Salty

This pregnancy I'm craving salty - McDonalds french fries (though I try not to give in to that one very often), sun flower seeds, li hing mui, pickled onions, preserved calamancines....salty, salty, salty. It's amazing how with Kaua I wanted sweet, but with this one, I want salt. Ok now, I'm going to go back to eating my pickled onions.

6 week symptom update

I'm a little over 6 weeks pregnant and have felt like I haven't had much symptoms. I think I've been feeing slight nausea early in the mornings and sometimes in the middle of the night, but nothing to really fret over. If I didn't know I was pregnant, I wouldn't even notice it. So, I decided to peruse over my posts from the same time in my pregnancy with Kaua. Back then, I was feeling nausea, constipation and sore nipples. So far, the bbs are just fine, but I forgot about constipation. I think I'm having a slight case of that too. Nothing super noticeable, but now that I think about it, I didn't have much in the way of toilet production both yesterday and today, despite feeling like I had to go. So I guess I can chalk that up as a pregnancy symptom. I'm not sure if I'm more tired than usual. I feel tired, but what mom of a 1 year old doesn't feel tired? lol...so not sure if that counts.

I've been having a couple strange dreams over the past week. I've already dreamt twice that I had a miscarriage. Once I dreamt that my period came and I wasn't that sad about it because I wasn't quite ready for #2, but last night I dreamt that I had a miscarriage and you could actually see a tiny little baby (gross, I know). I was abit more bummed about that in my dream because as the days pass, the idea of this child is growing on me. So when I woke up, I was glad it was just a dream. I wonder if these dreams are just my subconcious way of expressing my anxiety. I mean, I feel fairly confident that there is going to be a healthy baby in 9 months, but still, I will not feel 100% until we have our first ultrasound and see everything is going smoothly.

I just received a questionnaire packet in the mail from my doctors about this pregnancy. Although I have Kaiser, I have a different clinic since we moved, and I guess they mail out a questionnaire packet for the expectant mom to fill out. It asks bizarre questions like "Do you think you'll have a problem staying off drugs and alcohol during your pregnancy?" or "Have you been raped since your last period?" It's actually kind of sad that such questions need to be asked. I filled them out. And also read some of the info pamphlets they provided. I was reminded that I'm not supposed to eat large tuna fish (what we call ahi) in quantities over 6oz in 1-2 weeks due to the potentially high mercury contamination. Ooopsie, I forgot and had some at a christmas party the other night. Guess we have to cut that out! ugh. No caffeine, no alcohol, no fish...no fun for me during the holidays. lol.

I think I have 16 more days till the ultra sound. While that seems like very long, I know it'll come in no time. I just POAS again, for fun, since the internet cheapie tests I have are expired and will be no good any other pregnancy. The Test line showed up first and was much more darker than the control line. While that doesn't tell me much other than I have a very high HCG count right now, it was reassuring to see. Cant wait to have that first ultrasound appointment!

BFP #2!

here begins my series of posts that I wont post until I'm ready to go public with this news.

Today is Wed. Dec. 1, 2010.

We're pregnant, again!!! I just took a HPT, at about 7:30pm tonite, and the second line was there. Slightly lighter than the control line, but there none-the-less. My immediate reaction was surprise then anxiety then excitement. I briefly contemplated not telling DH right away and trying to save it as a X-mas gift/surprise, but I knew I wouldn't be able to hold this news in for 24 days. So I told him, "want the good news?" or the "not so good news?" He asked for the not so good news, and I told him "that we're going to have another baby." He said, and what's the good news and I told him the same thing. lol. to me, having a baby is both. dont get me wrong, I'm ecstatic and realize that I'm very very very very blessed and want nothing more than to have a 2nd healthy child. But at the same time, I'm terrified. Two kids? I feel like I was just pregnant! I just gave birth! I still have a baby! How can I take care of two! Kaua is handful enough! If i weren't already 31, I would have wanted to wait a bit before having our 2nd because I would have loved to have given Kaua more of our sole attention for longer. But since I'm no spring chicken, and we weren't sure how long it would take us to get pregnant again, we started trying soon.

And by trying, I mean, not really "trying" as in we didn't do what we did before -- the temperature taking thing. Instead, I just counted the days between periods (which I must say I only had 3!!!) and estimated when I ovulated and we tried to BD around this date. I guess it worked!! So techiically, we were trying, but by my standards that wasn't. I didn't even know when my EDD would have been until I plugged in the date of my last period into a calculator. According to that, my EDD is Aug. 5. That is my MIL's birthday and the day before mine! Holy smokes. I cannot believe this is happening so fast!

Of course, I cannot jump the gun. I of all people know how precarious the 1st T is, so we will not be sharing the news until the 2T, or as close to it as we can get w/o someone figuring it out. Which I'm sure someone will. I'm a drinker....people will notice when I'm not.

And here we are to the reasons for me wanting to post...to record my journey, my symptoms, my thoughts. My first inclination that I could be preggo was when, after Kaua's party, I wasn't interested in drinking, like the beer just didn't taste good to me. I remember having that feeling when I was in my early pregnancy for Kaua. My next potential inkling was when on mon. I had a huge huge backache and felt queasy. Like I couldn't finish my lunch, which is unusual for me. I also felt so tired and exhausted at the end of the day, I skipped the gym. I almost thought I was coming down with the flu. Today, Wed., I'm still having slight achiness in my ute, which feel very very similar to period cramps, but again, I remember feeling the same with Kaua. I also am having extra discharge, which i remember with Kaua as well. finally, I couldn't stand the wait anymore (I was planning to test at the end of the week, when I think my period is due) and took a HPT. And yup, we're preggo.

We'll see how the upcoming days enfold, but we're excited, albeit differently than the last time. I want to surprise everyone else by having kaua where the timeless traditional "big brother" t-shirt. I guess if all goes well, I'll call to make a doctor's appointment in the next few weeks. First thing though,i'll go get some prenatal vitamins. For now, my daily vitamins with folate should suffice.

thinking postive and thanking God for our second little miracle!

38 weeks

I'm 38 weeks 2 days today. I just had my PNA and sadly, I'm just 1 cm dilated and very little, if at all, effacement. I saw Nurse Wonderful again today and she said she thinks I'm going to give birth close to (or after) my due date. =( I'm surprised at how devastated I am by this news. I think part of it is because a friend of mine, who was due just 4 days prior to me, just gave birth on Sunday. (Her water broke a little, so they started her on pitocin). That gave me hope that my time would come soon...but she was dilated for 2 cm for a while already. I just started dilating, and the way Nurse Wonderful said it, it sounded like I was 1 cm at best. =(

The good news is I gained back the 5 lbs I lost over the past few weeks. So I've been given the green light to be able to exercise again. not sure what kind of exercise I'll be doing, but probably lotsa walking and of course - s.e.x. - as DH and I try to speed this little guy's arrival along.

I also now know what a contraction feels like because when NP Wonderful was in there, she massaged the cervix a little to try to get it to soften/open up. The cramping that I felt during this was what she said I could expect to feel when I have contractions. I now know that the BH that I though I was having were not BH, but instead just baby boy, sticking his body out, making my tummy feel hard. that explains why I'm not very dilated at this point despite the "BH" I thought I'd been having daily. lol. Ah well, at least now I know.

So how am I feeling at 38 weeks? Heavy and sore and uncomfortable. Walking hurts. Moving my right leg at all, hurts (even to put on clothes, get out of bed, standing up from a sitting position, everything!) My feet are tired. My body feels tired. My brain feels tired. I think a lot of this has to do with not only being 38 and a half weeks pregnant, but also the heavy work load I've been enduring for the past 3 weeks, coupled with the house in escrow and all the paperwork and deadlines I'm having to go through associated with that, plus having a part-time DH (since he's gone 3-4 days of the week) and also living with my MIL. It's just too much for me.

I know, I'm throwing myself a pity party. I'll perk up b/c my mom comes into town tomorrow night until Sunday night! Yippee!! (Not sure how this is going to work with MIL visiting since we only have one guest bed. I have a feeling MIL will stay with other relatives while my mom is in town...but I haven't exactly spoken with her about it.)

And last, but certainly not least - here's my 38 week belly photo:



I forgot to measure myself!!! Not to worry, I'll probably have a 39 week belly photo to measure myself with. Ok, pity party B MoM over and out!

31 weeks and 7th PNA update

I've completed 31 weeks of pregnancy this weekend. But I dont have a photo to share because I went camping (that was super fun!).

Last week friday I had my 7th PNA. DH was off and was able to come along. This was the last of my every 4 week appointments. I'm now going to have PNAs every two weeks, next one next Friday already!!

Kaua is doing well. Doc didn't comment on my uterus/tummy measurement, but I'm assuming all is well since he ended the appointment saying that I'm doing exceptionally well. Doc also didn't comment on my weight gain (he never really does), but I gained 4 lbs since my last PNA putting me up to 26lbs total!!! bleh! Kaua's heartbeat was normal and he appeared to be head down. Doc answered a bunch of prewritten questions I had. Off the top of my head, here are some of the things we talked about:

He indicated that what's been known as a "walking" epidural would not be very effective because if I have enough feeling "down there" to be able to walk around, I likely wouldn't be getting very significant pain relief, which is the purpose for an epidural. He stated that a perenial massage wouldn't be necessary (if I didn't want one). He said that he prefers natural tearing over an episiotomy, unless there is a reason to cut (likely due to fetal distress and the need to get baby out quicker, or the need for a vacuum or foreceps to assist in the delivery). I can continue to workout at the gym like I've been doing up until birth as long as I feel ok. The increased discharge I've been noticing is completely normal for this stage in pregnancy, as long is its generally odorless and clear (which it has been). He offered me the flu shot, but I declined it, (my reasoning is because I've never had the shot before and I rarely get the flu nowadays, so I dont see the need for it). He was fine with me not getting the flu shot, but stated that he would like for me to get the H1N1 shot when it becomes available, which I likely will. He reassured me that its very common for a baby to favor one side of the uterus over the other. Kaua really really likes my upper right side. When he checked for Kaua's heartbeat, it was below my belly button (on the right side) which indicated Kaua is head down! (yippee!!!) and that the big bump that I always feel in my upper right tummy is likely Kaua's butt sticking out. I probably shouldn't try to push the bump in when it's uncomfortable, instead I should try to change positions or move around to get Kaua to move (FYI, this doesn't work all the time, sometimes Kaua is content to stay as is, no matter how I move around). His standard recommendation for purposes of temporary disability insurance is 6 weeks off froom work for a standard vaginal delivery and 8 weeks off from work for a c-section. He said that he would provide me with a recommendation to get off of work 2 weeks prior to delivery if I wanted it as well. I asked if he would simply add on the 2 weeks after I give birth, to his standard 6 -8 week recomendation for time off from work, but he said that the insurers are pretty strict and that increasing the time after delivery must be for a substantial reason. I doubt I'll take advantage of the two weeks off prior to delivery, just because we need my full salary, and there is no sense in me not working two weeks prior to delivery if Kaua isn't here. I'd much rather work to help alleviate our financial strains. Of course, if I could extend my maternity leave (with some pay) I would totally take advantage of it if it meant I could spend more time with my son.

That's all I can think of at this time.

On the symptom front I think the only new symptoms are somewhat slight swelling in my ankles. It's not really noticable in appearance yet, but I noticed it because one of my sandals that are normally too big for me, are fitting me a little better. The back straps still fall down, but they stay up for a little longer than before. I also have a little more pain when standing up at times (my uterus feels full or I feel some slight round ligament pain). According to WTE, Kaua is almost 4 lbs and almost 19 inches long. His weight gain and growth is supposed to slow down from now till birth. I'm feeling ready for him to come out now, (I miss my flat tummy and the ease of movement you take for granted till you have a huge belly) though I know its best that he doesn't show up till 36 or 37 weeks at the earliest. Less than 9 weeks till Kaua! I know I'm going to panic when it gets closer and I realize I still have very little baby things!!

30 weeks!!

Yay, I've completed 30 weeks of pregnancy! Just 10 more weeks to go until Kaua. Craziness! I really feel as if the third trimester is flying by. Not so much as in a blink and I'm done, but much more quicker than the 2nd trimester. 10 weeks is still a lot more to go, but it's crazy to think that in just over two months, our lives will change forever. We'll be welcoming our first child into the world. How blessed is that?

Here's my 30 week belly photo and I lost a 3/4 of an inch since wednesday and measure 39 inches exactly. You can even see the difference in my girth from last Sunday to this Sunday. I dont feel as if the baby got smaller, I just feel as if I lost some of that extra chubs. I'll monitor my measurements over the week and ask my doc about it at my next appointment if my weight doesn't go up (which I admit could be a nice thing).



Things are probably going to go rapidly from here. The months of October and November are going to be busy in terms of holidays and baby showers. I've started a countdown till my baby shower (with my mom) on my side bar. I'm excited for that for a number of reasons, one of them being I get to go home and see my doggie! I miss him. Last night DH flew back to prepare for his first day at work at his new station. He said our doggie is doing well with my grandparents. His coat is looking shiny and he seems very happy. Of course, he recognized my DH and was ecstatic. I hope he doesn't forget me!

On the pregnancy front, things are still going well. My back and body are aching a teeny bit more, but not much. Yesterday, DH and I walked on the beach for exercise and the beach had a bit of a slope to it. My hips hurt from walking on the slope and I knew it was because I'm carrying about 20 lbs extra weight. We also went for a dip in the ocean and when I was walking out of the water, I could feel the immediate difference between the weightless feeling while swimming and the weight of my belly as I walked out of the water. It really put into perspective what it's like for my back and body to carry around this extra weight. My next PNA appointment (already!) is this friday, so we'll see how the weight gain is. I hope its not much! Another intersting (and possibly not a good thing) is I'm having food confusion (well that's what I call it). I find that I'm hungry, but dont know what to eat. Nothing sounds very appealing. In most of my 2nd trimester, any and all food sounded yummy. Now, I have a hard time deciding what I want to eat and that frustrates me (which in turn then frustrates hubby). It's a crazy cycle.

Anyhow, I'm off to get a pedicure with a girlfriend today. A luxury I haven't had in several months due to monetary strains....but today, I feel like treating myself. Yippee!

28 weeks and crib is set up!

We made it another week! Here's my 28 week belly photo and interestingly, there was no growth in belly inches:



Newer symptoms are a feeling of heaviness in my lower belly/uterus. It's a little difficult to describe. Its not BH but more like I'm just getting bigger (Kaua is, I mean) and I can feel his weight more. Occassionally, I feel sharp pangs in my lower sides, which I'm sure is round ligament pain, as well as an occasional sharp pain in my left butt cheek, which I'm pretty sure is sciatic nerve pain. I usualy only feel these when changing positions (from sitting to standing or vice versa) and I read in WTE that that's normal. Once in a while I feel a little dull cramp-like achy pain, which I'm not sure what its caused by. i'm not alarmed at it b/c it's dull and occasional. I think it could be Kaua kicking me in my cervix, but I dont feel a kick low, which would further indicate its him. Perhaps he's sitting on my cervix sometimes? Not sure, so I'll call my doctor if I get concerned and really monitor myself when I feel that (make sure it's not preterm labor or something). I'm also starting to notice pregnancy fatigue more in the sense that I'm feeling less energetic than usual. Even in the mornings, I'm feeling tired and sometimes like I wouldn't mind just staying in bed. We also set up Kaua's crib this weekend and it looks great! (despite not having any bedding).

As we put the crib together (mostly DH doing the work with me occassionally assisting), I noticed the difficulty in getting up and down from sitting on the floor and overall I just felt the need to sit more often. One of my friends also came by to drop off newborn sized diapers that her daughter no longer fits, so we got a nice little starter supply of diapers. She also dropped off a cute little blue bathrobe for Kaua.

Previously, the room that Kaua's crib is in had a futon bed/couch. We were able to sell that for $30 over the weekend (it wasn't in the best of conditions so the money was a nice bonus since we were just going to throw it out), so now Kaua's room has the crib and diaper changer in it. I like walking by it and peeking in and seeing the nursery developing (though not as fancy and visually appealing as I'd prefer). It's just so exciting that we'll be having a child in a couple months! (And a little overwhelming too.). There's a lot more I want to do to the room, but I'm hesitant b/c we're moving, so I'm a litte saddened at the thought that we wont be living here for very long to enjoy it.

Which brings me on to another topic. Our move. You all know that DH is currently working away from me, so we're commuting on the weekends until I can move to be with him. The good news is, he is finished with his training early and will be put out on the field soon. The bad news is, he was just told that he will not be stationed where we thought he was going to be stationed, meaning his schedule will not be very accomodating to commuting back and forth. He's appealed to his chief about the transfer and the chief is trying to see what he can do, but there's no guarantees at this point. There are good things and bad things to this new twist in our situation.

Good news is, this may hasten my permanent move to be with DH quicker. And when I move, the schedule will work out just fine. With the prior situation, I initially planned to give birth here then move to be with DH at my leisure while he communted back and forth till then. Now, I will still give birth here, but may move shortly thereafter (maybe even not returning to work after maternity leave). The bad news is almost purely cosmetic-ish in that I'm reluctant to move out of our "home" and move in with my mom (though I love her, it's so hard to move back home after owning your own). DH, myself and Kaua will be living in a 3 bedroom with mom and her BF. Though that's still plenty of room for all of us, it wont be our own home filled with our stuff chosen specifically for our own comfort. We'll be sharing everything. I wont get to do a nursery with Kaua b/c the spare bedroom is currently my mom's office. Kaua will likely be rooming in with me and DH. It also may be a while before we can afford to get our own place, so we'll be with my mom for probably a couple years. I will also be leaving my job earlier than desired. I work for a great company and am disappointed at having to leave them and eventually look for new work (in a market which is not as great as it is here). Leaving my job will also put additional financial strains on us since we'll be living off of DH's already reduced income alone. Plus we'll all have to go under DH's medical plan which may be difficult at first based on the enrollment timing rules for the healthcare provider. Also, although DH and I will be together (yippee!!!) in one place as it should be especially when raising our first child, it will take some adjusting to the new town since we've built our lives where I'm currently living (all of our friends are here, there's a lot more to do here in the big city, etc). I really love where we live now, so I'm going to miss it. I also wanted Kaua to spend some time (just for a little) in the town which is his namesake (or at least the weather of the town), but such may not be the case since we may be moving so soon.

Either way, we've got some really decisions to make soon, depending on where DH gets stationed, and coupling this with the impending birth of our first child, is somewhat overwhelming at times for me.

But thankfully, so far Kaua is healthy and that's all that really matters. The rest is all negotiable. So for that I praise God. As for the rest, I'm going to pray to God to direct my path when determining what the best choices are for our family.

T-3 and glucola test

Well, we made it to the third trimester! Yesterday, Kaua made it to 27 weeks gestation and here's my burgeoning belly picture:



I'm currently spending my last night visiting DH in his new home (my old hometown) and on the plane ride over several nights ago, my plane seat mate asked how far along I was and complimented me on how great I looked! She said, she hopes she looks like me (my size) when she's pregnant. I was pleasantly surprised...b/c I've always been getting comments on how big I am and my mom even said I may not eventually fit into the maternity clothes she bought for me for my birthday. (Thanks mom!).

Anyways, 27 weeks and the 3rd Trimester! Woohooo! The end is in sight! There's a light at the end of the tunnel. Dont get me wrong, I love being pregnant, but with my growing belly, it's starting to get uncomfortable. Baby moves a lot and sometimes when I'm trying to get comfortable, his kicks throw me off. It's almost like (well it actually is) my belly doesn't belong to me anymore, it belongs to him. I'm also just feeling really big and cumbersome. I'm 39 inches and I'm still growing! I know a lot of this growing is b/c I've got this unbelievable sweet tooth. I know I'm so going to kick myself after I give birth when I've got 20-30 lbs to lose. But you know how you know something is not good for you, but you do it anyway? Yup, that's me.

So I've got some good news. I passed my glucola screening test!!! Yippeeeeee!!! I took the test on friday and I got a call from my doctor's office on Saturday. They said I passed my glucola test, but my blood results showed that I was slightly anemic (meaning low red blood cell count, meaning I need to up my iron intake). She said that it's a very common symptom of pregnancy because the baby takes up a lot of the nutrients that I would normally get from food and all I really need to do is take an iron supplement. She also recommended I take the gluconate based supplement rather than the other one, (I forget the name) because that one supposedly causes less constipation. She also said that because an iron supplement can cause constipation, I should make sure my diet has lotsa fiber. She also instructed me to take the iron supplement at a different time than when I take my prenatal vitamin and not to take it with any dairy food/products because that can inhibit my body's absorbtion of the iron nutrient.

I'm very happy that I passed the glucose test. Especially b/c my coworker was surprised that I wasn't instructed to take the test first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. From what I hear, sometimes what you eat can affect your results because it affects your blood sugar. I took the test late in the afternoon after a very starchy breakfast and lunch. I specifically asked my doctor and even called the advice nurse before the test and both said I dont need to alter my diet at all (but my doctor did recommend that I dont take the test right before eating a candy bar and drinking a soda). And I followed their instructions, ate typcially for me and voila, I passed. =) woohoo! Back to work tomorrow, but the good news is, DH comes home friday night for the weekend! =)

First stretch mark

I got my first badge of honor a.k.a. stretch mark in a really weird place. I wouldn't even have noticed it, except that DH pointed it out to me this AM as I was changing for work. It's underneath my left boob. It's very close to the nipple and fairly light. Almost looks like a hickey, but nope, sadly it's not (these bbs dont get much action these days). It's almost quite funny really because how weird is it that its only on one boob and underneath? I've been religiously rubbing my special oils on the bbs and the belleh in efforts to combat the stretch marks (even though I know it may not really prevent them), but I guess I've been neglecting under the boobie (which I admit is a new area for me b/c pre-pregnancy, my bbs didn't really have an underside). I'll try to pay more attention to that spot from now on.

I hope this is the last of the stretch marks!!!

Oh yeah, the other new pregnancy symptom I've recently encounterd are calf cramps and big toe cramps. And its only on my right leg. Weird huh? I've only had the calf cramp twice and the toe cramp once. It happens when I'm in bed and I wake up and stretch out my body long ways (you know, reach your legs out and arms up). I try not to stretch for fear that I may bring on the cramp, but for some reason, my body just really wants to stretch. I think its because I've got limited sleep positions now that I'm bigger, so my body needs a stretch since I'm stuck in basically one or two sleep positions the whole night. I read in WTE that to try and prevent the cramping, I should stretch before I go to bed. I'll try to remember that.

Glad you guys liked the name!

Braxton Hicks

I think I experienced my first Braxton Hicks (BH) contractions yesterday. I felt them two times, both after having urinated. The first was while I went to the bathroom at work and the second was after I went to the bathroom at home. They were both pretty light, but I noticed them b/c I felt a pressure in my abdomen and my tummy went tight. I had read about other women experiencing BH before, so I knew that's what I was feeling. It wasn't painful at all, just weird. More like a pressure in my tummy rather than anything else. I conteplated whether I should call my doctor, but I read in my WTE book that women can get BH anytime after 20 weeks (and I'm 21w2d), but it's more common for women to get them in their 3rd trimester. I also read that should I have more than 5 an hour, I should call the doctor, and of course, if they start becoming consistent and/or painful. Right now, I'm a little surprised that I felt them this early, but I'm not too worried.

I also read that I should be drinking lotsa water because dehydration can cause BH. I also read from one website poster that her doctor advised her to routinely empty her bladder because a full bladder can sometimes bring BH on. I think, that was the cause in both my cases cause I had been holding in my pee for a while (which I know, I shouldn't do).

On the movement front, the firecracker's movements are getting a little stronger. I'm noticing them more and more often. And today, he made me jump a little as I was sitting and working at my desk. He tickles me! Even last night, when I was watching tv (the bachelorette...anyone else a fan?), he made me giggle b/c his kicks were tickling me. It's too funny. Too bad DH was out walking the dog, or I would have called him over to come feel. Anyways, feeling the firecracker always puts a smile on my face. I love being reassured that all is going well when I feel him.

Hey, maybe pretty soon I'll actually be able to see him make my tummy move when he moves? That'll be another cool milestone to look forward to.

Body pillow = relief

So, I'm a big baby when it comes to discomfort. Two days of back pain and I had had enough. I decided to go the cheap route and bought a body pillow from Kmart (I had a gift card there). I slept with it last night and voila - no more pack pain today! Looks like the body pillow worked for me. I used it by snuggling up to it and wrapping my arms and legs around it while lying on my side. (After reading your comments, I'll also probably try to ensure that the pillow is supporting my belly as well). I placed the prior regular pillow I had been using between my legs behind me, sort of as an extra back support, and those tricks seems to do the trick. =)

I'm still using a pillow for my work chair and an empty cardboard box to prop my feet up at work. I also took a yoga class last night at my local 24 hour fitness gym and although I couldn't do a lot of the moves (it's for people who aren't pregnant), I think the stretching helped. I'm also planning to check out a prenatal yoga class this weekend. The cost is a little pricey so I'm going to try out the first class to see if its worth the big bucks.

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions ladies. I'm feeling back to my old self again. (Man, I sure took no-back pain for granted. I've got a new found respect for those pregnant women who have severe back pain because it really does affect your daily life, even to the most mundane of tasks!)

Back pain

I'm starting to get back pain. Yikers! I'm only halfway there, so if I'm achy now, I'm afraid to imagine how sore I'll be when it gets close to giving birth! At my last appointment, I mentioned my backaches to the doctor and he suggested getting a maternity support band. This is supposed to help support (think - prop up) the tummy so that the back muscles have to work less. My tummy is a little big, but it isn't that big yet, so I'm not sure if that's a factor in my backache yet. Today at work (since I sit at a desk) I brought in two of my couch pillows to prop up behind me to sit on. I read that the best chair position is one with a straight back or a slight incline, and I dont think my work chair has the best back incline. So far, with the pillows, I'm feeling great! I also read that I should stand up and walk around every hour rather than sitting for long periods of time. I also read to try propping my feet up a little on a foot stool when sitting, so I need to go look for something that can act as a foot stool.

Even at night, my back aches a little, even when I get into the recommended sleep position which is on my side with a pillow between my legs. Last night was the first night that the recomended sleep position wasn't comfortable and I found myself tossing and turning a bit to try and relieve the back ache. I'm hoping I was just sore because yesterday my back hurt. (I think I was wearing the wrong kind of shoes...I was wearing those cute pointy toe boots with heals, and think that those may have been the culprit of the backpain).

Anyone out there have any suggestions or remedies that helped ease their backaches? I've been reading about a sleep pregnancy pillow called the snoogle. Is it worth the $50?

candy bars

Candy bars are the bane of my existence. They were created only to put on more pounds onto my thighs and butt and to make me feel guilty whenever I miss a day at the gym (which as been often).

What is it about pregnancy and all things sweet related (candy bar, candies, cake, ice cream, sodas)? I was never such a sweet freak till now.

I've been trying to fight the urge since I found out that I put on - gasp - 14 lbs already, but I think I'm losing this battle.

Going to go down and buy me a candy bar at the snack shop downstairs. Bye-bye.

Second trimester symptoms

So, I admit it, I'm one of those lucky ones who got off lucky in pregnancy without much morning sickness. I did feel nausea in the first trimester, but it was easy to avoid, I'd just make sure to have something carb-ish to eat in the morning, and I'd feel fine. By week 12 and 13, I was feeling very normal and thought I was in the clear.

But at 17 weeks 1day pregnant, this is the 3rd time in about 2 weeks where I'm feeling nausea in the morning. The last two times, it was because I hadn't had breakfast before coming into work (my plan had been to heat up breakfast at work). Today, however, I ate my typical breakfast at home, and I still feel naucious at work. The nausea is still not significant and I generally, if I think of something else, I'll be able to bear it, but still, I thought this second trimester was supposed to be nausea free? Guess not for me!

The other symptoms I'm noticing, which I know is common, is dizziness if I get up from sitting or lying too fast, fatigue at things I'd normally not be tired at (like brushing my hair! or putting on make-up), sleepiness during the day and early evenings, I've been feeling the occasional pull in the side of my abdomen, which I'm pretty sure is the very commented upon...????? (brain fart...what's that pain you get in your side when your uterus is growing?? obviously, pregnancy brain is another huge symptom) and some slight irratability. I can usually catch myself before I throw a hissy fit at DH for no real reason, and he's generally really good and just doing whatever it is I'm demanding because he knows it's not me talking, it's the hormones (or so I'd like to believe).

Ahh, the joys of pregnancy. I'm lovin' it.

3rd/4th PNA update

Work has been hectic recently and it has prevented me from posting about yesterday's appointment, till now. (However, I have been praying to God to help me find a resolution to this hectic work issue and, what do ya know, the Lord has answered! I received some reprieve today, and I'm praying the issue will be resolved by the end of the week! God is really good!)

As for the appointment, it went great! It's so amazing and wonderful to have such positive appointments. Such a beautiful change from those awful appointments I had been having all through the end of last year. DH and I went in and met with my OBGYN, Dr. M, and we were able to discuss a ton of questions that I had written down (since I obviously seem to forget them on the spur of the moment). I got generally good responses to my questions, and Dr. M even commended me on my questions and dedication to exercise. He said he does not often have a pregnant patient who exercises (he approximated that 1 in 10 of his patients exercise), so that was nice to hear.

He also measured my uterus, by taking out a tape measure and measuring from my pubic bone to where he felt the top of my uterus was externally, and said it measured 15.5 CM which he said is just right for how far along I am in pregnancy (15.5 weeks). He also noted that my weight gain was appropriate too - 8lbs total so far (though, I'm always a little concerned about that one).

Then we got down to business. He pulled out the doppler and we looked for baby's heartbeat. He found it much quicker than it took NP Wonderful at the last, last appointment, so that was reassuring. He estimated that baby's average heartbeat was 140BPM. He said anything above 120 is healthy! (Hmmm, according to that old wives tale, anything above 140 would tend to indicate girl and anything under 140 would tend to indicate a boy...guess this baby is not giving away any hints as to what he or she is for now.) He also pointed out how strong and consistent the heartbeat was, which he said was good and indicated a healthy heart. He said if the baby had complications, the heartbeat would not have been as loud or consistent.

It was also cool to hear how the baby would move about while we listened to the heartbeat. The doctor would comment on it and note that he had to switch the doppler's position a bit to "chase" him. Of course, at 15 and half weeks, I still didn't feel any of these movements. Doc said not to worry, that usually, women in their first pregnancy dont feel or recognize baby's movements until 19-22 weeks. He also said baby wont be consistently kicking (which would mean I would need to do daily kick counts) till week 27 or 28.

Over all, Dr. M said we were doing well and applauded me for the great work. I said, it's not me, it's the baby doing well! (And God, of course!). I go back to see him in one month, on July 14. And of course, we have our BIG u/s on July 7 with the peri (or is it neo?) -natologist!!! Sooooo very exciting and a little scary (we'll be checking for birth defects too)!

Quick note on the symptom front - this morning was the first time in a long time I had nausea. I hadn't eaten breakfast before heading into work (b/c food was sounding nasty at the moment, but dont worry i wasn't planning to starve, I packed a breakfast to eat at the office) and during the drive in, I felt the urge to gag and felt very queasy. I quickly got out some dried fruit I had packed as a snack but that was not helping. I got into work and my pregnant co-worker and secretary (mother of 2) noted my pale queasy state and suggested I eat crackers. Luckily I had a stash at work, so I munched on that, and ALL better! =)

Next up, planning my gender reveal party!

15 weeks!

We made it to the end of another week! Hallelujah! I'm a week away from being officially 4 months pregnant. The belly is getting bigger, which means baby is getting bigger (or so I'd like to think, rather than just mommy is getting fatter...which is probably the actual case). I'm clocking in at a whole inch in growth at the waiste as compared to last week -- 35 inches.

Tomorrow is ANOTHER PNA appt. Not sure if you'd call this my 3rd or 4th, because it's my 3rd scheduled PNA, but my 4th visit to the doctor (since we did the little surprise surprise visit and got the 13 week u/s photo of the little squirt). On my mind to ask the doctor is 1) if we're allowed to bring in a recording device to our next u/s appt. on July 7th (which is a little scary for me b/c the last time we brought in a recording device, my camera, was the u/s where we found out we had had a 2nd MC....BUT, we're not thinking negative, ONLY POSITIVE!). And I swear, I had a #2 question but I cannot remember what it is at this time.... Am I nervous, I'm not sure? I guess a part of me is nervous and I doubt I'll ever be super confident at these things (you know, the whole finding out you're baby is dead at one of your prior appts does that to a gal), but I'm feeling fairly good and am confident things will go just swell (and nifty....gee willikers).

The latest on my baby brain -- having a gender reveal party or BBQ to share the gender of our baby with friends and family after our July 7th appt. We're going to ask doc to put the baby's gender (and hopefully a photo showing the "specific part") into an enevelope which we will open while amongst friends and family (if any want to come). It'll be fun to see what everyone's guesses will be right before hand. DH and I have no preferences for this pregnancy, we just want a happy, healthy baby. At first I thought we were having a girl, then I thought we were having a boy, and now I'm confused because I have no idea. I think I still think we're having a girl, but part of me thinks I secretly want a boy (b/c I think DH would be sooo cute with a boy, and even a girl)....who knows!?? Where we're going to have the party? I have no idea...maybe our place? but it's been so beautiful out, so maybe at the beach.....hmm, gonna go with the flow on this one....

Also on the baby brain, figuring out what kinds of stuff we'll need to get the baby - the latest has been car seats and strollers. We haven't really went out to look at these things yet b/c money isn't quite flowing right now (we're going to sell our house sometime soon and in this market, it may mean a loss, but we're praying for a profit and I know God answers prayers!!), and I think we'll *hopefully* get some hand-me-downs from my very fertile friends and family as well as some great shower gifts, but I'm reading up on what's good and what's not. I'm hearing good things about the Graco brand for baby car seats and strollers and the like. I've also heard a good book to help in making these decisions is Baby Bargains, but part of me is being too cheap and doesn't want to spend the $20 it'll cost me to buy the book, so I've been waiting to borrow it from the library (I'm #8 on the request line). I figure, we'll get down to serious buying business in month 6, but I want to plan now, so that should the need ever arise (or the money just fall into our laps), I'll know what to buy.

As for pregnancy symptoms, they're few and pretty good. I see why people call the 2nd trimester the easiest. Though, I must admit, 1st trimester was easy for me too (and these tiny pimples!?? gag me!!!) I've got no nausea, and my urge to pee has subsided. No more waking up in the middle of the night for me! Yippee! My eating is still pretty hefty, so I'm a little nervous to step on that scale at the doctor's office (at my last visit at 13weeks, I was up about 5 lbs since prepregnancy, so imagine how high I'll be two weeks later!!) According to one website, I'm supposed to have gained only about 5lbs as of right now, but I doubt I lost weight the last two weeks, so the number tomorrow will be a doozy! I really meant to be a good girl this weekend and work out so that I could trick the doctor's office scale into thinking I had gained the proper amount of weight, but ah well, that didn't happen, so I guess I'll just have to suffer the consequences of seeing that stupid sliding weight thingy go way way way down to the right side of the scale. ugh...But I'm not complaining, I'm loving this pregnancy....promise. My co-worker also pointed out that I've probably gained the most in my boobies, which I admit, is probably true....these suckers have a mind of their own. I've always complained about being "smallish" but man-oh-man, I miss being small. This puppies are getting in the way!

Without further adieu, here's the latest belly photo (completely with me showing my buttocks off for you all in my bathing suit...sorry for you sensitive stomach readers, avert your eyes if you're easily offended.)

Spoke too soon

I have a habit of doing that...speaking too soon. Apparently, the little one read my post the other day and decided to crank up the pregnancy symptoms, just to say...."hey Mom, I'm still here, don't worry."

Yesterday, the symptoms came back in full force. Nausea in the morning (my kinda light nausea, not really naucious), frequent peeing all day (and I mean at least once every half hour, how irratating), super thirsty always (which didn't helpt the frequent peeing), and those headaches! Bleh, I do not like the headaches. I haven't had them often, but I had them yesterday afternoon and evening and it hurt. I was trying to troop it yesterday because I was at a party with the DH and had big plans to meet up with some of my girlfriends at a bar to watch a band play afterwards. But as the night progressed, my body got more and more exhausted and the headaches were not helping. Eventually, it got to the point where my body kinda wanted to shut down and it hurt to even smile and talk. I thought, there's no way I'm going to make it to meet up with my girlfriends after this party. So, I flaked out and pooped out and went home. DH was disappointed because he was looking forward to staying out (he had had a few beers at the party and was feeling good, but he's a team player and understood). This is the first time I've ever tried pulling a full night of hanging out and going out (usually, I'm at home with the hubsters), and this is the first time my body said, "uh-uh, no ways, you're going home to sleep." It was a little daunting (I'm liking that phrase recently, huh?) I thought, wow, if I'm this tired with the baby in my belly, imagine how tired I'm going to be when he or she comes out? Yikes!

Got another full day ahead today - wedding & reception! But I love those things, so I'm hoping the body will cooperate today. lol.

Symptoms fading

I'm 12weeks 5 days pregnant today. As I enter into the 2nd trimester (whether it be 12 weeks or 13 weeks) I'm finding that what little pregnancy symptoms I had are fading. I no longer have to pee every hour or even have to get up in the middle of the night to pee. While my boobs are still bigger, they're not super sore like before, and even though I really didn't have much nausea, the little that I did have is non-existent. I dont have headaches, I dont feel constipated, I dont have any strong cravings, I'm not as ravenously hungry as before, I'm not really fatigued, and I'm not even that gassy. It's kinda weird, it almost feels like I'm not pregnant, except I have a little belly pooch (which is so not sexy) and the occasional cramp (which is supposed to be the uterus growing). But even though all the pregnancy books and websites say this is completely normal at this time in the pregnancy, it's a little daunting to feel not pregnant. I keep thinking to myself, am I sure I'm pregnant? Is there really someone inside of me who's heart is still beating away? Of course there is and I must only believe and keep the faith that there is and everything is going fine. It's just so weird to not feel pregnant and not look pregnant (just fat) and actually be pregnant. You'd think there'd be more to it than this.

I have a feeling I'll be eating my words in a few months, when I'm complaining about how uncomfortable I am, but for right now, I feel normal.

2nd Prenatal Appointment Tomorrow!

It's almost here! My 2nd prenatal appointment, which is tomorrow at 3:00pm. Wow, it's been soooooo long since I last went to the doctors. Other than the follow up email I sent my doctor after my first appointment (where he told me not to have s.e.x - yeah right), I haven't spoken to or even called my doctor's office. I guess, with Dr. Google and all of my pregnancy boards and the WTE book, I just do not feel the need to. That's a good thing, I think.

I dont know what quite to expect tomorrow. I believe that at my last appointment, I was told this appointment was to be a physical and work up on my medical history and that I will be seeing a nurse practitioner instead of my OB. I've seen this NP before, and I love her, but I have never seen her for this type of thing. I dont think I'll be getting an ultra sound, but I'm hoping that she'll be able to tell me during my exam if all feels right for how far along I am (11 weeks and 1 day!!). At this appointment, I also believe I'll probably receive my next appointment date which will be with Dr. M and will probably involve another ultra sound. Yippee!

I'm still nervous for the appointment tomorrow. Not quite as nervous as I was for my last appointment though....I guess because I just believe that everything is going alright in there. I haven't had any cause for worry (other than my prior MC history) and although, I know just because you have no pain or bleeding doesn't mean everything is A-OK (as was the case with my last MC when I had to have a D&C), I'm just standing on faith that we found the problem that was causing the MCs, fixed it and everything is going smoothly. I prayed to the Lord, and He has answered my prayers....simple as that. Right?!

Another biggie is that I'll be heading to this appointment alone, meaning sans the DH. He'll be working. He's going to try to get off to come with, but if he's on a call, or they're busy doing something, he may not make it. There better not be any bad news (which OFCOURSE THERE WONT BE) because he's my rock and without my rock I'll be a mess. (Nah I wont be, but still, I want DH to be there for both good and bad).

Well, in a little over 30 hours, I'll be at the doctor's office, receiving another perfect report!!! (See, that's me thinking positively).

Oh - on the symptom front - the newest symptoms I've had over the trip and since we returned are gas (talk about fart central...you know, the silent but violent kind....Lord!), constipation, diarrhea (probably mostly due to the bad eating habits I had while on vacation), headaches (they're gone for now and were only mild), bloat (I have a teeny tiny belly, but look more like I'm overeating -which I probably am- rather than carrying a baby. New belly pic to come this weekend). I had some nausea on vacation, but its pretty much gone. I still have the frequent peeing and sore BBs which were and likely will be my constant companion for a while. And the best news of all - I have grown a bra cup size!!! whoooooooooooo! I'm loving that. AND I feel as if I may have to go up another!!!!

Symptom-less

Today, at 7w3d, is a symptom-less day. I feel less nauseated, almost normal, and the bb's are less sore. Yesterday, was a symptom-full day. Felt nauseated for most of the day and the bb's were super sore. Over the weekend, I think I was more symptom-full than less. I woke up this morning and even commented to the hubsters that I felt less pregnant. Ugh. I know its common for symptoms to come and go, and that I'm probably lucky -blah, blah, blah, but I dont know if I like this yo-yo.

I started researching home heart fetal monitors. I'm know I'm way to early for something like this, but man, over 1 month in between doctor's visits to reassure me that all is well down there, is asking a lot for me in terms of faith. But then again, that's what I've been preaching -- walking by faith and not by sight.

So with that said, I better contine to stand on my faith....the Lord has blessed me and this child will be fine. I believe I receive. "Strong in faith...fully persuaded that what God has promised, He is able to perform." Romans 4:20-21.

More on the first baby gift I've received in a little bit -- perhaps on one of those days where I'm symptom-full.