Well, I gained three lbs in a single week - but my blood pressure is good, my thyroid levels are good, and my urine is pure as the driven snow. Woot, woot. The nurse wrote down that my uterus is measuring 36 weeks, however I don't remember her ever pulling out a measuring tape - maybe she's like one of those carnies that can guess your weight just by looking at you?
Some of the ladies on my message board are already talking about how dilated they are so of course I'm wondering if I have started to dilate, but she didn't check. Maybe they start checking that at 36 weeks? Or maybe only if you've started having contractions? I have no idea. I'm not very good at asking questions of people in lab coats.
I have been having some Braxton-Hicks contractions in the last two weeks, but definitely no real contractions. I'm thankful for that. I don't think I could ever relax if I started having contractions as early as some women do. A few women on the board are experiencing preterm labor and it sounds awful. They are having to deal with amniocentesis, nasty drugs, bed rest, and long days in L&D where everybody else is getting to have babies. No thank you! They say that boys lungs take longer to develop than girls so I want little Remy to cook good and long!
On Tuesday Ross and I go to the hospital for the tour! I have been hearing so many good things about this hospital lately - it sounds like freakin' Disneyland!
In other pregnancy news...I don't know if my feet are going to survive this ordeal. First there was the fracture (or suspected fracture, whatever). That took weeks to heal and still gives me weird twinges from time to time. And now, between the swelling, my enormous weight, and the desert air, my poor feet have started to crack all the way from the heel to the ball. I try to keep them moisturized but do you have any idea how hard it is to reach your feet when you have a human being living in your abdomen? It's hard. Normally I'm not the kind of girl to go for a pedicure, but these days I am seriously considering leaving my comfort zone and going for it.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Monday, April 05, 2010
Wandering Rain Showers and our Second 2010 Earthquake!
It's a beautiful day here Vegas. Crisp and bright and colorful. The surrounding mountains are wreathed in clouds but the sky overhead is blue and sunny. I went out for a short walk and found myself being pelted with rain. I Looked up into the crystal clear skies to see hundreds of rain droplets sparkling in the clear, sunny air. This mysterious little shower lasted for half of my walk!
Yesterday we celebrated Easter with a wonderful family, also from Chicago, and some of their friends. After finishing up a delicious meal we were all sitting around the table talking when the chandelier overhead began to rock and swing. This lasted for about minute, and we all puzzled over the cause until about a half hour later the news announced an earthquake on the Baja California/California border! So we've experienced two earthquakes in very unlikely places this year!
Friday, April 02, 2010
34 Weeks Pregnant
34 weeks! According to my book, my uterus is 500-1000x the size it was before I got pregnant! The book also says I should fill a backpack with all the weight I've gained (35 lbs) and strap it on to Ross's front so that he can experience what I'm going through. I like that idea, but someone should think of a way for husbands to experience the rest of the fun. You know - the heartburn, back aches, swollen ankles, pee-pee issues, leaking nipples, skin tags, stretch marks and sleepless nights! Just for a day ;P
I worked on my birth plan this week using a handy online tool. I'm not sure how seriously doctors take those things, but I wanted to have at least thought about the different options so that when it comes time to make decisions I am not caught totally off guard. This may change by the big day, but here's what I've come up with so far:
I had my first appointment with my new OB on Wednesday. It was a huge practice with a big staff and lots of fancy new equipment. My doctor seemed a little youngish, but I'm trying not to be ageist. I will be going in every week now so hopefully any uncertainty I have about this new doctor will be gone by the time I go into labor. Oddly, they moved my due date to May 8th, based on my LMP. Whatever...I'm still going to be thinking May 13th and I certainly won't let them try to talk me into inducing if I go past the 8th date.
Overall, the doctor's appointment was pretty routine. My uterus is measuring right on track. They insisted on doing a pap smear which was kind of annoying but it has been more than a year so ok. After looking at my chart the doctor also said my thyroid levels were a little wonky at the time of my last blood draw, so they ordered more of those. I also asked about my fibroids and he said that we will do an ultrasound to check on my them in about two weeks. Yay, I'm so happy I'll get to see Remy again and check on his position!
Of course, at this stage it's pretty easy for me to tell what his position is and it's still transverse. All I have to do is run my hands down my sides and I can usually feel his head on one side and his bony little bottom or his feet on the other side. He occasionally goes exploring, but never stays for long. At least I don't get kicked in the lungs like some women have described!
The book I mentioned earlier (Great Expectations by Sandy & Marcie Jones) also says that I should have the car seat installed and begin packing my hospital bag this week. Seriously? My due date is more than a month away and then I might even go late! Well, the car seat is not an option because we don't have one yet and we probably won't buy one until the end of April when we can get a discount (that's how we roll, people) but I can at least make a list of what I want to pack in my hospital bag. I want to feel like I'm on track, but I also want to have something to do to keep my from going crazy in the loooong final weeks!
I worked on my birth plan this week using a handy online tool. I'm not sure how seriously doctors take those things, but I wanted to have at least thought about the different options so that when it comes time to make decisions I am not caught totally off guard. This may change by the big day, but here's what I've come up with so far:
- I would like to be free to walk around during labor.
- I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout the first stage of labor.
- I will be bringing my own music to play during labor.
- I would like to wear my glasses it all times when conscious.
- I do not wish to have continuous fetal monitoring unless required by the condition of my baby.
- I do not want an internal monitor unless my baby has shown some sign of distress.
- If labor is not progressing, I would like to have the amniotic membrane ruptured before other methods are used to augment labor.
- I would prefer to be allowed to try changing position and other natural methods before Pitocin is administered.
- I would like to have a walking epidural.
- Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean.
- If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.
- I would like my husband present at all times if my baby requires a Cesarean delivery.
- I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for my baby's safety.
- I would appreciate guidance in when to push and when to stop pushing so the perineum can stretch.
- I would like local anesthetic to repair a tear or an episiotomy.
- I would like to hold the baby for at least 15 minutes before he is photographed, examined, etc.
- I would like to have my baby evaluated and bathed in my presence.
- If my baby must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, my husband will accompany the baby at all times.
- I would like a private room, if available.
- I would like my baby with me during the day but in the nursery at night.
- I would like to meet with a lactation consultant.
- I would like my baby to be circumcised before we check out of the hospital.
- I would like to take still photographs during labor and birth.
I had my first appointment with my new OB on Wednesday. It was a huge practice with a big staff and lots of fancy new equipment. My doctor seemed a little youngish, but I'm trying not to be ageist. I will be going in every week now so hopefully any uncertainty I have about this new doctor will be gone by the time I go into labor. Oddly, they moved my due date to May 8th, based on my LMP. Whatever...I'm still going to be thinking May 13th and I certainly won't let them try to talk me into inducing if I go past the 8th date.
Overall, the doctor's appointment was pretty routine. My uterus is measuring right on track. They insisted on doing a pap smear which was kind of annoying but it has been more than a year so ok. After looking at my chart the doctor also said my thyroid levels were a little wonky at the time of my last blood draw, so they ordered more of those. I also asked about my fibroids and he said that we will do an ultrasound to check on my them in about two weeks. Yay, I'm so happy I'll get to see Remy again and check on his position!
Of course, at this stage it's pretty easy for me to tell what his position is and it's still transverse. All I have to do is run my hands down my sides and I can usually feel his head on one side and his bony little bottom or his feet on the other side. He occasionally goes exploring, but never stays for long. At least I don't get kicked in the lungs like some women have described!
The book I mentioned earlier (Great Expectations by Sandy & Marcie Jones) also says that I should have the car seat installed and begin packing my hospital bag this week. Seriously? My due date is more than a month away and then I might even go late! Well, the car seat is not an option because we don't have one yet and we probably won't buy one until the end of April when we can get a discount (that's how we roll, people) but I can at least make a list of what I want to pack in my hospital bag. I want to feel like I'm on track, but I also want to have something to do to keep my from going crazy in the loooong final weeks!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Feelin' the Love
Is there anything funner than getting a care package in the mail??? Thanks Mom and Steph!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Apartment Pictures
Because Steph's been asking for them, here are pics of the apt!
Living room. Not looking too sharp at the moment. We don't have a table stand for the tv but we weren't able to mount it on the wall because the studs are in the wrong places so it is leaning against the wall for now. Strategically placed pillows hide the cable to the rabbit ears. Subtle! ;P
I love the balcony! It's the entire length of the living room and has a great view. The cats spend most of the day out there.
I'm not a fan of the oak cabinets but I love the size, layout and modern appliances of the new kitchen. It's made getting back into cooking very easy.
No dining room in the apartment so we just shoved Ross's old table up against the wall.
Sitting at the table the wine rack/sideboard is to your left. To the left of that are the stairs going down to the front door and the garage.
Master bathroom and my pretty new towel hanger from TJ Maxx. :)
My tub! Love it! I definitely want one of these in the new house!
New shower curtain from Walmart.
Master bedroom. Definitely need to hang some art in here!
Guest bedroom. It's a small room so it was hard to get a picture.
Ross and I share the office (third bedroom) and it is a total mess, so no picture!
Living room. Not looking too sharp at the moment. We don't have a table stand for the tv but we weren't able to mount it on the wall because the studs are in the wrong places so it is leaning against the wall for now. Strategically placed pillows hide the cable to the rabbit ears. Subtle! ;P
I love the balcony! It's the entire length of the living room and has a great view. The cats spend most of the day out there.
I'm not a fan of the oak cabinets but I love the size, layout and modern appliances of the new kitchen. It's made getting back into cooking very easy.
No dining room in the apartment so we just shoved Ross's old table up against the wall.
Sitting at the table the wine rack/sideboard is to your left. To the left of that are the stairs going down to the front door and the garage.
Master bathroom and my pretty new towel hanger from TJ Maxx. :)
My tub! Love it! I definitely want one of these in the new house!
New shower curtain from Walmart.
Master bedroom. Definitely need to hang some art in here!
Guest bedroom. It's a small room so it was hard to get a picture.
Ross and I share the office (third bedroom) and it is a total mess, so no picture!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Pregnancy Update
So yep, I'm still pregnant. I'll be 33 weeks on Thursday. Remy is big, and strong. I feel bad for him being all squished up in there because he seems to want to stretch out all the time. I'm feeling pretty good, all things considered. I had to buy a new foam topper for the bed because I was so uncomfortable at night, and that has helped a ton. I still have to get up pretty frequently to use the bathroom, but I'm not as creaky in the joints as I was and I fall back to sleep much quicker now.
At this point in the pregancy I'm supposed to be seeing an OB every two weeks but with the move and everything I am way over due for a doctor's appointment. I've finally got one scheduled for next week. I asked for something earlier but they said that unless this is a "high risk" pregnancy that was the best they could do for me. Grrr.
The nice thing is that the doctor and the hospital are like two minutes from the apartment. I can actually see the hospital from my balcony. I don't know how good a hospital it is, but they have a commercial I see everyday that says that this is the hospital to go to if you are having a baby and want to be pampered. As it turns out, I do want to be pampered, so I'm sold. At this late stage in the game, I don't have the time to do a whole lot of vetting.
In case you are wondering, I would not recommend moving in the third trimester to any pregnant woman. When you are pregers airports suck, flying sucks, not having access to healthy food sucks, caring for four cats in various stages of mental breakdown sucks, and leaving your support system sucks. Also, I am pretty sure I broke my foot.
But it was a few weeks of hardship so that we could have a much more secure future - and for that it was well worth it. We have insurance, a steady income, and more sunshine than we know what to do with. We've already met some wonderful people, and Mom and Steph will be coming out for a visit in May. Things are going to be okay.
At this point in the pregancy I'm supposed to be seeing an OB every two weeks but with the move and everything I am way over due for a doctor's appointment. I've finally got one scheduled for next week. I asked for something earlier but they said that unless this is a "high risk" pregnancy that was the best they could do for me. Grrr.
The nice thing is that the doctor and the hospital are like two minutes from the apartment. I can actually see the hospital from my balcony. I don't know how good a hospital it is, but they have a commercial I see everyday that says that this is the hospital to go to if you are having a baby and want to be pampered. As it turns out, I do want to be pampered, so I'm sold. At this late stage in the game, I don't have the time to do a whole lot of vetting.
In case you are wondering, I would not recommend moving in the third trimester to any pregnant woman. When you are pregers airports suck, flying sucks, not having access to healthy food sucks, caring for four cats in various stages of mental breakdown sucks, and leaving your support system sucks. Also, I am pretty sure I broke my foot.
But it was a few weeks of hardship so that we could have a much more secure future - and for that it was well worth it. We have insurance, a steady income, and more sunshine than we know what to do with. We've already met some wonderful people, and Mom and Steph will be coming out for a visit in May. Things are going to be okay.
Pictures from the Move-in Day!
I finally have internet! Yeah! So I'll try to catch up here on some blogging...
These are some pics from the big move-in day - Wednesday, March 10th. We had arrived the night before, and Ross had rented a car and run out to Target to get an air mattress and a few other essentials. It was a strange time in the apartment - there was no furniture, not even a chair to sit on, and the gas wasn't turned on yet so hot showers and cooked meals were out of the question. We slept on the air mattress, which OF COURSE, had to be re-inflated in the middle of the night. Early the next morning Ross left to meet the movers at the storage unit and unload the stuff we wouldn't have room for at the apartment. The cats and I loafed around the empty apartment and waited.
Once the guys arrived everything went pretty quickly.
The bottled water and cheese sticks flowed freely. And eventually Ross went out and got enough food from Burger King to feed an army.
Ross tackled the kitchen so that I wouldn't be tempted to get in there and try to do it myself. It's very hard to "take it easy" when your stuff is in disarray all around you!
By the end of the day the living room looked a little like a bazaar. Some of that stuff ended up in other rooms, and some of it had to go back into boxes until we buy a bigger place. (Can't believe I'm even mentioning the idea of moving again...ugh.)
These are some pics from the big move-in day - Wednesday, March 10th. We had arrived the night before, and Ross had rented a car and run out to Target to get an air mattress and a few other essentials. It was a strange time in the apartment - there was no furniture, not even a chair to sit on, and the gas wasn't turned on yet so hot showers and cooked meals were out of the question. We slept on the air mattress, which OF COURSE, had to be re-inflated in the middle of the night. Early the next morning Ross left to meet the movers at the storage unit and unload the stuff we wouldn't have room for at the apartment. The cats and I loafed around the empty apartment and waited.
Once the guys arrived everything went pretty quickly.
The bottled water and cheese sticks flowed freely. And eventually Ross went out and got enough food from Burger King to feed an army. 
Ross tackled the kitchen so that I wouldn't be tempted to get in there and try to do it myself. It's very hard to "take it easy" when your stuff is in disarray all around you!
By the end of the day the living room looked a little like a bazaar. Some of that stuff ended up in other rooms, and some of it had to go back into boxes until we buy a bigger place. (Can't believe I'm even mentioning the idea of moving again...ugh.)
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Picture Update
Waking up on the air mattress on the first morning at the new apartment.
Nothing makes a new place feel homier than baking a batch of cookies!
African Daisy, one of the two potted plants I bought for the balcony.
We will finally be getting internet service at the apartment this Tuesday and then I should have more to say about our little adventure so far! Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying crazy March weather!
Nothing makes a new place feel homier than baking a batch of cookies!
African Daisy, one of the two potted plants I bought for the balcony.
We will finally be getting internet service at the apartment this Tuesday and then I should have more to say about our little adventure so far! Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying crazy March weather!
Sunday, March 07, 2010
In less than 48 hours we will be at the airport, on the way to our new home!
Today we're heading back to the house to do more cleaning and staging, and then we're going to lunch with Mom and Dad. Tomorrow the relocation service picks up our cars, so the Stangers have volunteered to drive us around for last minute errands. Our to do list gets shorter every day, which should make me feel good, but instead makes me feel like I must be forgetting a million things!
The internet has been my best friend in this move. I can't imagine how people ever did this without google!
Today we're heading back to the house to do more cleaning and staging, and then we're going to lunch with Mom and Dad. Tomorrow the relocation service picks up our cars, so the Stangers have volunteered to drive us around for last minute errands. Our to do list gets shorter every day, which should make me feel good, but instead makes me feel like I must be forgetting a million things!
The internet has been my best friend in this move. I can't imagine how people ever did this without google!
Saturday, March 06, 2010
The Stuff is Vegas Bound
Our stuff is packed up and on the road to Vegas! All that is left in the house is cleaning supplies, some old furniture for staging, and whatever the cats need. Ross and I are staying in a hotel until our flight on Tuesday so that we can have a bed to sleep on, clean towels to shower with, and a microwave to heat food in.
Our plan was to bust our butts this weekend to clean, paint, stage, and do as many improvements as possible before Tuesday but we're starting to hit some serious fatigue from the pace of the last couple of weeks. Fortunately, we got a great quote from a contractor and that takes a lot of the pressure off of us to do things ourselves.
Last night the girls from my old small group got together for a goodbye dinner and gave me some baby things since we won't be doing a real shower anymore. It felt so nice and normal to be hanging out with them, I can hardly believe that I may not see some of them again for a long time :(
Tuesday we'll be flying out with the cats. I'm so nervous about the logistics of that day but at least the end is in sight!
Our plan was to bust our butts this weekend to clean, paint, stage, and do as many improvements as possible before Tuesday but we're starting to hit some serious fatigue from the pace of the last couple of weeks. Fortunately, we got a great quote from a contractor and that takes a lot of the pressure off of us to do things ourselves.
Last night the girls from my old small group got together for a goodbye dinner and gave me some baby things since we won't be doing a real shower anymore. It felt so nice and normal to be hanging out with them, I can hardly believe that I may not see some of them again for a long time :(
Tuesday we'll be flying out with the cats. I'm so nervous about the logistics of that day but at least the end is in sight!
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
On the Move
The big news here is that Ross got a job...in Las Vegas! We flew down there this weekend to do some apartment hunting (we plan to rent until we sell our house here) and signed an 8 month lease on a great place in the Town Center community of northwest Las Vegas. It's got three bedrooms, a two car garage, a garden tub, a dishwasher, a community pool, and, best of all, it's cat friendly! Our unit is at the front of the complex so we have a little mountain view from our balcony :) There is a hospital a block or two from the complex, and lots and lots of shopping centers. We move in a week from today!
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