... a baby.

At nine weeks pregnant, you and baby have made two big accomplishments: You’ve made it to month three, and she’s no longer an embryo -- now she’s a fetus. Basically that means she’s becoming more and more baby-like, and you’re inching closer and closer to leaving the nasties of the first trimester behind you. Just one more month to go! By now, you’ve probably visited the OB, and maybe even seen baby’s tiny heartbeat on the ultrasound. Exciting stuff, huh? You’re also probably starting to think about how life will change when baby’s in the picture. Around week nine, you might want to start looking for ways you and your partner can budget, so you have some extra cash when she arrives. You also should consider checking out your company’s handbook to see how maternity leave is typically handled. That way, when it comes time to break the news to your boss, you’ll be prepared to discuss your expectations -- and begin a potential plan -- with her.

This is a milestone. She's no longer an embryo -- now she's a fetus!
She's developing more distinct facial features.
And she might now have a strong enough heartbeat to be picked up by a fetal doppler.

So there's what baby is up to. Me? I am feeling great! I have very little morning sickness, although I'm sure to get it now, just for writing that. I am tired all the time. but that's to be expected. I have gained a few pounds already. I did that when I switched to insulin when I was pregnant with Nathaniel. Since I am already on the insulin now, I didn't expect anything else.

I am eating reasonably well. Always within my carb count, of course (ok, with the exception of that brownie I had after dinner- Nathaniel's fault. He demanded we make brownies for Daddy. Being the caring wife I am, I had to make sure they were ok for him to eat!)

Still having some sugar control issues. Not going too high, but going too low. My doctor told me I wasn't eating enough (really?) but a lot of the time, I have no desire to eat. I literally have to force myself to eat lunch and dinner sometimes. Yesterday, for example, I shot up the insulin and made my lunch. It was a Home Run Inn frozen pizza, ultra thin crust only 31 g of carbs and normally so delicious. I ate about 4 bites and despite the fact I was really enjoying it, I did not want to eat it at all. It tasted great, I just wasn't hungry. When am I ever not hungry for pizza?????

Crazy I know. So I force myself to eat it, knowing that my blood sugar will drop like a stone if I don't. I finished that and some peaches in juice (no sugar added) and go back to class. An hour later, my sugar is 114. Don't get me wrong, that's a gerat number. But an hour after that I was shaking and my heart was racing. Low blood sugar episode. Fortunately, the custodian chose that time to bring in the fruit (we get fruits and veg twice a week for a snack! Thank you healthy kids grant!) I devoured a huge green apple. But, I was still shaky. I went to my car, since I had some trail mix in there, and because I was feeling like crap, proceeded to eat damn near the whole bag. I als had some crackers.

I am sure that shot my sugar through the roof! But, once my levels get low, I always seem to respond with over eating on the snacks. I am supposed to eat every 2 to 3 hours, but what do you do when you are not hungry? So, I am still working on that.

Appointment updates: I have four in the next week. Monday I have an ultrasound and a high risk OB appointment at UIC. I am terrified of going there. Some women I have talked with said that the level of care during pregnancy is great, but labor and delivery left a lot to be desired. And no private rooms!!! I pray that we can still deliver at St. James then. I also have two appointments on Tuesday. One with Dr. A., a typical appointment, and then one with the nutritionist at the diabetes center.

So I guess that's all for now. Most of our family and friends know about Baby 2012 (Which is what I wrote on the Christmas cards- except for those who don't know yet. theirs just say our names). I am slowly telling colleagues. Not hiding it, just not as forthcoming as I usually am. There are still a few people that Pat wants to tell in person, so other than that, let's call this a week!

Oh, one more thing: with the baby being the size of a green olive, it really makes me want this awesome dip that my BFF makes using cream cheese, green onions and olive juice. Sound nasty as hell, but OMG. I don't want the chips, just the dip. Mmmmm.... dip....