Weigh To Go Challenge: Week 5

Last Week:

Weight: 152.8
Waist: 29.75
Abdomen: 31.5
Hip: 40.5
% Body Fat: 32.8

This Week:

Weight: 149.4
Waist: 29
Abdomen: 32.5
Hip: 39.5
% Body Fat: 31.9

Success! A little over 3 pounds in two weeks. I am happy with that. Our treadmill was delivered last Wednesday and I've pretty much been attached to it since then. I try to do a minimum half hour, an hour if I have enough time (and energy), after the baby goes to bed. It makes for a later night, but I'm working really hard and am glad that I'm slowly starting to see results.

A note on the abdomen measurement - the trainer that measured me was different than the last time and he said it could vary based on who is measuring me. I tried to get him to cut me some slack but he wouldn't budge :/

Weigh to Go Challenge Week 3

I've been working really hard and although I would have liked to see more of a loss, I'm just glad the scale is moving in the right direction:

Last Week:

Weight: 154.2
Waist: 30
Abdomen: 31.5
Hip: 41
% Body Fat: 33.2

This Week:

Weight: 152.8
Waist: 29.75
Abdomen: 31.5
Hip: 40.5
% Body Fat: 32.8

I was feeling very tired this morning and told Nick I was going to go to bed right after the baby tonight, but my boss came in to weigh in right after me and apparently he did great this week, so that was all the motivation I needed to head to the gym tonight!

xoxo

12 Week Weight to Go Challenge – Week 1

Hi All,

February 5th started the challenge at work that I blogged about recently. To help keep myself on track, I’m also going to post my updates here on the blog. There’s a check in every two weeks so I’ll be posting as I go.

Weight: 154.2
Waist: 30
Abdomen: 31.5
Hip: 41
% Body Fat: 33.2
BMI: 24.9

Interesting fact, my hips were actually a 40 when I got married and at around measuring time I weighed 125 pounds. It’s safe to say no matter how much weight I lose (and I think 125 was probably a bit thin when I look back at pictures), my hips are here to stay, and I’m ok with that. I love my curves, I just want to be healthier and stronger.

I did the suggested workout at home last night (lots of lunges, squats, ab work, push ups, etc.) and it was tough. I honestly wanted to quit half way through but pushed myself and was proud (and sweaty) when I finished.

I’m going to South Carolina for a long weekend coming up and I am bringing the exercise plan with me, and I will be sure to get in some form of exercise every day (so be prepared Brooke!)

xoxo

Fitness Challenge

Joined a fitness challenge at work, and I’m determined to kick everyone’s ass. That is all.

Details:

February 5th-April 30th

Includes:
Access to a Personal Trainer
A Pre & Post Measurement using bi-weekly weights and hip/waist measurements
Optional weigh-ins every 2 weeks
Workout plans and nutrition information at each weigh in

We can have up to a team of 5 but since I am not friendly with most co-workers, I am doing it with one other friend, and we're going to motivate the heck out of each other and win this thing!

xoxo

Health Update

I had a follow up appointment with my primary doctor yesterday as I wanted to have my blood pressure rechecked. When I went back on birth control it shot back up into the 150’s because estrogen, one of the hormones in the pill, is linked to an increase in blood pressure. Since I was told my pressure went back up, I’ve basically felt like a ticking time bomb (which has been terrible!)

I’m thankful to say my blood pressure was 128/78 and the doc was very happy with this. It was a huge relief for me and I’m much less freaked out now! I’m going to get blood drawn later in the week to make sure my sugar levels are back to normal, because of the gestational diabetes.

Other notes:

1. The doc told me I am in a healthy weight range, but in the “higher end” of the health weight range. I posted recently about trying to get back in shape – I have been going to the gym at least twice a week and often walk at lunch time during the week at work. My diet has been pretty good too, but once in awhile I do go overboard. Telling me my weight is in the “higher” healthy range is definitely a good kick in the pants to push myself harder (gym tonight!! Heehee)

2. I explained the gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and HELLP syndrome that I had while pregnant and I think the doc was a little taken aback at how I explained it so bluntly. (clearly she doesn’t know me well ;) She said “wow, you’ve really removed yourself from the situation, haven’t you? I said honestly, even at the time I wasn’t scared – I was in the best place I could have been (the hospital) and I trusted the doctor’s and nurses that cared for me – and clearly everything turned out just fine. Of course I know I am one lucky lady!

Hope everyone is well!

xoxo

Weighty Issues

While pregnant, I gained 21 pounds. Within 6 weeks of having Nicholas, I had lost it all. I nursed for as long as I could, and I’m pretty sure that is the reason I lost the weight so quickly. I was unable to work out for some time due to the c-section. The doctor recommended 8 weeks, I didn’t exercise for 10 weeks – I started back up at the same time I returned to work. For a few weeks after I stopped nursing, I continued to eat like I was still nursing and gained about 5-6 pounds back.

To me, it’s not about being thin or looking a certain way in clothes (although of course that is nice too!) Before I got pregnant, I wanted to lose about 20 pounds. I ate really healthy, exercised, and took really good care of myself – but still, I did not lose any weight. I was glad that before I got pregnant, I accepted the way my body was and that it was the size I was meant to be.

Since having the babe, I’ve struggled with the way my body has “repositioned” itself. My stomach is probably my least comfortable area now, but I’m comforted by the fact that my body was strong enough and healthy enough to carry a baby. My health is still a work in progress, as I continue to off and on have blood pressure issues since being pregnant, and I have a follow up with my doctor next week to check things out.

I recently checked my BMI to find out that I am considered to be in the “overweight” range (a BMI of over 25). After I got pregnant, I told myself I would get into the best shape of my life after having the baby. It’s not about just me anymore, and I want to be around to watch my little guy grow for as long as possible. I recently went back to tracking my food and making a commitment to get to the gym at least twice a week. It’s hard to find the time because we see so little of Nicholas, as Nick and I both have to work full time. I’ve been fitting in walks with him when I can, and I’m so thankful that Nick is so supportive of me getting back into shape and feeling better about myself.

It is not easy, but I’m committing myself to a happier, healthier lifestyle, one day at a time.

Radiation Here We Go!

 
My dad had his first successful radiation treatment yesterday. The doctor is happy that everything is going exactly as planned and as far as he can tell my Dad will be just fine. He doesn’t feel any different and was told towards the end he might feel a bit nauseous, but so far, so good.

Thanks to all who have thought to ask about my Dad, it means a lot to me.
 
XO

Sleep Update

Nicholas did great last night - I managed to keep him up off and on all day yesterday and transitioned him into night by turning off the lights, winding down, etc. He did not wake up AT ALL during the night, I only woke him up at 2 am and 5 am when I had to feed him. He did great and went right back to bed. I'd love for it to happen again but taking it one day at a time and thinking positive. :)

I handed him off to Nick so I could pump and I snapped this picture. I don't think I could be any more in love.

Here he is with the hiccups, for about the 50th time since he's been born. He used to get them in my belly a lot. Also funny, when he sneezes, he never sneezes once, it's always 2 or 3 times, just like his Momma.

Specifics on the csection

Here are the specifics of why I had a c-section, thanks to Momma D (Nick's mom is a delivery nurse at the hospital where I gave birth).

The condition you had was HELLP Syndrome which stands for hemolysis (or breakdown of the red blood cells), elevated liver enzymes (amylase, SGOT, SGPT,etc..) low platelets (or clotting factors usually 150-200,000 but yours was dropping and as low as 110,000 (below 100,000 is really scary because you can have excessive bleeding.

H-Hemolysis
EL- Elevated liver enzymes
LP- Low Platelets

A rather rare complication of pregnancy that I think occurs due to delayed or untreated PIH (or pregnancy induced hypertension). Delivery is the cure and rarely does it occur in subsequent pregnancies although hypertension may as well as gestational diabetes.

So much to do, so little time!

So far this week has been a whirlwind, and not being at work, I hardly know what day it is.

I met with the lactation specialist on Tuesday and it was a great appointment. I wasn't really looking forward to it because of the trouble I've been having. But, we came up with a plan and I'm going to see how it goes, just taking it one day at a time. I have a follow up appointment next week.

Nicholas went to the pediatrician (I almost wrote vet!!) yesterday and he is one ounce away from his birth weight, which for those of you that don't know babies can lose up t o 10% of their birth weight after they are born due to loss of fluid and other stuff (I think the meconium/poop? :) The pediatrician likes them to be back to their birth weight by week 2 and since he's only a week and a half old, I was told we're doing great. The doc also talked to me about breast feeding a little bit and was very encouraging, telling me that it's great if I can do it but I also want to make sure I'm happy as well - I really appreciated his comments on the matter (much more so than the doc at the hospital!)

Today I had a follow up with my doctor as well and unfortunately my blood pressure was in the 140's. I have to go back next week to get checked again, but it may stay that way for awhile.

Nicholas is doing well, still sleeping most of the day and then up at night, although he's up less now at night then he was just a few days ago. I'm hoping that gets better as Nick is having a really hard time with the lack of sleep. I'm feeling well, my abdomen is a little sore but overall I have nothing to complain about.

I tried to take the babe for a walk today because it was beautiful out, I finally get everything together, get halfway down the road, and realize I don't have a bag if Dexter poops. So I gave up and came back home. But just getting everything together and taking about 30 steps left me winded, so I'm going to say I got a little exercise in today :)

Hi from naked Nicholas!

xoxo

The First Few Days at Home

Warning: may be a little TMI for some :)

I sit on the lap top downstairs as Nicholas slumbers away peacefully in his crib upstairs. My good friend Brooke bought us the video monitoring system we registered for so I have it next to me to watch him. He looks so small in the big crib!

A lot of friends of mine have babies and there are also several that do not, so I thought I'd share some stuff that's going on with me (why should Nicholas get all the attention?? :) as well as how it's been having him the first few days.

Sleeping & Eating & Breastfeeding: Nicholas is a great sleeper so far, from 6 am until about 10 pm. We wake him up for feedings, he's not overly fussy, minimal spit up (I think the Dr. Brown's bottles Nick's cousin's wife recommended are really great) and he pees and poops A TON. It is hilarious to hear him fart, it's as loud as an adults, and he looks so happy when he does it - especially if he's in your lap.

Breastfeeding has been very difficult for me (skip this if you don't want TMI about my body). While in the hospital, I was approved for a hospital grade pump because my right nipple is flat & inverted, and Nicholas is unable to latch on. It was also difficult for him to latch on to the left side, but he managed a little bit here and there. The obstetrician that checked on me the day I was approved for the pump was very nasty - he is actually one of my favorites at my office but has very strong opinions about pumps. He upset me a great deal where I ended up crying - and I'm really not a crier (and I refuse to blame hormones!) He first asked me why I had a c-section when he could have looked at my chart, then stated if I was going to pump he would bet that in 6 weeks I wouldn't be breastfeeding any longer, because it is easier for Nicholas to take a bottle than feed from me - which I agree with, but he wasn't aware of my boob issues and didn't even bother to ask. He knew he upset me and said he didn't mean to, and signed the approval for the pump. I talked to the nurse after and she told me he's a great obstetrician but feels that the hospital pushes the use of the pump too much and he doesn't agree with it. Well, later that day I met with a social worker (which is routine) and she had heard about what the doctor said to me - apparently everyone on the floor did. Later that day, the doctor came back and apologized - I was in shock. He was very sincere and said I could slap him if I wanted to. I let him know that I'm not a crier so he did a great job at making me cry. I'm proud of myself for sticking up for myself, and I really appreciated how sincere he was when he apologized. He's the head of obstetrics at the hospital and the practice he is in, so I guess he can be a bit cocky at times. I also thanked the nurses because I know they laid into him and that's part of why he apologized.

Anyway - my problem is that I only have milk coming in on the one side, absolutely nothing from the other except a few drops here and there. I pump as much as I can, including the right side, in the hopes that constant "stimulation" will get something going. I'm meeting with a lactation consultant tomorrow, and plan to pump for as long as I can, but he's already eating more than I can produce so we are supplementing with a lot of formula. Also, when my milk came in it was not incredibly painful like some said - more than anything they were sore, like a PMS type soreness.

Enough about my boobs!

Before getting pregnant, I wasn't aware that after birth you bleed for several weeks. I was told I would bleed less with a c-section, and after a week I have to say I think I'm about done. It wasn't uncomfortable, and there wasn't very much of it. I think me constantly moving around and being active has really helped. While in the hospital, I had a lot of gas (TMI again, I know!), and would take frequent short walks to help it pass. It was honestly more painful then my abdominal muscles/c section scar.

Another thing I was told - enjoy your showers because you don't really get to take them once you're home. I have been lucky enough to take a nice comfortable shower each day that I've been home. Nicholas helps because he's such a good sleeper, and Nick is home with me so that's part of it too. We'll see how that goes in the coming weeks.

I only gained about 20 pounds throughout my entire pregnancy. I lost a few pounds when I found out I had gestational diabetes (I was too nervous to eat too much for a little while), then lost a few pounds at the end. I was very active until about month 8, when the babe settled on my sciatic nerve and even walking was difficult. I had no morning sickness, and not much of an appetite in the first and third trimester. Also, the gestational diabetes kept me from eating a lot of my favorite things like pizza and pasta. Because I gained so little weight, I kind of expected to look like myself again right away (like "oh hey I'm wearing my pre pregnancy jeans home from the hospital!) Little did I know, your uterus stays swollen after the birth. It has gone down quite a bit in the week, but I have a definite loose tummy with sagging skin and a pretty good pouch going on. We went for a car ride and when we hit a bump it jiggled - I was like what the heck is going on!! And when I sleep on my side it's a little uncomfortable because it "hangs" a bit. Nick jokes and says now I "only look 4 months pregnant" and "you have the benjamin button of stomachs, it's getting smaller and smaller each day." It hurt to laugh right after the surgery, but I'm thankful to say that's getting better each day because Nick sure does make me laugh a lot.

That's all I can really think of right now, and I hear the babe stirring so I'm off to see what he needs. If anyone has any questions or comments for me, please feel free to share.

xoxo

Welcome Nicholas Joseph

Hi Everyone,

So I'm going to try to explain Nicholas' birth story as best as I can :)

On Monday March 12th I had a follow up doctor's appointment due to my high blood pressure stay over on March 8th & March 9th. I saw Dr. Bass at my appointment who sent me back to the hospital as my blood pressure was still to high. He wanted me to get some lab work done and be monitored for awhile. Nick's sister took me to my appointment as Nick had an important work appointment that day.

I was set up in the Labor & Delivery Unit and had blood work drawn by around noon that day. Awhile later I was thinking I would be released because the results came back so quickly, and instead a nurse came in with a johnny telling me to get changed as I would be having a baby that day. HOLY CRAP! Alexis almost started crying (and wanted to call people)and I started sweating so bad that I thought I actually broke my water. Nope, just sweat. I called Nick to tell him I was going to be induced and he went crazy. I called him back to let him know he had time to go get our overnight bag, check on Dexter, etc.

I was moved to another room where Dr. Fortune (who delivered Quinton as well as delivered Nicholas for us) explained what was going on. I'm not good at the medical specifics, but basically my blood work was not looking very good. On top of my blood pressure, my platelet count was very low and there were issues with my liver and some other important bodily functions (kidneys?). The doctor basically explained to me that I could have a seizure if I gave birth vaginally and was recommending that I have a c-section. It wasn't an "absolute" emergency, but I was told I could wait it out and things still may not change, or suddenly get worse. I could go through trying to have him vaginally and still need a c-section. After talking to Nick's mom (for those of you that dont' know she is a delivery nurse at Lowell General), I decided to move forward with the c-section. I called my family and friends to let them know and my parents decided to leave later that night.

I was started on an IV of magnesium sulfate due to the preeclampsia. Basically what this does is inhibit your body's ability to go into labor, but helps prevent me from having a seizure. I had to stay on this for 24 hours after the delivery to make sure everything was ok. The side effect of this drug is basically that I feel like I'm going through menopause. Within 2-3 minutes of the drip starting, I was hot, sweaty, nauseous, and wanted to kill everyone (good times!). I received a large dose pretty quickly and then it was slowed down for the remainder of the time. One of my nurses, Laura, was so incredible. I had to pee SO bad and was terrified of having a catheter put in until I had my anesthesia (the spinal). I was not allowed to get out of bed because the magnesium has started, so she was able to let me use a bed pan just once and I was so very thankful to her for that!

Nick put on his "sterile" suit and I was wheeled into the operating room. Laura was with me the whole time - I held onto her while getting the spinal - I couldn't believe that it did not hurt AT ALL. You know when you go to the dentist and get novocaine in your gums? The spinal hurt less than that. Laura told me everything that was going on while it was happening and made me feel so comfortable. Once I was laid out on the table Nick was allowed to come in and be by my head.

The only thing I felt were my legs being moved slightly so the catheter could be put in, and then the marker being used to draw where the incision would go. I felt light pressure (like someone pushing gently on my stomach) and that is it. One thing I'm pretty sure I felt, when Nicholas was about to be removed, I think he was kicking up high in my belly, and that was pretty amazing. Then, he was out...I was able to look at a clock the whole time and the surgery took 15 minutes! He cried instantly and was shown to me - all I said was THANK GOD HE IS CUTE. Nick was allowed to follow them back to watch him be cleaned up, and I think it took about a half hour to "put me back" together. Once I was moved to a recovery bed, Nicholas was laid on my chest - I can't even explain what it felt like and how I felt. Amazing. That's all I can think of. It just felt so good and so right.

Although Nicholas' birth may not have gone how I thought it would, I'm so thankful to the amazing doctors and nurses at Lowell General for doing such an amazing job. I'm so proud of Nick for not crying (when they talked about what was going on with my body) or passing out (when we saw lots of bloody gauze and he accidentally got a glimpse of what was on the other side of the blue curtain) and being next to me the whole time. My friends and family are so wonderful and I know everyone loves Nicholas (almost) as much as we do.

I have many many pictures to come, but just wanted to get this story blogged because a lot of people didn't know what happened. My recovery has been good so far, the pain is manageable and I just keep moving and that really seems to help.

Thank you to everyone for your love, kind words, and support.

xoxo

Surprise Hospital Visit - Round 2

May be a little TMI for some :)

I had my weekly doctor's appointment yesterday and was sent to the hospital because my blood pressure was in the 160's. I am measuring fine (also measuring as if he's dropped..so that's a good thing) and the babe's heart beat was 140, so I was sent as a precautionary measure since I'm so close to my due date.

I got to the hospital around 10 am yesterday and was not released until 8 am this morning. Thankfully Nick was with me and I was so glad to have him there, and my friend Brooke was able to take care of Dexter for us. I met Dr. Domingo for the first time and I really liked her because she was straightforward and no nonsense - very matter of fact and to the point. She checked my cervix (ladies..for those of you who have never had this done, it is quite possibly the most pain and discomfort I have felt in my entire life and it was done 5 times in 2 days...can't wait for labor!) and I was completely closed. The babe and I were monitored for several hours, and by 5 in the afternoon, my blood pressure was much better, but still had a few spikes. The decision was made to try cervidil, a drug that could soften/thin out my cervix in order to prepare it for labor. This was also quite uncomfortable going in (it is basically a $500 piece of long string with a hormone on it that is put against my cervix) and then left in for 12 hours. I was told not to get my hopes up, that it might not work at all, but where I am almost 39 weeks it may help to get things going. I did not have any expectations of it working. I also had an iv put in just in case and bloodwork drawn - unfortunately I was poked several times for bloodwork until a vein was found - and people wonder why I don't like having it done. The nurse that did my IV was amazing, minimal pain and I hope she's on when I deliver because I adored her.

Sleeping at the hospital was very uncomfortable, and my cervix started to tighten/cramp up, and in the tiny bed, no position was a good one. I woke up the following morning and had the cervidil removed, only to find out that there was no change to my cervix. Dr. Domingo waited for the next doctor on, Dr. Bass (also the first time I met him and really liked him as well), to check me as well and then the decision was made to release me. I'm glad I wasn't put on bed rest, but I was completely wiped out from the experience. In the morning I started crying - not because of pain, but just from tiredness/worry I guess. Apparently that set off an alarm and sent nurses running in - I was mortified, but they were so nice and kind and made me feel a lot better. I really really love Lowell General and don't understand people that said they "would never go there" and would only go to Boston.

One more exciting piece of news - I had an ultrasound and he is measuring about 7.5 pounds, give or take a half pound. If I don't deliver for 2 more weeks, my guess of him being 8 pounds will be right! His head (although I didn't want to look) measured a little over 12 cm...oy! ;) The ultrasound tech was super funny and didn't want to scare me since this is my first baby, but I'm not afraid. He said prior to me he did an ultrasound on a women with triplets...I can't even imagine!

I have a follow up on Monday with Dr. Bass in the morning, so I will keep everyone posted. If we didn't contact you about this, please don't be offended. Not knowing what was going on, we really didn't want to worry/concern people unless the baby was coming or if there was a serious problem.

Love to all!

Crystal

37 Weeks and 5 Days - but who's counting?

I had my 37/38 week check up at the doctor today and it went well. I am measuring at 37 weeks and have gained a little under 25 pounds (I no longer take my huge boots off when I weigh in because it’d probably take me an hour). Babe’s heartbeat is in the 140-150 range and he’s doing well. His legs/knees/feet are up at the top of my stomach so he’s definitely remaining in the head down position and I hope he stays there. Even though he’s on my sciatic nerve and it’s quite painful, I’d rather have him stay there because I know it's where he's meant to be.

I was wearing a striped shirt today and told the doc it’s my co-worker’s favorite because you can really see the rippling of my belly when he moves. She felt my belly and said “oh wow, you’re all baby, no fat.” Did I mention how much I love my doctor’s office??

My co-workers have been really great lately. Yesterday two of them wanted to go get my car and then clean it off for me because we’ve got our first snow all winter. I managed just fine, but it was very sweet of them to offer. I told them I should just get pregnant every winter from now on!

Not too much else is going on – I don’t think he’s really “dropped” yet so I’m just going with the “I’m ready for him when he’s ready” mentality, and will be so happy once he finally arrives. I really can’t believe how fast the time went, and how any day now we will be holding him in our arms! We jokingly practice hold with Dexter on his back – he is not amused by it at all! I can’t wait to see Dexter with the baby, I know he’s going to be just fine. He's been around a lot of babies and toddlers and is excited that they are at his level.

Hope everyone is well!

xoxo

Shout Out to my Doctor's Office

I can hardly believe that I have just about 3 weeks to go (4 if I go late ;). Or as I say, the babe is just about fully cooked. On Monday night I began having intense pain in my lower back that as of now has still not let up. It is almost unbearable to walk. I knew that I was not in labor, because it's just a constant sharp pain whenever I try to take a step. I have nerve damage in my right foot from my bunion surgery in 2010, so I just assume the baby is resting on my sciatic nerve. I called my doctor Tuesday and left a message just to make sure it was ok to be at my desk with a heating pad on for most of the day. The nurse called me back within an hour and talked to me for a good 5 minutes. I really appreciate how quickly the office responds and I’m confident that when I am (or at least think I am!) in actual labor, I will receive the same response.

I had my 36+ week appointment on Thursday and received the same great treatment. The nurse that called me in immediately asked how my back was doing, and listened to my response. She told me she went through the same thing and although it doesn’t seem like it now, after I deliver I will feel amazing. The doctor also talked to me a lot about it and told me I was in the home stretch. Just the fact that they take the time to talk to me and show that they care means so much. It really is all about the little things sometimes. I was told they will not let me go further than 1 week past my due date, so whether he likes it or not, he will be here by March 24th (1 month from today!) I really appreciate how the doctors and nurses at WomenHealth in Chelmsford actually care about me. I feel confident and comfortable that everything will work out just fine when I’m ready to deliver.

I am measuring at 36.5 weeks and his heartbeat is good and strong. His head has been in position since January. Nick is going with me to the rest of my appointments just in case I’m checked and am told to go to the hospital. Everything is pretty much in order so now we’re just waiting for him to arrive! My biggest thing now is I just cannot wait to see what he looks like. I joked with my SIL Alexis, I really hope he looks like Nick because me as a baby...not good. I kind of think I looked like ET. :)

Hope everyone is well!

xoxo

Prego Recommendation

For any of my pregnant ladies out there, I positively LOVE Bella B Mama Soak, Refeshing Sitz Bath Powder. Here's a link:

http://www.amazon.com/Bella-Mama-Soak-Refreshing-Powder/dp/B001W039GY/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329866698&sr=8-1-fkmr1

I love the way it smells, and it makes my skin feel soft, and it is just so relaxing in the tub. It is a little pricey, but so very worth it. Give it a try to soothe your tired back or aching body parts. :)

My back started killing me yesterday, I know it's not back labor, the baby's head is just settling down further and I think he must be pressing on a nerve. I look ridiculous trying to walk, but I just keep telling myself only a few more weeks to go! I also joke and say I haven't drank for almost 9 months...so I can handle just about anything!

xoxo

Quick Hello!

Hey Everyone,

Not too much going on, so I haven't posted in awhile. I'm still feeling good, and feeling like I get a little bigger every day. I don't think I'm quite "waddling" yet, but Nick thought it was funny to make a joke about it the other day. One thing I can't seem to stop doing is eating ice pops..I go through a box of 24 in less than 24 hours :) They're super low calorie and have Splenda (so they're "sugar free"), but I really just need to stop buying them. My mom said when she was pregnant with me she would get three shakes at McDonald's, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and drink from each until they were gone - so I guess I'm not doing so bad!

My Massachusetts baby shower is next weekend and although I'm looking forward to it, once it's over I know I'll be sitting around just WAITING for the baby to come. My doc actually told me to pay close attention because for alot of women labor can be triggered by their shower - you think you're relaxing and just opening gifts, but it can be a bit overwhelming. I've been having braxton hicks quite a bit and they don't bother me, I just pay close attention, take a walk, drink some water, and I'm fine.

My blood pressure has been under control and I've gained 19 pounds as of my last doctor's visit. My hands and feet are definitely starting to swell, but I just try to shake it off and not think about it. Now I'm just anxious to see what this little dude is going to look like!!

xoxo

32 Week Baby Bump

Hi Everyone!

So I'm at about 33 weeks right now, so these two pics are from last weekend. You can definitely see I'm starting to fill out pretty well :)

I have been feeling well, a little tired, but pretty good for the most part. It's a little hard to sleep, I basically just turn from one side to another. The baby doesn't wake me up with his movements, but whenever I do wake up I touch my belly until I feel him move, I smile, and roll back over. I also pee at least once a night, but I did that even before being pregnant because I drink at least a gallon and a half to two gallons of water a day. I think my maternity clothes will follow me through the rest of the pregnancy and I found a cute dress for my baby shower yesterday. I need a cute but comfy pair of shoes - does anyone have any suggestions? My ankles are a bit swollen, and I don't wear my rings anymore, so I hate to pay alot for a pair of shoes in a bigger size that I'll only need for about 7 more weeks...

xoxo

Blogger Issues

Hey peeps - just a quick update - I've been trying to upload photos for days but apparently Blogger is having some issues. I will upload the 32 week baby bump and baby shower pics as soon as this website decides to work properly.

I'm feeling good, I got back to the gym this weekend and it felt great! I have some tiny cramping here and there but I think it's just Braxton Hicks - although I woke up with a pretty big "cramp" last night, I just took a few deep breaths through it and it went away. I'm careful to pay attention since I have no idea what to expect when the time actually comes.

I went to a 2 hour breast feeding class last night and I found it really helpful. I learned different techniques on how to hold the baby and proper ways for the baby to latch on. I didn't make Nick go with me and me and one other girl were the only people without a support person there. I texted Nick and said "you're welcome!"

That's really all for now..nothing too exciting!

Hope everyone is well - so glad Monday is over ;)

xoxo

Ultrasound Update

I just came from my ultrasound appointment and our little fat ass weighs about 4 pounds! Heehee - it was really cool seeing how much bigger he had gotten since I'm at 31 weeks now and the last one was at around 18-19 weeks in October. Since the bedrooms are being moved around, I don't have our scanner hooked up so I apologize for not being able to post a photo. I can tell you that in one shot he looks alot like Quinton, Dan and Kingsley's son, and he is one very handsome baby! If we manage to figure out how to do a remote hook up I will definitely post a pic.

The little guy's heartbeat was at 136 and we were told that is in a perfect range. his hands and feet were both up by his face so it was difficult to get a good shot of him, but all looks good and he's growing just fine.

Phew!

Today I ventured into sterilizing baby bottles...everyone seems to do it a little differently. Some just put them in the dishwasher, some just sterilized the nipples - I really didn't know what the right thing to do was. We went with the Dr. Brown's brand based on great recommendations from friends. Each bottle is about 4-5 pieces so I basically took them apart and boiled them for about 20 minutes. I burned myself with scalding water several times, and got water everywhere, but let's hope they're sufficiently de-germed!


xoxo