Monday, April 30, 2012

So Disappointed

Today I went for my regular check up and NST at the doctor's office. I was really excited when I was on my way. I am 30 weeks, and have been waiting for this day to come. About 24 weeks ago, I asked the doctors when we could schedule my C-section. They told me they'd do it at 30 weeks. That was today's appointment, right?

Nope. Dr. C-B said we had to wait for Dr. A. to come back. He's out of town and won't be back until May 11th. That's the end of next week! SO it will be two weeks before I can schedule it.

No, in the long run, it's not going to make a difference when I scheduled it, whether it was during week 30, 32 or even 37. But I was so looking forward to having a date set. I needed that light at the end of the tunnel. This pregnancy has been so hard on me. I've been on bedrest for 5 weeks. Week 6 starts tomorrow and I really wanted to have some good news for once. I know that I should just be content with knowing that Veronica is healthy, but I really needed this today, and didn't get it.

Friday, April 27, 2012

30 weeks- cucumber

We've made it to 30 weeks. I am in shock still. 5 weeks ago, I didn't think we'd get here. Hell, three days ago, I didn't think we'd get here, but here we are, 75% done. SEVENTY-FIVE PER CENT. I don't think that there's anyone who can exactly relate to this feeling of accomplishemnt and overwhelming love unless they've had this scare. I'm speaking of course about the bed rest, the fear of having a micro-preemie and all the other fears that go along with that. But Veronica is doing incredibly well.

Yesterday, I had a growth scan done at UIC, to measure how big or small Veronica is, and to see if my diabetes was affecting her and how much. At 29 weeks, 6 days gestastion, she weighs 2 pounds, 13 ounces. To appreciate this fully, you have to know that at 30 weeks 1 day, Nathaniel measured 3 pounds exactly. So my overwall weight gain (which is a lot more than it was with N) hasn't had any negative effects on her.

I can't begin to describe how much I love this little girl. I don't think there are words for that. And even fewer for me, as I am no poet. I just hope that someday, she will know how much we love her and how mcuh we fought for her.

Here's what's going on inside this week, according to the bump.

At 30 weeks, your belly’s doing more than just making it tough to find a comfortable sleeping position. It’s made itself a conversation piece. Everywhere you go, someone seems to have a comment about your physical appearance, which isn’t always so fun. And no doubt, you’ve encountered quite a few people who don’t think before they speak and say something embarrassing or hurtful (what’s up with that?) Try not to take those comments seriously, but know which ones should be taken to heart. Like when they tell you you’re glowing, believe them! And take advantage of some of the perks (when someone offers you their seat on the train -- take it!) At week 30, your dreams might be getting even weirder -- if you’re actually sleeping, that is. That could be a result of anxiety, so consider doing some prep work to help you rest easier. One idea? Do a test drive to see exactly how long it really takes you to get to the hospital. Then maybe you’ll stop having nightmares about giving birth in your car.

Your baby's the size of a cucumber!

Your 15.2- to 16.7-inch, 2.5- to 3.8-pound baby continues to grow. your baby at 30 weeks

His skin is getting smoother. But his brain is getting wrinklier -- to make way for all that essential brain tissue. He's now strong enough to grasp a finger!

Friday, April 20, 2012

29 weeks- Acorn Squash

Holy shit!!! 10 weeks at most to go until she's here. I really feel like the time is going by fast. I also find it hard to believe that I've been on bed rest for a month already.

I am hoping for a delivery on June 25th, which would be 38 weeks and 3 days. It's a Monday, after Nathaniel's birthday party, and coincidentally, the exact same gestational day that N was born. I'd be home before his actual birthday, so I could spend it with him, which is quite importnant to me. I know he won't remember that I wasn't home (if I was at the hospital or whatever) but I'd know.

Anyway, here's what's going on inside this week.

You’re probably already getting a little preview of baby’s personality, the more your feel him move. You might get some playful kicks and jabs, and start to feel little hiccups, too! At 29 weeks, he’s not just moving a lot, he’s also plumping up. And as he continues to put pressure on your digestive system, you’re going to feel the effects: hemorrhoids, heartburn, pelvic pain and frequent urination are all common at this stage in the game. Week 29 is a good time to start finalizing stuff, like stocking the nursery with baby care essentials and checking out a few potential day cares. You’ll also want to start packing a few things you know you’ll want with you at the hospital at baby’s birth. Leave it by the door, so you can add stuff you think of along the way -- and so you can grab it at a moment’s notice.

Your baby's the size of an acorn squash!

Baby already measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long. Right now, we weighs about 2.5 to 3.8 pounds but he's still got a ways to go -- can you believe he'll triple in weight before birth?

your baby at 29 weeks

He's getting a little cramped in there, since he's growing so fast. But you probably already realize that, since you're getting all those jabs and kicks.

He's growing white fat deposits under his skin, and his energy is surging because of it. Feel a subtle twitch? It might be baby hiccupping

Monday, April 16, 2012

28 weeks- Rutabaga

I hate rutabagas. They taste awful! But I love this little one inside. Here's what's going on this week:



Welcome to the third trimester! Moms-to-be who are at 28 weeks and beyond are known for their lack of sleep. Remember if you find yourself up in the middle of the night, do something relaxing. This is not the time to vacuum the house from top to bottom -- even though you might feel the urge to do that at some point. Read a book, drink chamomile tea, listen to soothing music. Then try to get back to bed and get some rest! Being in the third trimester also means much of your and baby’s anatomy are ready to go -- she's prepping for breathing, and your breasts already have colostrum, which is what baby will eat the first few days until your milk comes in. You’ll also start feeling more Braxton Hicks contractions as your body gets ready for labor. Baby will keep getting bigger -- and smarter -- after week 28, and other than that, she just needs a few more finishing touches.


Your baby's the size of a rutabaga!

Putting on layers of fat, your baby now weighs in around 1.5 to 2.5 pounds and measures about 13.6 to 14.8 inches.

your baby at 28 weeks

She's starting to develop more fat, so her wrinkly skin will start to get smoother.
Her lungs are mature enough that she'd probably survive if she was born now. Wow!

Saturday, April 7, 2012

27 weeks- cauliflower

I am just going to post what 's going on as far as development right now, because I have too much to do to have time for a good cry. I will post about that later though, after I get the house somewhat together for tomorrow (Easter).



At 27 weeks, baby is breathing (it’s amniotic fluid, not air, but it still counts) and even showing brain activity. You’ve got a lot on your brain, too, from wondering what labor and delivery is going to be like to trying to find the best pediatrician for baby. The annoying symptoms you’ve been having probably aren’t going away, but at least you’ve probably found some ways to deal with them -- and hey, maybe you’re used to them right now. As you say goodbye to the second trimester, you can look forward to some pretty embarrassing stuff (like having to pee all the time -- and maybe even when you don’t mean to at all) that’s all par for the late-pregnancy course. It’s time to head down the home stretch. Are you ready?

Your baby's the size of a cauliflower!

At 13.6 to 14.8 inches and 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, she's not just getting bigger, she's getting smarter.


your baby at 27 weeks

She's practicing inhaling and exhaling with her rapidly developing lungs.
It's official: Baby's showing brain activity! And her brain will keep on getting more complex