Week 32 Update

As you all requested, I made Chris take the photos last night.  And it made for such a pleasant evening that it may never happen again.  Here is what I initially got:

Yes, I was as thrilled as I looked.  And there were many others in this flip-book series.  But pictures that work for an update?  Here's pretty much the only half-decent one where I have a head and you can see the gut:

How am I feeling?  DANGEROUS question today.  I'm exhausted because I was up approximately 15 times last night going to the bathroom and having abdominal pain.  I'm very nauseous because I dared to eat an entire bowl of cereal in a sitting.  I'm wishing I had a husband that could at least tell you what week I was on. 

What am I wearing?  The outfit above comes to you thanks to Megan...again.  I got complimented on it at the doctor last night, and I said, "Well, it's a hand-me-down that I have to return."  They laughed and said they'd never heard that one before, but I'm betting that's pretty standard in the sharing world of the pregnant belly.  Very little still fits.  Particularly my lower half.  Although, there are certainly shirts that don't cover anymore, either.  From starting at a size 4, we are now up to squeezing in size 8 maternity.

How's the Lion?  I finally got the nerve to force a doctor to stay in the room more than 30 seconds.  So I have some answers!  He is head down and is measuring at 31.5 weeks.  So...pretty much perfect and I was entirely right about what was a butt, a foot, a hand, and a head.

How much have I gained?  This was wonderful.  Only 1/2 a pound in the past 2 weeks, so I'm at 24 pounds (according to the doctor, 22 according to me because I had lost weight before my first appointment...same explanation as always).  This means I have a prayer of my goal of staying under 30!  Though, the kiddo is supposed to gain 4 more pounds himself before birth, so that doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room.

Any symptoms/problems?  Well, as I hinted, I'm now re-visiting any meal that is larger than my fist.  It's very frustrating.  Also, my blood pressure was extremely LOW at this appointment:104/52.  I asked if I should be concerned, and they said it was still in an acceptable range, and they worry more with it getting high, so...guess I'll just let it ride.  

Sorry for the grouchiness...I'm now going to head to work and try to stay awake without coffee.  Can't wait for the day when I can grab a cup of Joe without guilt!!!

The Noah's Ark of Suburbia

The animals went two by two to the vet yesterday.  I must say it's a little much for this already-encumbered girl to deal with, but we survived.  Monster screamed the entire way, as always, and Harper was ENTIRELY too excited to go visit her "friends", but so be it.  I just made multiple trips to and from the car, and left each one in the car by themselves during the others' appointment.  Harper sat behind her gate and Monster was in his carrier. 

What was unexpected was the results of the trip.  Harper is doing well.  She is at 71 pounds, and while she continues to eat excessive amounts of food, she at least seems to be fully stabalized, vaccinated, and her energy level is great.  Her current regiment is 6 cups a day of Purina Pro-Plan Sensitive Stomach Salmon (2 feedings of 3 cups each) and a teaspoon of Panicare enzyme on each feeding.  We have discovered that due to the tendency of EPI dogs to have MANY food allergies, that a fish-based diet with virtually no grains works best.  The purina has sweet potato and oats, which are less inflamatory.  She also, on occasion, will get a treat that is made of dehydrated salmon and sweet potato.  I'd have to look up the name if there are any EPI owners that care, but they seem to agree in small doses, too.  We are debating re-starting training, and may try buying cans of salmon to see if that works well as a reward (both as motivation, and not upsetting her stomach).  This is pretty amazing.  Below are pictures from December 2nd and today.  You can see how far she has progressed.

Surprisingly, Monster's appointment did not go so well.  He's been having some trouble jumping recently, and I mentioned it off-handedly to the vet.  Chris's theory was just that Harper made him nervous, and so he was having a mental block.  The doctor proceeded to check his back hips, and said that he has arthritis and mild hip dysplasia.  Of course, we would need x-rays to confirm that, but we don't have the money to spend on those.  For now, we're just starting him on joint supplements and seeing how that goes.  It's not particularly surprising, he is getting older.  He's at least 8, though we can't be sure of his exact age, as I rescued him when he was "at least" 2.  So, now we probably could fill an entire medicine cabinet with drugs just for the animals.  Monster doesn't seem too phased at this point, though.  As Chris said, we're really hoping for a healthy human kid, as we have had WAY too many issues with our furry ones!

Views on Prenatal Exercise

Most of the world (including doctors, experienced mothers, and the like) all say that exercise during pregnancy is vital.  It also is supposed to make labor go much more smoothly.  Now, I'm not disputing this, but I am going to run afoul from the typical blogger perspective of running a marathon in month 8.  Ok, that's an exaggeration, but it does seem like EVERYONE is able to pull of incredible feats of strength much later than humanly possible.

My experience?  Nuh uh.  I have not run a single day since getting pregnant.  I occasionally run around the dog park with Harper, or there was one evening when I attempted to run to the grocery store (which is diagonally across the street), but that is the grand total.  I try and go on the dog walks (about 2 miles), but I can't even handle that about 1/2 the time.  Sundays, I supposedly go to a yoga class, but I usually forget, and I've only been 6 times, and done a video twice.  All this adds up to...a very out-of-shape mom-to-be. 

Then I went to Ohio last weekend.  We had put our gym membership on hold here initially because I was too sick, and then because we couldn't spend the money.  But at my parents'?  You can buy a day pass for $4.  I was OVERJOYED.  I noted that I had been on a treadmill and at a weightlifting class last Friday...but then went BACK later that day to swim (20 laps).  And then Saturday, I swam a full 1/2 mile!

I LOVED getting the chance to swim, and really wish I could here.  I'm tempted to go claim a free week trial membership at a local gym.  However, this leads to where Chris gets concerned.  So...last Saturday's little jaunt.  I was feeling good.  Around lap 28 or so I started to really feel it, and knew I should stop, but I was too close to my goal.  And the deep water aerobics class had come in and the music was making the Lion dance along, and I couldn't stop laughing.  His favorite song was this:



But then I was so sick last week.  Chris attributes this to me wearing myself out.  Maybe, but I'm not convinced.  What did NOT prove my point, though, was yesterday.

We went to the dog park for the FOURTH day in a row, trying to wear out Harper.  I proceeded to run a lot.  It was hilarious that a weimaraner decided that he needed to protect me.  Even from Harper.  But also desperately wanted to run and play with both of us.  But if Harper got too close to me, he'd frantically throw his body in between us.  I'll give HIM credit for knowing I was pregnant, even if my dog isn't clear on anything other than the fact that I smell different.  That evening, I actually remembered to go to yoga...and proceeded to throw up in the middle of class.  Not in front of people, but I did have to make a mad dash to the bathroom.  Therefore, Chris is convinced that if I try to work out too much, my body rebels.

I suppose this is possible, but I've got to incorporate some sort of activity in my life.  Though, perhaps not in the all-or-nothing way I've been doing it.   

Any thoughts on how this flabby preggo chick should proceed?

Week 30 Update

Well, this week has been a little crazy.  Which you might have guessed because of the lack of posts.  But it's been crazy in an "I've been mostly stuck on the couch" kind of way, so I don't really have an excuse, other than I didn't have pictures or much exciting.  Other than, of course, what I'm writing now, I suppose.

Starting Monday night, I was cramping pretty badly.  Not in any way that I could count as so many minutes apart, though, so I tried to ignore it and go on with my business.  It continued on Tuesday, and we got some pretty bad news that stressed me out.  Tuesday afternoon, I started throwing up along with the stronger cramping.  I did call the doctor, and she told me to come in if it didn't stop, but of course being the stubborn mule that I am...I ignored her.  Wednesday, still cramping, still throwing up, pretty miserable, but was holding out until my regularly scheduled that appointment that night.  Which Chris insisted on going to because he thought I'd just gloss over what was going on.  Psshhh.  What would make him think that?

We go into the appointment, and about 5 seconds after I start telling her what was going on, she decided to check my cervix and tell me that I was going over to the hospital to get put on a monitor.  The cervix was still entirely closed, and the monitoring just determined that everything was fine.  There was only one little blip on the line checking for contractions, so that's pretty normal, and the lines monitoring the baby showed a perfectly normal, though very active little boy.  Apparently his heart rate showed that he was "advanced", though, as it was already varying in a way that usually fits with one that was further along?  I don't know exactly what that means, but my mom joked that she knew he was intelligent.  Pretty sure that's NOT what it meant. 

Anyway, they pretty much decided that I just have a stomach bug, and as long as things don't get worse, that there's nothing to worry about.  So, I feel silly, though Chris says I'm not allowed to, and need to acknowledge that sometimes I need to not be so tough. 

But...current update stuff.  Pictures (I promise one of these days I'll make Chris take a decent one):

At least in pictures, I still think I look fairly thin (minus the belly), though I feel huge.  People have FINALLY started commenting that I look pregnant.  Sheesh.  Took long enough.

How am I feeling now?  Pretty good.  Still a little achey but in a more normal way.

What am I wearing?  This is not a happy question.  I had to go out and find some LARGER maternity clothes.  I really haven't gained that much weight, but seemingly my giant belly makes fitting in clothing difficult.

How much weight have I gained?  Ugh.  I'm up 23 pounds.  Still in the acceptable range...if I can hold it to a pound a week (like you're supposed to) from now on.  Trying.  But may have eaten 2 cupcakes last night.

How's the Lion?  ACTIVE.  Continuously, active.  And getting stronger.  You can definitely see the movements externally as he goes to town.  He seems to be head down if I'm right about what are feet and what are hands.  And, it's pretty easy now as you can usually feel the entire appendage.

So, all in all things are going well, but I'd like to avoid going back to labor & delivery for at least another 7 weeks if the kiddo doesn't mind.    

Baby Shower: Ohio

Originally, the plan was to only have a baby shower in Philly, but so many people said that they weren't able to make the trek, but would like to see me that I ended up coming out to Ohio for the weekend.  What resulted was a quickly thrown together party, that happened to involve some presents.  The men largely avoided pictures, and had a wonderful time watching basketball, while the ladies gathered on the other side of the house to ooh and ahh over cute baby stuff.  Chris didn't come with me, and seemingly thought this was more of a typical "shower", because he had texted me by 7:30 asking how it went.  HA!  At around 11:30 I finally got back to him.  This was more of a beer and basketball event than onesies and shower games.  Though people were certainly generous and the Lion is starting to be well-decked-out.

Yummy cupcakes.  Other food included platters of sandwiches, fruits, veggies, pulled pork, mac n cheese, cookies and brownies, salad, etc...  Along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.  Y'know...typical party a la my parents.  They know how to have a good time. 

My mother attempted her first diaper cake, and did a fabulous job.  SO cute.

YAY baby bjorn.  Very glad to have this.  I suspect we will wear it until it gives out.

ABSOLUTE FAVORITE THING EVER!!!  Michelle of course was in Key West and couldn't see me open it, but it's SO friggnin adorable.  It's a bag shaped like a barn, that has about a dozen barn-yard animals inside.  They're all so cute, and I'm sure will be a favorite toy of the Lions.  Just because I love it and will have it out for myself all the time regardless of what he thinks. 

Lots of lovely, wonderful people, and yes, believe it or not, that picture 2 up really was the best one of my mom.  And, as I said, the men were all hiding, though we'd hear them cheering from time to time.

And, lastly, a piece of the nursery theme.  We're doing jungle animals playing sports using "Team Safari" from Lambs & Ivy.  Can't wait to finally start assembling. 

Obviously, there were a lot of other wonderful things, but I know if I put pictures of every outfit none of you will ever return.  So, I'll just have to get cute pictures of the kiddo in them once he's wearing clothes!  Thank you all again!

Mission Productivity Underway

Wow.  So, in the last 3 days, I have read 2 books, traveled to Columbus, and I've already exercised this morning.  It's amazing what cutting out tv can free me to do.  I have seen some basketball and news between Chris and my parents watching, but that's pretty much it.  Oh, and I suppose my mom was flipping to watch American Idol last night, too.  But so far, no problem sticking to it.

The Books

  Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper

READ THIS BOOK.  I loved it and flew through it.  This is a very sweet, true story about a woman who adopts an eyeless kitten who proves to be even more adventurous and rambunctious that the standard, seeing cat.  He scares off burglars, survives 9-11, and many other adventures.  Even if you're not a cat person, you'd probably enjoy it.  Monster may have gotten some extra love while reading it, though.

  The Road by Cormac McCarthy

I decided to read this book because I thought that maybe just having a list to work through while I'm churning through reading material would work well.  I chose "The 100 Best Books of the Decade" according to the Sunday Times.  This may be a little UK biased because of the source, but seemingly a good list.  I actually surprised myself when I loved this book!  I inwardly groaned when I saw it was an Oprah's Book Club book.  I don't tend to choose particularly mushy, women-oriented books, and that's what I feared I was getting.  Nope!  Much more up my alley.  This is a post-apolyptic book about a father and son trying to survive as they travel across the desolate country.  Highly recommended.

Ok, I walked on a treadmill, went to a weight lifting class, and now am about to head out to get a pedicure (yay!) so I've got to run and make this shorter than it could be.  I am so excited, seeing as I can no longer reach my toes on my own. 

Insane Lenten Promise

I'm practicing my deep breathing that I learned during the birthing classes as I reveal what I'm giving up for Lent.  Isn't being pregnant and giving up alcohol, and sushi, and caffeine, and everything else enough?!?!?  Sadly, that's not how I roll.  I've always felt that if you're going to make a sacrifice, it needs to be something that you actually think about and brings to mind why you are commiting yourself to this "adventure" in the first place.

I have gone so overboard in years past that it included "all junk food" or "no snacking" and the like, but I think this year may be the hardest of them all.  I...am giving up television.  Kind of.  I have decided that I watch WAY too much, it's not something I want in my house once the Lion is born, and I need to break the habit.  In fairness to Chris, and to make it so that I have a chance of success, however, I am more accurately giving up the remote.  This means that I no longer will be able to turn it on as mindless background noise during the day, and while HE can turn it on in the evenings, I have zero say in what he chooses to watch.  Therefore, let me lament the shows that I know will not be part of his line-up.

Face Off is absolutely my favorite show on television right now.  For those of you that missed it because it's on Syfy, it's a competition between special effect make-up artists.  What is particularly unfair about this is that they're down to 5 contestants?  I think?  Only a couple of episodes left.  Chris did watch the most recent episode with me and didn't complain, so MAYBE there's a chance...but I doubt it.

Now, I just think of this as birth prep.  Which is useful, right?  I don't LOVE the show, but it's filmed at the hospital that I candy-striped at in my youth, and does seem a bit more realistic than a lot of the "reality" birth shows out there.  Chris doesn't even want to be in the room when I give birth, much less watch as other women do, though.  No chance in hell of him turning this on.

Ok, there might be a slim chance that I get to see Hawaii Five-O.  Chris might like it, though I normally watch recorded episodes by myself.  He does enjoy seeing the Hawaii scenery, and remeniscing about our honeymoon.  I enjoy watching Alex O'Loughlin.  And who could argue with that?

I know this will be a constant reminder of what sacrifice means, and is something I really need to do in my life anyway, and will give me plenty of time to fill my days with more productive activities.  But...but...but...sigh.  It's gonna be rough.

What should I do to distract myself? 
 

Baking While Pregnant

Ok, that's a total and complete lie because I've done this before.  And I wasn't pregnant.  I doubled the butter.  They still taste fantastic, but UGH.  Certainly are not beautiful.  GRRRR.  Please, if anyone locates my brain, if you could return it, I'd pay you in delicious, not-swimming-in-butter baked goods. 

A Very Happy Birthday

This past weekend we celebrated my dear friend Kelle's birthday.  I lived next to her multiple years of college, and since one of those we both had singles, you might as well say we were roommates.  She is genuinely one of the most kind-hearted people I know, and really teaches me a lot about being a good friend.  (well, attempts to...I still am awful about calling people)  I only learned Saturday, though, that she is an incredibly talented photographer, and you should see the pictures she has hanging on her walls!

The most important thing about her party?  Let's show the 2 pictures I took:

She had a great time, and her friends are such funny people that they kept her in stiches!  I had never met them before, and it's been awhile since I hung out with a group of lawyers, but I must say they are a great crowd.  Even if one of them, yet again, said, "Oh!  I didn't realize you were pregnant" when I said something in conversation.  C'mon!  I'll be 28 weeks tomorrow.  STILL nothing!??!?  Guess that's not her fault, but I'm ready for people to not think I'm making my "uncomfortable face" for no good reason. 

Also to be recognized, is that cake you see.  The idea for the party is that each one of us would bring a pot luck dish that began with the same letter as our first name.  Dave brought "dessert".  Kelle, thinking she was being goofy, sent out an email with a whole bunch of desserts that she enjoys, and Dave decided that he would try to combine them.  Fortunately, he stopped at 3 because adding in lemon would've been weird.  This was his first time EVER baking, and he was fantastically successful in making his 1) Red Velvet Cake, with 2) Reeses Cups in the layers, and 3) Chocolate for the icing.  Maybe it was helpful that he hadn't baked before, because I don't know how many people would have been so ambitious!

And, for those that were curious, I brought "Kebabs" of fruit with the following dip:

Blend together the following:
8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup marshmallow creme
2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/4 cup unsweetened pineapple juice

 Chill after combining.  That's it!