More Fun Stuff!

It's official... I no longer have ankles!! The water retention process has began. At the rate my belly is growing, I won't have to worry about seeing my ankles much longer anyways!!

Sydney has become opinionated already. I had to brake down and drink some prune juice yesterday...YUCK!!! I noticed almost immediately that every time I took a drink, with in minutes, Sydney would begin thrashing around in my belly. No more prune juice for us!!!

No Sugar Coating Here!

Okay ladies, why is it that when women, whom have already done the pregnancy and childbirth thing, talk about their pregnancy/birthing experience, they seem to leave out certain things?? I told myself when I started this blog that I was going to be upfront and honest - no sugar coating! This may be difficult for you conservatives out there but here it goes.... Why didn't anyone tell me about the whole constipation thing in the third trimester? Okay, I guess I can kind of understand that most people are not comfortable talking about bowel movements, or in this case, lack of, but seriously... what the heck is going on with my body!!! I am soooooo sick of eating fiber. In fact, I think I might soon turn into a bran flake!! And now I am told I may have to break down and buy a stool softener...can we say YUCKY!!!!

Will my body EVER go back to normal???

Update

Time just flew by again this last weekend! On Memorial Day we went to our friends Tom and Jamie's home. The boys drank cold beers and basked in the sun while us girls sat in the shade, each of us had a fan blowing directly on us to keep us cool. The boys were definitely enjoying themselves more!! I really wish I would have had a camera with me because we could have captured some very cute pictures of Jamie and I pregnant and miserable in the heat!! We finally moved our little party of two into the house and lounged on the sofa to watch TV. Greg kept looking in at us and laughing at the sight of two pregnant women, tired, hungry, hot, all sprawled out on the sofa!! It was very nice to be around Jamie for the day since she is experiencing much of the same hormone and body discomforts as myself!

The next day, Greg and I picked up where we left off and continued working on our bedroom. We got a lot accomplished. I think I will only be able to help him at this level of activity for only a couple more of weeks. My back really started to hurt and I had to stop around 3pm. We only have 10 projects left to complete and then our home will be ready to be put up for sale!

Sydney seems to be doing just fine. Active as usual!! I feel great considering I only have around 2 months to go! I am really showing at this point and my belly constantly itches. By night time, I seriously feel like my stomach is going to rip open! I keep my stomach very lubed to hopefully prevent stretch marks! Most of my weight, besides water weight and breast weight, is all in the front of my stomach. I look like I have a volleyball in my shirt! I will try to get a picture posted this weekend.

Busy Day!

Yesterday was a busy day. I was able to get through my boredom from the previous day. Actually, after I wrote my boredom blog, I asked Greg to take me out for dinner just to get out of the house. He asked where I wanted to go and I said, "Anywhere with really good dessert." So, we went to the Cheese Cake Factory! I had a salad and a big old piece of Godiva Chocolate cheese cake. Oh my gosh, it was soooo good. Of course I felt guilty after eating it so the next morning I woke up early, before the heat set in, and took the dogs for a walk!

After the walk, the dogs located a rattle snake in our back yard. By the time I was able to get a hold of someone to capture it and relocate it, the damn snake was gone. So, now we have a wondering rattle snake somewhere in our backyard!

For the remainder of our day, we once again used the same no VOC paint to paint our bedroom. It turned out great - now we are mad that we didn't do it years ago. Well, I hope the new owners like the color! Today, we will finish up some projects with our room and then we will go to some friends house for a BBQ. We are going to Jamie and Tom's house. It will be nice to be around another pregnant friend who shares my wacky hormone trips!!

BOREDOM

Can we say B O R E D O M!!! Oh my gosh, I am just not good at this staying home thing! Before pregnancy, when I was bored, I would go running or hiking or go to the gym or go shopping or bake, etc. But I can't do ANY of those things right now. Obviously, I can't go running or go to the gym and I can't go for a walk or run errands because it's way too HOT here and I will throw up! And, I can't go out shopping because I am huge and nothing looks cute on me anymore! Plus, pregnancy clothing is way over priced. I can't bake because I would eat it all!! I am about ready to throw a remote through the TV and I am sick and tired of reading baby books. Last year at this time I would go lay out on a raft in my pool and sip on a cold cocktail. Can't do that!! What's left? Help me!!! I get to a point some days where I am so bored that I have no mojo at all!

Okay, done venting!!! Have a good weekend.

OUCH!!

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD...why is it necessary, after all of the discomfort and the tossing and turning throughout EVERY night, that I wake up to painful charlie horses in my calves? Can we say OUCH!!! And then I spend the rest of my morning limping around because the knot in my calve won't loosen up! I had read that cramping may increase during the third trimester but I thought just maybe this symptom could be bypassed. I guess since I have vowed to only go through the pregnancy experience once, I might as well experience the full package!

Sydney was crazy last night - even more so than usual! I just couldn't get her to calm down. I had Greg put his hand on my stomach for a few minutes thinking that might help her relax as it has in the past...NOPE!! The way she just punches and kicks out is amazing and uncomfortable now that she is stronger! I don't know how I did it, but I somehow managed to fall asleep in the mists of her acrobatic routine! And then of course, I woke up to my charlie horse which got her all rallied up again! What am I in for?

Pregancy Updates

Wowza...I had another growth spurt over night! It's amazing how this belly of mine just keeps growing and growing! I now have the "pregnancy wobble walk" thing going on...very cute! I still try to walk my dogs each morning or early evening when I don't work. It's getting more difficult to do however because of lower back pain. I can only make it about 1/2 a mile now. I then wobble home and put my feet up. Besides my skin itching like hell on my belly and face, and the backaches and shoulder aches, I feel great!!

Yesterday, I was able to find some green crib bedding that totally matches the color of Sydney's room. I now fear that I have too much green going on in her room - Greg called it the "Green Room" this morning. Now all I need is a dresser/changing table combo - but they are expensive!!

June is going to be a crazy month for us. We are signed up for Prenatal/Birthing classes, the hospital tour and pediatrician meet & greets. On top of that, I will be taking additional classes on breastfeeding and a "First Time Mommy Preparation" class. Good thing I only work 2 days a week!!

Baby Shower Update

Ooofta, is it me or is time just flying by??? Good thing I don't work as many days right now because there is just so much to get done. I have been busy scheduling appointments in preparation for Sydney. We have also been busy scheduling appointments to get projects completed around the house so we can get it on the market in June. We painted Sydney's room on Sat. We used Harmony paint by Sherman Williams - it has no VOC - no fumes what so ever!! We painted it a beautiful green. Our friends Tahra and Jeff gave us their white crib. It looks awesome in the green room. I am now in the process of finding some bedding with a dragonfly theme.

I was up at 4am this morning until at least 5am, worrying about everything that needs to be done, so today will be a long day at work. I was able to coordinate with Cindy (our friend whom is hosting a baby shower for us) in regards to a day for our baby shower. Several people have emailed me in regards to when I would be having a baby shower and where I am registered. I know, I know, I have been dragging my feet on this one, but I just feel so weird having someone throw a baby shower for us! Silly, isn't it?? So, Cindy and Bennett are hosting a couple's party for us on June 23rd. It will be an early evening get-together, with food and wine/beer, and good conversation. We are registered at Babies R Us in the store or online. My registry changes weekly as I figure out things that we will need - sorry, I am new at this and the more things I read the more educated I become on items we need/don't need. I am having Cindy send out invitations to people who live here because I don't want people from out of town to feel like they have to come all this way for one night. So, if you don't get an invitation, please don't be hurt - if you want to come, you are all welcomed!! I hope this answers every one's questions about the baby shower. If you have any additional questions please don't hesitate to call me or email me.

I am feeling great and Sydney is as active as ever! We both still get a kick out of the way we can see her moving around all over in my belly. She is getting much stronger now so sometimes it can be quite uncomfortable when she really gets going! Last night, once it cooled down and before dark time, Greg and I sat out by our pool with a refreshing drink. His of course was a cold beer, mine was a mixture of organic cranberry juice with some giner ale. After my first couple of drinks, Sydney went nuts inside my belly. Greg and I both laughed as we watched her rocking and rolling!! Greg things she is going to be a handful as she grows!!

Sydney Cathleen's First Picture

I figured it out... I was able to scan my favorite 3D picture that was taken today. Here is Sydney Cathleen at 27 weeks!! I think she has Greg's nose. And, notice the top lip!!! I am just so amazed that this little girl is inside of me right now, kicking as we speak!

Week 27 Update

Wonderful news... no more placenta previa of any kind!!!! And, Sydney is no longer in a breech position. I had already figured she was in her head down position since I can literally feel her everywhere!! As a result of the good news, no more need to see a Specialist.

I had the opportunity to see more 3D pictures (they do these pictures for free when you have to see a Specialist). Oh my gosh, I cried! I literally got to see details of her face, hands, and feet. I think she has Greg's nose and she DOES have an upper lip!! I have mentioned before that Greg and I have worried that since neither of us has an upper lip, would our daughter have one... and she DOES!! Our little bundle of joy is already 2 lbs 9 oz. All of her measurements are perfect! Later this week I will see if I can find a way to scan the ultra sound picture onto my computer and add it to my blog.

Greg had to work this morning so I told him I could handle this appointment by myself. I couldn't wait to call him when I was finished. In fact, I drove the pictures down to his work for him to see. He was a proud daddy! We both feel very blessed.

My uncle Paul, my Mother's brother, is an amazing journalist. He recently wrote a Mother's Day article about my Mother and I wanted to share it with you all. Paul I know you will be reading this, so once again, I want to say thank you for the beautiful article and for sharing with the world how special my mother was and still is to so many people. I love you!

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/05/11/news/columnists/baier/17_04_545_10_07.txt

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mommies out there!!!

I had a wonderful day. Greg took me out for a nice breakfast. He gave me two Mother's Day cards, one from Sydney and one from him. Anyone who knows Greg, knows that he is not a card-giving-guy, so it was very special to me. We then ran a few errands, sent a bouquet of balloons to my Mom, and then spent the rest of the day relaxing at home. It was way too hot to do anything else!! We were actually in bed by 8pm!!!

I spent a great deal of my time yesterday thinking about how our lives are soon going to change forever! I feel both excited and anxious about this. I know in my heart that we will both be good parents. I am just still so nervous about taking care of a newborn!! There is a class that I am trying to get into that hopefully will ease my mind some on being a new parent.

I see the specialist tomorrow regarding my marginal previa. I am positive that all will be ok. I will post the results tomorrow.

Another Surreal Moment

Yesterday was a busy day!! Jamie and I both went and registered at Babies R Us. It took us a long time! So many choices and so many things. I of course was overwhelmed but since Jamie is already a pro at being Mommy, she was extremely helpful! Since we are both having girls, we picked many of the same items. I still need to go back online to the registry and do some final touches. I think I put some things on there twice!! I believe my friend Cindy (she was in our wedding) is going to be hosting a couples baby shower for us next month. Wish you all could be there!!

I did find a smoking deal on a pak-n-play! I put it together last night to see what it looked like. Once it was up, I kept finding myself looking over at it and everything suddenly seemed so surreal! I had it sitting in the living room when Greg got home from work. He walked in, saw it, and had this look on his face of "Holy #**@"!! I think it was a very surreal moment for him also!!!

On a cuter note, Sydney was once again doing her crazy dance in my belly last night when Jordan was here. I ran (well walked) upstairs to his room and had him feel my belly. You should have seen the look on his face when he felt his little sister for the first time. It was priceless!!

Turning Point

I feel like I have spent a lot of my time on this blog complaining about all of my pregnancy symptoms and less time on all of my pregnancy hopes and dreams. One reason for this is because I have a journal that I keep for Sydney in which I write her letters of all of my hopes and dreams for her and for our relationship as she grows. I love writing in this journal! With my mother dying at such a young age, there were so many questions that I didn't get to ask her. I feel like there was so much about my mother that I didn't get to know. That is why I started this journal for my daughter. I want her to know who I was before she was born and I want her to know how much she was loved before she was even born.

Speaking of mothers... since my mom died 3 1/2 years ago, Mother's Day has been a sad day for me. Greg and I started a tradition our first Mother's Day without her. Every Mother's Day we get a bunch of balloons and I write a letter and we send them off to her in heaven. It just helps somehow.

This year will be a turning point in my life. I will be a mommy! From here on out, instead of Mother's Day being a day of grief, it will now be a day of celebration! I am very grateful and cannot wait for Sydney to be a participant in our Mother's Day tradition of sending balloons to grandma.

First Hiccups

We had a productive weekend. We emptied our old office out and are now in the process of getting quotes to have Sydney's room painted, along with the rest of our upstairs. Something very exciting happened this morning, we felt Sydney with the hiccups!!! It was very cute and of course I had to write about it in her journal. She will enjoy that story when she is older.

Doctor's Appointment Update

We had our doctors appointment yesterday. Everything went fine. Sydney was kicking and hiding from the nurse as she was trying to get her heart rate. The nurse got a good laugh out of this. When I told the doctor how active Sydney is and that we can see and feel her all of the time, the doctors response was, "Already?"

All we did was the glucose blood test and stomach measurements. I am very concerned about my weight at this point. I gained more than the recommended one pound per week. We know it's because of 2 reasons. First, I was very lean when I got pregnant and didn't gain too much weight during the first trimester. Second, I haven't been able to do my exercising; therefore, my metabolism has mostly shut down. This causes many mixed emotions for me - mostly guilt! I feel like I am being extremely selfish because I am so worried about my weight. Greg and the doctor reminded me again that with my willpower and determination, the weight will come off quickly once I have the baby. And I am sure it will. It's just so hard for me to see all of my hard work go down the tube. I was literally 25-30 pounds heavier when I moved to Arizona several years ago and it really took so much for me to lose all of that weight and to keep it off. It's just heart breaking for me to see it all being put back on. See what I mean, even as I read these last few lines, I feel like a horrible selfish person. I should be more focused on my baby than on my weight! What is wrong with me!!!

To all of you moms out there, did you all experience any of these feelings? Also, did you have days where you just felt so emotional that you found yourself angry or crying over nothing? Man, it's times like this that are particularly hard to not have my mom to talk to. It's days like these I pray I could hear her voice just one more time. Please share some of your experiences with me so I don't feel like I am failing at this pregnancy thing!!

My next ultra sound is in two weeks. At this time we will be able to determine if my marginal previa has changed. If it has, this means the risk of additional bleeding will no longer be an issue and I can begin doing all of the things that women with normal pregnancies can do. I am trying to stay positive that this will be our result but I would appreciate prayers! Now I am off to take my dogs for a walk and to soak in some of the beautiful morning we have today. Have a good weekend everyone!

25th Week Picture

I really didn't want to post a picture because I just don't feel that photogenic lately. Greg took a few pictures but I ended up erasing them all accept this one. All you really need to see is how my belly is growing anyways.

This is Sydney and Mommy at 25 weeks!!


Notice how my breasts are almost as big as my belly!!!! Can we say ouch!!!!

Holy Hormones Part II

I feel like I should be walking around with a big sign on my forehead that reads, "I'm sorry!"

Oh my gosh, I am so crabby and short with people lately. It's driving me nuts! And of course, Greg, the person who is trying to help me the most, is getting the brunt of it!! As a therapist, I used to call people out who used the excuse, "I can't help it!" But seriously, I CAN'T HELP IT!! Things come out of my mouth before I even have a chance to edit them. I never had this issue before!!! I am tallying it up as hormones and lack of sleep and total body discomfort!! I haven't had a good night's sleep in, I don't even remember!! I have to get up and go to the bathroom at least 4 times every night. My body is so uncomfortable that I wake up in pain. My hormones are causing me to wake up several times throughout the night with night sweats. And, my last complaint for the day, and I hope this isn't too much information for any of you, but, my breasts are so incredibly big and heavy right now that it's causing major neck and shoulder pain that just will not ease up!!! Seriously, I have probably gained like 6 pounds alone just in my breasts!! How did you all do it - go through pregnancy more than once???

So, if you happen to see me or talk to me in the next few days, weeks, months...Let me just say now, "I'm Sorry!!"