So would you mind keeping an eye on his poop?

Haha!!! My little boy was a bit constipated so I called the doc. They said to add one teaspoon per two ounces of formula of Dark Caro Syrup as needed. So I started doing that. Alex generally has his daily BM at daycare (lucky me) so I had to ask them "Would you mind keeping an eye on his poop"? THAT was an interesting conversation.

I'm so tired I can't even spell

He "parties" like a rock star.

My little marshmallow party's like a rock star---at night

So, Alex was getting close to sleeping through the night. He was only waking up once per night. That was manageable. Now for the past two weeks he's been waking up at 1am, 4am and for good around 5:30am. I am a zombie.

He is four months old today!

Alex still isn't sleeping through the night...WHEN?!!!!

My boy has been sick most of his life now. So have I. Ugh. We are trying to wrap up our SECOND cold since he has been born. We both have it. It's so annoying and I feel so bad that he is dealing with this. Poor baby. Having to suck the snot out of his nose is NOT fun. I believe the mucus in his tummy is keeping him from eating all that he should in one feeding so he is eating more frequently which causes him to wake up...Hope he feels better soon!

By the way, I highly recommend the battery operated snot sucker. It's helpful.

No Ben...these are not guns

I got a picture from my sister the other day. This is her son (my nephew) Ben. He is four years old and thought these would make some cool guns for his playtime. What do you think?

GREAT WEBSITE!

My sister started this blog and she is a wonderful mother. I know you will enjoy her web/blog.
http://www.themommyhood.com/

My boy is 3 months old!

I can't believe how fast time seems to be going. Everyone told me to cherish every moment and I truly have. I've caught myself a few times trying to do too much with work or personal obligations. One day, I only got to spend time with Alex in the morning. My husband picked him up from Daycare, then I didn't get home til late and he was already asleep for the night. I made a decision right then that I would not let that happen again. Nothing is more important then spending time with my son. Nothing. If he can't go with me? I'm not going! To a point here folks. One of my things I enjoy is going to see a movie. I will continue to do that, but beyond that, nope. I don't want to look back and say that I missed time with my son because I was working too much. So I need to find a nice healthy balance.

Party in my crib 2am!

Someone bought Alex a cute little onesie that said "Party in my Crib 2am". I should have had him wear it last night. It was a great party! Yeah...right...

My feet grew...

What is UP with that???  None of my shoes fit after being pregnant!  I'm not totally healed yet from childbirth and my body is slowly returning to it's old frumpy jiggly self, but of all the things, I never thought my FEET would get bigger!  I've asked around and all the mom's agree that this happens to your feet.  Even better?  My right foot is bigger than my left foot.  Unbelievable.  

So what did I get from pregnancy?  Long-lasting stretch marks and fat feet.  But a beautiful, amazing, sweet little boy that I love more than I can possibly explain.  Who cares about my stupid feet anyway? 

Alex is 2 months old now and I've gone back to work.

This past Monday, October 19th, I came back to work.  I am happy to be back, but I miss hanging out with Alex all day everyday.  I gotta' tell you though, by about the 4th week I was starting to go a little bit bonkers.  I am a very active person and my mind runs about 100 miles an hour constantly.  So although my body was content with all the rest, my mind was going nuts.  So it's good to be at work where I can release all that intellectual energy and when I pick up my son each afternoon, it's all about him from that moment on.

Also, I love his daycare.  They are so sweet and I know they are caring for him even better than I could during the daytimes.  They made me fell totally at ease Monday morning when I dropped him off.  I had cried the night before the first day and barely slept from the anxiety of yet another life change, but once I cried when I dropped him off, I haven't cried since.  Everything sorta feels right now.  

Alex is 6 weeks old now!

Wow...6 weeks have gone by.  On October 16th, Alex will have his 2 month immunization shots and then I will return to work on October 19th.  I was going to try to come back to work on October 12th, but decided to wait one more week for Alex to get his shots and for him to pass that 2 month mark before I take him to daycare.  I know when I drop him off, I will be a basket case, but I'm ready for life to be the way it's going to be.  I'm ready to figure out how to balance work and life with a new baby.  

I had my 6 week post-natal check up with Dr. Martin too.  Everything looks great and she said the swelling in my stomach should subside completely around  three months.  Do you know after 6 weeks that my stomach muscles are STILL sore?  That was quite a workout I guess!  

Being pregnant and delivering Alex is all sort of a distant memory now.  My life now revolves around this adorable little boy who now is smiling at me!  What a beautiful smile it is!  

Alex is almost 5 weeks old already!

Wow.  People weren't kidding.  Enjoy every minute, because the time flies by!  No kidding.  I'm really, truly making sure I enjoy every moment with my baby.  He is so amazing.  Every day I swear he looks different and he does something different.  He's so beautiful and I am still so amazed that I MADE that!  So he is 5 weeks old now and I will be returning to work soon.  

I dread the day I drop him off at daycare.  D-R-E-A-D it.  I bawled my eyes out when I had to leave my cat at the vet overnight.  Can you imagine?  I'm going to be a total wreck.  But, it's part of life I guess and I know he will be in good hands.  

It was green, runny and smelly and I swear it laughed a me as I was gagging..

The things that come out of my child.  Shewwee.  Geez!  Only a mother could deal with THAT!  I don't think I need to explain where I encountered the title of this blog.  

Alex is better...it has nothing to do with his cold.  

Alex has a little cold

Even though I have stayed indoors for weeks, somehow I got a cold.  And now my little son seems to have it too.  

Guess you can't protect them no matter what you do.  

Mini Identity Crisis

Alex is 20 days old today and he and I both are getting into a groove with each other.  I love being a Mom, but I'm sort of having a mini identity crisis.  How do I be who I was and be who I am now at the same time?  Sound confusing?  It is.  No matter how many people said "a baby changes everything", I really didn't GET IT until now.  A baby truly does change everything.  For the better, but it's an interesting life-altering change.  I can't just come and go as I please the way I used to.  It's  not necessarily about what I want now.  Alex comes first.  When his needs are met, I can think about taking care of something I want or need.  

It's interesting.  

Two weeks old today!

Alex and I have successfully made it two weeks!  It's been an interesting journey learning about Alex.  He has very distinct cries.  I have figured out a couple of them so far, but there are a few that remain a mystery.  He has pretty much kept the crying to his basic needs, but each evening he seems to like crying for no reason.  Can't quite figure that one out!  

He is a beautiful, healthy baby boy and he is developing nicely.  And like his Mommy...the boy likes to eat!  ;)

What's with all the snaps???

Baby Clothing is interesting. You can hold up two newborn outfits side by side and one is bigger than the other. Like huge. Same goes with the upward sizes too. It's the strangest thing. I suppose baby clothes aren't that different from women's clothing? You know how you can try on a size in one brand and try the same size in another brand and they are totally different?

Looks like the same goes for baby clothes. And what's with all the snaps? Geez. You get the outfit out, undo all the snaps, lay the baby in the clothing and then it takes forever to get the snaps to match where they snap in the right way. I have found that clothing with zippers is much better. But some of the cute stuff has snaps! So I wait for a less-frustrating day to make my son more fashion savvy.

Oh, and nightgowns are the best! Open at the bottom? So much easier to change him in the middle of the night. I can't imagine dealing with snaps at 4am.

Make sure you have plenty of nightgowns.

Pacifiers have legs...

One thing we have noticed is that there is the constant dilemma of the missing pacifier. One minute you have it, the next minute you don't. You'll swear you have it, you'll get all settled in with the baby and the blanket and the burp cloth and then you realize, you don't have the pacifier. The frustration of it all.

I swear that pacifiers grow legs and walk off when you aren't paying attention.

Eat. Sleep. Change Diaper. Repeat.

Alex is 8 days old today. He is amazing and I can't stop staring at him. I have fallen into the schedule of motherhood. We eat, we sleep, we change the diaper and repeat. It's a fairly simple process. We have been lucky with Alex so far in that he only cries when he needs his basic needs met. About once per day he will start crying and after realizing that his basic needs have been met, we can only scratch our heads with curiosity. But we have found a few methods that work to quiet him down. The walking shake and butt pat works. Mylicon works if we feel he's gassy. And carrying him outside works well too. Let the adventure continue!

It's 11:13pm and it's our first night at home...

Ahhh...the joys of motherhood. I don't think I have slept 8 hours in 3 days. I'm sitting in a chair in the babies nursery listening to him sleep and updating my blog. I am so exhausted that I CAN'T sleep. I'm not sure where this energy is coming from, but it's bound to end soon. I haven't slept since 4am this morning.

I've had some mini-breakdowns. One yesterday after I had a lot of visitors. On top of that, Dr. Martin came in to circumcise Alex. It was great seeing her but there was so much commotion in the room that I really didn't get to talk with her or absorb what she was telling me. I need to call her on Monday to ask her what she told me.

Then Dr. Feld, the Pediatrician came in to check on Alex. It was calm then so we had a nice visit with him. Alex has a dimple at the base of his spine. We were told this when the nurses checked Alex right after birth. Dr. Feld's NP checked him and said it was closed and everything was fine. Thank God because that could have been Spina Bifida. We dodged a bullet there.

Then the picture lady came to take some newborn pictures of Alex. So all of that was going on while we had a room full of visitors. The pictures turned out beautifully though.

The the lady came to do the hearing test. He passed. Whew!

So then finally...finally...I had a moment of peace and quiet. My nurse came in and asked me how in the heck I handled all of that. As it turns out, I didn't. After my nurse left the room a lady brought in my lunch. I had ordered the roast turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy. I was so hungry. I opened the lid and there was NO GRAVY! What kind of southern establishement doesn't bring gravy with the mashed potatoes???? Well that was it. I lost it. I started crying hysterically. Everything hit me all at once and I just started crying and couldn't stop. Well a poor unsuspecting nurse came in to get something and noticed me crying. She asked me if I was okay and I said I was, I was just overwhelmed. She went and told my nurse and my nurse came back in to talk with me. She has four children of her own and knows how overwhelming it all is. She asked me if I intended to leave that night (Saturday). I told her yes and she said, "I'm not trying to tell you what to do or give you unsolicited advice, but I recommend that you stay tonight and let us help you". Well after that? I totally decided I wasn't ready to do this on my own at home. I decided to stay one more night and I'm so glad that I did. There were a few things I was able to do like feed him and change his nasty diaper all by myself. I learned a lot. I had sent my husband home for the night to try to get some real rest. One of us needed to rest at least. so I got some good experience and felt a lot more confident coming home today.

So here I am, midnight now. I had to take a break because Alex had pee'd up his back and was miserable. I got him changed, swaddled and he is now sitting with me as I type this. I hope to put him back in his crib soon so I can try to get some sleep. Wish me luck.

Alex Laine

Alex Laine
Born August 21, 2009
12:10pm
8 lbs. 2 ounces
21 inches long

Love of my life...
Jennifer

Welcome to the world!

Alex Laine was born on Friday, August 21st at 12:10pm. He is 8 pounds 3 ounces, 21 inches long and completely amazing. Even as I'm typing this, a tear comes to my eye. All I can do is stare at him. He's beautiful and I can't believe he's mine.

I'm sure you are wondering "How'd it go?". Well...let's just say, there is no kinda pain that compares to labor.

I had a doctor's appointment Thursday afternoon at 3:45pm. Dr. Martin inserted a Foley Catheter into my cervix and placed water in it to help expand my cervix. The goal was 3cm. I started feeling mild contractions every 10 minutes or so throughout the evening. Not bad at all. We checked into St. Mary's Hospital at Midnight Thursday night. The nurses are absolutely incredible. They put an IV in me and started the petocin. I started getting contractions regularly every 10 minutes. Not bad, but uncomfortable to where I couldn't sleep. They gave me some medicine that was great and I guess I got about 4 hours of sleep. Broken sleep since I had to go to the bathroom, but sleep at least.

My doctor came in around 6:30am to check on me and I was at 4 cm so she was pleased. She was also surprised I didn't have my epidural yet. I hadn't needed it, but all of a sudden, wham! My contractions were coming every 2 minutes and so incredibly painful that I thought I was gonna' die. I cannot even describe that pain. Well the anesthesiologist was in a C section. I got to the point where I just could not stand it and finally my nurse brought in a doctor from heart surgery to do my epidural. He swept in there, laid me on my side, gave me my epidural like it was nothing. And it was. It was smooth, flawless and I wanted to name my baby after him. I immediately felt some relief. I was able to rest a bit more after that. Well after awhile I could feel some pain in my left hip, then my right. The epidural was wearing off and I had gone from 5cm to 9cm in a little over an hour! I knew I wouldn't be able to stand the pain to start pushing at 10cm. So they brought in another doctor to give me more of the epidural medicine. That numbed me completely and I couldn't feel anything. Nothing. Hard to know "where" you are pushing to, but we worked it out.

So I pushed for a bit. Not too bad, but not huge progress. I believe the nurses became concerned because they called in Dr. Martin earlier than planned. She whisked in there, checked me out and found that the cord was around the babies neck. Not in a bad way, but it was preventing him from moving forward and his heart rate would drop when I pushed. Also , the muscles were so tight in my pelvis, they wouldn't allow the baby to pass through. He was too far down in the birth canal though at that point for a C-section so she went after him with the forceps. It was very fast from there. There was an army of nurses and Dr. Martin. They delivered Alex, swept him up, cleaned him up and were absolutely 100% amazing.

My husband and were both crying. I was mostly waiting for the big cry. Once I heard that big ole' cry, I knew my baby was okay.

The nurses noticed a dimple though at the base of his spine. Which could have meant something was wrong with his spine. But they wanted to let the doctor look at him. I didn't let myself worry about it. The nurse practicioner for Dr. Feld came in to look at him. She said the dimple was closed and his spine is just fine.

My baby is perfect and I am so grateful to my husband, Dr. Duy-Thu Martin and her staff and the staff at St. Mary's Hospital for making my pregnancy and birth a truly amazing time of my life. I highly recommend Dr. Martin. She is a no-nonsense, hard working doctor who kept me in line from day one to ensure I had a healthy pregnancy.

Pregnant? Call her up: 546-6721.
and I highly recommend St. Mary's Hospital for your delivery.

I will have pictures of Baby Alex for you very soon.

Wow, the countdown is officially here.

I am 39 weeks pregnant this week.  I am off work on maternity leave now and I will be induced this Friday. I go back and forth from being really excited to really scared.  I'm just sort of plugging right along day by day, hour by hour.  I don't think I really realize what's about to happen.  But there is no doubt in my mind that I want this baby more than anything in the world.   The nursery is ready.  I think I have everything I need.  We go into the hospital this Thursday night at Midnight to start the petocin and induce labor.  Hopefully everything will go well and I won't end up with a C-section.  If I do, it's fine, I would just rather not be cut open.  I've never been IN the hospital before, as in a patient who stays.  I'm not used to being confined but I hear I won't care about that and will be grateful for the nurses care.  I also can't have anything to eat after midnight Thursday until the baby is born on Friday.  I am NOT a very nice person when I'm hungry.  But I've also heard that I won't be thinking about food.  We'll see if all this "advice" I've been given rings true.  As soon as I can get online after the baby is born, I will send pictures, stats, name, etc.  Thanks for following my blog!  

One week from today, I will have a baby!

Wow, I can't believe it's time. It's gone pretty fast. But not too fast. I think the thing I will miss the most is the feeling of the baby moving in my tummy. That is pretty cool. So I will miss that. But I'm ready to have him on the outside.

I go in Thursday afternoon and Dr. Martin will put a foley catheter into my cervix to help open it up. Then we go in to the hospital at midnight that night and they will start the petocin to induce labor.

There is a part of me that wishes I would just naturally go into labor, but I'm only dialated about 1 cm so far so it looks like inducing will be the best bet. Doc says that babies in a Gestational Diabetes situation tend to have larger shoulders, so we really don't want to let him get to big so I can deliver him normally.

If all goes well, the baby will be here sometime on Friday! Can't wait!

If the baby doesn't come on his own, I will be induced on Friday, August 21st!

I had a doctor's appointment this past Friday and the doctor and I discussed our options.  If the baby doesn't come on his own, she will induce me on Friday, August 21st.  My due date is August 24th and my first date to be induced was Tuesday, August 25th but that date wasn't available.  So the 21st was my second choice.  We don't want to let him go past the due date.  There are several reasons we decided on that.

So!  Very exciting!  I was less than 1cm dilated this past Friday so doc says there is little chance I would go into labor before the 21st and I hope I don't because she will be out of town this weekend!  I can't imagine having anyone else but Dr. Martin deliver my baby.  We've gone through all of this together and it would be wierd having a stranger during the final stretch of this.  So  hopefully he will hang in until the 21st.  

I'm definitely exhausted.  I don't see how pregnant women with young children do this.  Yesterday, I was completely worthless.  Totally exhausted and unmotivated to do anything.  I spent most of the day in the living room napping on and off.  I did manage to do laundry, watch a movie, make lunch & dinner.  My husband hung the curtain rod and curtain's in the nursery.  Beyond that, not much else was done.  I felt semi-guilty about my laziness, but then everyone keeps telling me to rest while I can.  So I am.

This is my last week of work.  I begin Maternity leave on Monday, August 17th and expect to return to the airwaves on Wednesday, October 14th.  I will continue to post on my blog and let you know how things are going!  

I met Braxton-Hicks at the Grocery Store yesterday.

I finally met the elusive Braxton Hicks! I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. Turns out, I had been having some Braxton Hicks contractions, but didn't realize it. I just assumed they would hurt, but mine haven't. I talked with my sister the other day about them and she said it's just a tightening feeling. Well while I was at the grocery store, my stomach tightened up or contracted and then relaxed.

In the midst of my frustration with what seemed like a million people in my way at Kroger, I stopped, enjoyed the moment, and smiled.

I felt another one last night before bed. I'm glad these don't hurt. From what I understand, everyone's experiences encountering Braxton Hicks can be different. So far, mine have been kind of cool.

Maternity Leave

I start my maternity leave on August 17th and expect to return on Wednesday, October 15th to the airwaves. That's my plan as of right now. The baby could come at anytime. But if he will wait until his due date of August 24th, that will give me the week beforehand to tie up loose ends with work and things.

If he is not here on the 24th, I will allow my doctor to induce me on August 25th.

I will keep you posted on everything. I promise.

Thanks for your support through my pregnancy. I couldn't have done this without ALL of you!

REM Sleep, REM Sleep, where for art thou REM sleep?????

Ugh. Yesterday was the first day I officially decided that I am DONE being pregnant. Over it. I'm ready to have this baby. The only thing I will miss is feeling the baby move inside me. THAT is an extraordinarily cool feeling. But I'm getting to where I'm not sleeping hardly at all which is making me "Mean Jennifer". It's not a pretty site folks. If I have offended any of you, I completely apologize. It's nothing personal. I'm just exceptionally cranky these days.

I am feeling a mixture of fear and excitement as well. I'm scared about labor. Well, not scared. Let's say apprehensive. I'm apprehensive about labor, but know that it's a means to an end and there is no way around it. And I get the prize at the end.

My bones hurt too. Especially my hip bones. And the new thing is when the baby presses on my sciatic nerve. That's extremely unpleasant.

I go back to the doctor on Friday. Can't wait to get an update!

Pregnancy Gingivitis.

It's not just enough that your body goes nuts, but so do your teeth! Not everyone suffers from pregnancy gingivitis, but I was one of the lucky ones.

I've had problems with my teeth and gums for most of my life. (Thanks Mom...it's hereditary).
I've made a great effort over the past 5 years to work hard on maintaining my teeth. I go every three months for a cleaning to prevent periodontal disease. My teeth were doing great! Until I got pregnant....

Soon into my first trimester my gums would bleed anytime I brushed my teeth. And anytime I brushed my teeth, I would gag. This was unpleasant.

In my second trimester I went for a dental appointment and she cleaned my teeth for me. That was wonderful! But I don't go again until November, then I'll get back on my every three month schedule.

In my second trimester, the swollen gums eased up a bit but have come back with a vengeance here in my third trimester. Swollen, bleeding gums. Difficult to chew things that are tough. Ugh...I hate it. Hopefully my gums will return to normal after the baby is born. Hopefully.

I just bought a pack of the biggest, most embarassing underwear.

Yep. My maternity underwear is shot. With only three weeks to go, I didn't want to spend the money on maternity underwear so I bought the biggest pair of Fruit of the Loom granny panties I could find. When I pulled them out to wash them I just held them up and wanted to cry.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all about comfort when it comes to my undergarment. Lacy thongs ain't my thing, but granny panties ain't my thing either. I'm a hi-cut brief girl. But I needed to be practical in my underwear purchase. I needed something I could wear through the remainder of my pregnancy and also after while my body will hopefully transform back to normal. Then maybe, just maybe, I can wear my old favorites again.

I imagine I will have to make some type of effort to get into my old underwear and my favorite pair of jeans, but I suppose I have never been more motivated. I DO NOT want to wear granny panties until I'm a granny!

37 weeks, just 3 weeks to go!

Wow. I can't believe my pregnancy is almost here and my son will arrive anytime. I'm 37 weeks today and that means I'm full-term so the baby has matured enough to enter the world at any time. I guess I'm ready as I will ever be. I'm really excited for him to get here. I'm not excited about the whole hospital thing. Reeeeeaaallly not looking forward to that, but I know it's part of the process so I will do what needs to be done.

My sister says I should quit counting up. I've been counting up on the weeks all this time. She says I should start counting down now. She's right!

The nursery is ready...I think

So with my limited knowledge, I still believe the nursery is ready for the baby.  I still need to get a mobile for the crib, a few more 4 oz. bottles and a thermometer.  Oh, and a grooming kit.  I don't have little baby nail clippers yet.  Hopefully I can pick those up this week sometime, then I feel I will be ready.

I hesitated whether to share this information with you or not because it is a private matter and I don't want the judgmental people attacking me over this.  But I decided that I will not attempt to breastfeed.  I have been torn about this decision since I first found out I was pregnant.  I have read everything I can find regarding breastfeeding vs. bottlefeeding.  But ultimately, it is what is best for me and the baby.  Bottlefeeding will be best for both of us.  Are you judging me right now?  Well, that is your right.  But I ask you to respect my feelings on this matter. What was right for you, is not necessarily right for me.  The reason I decided to disclose this information is because there may be others of you out there that are in the process of trying to make this huge decision and I wanted to let you know that I am on your side if you choose to bottlefeed.  My husband and I both were bottlefed babies and we are both fine from the formula served up in the 70's.  Formula has improved a lot since then and I have no concerns about my decision.  

If you feel like you need to criticize me for this decision...I advise you not to.  My mood ain't so great these days.  I will verbally thrash you.  So don't waste your time.  lol.  

My 36 week check-up

I went to see Dr. Martin last Friday for my 36 week check up.  36 weeks!?!  My how time flies.  This check-up included an ultrasound, a check of my cervix and another test that wasn't bad, but that I shall not discuss.  Everything went just fine.  My son weighs 6.4 pounds now which Dr. Martin says is in the 57th percentile.  I think it's kinda cool how she just KNOWS what percentile a baby is.  Smart lady.  

My blood sugars are still doing fine.  It is totally obvious when I've cheated though.  A little spike here and there tells her exactly when I've cheated and I've been completely honest.  She scolded me just a bit, but is still happy overall with my results.

The checking of the cervix.  I gotta' tell you.  I believe that was the most unpleasant thing I have ever felt in my life. At least up until now.  Nurse Rhonda confirmed to me that the checking of the cervix is nothing on the pain scale compared to labor.  I suppose I got a little preview of what's to come.  Thank God my doctor has little hands and skinny arms.  That's not what it felt like, but I imagine that experience could have been much worse.  

So the plan as of right now is to let labor happen naturally which is a relief.  If he's not here by his due date of August 24th, we discussed dates to induce.  Doc doesn't want me to go more than one week past my due date, and quite frankly, neither do I.  

When your belly button pokes out, does that mean the turkey...I mean baby, is done?

Hahaha! My belly button isn't completely sticking out yet, but it's well on its way. So my question is, when your belly button pops out, does that mean the baby is done cooking and ready to be served? We shall see...

1-2-3-HEAVE!

This is me trying to get out of bed every hour to go to the bathroom. It takes quite the effort to hoist myself out of bed.

35 weeks and the third trimester OUCHIES!

Whoa. Now I see what pregnant women mean when they say "get it outta me!". I am well into my third trimester now and the aches and pains associated with it are starting to get to me. I have mentioned before how lucky I am in my pregnancy. I don't have near the problems that I've heard other pregnant women talk about. My worst problems were a bit of nausea in the first trimester and an extremely manageable Gestational Diabetes situation.

But now...wow. I have itchy red bums, itchy deep purple stretch marks. I have to go to bathroom every hour now and my bones hurt. Yes. My pelvic bones. All of them. If I sit for too long, when I get up, I am literally hobbling from the discomfort. It's not anything I can't handle, but it's not fun. AND the baby likes punching me "down there". I'll get a sharp pain from time to time "down there" that makes me gasp in pain. It doesn't last long, but it is extremely unpleasant.

On the brightside? My baby showers are over and I have everything I need. At least I think I do. Obviously, with no experience here, I'm not totally sure. But I think I have everything even butt cream.

Oh, and my son now has more clothes than my husband and I combined. It helps having two sisters with boys. Hand me downs!!!!

What have I gotten myself into here?

WHAT have I gotten myself into??????!!!!!! My husband I went to our 2nd Labor and Delivery class last night. This session covered the stages of labor, what happens during labor, how long it can take, how painful it can be, epidurals, drugs, inducing and C-sections. It was completely overwhelming and I am officially freaking out!

I know it all leads to the incredible prize at the end, but I gotta' tell you, I'm not excited about the pain part.

Doc says it's time to think about when I would like to be induced. I'm trying to decide if I want to be induced or let the baby decide when he's ready to come out. There is a part of me, the organized structured part, that would like to know exactly when all this going to shake down for planning purposes. The other part of me, the free-spirited tree-hugging side thinks God should decide when it's time for the baby to come. Which side will win? Time will tell.

Jennifer's Favorite Baby Things Link Correction

Sorry about that! Here is the link to enter to win prizes in my Jennifer's Favorite Baby Things promotion!

http://www.b975.com/goout.asp?u=http://www.jennifersfavoritethings.com/

All systems are go! I had a great doctor's appointment!

Yesterday I had a 34 week check-up and follow up on my Gestational Diabetes testing. Looks like Doc and I have it figured out! My sugars are regulated, my weight is stable and the babies weight is normal so for now, I am doing GREAT! She doesn't see any reason to induce me early unless something changes. So she will let me go to 40 weeks, but not past it. I am SO relieved that we have things under control. At least for now.

I go back next Friday the 24th for my final ultrasound where she checks everything out and I have various tests done. I'm excited to see my boy again! Even if it's even on a computer screen.

I have a good friend who is due the day before me and she's having complications with her blood pressure. Her doctor told her to be ready to be put in the hospital anytime and induced because of the problems. She is so upset. She didn't want to be induced. But of course, she will do what is best for the baby.

Itchy Scratch Stretch Marks...

I have these nasty ugly deep purple stretch marks along my lower belly. It's not enough that they look bad is it? THEY ITCH LIKE CRAZY!!!! It's like having hundreds of misquito bites all at once.

Know what though? I don't care about the stretch marks or the itching. It shows my boy is growing and that makes me very happy...

Jennifer's Favorite BABY Things! Tune in to win!

I'm giving you the opportunity to win awesome prizes from local businesses good for baby and momma! Visit www.baby.jennifersfavoritethings.com to see what you can win and also enter online! Tune in weekdays to my Midday Show for your chance to win!

Show and Tell Sale

Get ready for another consignment sale! This one is July 16th thru the 21st in Turkey Creek at the old Goody's location. If you want to consign or you want to shop, visit the website for more information! www.showandtellsale.com

We had our first baby class last night...

So my husband and I attended our first of three Labor and Delivery Classes so we can start learning about what we are in for here.

The class was interesting and informative but the highlight was when the men in the room had to take turns wearing an Empathy Belly! Ahahhahaah!!!!!! let them feel what it's like! The funniest part was when the instructor put the belly on the first victim, she threw a pen on the floor and said "here, pick that up for me would ya'?" haha! You should have seen him trying to bend over. It was hilarious and all the ladies in the room were laughing because we SO know what it's like to have to pick things up off the floor. No fun!

Next week we learn about the different methods of delivery and the next week we learn what to do with the baby once it's here. Sitting for three hours is not fun in an uncomfortable chair, but what we are learning is priceless.

Aliens among us...

So the baby is moving like crazy now. And these aren't just subtle little movements. They are HUGE movements. I'll feel him start to move and I'll look down and see the right side of my tummy bulge up, then back down. Up...then back down. It's the funniest thing to watch and certainly interesting to feel. It's truly one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. But I gotta' tell you, when I see my tummy start to move like that, I expect Sigourney Weaver to jump out from behind the corner at any moment.

Doc and I are working hard to stabilize my blood sugar...

I went back today and I'm doing much better with my blood sugar. She told me that these last 7 weeks may be a bit more difficult to control, but we are working hard together to do everything we can to keep it under control. My fasting sugars (after sleeping) were still a bit high so she has adjusted my medication again. I hope this works better this time.

I'm adjusting to the no carb diet. It's not much fun, but it's like the Atkins fad. Remember that? I actually LOST 2 1/2 pounds! haha! The baby is good, but I have lost a bit of weight.

The doc wanted to do an ultrasound today to see how big the baby is to make sure he's growing okay. The little squirt weighs 4.9 pounds! He's perfectly normal in his weight. It's these last few weeks that will be the tell all. I really don't want to have a C-section. I will if it's necessary, but it isn't a choice I want to make. I would rather not be cut open. So doc is working with me to make sure we do everything we possibly can to keep me from having to have a c-section.

So good news today which was nice. Hopefully we can keep my blood sugar under control throughout the rest of my pregnancy.

I've been a bad girl...

GESTATIONAL DIABETES STINKS!  Do you know how hard it is for someone who loves to eat to follow a NO CARB diet????  Especially when pregnancy cravings for sweet stuff are so fierce.  Meat and Veggies, Meat and Veggies, Meat and Veggies.  I'm sick of meat and veggies. 

I had a visit with my doc this afternoon and she still isn't happy with my blood sugar.  Especially my fasting sugars.  I've been up front with her about everything though.  I wrote down everything I ate that triggered the blood sugar level.  No need to lie.  My baby's well-being is at stake!  

So she's about 5 feet tall and thin as a rail and was scolding me.  She's a little spitfire and I love her methods.  She apologized for scolding me, but I told her that I thank her for it.  She has kept me from gaining too much wait throughout my pregnancy and I completely appreciate her for that. She tells it like it is.  She said, if you don't get it under control, you will force me to take the baby by c-section.  The baby will get too big.  There are complications that come along with C-section.  

I really don't want a c-section.  I have to do better on my diet.  It's only 2 more months.  I can totally do this.  I go back next week. I'll keep you posted.  

Who's body is THIS????

Wow. Last night I was looking down at my feet. And I just took a good look at my whole body in the mirror. The baby bump part I like, but the rest of me? Who on earth is THAT???? Wow. My body is completely out of my control it seems and I'm turning into someone I don't recognize. Especially my feet. They are HUGE! The third trimester really hasn't been much fun, I gotta' say. All I want to do is sleep and eat. My hip joints hurt, my back hurts, my feet hurt and nothing fits. Even my big maternity pants are starting to get too tight. I feel like I'm gonna' pop!

And I still have two months to go...Lord help me.

The partner...

Ok. Because I've heard this from many pregnant women and have also felt this myself. Partners in pregnancy, heed my words. There are a few things you can do to ensure that she will not fly into hysterics and begin crying.

1) Hug her every single day and tell her that you love her and she looks pretty. Although pregnant women are beautiful, they don't feel beautiful. They are getting bigger and bigger and they are getting stretch marks and they are tired. They feel ugly at times.

2) When she says there is something that needs updating or fixing in the house. Just do it. Whether you agree with her or not. Just do it. You will save yourself a lot of heartache.

3) If you don't care about feeling the baby move, lie to her and put your hand on her tummy when she asks you too. It's important to her to share the babies movements with you.

4) Make an effort to learn what is going on with her body and her emotions. And also what you should expect as the partner.

Ummm...this is all I can think of for now. But trust me. Women are complex creatures anyway. And pregnancy intensifies her feelings and her dependency on you. It may frustrate you sometimes, but try to remember what she is going through. You aren't going through it. So just try to be patient and supportive. Okay? Good Luck!

31 weeks this week!

Okay folks...now I'm beginning to realize that there is a real baby coming. A living, breathing, pooping baby. I mean, I've known this all along, but it's REALLY hitting me now. I will have my very own baby to love. Someone like me, someone like my husband. I can't wait to meet him and see what he will be like. The reality of everything happening is scary and exciting at the same time. I have 9 weeks to go and I really hope he stays in my tummy for the full-term. I have so much to do still before he gets here!

No carb diet is working. Doc is happy...for now...

I went back to my doctor on Monday to see how the "no carb" diet is working to regulate my sugars. She is happy! My levels are good unless I slip and eat something that I shouldn't. And believe me, I know what I shouldn't eat, but sometimes it's hard to pass up!

10 more weeks to go!!!!!

Placenta Brain is getting worse....

Whoa...I thought I had placenta brain bad before. It's getting worse. I am forgetting appointments, having trouble forming sentences sometimes which is not good for my line of work. I'm having trouble juggling my life and the baby isn't even here yet!

If you know me, this is very unlike me. I pride myself in being someone people can count on. When I say I'm going to do something, I do it. When I say I'm going to be somewhere, I am there. But these days, many of my good "Jennifer qualities" have flown right out the window.

All I can do is apologize and blame it on placenta brain. A symptom of pregnancy. Please don't be mad at the pregnant lady when she gets confused.

I apologize in advance...sorry...

The revisions in the diet are working already...

Well that was quick. Cutting the carbs has got my sugars regulated. I'm sure the medicine is helping too! My doc should be happy ! Hopefully this will continue to work and I can carry the baby to full-term.

But after he gets here? I DEMAND a large chocolate milkshake from Steak and Shake and a cupcake from The Cupcakery! I will send my hubby out on this very special mission! lol.

Gestational Diabetes...the saga continues

So I had a follow up appointment at the Diabetes Clinic and then with my doctor.  She wasn't happy with the results.  My fasting sugars were still too high.  Looks like the diabetes folks allowed me too many carbs on the diet.  So my doctor wants me to cut out carbs completely and put me on some low-dosage medication.  So I bought a bunch of new food and had to throw away all the food I had bought last week.  She says if these efforts don't work, she may not allow me to carry the baby full-term.  He would get too large which is dangerous.  

Can I just say, this has been frustrating, but educational and I totally love my doctor.  I love how direct she is and that she gives me instructions that I can understand.  There is no gray area with her and I really appreciate that.  

I think cutting out the carbs will help get my glucose regulated.  I'll keep you posted!  I go next week for a follow up.  

Men gain weight while their partner is pregnant. Yeah, sure. My husband has LOST 15 pounds!

According to a new study, men pack on an average of 14 pounds while their wives are pregnant.
The weight gain is blamed partly on the anxiety of becoming a new parent and also on taking part in their partner's cravings. But despite the weight gain, only 30% of fathers surveyed said they went on a diet after the baby was born to lose the weight.

Check out the article here: http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-male-baby-bumps-sympathy-or-anxiety/

My husband has LOST 15 pounds! What's up with that???? Ha Ha! I'm happy for him, but why now? I wonder what motivated him to diet now?

My babies name

Tell me mother's and father's out there. Is it customary to announce your babies name before he/she is even born? I get asked this question all the time and I just don't know yet. I am about 99% sure of his name, but even still, I'm not ready to announce it yet. He's not even born yet! Maybe in my position, I don't want 1000's of people referring to my unborn child by name yet? It's still early. Things can happen. I'm terrified that something will go wrong. So I guess by calling the baby by a name, makes it even more real. It makes me grow even more attached to this baby that I already love so much, but haven't met yet.

So am I wrong, to keep the babies name to myself and get offended when people ask? Or do you feel this way too?

Even though I wanted to know the sex of the baby, perhaps not announcing his name yet is a way to keep the element of surprise there? I'm truly trying to figure out why it bothers me when people ask me what his name is. . And I'm trying to remember if I have asked other pregnant women the name of their baby. I think I have. I think it's just human nature to ask the name and I should just get over it.

Okay. I'm gonna' get over it. But I'm still not telling strangers my babies name. Not gonna' do it. You'll just have to wait til he gets here. ;)

29 weeks!

Wow, if I go full-term. That's only 11 weeks left until my baby boy arrives! I feel like it has gone by so fast! I'm officially into my third trimester and I'm really starting to feel it. I'm back to being tired a lot and dealing with the confusion of what to eat on a gestational diabetes diet doesn't help, but I'm slowly figuring it out.

I saw a picture of myself yesterday and there is no doubt now that I am pregnant. I've gone past that "is she pregnant or just fat" stage!

I have my first of three baby showers coming up this weekend and I'm really excited! I can't wait to start taking things off of the "needs" list and getting the babies room all set up.

It's so surreal still when people have given me baby gifts. I'm not used to receiving things for a baby! So it's been interesting!

Cankles and Sausage Feet

Ahhh...the joys of pregnancy. Cankles and Sausage Feet. I have never seen my feet look so fat. And I'm growing out of my shoes. This last trimester will be challenging I can tell. The heat of summer, combined with a strict gestational diabetes diet. I hope I can keep a pleasant disposition.

I'm on my way to food jail.

So I just heard back from my doctor's office. I DO have Gestational Diabetes. Crap. I failed three out of four tests and I also have low iron. Wierd thing is. I feel totally fine. Guess that doesn't matter. My body isn't happy. So I'm waiting for the diabetes clinic people to call me and send me to food jail.

I'm going to eat an entire pint of chocolate chip mint ice cream tonight...for it shall be my last for 12 more weeks.

My third trimester!

Wow! I can't believe I started my third trimester this week! I am 27 weeks now and it's the first week of my third trimester. I had my final gestational diabetes test this past Tuesday, the 26th. I find out the results on Friday. No news is good news! The test was a bit harder this time because I can't eat anything until after the test and I'm a lot hungrier these days.

But I survived it and hopefully I don't have it. My sister is pregnant with her second child. She is about 10 weeks behind me. She had GD with her first baby. I really hope she doesn't with her second.

I feel like I have had an easy pregnancy and I hope it stays that way. I had some wierd pain yesterday that caused some concern...but I think it may have been gas. lol.

Another Gestational Diabetes test on Tuesday

You may remember that my doctor requested that I take the Gestational Diabetes test early. The one-hour test came back abnormal so I had to take the three hour test. That came back just fine. Well now I have to take it when you are SUPPOSED to take it. So no food Tuesday morning. My test is at 9am. When I get there, they will take my blood and then I have to drink this orange crushy flavored drink. After one hour they take my blood again. Then again in another hour, then again in another hour. I get to leave around Noon to eat. This is not fun. But I am willing to do whatever it takes to make sure my baby is as healthy as he can possibly be.

I also will have a 27 week checkup. fingers and toes crossed that I don't have GD! I really don't want to have to deal with a diet.

When people find out I am pregnant, they immediately ask two questions...

As soon as people find out I am pregnant, they immediately ask me two questions. The first, do you know what it is? The second, have you picked out a name? Makes sense right? These are very natural questions, but I will be the first to tell you that I will answer the first question for you no problem. But the second? NO WAY!

There are several reasons why I wish people would stop asking me what my unborn child's name is. Here are my reasons. He's not here yet. I still refer to him as "the baby" or "he". At 25 almost 26 weeks pregnant, I am just working on keeping myself and the baby healthy. I am also working on making sure that the nursery is ready and that my husband and I are ready. I am also terrified that something will go wrong. So to actually refer to my unborn child by name, seems crazy to me. It's too personal and it's still too early for me to do that. In fact, I doubt I will refer to him by name until he is placed in my arms for the first time and becomes real rather than something jumping up and down on my bladder.

Now I will tell you that I feel a person's name is extremely important and of course my husband and I have discussed it. And I can assure you that we will not name our child something wierd that will embarass him for most of his life. But it is subject to change until the baby arrives. So another reason I don't want to "broadcast" his name, is because it may change.

So, if you ask me my baby's name and I tell you I haven't decided yet, please understand my reasons. I may be the only mother-to-be in the world who feels this way, but it's how I feel. In fact, I would encourage you not to ask a pregnant woman or the father-to-be if she has come up with a name for her baby yet. Just a suggestion. Chances are good, many agree with my feelings on this matter. Do you? Let me know. Post your answer to my baby blog at www.b975.com/baby.

Prenatal Vitamins ROCK!

Wow! My nails are longer and stronger than they have ever been and my hair is thick and strong too! Can I keep taking prenatal vitamins AFTER the baby is born? This stuff rocks!

I don't guess insurance pays for the good stuff after the baby is born though. ;)

Need a good laugh? This video will make you laugh...and cry...

This is a video of a little baby boy laughing his head off at something his mother is doing. It is SO FUNNY! I totally cried with happiness while watching it too. I hope my baby boy will laugh like that.
Click on the link to watch the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6iNxLir0bw&feature=channel_page

I did more yardwork than any pregnant woman should...

I am the type of girl who despises laziness.  Don't get me wrong, relaxing has its time and place, but for the most part, I stay pretty active.  At 25 weeks pregnant, I am finding that there are limitations to what I can do.  I also have to realize that it's not necessarily about me and what I want right now.  It's what is best for the baby.  

Yesterday after a fabulous Mother's Day lunch with my Mom, Dad and Hubby, I went to Lowe's and purchased some perennials.  I'm trying to make my garden as easy as possible to maintain so I also put that weedstop fabric down.  The flower bed I was working in wasn't that big, but all the squatting, Kneeling, standing up, shoveling, raking and planting really took it's toll on me.  Talk about aching joints!  I got so close to finishing that I didn't want to stop.  I had to sit down every few minutes and rest.  The cool thing was, my body was letting me know I was doing too much.  All I had to do was listen.  

After quite some time, I finished my planting and weedstopping.  Rested a minute, then got back up and mowed.  ;)  I believe the baby enjoys the sound of the lawnmower.  He's used to it now.  Puts him right to sleep!

I just can't stand sitting around on my rear end doing nothing.  I suppose I will rethink this around July when I'm huge.  

Funny moles and fugly purple stretch marks

Ahhh...the changes they are a comin'. I have two dark moley lookin' things that have popped up on my belly. Doc says those are normal. Pigment changes. AND! The thing I did not want. Three teeny ugly purple stretch marks have popped up on my left side. I have become obsessive about the lotion now. I've heard the lotion doesn't really help much, but heck, I'll try anything. I don't mind the white stretch marks so much, but the purple ones? Sheesh.

His kicking patterns. Are they setting the stage for how he will sleep after he is born?

It's really interesting figuring out my boy's patterns of kicking. Between 6:30 and 7:30 in the morning. Between 10:00 and 11:00am. Between 3pm and 4pm. Between 7pm and 8pm and between 10pm and 11pm. Seems to be every three hours. I wonder if this is setting a pattern for how he will sleep after he is born? I have only felt the kicks outside of my stomach one time so far. I really can't wait until my husband can feel it. It's so cool!

I don't remember what it's like to sleep soundly...

Since about 10 weeks I haven't slept all the way through the night except maybe one time. I have gotten up one to three times per night since then. That's about 5 months now since I've slept all the way through the night. Going to bed at night and not waking up until my alarm goes off the next morning. I totally miss that.

I know that it is nature's way of preparing me for getting up every two hours with the baby and I try to remind myself about that when my bladder is screaming at me as I try to ignore it and keep on sleeping.

Ahhhh....but to really sleep. I mean REALLY sleep again. I have a ways to go before I can enjoy that again.

My right foot is fatter than my left foot

So today I have the honor of being the emcee for the 6th year in a row at the Go Red For Women Luncheon.  I bought a new shirt.  Lane Bryant is my clothing store of choice when it comes to public appearances.  Good quality, fits me.  I like it.  So I got a new shirt and I'm all excited about that.  I'm wearing the one pair of black pants that fit me.  Also from lane Bryant.  But I didn't consider shoes until this morning.  I put on my trusty pair of black shoes and discovered that my right foot is fatter than my left foot.  The shoes are a bit too tight as it is due to some swelling I have been experiencing but my right shoe is even tighter.  Know what I did?  I packed my flip flops in my purse.  As soon as the luncheon is over, I'm changing my shoes.  

I have gained 10 pounds...and I got in trouble for it.

So, I LOVE my OB/GYN. LOVE her...but she gave me a bit of a lecture yesterday about gaining 10 pounds so far in my pregnancy. I trust my doctor too but all the books and websites I read about pregnancy say a 10 to 12 pound weight gain is normal at 23 weeks. AND, I have spoken with several new mothers and currently pregnant women who have given me a variety of weights. One had gained 25 pounds by 23 weeks. Another has gained 20 pounds and is currently 23 weeks. My sister who is almost 14 weeks has already gained 5 pounds.

So I wonder...have I really done that bad gaining 10 pounds? I have been pretty careful for the most part, but will admit to you that I have indulged more in the sweets than I normally do.

Here's what I think. I think my doctor is playing reverse psychology on me. She is probably not THAT concerned about my 10 pound weight gain so far, but she is lecturing me on not gaining too much to prevent me from going nuts like many pregnant women do when they are pregnant. I will admit that it has worked so far because she has been stern about my weight since week 6 when I first saw her. I was already overweight before I got pregnant, so the 10 pound increase so far is already taking it's toll on me.

She also told me yesterday that I automatically have to take the 3 hour gestational diabetes test at my next appointment. Yucky. That will be on May 26th. My wedding anniversary. Just what I had in mind to celebrate the day! Ha Ha! It's okay though. I would take that test everyday if I had to and make sure my baby is healthy and doing okay. It's all totally worth it.

But back to the weight gain. As soon as I got home from my appointment I ate a handful of Dorito's just to rebel a little bit. But then I felt kind of bad. For dessert that night, I skipped the cheesecake and had a fat free popsicle when I got home. See? Her lecture is already working.

Now WHO is going to discipline me AFTER the baby is born? I wonder if Dr. Martin is for hire as a weight loss coach?

The baby kicked so hard my shirt moved!

So I've been waiting for the time when I can actually SEE the baby kicking. I've just been able to feel it up until this point. Friday night I was laying in bed reading and felt the baby moving around. I put my hand on my belly and the baby kicked so hard that my shirt AND my hand moved! It was so COOL! And kinda wierd too. It's such an interesting feeling when the baby is moving. I went to see The Producers at the Oak Ridge Playhouse Saturday night and everytime the band played, the baby started moving around. Apparantly he is already a fan of plays and musicals! My good little cultured baby!

My right arm is numb most of the time...

ugh...pregnancy carpal tunnel syndrome. True and no fun! I had some issues with carpal tunnel and tendonitis in my elbow before. It had gone away for quite sometime but has returned in full force with my pregnancy. In fact, my right hand it a bit numb as I'm typing this. I can't sleep on my right side at all because I wake up with pins and needles in my arm. It's annoying and I hope it will go back into hiding after the baby is born.

Virtual Baby Shower from MomLogic

Don’t Let the Recession Get You Down, Baby! MOMLOGIC.COMIs Throwing YOU A FREE Virtual Baby Shower Saturday, April 25, 20091:00PM – 3:00PM ET. All guests will receive a party favor and a chance to win great prizes!

Momlogic.com is proud to announce that we’ll be hosting our first-ever FREE Virtual Baby Shower on Saturday, April 25, 2009 from 1:00 PM – 3:00PM ET. For two hours only, the momlogic community will be handing out over $2500 in amazing gifts -- the GRAND PRIZE totaling over $1000! Everyone is invited to attend including; pregnant moms, newbie moms, grandmas, aunts, friends or anyone who has a baby to shop for! Family and friends from all across the country can join-in celebrating the mom to be without travel or cost of throwing a big event! All participating guests in the baby shower will receive a special party favor and are eligible to win great prizes throughout the event like; beautiful blankets and clothing, every day necessities, beauty products, a baby carrier, a highchair, bassinet, designer diaper bag and changing table! To attend at the momlogic.com Virtual Baby Shower, head to the momlogic community at www.community.momlogic.com and click on the link to our April Shower.

Momlogic.com is the premier destination for mothers online, that serves up an honest, real and often humorous perspective. By posting topical, entertaining and relevant stories about the lives of mothers and their families the site helps moms stay connected to each other and the ever-changing world around them.

When my bladder is full, I feel the baby moving more...

Okay, I know this is going to sound wierd, but I have to believe others have felt this way too.  I just started to feel the baby move two weeks ago so it's still this new and amazing feeling everytime it happens.  Well when my bladder is full I guess it gives the baby a wee bit less room so I actually feel it moving more.  It's such an incredible thing that hate to go empty my bladder.  Don't get me wrong, it's not ONLY when my bladder is full, but I feel it moving more than usual.  But alas...can't leave the bladder full.  That's unpleasant.  

How can people who have never had children shove their advice down your throat?

Other than the overwhelming joy that I feel at expecting my baby boy in August, I have noticed some fairly minor annoyances that come with being pregnant. People's overwhelming need to shove their advice down your throat. Don't get me wrong, if you've had a baby before, I welcome your advice. This is the first time for me and I have a lot to learn. But the other night I was at a party and this woman who had never had children and said she never wanted to have any "rugrats" started lecturing me on breastfeeding and labor. I just sort of looked at her in amazement. She is a good friend of mine, but I wanted to scream at her to shut up. How on earth does she feel like she can give ME advice about what to do? She has never had any children. How could she possibly know and why does she feel the need to lecture me on what decisions I should make for myself? I decided to take the high-road and simply say "thanks for your opinion" and changed the subject. Oh...I love my outspoken friend, but she is treading where she shouldn't tread. Pregnancy hormones are not a joke. One day she may see my bad side if she keeps it up.

So...if you are reading this blog, you might ask the expectant mother "may I give you some advice?" before you automatically push your opinions on her. It's an overwhelming time and there is SO much information to read and to learn before the baby comes, much left after he or she gets here. Don't assume that just because she is a first time mom, she knows nothing. Chances are good, she's already been presented with a ton of advice.

Better yet? Let her know if she has any questions, you would be happy to give her any advice that you can. And leave it at that.

I have been inducted into the Mom's Club

Did you KNOW there was a Mom's club? I mean, there are official Mom's Club's...but I mean, the great big, huge, Mom's club that you are welcomed into once you become pregnant? That one.

It's so interesting to me that as soon as I woke up the morning of December 16th and took that pregnancy test that came up positive, I automatically started viewing the world an entirely different way. I began paying attention to television and magazine ads pertaining to babies. It seemed like pregnant women were all around me. And all of a sudden I could relate to the millions of mothers out there. It's like you run around through life with sunglasses on. When you discover you are pregnant, the sunglasses come off and you are viewing everything differently.

It's an interesting place to be, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Sleep as much as you can before the baby comes...yeah...riiiiiight.....

From the moment I found out I was pregnant and began telling people, the one major piece of advice I have received is to "enjoy all the sleep you can before the baby comes". I understand WHY I'm getting this advice believe me. I'm ready to be exhausted and sleep deprived for several months after the baby comes. But quite honestly? I've been sleep deprived since about 10 weeks! Getting up every two hours to go to the bathroom. Flopping my pregnant belly back in forth as I try to turn in bed. There are only two ways that I can sleep. On my left side or on my back. If I sleep on my right side, my right arm falls asleep. Dreaming strange dreams doesn't help in the sleep department either.

What people should say is this: sleep as much as you can...in bits and pieces...before the baby comes. Or basically...enjoy the freedom to sleep as much as you can before the baby comes. ;)

I'm 22 weeks pregnant today. I can't wait til the baby gets here. Bring on the exhaustion! I'm ready for it!

She ate her placenta. WHAT??!!!!!!!!!

Would you eat your placenta???

Okay...if you want to, feel free. But I am going to talk about this for a minute. YUCK!!!!!!!!! Why is this information even being SENT to me? I don't want to read that, hear about that and I certainly don't want to DO that!!!!!!!! GROSS!

It makes me nauseated to even read the article about the mom who did. If you are in your first trimester DO NOT click on this link: (i warned you)

http://blogs.babycenter.com/momformation/2009/04/14/she-ate-her-placenta-and-it-was-good/?scid=preg_2_20090416:2&pe=2UwtfCx

My racing heart...continued

The doctors office called to find out my symptoms. They are so thorough and caring. I totally love them. It's Dr. Duy-Thu Martin by the way. She is an independent OB/GYN. She and her nurses are fabulous. She's at St. Mary's.

So, nurse Rhonda called to speak with me and told me that doc says to drink more fluids. Dehydration is one reason my heart might race. She also recommends the vitamins calcium and magnesium in addition to my prenatal vitamins if the problem persists.

Other than that night...I've been fine. I'm beginning to think the waitress served me caffeinated coffee rather than decaf. I bet that was it. Makes total sense.

Hopefully I won't have that problem again. That was scary.

Help Babies in Need...

Here are two charities that collect gently used items for babies in need:

Newborns in Need- they collect gently used items like small toys, rattles, blankets and clothing.
www.newbornsinneed.org

Project Night Night - they collect "like new" blankets, books and stuffed animals and give them to children living in homeless shelters.
www.projectnightnight.org

My racing heart...

Last night I woke up about 1:15am and my heart was racing. And the little boy was moving around like crazy and my right arm was asleep. I swore I was having a heart attack! I got up and paced back and forth for a bit and tried to take some deep breaths. I went to the four pregnancy books I had and not one of them mentioned a racing heartbeat and what it meant. Stinkin' books. No help! So then I got online and started looking at the pregnancy forums. Whew! Thank goodness. Apparantly a faster heartbeat is normal and has to do with the blood volume. I took my pulse and it was elevated but not above normal. I called my doctor's office and left a message asking them to call me today so I could talk with them about it for some reassurance. They haven't called me back yet, but I will be calling them again here shortly.

This is the website I found incredibly helpful: http://www.pregnancy-info.net/

Use it, love it.

Hormones...Shmormones...until now...

So one of my good friends is also pregnant and she's due the day before me. She says she will snap emotionally at the drop of a hat. Either she's crying or she's mad about something trivial.

Well I have been doing okay with the emotions so far. I cry a little quicker when I see something sad or watch baby stuff on tv and I had one little breakdown in my first trimester with my poor husband when I explained that our house was a deathtrap and gave him a honey do list that will go down in history as being the longest honey do list ever.

But recently, I have noticed that I get really irritated sometimes. I mean...really...irritated. Angry over things that wouldn't typically bother me that much. Like when the computer runs too slow I develop a "Why Me!" complex. Or when I drop something I'll huff and puff like it's the worst thing in the world. I mean things are just aggravating to me that really shouldn't be.

I have noticed that "Evil Jennifer" comes out around 2pm in the afternoon until around 3:30pm when I get really tired. So beware... and may I apologize to you in advance and blame it on the hormones?

My sister is having a baby too!!!!!!!!!

I found out over the weekend that my baby sister will be having her second child in October! That is so exciting! Boy...this is going to be a crazy Christmas. A 5 year old, 4 year old, 2 year old and two infants. Wow....

It's a BOY!!!!!

I had my 20 week ultrasound this morning and I am excited to announce that HE is developing beautifully so far. It's a BOY!!!!!!

I'm a bad blogger....

Sorry...I can't believe it's been so long since I've updated my blog!

Here are some updates:

1) I DO NOT have gestational diabetes. Not for now anyway. I have to take the test again at 28 weeks.

2) I'm 20 weeks today! Halfway there!

3) I find out the sex this Wednesday.

4) I felt the baby move on Saturday! What an amazing experience! I immediately started crying and said "well hello there!". The kid hasn't stopped moving since. I can't wait til SHIM starts kicking me in the ribs.

Gestational Diabetes Test

I reckon since I am a larger gal, my Doctor felt I should take the Gestational Diabetes test at 18 weeks as opposed to the normal 28 weeks. So yesterday at 3:05pm I had to drink this orange crushy flavored liquid and at 4:05pm the nurse drew my blood to test for diabetes. No big deal really. I also had them draw blood to test for Down Syndrome which is commonly done at 18 weeks.

I received a call from the nurse this morning and my test came back elevated to I have to go back in on Monday for a three hour test. So I can't eat anything from midnight Sunday night until around Noon on Monday. That is going to be NO FUN, however preventing future problems is the main goal here.

Keep your fingers crossed for me that I don't have Gestational Diabetes. I really hope not.

Go Girl - every lady needs one. Especially pregnant ladies!!!

So, I was watching Kathy Lee and Hoda on the Today show. I'm actually not much a fan of this pair, but I had it on the studio and they were showing a product called "Go Girl". It is a wonderful little tool for women when it's not always convenient to get to a restroom. I immediately had to have one of these so I went to www.go-girl.com to inquire about this Female Urination Device.

I have some camping trips coming up and the thought of walking out to the woods every two hours in the dark to relieve my bladder is not appealing to me one bit, so this Go Girl product is awesome! It's so easy that I can use it in the tent and take my deposits to the restroom (woods) in the morning when the sun is up!

Basically, the Go Girl is like a little funnel that you form fit to your parts that enables you to urinate standing up. It comes in a reusable tube and also includes a baggie that you urinate into and throw away.

It's a handy little product and it's small enough to fit in your purse, your glove compartment, your backpack or even your pocket!

I think this is a must have for pregnant ladies!
www.go-girl.com

I got a wedgie...

So I've had trouble sleeping. I'm now at the stage where I can't lay on my back and I've been snoring like a T-Rex. My Dad suggested one of those wedge pillows to elevate me so I won't snore so badly. So I used the wedgie pillow last night and I do believe it helped some! I dont' watch myself, so I don't know, but my throat didn't hurt as bad when I woke up this morning.

Problem is...I lay on each side until each hip hurts and want so badly to lay on my back and can't. So I have to get up and go to the living room to the LazyBoy because I can essentially "sit" on my back.

I'm only 17 weeks along and already having problems sleeping...this is gonna' be a loooooong pregnancy. But totally worth it.

I'm entitled to complain, aren't I?

Me & Mommy to Be

I went and visited Janice and the girls at Me & Mommy to Be in the gallery shopping center on Kingston Pike. She has really cute stuff! I picked up some maternity underwear which I love and are actually helping to hold up my maternity jeans until my belly fills them out. They are soft and comfy and I love them.

She has really neat baby shower gifts too and offers a registry for mommy's to be. One thing in particular that I loved was a little white onesy with a picture of an Ipod on it. It said "I pooped". And another one says "I traveled down the birth canal and all I got was this lousy t-shirt". Ha Ha! She travels to New York and buys the neatest things.

If you are going to a baby shower, stop by Me & Mommy to Be and check out her gifts and baby items. Many of them are unique and you can be sure you won't buy the same thing as someone else!

And if you need help designing your nursery, she offers those services as well!

And she has an awesome website. Check it out: http://www.meandmommytobe.com/

When I stand up my feet hurt...when I sit down, my butt falls asleep

So...what do I do???? When I stand up too long, my feet hurt. If I sit down too long, my butt falls asleep. Seriously, I never had a problem with my butt falling asleep before I got pregnant. Guess I have to find this happy medium between sitting and standing.

What's with my butt falling asleep? Is that because the rest of my body doesn't get enough sleep?

Wierd Dreams...and such...

Wow...the last two nights I have woken up at 5:30am after having some seriously disturbing dreams. Dreams that are vivid in my mind but that I don't want to share with you for fear of what you will think of me. I don't typically have such strange dreams. They were so vivid, that I had to get up and go watch tv to keep from playing it over and over again in my mind. I've heard that pregnant women often have strange dreams. Did you?

I need an extra tank...

Okay, so I already have a small bladder. Beginning at week 6 I was already getting up twice per night to use the bathroom. As my uterus grows, I have to go even more and I'm only at 4 months! I think I'm going to need to carry a catheter and bag around as I get closer to 9 months. I realize that this is God's way of preparing us for the lack of sleep when the baby comes, but can't I ENJOY my sleep now knowing that I won't have any for a few months when the baby comes? Geez. I need an overflow tank for my bladder so I don't have to go so much.

Save A Bundle on your Baby

This was a helpful article on www.msn.com talking about how to save money on items for your baby. Some good helpful hints!

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/RaiseKids/SaveABundleOnYourNewBaby.aspx

The Doodle Bra...really?

I found this in my showprep today. It's called The Doodle Bra. It's being marketed to girls and young women and their goal is to make bras more fun! The inventors of Doodle Bra have developed a bra that allows users to decorate the bra with colorful washable markers. For just $9.98 you get a white bra (i'm sure the quality is amazing), non-toxic washable markers, custom designer stencils and an Idea Booklet. The owners say that girls can design their bra to match their existing outfits. (because I ALWAYS wear my bra outside my shirt where people can see it).

Ok, I can kind of see purchasing a Doodle Bra for your first time wearers, but beyond that? Would you really color up your bra, wash it and do it again? Maybe I'm the wrong person to present this product too, but who has time????? Do teenage girls want to color their bras with markers before they head off to school? I dont' know...you tell me. What do you think? Do these folks have a viable, sellable product?

I can see these being fun at a slumber party or a bachelorette party, but beyond that...I'm just not sure.

16 weeks today!

Wow! People weren't kidding when they said you feel amazing in your second trimester! I'm two weeks in and I feel GREAT! I"m still not sleeping all that great, but I FEEL really good. I had a very productive weekend which was nice. I have so much to do during my second trimester to get ready for the baby. I'm hoping by the time I'm huge and miserable, I can rest and not stress out about my house being a death trap! ;)

Customize your baby????

Seriously? I heard this story on the Today show and I'm totally shocked. The way I see it, you can't mess with nature. If you do...expect the worst. Your babies eyes may be blue because you asked for them that way, but one of their eyes may be in the middle of their forehead.

I guess I'm just so happy to even BE pregnant that all I'm wishing for is a healthy baby. I don't care what color eyes or hair it will have. I believe God will give me the baby that I am meant to have.

I say you are messing with Kharma if you mess with nature. What do YOU think?

Recycle your Crayons

You know how kids will wear crayons down to the nub or never use their least favorite colors? Don't throw them away because they sit in the landfill forever. Recycle them! Click on this link for Crazy Crayons to find out how.

http://www.crazycrayons.com/recycle_program.html

15 weeks today!

I am SO glad to be into my 2nd trimester now. I still get some waves of nausea but for the most part I feel really great! Certainly not as tired or cranky as I was during my first trimester. Only 25 more weeks to go! I would much rather say 25 weeks as opposed to the actual number of days that is...

Are YOU pregnant? Do you know about Duck Duck Goose yet? You don't find out about this until you join the "I'm pregnant" club. It's a huge consignment sale in April. Visit www.dkdkgoose.com.

Bring on the Granny Pannies!

Yes, I am aware that I spelled Pannies wrong. But I will tell you that this is one of the terms I hate to describe underwear. However, I feel there is no better descriptive term for the extensive materialed garments I will have to buy to fit my derrier...I just realized that my Hi-Cut briefs are cutting right above the babies head. Probably not a good idea. Plus, either the elastic is shot, or these things are not fitting me anymore. So off I go...to spend more money that I do not have for Granny Pannies!!!!!!!!!!!! And I need pants too. Sweatpants really are not acceptable at work.

Placenta Brain

So have you heard about Placenta brain? If you are pregnant you already know about this and you may call it something else. Placenta brain to me is the inevitable confusion that comes with pregnancy. The "blonde moment" so to speak. This one is hilarious. One of my good friends is also pregnant and she is due the day before me. She put on her socks and boots and laced them up and started walking out the door when she realized she had no pants on. BahahahaAAAAAA!!!! That's hilarious! For me? This is a big placenta brain moment. I booked two plane tickets to St. Louis for the end of March. When the charges showed up on my checking account it looked funny to me and I freaked out, cancelled my debit card and filled out fraud forms at the bank. Whoops...all is well thank goodness, but seriously? How embarassing.

Have you had placenta brain moments you would like to share?

So I guess you don't get an ultrasound everytime...bummer

I went for my 14 week appt yesterday and I was all excited to see the growing baby again. Psyche! Nope...apparantly you don't get an ultrasound everytime. My mistake. I'm not sure why I assumed that? I did get to hear the baby's heartbeat which is nice and strong, but I didn't get to see it. Bummer. That's okay though. Everything is going well so far. I have gained 3 pounds since my last appointment four weeks ago...oops. I swear my hiking boots counted for 2 of those pounds.

I have to take my gestational diabetes test at 18 weeks. That's about 10 weeks early. My doctor isn't necessarily concerned, but wants to make sure everything is okay so I have to drink this orange stuff an hour before my next appointment.

Then at 20 weeks on April 8th...we get to find out the gender! I can't wait!

Keep ya' posted!

Why do some baby websites get your due date and week all wrong?!

So I go to said baby website and I plug in my info and it comes up with some insane due date and says I'm a week ahead of where I am? What is UP with that???? My favorite website is www.babycenter.com. It has all my information right and I love the information they send. Sorry if you are a fan of What to Expect but I don't like that book and I don't like that website. Everyone is different in what they need and I guess I need more of a lighthearted approach to what I'm going through. My sister has said that Girlfriends guide to pregnancy is great too!

Thanks to Me & Mommy to Be!

Janice at Me & Mommy to Be at the Gallery Shopping Center in Knoxville was so nice! She e-mailed me because I was talking about how my clothes don't fit. She was telling me that they have a nice selection of Maternity Clothing at her shop. I explained to her that I need larger clothing and she told me she had just ordered some jeans in my size. Can't wait to go check it out! Thanks Janice for taking the time to e-mail me. ;)

My clothes don't fit...

So, I'm having some difficulties in the clothing department. I had to fold and store my final pair of jeans last week. I have now resorted to knit maternity pants. I am a jeans girl so this has been a bit troubling for me. Yes, I know they make maternity jeans, but I haven't had any luck finding some that fit me yet. They are either way too small or way too big. I haven't looked forward to shopping so I haven't made much of an effort. But I will have to now. I had to wear sweatpants on Friday. I apologize profusely to my boss and explained I was having some difficulty with my clothes. My boss has been SO supportive of me. He was very cool about the clothing issues. I assured him I would work on that. ;) So a-shopping I will go. A-shopping I will go...

I reckon' I'm gonna' have a baby...

FINALLY!  at 36 years old, the efforts paid off and I am finally pregnant!  I am expecting my first baby in late August and I am so excited I can't stand it!  I found out the morning after the company Christmas party.  Thankfully, I didn't indulge TOO much at the Christmas party. I've never been much of a drinker.  I randomly took a pregnancy test, hopeful it would be positive, but totally doubting it.  All the signs of my "monthly visitor" were there.  I couldn't possibly be pregnant!  Well low and behold, the test was positive. WHAT????????  I started freaking out thinking this was some sort of joke.  Did I DARE get excited?  I called the doctor's office and she told me that if I went in that day, they would just do the same thing I did.  She made an appointment for me when I would be at 6 weeks.  I took five more pregnancy tests in the meantime, just to make sure.  

I don't know how people don't TELL anyone!  I immediately told the people closest to me and asked them to keep it quiet until after my first trimester.  I didn't want to jynx anything.

I went to see my OB/GYN at 6 weeks and she immediately found the little peanut and heard a nice strong heartbeat.  Yep, I was indeed pregnant.  I totally started crying when I heard the heartbeat.  It was so neat!  

I went to the doctor again at 10 weeks and now today, is 14 weeks.  I go again this afternoon.  My baby is about the size of an orange I think . Feels more like a football.

I have so much more to write, but I have to get into the studio.  

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