Lots to update about!
Jason and I completed the childbirth classes and I had a breastfeeding class last week. The breastfeeding class was the best $5 I ever spent. The consultant was awesome. She was able to answer all my questions, bash all myths and provided excellent reference material.
As mentioned in my last post, my doctor upped up due date. He said everything looked fine but with 'family history' as a major factor, he's pretty confident that I'll deliver sometime at the end of October. Yay, a halloween baby and fun costume parties!!! I'm only 34 weeks but starting this week, I see my doctor every week until I deliver. I'm starting to get a little nervous.
My blood sugar levels have been really good with the exception of a few. The dietitian is really happy and said that there is no need for me to get on medication (THANK GOD). I've had a few "high" numbers (>120) but I know it's what I ate. I experiement with food to see what affects me in what way. I've found that I can eat a piece of cake or a brownie or a hot dog w/ a bun. It's the amount that I need to watch for from now on. I can't eat a hot dog w/ chips and pasta salad, for example. Or 2 brownies with a glass of milk. Seems pretty simple. I'm just really, really glad that I don't have to take meds.
I'm starting to feel the aches and pains of pregnancy. My right side gets really sore - ankle and knee crack all the time and my hip kills. I have good and bad nights of sleep. I feel sorry for Jason because when it's a bad night, I toss and turn forever. I know, I know I still haven't posted a picture of my belly. I PROMISE I'LL DO IT TONIGHT.
We have a tour of Labor & Delivery at the hospital in a couple of weeks. That should be interesting. More later on tonight!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Finally...My hormones kick in with a complete meltdown
And I was having such a good day yesterday, too.....
I just had this feeling about the baby's furniture all day yesterday so I called the store to get an update on the order. The guy said he had to call the manufacturer because the furniture was not at the store.
REWIND TO AUGUST 27th - I went to US@ Baby to order the furniture. After doing a lot of research, I knew exactly what I wanted, in what color and what pieces. Very easy sale. Jason wasn't too happy about how much it was going to cost, but he didn't say too much. The first thing I tell the salesman is exactly what I want and my due date (at this time it's 10 weeks away). I asked him if the timing would be a problem. He said, "It's store policy to tell customers that orders take about 8 - 14 weeks for delivery, but since you want a new line it shouldn't take more than 8 weeks because the manufacturer has the furniture in stock at the warehouse." So I put the order in and paid in full.
FAST FORWARD TO SEPTEMBER 24th - I get home from work and there's a message on the answering machine - it's US@ Baby with an update on the furniture. Estimated delivery date (to the store) is December 2. SAY WHAT????? As a reminder, my due date is November 8 - oh, and did I tell you that my doctor bumped up my due date to November 1 and said that I "probably won't make November."?!?! I'll update you on that in a separate post. Back to the furniture. The guy said that he figured I wouldn't be happy and that he called another store to 'see what he can do'. The best they can do is to give me a floor model, free delivery and 10% off. The other store has my crib and chest in stock but not the dressing station - a double dresser in place of the station. To make me feel better he said, 'The double dresser is more expensive and we'd give it to you for free.' Thanks a@#hole but that's not what we ordered and we didn't pay $2200 for a floor model.
After crying hysterically (and Jason thinking that I'm a whack job), I looked at the sales slip for the refund policy. I can get my money back in full within 60 days of purchase (not delivery) as long as it isn't a special order. I'm nervous because I don't know what constitutes a special order. I plan on calling another store (one I haven't dealt w/ yet so they don't know me) and asking to define a special order. If I can get a refund, I will.
I just had this feeling about the baby's furniture all day yesterday so I called the store to get an update on the order. The guy said he had to call the manufacturer because the furniture was not at the store.
REWIND TO AUGUST 27th - I went to US@ Baby to order the furniture. After doing a lot of research, I knew exactly what I wanted, in what color and what pieces. Very easy sale. Jason wasn't too happy about how much it was going to cost, but he didn't say too much. The first thing I tell the salesman is exactly what I want and my due date (at this time it's 10 weeks away). I asked him if the timing would be a problem. He said, "It's store policy to tell customers that orders take about 8 - 14 weeks for delivery, but since you want a new line it shouldn't take more than 8 weeks because the manufacturer has the furniture in stock at the warehouse." So I put the order in and paid in full.
FAST FORWARD TO SEPTEMBER 24th - I get home from work and there's a message on the answering machine - it's US@ Baby with an update on the furniture. Estimated delivery date (to the store) is December 2. SAY WHAT????? As a reminder, my due date is November 8 - oh, and did I tell you that my doctor bumped up my due date to November 1 and said that I "probably won't make November."?!?! I'll update you on that in a separate post. Back to the furniture. The guy said that he figured I wouldn't be happy and that he called another store to 'see what he can do'. The best they can do is to give me a floor model, free delivery and 10% off. The other store has my crib and chest in stock but not the dressing station - a double dresser in place of the station. To make me feel better he said, 'The double dresser is more expensive and we'd give it to you for free.' Thanks a@#hole but that's not what we ordered and we didn't pay $2200 for a floor model.
After crying hysterically (and Jason thinking that I'm a whack job), I looked at the sales slip for the refund policy. I can get my money back in full within 60 days of purchase (not delivery) as long as it isn't a special order. I'm nervous because I don't know what constitutes a special order. I plan on calling another store (one I haven't dealt w/ yet so they don't know me) and asking to define a special order. If I can get a refund, I will.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
It's not just the hormones
I am so hurt and angry right now that I think even the baby is hurt and angry......
Friday, September 07, 2007
Prenatal Appointment #7
It's been a crazy week!
On Tuesday and Wednesday I met with a diabetic counselor and dietitian. They gave me a really good explanation on gestational diabetes (GD) and how pregnancy hormones literally make your body go totally wacko. Before the appointment, I was asked to keep a food diary. After the dietitian looked over my list, she had only one complaint.....I ate way too much for breakfast. WHAT???? My typical breakfast (before Wednesday) consisted of either a bowl of cereal (Kashi or plain Cheerios) w/ fruit and a glass of something to drink or a bagel w/ veggie cream cheese w/ yogurt and fruit. I didn't think that was bad. Well, come to learn that people are most glucose intolerant in the morning (since you sleep all night) and because of that, you shouldn't eat a huge breakfast because that'll make your blood sugar level skyrocket. Now I eat something on the order of 1 piece of toast and an egg or an egg w/ a glass of milk.
I've learned to count carbs. It seems like *everything* has a carb point associated with it. The first day was tough, but I'm getting the hang of it. Plus everytime I've checked my glucose level this week (since I got the meter), I've had "normal" readings.
Yesterday I had my biweekly appointment w/ my OB and it was pretty uneventful. He asked how the earlier appointments went and if I had any questions. He was glad to hear that my readings are good, explaining that he is mostly concerned b/c of my family history. He did something that kind of caught me off guard.....He measured my belly. Is that an indirect way of "measuring" the baby??? He explained to me that my belly should be around the same number in centimeters as I am in weeks along - which I was exactly that. He said the baby is head down on my left with his back curled around my belly and his feet are just above and to the right of my belly button. So that's the hard-as-a-rock lump that I've been feeling at 4am every day! I always thought it was his butt or something.
Jason and I start childbirthing class on Monday (2 classes from 6:30 - 8:30pm). That's going to be a trip. This is going to give me a good indication of how he's going to handle the birth. I find it to be extremely unattractive and semi-gross. That's just me. Hopefully Jason will be better than me. We've discussed labor and he pretty much said it's up to me since I'll be going through with it. I want to try really hard to deliver naturally (meaning no pain treatment). Nothing against epidurals or anything like that, but I feel that my body will naturally tell me when the baby is ready and feeling the contraction (as painful as I heard they are) will tell me when to push. Why interfere with what my body will tell me to do on its own? That is just my perspective. Obviously a ton of factors will come into play on the day of delivery that may take that choice from me. I'm fine w/ that too.
This weekend my cousin is throwing us a diaper party.....Typically diaper parties are just for the guys. Since women have the baby shower; guys get together, bringing a pack of diapers to the party and drink, play cards, do whatever guys do when they're together. Well, when my cousin was pregnant, I hosted one for her, but made it more of a family affair. So, in return, she's doing the same for Jason and me. That'll be fun.
Not much else going on - for now!
On Tuesday and Wednesday I met with a diabetic counselor and dietitian. They gave me a really good explanation on gestational diabetes (GD) and how pregnancy hormones literally make your body go totally wacko. Before the appointment, I was asked to keep a food diary. After the dietitian looked over my list, she had only one complaint.....I ate way too much for breakfast. WHAT???? My typical breakfast (before Wednesday) consisted of either a bowl of cereal (Kashi or plain Cheerios) w/ fruit and a glass of something to drink or a bagel w/ veggie cream cheese w/ yogurt and fruit. I didn't think that was bad. Well, come to learn that people are most glucose intolerant in the morning (since you sleep all night) and because of that, you shouldn't eat a huge breakfast because that'll make your blood sugar level skyrocket. Now I eat something on the order of 1 piece of toast and an egg or an egg w/ a glass of milk.
I've learned to count carbs. It seems like *everything* has a carb point associated with it. The first day was tough, but I'm getting the hang of it. Plus everytime I've checked my glucose level this week (since I got the meter), I've had "normal" readings.
Yesterday I had my biweekly appointment w/ my OB and it was pretty uneventful. He asked how the earlier appointments went and if I had any questions. He was glad to hear that my readings are good, explaining that he is mostly concerned b/c of my family history. He did something that kind of caught me off guard.....He measured my belly. Is that an indirect way of "measuring" the baby??? He explained to me that my belly should be around the same number in centimeters as I am in weeks along - which I was exactly that. He said the baby is head down on my left with his back curled around my belly and his feet are just above and to the right of my belly button. So that's the hard-as-a-rock lump that I've been feeling at 4am every day! I always thought it was his butt or something.
Jason and I start childbirthing class on Monday (2 classes from 6:30 - 8:30pm). That's going to be a trip. This is going to give me a good indication of how he's going to handle the birth. I find it to be extremely unattractive and semi-gross. That's just me. Hopefully Jason will be better than me. We've discussed labor and he pretty much said it's up to me since I'll be going through with it. I want to try really hard to deliver naturally (meaning no pain treatment). Nothing against epidurals or anything like that, but I feel that my body will naturally tell me when the baby is ready and feeling the contraction (as painful as I heard they are) will tell me when to push. Why interfere with what my body will tell me to do on its own? That is just my perspective. Obviously a ton of factors will come into play on the day of delivery that may take that choice from me. I'm fine w/ that too.
This weekend my cousin is throwing us a diaper party.....Typically diaper parties are just for the guys. Since women have the baby shower; guys get together, bringing a pack of diapers to the party and drink, play cards, do whatever guys do when they're together. Well, when my cousin was pregnant, I hosted one for her, but made it more of a family affair. So, in return, she's doing the same for Jason and me. That'll be fun.
Not much else going on - for now!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Prenatal Appointment #6 - New Doctor
I had my first appointment with my new OB/Gyn and it went better than I had expected. When I checked in, his nurse gave me a packet containing a boat-load of information; a preferred list of pediatricians/family doctors, a 1-year free subscription to Parents magazine, office and appointment protocol, emergency phone numbers, hospital information, etc. That was pretty cool. I actually begin to feel like the doctor believes it's important to have informed patients.
My appointment started off with the typical - blood pressure reading, weigh in and pee in a cup. Then I met the doctor in his office to talk about family history, how I'm feeling, answer any questions, etc. He said my weight gain was right on target and to keep walking because it's going to help me tremendously right before and during labor.
The only real concern he had for me was failing the glucose test. He explained that the 'normal range' is below 140 mg/dl, 'pre diabetes range' is 140 - 200 mg/dl and 'diabetes range' is above 200 mg/dl. My result was 197 mg/dl. He said he wasn't too concerned about my result, but what made him concerned was that my grandma died of complications due to diabetes. He suggested that I bypass the 3-hour test because of my family history, he's going to treat me as a diabetic. Therefore, I have to meet with a dietitian to discuss what and when I eat during the day.
I will never forget what my high school biology teacher said about procreation......"Be careful who you choose to share your genetic profile with because it's going to directly affect your children." I would like to thank my family members for some of my undesirable genes.
Other than that, everything is going really well. The bedroom is done, the furniture is ordered, we're registered and the baby shower is planned. Now we just wait......
My appointment started off with the typical - blood pressure reading, weigh in and pee in a cup. Then I met the doctor in his office to talk about family history, how I'm feeling, answer any questions, etc. He said my weight gain was right on target and to keep walking because it's going to help me tremendously right before and during labor.
The only real concern he had for me was failing the glucose test. He explained that the 'normal range' is below 140 mg/dl, 'pre diabetes range' is 140 - 200 mg/dl and 'diabetes range' is above 200 mg/dl. My result was 197 mg/dl. He said he wasn't too concerned about my result, but what made him concerned was that my grandma died of complications due to diabetes. He suggested that I bypass the 3-hour test because of my family history, he's going to treat me as a diabetic. Therefore, I have to meet with a dietitian to discuss what and when I eat during the day.
I will never forget what my high school biology teacher said about procreation......"Be careful who you choose to share your genetic profile with because it's going to directly affect your children." I would like to thank my family members for some of my undesirable genes.
Other than that, everything is going really well. The bedroom is done, the furniture is ordered, we're registered and the baby shower is planned. Now we just wait......
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Lots to talk about!
I have lots to say today, so here it goes:
-I found a new OB/GYN! I'm so super excited! His office isn't too far from my house (about 6 miles) and is affiliated w/ Toledo Hospital (also about 6 miles away). Aside from the poor disposition of my old doctor (OD), I was more concerned about hospital affiliation. The OD is affliated w/ Mercy Memorial in Monroe, which is about 15 miles away. It really bothered me when I found out that Mercy doesn't have a NICU. If something happened during delivery or with the baby, then he would be life flighted to Toledo Hospital. Needless to say, I would feel a ton better if I was at a hospital that could deal w/ a high level emergency, if necessary. My first appointment w/ the new doctor is on the 22nd. His office staff were so nice. The woman I talked to about my insurance explained *everything* to me - tailoring the conversation to the insurance plan Jason and I have. Everything from the cost of a natural birth to C-section to ultrasounds to pain meds during delivery, etc. Basically, I will know exactly how much it's going to cost for this baby to be delivered. Thank God for insurance. The only thing that I'm concerned about is his office hours. I hope I don't have to take too much time off from work to get to my appointments. With my OD, I was able to leave work at my "regular" time and get to his office on time. We'll see - at this point, it's a small sacrifice to feel a little more comfortable and happy w/ prenatal care.
-I went in yesterday for my gestational diabetes test. A nurse from my OD's office called today to tell me that I "failed". A normal glucose level is 140 (for a 1-hour test) and mine was 197. Now my OD wants me to go in for a 3-hour test. I'm not going to do it before my new doctor has a chance to review my records. Has anyone else "failed" their test? *sigh* I eat well and have stayed active. I've only gained 14 lbs so far. Is it genetic?
-One of my pet peeves is creeping up again.....Remember when I said that my plan all along was to find out what we are having and NOT tell anyone? Do you remember why? Because I'm afraid that if we tell people we're having a boy or a girl, we'll get EVERYTHING in blue or pink, respectively. Well, bless her heart, my MIL brought over a bag of baby clothes. All of the outfits are super adorable and to die for, but they're all blue. I didn't have the heart to say "don't start this evil trend" because the clothes are really, really cute. So, I just vented to Jason.
-Speaking of Jason, he's coming home tomorrow from China. I hate China. He's been gone for 2 weeks and it sucks. I don't sleep well when I'm alone. I get really paranoid that someone is going to break into the house and kill me. I know, I watch way too many scary movies......I can't wait for tomorrow :)
-Creepy story: I got three calls yesterday from a number that I didn't recognize, so I didn't answer the phone (cell phone). On the third call (at 8:30 pm), I decided to answer it because I thought that maybe it was a friend that had changed their cell phone number and wanted to make sure I got it. HUGE MISTAKE. This guy was on the other end babbling something about the freight company he works for is trying to deliver a package to my sister (he didn't identify her as my sister, but said her name - although mispronounced her first). Then he said that there is a sticker on the package that says if it's lost or undeliverable to call "Dina or Deanna" at *my cell phone number*. Anyone who has known me for a long time knows that I get very leary when it comes to my sister. Why? Because she's used my name for credit, she's opened accounts in my name, used me as a reference on loans she and her hubby have reneged on, etc. Not very trustworthy, to put it mildly. Now since he mispronounced my name, I totally played it off like I had no idea who he was talking about. I said that I didn't order anything and my name wasn't either of the two he mentioned. I apologized for not be able to help. I don't know if he wanted me to give him my address or what, but I started to get edgy when he didn't want me to hang up. I repeated that I didn't order anything and that I wasn't who he's looking for. After I got off the phone, I immediately called my sister. She said she didn't order anything and had no idea why this creep was calling me. I got a copy of my credit report to make sure everything is kosher and it was, thankfully. I tried calling the number that guy called from (at work so he didn't recognize the number) and it rang forever. No voicemail, no secretary, no answering machine. Hmmmmmmm
-Guess what today is?! The first Lions' preseason game!!! YIPPEEE - football season is here! Cheers to spending Sundays on the couch for 6 hours straight! I love football. I'm trying to get on a Fantasy league. The league I was on last year didn't invite me back because I won 2nd place by beating 14 other guys (at least that's what I think). I'm trying to get with the league I was on 2 years ago. The people were super fun, I just didn't like how the commissioner ran the league. We'll see how this year goes.....Game time is at 7:30 pm against the Bengals.
More later.
-I found a new OB/GYN! I'm so super excited! His office isn't too far from my house (about 6 miles) and is affiliated w/ Toledo Hospital (also about 6 miles away). Aside from the poor disposition of my old doctor (OD), I was more concerned about hospital affiliation. The OD is affliated w/ Mercy Memorial in Monroe, which is about 15 miles away. It really bothered me when I found out that Mercy doesn't have a NICU. If something happened during delivery or with the baby, then he would be life flighted to Toledo Hospital. Needless to say, I would feel a ton better if I was at a hospital that could deal w/ a high level emergency, if necessary. My first appointment w/ the new doctor is on the 22nd. His office staff were so nice. The woman I talked to about my insurance explained *everything* to me - tailoring the conversation to the insurance plan Jason and I have. Everything from the cost of a natural birth to C-section to ultrasounds to pain meds during delivery, etc. Basically, I will know exactly how much it's going to cost for this baby to be delivered. Thank God for insurance. The only thing that I'm concerned about is his office hours. I hope I don't have to take too much time off from work to get to my appointments. With my OD, I was able to leave work at my "regular" time and get to his office on time. We'll see - at this point, it's a small sacrifice to feel a little more comfortable and happy w/ prenatal care.
-I went in yesterday for my gestational diabetes test. A nurse from my OD's office called today to tell me that I "failed". A normal glucose level is 140 (for a 1-hour test) and mine was 197. Now my OD wants me to go in for a 3-hour test. I'm not going to do it before my new doctor has a chance to review my records. Has anyone else "failed" their test? *sigh* I eat well and have stayed active. I've only gained 14 lbs so far. Is it genetic?
-One of my pet peeves is creeping up again.....Remember when I said that my plan all along was to find out what we are having and NOT tell anyone? Do you remember why? Because I'm afraid that if we tell people we're having a boy or a girl, we'll get EVERYTHING in blue or pink, respectively. Well, bless her heart, my MIL brought over a bag of baby clothes. All of the outfits are super adorable and to die for, but they're all blue. I didn't have the heart to say "don't start this evil trend" because the clothes are really, really cute. So, I just vented to Jason.
-Speaking of Jason, he's coming home tomorrow from China. I hate China. He's been gone for 2 weeks and it sucks. I don't sleep well when I'm alone. I get really paranoid that someone is going to break into the house and kill me. I know, I watch way too many scary movies......I can't wait for tomorrow :)
-Creepy story: I got three calls yesterday from a number that I didn't recognize, so I didn't answer the phone (cell phone). On the third call (at 8:30 pm), I decided to answer it because I thought that maybe it was a friend that had changed their cell phone number and wanted to make sure I got it. HUGE MISTAKE. This guy was on the other end babbling something about the freight company he works for is trying to deliver a package to my sister (he didn't identify her as my sister, but said her name - although mispronounced her first). Then he said that there is a sticker on the package that says if it's lost or undeliverable to call "Dina or Deanna" at *my cell phone number*. Anyone who has known me for a long time knows that I get very leary when it comes to my sister. Why? Because she's used my name for credit, she's opened accounts in my name, used me as a reference on loans she and her hubby have reneged on, etc. Not very trustworthy, to put it mildly. Now since he mispronounced my name, I totally played it off like I had no idea who he was talking about. I said that I didn't order anything and my name wasn't either of the two he mentioned. I apologized for not be able to help. I don't know if he wanted me to give him my address or what, but I started to get edgy when he didn't want me to hang up. I repeated that I didn't order anything and that I wasn't who he's looking for. After I got off the phone, I immediately called my sister. She said she didn't order anything and had no idea why this creep was calling me. I got a copy of my credit report to make sure everything is kosher and it was, thankfully. I tried calling the number that guy called from (at work so he didn't recognize the number) and it rang forever. No voicemail, no secretary, no answering machine. Hmmmmmmm
-Guess what today is?! The first Lions' preseason game!!! YIPPEEE - football season is here! Cheers to spending Sundays on the couch for 6 hours straight! I love football. I'm trying to get on a Fantasy league. The league I was on last year didn't invite me back because I won 2nd place by beating 14 other guys (at least that's what I think). I'm trying to get with the league I was on 2 years ago. The people were super fun, I just didn't like how the commissioner ran the league. We'll see how this year goes.....Game time is at 7:30 pm against the Bengals.
More later.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Ballpark Trip 2008
We've decided to hit Yankee Stadium next summer. I guess '08 is the last season before the team gets a new ballpark. It'll be fun because I love NYC and Jason has never been there. I already know where we're going to stay, now we just have to wait until March 1st for the 2008 schedule to come out!!!
Traveling with an infant (the baby is going to be about 10 months old) is going to be a challenge but we have to do it. If we're going to travel once a year to a park, then we might as well break him in early. This could get interesting....We haven't decided if we're going to fly or drive. My vote is to fly. I'd rather take my chances on a 2 hour flight than an 8 or 9 hour drive.
I'm excited and it's a whole year away!!
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