March 30,2012

Week 23

This past week has been pretty involved with my belly pop! Now there is no hiding the fact that I am pregnant from...pretty much anyone! It's pretty awesome- further proof there is a baby growing in there. However, the attention my belly is getting throws me off a bit- I don't think I'll get used to people randomly touching me (even people I know and love)- its just a little odd. I don't mind it, but it surprises me every time lol! And along with the growth my weight gain has started to pick up. I'm now on-track and gaining about 1 lb a week. But whatever I gain, I am not going to stress about it. 

Also, early this week the hubs was able to feel the baby kick! THAT was an amazing moment. I feel him move all the time, but to be able to finally share that with my husband was awesome! 

Still no progress on my Protein S levels; in fact they are still dropping. However, there is another blood level that is therapeautic...so I'm not sure if this is good or bad...but my doctor continues to increase the Lovenox dose. I'm now on 180mg twice a day (2 shots in my stomach or back, twice a day)....painful. The higher the dose- the more liquid that is being injected. The more liquid, the more it stings.  Think two giant bee stings, twice a day...that's the closest comparison I can come up with....

At this point I'm counting down the weeks for the injection reason alone. I feel ok physically but this medication is now starting to take its toll. After all I've been doing the injections since September of 2010...yeah I'm pretty tired of it. Also, sleep this week has been terrible....hoping I can catch up on the weekend because I'm feeling pretty crappy at week's end.

The nursery is coming along even more now...I promise pictures soon.

Pregnancy symptoms: Just getting bigger and feeling bigger. Some stomach issues and round ligament pain has been pesky.

How far along: 23 weeks 4 days

How big is baby? 1 pound (no more ounces!), 11 inchesWeight gain/loss? +5 lbs
Sleep: Sleep has sucked this week. I can't get used to side-sleeping, especially on my left side where my blood clot is...my whole lower body just ends up falling asleep.
Gender: Boy!

Maternity clothes: Yes

Food cravings/aversions: Stomach has been icky this week.

What are you looking forward to this week: I would LOVE for my protein S levels to go up and I would really like to get some sleep this weekend and next week. I function terribly without it (yeah, yeah I know- wait till the baby comes...) - I always said that would be the hardest part for me...the sleep deprivation. Maybe I will be blessed with a child like Chicken...that loves to sleep from the get-go...I can only hope.

March 23, 2012

Week 22
Hubs to me last night: "So are we creeping up on week 22 here...?"
Me: "No, babe- we're creeping up on week 23"
Hubs: "Damn! time is really flying by..."
Me: (giving the look) "Yeah, that's why I've been saying..."
Hubs: "I know, I know- I gotta get my ass in gear around here. I know I do."

What hubs is referring too is the not one, not two but FOUR home projects he wants to get done before the baby arrives. And if you know my husband, he does absolutely beautiful home modification work. I mean what he has done to our home on the smallest budget is absolutely amazing...but he often needs a little nudge to finish things or get them started. Project one I can say is mostly complete- the nursery. The walls are painted, wainscoting is up and painted and light is hung. Now all he needs to do is put the crib and dresser together and hang a curtain rod and mama will take it from there.

Next up is putting up the walls in our basement for a spare bedroom and storage room. These rooms likely won't be finished by the time baby arrives, but they need to at least have the framing, shelving up and curtain up. Another project he's added to his "to-do" list (and yes HE has added this task...I'm all for just buying the damn thing) building a custom pantry for our dining room.

In other pregnancy news I had some bad news from the doctors office earlier this week. The increase to 130 mg of Lovenox detailed in this post, has not increased my protein S activity level- in fact, the levels decreased. Yeah I know...doesn't make much sense, but that's what happened. So I am now on 160 mg of Lovenox twice a day and in about one hour am heading to the hospital to have more lab draws. The suck-ass part of this is the amount of medication I'm injecting everyday. It hurts...sometimes a lot...and we'll leave it at that. The good part is that myself (and the baby) have not developed blood clots so far. So, the hope is that we'll keep trying to raise these levels and in the meantime the baby I and I will skate closer and closer to my due-date without incident. I am reserved to the idea that whatever happens we'll deal with it...and the little dude has made it this far...and I am a fighter so I'm expecting my little guy to follow suite.

Two miscarriages though will make any pregnant women nervous, let alone this news. Yes, women have low protein S levels all the time and carry to term without incident...however, I've lost two babies and have about three other conditions I'm juggling at the same time. So, am I alone? certainly not. Do I carry a heavy load? Well, I'll let you decide that for yourself....

All and all though I'm optimistic. Fear and nervousness will not do anything but make an already rocky road worse. And being tense and upset is certainly not healthy for this baby, or for me for that matter. I know a lot of women that spend countless hours hand-wringing and stressing over things they have no control over. Now, don't get me wrong- I agree with being proactive and conscientious. But I do NOT agree with letting all the bad things in the world make you miserable or fearful. You chose what to concentrate on and spend your energy on and at some point have to take responsibility for that. I am choosing to do that now and as my co-worker said yesterday "Damn Rachel, you're like super chill these days." Well, I'm less "chill" when I'm not at work but all and all I'm far less neurotic then I have the capability of being and I'm happy and enjoying it for the first time in years.Pregnancy symptoms: Another incident of vomiting. Apparently I am one of those lucky women who will have this on and off through most of the pregnancy. But honestly, puking once every two weeks is really not that bad. The bad part is not knowing when it will happen. But I've become a pro at this point and no longer "fear" throwing up or feel its that gross. I mean, yeah its gross, but holding it back is far more gross I assure you....
How far along: 22 weeks 4 days
How big is baby? 1 pound (no more ounces!), 11 inches
Weight gain/loss? +4 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes
Sleep: Sleep has been ok. I'm a back sleeper and sleeping on my side has been rough for me to adjust to. I have this pillow-wedge concept I strap myself into at night and yeah I wake up at least 2 or 3 times because I've become un-wedged or I need to pee...but aside from that its been great lol!
Food cravings/aversions: Raspberry frozen yogurt! yum!
Gender: Boy!What are you looking forward to this week: I would LOVE for my protein S levels to go the F up!!! And that is all : )

I think I may have nursery photos to put up soon...loving that! My husband's best friend told him "you know the baby doesn't need a fancy nursery..." And my response was "First of all tell him to shut up. Second of all tell him I said there are only 3 reasons to have children: 1) To have an excuse to go to Disney World, Chucky Cheese and all the other awesome places they look at you funny if you aren't totting a tot. 2) To hear the hilariously inappropriate things they will say and 3) To buy cute baby clothes and DECORATE A NURSERY!!"

I'm kidding of course....kind of :)

March 16, 2012

Week 21

Week 16

Week 19

Week 21

Week 21

Definitely got the BELLY now...and looky-here...giant ass also included lol!

We have PASSED the half-way mark. Holy sh*t!!! Time seems to be passing even faster now. How on God's green Earth is that even possible!


Noteworthy items this week: After lasts weeks medical scare we also learned early this week that the caregiver we were hoping could take baby boy after I return to work will not be able to take him until January. This is leaving us with about 3 1/2 months and no idea of what we will do for childcare three days a week (we have 2 days set with our mothers). So, I did not need this bad news on top of last weeks medical scare. Talk about stressful!


The women is taking on another newborn in August and wanted to wait until the babies were a bit older to have both of them. I completely understand. I appreciate her honestly but was also bummed we were now in need of childcare options again...at least for Fall.


BUT - like a Godsend, my bosses agreed to let me work from home one day per week when I return from my maternity leave. I will take 10 weeks off continuous and then take one day off per week on FMLA for another 10 weeks. After that I will only need to work from home one day per week for 6 weeks- or until the holiday break. AND, like a second Godsend, not only is my mother in law actually going to retire in Fall, I have two friends who have agreed to help us out in the Fall one or two days a week with childcare. So, we are ALL SET! It worked itself out so easily it was like a dream. We have some amazing friends and family and this just shows again how very lucky we are.


Also, baby boy is already receiving some early gifts. We received the car seat/travel system from my Great-Aunt Theresa and Grandma about a week ago.


We also received the Ninja food processor from my ex-boss Suzanne (the hubs was crazy excited about this gift).


And we've received some other gifts as well, such as scrapbooks, milestone calendars and of course hand-me-downs from some of our awesome friends and family!


Pregnancy symptoms: Stomach upsets, gas and indigestion. Tums have become a regular part of my diet. No more vomiting- yay! But occasional nausea...no yay...
How far along: 21 weeks 3 days
How big is baby? 10.5 ounces, 8 inches
Weight gain/loss? +3.5 lbs (I swear I'm eating. The scale won't budge. Now that's a first...sigh)

Maternity clothes: Yes
Sleep: Had a pretty horrible dream I went into labor at 23 weeks...but other than that sleep has been good.
Food cravings/aversions: Upset stomach most days, so I'm rarely craving anything actually....
Gender: Boy!What are you looking forward to this week: I would LOVE for my protein S levels to come back elevated! Significantly elevated. That is ALL I am hoping for...

March 11, 2012

Week 20

The handsome daddy-to-be working in the nursery :)

More than half-way there...God, I never thought we'd see the day. I'm pretty emotionally exhausted this week from the news learned here....and really don't have much more to say on the matter. I'm doing the 4 shots a day...I'm towing the line...and I'm incredibly scared.

Pregnancy symptoms: Belly is just growing - so some growing pains here and there. Back to eating more small meals through the day...that seems to be helping with the vomiting.
How far along: 20 weeks 6 days
How big is baby? 10.5 ounces, 7 inches
Weight gain/loss? +3.5 lbs (lost a bit last week- doctor isn't too worried because my BMI is higher to begin with ....but says my weight gain "isn't great" so he'll be looking for me to gain more at my next appointment...never heard that from a doctor before!)
Stretch marks: Not yet...but I'm sure one or two will be a-coming.

Maternity clothes: Yes. I can still wear many non-maternity tops but with maternity pants. I can still technically wear a lot of my old pants too...but they're just not as comfortable anymore so I'm in the maternity pants or leggings/sweat/yoga pants most of the time.
Sleep: Ok. I know I need to start sleeping on my side more but I always flip over on to my back and my lower back starts to ache and wakes me up...Fred says he's going to build an adult size "wedge" to keep me on my side lol!
Food cravings/aversions: Not all that hungry these days to be honest...but I'm being sure to eat every 3 or 4 hours.
Gender: Boy!
What are you looking forward to this week: At this point I'm looking forward to feeling baby move more and more...and just trying to take everything one week at a time and stay positive.

March 9th, 2012

Today was my 20 week visit to by OB. And we got the results of the anatomy screen. I am happy to say baby boy L is "perfect." All measurements and blood flow are good and he is in the 43rd percentile...so perfectly average in size (which the doctor said for my size is a good thing).

However, my blood levels are not doing so good. My protein S activity level is dangerously low.

I know you're probably thinking- huh? what the hell does that mean?

People who have low Protein S levels during pregnancy (I have low levels even when not pregnant) often need to be carefully monitored. This is because pregnancy cause otherwise asymptomatic problems with anti-clotting proteins to cause more serious health problems. Low activity of Protein S has been linked with a number of different pregnancy complications, including miscarriage and stillborns. Complications of pregnancy can be the result of a blood clot forming in the vessels that carry nutrients and blood to the infant; any disruption of blood flow in these areas can result in serious consequences for the health of the baby.

My levels were at a 12 in December and even on 100mgs of Lovenox injected twice a day, my levels are now at a 17. Normal people's levels are between 80 and 90. My doctor would be happy if mine were in the 50s. So, yeah- this is kinda serious.

I now need to increase my dose of Lovenox injections to 4 injections a day instead of 2 and 130mgs instead of 100mgs. Hopefully this will take care of it or he'll have to keep increasing the dose until it does go up. This could mean up to 200 mgs twice a day which is absolutely crazy...but I have a feeling that is were I am heading...talk about being a pin-cushion and black and blue all over. Thank GOD for my darker skin and that I don't already bruise easily...

So that is all. We're doing well otherwise and hope the dose change improves my blood levels. We knew this wouldn't be easy but luckily we have a strong little boy who is hanging in there! I only hope that he can survive this wreak of a disorder I've been dealt with. Some people just have no idea how lucky they are to have uncomplicated pregnancies....

March 8, 2012

Am I going to be the mean mommy?

This is the question I've been asking myself lately. And yes, I'm serious.

After several years of watching friends and family members with their own children and thinking about all of the things I "think" we would do similarly, or different, I am left with one small conclusion. Parents these days seem to be both tougher and more lenient with their kids then I remember while growing up.

Case point. I find it fascinating that so many parents have children who are in so many different activities. Soccer, swim, band, softball and boy scouts (like all at the same time!)...and sometimes I'm surprised to find out these activities are actually encouraged by the parents and not necessarily requested by the kids.

Some of this I get. I think teaching your kid how to swim, be in a competitive sport and socialize with other children are good things. But, I also think - do they really need to be doing that much? When do they do their homework? Not to mention how expensive this must all be! It just seems like a lot. When I was younger I was in swim, dance, softball and karate...but none of these at the same time. I got one activity and either moved on or stuck to it...it taught me follow-through and choice.

Another case point. I am shocked at what some children are required to learn in school these days. While I don't think higher educational expectations is a bad thing (quite the opposite in fact), I also think about the pressure some kids are under. Not only do they need to be the softball star, best member of the band and a boy scout they have to also learn algebra by the 6th grade! huh? I don't know- it just seems kids these days have a lot of pressure to be the best at so many things. Sure we want our kids to be competitive and do their best, but when is enough enough? (And don't get me started on the body issues kids have now in like Kindergarten! Kindergartners on a diet. Sickening).

Am I going to be the mean mommy that only let's them do one activity at a time?

AND on the other hand, I see kids get away with so much crap these days my head practically explodes! I've seen kids slap, hit, punch, kick and yell at their parents and have no repercussions. I've seen kids demand toys while at the store, and they get them almost every single time. I've seen kids tell their parents "no" or to "shut up" or say "I hate you" (If I said this to my Dad growing up boy...). And I just don't understand it. I know all kids will go through bratty phases and difficult times, but the general lack of respect for the parents I am seeing is overwhelming to me.

Now, don't get me wrong I have many family and friends where this is certainly NOT the case and they do a very good job with discipline. But I see this more often then not and it is absolutely scary to me. I don't think some of the excessive spanking I received as a child from my father was a good thing and I'm not sure we will spank our children at all...but I tell you one thing, I DID learn respect for adults as a child and would NEVER have been allowed to say some of the things I see kids say to their parents without being REALLY sorry for it about 5 minutes later...

And when did kids stop having to do chores? I mean my parents didn't run me ragged by any means- but I still had chores. And I did them because I lived there, not because I got money for doing them. I had to keep my room clean and help with the dishes at the least. And as I got older I remember having bathroom cleaning duty and other tasks (although my mom admittedly did more for me then she should have growing up- love ya mom!). And I remember getting a job as soon as I could around 15 years old to (gasp!) buy. my. own. damn. car.

It seems kids these days have no chores, but they have cell phones. They tell their parents "I hate you" and then have clean laundry sitting in their rooms when they get back from the mall trip their parents just financed.

Am I going to be the mean mommy because I will go literally postal on my child for behaving this way? Will I be the mean mommy who expects her kids to earn their keep around the house?

Sure, maybe I think I'll be one way and then things will be different when the kid arrives. I'm sure some things I'll stick to and others will be adjusted as I really learn what being a parent is like. And I fully understand you have to parent different for each child. But, seriously here? Am I crazy or have a lot of parents these days lost their cotton-picking minds!?!? Wait, I see Toddlers in Tiaras is on...my case rests!

March 2, 2012

Week 19

This belly I got here...it is growing and FAST!!!! I'm currently wearing some non-maternity work pants situated neatly under my belly...not the most comfortable of ensembles I must say...but its working for now. I know soon it will be all maternity clothes all the time. I just had a few maternity items altered as most of them were (surprise, surprise) way too long or way too big in the upper body. Apparently clothing designers assume that along with your growing belly your boobs, arms and shoulders will some grow exponentially as well so they make the clothes GIANT everywhere...when I really only need extra room in the belly and perhaps the bust. The neckline is so damn big on these shirts and dresses my boobs are popping out! Not a good look.

Pregnancy symptoms: Welcome to vomiting again! yay me : (
How far along: 19 weeks 4 days
How big is baby? 8.5 ounces, 6 inches- ish
Weight gain/loss? +4 lbs
Stretch marks: Not yet...but I'm sure one or two will be a-coming.
Maternity clothes: Yes soon please. I don't know why people hate maternity clothes so much. There is some pretty cute stuff out there now and its way more comfortable once you start actually getting a belly...plus I'll only be in them for a short time..I mean my selection will be way down...but who cares, I'm pregnant- I'm not trying out for fashion police!
Sleep: Good but wild-ass dreams. Super tired these days too...probably have the puking to thank for that!
Food cravings/aversions: We're having a slight revisiting of the first trimester here and I am not so happy about it!
Gender: Boy!
What are you looking forward to this week: The vomiting to take a hike again!!! This is my 2nd trimester, it is supposed to be the "good" trimester so bug off!!!