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Pregnancy Week 23 and OB Visit Week 23

Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

Oh what a week! Not as bad as the past few have been, yet still not the starfish kisses that everyone promised second trimester would be. I liked week 23.

I had my monthly visit with my OB. And as much as I like going every four weeks and having him reassure me that there is in fact still a baby inside of my uterus, I’m going to be perfectly honest… these appointments are pointless. I’m learning that short of having a foot hanging out of my vagina, no one is going to react to anything. NO ONE WILL REACT! Which is disappointing for a person like me who, well, likes it when people react to things I say and do. He measured my belly and that was the only “test” he did. Apparently it was fine. I at least took a long list of questions with me to make it worth my while for going down there.

Whether I’m more sensitive to it or it’s just trending, I’ve been hearing a lot about pre-term deliveries lately. This completely freaks me out. And Dr. W was reassuring in telling me that they have no idea what actually causes pre-term and he can’t tell what to do or not to do to avoid it. Awesome.

I asked about the bloody noses that I wake up with every morning. He told me I’m pregnant. Awesome.

I asked about the heartburn I have that would make a dragon cry and “radiates in my knee caps,” according to Juno. Ah ha! A solution. Prevacid or Pepcid.

We spent the weekend of Christmas in Oklahoma City with Shelton’s family. We got to catch-up with friends over a very long lunch and it was as if the past two years hadn’t lapsed at all. It was one of those four-hour lunches where we left with cheeks hurting from laughing so hard. They cooed over my belly and I soaked it up! There was confusion over our baby name and they thought it was Petunia. It is definitely NOT Petunia! We also got to spend two whole days with our nieces and nephew. I absolutely am in love with those babies. My nephew, Stone, is one of these boys who charges you when he wants to hug. It’s adorable, and I’ve indulged this behavior for nearly four years, scooping him in to my arms with each charge. We both had to learn that pregnant people can’t pick-up charging 3.5-year-olds… and 3.5-year-old boys can’t charge pregnant aunts.

One of the highlights of the week was, of course, continuing to feel the baby moving. I will seriously sit here and laugh out loud (that’s normal English for “LOL”) when she gets on a roll. Each week her kicks and punches get stronger and the sessions last longer. This past week, they got so strong that I didn’t even have to touch my belly to feel her, my stomach just moved. It’s insane! Feeling her moving, rolling, punching and kicking is absolutely the highlight of my pregnancy and I think it is this that I will miss most when she’s resting in my arms.

We did two road trips this past week – one to OKC and one to Topeka to celebrate the new year. I swore off planes a few weeks ago and I’m not too far off from swearing off car trips longer than 20 minutes. We have to stop all the time for me to pee, eat something or get up and walk. There is absolutely not one comfortable position in those seats. Driving helps some, but I hate driving and Shelton hates when I drive.

Our New Year’s Eve celebration was fantastic. It not only marks the start of a new year (clearly!) but also the anniversary of when Shelton and I started dating. At midnight of 01/01/01 we kissed and we’ve been doing so every new year since. Maybe one or two other times during the year. 01/01/10 marked nine years… which means we’ve actually known each other for more than ten, and that’s astonishing to me. We spend each Eve with some of our best friends in Topeka for a stay-at-home party that is always themed. This year I was fat and when someone suggested PJ Party I said yes! So we all sported jammies and had a comfy, cozy celebration. I actually made it all the way to 12:45am… even though around 8:30pm my eyes were doing that rapid-blink thing struggling to stay open. I also had a martini glass filled with “pregnancy sangria” all night long, and while I jealously watched everyone sip bubbly at midnight, at least it wasn’t water.

As if my cousin’s long-john style PJs with the butt flap weren’t entertainment enough, my pregnant boobs took center-stage and were the topic of conversation throughout the night. Apparently I’m supposed to change the name of the site to Baby AND Bust. I’ve known they’ve gotten bigger. I mean come on, I’d have to be blind and paralyzed from the neck down not to realize the expansion project taking place in the middle of my chest. But it’s one of those things that you don’t quite realize just how big they’ve gotten until someone points it out. And people pointed, literally. It was all in good humor and I’m glad that I was able to provide such robust entertainment for the evening.

Finally, we finished the week by registering. Yay!!! I’ve been waiting to get through the holidays to do so. The next few weeks are pretty insane for us and my first shower is the end of February, so I thought we should just get it done. Shelton was really stressed about it. He thought we needed a plan or a strategy. And I was like, we’re going to scan baby wipes, what kind of strategy do we need? We went to Babies R Us and quickly realized that ALL OF THE PREGNANT PEOPLE IN WICHITA go there to register on Saturday afternoons. The BRU staff has clearly done this before and they got us set-up with a gun and on our way in a matter of minutes. It helped that I had registered online so we didn’t have to go through all of that in the store. I started crying when they handed me the gun. Just another one of those moments that I thought would never be ours. So many times I’ve walked in to BRU to buy gifts for friends and walked out of their crying each and every time. And here I was crying inside the store because I finally got to be there for us, and it felt so good! I think we did pretty well, considering we have no idea what we’re doing. When faced with 400 different varieties of baby bottles, strollers, diapers and other ESSENTIAL baby items, we typically opted for the brands we commonly see friends or family using. That was our on-the-spot research method. We were actually pretty reasonable about the whole thing, so we think, only scanning items we really needed and straying from the over-hyped plethora of YOUR BABY WILL NEVER LEARN TO WALK WITHOUT THIS SUPER TRENDY VERY EXPENSIVE HOUSEHOLD CLEANER WITH A PICTURE OF A BABY ON THE FRONT type items. Then we went to Target where my back and feet finally gave out and we spent one more hour scanning a few items. We’re just that much closer to getting her here!!!

Tags: About Brandi, Aunt Brandi, OBGYN, pregnancy milestones, pregnancy symptoms, pregnancy travel, pregnancy week by week
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OB Appointment – Week 19

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Yesterday I had my monthly check-up with my OB, Dr. W. It was the first time Shelton was able to go. It was a pretty uneventful appointment, and I felt bad when afterward Shelton said he thought we were finding out the baby’s gender, but I’m still glad Shelton was able to be there and at least put a face with a name of our doctor.

The nurse quickly found the heartbeat, which was a solid 140bpm. There was a lot of “background noise” on the fetal heart monitor indicating that the monster is moving quite a lot. And that’s not news to me. This baby has decided to start dancing! For most of last week it was very sporadic movement, only lasting a second or two. But yesterday and today it’s been almost constant. It’s fun, and I have to admit it’s pretty amazing to finally “hear from the other side.” I feel bad that Shelton can’t feel yet, but I’m sure soon enough we’ll have our hands full with more than we know what to do with.

I had to weigh-in, of course. And I saw on the scale the highest number I’ve ever seen in my life – 152 pounds. Sigh. I know, I know, it’s going to happen. I’m a tad worried that I’ve already gained 20 pounds since my IVF started, and 35 pounds is the recommended gain. So I’ve only got 15 pounds of wiggle room. I’ve definitely been getting my diet back on track and hoping that will help. However, the doctor said my weight is normal and of no concern.

Dr. W and I had a long conversation about the tetra screen blood test (to screen for birth defects like Downs Syndrome) and the amniocentesis. He agreed and supported my decision not to proceed with either procedure. There’s no risk involved with the blood test, but if it comes back with positives for any issues, then we’re almost forced into an amnio, which I am adamantly against. It’s far to risky and I haven’t come this far to start being risky.

The best news to come of the appointment is that we got to schedule our sonogram! YAY!! It’s scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday 12/2. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. This time tomorrow, provided the monster cooperates, we’ll know what we’re having. I’m likening the anticipation over here to Christmas Eve.

Tags: OBGYN, pregnancy week by week
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OB Appointment – Week 14

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

I had my second OB appointment this week with Dr. W. I had planned this one specifically leading in to the lunch hour so that Shelton would finally be able to tag along and meet the doctor. Unfortunately, a last-minute lunch appointment kept him away. I was oddly bummed about it. I think I got so used to him being by my side at every single IVF appointment. I assured him it was OK, and it was, but I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed he wasn’t there.

I wasn’t sure what to expect at this appointment. I thought I’d go in, undress and slide into the gown for my exam. But alas, I got to stay fully clothed this time. The nurse quickly found the heartbeat, a raging 146 bpm!! There was a lot of extra noise that she called “punches,” as if the baby were knocking on my stomach. It basically indicated there’s a lot of movement going on inside. It’s still kind of strange to me that there’s A PERSON inside my belly, a very active person, and yet I feel nothing. If I eat too many enchiladas I feel a lot of movement, you know?! But a whole baby and I’ve got nothing. Both the nurse and the doctor asked if I could feel anything yet and I said no. They explained it’s still too early, but maybe four weeks away from those first flutters. How exciting!

This appointment was the first time I’ve been able to answer “NO!” to the question “Do you have any bleeding?”. What a friggin’ relief. I’ve had some very mild spotting sporadically, but the scary six weeks of bleeding is OVER!!!

I got my H1N1 shot. Having had the “regular” flu shot about a month ago, this one was super easy. I felt no pain the following days. The other shot was just painful!

I also got clearance to start pre-natal yoga, which I did on Monday and LOVED!!!

Dr. W told me that we can likely find out the gender in early December, around my 20th week. That could be my next appointment. I think we’re still riding the fence a bit. The compulsive planner in both of us will likely take over and we’ll give in and find out, provided the little monster cooperates. There’s also something really special about saving it until the end. I mean, you don’t buy a book and immediately read the last paragraph. You don’t fast-forward a movie to the last five minutes. You anxiously ride it out. But while I’m watching a movie I don’t have a room to paint and clothes to buy. So alas, we’ll probably cave.

Not likely to be the last time this set of parents caves!

Tags: OBGYN, prenatal yoga
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Pregnancy Week 11

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

I think week 11 can be summed up in one word – tired. Make that exhausted. I’ve reached the hibernation point of this pregnancy. I sleep about 10-12 hours a night, and by noon/early afternoon each day I’m ready for a nap, and by the time evening hits I’m completely worthless. A friend told me that she slept through the entire third month of her pregnancy, just missed the entire thing, doesn’t remember it. Isn’t that nuts? I don’t think I’m there, but a close second.

It’s still just so insane to me how much, and how quickly, your body changes. To that, I still have days where I have to go oh wow, I’m pregnant! This is real! If it weren’t for the symptoms I think I’d never believe it.

The sonogram and the picture of the real baby helped. We had a sonogram last Monday, as my bleeding had returned. Thankfully all signs of the blood clot are completely gone and the doctor believes it’s just the last little bit draining off. I’m still seeing very faint, very mild spotting here and there, but I think we’re completely out of the woods on this. Thank God! I’ve been told that some women will spot their entire pregnancy. I’m hoping that’s not me, but at least now I can take a deep breath and not completely panic.

Toward the end of the week I started feeling sick again. Nauseous, everything stinks, nothing sounds good, just miserable. So I spent the majority of the weekend lying right here on this couch vegging in front of the TV, eating crackers. I’ve also learned something about pregnancy that can be filed under the “things no one ever tells you.” I can’t brush my teeth. The thought of having to brush my teeth makes me want to run to the toilet. And I thought I was being weird so I tried to get over it. Until I told a few friends who all either concurred or told me about three other people they know who have resorted to gum or rinsing with mouthwash. And I’m thinking, well, that would work but I cannot live with the fuzzy slipper teeth. Since I work at home, and I don’t have to come into contact with humans for the majority of the day, I’m not making it the first thing I do in the morning. Because I’m not kidding, I will vomit. So I have breakfast, let that digest, and closer to lunch I brace myself for brushing my teeth. And I use the TINIEST dob of toothpaste and we get in and get out. Fast. And I try not to breathe while doing it. The entire task is horrendous and I really, REALLY hope this passes. I need to make a dentist appointment and I’m avoiding it because I am one hundred percent certain I will puke on the hygienist. And maybe the dentist, too.

The bump is continuing to grow, getting more bumptastic all the time. Depending on what I wear it’s completely obvious (for instance, today I’m in yoga pants and a slim long sleeve t-shirt). It’s fun, makes this entire thing a bit more real. I think I’m about at the point of having to give up my regular jeans. Sigh. I’ve held out as long as I could. But yesterday, squatting, bending, sitting or just moving was too much. They were so tight and so uncomfortable. The downside is that I’m not quite big enough for my maternity jeans, they slide off of me like an 8-year-old boy with no hips. And who knew they didn’t put belt loops on maternity pants?! What the hell?!

Week 12 is starting off a bit rough, and I’m going to spend week 13 in NYC. So I’m really going to take it easy on myself this week and hope it gets better and that I have the energy to take on the Big Apple.

Tags: OBGYN, pregnancy symptoms, pregnancy travel, pregnancy week by week
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Sonogram – Week 11

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

I had a sonogram this morning. Unfortunately, the bleeding showed back up. (In my week ten recap, I explain that it went away. It did, for five or six days, and now it’s back.) I immediately called my doctor this morning and asked for a sonogram. They obliged and radiology was able to see me at 11:15.

It should be noted that I woke up SICK today. I really thought I’d managed to get the flu, even though I’ve had my flu shot.

So after heaving my breakfast in the kitchen sink, and having to call my Aunt F for a ride to the doctor, I made it – with a cup of water and crackers in hand. Shelton was able to meet me and we were promptly taken back.

People, it was magnificent. First, after everything we’ve been through, I feel like an honorary sono tech. Without the tech’s say so (which they can’t really say so) I was able to see that there’s not one spec of that blood clot left! No sign that it was even there. (HUGE relief… but why the new bleeding?)

Then, oh my, then the baby. The last time we had a sono was Sept. 17, and for the first time it looked like more than a fuzzy blur. There was shape, and that shape was similar to a gummy bear. Today… there was a baby. A whole, real baby! Shelton and I were both giggling, it was so amazing to see. I saw individual toes and fingers. A head, with a spot for eyes and a nose and a mouth. I saw traces of a spine. Elbows, knees, feet, and a rapidly beating heart (154bpm). Not to mention the acrobatic show it was putting on for us. Arms and legs and body just jutting and wiggling here and there. Then, it did a complete 180 flip. Positively amazing.

The baby has grown to 4.6cm (about 1.5″). Everything is right on track.

You can see for yourself!

Tags: OBGYN, photos, pregnancy milestones, pregnancy symptoms
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Pregnancy Week 10

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

Last week was gloriously uneventful! Ten weeks in and I felt fantastic. Still tired, still sluggish, still sleep about 10-12 hours at a time at night. But when I was awake I wanted to eat, eat, eat, and never once felt sick. (Two days in to week 11 and I’m longing for that!)

Week ten was great because the bleeding stopped. And I cannot even express what a relief that was. I told Shelton I was honestly having a hard time really getting into this pregnancy because I was so scared. But to be able to take such a huge sigh, know that it was behind us and move on, was a great feeling.

I started week ten with the first visit to my OB. You can read all about that appointment at <– that link. It was really positive – just went through all the initial stuff, learned where we’d deliver (and I have to say my enthusiasm is lackluster and I’m pondering the pros of delivering in my back seat in an alley). We don’t have a lot of choices here, but of the three I thought I had, the far lesser third seems to be the one. I have nothing to support this other than my own perception. And as someone in advertising/marketing, I like to think I know a little bit about brand perceptions. The one I have for this particular hospital is bad. My brother was born there, and he turned out OK, so maybe it won’t be so bad. There is a place in town where the mothers give birth in a veritable spa in a room that’s probably nicer than my master bedroom at home. And wouldn’t you know it, our insurance doesn’t go there. And I’ve paid MORE THAN ENOUGH this year without insurance coverage.

I guess I can’t say the week was entirely uneventful – I’m showing! Several female relatives have given me license to say that outloud and confirm that Houston, we have a bump. Now, I can clearly see it, as can anyone who really knows me or is looking for it. The people at the grocery store probably think I spend my days polishing off pizza buffets and washing it down with natty light and doughnuts. Depending on the day I’m switching between my regular jeans, yoga pants and a pair of maternity capris (the maternity jeans are still a little loose). The yoga pants are heaven and the jeans are not worn anywhere food is being consumed. The bump is pretty cute and I think I’ll keep it.

Although, I’m somewhat delusional that this is as big as I’m going to get. Like six months from now I’m going to look like 140 pound me and squat out a baby (7 pounds) and shed the extra three pounds by going to the bathroom, and then wahlah! Pre-preggo body welcome me home! I know, I know, I said I’m delusional. Call it hormones or my current obsession with french toast and bacon (ooo! and belgian waffles!).

I went on a little maternity shopping trip this weekend with my Aunt J and had a blast. It was a much needed girls-only shopping afternoon that yielded two bags of clothes, lunch at one of my favorite restaurants, and dessert from another favorite restaurant. Not to mention some overdue quality time with one of my favorite aunts. I went for simple basics since my maternity budget was basically my birthday money (thanks mama J) and I needed to make sure I got things that would last. I’m also SOOO grateful to my sister for the huge tub of clothes she brought to me. I think I managed to pull about four shirts and six pairs of pants out of that.

Week ten was a good week. It spoiled me. And I hope to see many more just like it.

Tags: OBGYN, pregnancy milestones, pregnancy symptoms, pregnancy week by week
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