The hubs and I started prenatal classes last week. The set of five classes (one per week) is supposed to prepare us for birth, which is reassuring when you think about it. I mean, who DOESN'T want to be prepared during this whole labor/delivery thing?
After two hours of explaining some possible complications (not reassuring), an instruction on hand massage (thank you to whichever nurse felt that was a necessary thing to teach), and some serious "relaxation" techniques, I felt pretty informed...Jamie felt bored and unimpressed.
Now, are you really surprised? I was not. Yes, this is supposed to prepare us both for the big day. However, I'll be honest when I say it's mostly about me. And by "me" I mean the mammas-to-be in the class. I shouldn't be selfish (yeah, right).
Bring on the relaxation techniques because I feel a little like crying when I think about the actual birth thing. It just sounds hard...and painful. Yes, I know my body was made for this and it will be fine. But I'm entitled to some nerves.
Before class, they made us fill out a sheet telling them our biggest fears of birth. I wrote something about not knowing what to expect or having complications. Blah, blah, blah...I think most of us new mommies in there could have filled out a heck of a lot more than two lines of "fears".
I am sure I will be fine when the day comes. Right now, let's be honest, I just want the little nugget to arrive so I can snuggle her and stare at her...and never leave her. Yes, I'll probably be an overprotective parent. I JUST WANT HER TO GET HERE AND I STILL HAVE A MONTH AND A HALF LEFT. Bahhh....Fiona...if you can hear me....mommy understands that you need more time and I respect that. But I can't wait to meet you...and daddy is getting impatient.
What will I be like at 39 (I'm only 33.5 weeks now) weeks? I'll tell you. I'll be a crazy person.
My mom got me a book with all sorts of what I will call "babyisms". Basically it's full of hilarious sayings and quotes that are much more reassuring than any baby class. This one is what they should put on that giant projection screen at our next prenatal class.
"100% of babies will forgive you for inexperience."
Ahhh yes....words to live by.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Prepping a future hawkeye mind-IOWA HOMECOMING WEEK!
Yes, it's a big week for us Hawkeyes. It's the BIG game on Saturday and I am seriously looking forward to it. I will be wrapping my giant preggo belly in black and gold and jamming out to the fight song as much as I please with lots of Hawkeye pride (even if I get a stink eye from a cyclone). Why is this exciting? Because it's homecoming for IOWA and it should be a state holiday, obviously. Also, Fiona will be hearing the fight song for the very first time. I've read that at this point in pregnancy she can hear/enjoy songs and will possibly be soothed by those she hears multiple times while still in the womb.
So, hopefully she will hear it so many times that it becomes a bedtime lullaby. A hawkeye mom can only dream.
Oh, and for those of you confused as to where my husband's loyalties lie...he tells me he is a Hawkeye and he faithfully wears a Hawkeye watch daily. But we all have our suspicions;)
So, hopefully she will hear it so many times that it becomes a bedtime lullaby. A hawkeye mom can only dream.
Oh, and for those of you confused as to where my husband's loyalties lie...he tells me he is a Hawkeye and he faithfully wears a Hawkeye watch daily. But we all have our suspicions;)
Friday, October 14, 2011
What's your favorite position? Not like that...sick...
Today I am starting to really wonder if my little Fiona is head down (like she is supposed to be, ideally) breech, or sideways (transverse). I have another appointment in about a week, so I will of course be bringing this up to my doc, but it certainly has me thinking.
You probably wonder why I am even thinking about this and think I am "assuming the worst". I'll admit, sometimes I do that so you wouldn't be off by thinking that. It's not that I'm a pessimist, I just like to set my sights low so I'm not totally crushed when things aren't all wonderland and roses. Yah, yah...wish for what you want and it might happen...blah, blah...whatever.
I think she's in a strange position because I feel movement pretty much EVERYWHERE. I feel her up high, on the sides (mostly on the left side) and very often...around my bladder/very low. That's right, she thinks my bladder is a punching bag. I can only hope she grows up to be a famous boxer or preferably, a kickboxing enthusiast/workout instructor/gym owner (it just sounds cooler). I think her daddy would be proud.
I have no idea what would happen if she's in a funny position birth-wise because I haven't asked yet. But I will. Until then, I'll scour the internet. So far it seems there is always a chance for turning but it could result in a c-section. Good-bye once decent-ish abs.
Another fun fact? I WAS SIDEWAYS BEFORE BIRTH. However, the showstopper that I am, I turned just in the nick of time. I have always liked a good dose of suspense, so it's not surprising. However, I'm also a little difficult. My mom should have known my birth was a glimpse into the future.
I'll keep you in the loop as I have more information and less assumptions.
Later gremlins (I strive to be like Gaga).
You probably wonder why I am even thinking about this and think I am "assuming the worst". I'll admit, sometimes I do that so you wouldn't be off by thinking that. It's not that I'm a pessimist, I just like to set my sights low so I'm not totally crushed when things aren't all wonderland and roses. Yah, yah...wish for what you want and it might happen...blah, blah...whatever.
I think she's in a strange position because I feel movement pretty much EVERYWHERE. I feel her up high, on the sides (mostly on the left side) and very often...around my bladder/very low. That's right, she thinks my bladder is a punching bag. I can only hope she grows up to be a famous boxer or preferably, a kickboxing enthusiast/workout instructor/gym owner (it just sounds cooler). I think her daddy would be proud.
I have no idea what would happen if she's in a funny position birth-wise because I haven't asked yet. But I will. Until then, I'll scour the internet. So far it seems there is always a chance for turning but it could result in a c-section. Good-bye once decent-ish abs.
Another fun fact? I WAS SIDEWAYS BEFORE BIRTH. However, the showstopper that I am, I turned just in the nick of time. I have always liked a good dose of suspense, so it's not surprising. However, I'm also a little difficult. My mom should have known my birth was a glimpse into the future.
I'll keep you in the loop as I have more information and less assumptions.
Later gremlins (I strive to be like Gaga).
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
30 Weeks 4 Days...and my must-haves
I have officially seemed to make it to the home stretch of my pregnancy. Yay!
I am sure when I am 38 weeks I will look back and this post and think, "yah, right...if you only knew." But, right now I'm going to go ahead and bask in my over 30 week glory. If you hate when I tell you how far I am in weeks and not months and don't enjoy doing the math in your head I am just a little bit under 8 months.
So, I have about 9.5 weeks left and I am still feeling pretty good. Yes, I'm exhausted and large but I don't really think those are things to complain about. I knew those things were going to happen before I got on the baby-making train. Not that I don't sometimes complain to the hubs...he is special and gets to hear all of my whining about how giant and sleepy I am.
Sooo...what has made my pregnancy so wonderful? How did I get so lucky? Hmm...it's a mystery to me folks, sorry. However, I do hope that this continues all the way through birth (but I'm not planning on that part being much of a picnic). Since I'm also new at this whole pregnancy thing, I can't say I'm any kind of expert. BUT I will tell you a few things that have helped me along the way.
1. Get an exercise ball and learn how to use it while pregnant. I had a little bit of a lower joint issue very early in pregnancy and was sent to a physical therapist for a few weeks to fix the issue. The problem was apparently caused by my ligaments loosening due to pregnancy. While there, I used a large exercise ball and the therapist showed me some things I could do on it all the way through my pregnancy to keep muscles active and strong. I will tell you that I was really good about this in my first and second trimester and have been lacking a little lately. But I do feel like this helped keep me feeling strong and healthy with very little effort. SOOooo now I have my own.
2. Ok, the next one I don't have a picture for but do yourself a favor if you are thinking about getting pregnant and get some acne face wash. Sounds gross right? Well, too bad. My skin has always been relatively good and lately it has pretty much sucked. So I talked to my OB and was able to find some good things to keep it under wraps (for the most part...I'm still kind of disgusting, but the level is minimal). From what I understand, I'm not the only preggo that has had this sort of thing happen.
3. People keep asking me how I avoided morning sickness in my first trimester. Well, I honestly don't really know how I did that for sure. However, my OB had told me a while before we even thought about getting preggo that I should start popping some multi-vitamins with folic acid in them about 3 months before trying. So I did. In fact, I started popping these suckers almost every day about 4 months prior. I think it may have helped how I feel and I know it was definitely a good thing for baby. On a side note, at about 8 weeks pregnant I was no longer able to keep these down (even with food) so now I'm a proud Flintstones Vitamin popper. Don't worry, my doctor approved them.
4. Finally, I think I was probably in the best shape of my life before we decided to jump on the baby bandwagon. I had just trained and finished a half marathon, which is something I had never done before so for me that was an accomplishment (for you that might be a weak show of physical work, but for me it was big). I was also eating a balanced diet and actively trying to fulfill my fruits, veggies, grains, etc. So, that may have also contributed to the fact that I felt pretty decent all the way through the first trimester.
So, there you have it. This is just stuff that worked for me and made me feel good but it could be totally worthless to someone else. If you have any other suggestions for me and anyone else reading who is looking into the world of baby land, let it rip below.
After all, part of the reason I started this whole blog was to get advice from other people and share my experiences. Hope this didn't bore you to tears!
I am sure when I am 38 weeks I will look back and this post and think, "yah, right...if you only knew." But, right now I'm going to go ahead and bask in my over 30 week glory. If you hate when I tell you how far I am in weeks and not months and don't enjoy doing the math in your head I am just a little bit under 8 months.
So, I have about 9.5 weeks left and I am still feeling pretty good. Yes, I'm exhausted and large but I don't really think those are things to complain about. I knew those things were going to happen before I got on the baby-making train. Not that I don't sometimes complain to the hubs...he is special and gets to hear all of my whining about how giant and sleepy I am.
Sooo...what has made my pregnancy so wonderful? How did I get so lucky? Hmm...it's a mystery to me folks, sorry. However, I do hope that this continues all the way through birth (but I'm not planning on that part being much of a picnic). Since I'm also new at this whole pregnancy thing, I can't say I'm any kind of expert. BUT I will tell you a few things that have helped me along the way.
1. Get an exercise ball and learn how to use it while pregnant. I had a little bit of a lower joint issue very early in pregnancy and was sent to a physical therapist for a few weeks to fix the issue. The problem was apparently caused by my ligaments loosening due to pregnancy. While there, I used a large exercise ball and the therapist showed me some things I could do on it all the way through my pregnancy to keep muscles active and strong. I will tell you that I was really good about this in my first and second trimester and have been lacking a little lately. But I do feel like this helped keep me feeling strong and healthy with very little effort. SOOooo now I have my own.
 |
| Ta dah! Big Green Exercise Ball = Nicole's Wonderful Pregnancy |
2. Ok, the next one I don't have a picture for but do yourself a favor if you are thinking about getting pregnant and get some acne face wash. Sounds gross right? Well, too bad. My skin has always been relatively good and lately it has pretty much sucked. So I talked to my OB and was able to find some good things to keep it under wraps (for the most part...I'm still kind of disgusting, but the level is minimal). From what I understand, I'm not the only preggo that has had this sort of thing happen.
3. People keep asking me how I avoided morning sickness in my first trimester. Well, I honestly don't really know how I did that for sure. However, my OB had told me a while before we even thought about getting preggo that I should start popping some multi-vitamins with folic acid in them about 3 months before trying. So I did. In fact, I started popping these suckers almost every day about 4 months prior. I think it may have helped how I feel and I know it was definitely a good thing for baby. On a side note, at about 8 weeks pregnant I was no longer able to keep these down (even with food) so now I'm a proud Flintstones Vitamin popper. Don't worry, my doctor approved them.
So, there you have it. This is just stuff that worked for me and made me feel good but it could be totally worthless to someone else. If you have any other suggestions for me and anyone else reading who is looking into the world of baby land, let it rip below.
After all, part of the reason I started this whole blog was to get advice from other people and share my experiences. Hope this didn't bore you to tears!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Smells make me sad
New developments in my pregnant life:
1. Smells are making my life difficult. Not every smell bothers me, but some that are regular, everyday parts of my life. For example, most frozen meals smell like glue...or sometimes rotten cheese. The entryway to my office building also smells awful...this one I cannot describe but I can tell you that it's not good. I actually stubbed my toe this morning trying to run through and miss the stink.
2. I feel huge, but I have been told by quite a few people (mostly people I don't know and haven't asked their opinion) that I better "get to growing". To that I say, grow where? I think I'm almost out of room. I think they are just trying to be nice. Which I appreciate. They are probably thinking, "Whoa beast, watch the donuts why don't you."
3. Also smell related, I smell cinnamon everywhere. I smelled it at the mall, in my car, while taking Gizmo for a walk...apparently there is an invisible leprechaun dusting my way with the spice. I'm pretty sure this scent is in my head, but it's possible that people are really amping up their fall scents this year.
4. Last but not least, pregnancy brain has set in. What is pregnancy brain? It basically means pregnant women supposedly become forgetful and stupid while harboring their little one for 9 months. Up until this point I feel that I have successfully dodged this bullet (no matter what my husband has told you). However, yesterday I did something pretty stupid. I locked myself out of my (24 hour, key card entry only) gym. There was no one in the gym. There were no businesses still open near the gym. My car keys and gym key card were LOCKED IN THE GYM. So I had to walk about a mile home (picture me walking, giant belly, gross workout clothes, kindle and fleece in tow). Luckily, it was nice out. Unluckily, I had to wake the hubs (creature of madness) from his afternoon nap to take me back to the gym. He was not impressed.
So the pic I had posted here no longer exists...I know, I know...sadness. But the hubs didn't really get it...and the next day neither did I.
1. Smells are making my life difficult. Not every smell bothers me, but some that are regular, everyday parts of my life. For example, most frozen meals smell like glue...or sometimes rotten cheese. The entryway to my office building also smells awful...this one I cannot describe but I can tell you that it's not good. I actually stubbed my toe this morning trying to run through and miss the stink.
2. I feel huge, but I have been told by quite a few people (mostly people I don't know and haven't asked their opinion) that I better "get to growing". To that I say, grow where? I think I'm almost out of room. I think they are just trying to be nice. Which I appreciate. They are probably thinking, "Whoa beast, watch the donuts why don't you."
3. Also smell related, I smell cinnamon everywhere. I smelled it at the mall, in my car, while taking Gizmo for a walk...apparently there is an invisible leprechaun dusting my way with the spice. I'm pretty sure this scent is in my head, but it's possible that people are really amping up their fall scents this year.
4. Last but not least, pregnancy brain has set in. What is pregnancy brain? It basically means pregnant women supposedly become forgetful and stupid while harboring their little one for 9 months. Up until this point I feel that I have successfully dodged this bullet (no matter what my husband has told you). However, yesterday I did something pretty stupid. I locked myself out of my (24 hour, key card entry only) gym. There was no one in the gym. There were no businesses still open near the gym. My car keys and gym key card were LOCKED IN THE GYM. So I had to walk about a mile home (picture me walking, giant belly, gross workout clothes, kindle and fleece in tow). Luckily, it was nice out. Unluckily, I had to wake the hubs (creature of madness) from his afternoon nap to take me back to the gym. He was not impressed.
So the pic I had posted here no longer exists...I know, I know...sadness. But the hubs didn't really get it...and the next day neither did I.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Maternity Center Madness
This past week or so was full of baby planning. I think it goes without saying that from here on out, that's pretty much going to be the case.
Last Friday we took the night to catch up on some things we had been overlooking. For me, that was a GIANT mound of clean laundry that needed to be steamed and hung up. For Jamie, that meant putting together our brand new glider for the nursery. Aside from the window panels that we have hung already, the glider is the only other nursery item we have and it is also the only thing we will have to put together on our own (the furniture is being delivered and put together for us).
So Jamie got to work and a couple of hours later we had a beautiful, rocking, reclining, glider!
There is actually an ottoman with the chair, but it's possible I got excited a little too early and took the pic before that. Don't worry, once the nursery starts to come along, I'll post some new pictures. Note the window panels-I'm taking full credit on putting those up all by myself.
Anyhow, Monday came and I had another doctor's appointment. They tell me all is well and goon's heartbeat is very strong. Yay! I'm also measuring right where I need to be. If you have no idea what that means, I can't really help you because I've never actually asked. I'm pretty sure it's their way of making sure baby is growing at the right speed. But if you have some extra insight on that, let me know. As long as they say things like, "yep, right on track" or "you are right where you need to be," I don't ask questions. I just roll with it.
My mom came with me on this appointment and got the pleasure of hearing her first grandchild's heartbeat! No matter how many times I hear it, it's still a reassuring, wonderful sound. She's been kicking and moving a lot more these days (hard enough that I can feel it), so I know she's in there swimming around, but there is just something about that heartbeat. It's magical.
Then came Wednesday. We had a scheduled appointment to get a private tour of the maternity area of the hospital I'll be delivering at. I know they have a special name for all of it, but to be honest, it's basically four floors of rooms dedicated to mamma and baby's well-being. We had a wonderful nurse show us around, answer our questions, and show us all the scenarios of how our little one's birth could go.
Without going into too much detail, there was a lot to take in. I am 100% sure that it is the right hospital for us and I'm very happy with all that she showed us. We didn't hear anyone screaming their head off, and I didn't come in contact with any crazy women being rushed into the birthing unit. So that was nice.
However, she did say that "December seems to be a busy month this year, so it will probably be busy."
Jamie and I took one look at those waiting rooms and thought, "well lady, our family is going to take up at least two full waiting areas, so be ready."
Also, word to the other mommies to be due in December: Move aside...I'm getting one of the real birthing units...no one puts baby in a corner...or in an "overflow room". Psh...
To conclude this post I will just say this. The tour was great and I'm pretty sure I know where I should go when the deed needs to be done. However, there are a lot of things that make me pretty nervous. As I'm sure any woman would agree, I'd like this portion of my life to go off without a hitch, if you know what I mean.
It also feels very, very real now that we have seen where the birth, recovery, etc. will go down. In fact, I was so nervous that evening that I couldn't sleep, felt sick and ended up sleeping half the night on the couch. Is it too much to ask that she just walk right out of me and shut the door behind her?
Oh, and have I mentioned that I'm looking into "natural" childbirth? That means no drugs...so we will see. Yes, I may be crazy.
Last Friday we took the night to catch up on some things we had been overlooking. For me, that was a GIANT mound of clean laundry that needed to be steamed and hung up. For Jamie, that meant putting together our brand new glider for the nursery. Aside from the window panels that we have hung already, the glider is the only other nursery item we have and it is also the only thing we will have to put together on our own (the furniture is being delivered and put together for us).
So Jamie got to work and a couple of hours later we had a beautiful, rocking, reclining, glider!
 |
| Coming Along... |
 |
| Job well done...the hubs is pooped! |
There is actually an ottoman with the chair, but it's possible I got excited a little too early and took the pic before that. Don't worry, once the nursery starts to come along, I'll post some new pictures. Note the window panels-I'm taking full credit on putting those up all by myself.
Anyhow, Monday came and I had another doctor's appointment. They tell me all is well and goon's heartbeat is very strong. Yay! I'm also measuring right where I need to be. If you have no idea what that means, I can't really help you because I've never actually asked. I'm pretty sure it's their way of making sure baby is growing at the right speed. But if you have some extra insight on that, let me know. As long as they say things like, "yep, right on track" or "you are right where you need to be," I don't ask questions. I just roll with it.
My mom came with me on this appointment and got the pleasure of hearing her first grandchild's heartbeat! No matter how many times I hear it, it's still a reassuring, wonderful sound. She's been kicking and moving a lot more these days (hard enough that I can feel it), so I know she's in there swimming around, but there is just something about that heartbeat. It's magical.
Then came Wednesday. We had a scheduled appointment to get a private tour of the maternity area of the hospital I'll be delivering at. I know they have a special name for all of it, but to be honest, it's basically four floors of rooms dedicated to mamma and baby's well-being. We had a wonderful nurse show us around, answer our questions, and show us all the scenarios of how our little one's birth could go.
Without going into too much detail, there was a lot to take in. I am 100% sure that it is the right hospital for us and I'm very happy with all that she showed us. We didn't hear anyone screaming their head off, and I didn't come in contact with any crazy women being rushed into the birthing unit. So that was nice.
However, she did say that "December seems to be a busy month this year, so it will probably be busy."
Jamie and I took one look at those waiting rooms and thought, "well lady, our family is going to take up at least two full waiting areas, so be ready."
Also, word to the other mommies to be due in December: Move aside...I'm getting one of the real birthing units...no one puts baby in a corner...or in an "overflow room". Psh...
To conclude this post I will just say this. The tour was great and I'm pretty sure I know where I should go when the deed needs to be done. However, there are a lot of things that make me pretty nervous. As I'm sure any woman would agree, I'd like this portion of my life to go off without a hitch, if you know what I mean.
It also feels very, very real now that we have seen where the birth, recovery, etc. will go down. In fact, I was so nervous that evening that I couldn't sleep, felt sick and ended up sleeping half the night on the couch. Is it too much to ask that she just walk right out of me and shut the door behind her?
Oh, and have I mentioned that I'm looking into "natural" childbirth? That means no drugs...so we will see. Yes, I may be crazy.
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