Ok, I meant to update before now...I truly did. As I sit here hooked up to an electric breast pump (can we say multi tasking?) I am listening to my little girl scream her cute little head off and waiting for my nipples to finish sterilizing in the microwave. Have I mentoned that it's 1 a.m.???
Things have been crazy and good. Thanks to everyone for the nice comments on my last post. It was really nice to hear from everyone. So much has been happening. I love being a mom, but I think I may have the fussiest baby this side of creation. Helen seems to be rejecting my breast milk and we have been trying different thinggs like ommiting certain foods from my diet, baby zantac in case it's reflux, mylicon in case it's gas, gripe water, and finally formula. She seems to be doing better, she was making these constant grunting/gagging sounds before. The pediatrician seems stumped.
Anyway, the child can cry...up tp several hours at a time, and often doesn't sleep at night...which means I don't sleep at night. All part of being a new mom I know. I do hope she grows out of this though. I have been trying all sorts of soothing techniques from the happiest baby on the block video, but the only thing that really soothes her is if I am constantly holding her.
She is my sweet girl though. I have lots of nick names for her...Baby Boo Boo for when she's crabby, and Miss Marple for when she looks thoughtful or perturbed. Yeah, I need to get out more. Tony was able to get the stroller put together yesterday ( I couldn't get past step one) so I will be taking some much needed walks. MY you and your newborn group starts July 23rd. How I'm gonna get there once a week at 10 a.m. remains a mystery.
So I really have an urge to make a video for the first time in like a year. I don't even want to say it and then not do it, but it seems like a good idea to maybe try one and then see. I'm feeling ready to get back on the wagon. The weight has pretty much been holding steady with all the breast pumping, running around, and sleep deprivation. Cool beans.
Hope you are all well.
Angie
p.s. how can I get my daughter to chill?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Sorry this has to be quick. I had Helen by c-secton on May 22nd at 1:58 a.m. after laboring for 48 hours. She is still in the special care nursery. We are both fine, but she had an infection in her blood (they have been treating her with iv antibiotics since then), and I had some complications with my surgery. My incision burst open and I have/had about 3 liters of fluid in my stomach. The open incision has to be packed twice daily for 4-6 weeks so that it can drain. Tony does it. He has been great. He not only cleans and packs my wound, but figured out a way to do it so that it hurts less. He even fed me when I was too out of it and in pain at the beginning to feed myself. I basically didn't sleep at all for almost a week and started to hallucinate. The doctors didn't realize that all the pain was coming from the fluid putting pressure on the incision. My recovery has been extremely difficult.
I have barely gotten to see Helen in two weeks...just a small visit everyday. She comes home on Friday evening, and I am still rushing to get things ready for her. I was never able to establish breastfeeding because of this. I use an electric pump that I rented from the hospital every three hours around the clock. I never knew it was possible to be this exhausted. I'm going to try straight forward breastfeeding once she comes home, but I'm not getting my hopes up. It would be soooo much more convenient than the pumping/storing/cleaning everything etc.
Bottom line though, Helen is fine. Better than fine. She was born weighing 6 lbs. 5 oz. at 5 1/2 weeks premature. It took her four minutes to breathe on her own though. I can't even explain what it was like lying on that table waiting ti hear her cry. Any future births will have to be by cesarean because of the incision they used...so yeah, I'm thinkin one will be plenty. She's a doll. Oh, and has auburn hair.
I'll update when I can.
Angie
I have barely gotten to see Helen in two weeks...just a small visit everyday. She comes home on Friday evening, and I am still rushing to get things ready for her. I was never able to establish breastfeeding because of this. I use an electric pump that I rented from the hospital every three hours around the clock. I never knew it was possible to be this exhausted. I'm going to try straight forward breastfeeding once she comes home, but I'm not getting my hopes up. It would be soooo much more convenient than the pumping/storing/cleaning everything etc.
Bottom line though, Helen is fine. Better than fine. She was born weighing 6 lbs. 5 oz. at 5 1/2 weeks premature. It took her four minutes to breathe on her own though. I can't even explain what it was like lying on that table waiting ti hear her cry. Any future births will have to be by cesarean because of the incision they used...so yeah, I'm thinkin one will be plenty. She's a doll. Oh, and has auburn hair.
I'll update when I can.
Angie
Monday, May 18, 2009
Plugging along
Not much to report here, but I thought I'd check in. I'm doing pretty well...I've started setting up little Helen's nursery, and I have an overwhelming urge to throw things away and organize...seriously, it's getting out of hand. Problem is, I can't lift heavy things myself anymore, so I have to wait for opportune times to hit Tony up for a little help. On that note, he put the crib together on Saturday. LOL...it wasn't too bad except for a little snafu with a screw that wouldn't go in all the way...it set us back about 45 minutes! I think it took longer to unpack the thing than to put it together. It's a beautiful white convertible crib though...very sturdy.
One of Tony's co workers sent over a big box a baby clothes...all girl stuff (and nice). He and his wife are due in September, and all her friends gave her girl things...they just found out they are having a boy. They are the first hand me downs I've received...I don't know, I got a little emotional. I'm such a dork, but it was nice that he thought of us.
A cool thing happened about 4am last night...I was lying in bed trying to get comfortable (as usual) and Helen was moving around like crazy. So, I turned on my back for just a sec to take pressure of of my poor hip when I thought I saw some movement. I shined a light on my stomach, and I had my first alien baby experience. I could totally see Helen moving around from the outside! I had been waiting for that to happen. With the extra padding I think it took longer for me to experience this. Wow, it was really, really neat.
Anyway, class was good tonight, we swaddled dolls, and listened to a live recording of a baby crying for a couple minutes to get a feel for it. A couple minutes I can handle, I'm more worried about her being colicky and crying for a couple hours. My last class is June 1st ( we skip Memorial Day). I'm a little sad to see it end actually. Sorry guys, like I said, I've got a one track mind right now.
Food has been a bit better...organized exercise (other than housework etc.)is practically nonexistent. I guess I should at least do a little. I feel so darn tired and lazy. I planned on sucking it up and going for a short walk tonight, but it's pouring out. I guess I could get the umbrella...the enthusiasm for physical fitness must be oozing off of the computer screen right now?
Well, please send some non lazy thoughts my way. I could use them. Hope you are all well.
Angie
One of Tony's co workers sent over a big box a baby clothes...all girl stuff (and nice). He and his wife are due in September, and all her friends gave her girl things...they just found out they are having a boy. They are the first hand me downs I've received...I don't know, I got a little emotional. I'm such a dork, but it was nice that he thought of us.
A cool thing happened about 4am last night...I was lying in bed trying to get comfortable (as usual) and Helen was moving around like crazy. So, I turned on my back for just a sec to take pressure of of my poor hip when I thought I saw some movement. I shined a light on my stomach, and I had my first alien baby experience. I could totally see Helen moving around from the outside! I had been waiting for that to happen. With the extra padding I think it took longer for me to experience this. Wow, it was really, really neat.
Anyway, class was good tonight, we swaddled dolls, and listened to a live recording of a baby crying for a couple minutes to get a feel for it. A couple minutes I can handle, I'm more worried about her being colicky and crying for a couple hours. My last class is June 1st ( we skip Memorial Day). I'm a little sad to see it end actually. Sorry guys, like I said, I've got a one track mind right now.
Food has been a bit better...organized exercise (other than housework etc.)is practically nonexistent. I guess I should at least do a little. I feel so darn tired and lazy. I planned on sucking it up and going for a short walk tonight, but it's pouring out. I guess I could get the umbrella...the enthusiasm for physical fitness must be oozing off of the computer screen right now?
Well, please send some non lazy thoughts my way. I could use them. Hope you are all well.
Angie
Monday, May 11, 2009
Overdue Update...
Sorry for the long absence, but I have been a busy bee over here. Lots has been going on. The big news is that I got married on May 2nd. Tony and I ended up having a very simple ceremony in the office of a retired judge in our city. When I say simple, I mean simple. It was just the two of us, the judge, and two supplied witnesses. That allowed us to truly keep things low key. It's almost impossible to invite one or two guests to a wedding...the whole marriage domino effect. This was nice, and more importantly, short. I was just about 32 weeks along on our wedding day, nauseous, and huge...lol. Not exactly the picture of a blushing bride, but very happy.
After the ceremony we had a very nice dinner at a restaurant on the water, and then ended up spending two days in Ocean Shores, WA...on the ocean of course. It was beautiful there, and we plan taking little Helen there next summer. It ended up that Mt. Rainier was a bit rustic for a preggy lady.
I've been in full nesting mode. As a first time mom I reserve the right to obsess a little about the furniture etc. that I buy for Helen. So, I did a lot of research and ended up ordering just about everything I need from Babies R Us. I placed all the orders in person, and then had to go through a huge rigmarole tracking the items down and getting them there all at once so that Tony and I could rent a Uhaul and pick it all up. It got accomplished though, and we picked all the big items up on Saturday...crib, mattress, dress/changer combo, travel system, pack and play, high chair, and glider with ottoman...phew! I can see how having a shower would be a huge advantage for first time parents...this stuff is expensive. Still, I've had fun gathering things.
My mind and days are pretty much occupied with the baby. I'll be going to my 5th prenatal class on Monday night. So far, it's all about the childbirth part...I was hoping for more of an emphasis on infant care, but our instructor is great...very enthusiastic and more than willing to answer questions. The best part is that I get a back rub at the end of each class during the breathing exercises. :0) Our classmates are all very nice, but the atmosphere is still a bit stiff. I think that's because the class runs from 7-9 pm on Monday nights, and everyone is exhausted...lots of yawning and uncomfortable looking pregnant women shifting around constantly, me included.
So, basically that's my life right now. My first trimester nausea came back in the third trimester, and I actually caught myself waddling the other day! It's getting really tough to do even basic things, like bending over, and when I try to reach for something on a shelf my tummy gets in the way. I huff and puff all the time, hiccup constantly, and have chronic heartburn and yes, constipation. Still, I can be feeling all icky and then the overwhelming realization that I'll have my baby soon washes over me and I experience intense joy. It's an interesting mix of emotions.
My only regret is that I've gained so much weight during this pregnancy. I will probably have to relose a good 50-60 pounds by the time all is said and done. No doubt that regaining old weight sucks to high hell...there's no use sugar coating it. I am just looking forward to being an active mom (once I get to sleep again from what I hear) and slowly taking the weight back off.
As exciting as rapid weight loss is, that's not an option for me anymore. No way I'll be working out 3+ hours a day, and I can't restrict my calories all that much if I'm breastfeeding. I've been wrapping my mind around this during my entire pregnancy. Only I can fully understand my own psychology, so I wouldn't be surprised if people don't understand why someone who can manage a seven pound loss week after week, can't stick to 2,000 calories per day. Success becomes it's own addiction. I didn't start my weight loss that way, but gained momentum beyond my own imagiination. Honestly, I loved it...feeling so powerful. Shedding all of that fat was like being reborn, or released from prison. Maybe similar to recovering from some debilitating disease that robs you of your mobility for years.
I look back and it all seems like a dream. At this point, I would love to eat a healthy amount of food on a daily basis...stopping the unnesecary weight gain would be a huge accomplishment right now. It has become very clear to me, once again, that there aren't any words that someone can say to make things click for a person who is struggling to gain control of their eating.
I remember when I was very involved in gut2cut...all sorts of people would write me desperate for answers. I spent a lot of time trying to help those people...writing out meal plans, exercise routines, little psychological tools that I would use etc. But, it has to be the right time for each individual person, and the determination has to come from within. All of the little tools are important, understanding nutrition is important, having a support system of some kind is important, but each person has to supply their own spark. I can't save anyone else except myself, and noone can save me.
Ok, a little more stream of consciousness there. I hope whoever reads this is doing well and feeling happy.
Angie
After the ceremony we had a very nice dinner at a restaurant on the water, and then ended up spending two days in Ocean Shores, WA...on the ocean of course. It was beautiful there, and we plan taking little Helen there next summer. It ended up that Mt. Rainier was a bit rustic for a preggy lady.
I've been in full nesting mode. As a first time mom I reserve the right to obsess a little about the furniture etc. that I buy for Helen. So, I did a lot of research and ended up ordering just about everything I need from Babies R Us. I placed all the orders in person, and then had to go through a huge rigmarole tracking the items down and getting them there all at once so that Tony and I could rent a Uhaul and pick it all up. It got accomplished though, and we picked all the big items up on Saturday...crib, mattress, dress/changer combo, travel system, pack and play, high chair, and glider with ottoman...phew! I can see how having a shower would be a huge advantage for first time parents...this stuff is expensive. Still, I've had fun gathering things.
My mind and days are pretty much occupied with the baby. I'll be going to my 5th prenatal class on Monday night. So far, it's all about the childbirth part...I was hoping for more of an emphasis on infant care, but our instructor is great...very enthusiastic and more than willing to answer questions. The best part is that I get a back rub at the end of each class during the breathing exercises. :0) Our classmates are all very nice, but the atmosphere is still a bit stiff. I think that's because the class runs from 7-9 pm on Monday nights, and everyone is exhausted...lots of yawning and uncomfortable looking pregnant women shifting around constantly, me included.
So, basically that's my life right now. My first trimester nausea came back in the third trimester, and I actually caught myself waddling the other day! It's getting really tough to do even basic things, like bending over, and when I try to reach for something on a shelf my tummy gets in the way. I huff and puff all the time, hiccup constantly, and have chronic heartburn and yes, constipation. Still, I can be feeling all icky and then the overwhelming realization that I'll have my baby soon washes over me and I experience intense joy. It's an interesting mix of emotions.
My only regret is that I've gained so much weight during this pregnancy. I will probably have to relose a good 50-60 pounds by the time all is said and done. No doubt that regaining old weight sucks to high hell...there's no use sugar coating it. I am just looking forward to being an active mom (once I get to sleep again from what I hear) and slowly taking the weight back off.
As exciting as rapid weight loss is, that's not an option for me anymore. No way I'll be working out 3+ hours a day, and I can't restrict my calories all that much if I'm breastfeeding. I've been wrapping my mind around this during my entire pregnancy. Only I can fully understand my own psychology, so I wouldn't be surprised if people don't understand why someone who can manage a seven pound loss week after week, can't stick to 2,000 calories per day. Success becomes it's own addiction. I didn't start my weight loss that way, but gained momentum beyond my own imagiination. Honestly, I loved it...feeling so powerful. Shedding all of that fat was like being reborn, or released from prison. Maybe similar to recovering from some debilitating disease that robs you of your mobility for years.
I look back and it all seems like a dream. At this point, I would love to eat a healthy amount of food on a daily basis...stopping the unnesecary weight gain would be a huge accomplishment right now. It has become very clear to me, once again, that there aren't any words that someone can say to make things click for a person who is struggling to gain control of their eating.
I remember when I was very involved in gut2cut...all sorts of people would write me desperate for answers. I spent a lot of time trying to help those people...writing out meal plans, exercise routines, little psychological tools that I would use etc. But, it has to be the right time for each individual person, and the determination has to come from within. All of the little tools are important, understanding nutrition is important, having a support system of some kind is important, but each person has to supply their own spark. I can't save anyone else except myself, and noone can save me.
Ok, a little more stream of consciousness there. I hope whoever reads this is doing well and feeling happy.
Angie
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Third Trimester :0)
I finally hit my third trimester on Sunday...28 weeks and 2 days along as of today. I hear that this trimester is the biggie (literally and figuratively). I'm feeling pretty good. My contractions have tapered off a bit...I don't know why, but I don't mind either. Helen is moving around lots, and I'm tired as usual.
Lots has been going on. I just got a brand new Yaris. It's the cutest car ever! It looks like a little black jelly bean, is extremely economical, and has great reviews. I think it was a very wise decision. Thanks to my fiance for that. It's very nice to be able to drive to appointments etc.
We picked out our wedding rings on Saturday. Also very economical, but perfect for our tastes. Mine is a simple white gold band with little diamond and Sapphire chips. There was an insane sale at Kohl's. They should be ready in less than a month.
I'm meeting with pediatricians now. I had my first meeting today. I really liked the doc, but want to meet with one more at least, just to be sure. I don't want to make the same mistake I made with my obgyn.
Now I just need to work out the details of how one gets married and changes her name. I really don't know how to do this (thank goodness for the Internet). I've been so busy that I haven't gotten around to it yet. We're shooting for sometime around the end of this month, or the beginning of May at the latest. I guess I've been thinking about the honeymoon more than the actual wedding...I'm such a slacker, but that's just because I love to see new places. I think we may stay somewhere in or near the Rainier National Park. I can walk down the street and see Mt. Rainier on a clear day. It's massive from here, but then I found out that the park is like two hours away! I asked my fiance what it must be like when your actually there and he said in all seriousness: "Bigger." Smart ass. :0)
As for fitness...yeah well. Not much to report besides an ever expanding behind. Seriously, I never had a huge butt before, but my shape is different than it was pre pregnancy. I'm all stomach and rear. I am walking more though again. That's always positive.
That's about it for an update. I have bought a few newborn short sleeved onesies (pink and girly of course) but that's about all. I'm getting excited to start setting up Helen's nursery.
I hope you are all well.
Angie
Lots has been going on. I just got a brand new Yaris. It's the cutest car ever! It looks like a little black jelly bean, is extremely economical, and has great reviews. I think it was a very wise decision. Thanks to my fiance for that. It's very nice to be able to drive to appointments etc.
We picked out our wedding rings on Saturday. Also very economical, but perfect for our tastes. Mine is a simple white gold band with little diamond and Sapphire chips. There was an insane sale at Kohl's. They should be ready in less than a month.
I'm meeting with pediatricians now. I had my first meeting today. I really liked the doc, but want to meet with one more at least, just to be sure. I don't want to make the same mistake I made with my obgyn.
Now I just need to work out the details of how one gets married and changes her name. I really don't know how to do this (thank goodness for the Internet). I've been so busy that I haven't gotten around to it yet. We're shooting for sometime around the end of this month, or the beginning of May at the latest. I guess I've been thinking about the honeymoon more than the actual wedding...I'm such a slacker, but that's just because I love to see new places. I think we may stay somewhere in or near the Rainier National Park. I can walk down the street and see Mt. Rainier on a clear day. It's massive from here, but then I found out that the park is like two hours away! I asked my fiance what it must be like when your actually there and he said in all seriousness: "Bigger." Smart ass. :0)
As for fitness...yeah well. Not much to report besides an ever expanding behind. Seriously, I never had a huge butt before, but my shape is different than it was pre pregnancy. I'm all stomach and rear. I am walking more though again. That's always positive.
That's about it for an update. I have bought a few newborn short sleeved onesies (pink and girly of course) but that's about all. I'm getting excited to start setting up Helen's nursery.
I hope you are all well.
Angie
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Update
I just wanted to do a quick update and say that the baby is fine. I went to the doctor yesterday and had a very thorough exam. They also did a fetal fiber something or other test which came back negative...this is positive, and even gave me the results the same afternoon.
I'm very relieved. The doctor just said to rest when I get the Braxton Hicks contractions, and:"Stop eating so much." LOL...for her that was very nice, she left it at that because I think she knew I had a bad scare. Sage advice though...I don't know why I hadn't thought of that already. :0)
Anyway, I'm just happy that Helen is fine, and I also got to hear her heartbeat, which is always nice.
Angie
I'm very relieved. The doctor just said to rest when I get the Braxton Hicks contractions, and:"Stop eating so much." LOL...for her that was very nice, she left it at that because I think she knew I had a bad scare. Sage advice though...I don't know why I hadn't thought of that already. :0)
Anyway, I'm just happy that Helen is fine, and I also got to hear her heartbeat, which is always nice.
Angie
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A Scary Day
Ugh, today at about 4:30 pm I lost my mucous plug. I'm certain it was the plug and not just (sorry if this is gross) discharge of some kind like pregnant women sometimes have. As far as I knew, losing the plug means that you are about to go into labor. Needless to say I was extremely upset. I just kept thinking: "No, this can't happen."
I called my doctor and talked to a nurse practitioner, not before bursting into tears on the phone with the receptionist though. So, losing the plug doesn't necessarily mean I'm going into early labor, but seeing that I've been having the Braxton Hicks so frequently they are having me come in tomorrow at 12:30 to make sure I'm not dilating.
I feel like shit, totally physically and emotionally drained. I wish this hadn't happened, but the main thing is to avoid preterm labor. I'm not even 27 weeks yet. There's a chance the baby would make it, but I don't even want to think about what a struggle that would be. I'm trying to stay calm, but it's hard. I already love my baby.
I guess losing the mucous plug this early can happen to some women. There's not a whole lot of information about it on the web. The what to expect when your expecting book talks about it happening either shortly before labor, or days or weeks before...not this early though. I guess it's there in the first place to protect the baby from infection. I'll see what happens tomorrow. The nurse said they may put me on some medication to stop the contractions.
I keep getting asked how many contractions I have in an hour, but it is really difficult to keep track. It's more about how active I am. Physical activity of any kind seems to be what sets them off. They do go away when I rest though. I just need to be able to articulate this clearly tomorrow so that the doctor gets it. Ok, I'm just talking in circles now. I think I need to go to bed. I'll update tomorrow when I get some news.
Angie
I called my doctor and talked to a nurse practitioner, not before bursting into tears on the phone with the receptionist though. So, losing the plug doesn't necessarily mean I'm going into early labor, but seeing that I've been having the Braxton Hicks so frequently they are having me come in tomorrow at 12:30 to make sure I'm not dilating.
I feel like shit, totally physically and emotionally drained. I wish this hadn't happened, but the main thing is to avoid preterm labor. I'm not even 27 weeks yet. There's a chance the baby would make it, but I don't even want to think about what a struggle that would be. I'm trying to stay calm, but it's hard. I already love my baby.
I guess losing the mucous plug this early can happen to some women. There's not a whole lot of information about it on the web. The what to expect when your expecting book talks about it happening either shortly before labor, or days or weeks before...not this early though. I guess it's there in the first place to protect the baby from infection. I'll see what happens tomorrow. The nurse said they may put me on some medication to stop the contractions.
I keep getting asked how many contractions I have in an hour, but it is really difficult to keep track. It's more about how active I am. Physical activity of any kind seems to be what sets them off. They do go away when I rest though. I just need to be able to articulate this clearly tomorrow so that the doctor gets it. Ok, I'm just talking in circles now. I think I need to go to bed. I'll update tomorrow when I get some news.
Angie
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