Yesterday at my routine doctor's appointment my blood pressure was still high. I already knew it would be because we have a variety of sphygmomanometers at our house. I had been checking it throughout the day. My doctor did, as I knew he would, and sent me immediately for more monitoring. I later learned that it's called a non-stress test. So, just like last Monday, I got admitted. This time I got to see a real live delivery room! It was bigger than I expected. I got all hooked up and started up my fight with the TV remote.
Miles had other ideas, he DID NOT like that monitor at all, he could barrel roll from one side of my stomach to the other to escape the heart rate monitor. At one point he was trapped and started to hiccup, my guess is so they couldn't hear his heartbeat. This boy is a punk if there ever was one.
Like last week, Miles is doing swimmingly, it's my health they are concerned about. There was trace amounts of protein in my urine. So for my safety, I get to have another Non-stress test Thursday. My doctor made the comment that up to this point it's been better off that Miles is inside, but we are quickly approaching a time where he would be better off on the outside. I would be better off too, because the only cure for high blood pressure is delivery.
So, with my teaching career on hiatus for the foreseeable future, a baby approaching possibly faster then we thought, I'm on bed rest. It's boring.
About to get schooled in motherhood.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Week 36
Where did the time go? I've been busy with school and busy most weekends. Busy is good because it makes time go by quickly. Busy is bad because it makes me swell. Week 36 brought on some excitement on the baby front. At our routine appointment Monday, my blood pressure was high. We were admitted to OB for further testing just to make sure Miles (and I) were still doing good. After 3+ hours of being hooked to my bed and machines via monitors and blood pressure cuffs they decided we could go home. The main thing this did was solidify my already made-up mind that I will not be strapped to a bed for my labor. UN-Comfortable!
So, Wednesday we met with our doula. I met her at the baby/child expo I went to the weekend before. I had read about doulas in a book my friend Carissa gave me, and they made a lot of sense for mine and Trevor's situation. However, when I looked online I didn't see any in our area. I had kind of wrote it off as not going to happen, so I was pleasantly surprised when I heard them say they were willing to travel to me!
The main reasons we hired a doula are:
1. A person who is experienced at birthing. This is mine and Trevor's first time (ha)
2. A person to offer a wealth of knowledge on how to carry out our birth plan, and Miles' birth naturally (such as pain management techniques/birthing positions)
3. A person to support Trevor in coaching me through labor. I think this suits his personality better than him just taking charge.
4. A person who is familiar with medical jargon/birth procedures who will be on our team should something arise that we feel is unnecessary.
5. Plus, she's really cool.
6. And our families live 6+ hours away so we are just hoping they make it here before Miles does.
Friday Trevor's friends from Pharmacy school threw us the best baby shower! I laughed harder than I have ever laughed before. NO JOKE. Games with $5 prizes make sleep- deprived college students play hard. Or it could be their pharmacist personalities... anyway it was super fun and totally worth the purple swollen feet I had at the end of it. Here Trevor and I are with our wonderful friends who hosted the shower.
This Friday (19) is my last day of teaching. I'm going to miss my kiddos...but I'll be glad to have a week or so to ready the house for my mom's arrival (for real) and put my feet up. It's also state testing week, so I'm sure that will help my blood pressure.
The most common question I've been asked lately is if I'm having contractions. If I am, I'm completely unaware of them and they don't hurt. At my blood pressure scare last Monday they said I was having them (based on the monitor I was hooked up to) I was also 1 cm dilated, but I could have been that way for weeks they said. It made it more real that this guy is on his way and that makes me excited to meet him, and introduce him to all the awesome people that will be in his life!
oh, and according to Trevor I've started snoring. :)
So, Wednesday we met with our doula. I met her at the baby/child expo I went to the weekend before. I had read about doulas in a book my friend Carissa gave me, and they made a lot of sense for mine and Trevor's situation. However, when I looked online I didn't see any in our area. I had kind of wrote it off as not going to happen, so I was pleasantly surprised when I heard them say they were willing to travel to me!
The main reasons we hired a doula are:
1. A person who is experienced at birthing. This is mine and Trevor's first time (ha)
2. A person to offer a wealth of knowledge on how to carry out our birth plan, and Miles' birth naturally (such as pain management techniques/birthing positions)
3. A person to support Trevor in coaching me through labor. I think this suits his personality better than him just taking charge.
4. A person who is familiar with medical jargon/birth procedures who will be on our team should something arise that we feel is unnecessary.
5. Plus, she's really cool.
6. And our families live 6+ hours away so we are just hoping they make it here before Miles does.
Friday Trevor's friends from Pharmacy school threw us the best baby shower! I laughed harder than I have ever laughed before. NO JOKE. Games with $5 prizes make sleep- deprived college students play hard. Or it could be their pharmacist personalities... anyway it was super fun and totally worth the purple swollen feet I had at the end of it. Here Trevor and I are with our wonderful friends who hosted the shower.
This Friday (19) is my last day of teaching. I'm going to miss my kiddos...but I'll be glad to have a week or so to ready the house for my mom's arrival (for real) and put my feet up. It's also state testing week, so I'm sure that will help my blood pressure.
The most common question I've been asked lately is if I'm having contractions. If I am, I'm completely unaware of them and they don't hurt. At my blood pressure scare last Monday they said I was having them (based on the monitor I was hooked up to) I was also 1 cm dilated, but I could have been that way for weeks they said. It made it more real that this guy is on his way and that makes me excited to meet him, and introduce him to all the awesome people that will be in his life!
oh, and according to Trevor I've started snoring. :)
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Week 33- Spring Break
We spent the last week in Missouri with our parents and friends. It was a wonderful last visit home as a family of two. We were most definitely spoiled.
We had a shower at the church we grew up at (and still consider 'our church') on Sunday the 17th. I can't wait until we get to move back to Missouri and attend regularly. It's at the top of why we want to move back home.
We had a shower at the church we grew up at (and still consider 'our church') on Sunday the 17th. I can't wait until we get to move back to Missouri and attend regularly. It's at the top of why we want to move back home.
A view around the room. Lots of these ladies have known Trevor and I our entire lives.
Trevor and I opening gifts
My dad, "Pops" signing Miles' baby quilt
The cake...yum!
On Monday we went to get a 3d/4d ultrasound so our parents could check out Miles. He was very active, as usual, but refused to move his hands away from his face. What a punk! We also got to see hair on the 2d part of the ultrasound!
On Wednesday we drove up to Jefferson City to see my cousin VRUM and have her snap a few pictures of us and the bump known as Miles. After a few minor setbacks and sub-zero temperatures she captured our family of 2 1/2.
If you want to see the rest of the shoot click HERE
We also got to see all my grandparents and most of Trevor's extended family as well as some friends. It was a relaxing week. We can't wait for Miles to meet all the awesome people in our lives!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
week 31
Week 31:
I went to the doctor on Monday. I have gained a total of 14 pounds. Miles' heartbeat was still in the 160s. I was a little suprised that he didn't do more then listen to the heartbeat. I was expecting some sort of measuring or something. I talked to him a little about my birth plan. He seemed supportive which is a relief.
I start going to the doctor every other week now. At week 35/36 I start going weekly. That brought me to when would be my last day of school. I asked him about when he would recommend I be finished teaching. I explained to him how since I won't be returning, if I don't use my maternity leave I lose it. Also, at school I'm over an hour away from the hospital. Not to sound whiney, but teaching all day is physically demanding. I'm still very up for it now, but I'm not sure how I'll feel in 5-6 more weeks. He told me to name my date and he'd write the orders. More good news!
I think Miles is too big to turn over inside my stomach. I mostly feel him bumping around in there, sometimes in more than one spot at once. I'm excited to go home for spring break in a few weeks so my mom can feel him in there. That's the last traveling we'll be doing until after the birth. The doctor seems to think I need to stay a little closer to home. Go figure.
I went to the doctor on Monday. I have gained a total of 14 pounds. Miles' heartbeat was still in the 160s. I was a little suprised that he didn't do more then listen to the heartbeat. I was expecting some sort of measuring or something. I talked to him a little about my birth plan. He seemed supportive which is a relief.
I start going to the doctor every other week now. At week 35/36 I start going weekly. That brought me to when would be my last day of school. I asked him about when he would recommend I be finished teaching. I explained to him how since I won't be returning, if I don't use my maternity leave I lose it. Also, at school I'm over an hour away from the hospital. Not to sound whiney, but teaching all day is physically demanding. I'm still very up for it now, but I'm not sure how I'll feel in 5-6 more weeks. He told me to name my date and he'd write the orders. More good news!
I think Miles is too big to turn over inside my stomach. I mostly feel him bumping around in there, sometimes in more than one spot at once. I'm excited to go home for spring break in a few weeks so my mom can feel him in there. That's the last traveling we'll be doing until after the birth. The doctor seems to think I need to stay a little closer to home. Go figure.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Maternity Pictures.
I think maternity pictures are hokey. I mean, for real. Isn't the point of pictures to capture life. To me, this means people shouldn't pose in pictures in ways they don't act in real life.
I have a hard time believing anyone stands half naked and somberly looks at their pregnant body. When I'm without a shirt I'm more likely looking for stretch marks.
What father-to-be is going to grab a magic marker and write a note to his soon to be born baby on the mom's stomach? Not my husband.
The ever popular, "whose stomach is bigger" pose.
This web page is entirely dedicated to ridiculous maternity pictures http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/category/photos/pregnancy/
So when I started thinking about capturing this time in Trevor and my life, I set out on a search for maternity pictures that were tasteful and natural. It was difficult. Trevor and I aren't a big 'lets smooch for the camera couple'. (no offense to those who are) So over spring break my awesome cousin Valeri is going to take some shots. I'll make sure an post them after that happens. Maybe that will change my opinion of pregnant person photography.
This web page is entirely dedicated to ridiculous maternity pictures http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/category/photos/pregnancy/
So when I started thinking about capturing this time in Trevor and my life, I set out on a search for maternity pictures that were tasteful and natural. It was difficult. Trevor and I aren't a big 'lets smooch for the camera couple'. (no offense to those who are) So over spring break my awesome cousin Valeri is going to take some shots. I'll make sure an post them after that happens. Maybe that will change my opinion of pregnant person photography.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Week 30
I'm already kicking myself for not writing more about this pregnancy. Not that I think Miles will care one tiny little bit. I remember myself asking friends who had been pregnant about when certain things happened and them being able to kinda tell me. Now I'm getting those questions.. when did you start showing? When could Trevor feel the baby? When did you get more energy....and I can sort of remember.
I can not believe we are into the final countdown of single digit weeks. 9 weeks, 4 days? Although, my great friend Delivery Nurse Mandy, told me if I make it to 38 weeks I'm golden. I'm hoping/praying/telling the universe that Miles WILL be a small baby THEN get glorious and chubby. So if you see me trekking around the neighborhood with a bottle of caster-oil at 38 weeks, that's why.
I go to the doctor Monday for my 31 week appointment and I'm hoping he'll tell me when my last day at school can be. Goal: Don't go into labor at school. I also am already waddling from my classroom to the office as few times each day as humanly possible. Seriously, my students do 3/4 of my errands and I love it. I'm also excited/nervous at the fact that I'm not going to teach next year. I wonder how I'll feel next fall when all my teacher friends are getting their classrooms geared up. A lot of praying and penny pinching and my plan is to be home cleaning our house, reading books to Miles, and spending more time with Trevor as he finishes his last year of classes before his Pharmacy rotations.
Public Announcement: I don't care how you give birth. Choose a c-section, all the (legal) drugs you want, push that baby out at home. I don't give one iota. Why do other woman care so much about how others give birth? You got that baby there, you get it out. Seems easy.
I've been finding out more and more awesome people who I know will be giving birth in 2013. I think it's going to be a good year to be born. Miles will be in some very good company. I felt more excited about their baby news then my own. (Probably because I was in shock that it happened so fast) Anyway, take comfort world, 2013 is going to be a good year of kiddos.
I can not believe we are into the final countdown of single digit weeks. 9 weeks, 4 days? Although, my great friend Delivery Nurse Mandy, told me if I make it to 38 weeks I'm golden. I'm hoping/praying/telling the universe that Miles WILL be a small baby THEN get glorious and chubby. So if you see me trekking around the neighborhood with a bottle of caster-oil at 38 weeks, that's why.
I go to the doctor Monday for my 31 week appointment and I'm hoping he'll tell me when my last day at school can be. Goal: Don't go into labor at school. I also am already waddling from my classroom to the office as few times each day as humanly possible. Seriously, my students do 3/4 of my errands and I love it. I'm also excited/nervous at the fact that I'm not going to teach next year. I wonder how I'll feel next fall when all my teacher friends are getting their classrooms geared up. A lot of praying and penny pinching and my plan is to be home cleaning our house, reading books to Miles, and spending more time with Trevor as he finishes his last year of classes before his Pharmacy rotations.
Public Announcement: I don't care how you give birth. Choose a c-section, all the (legal) drugs you want, push that baby out at home. I don't give one iota. Why do other woman care so much about how others give birth? You got that baby there, you get it out. Seems easy.
I've been finding out more and more awesome people who I know will be giving birth in 2013. I think it's going to be a good year to be born. Miles will be in some very good company. I felt more excited about their baby news then my own. (Probably because I was in shock that it happened so fast) Anyway, take comfort world, 2013 is going to be a good year of kiddos.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Sugar, sugar.
Yesterday was Valentine's Day. As the 9th Valentine's day Trevor and I have celebrated together, it was pretty great. We exchanged cards with handwritten notes inside. We had dinner a little diner in Weatherford and shared some coconut cream pie. We soaked up our last Valentine's Day as a family of two. It was completed by me waddling back to the car.
The card Trevor picked for me complete with old people and prescription references.
Miles did very well for himself on Valentine's Day as well. Several of my students filled him out cards and some even got him stuffed animals. Below is from a girl named Scarlet. He's a heartbreaker already!
After all the "sweetness" yesterday I woke up bright and early for my gestational diabetes test. It tasted like flat, warm Sprite. Not that bad. The horrible part was all the waiting. Two hours of just sitting there hungry and bored. There wasn't even a TV in the place! I find out my results on Monday, but so far I'm not thinking anything with sugar in it even looks good!
83 days until we meet our man!
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