Monday, March 30, 2009

New "Symptoms"

So I've developed 2 new symptoms of pregnancy. Friday morning I was working from home...and my feet started hurting a little. When I looked down they were all swollen and puffy. We're talking elephant ankles here! I immediately went to go sit on the love seat in my office and propped my feet up...and the swelling eventually faded. But everyday since, I've had swelling in my ankles...even now, as I type, my ankles are swollen. My hands haven't been affected...but I assume it's only a matter of time before the wedding rings have to come off.

Then...on Saturday morning I woke up around 2am to pee, as usual. I noticed the top of my nightshirt was wet. I thought maybe I'd drooled or something, but when I woke up in the morning I could see that I had not drooled, but had "leaked" overnight. My nightshirt was stained white.

So not only do I have to worry about swollen ankles for the last 8 days I have to come into the office, but also leaky boobs! 8 more working days. 8 more working days. I can't wait!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Shower Pics

Here are some pics from our shower last Sunday.

The loot before we tore into it.

Me and my bestest friend, Bridget.

Front of the diaper cake my little sister made.

Back of diaper cake

My corsage, also made by my sister.



DH's boutonniere, made by my sister.


The toybox that my sister made, stained, painted etc.

Inside of said toybox...this was 3/4 full when I opened it originally. I've put stuff away!


My sister's "signature" inside the toybox...with her "call sign"


Both flowers again!






Thursday, March 26, 2009

34 weeks 1 day

Can I just say that I LOVE my OB? I don't particularly like the NP in his office, ok, I can't stand her...but I LOVE him. I had my 34 week appointment yesterday. BP was 124/70, a little high for me, baby's hr was 160, a little high for her. I gained 4 lbs, which puts me at +8 for the entire pregnancy so far. Typical appointment, except that my OB told me that since we've had a "premium" pregnancy, and he knows what we went through to get to this point, that he wants to start monitoring me every week. That way, if there is even a hint that something is off, he will deliver me. I almost started bawling right there...such a compassionate man. So next week, I will be put on the fetal monitor, have an AFI (amniotic fluid check), an internal cervical check and an ultrasound to gauge how big Baby Girl is at this point.

OH...and the best part...he gave me the ok to take Tylen0l PM for my pain at night...and guess what? I SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT LAST NIGHT! Fell asleep about 9:30ish and didn't wake up until my alarm buzzed at 4:30! My bladder felt like it was going to explode, but I actually slept through the night for the first time in like 6 months! I feel so good this morning! Like a new woman! It's amazing what good sleep can do for someones mental state!

After my appointment yesterday, DH and I went for our closing on the refinance we did on our house. We originally did an 80/15/5 loan (1 loan for 80%, 1 for 15% and 5% down) when we bought our house 2 years ago. The loan on the 15% was a 15 year balloon at 9%...the other was a conventional 30 year fixed. Well, we were able to combine the 2 loans into one at a 5.125% rate. We'll be saving roughly $300 a month. And we don't have to worry about the balloon payment anymore since that is gone. I was VERY happy.

Let's see...what else...oh yea...DH and I went to BRU to pick up things off our registry that we didn't get at our shower. I was really surprised that no one bought us sheets! Luckily BRU had Buy one get one 50% off...so we picked up 4 sheets (I know we'll need more), we also picked up our changing pad, changing pad covers, sheet savers, our diaper bag, and bottles that "mimic the breast". The only things we really need are the mattress for the crib...BRU seems to always be out...and extra car seat bases. My mom is going to come over on Sunday to help me sort through the mountain of clothes we received...some are just not practical to keep (sweat suits in size 0-3 months for example)...others I'm not sure on. Oh yea! We also need to get our highchair. DH and I really love this one and this one. DH's mom and dad had bought us one, but we're going to return it and put the money towards one of those....we think.

I think that's about all for now...

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Shower thank yous

Can you believe that I have my shower thank yous all done? Yep, just finished them this morning...well sort of...I cheated. I didn't hand write the cards...instead I printed them off on card stock. And they aren't personalized either. Here is the saying on the thank yous...as though Baby Girl was sending them:

I'm really glad you could come help shower my mother, sit down, relax, enjoy yourselves and chat with one another.
Sorry I couldn't be with you to share in mommy's shower, but you see I'm very busy cause I'm growing more each hour.
Thought I'm not here to thank you for the special gift you brought, my parents and I are grateful. We appreciate the thought.
I'll be arriving shortly, I'm as happy as can be. So after I've been home awhile, please come visit me!
All my love,
Baby Girl (and mommy and daddy)

I found this online awhile back and just FELL IN LOVE with it. It's from a site that says to copy and paste it onto your thank yous, so I'm not worried about copyrights. DH and I will sign each one individually (ok so that part isn't done yet) and I still need to print my mailing labels (need to get more labels!).

34 week appointment is later this afternoon, so I'll post more then...and hopefully will be able to post pics...though I don't have many as the person that was supposed to be taking pics with my camera sort of didn't.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Baby Shower

Sunday was our Baby Shower. Let me just say, that my sister and my mom went above and beyond the call of "duty". I had known ahead of time where the shower was being held...so that wasn't a surprise. But I had the best time. My sister got the creative gene in my family and she MADE my corsage and DH's boutonniere. I have pics...but am at work and can't upload them while I'm connected to the network. She has silk roses and little baby pacifiers and baby's breath. I really thought they were real. It is so great that we get to keep these as keepsakes. She even included her little "call sign" in the flowers. When she was little we used to call her by her name + bug...and she's always gone by a ladybug "call sign". So each of our corsages has a small ladybug hidden amongst the flowers. She made the favors as well...and a diaper cake...and for the finale...she made Baby Girl a wooden toy box! A very large toy box. With her name on it...and it's lined inside with felt and ribbons...and of course, her signature ladybug is on the inside of the top (will post pics). And said toy box was FULL of stuff that she has purchased for Baby Girl. My mom also had a large box full of things for us. That, on top of the generosity of everyone who attended, completely overwhelmed me. Even before we opened presents, I made DH give a thank you for coming speech...I was in tears. Just looking out amongst all the friends and family who took time out of their busy schedules, to spend an afternoon with us...it was too much. For both of us. After present opening, I tried to say a thank you to everyone, but I ended up getting choked up and couldn't finish. It was a very emotional day for me. While we still have things we have to purchase before Baby Girl arrives, I was completely overwhelmed at every one's generosity. From big ticket items like our swing and bedding, to gift cards, to checks, to all the cute outfits...we really were shocked. It took 2 large SUV's to get everything home. I am now in search of the perfect thank you gift for my hostesses, my wonderful little sister and mom.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Updated Belly Pics

I've updated the Belly Pics link on the sidebar...I haven't taken my 33 week pic yet...so you'll have to make due with the 32week 1 day photos...I took one straight on bare belly...can't believe I'm posting it...you can see all the red knarly stretch marks I have!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

33 weeks

Another week gone by...another week closer to the end and meeting Baby Girl. I really have nothing new to say. The RLP waxes and wanes. Some days I'm good, some not so good. Today is a so-so day. I am truly starting to believe that I feel her "growth spurts"...in the form of severe heartburn and stretching of my uterine muscles...and such pain is only relieved by laying down. Hard to do when I'm still working. Luckily, I've been working from home all week...and will work from home the rest of the week...so I can lay down if I need to.

I don't believe Baby Girl is head down anymore. I believe she has taken up residence in my rib cage. Feeling now, I can feel 2 large round things under either boob. Not sure if it's a head and butt or what...but it's VERY uncomfortable. And I have at least 6 more weeks of growing to do! Yikes.

But as I've said before...I wouldn't change anything, because I know the outcome is one that I've been waiting on for a very long time. It's amazing how much I already love this little one...I can't fathom it. I don't know if it's all the hormones or what, but every time I think about holding her for that first time, I start to cry. I guess part of me still doesn't really believe that this is all real. Another thing infertility does to a gal.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy St Patrick's Day!

You know you're Irish when...

The condensation on your pint of Guinness takes the shape of shamrocks
You don't believe there is a God, but you are damn sure of the infallibility of the Pope.
You believe that to forgive is divine, but you don't exercise it yourself.
You won't eat meat on Friday, but you'll drink a pint for breakfast.
You consider any Irishman who has become successful a traitor.
You have great respect for the truth, and you only use it in emergencies.
The further you get from Ireland, the more Irish you get.
You eat homefried taters for brakfast, potato bread for lunch, and potato stew for dinner.
You cry at sad movies, but you cheer in battle.
You will never play professional basketball.
You swear very well.
You think you sing very well.
There isn't a huge difference between losing your temper and killing someone.
You're strangely poetic after a few beers.
Many of your sisters are Catherine, Elizabeth or Mary and one is Mary Catherine Elizabeth.
You can't wait for the other guy to stop talking so you can start talking.
Much of your food is boiled.
You are, or know someone, named "Murph."
If you don't know Murph, then you know Mac.
If you don't know Murph or Mac, then you know Sully, and you'll probably also know Sully McMurphy.
Your parents were on a first name basis with everyone at the local emergency room.
There wasn't a huge difference between your last wake and your last keg party.
You're proud to be Irish - and you pass these jokes on to all your Irish friends!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Question

So for those of you who have had your showers...did you get anything for the people who threw you the shower to say thank you? My mom and sister have put in alot of time and energy into planning our upcoming shower, and I almost feel like I should get them something to say "Thank you"...your input is appreciated!

Overstimulated

I have learned my lesson people. I will NOT be spending anymore days walking the mall. It results in too much discomfort.

Saturday, I met my mom at 8:45am for some shopping. I got everything I wanted...something to wear to my shower (OMG, that's THIS Sunday??), new shoes, 2 pairs, as my gymmies just aren't nice enough and none of my other shoes fit. The sling I registered for...no one has bought it yet, and a different store close to my mom's had it for less $ than BRU. 2 outfits for Lexi, as I can't buy for me without buying for her. I'm in trouble if she comes out and is actually a "he". A jacket for my DH, since I didn't want him to feel left out. And a CD that plays baby noises, crying, temper tantrums, "talking" etc...to play for my 2 dogs so they get used to the noises that are soon to enter their world. In all, I only spent $100...not bad. Told you I've become a bargain shopper!

But when I got home and sat down on the couch at about 5:00, I couldn't move without pain. Everything hurt. My feet, my back, my legs...the round ligament pain in my vajayjay was unreal. I didn't want to move. I will NOT be doing that again.

Yesterday, DH and I just spent the day enjoying the 60 degree weather the Midwest is enjoying right now. Don't be jealous...it's going to drop back into the 40s by Wednesday.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

32 weeks

What can I say that I haven't already? I'm in awe of this process. Complete awe. And while I'm feeling like a stuffed pig, big and uncomfortable, I wouldn't change any of it. Well, maybe I would ask for the RLP to go away...lol.


RLP is still there. Walking is painful, putting on my pants is painful, rolling over in bed is painful...I think you get the idea. I could deal with it, if it wasn't centered in my hoo ha. Stretching pains in my sides, that I can take...but the knife stabbing in the vajayjay is too much sometimes. It literally brings tears to my eyes.


Heartburn is also becoming an issue. Even if I don't eat anything "spicy". A glass of water can cause me to whip out the Tums. Doesn't make for fun evenings, or mornings, or afternoons, for that matter.

Anywho...my OB appointment was uneventful. Saw the NP today...who I don't really like. Baby is head down, let's all pray she stays that way. Heartrate was in the 150s...my b/p was 108/64...and I've gained 3 lbs in the last 2 weeks. That means I'm up 4 lbs from my prepregnancy weight.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Da Pain! Da Pain!

OMG! The Round Ligament Pain is back with a vengeance. I'm working in my office today and I got up to get some water...and I almost doubled over in pain. It seriously feels like someone is stabbing me in the vajayjay. Evil crotch pain! I'm fine when I'm sitting, and once I've been moving around for awhile...but it's the initial stand up and take that first step that KILLS me! I'm going to mention this AGAIN to my OB on Wednesday when I go, but he warned me it would get worse. And I guess I really can't complain too much...I mean, if I look back on my posts...I was complaining that I didn't have any pg symptoms...well, I have one now!

In other news, DH and I attended our first childbirth class on Friday evening. It was interesting to say the least...the room was WAY to hot...and the instructor seemed disorganized. I'm hoping the next 3 weeks have some sort of "plan" to them and we're not just "winging it" like we did last week.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Dear Alexis,

The last 31 weeks have gone by so quickly for mommy. As we get closer to meeting eye to eye, instead of foot to ribs, mommy just wants you to know what daddy and I experienced to bring you into this world.

You'll learn very quickly from grandma and grandpa that mommy and daddy have been waiting for you for a very long time. When daddy and I got married, on that beautiful beach in Maui, you were already on our minds and in our hearts. We often thought about when you would decide to come to us, and we weren't always patient. But we always thought of you with love in our hearts and hope that that year would be the year we would get to meet you. Years went by, and mommy was a little sad that you stayed away, daddy too. We tried everything we could to bring you to us. Mommy had surgery and took all kinds of shots...then, 31 weeks ago, mommy got a call from the doctor who told me that you had come. I can't tell you how happy I was to hear that news. Mommy started crying she was so happy. Daddy cried to...and so did grandma and grandpa. We were all so happy that you decided to join our family. Mommy still gets weepy sometimes when I feel you move inside my tummy, I'm that happy you're here.

I know there will be times, as you get older, that you may think mommy and daddy are "being mean" because we tell you "no"...but, Baby Girl, just know that we love you more than life itself. Mommy and Daddy would do anything to protect you and give you everything you deserve in life. You are truly our miracle baby, and we will never, for even a second, forget how special that makes you.

With all the love in the world,

Mommy

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Last night

Last night was not a good night. I went to bed around 10pm and slept ok until 1am. I got up to pee and couldn't fall back asleep. I tossed and turned fitfully until my alarm went of at 4:30...I was planning on going into the office today...but that didn't happen. Luckily, I did fall asleep around 5am and slept until 7:30, at which point I got up and logged into the system.

It was a very bad night indeed...I'm dragging ass today. And the suckiest part of it is that I'm actually busy today, so my brain is required to function. And since I've had NO caffeine since July...that isn't an option for me.

I can't wait until 4:30 when I can log out and take a quick nap before DH gets home. Who am I kidding?

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

31 weeks

I'm feeling much better today. Going to sleep at 9pm and being able to sleep until 7am, with only 1 instance of having to get up to pee helped tremendously. I'm working from home today. I could not stand another day of getting up at 4:30am. I needed last night. Badly. People at work ask me how I'll cope when I'm sleep deprived with a baby. My answer is that it's different. Getting up at 4:30, showering, getting dressed and out the door by 5:45am, for a 2 hour commute into the city, requires some form of wakefulness. Getting up at 4:30 to soothe a baby, change a diaper and feed baby doesn't require as much wakefulness. And, I'm not going to be asked to perform actual brain function after a night like that. I can nap when baby naps...at least, that's my hope.

As for my physical state...I'm still sore. Mornings are usually better than evenings. By evening, even sitting on the couch is uncomfortable. Only climbing into bed and laying on my side gives me any relief. Though, rolling over in bed requires use of stomach muscles that have been stretched and moved and isn't pleasant.

I still have all kinds of mucous issues. My nose is constantly running and stuffy, post nasal drips are a norm. TMI...but I seem to have a glob of mucous that has made itself at home in the back of my throat...and I can't hack it out for the life of me. This also makes for unpleasant sleeping as said glob tends to "shift" over my windpipe sometimes, which results in me waking up coughing.

All in all, I really don't have much to gripe about. This pregnancy has, thankfully, been pretty "uneventful". The minor discomforts that I'm dealing with are so worth the end result...having Baby Alexis in my arms.

DH was bringing a laundry basket upstairs for me this morning. He made a comment about how surreal it was to be carrying that basket upstairs with baby clothes in it. He's carried that laundry basket hundreds of times, with my clothes and his...but today was the first day there were baby clothes in it (I broke down and washed the clothes I had instead of waiting until after the shower). It's little things like that that make the biggest impact on us.

I have updated belly pics...but I haven't had a chance to upload them to blogger yet. I'll try to do that sometime later today.

We start our childbirth classes this Friday. Next OB appointment is next Wednesday.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Irritable Beyotch today

This is going to be a busy month for me...between childbirth classes, baptism classes, our shower, my cousin's kid's birthdays, dinners with friends...every weekend has something going on. Sometimes something both Saturday AND Sunday. I don't know how I'm going to make it. 3 days into March and I'm exhausted. Though that could be because I've been coming into the office everyday...which equals less sleep for me...and means I'm even more irritable than usual.

Take today. There is one person here at work (well, she's in NY and I'm in Chicago) that is driving me BATTY! I work in sales support, she's in implementation. Which means, we sell products, her group implements them. She has called me 4 times already...and each time, she talks and doesn't ask a question...just goes on and on about a job that I put in. The job isn't wrong, or missing information...so why is she calling? Just to "talk through it". ANNOYS the SH!T out of me. If you don't understand something...ask a question. Don't call me just to hear yourself talk! So this last time she called...I SAC'd my phone (sent her to vm)...she didn't leave a message...just called back 2 minutes later...and I SAC'd her again. What I'd really like to do is SOCK her!

See...I'm irritable today. I'm tired. I'm sore. RLP is back, though not as bad. The muscles in my stomach hurt. I just want to crawl into bed and sleep for the rest of the week. Too bad "Mother May I" is just a game...

Monday, March 2, 2009

Ok...so I'm a cheater...

I admit it. I just can't help myself! What, you may be asking, am I referring to? I'm referring to online registries. And the fact that I can pull up mine at any time and see what has been purchased already. And I have. Multiple times. See, I'm a cheater. I know what I'm getting before I get it. I'm so ashamed! (lol)

But seriously, I have seen what people have purchased...but it was mostly by accident. I went to update my registry and happened to see the "Purchased" section. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!