I had my 24 week OB apt this morning, and all was well. The baby's HB was 160, always nice to hear. Looks like we're a go for a tubal during the c-section. Doctor said the AF like cramps I'm having are braxton hicks contractions, totally normal. The pelvic pain he said seeing the chiro was fine, he was not going to give me more Flexerol though. Oh well... in other words... suck it up.
suggested taking colace 1 in AM and 1 in PM to see if that helps with the constipation. Presently I'm taking 2 at night.
Thinking we'll set up the c-section on the 16th or 17th of July.
Next milestone to reach... get to the beginning of MAY. Viability will go up to 90% at that point if premature birth occurs.
My weight... up 4 pounds since last visit. :(
My BP... 142/70 Not great, but no alarms either.
Total weight gain... Started at 261. Today I'm 275. Up a total of 14 pounds. Not great, but still way better then when I was PG with Natalya. :)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
My Body This Coming Week
My Body This Coming Week
Your uterus is about the size of a soccer ball and you are probably noticeably bigger, especially when viewed from the side.
You may be suffering from cramps and because your baby is pressing against your bladder, you likely feel the need to urinate frequently. Earlier pregnancy symptoms, such as Braxton Hicks contractions, may persist.
You may be feeling indigestion or heartburn at this time. This is because your uterus has displaced your stomach and has pushed your diaphragm and lower ribs up, making it more likely that acid will be pushed up into the esophagus, particularly after large and heavy meals. Progesterone, which is enormously increased during pregnancy also plays a role since it slows down the emptying of food from your stomach. Eating several small meals can help alleviate heartburn. If it becomes very uncomfortable, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a safe antacid.
My Baby This Coming Week
Your baby now weighs around 1.5 lbs (700g), and measures about 8.8 inches (22cm) from crown to rump, but this varies from baby to baby.
Your doctor should be able to hear your baby's heartbeat, using a stethoscope or Doppler ultrasound device. If your partner puts his ear right on your belly in the right position, he might even be able to hear it unaided if there is no background noise.
Your baby sleeps and wakes in a more regular pattern now. You may notice that your baby is particularly active when you are resting.
The center of your baby's bones are beginning to harden.
If your baby is a boy, the testes will start to descend into the scrotum now. If your baby is a girl, the vagina will begin to hollow out and mature now.
Your baby can make a fist now and may already have a preference for the right or left hand.
With modern medical technology, your baby would have a chance to survive if it were born now.
Your uterus is about the size of a soccer ball and you are probably noticeably bigger, especially when viewed from the side.
You may be suffering from cramps and because your baby is pressing against your bladder, you likely feel the need to urinate frequently. Earlier pregnancy symptoms, such as Braxton Hicks contractions, may persist.
You may be feeling indigestion or heartburn at this time. This is because your uterus has displaced your stomach and has pushed your diaphragm and lower ribs up, making it more likely that acid will be pushed up into the esophagus, particularly after large and heavy meals. Progesterone, which is enormously increased during pregnancy also plays a role since it slows down the emptying of food from your stomach. Eating several small meals can help alleviate heartburn. If it becomes very uncomfortable, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a safe antacid.
My Baby This Coming Week
Your baby now weighs around 1.5 lbs (700g), and measures about 8.8 inches (22cm) from crown to rump, but this varies from baby to baby.
Your doctor should be able to hear your baby's heartbeat, using a stethoscope or Doppler ultrasound device. If your partner puts his ear right on your belly in the right position, he might even be able to hear it unaided if there is no background noise.
Your baby sleeps and wakes in a more regular pattern now. You may notice that your baby is particularly active when you are resting.
The center of your baby's bones are beginning to harden.
If your baby is a boy, the testes will start to descend into the scrotum now. If your baby is a girl, the vagina will begin to hollow out and mature now.
Your baby can make a fist now and may already have a preference for the right or left hand.
With modern medical technology, your baby would have a chance to survive if it were born now.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Went up to L&D at 23 weeks!
So last night was interesting. I had been having AF like cramps for about a week and a half, but last night around 4:30pm, I noticed some light spotting on the TP when I wiped. Mostly brown with a little light pink. I called the OB who told me to go up to Labor and Delivery to get checked out.
Happily no sign or reason for the spotting, but all is well. They monitored me and told me I was very dehydrated. I was ordered to drink much much more. And here I thought I was doing well. Apparently I need to be peeing every hour!
They did mention my cervix was slightly opened. So I'm curious what that's all about, but suspect it's probably in the range of normal and that the resident shouldn't have said anything to me.
The attending OB in L&D is the OB I'm seeing on Tuesday next week, so I'll be bringing that up!
Hoping and praying that I stay far far away from L&D until this summer. It's just too soon to be going up there. Hiccup needs to cook a wee bit longer. ;)
Happily no sign or reason for the spotting, but all is well. They monitored me and told me I was very dehydrated. I was ordered to drink much much more. And here I thought I was doing well. Apparently I need to be peeing every hour!
They did mention my cervix was slightly opened. So I'm curious what that's all about, but suspect it's probably in the range of normal and that the resident shouldn't have said anything to me.
The attending OB in L&D is the OB I'm seeing on Tuesday next week, so I'll be bringing that up!
Hoping and praying that I stay far far away from L&D until this summer. It's just too soon to be going up there. Hiccup needs to cook a wee bit longer. ;)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
My Body This Coming Week
My Body This Coming Week
The top of your uterus now reaches about 2 inches above your bellybutton.
You may be feeling Braxton Hicks contractions. These "practice" contractions pump blood to the uterus and prepare the body for labor.
You may continue to feel mood swings, fatigue and heartburn. You may sweat frequently as your body temperature is high during pregnancy.
You may have extra weight on your upper arms, shoulders and on your face due to water retention. Your weight gain may be causing bladder problems, sore feet and fatigue. To combat the fatigue and sore feet, wear comfortable shoes, put your feet up whenever you can and rest whenever possible.
My Baby This Coming Week
Your baby is now about 8.4 inches from crown to rump (21cm) and weighs about 1.2 pounds (530g).
Your baby's face and body now look more like a full-term baby. She now looks close to how she will look at birth.
The eyes, though they are still closed, are now close together on the front of the face and the ears are in their final position. Eyelashes are fairly well-developed and hair is growing on your baby's head.
Your baby's movements are becoming more restricted now as she fills up the uterus more. Cartwheels and somersaults inside the amniotic sac are no longer possible, but she can still hold the umbilical cord and touch and feel around her. Though your baby is already living in tight quarters in the amniotic sac, she will soon have even less room to move around.
Her vital organs are now quite mature. However, since the lungs are not yet fully formed, your baby would have breathing problems if born prematurely at this stage.
Your baby is becoming increasingly conscious of the world outside and may feel startled when you are startled.
Your baby may alternate between having very active and very calm periods.
Your baby may have facial expressions such as frowning, squinting and pursing of the lips.
The top of your uterus now reaches about 2 inches above your bellybutton.
You may be feeling Braxton Hicks contractions. These "practice" contractions pump blood to the uterus and prepare the body for labor.
You may continue to feel mood swings, fatigue and heartburn. You may sweat frequently as your body temperature is high during pregnancy.
You may have extra weight on your upper arms, shoulders and on your face due to water retention. Your weight gain may be causing bladder problems, sore feet and fatigue. To combat the fatigue and sore feet, wear comfortable shoes, put your feet up whenever you can and rest whenever possible.
My Baby This Coming Week
Your baby is now about 8.4 inches from crown to rump (21cm) and weighs about 1.2 pounds (530g).
Your baby's face and body now look more like a full-term baby. She now looks close to how she will look at birth.
The eyes, though they are still closed, are now close together on the front of the face and the ears are in their final position. Eyelashes are fairly well-developed and hair is growing on your baby's head.
Your baby's movements are becoming more restricted now as she fills up the uterus more. Cartwheels and somersaults inside the amniotic sac are no longer possible, but she can still hold the umbilical cord and touch and feel around her. Though your baby is already living in tight quarters in the amniotic sac, she will soon have even less room to move around.
Her vital organs are now quite mature. However, since the lungs are not yet fully formed, your baby would have breathing problems if born prematurely at this stage.
Your baby is becoming increasingly conscious of the world outside and may feel startled when you are startled.
Your baby may alternate between having very active and very calm periods.
Your baby may have facial expressions such as frowning, squinting and pursing of the lips.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Great Day Today
Amazing warm weather this weekend got us all out of our cave. Yesterday we hit the storage unit to clear out the junk and move the baby stuff towards the front so easier to grab when we need. Also realized DDs old high chair and stroller are freecycle bound. So filthy, time for them to go!
Got to figure out what to do with DDs old crib. I guess the dump. its a drop side Pali crib (in excellent shape). Such a shame to have to toss it.
Great news though; found the missing parts to the pack n play. Now we have a usable bassinet again. Yay!!
Today we took DD to a friends. Originally her friend was coming here and I was going to do laundry. But the friends moms car broke and DD got to go over there instead. Soooooo DH and I decided to go out for a late lunch outside. It was super nice. Then we went over to the lake and enjoyed some people watching.
After picking up DD we went back over to the lake and played at the playground. Eventually we got home and my laundry was waiting for me.
I quickly folded it and am now done. Sure there is more laundry but DH can do it tomorrow. Getting dinner going now and soon we're going to watch an episode of The Muppets. Cause Sunday night at 7pm is time for The Muppets!! Yayyyyyyyy!!!
Got to figure out what to do with DDs old crib. I guess the dump. its a drop side Pali crib (in excellent shape). Such a shame to have to toss it.
Great news though; found the missing parts to the pack n play. Now we have a usable bassinet again. Yay!!
Today we took DD to a friends. Originally her friend was coming here and I was going to do laundry. But the friends moms car broke and DD got to go over there instead. Soooooo DH and I decided to go out for a late lunch outside. It was super nice. Then we went over to the lake and enjoyed some people watching.
After picking up DD we went back over to the lake and played at the playground. Eventually we got home and my laundry was waiting for me.
I quickly folded it and am now done. Sure there is more laundry but DH can do it tomorrow. Getting dinner going now and soon we're going to watch an episode of The Muppets. Cause Sunday night at 7pm is time for The Muppets!! Yayyyyyyyy!!!
Friday, March 16, 2012
And I thought age 3 was difficult...
Last night left me feeling like a parent failure. Man I though age 3 was tough. 5.5 brings a new meaning to the word/concept of tough parenting!
I just don't know what to do anymore. DD has been really misbehaving all week. Lied Tuesday, faked being sick to stay home from school. (Admitted that later in the day, and ARGH, DH enabled her... another story/vent for another time). She's had a pee/soil herself incident every day this week at school and at home, but last night was a doozy.
We went to parents/family night at her pre-school. Tons of kids all under 5, parents, teachers, basic insanity.
We arrived at 5pm. Gathered up our child and headed into the classroom. All the mom's were stashing their pocket books in their kids cubby's. I asked DD if it would be okay if I placed mine in her cubby as well; to keep it safe. She said yes, and was happy to share her cubby. So in went my purse and jacket over it to protect/hide it.
We proceed to gather and gab, then have dinner. After dinner, DH was off in a corner talking to a dad, and I was chatting with a mom friend. DD was running around with all the children. I decided I needed to go sit and headed to the reading area. And found my daughter and a gaggle of small kids digging through my purse shouting "I'm RICH!" and scooping up the contents of my wallet and pocket book.
I was so pissed off! I glared at DD, walked to the center of the children, calmly but seriously asked for all my things back, explained rather sternly that my purse was NOT a toy or game. The children returned my items and I grabbed my bag and attempted to re-assemble it making certain I did indeed get all my contents back. (Thank goodness my purse wasn't that full). Then they of course scattered.
I told DD what she did was VERY naughty, and that we were now going to leave, immediately. *we had planned to stay for dessert and schmoozing, but I decided due to this really bad thing, it was time to leave.*
She violated my personal space. She took my things without even asking. It could have been so much worse. I have adult medications in my purse, and nail clippers, and hand sanitizer... I can't even comprehend how bad this could have turned out.
We grabbed our things and said our goodbyes and left. We talked to DD and explained how very very very bad this all was and how even though she is saying she's sorry there will have to be a punishment.
After talking with DH we decided to pull TV for 2 days/nights. So no more TV for her until Saturday. AND if she does do this again, or goes into any of our personal spaces, like nightstands, dressers, etc., she will loose TV for a week, or worse. (She really likes her TV time...)
I did not tell the other parents what happened. It wasn't their kids fault, it was my kid, and everything was accounted for so I know no one ingested any medication. I did not tell the teacher(s).
I wonder if I should?
And now I feel like I'm the failure. I trusted my kid. She's never gone into my bag before. I thought leaving it in her cubby would be safe. I was so wrong. As DH has pointed out, this is as much my fault as it is hers. (FWIW, I 100% disagree with him)
How can I possibly take care of 2? I can't even handle one.
I was in tears. This entire incident has really rattled me. I get that she's acting out and probably to seek attention. I know I haven't been super there for her. I blame the pregnancy, but is that even fair? I've been so sore and tired for so many weeks. I'm the only one working, so I'm really fried by days end. YES, I've used the TV to be a babysitter cause I lack the energy to do so. Just recently I've been able to get myself out of bed on the weekends and back to helping some with laundry and errands, but it really is doing a number on me.
Did I act correctly in my response to ending the bad situation and removing DD from the event? Should I have done more? Less??
What would you have done? What should I do if this happens again?
I just don't know what to do anymore. DD has been really misbehaving all week. Lied Tuesday, faked being sick to stay home from school. (Admitted that later in the day, and ARGH, DH enabled her... another story/vent for another time). She's had a pee/soil herself incident every day this week at school and at home, but last night was a doozy.
We went to parents/family night at her pre-school. Tons of kids all under 5, parents, teachers, basic insanity.
We arrived at 5pm. Gathered up our child and headed into the classroom. All the mom's were stashing their pocket books in their kids cubby's. I asked DD if it would be okay if I placed mine in her cubby as well; to keep it safe. She said yes, and was happy to share her cubby. So in went my purse and jacket over it to protect/hide it.
We proceed to gather and gab, then have dinner. After dinner, DH was off in a corner talking to a dad, and I was chatting with a mom friend. DD was running around with all the children. I decided I needed to go sit and headed to the reading area. And found my daughter and a gaggle of small kids digging through my purse shouting "I'm RICH!" and scooping up the contents of my wallet and pocket book.
I was so pissed off! I glared at DD, walked to the center of the children, calmly but seriously asked for all my things back, explained rather sternly that my purse was NOT a toy or game. The children returned my items and I grabbed my bag and attempted to re-assemble it making certain I did indeed get all my contents back. (Thank goodness my purse wasn't that full). Then they of course scattered.
I told DD what she did was VERY naughty, and that we were now going to leave, immediately. *we had planned to stay for dessert and schmoozing, but I decided due to this really bad thing, it was time to leave.*
She violated my personal space. She took my things without even asking. It could have been so much worse. I have adult medications in my purse, and nail clippers, and hand sanitizer... I can't even comprehend how bad this could have turned out.
We grabbed our things and said our goodbyes and left. We talked to DD and explained how very very very bad this all was and how even though she is saying she's sorry there will have to be a punishment.
After talking with DH we decided to pull TV for 2 days/nights. So no more TV for her until Saturday. AND if she does do this again, or goes into any of our personal spaces, like nightstands, dressers, etc., she will loose TV for a week, or worse. (She really likes her TV time...)
I did not tell the other parents what happened. It wasn't their kids fault, it was my kid, and everything was accounted for so I know no one ingested any medication. I did not tell the teacher(s).
I wonder if I should?
And now I feel like I'm the failure. I trusted my kid. She's never gone into my bag before. I thought leaving it in her cubby would be safe. I was so wrong. As DH has pointed out, this is as much my fault as it is hers. (FWIW, I 100% disagree with him)
How can I possibly take care of 2? I can't even handle one.
I was in tears. This entire incident has really rattled me. I get that she's acting out and probably to seek attention. I know I haven't been super there for her. I blame the pregnancy, but is that even fair? I've been so sore and tired for so many weeks. I'm the only one working, so I'm really fried by days end. YES, I've used the TV to be a babysitter cause I lack the energy to do so. Just recently I've been able to get myself out of bed on the weekends and back to helping some with laundry and errands, but it really is doing a number on me.
Did I act correctly in my response to ending the bad situation and removing DD from the event? Should I have done more? Less??
What would you have done? What should I do if this happens again?
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Gearing up for child #2 - BTDT Mom Tips
Some tips BTDT mom's have been sharing with me have been:
Let Taly take a sibling class. Most hospitals offer these. This is the one we're having her take.
Go out of your way to make her role as Big Sister an important one, special helper, etc. Also get her a button or t-shirt announcing her new status.
Doing weekend afternoons "special activities with Mommy and daughter" after you have the baby. When you ask her to do something emphasize that she is the big sis and needs to teach baby how to "get dressed, set the table, wash hands, etc,".
Give her one-on-one time daily when baby is napping and periodically have daddy/daughter or mommy/daughter activities such as lunch, going to the store, movies, etc.
Read to the older child with EVERY feed, so she doesn't feel left out. Keep a basket of books near the places you will feed the baby. Since you feed 8-12 times a day, the kid eventually decline your invitation to read all the time. After a few weeks you'll only read to them a few times a day. Schedule lots of bigger kid activities the first few weeks. Have DH take her on special hikes through the parks department, a movie, Sesame Street Live, an art class, etc. These classes will keep her occupied and gave you some quiet time with the baby. It also reinforced the "now you are a big kid" talks in a positive way.
I think you have to be careful to not emphasize that now they are a big kid too much. What's so great about being a big kid? You have to share your time, attention, space with a new person. You have to wait longer to get your needs met. You have to help "bring mommy such and such." Eventually they revolt. I am a big believer in making the kids self sufficient and doing this before baby comes, without emphasizing the big kid part. Let her get her own dishes (keep in a low cabinet), pour her own cereals and milk (keep a small pitcher in fridge just for her), make her own PB&J's, etc. If DD starts learning to fend for herself it will ease a lot of stress when the baby comes. She won't have to wait for adult help and she can get her basic needs met.
If you are alone with baby and DD and both need something, so long as baby is safe, tend to DD first. Baby won't remember that you helped DD while Baby cried for 10 more seconds, but DD WILL remember if you always tend to baby's needs at the expense of his own. Now, clearly, this can be abused by DD, but you get the idea.
A good big sister book was "Babies Don't Eat Pizza"
http://www.amazon.com/Babies-Dont-Eat-Pizza-Brothers/dp/0525474412/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331686180&sr=8-1-fkmr0
Hope that helps. It's going to be a huge transition. Maybe one or more of these will help.
Thanks to all my Nov 2006 mommies for these tips!
Let Taly take a sibling class. Most hospitals offer these. This is the one we're having her take.
One 2-hour class for children age 3 and older who are about to become big sister or big brother.
Newborn appearance, behavior and abilities, what it might be like being a sibling, ways siblings can help with the baby, and why siblings are special people. Class includes a diapering and swaddling activity, an art project, and a tour of the hospital's Mother-Baby Unit.
Go out of your way to make her role as Big Sister an important one, special helper, etc. Also get her a button or t-shirt announcing her new status.
Doing weekend afternoons "special activities with Mommy and daughter" after you have the baby. When you ask her to do something emphasize that she is the big sis and needs to teach baby how to "get dressed, set the table, wash hands, etc,".
Give her one-on-one time daily when baby is napping and periodically have daddy/daughter or mommy/daughter activities such as lunch, going to the store, movies, etc.
Read to the older child with EVERY feed, so she doesn't feel left out. Keep a basket of books near the places you will feed the baby. Since you feed 8-12 times a day, the kid eventually decline your invitation to read all the time. After a few weeks you'll only read to them a few times a day. Schedule lots of bigger kid activities the first few weeks. Have DH take her on special hikes through the parks department, a movie, Sesame Street Live, an art class, etc. These classes will keep her occupied and gave you some quiet time with the baby. It also reinforced the "now you are a big kid" talks in a positive way.
I think you have to be careful to not emphasize that now they are a big kid too much. What's so great about being a big kid? You have to share your time, attention, space with a new person. You have to wait longer to get your needs met. You have to help "bring mommy such and such." Eventually they revolt. I am a big believer in making the kids self sufficient and doing this before baby comes, without emphasizing the big kid part. Let her get her own dishes (keep in a low cabinet), pour her own cereals and milk (keep a small pitcher in fridge just for her), make her own PB&J's, etc. If DD starts learning to fend for herself it will ease a lot of stress when the baby comes. She won't have to wait for adult help and she can get her basic needs met.
If you are alone with baby and DD and both need something, so long as baby is safe, tend to DD first. Baby won't remember that you helped DD while Baby cried for 10 more seconds, but DD WILL remember if you always tend to baby's needs at the expense of his own. Now, clearly, this can be abused by DD, but you get the idea.
A good big sister book was "Babies Don't Eat Pizza"
http://www.amazon.com/Babies-Dont-Eat-Pizza-Brothers/dp/0525474412/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331686180&sr=8-1-fkmr0
Hope that helps. It's going to be a huge transition. Maybe one or more of these will help.
Thanks to all my Nov 2006 mommies for these tips!
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