To get a visual of my progression! I said I'd do it once a month which would call for a picture at a full 16 weeks, but here I am at 15 weeks 4 days! I wore the same outfit as last time so I could really tell how big I'm getting!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
I couldn't wait another day
To get a visual of my progression! I said I'd do it once a month which would call for a picture at a full 16 weeks, but here I am at 15 weeks 4 days! I wore the same outfit as last time so I could really tell how big I'm getting!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Mmm Foood!
In accordance with my desire to actually sleep - I worked out both Saturday and today. I've done my 2-mile running course at more of a walk run pace. Today I was able to do it in about 24 minutes which makes a 12 minute mile - not bad.
Although I don't really believe in cravings, I do understand my pallet has changed over the last three months. I can not STAND chicken in any form. The smell, the texture, the taste literally makes me gag. This makes cooking dinner for me and Jesse all the more complicated since chicken was our staple not too long ago.
On the things I can't get enough of - Italian food, spicy food and sweets. Take tonight: I broiled some sweet Italian sausage, sauteed together a zucchini, portobella mushrooms, some onions and a LOT of red pepper flakes. I topped the veggie mix with the cooked sausage and some homemade tomato sauce. Yum!
Although I don't really believe in cravings, I do understand my pallet has changed over the last three months. I can not STAND chicken in any form. The smell, the texture, the taste literally makes me gag. This makes cooking dinner for me and Jesse all the more complicated since chicken was our staple not too long ago.
On the things I can't get enough of - Italian food, spicy food and sweets. Take tonight: I broiled some sweet Italian sausage, sauteed together a zucchini, portobella mushrooms, some onions and a LOT of red pepper flakes. I topped the veggie mix with the cooked sausage and some homemade tomato sauce. Yum!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Feeling better every day...
Between my expanding stomach and good news at doctor's appointments, I am finally beginning to breath easy(ier). I had the pleasure of going in today to see Dr. Scannell for a check-up with both Jesse and my mom. We waited for what seemed like forever until the doctor came in with the doppler. Unlike last time where it was rough to hear the heart beat, she got a strong heartbeat in seconds! We all breathed a collective sigh of relief and coupled our celebration with an official date for the gender ultra sound...April 14th! Mom and I enjoyed a tasty and leisurely lunch at the Sole afterward and I'm on track for a great weekend ahead!
I've been feeling great lately minus an insane bout with insomnia. For the past week I have been up, literally all night. Tossing, turning, getting up to use the bathroom, counting sheep, the works. I got permission from the doctor today to take a Benadryl once in a while and encouraged me to get back to working out. I intend to follow her advice and will be back at the gym April 1st!
I've been feeling great lately minus an insane bout with insomnia. For the past week I have been up, literally all night. Tossing, turning, getting up to use the bathroom, counting sheep, the works. I got permission from the doctor today to take a Benadryl once in a while and encouraged me to get back to working out. I intend to follow her advice and will be back at the gym April 1st!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Irish Eyes are Smiling
Two great things about today:
-Today is exactly 6 months until my due date! This also means the start of the 2nd trimester!
-Two days ago I finished my first 60-day bottle of prenatal vitamins. I was overwhelmed with emotion upon doing this. I clearly remember throwing away my bottle after the miscarriage, and now I'm on to bottle #2! Speaking of prenatal vitamins, I am a fan of the Trader Joe's version, at $12.99 a bottle, they are reasonable, contain all the nutrients you need and don't do a number on my stomach.
-Today is exactly 6 months until my due date! This also means the start of the 2nd trimester!
-Two days ago I finished my first 60-day bottle of prenatal vitamins. I was overwhelmed with emotion upon doing this. I clearly remember throwing away my bottle after the miscarriage, and now I'm on to bottle #2! Speaking of prenatal vitamins, I am a fan of the Trader Joe's version, at $12.99 a bottle, they are reasonable, contain all the nutrients you need and don't do a number on my stomach.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Ripping off the Band-Aid
So it is official. My clothes don't fit. Well, dresses and shirts are ok, but undies, bras and pants no way.
I have been completely putting off buying anything new simply because I am terrified I am going to jinx this pregnancy. The thought of throwing away boxes of maternity clothes mid-way through this journey literally makes me want to throw up. But, enough is enough.
My mom had picked up one outfit for me from Gap.com, but unfortunately both pieces were still too big, so off to the mall Jesse and I went. Our first stop was Destination Maternity which is a hybrid of the high end Pea in the Pod and the middle of the road Motherhood Maternity. I am definitely investing in a sexy pair of $150 Seven Maternity Jeans once we find out the sex of the baby mid-April and I feel 100% confident, but for now, I went cheap. I found a great pair of work pants for $20 and a pack of maternity panties that are oh so comfy. We also stopped by VS for a bra fitting and a bra that actually doesn't dig into my back. Finally, we stopped by the Gap and grabbed a middle of the road pair of jeans that at $70 really did the trick. Since I had ripped the band-aid off, I also grabbed another pair of work pants and cheap jeans from OldNavy.com once I got home.
Maternity shopping is harder than it seems. The two Destination Maternity stores are both an hour away: Natick and South Windsor. Few Gap stores carry their maternity line in store, and so far no Old Navy's do. Target is another option and I'll definitely be hitting them up when it comes to summer dresses but I've never been impressed with the quality of their work pants or jeans. Other than that, it's the internet, which will be more helpful once I know what sizes I am (for anyone that is wondering the Small work pants worked great and I'm a 6 in Gap Maternity ;)).
At work today, I made the big reveal to the kids. I rocked my new maternity pants and a tighter than usual top and the secret was not a secret any longer. I had really been trying to hold off telling them until after MCAS so their focus wouldn't wain (any more than usual), but mother nature had other ideas. Speaking of pants - OMG they are SO comfortable. I mean why don't we all wear these things? Screw buttons and zippers, give me 5 inches of lycra any day!
I have been completely putting off buying anything new simply because I am terrified I am going to jinx this pregnancy. The thought of throwing away boxes of maternity clothes mid-way through this journey literally makes me want to throw up. But, enough is enough.
My mom had picked up one outfit for me from Gap.com, but unfortunately both pieces were still too big, so off to the mall Jesse and I went. Our first stop was Destination Maternity which is a hybrid of the high end Pea in the Pod and the middle of the road Motherhood Maternity. I am definitely investing in a sexy pair of $150 Seven Maternity Jeans once we find out the sex of the baby mid-April and I feel 100% confident, but for now, I went cheap. I found a great pair of work pants for $20 and a pack of maternity panties that are oh so comfy. We also stopped by VS for a bra fitting and a bra that actually doesn't dig into my back. Finally, we stopped by the Gap and grabbed a middle of the road pair of jeans that at $70 really did the trick. Since I had ripped the band-aid off, I also grabbed another pair of work pants and cheap jeans from OldNavy.com once I got home.
Maternity shopping is harder than it seems. The two Destination Maternity stores are both an hour away: Natick and South Windsor. Few Gap stores carry their maternity line in store, and so far no Old Navy's do. Target is another option and I'll definitely be hitting them up when it comes to summer dresses but I've never been impressed with the quality of their work pants or jeans. Other than that, it's the internet, which will be more helpful once I know what sizes I am (for anyone that is wondering the Small work pants worked great and I'm a 6 in Gap Maternity ;)).
At work today, I made the big reveal to the kids. I rocked my new maternity pants and a tighter than usual top and the secret was not a secret any longer. I had really been trying to hold off telling them until after MCAS so their focus wouldn't wain (any more than usual), but mother nature had other ideas. Speaking of pants - OMG they are SO comfortable. I mean why don't we all wear these things? Screw buttons and zippers, give me 5 inches of lycra any day!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
12 weeks!
I also thought it would be interesting to track my physical changes throughout this process. So, I pulled a taking pictures in the mirror move last night to showcase my every growing parts..
Here's the "bump" week 12:
And here's my other new bumps - I am getting much amusement out of this "development" :)
Here's the "bump" week 12:
And here's my other new bumps - I am getting much amusement out of this "development" :)
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Coming out of the closet
Was easy when it came to family and friends. After our loss this summer, everyone was so awesome and supportive that we wouldn't have had it any other way. At no point did we think we wouldn't tell people this time around. But, as things began to progress in a positive way, we realized there were "other" people that had to know...our bosses.
Now, my job is generally a good one - my principal and I have a good relationship and my department head and I have a very good relationship. Yet, despite all this, we knew it wasn't going to be an easy conversation. I had recently found out the other woman who teacher AP Lit was due 3 days before me and had already told the power that be. Now our school would be losing the two of us at once, and I know how they tend to freak out about those sort of things.
So, the day came and we took her aside, and thankfully she was both supportive and happy for us! It honestly was like ripping off a band-aid, because the news just rolled off my tongue for the remainder of the day. I spent today telling my bosses at my second job (who were equally excited) and even spread the news to cousins who wouldn't otherwise have known.
All that's left is the eventual facebook, "We're pregnant" post, and we've both decided that can wait a bit. We have another appointment to hear the heart rate again March 25 then should have an US 2-3 weeks after that to determine the sex. Most likely, at that point, I'll throw up the picture and either "It's a girl" or "It's a boy" and that will be that.
And if you wondered, yup, still anxious, every day. But, apparently, I am "showing" a bit, but that will be a post and picture for tomorrow!
Now, my job is generally a good one - my principal and I have a good relationship and my department head and I have a very good relationship. Yet, despite all this, we knew it wasn't going to be an easy conversation. I had recently found out the other woman who teacher AP Lit was due 3 days before me and had already told the power that be. Now our school would be losing the two of us at once, and I know how they tend to freak out about those sort of things.
So, the day came and we took her aside, and thankfully she was both supportive and happy for us! It honestly was like ripping off a band-aid, because the news just rolled off my tongue for the remainder of the day. I spent today telling my bosses at my second job (who were equally excited) and even spread the news to cousins who wouldn't otherwise have known.
All that's left is the eventual facebook, "We're pregnant" post, and we've both decided that can wait a bit. We have another appointment to hear the heart rate again March 25 then should have an US 2-3 weeks after that to determine the sex. Most likely, at that point, I'll throw up the picture and either "It's a girl" or "It's a boy" and that will be that.
And if you wondered, yup, still anxious, every day. But, apparently, I am "showing" a bit, but that will be a post and picture for tomorrow!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
NT scan thoughts...
At the end of the 1st trimester/very beginning of the second, parents are given the option to have a NT scan done on their babies. At this visit, blood is taken and a thorough U/S is done that helps determine if your baby will have any major defects (more info: http://www.babycenter.com/0_nuchal-translucency-screening_118.bc). The problem with the test is that it has MANY false positive reads which leaves the parent with 2 choices: take a chance or go into further testing with an amnio. With an amnio they stick a long but very thin needle into the uterus to extract amniotic fluid (more info: http://www.babycenter.com/0_amniocentesis_327.bc) that gives more information. The problem here is that there is risk of miscarriage with the test as well as the CVS alternative (http://www.babycenter.com/0_chorionic-villus-sampling-cvs_328.bc).
With these results parents are able to get "more prepared" for a special needs baby or terminate the pregnancy in case they feel unprepared to raise a special needs baby.
We decided not to test. This was a personal decision that we may not have made if we didn't already have a loss on our hands. While the NT is harmless, there is no way we would have been comfortable moving on to more complex tests. We didn't want to worry for 6 months with a possible false positive over our heads and know for certain we wouldn't terminate this or any pregnancy.
Modern medicine has come so far, if only it would come a bit further!
With these results parents are able to get "more prepared" for a special needs baby or terminate the pregnancy in case they feel unprepared to raise a special needs baby.
We decided not to test. This was a personal decision that we may not have made if we didn't already have a loss on our hands. While the NT is harmless, there is no way we would have been comfortable moving on to more complex tests. We didn't want to worry for 6 months with a possible false positive over our heads and know for certain we wouldn't terminate this or any pregnancy.
Modern medicine has come so far, if only it would come a bit further!
Here we go again..
Wow! I still can't believe it and don't want to jinx things, but we're back in action! After a semi-drunken good time wine tasting and learning good news from a close friend this past January, I had a gut feeling. On the way back to MA, I stopped at a Walmart, even though I wasn't late yet, bought a pregnancy test and took it right there in the restroom. Low and behold, I was pregnant again! We think we may have even conceived on Christmas Day, talk about a Christmas miracle!
The two months since that moment have been a whirlwind of worry. Like crazy, out of control anxiety. I check the TP EVERY time I go to the bathroom, fully convinced that something MUST be wrong. It's sad really losing that brilliant innocence of our 1st pregnancy. Despite weight gain (some in the right places :)) I've refused to buy anything and have been dealing with too tight pants and bras for a couple of weeks. Mentally, I just keep worrying that we'll lose this baby too.
After our 1st exam at weeks 6, I had some spotting the following weekend. We of course thought the worst and headed to the Dr. Contrary to what we thought, everything was PERFECT. Baby measured exactly at 7 weeks and had a strong hb of 132 (normal is 120-180)! Going in a week early meant waiting an extra week between appointments and me counting the days...
All the in between went swimmingly. I'm one of the (lucky) few who have no morning sickness. I know in the end that is good news, but after a M/C, I'd like to have more symptoms to keep me convinced everything is ok. My breasts have been tender on and off and growing like crazy and I've been tired, but all in all, 1st trimester has been a breeze. The only real setback is this killer cold I've been fighting for a week. Note to you all - DO NOT get sick while pregnant - you will NOT get better in a hurry!
Today was a real turning point for us...we went in for our 11 week appointment (well, 11w4d) to hear the baby's hb on the doppler. I was so full of anxiety the whole morning that I could barely eat anything at all. Doctor had some problem hearing the hb over my own rapidly beating heart...butttt, she finally got it, and found it again 5 or 6 times. While the doppler doesn't give an exact BPM, she said it was clearly at least twice mine! :)
On the way home I caved and bought a Bella Band from Target that will allow me to wear my regular pants for another month or so and took a breath of relief. At this point, our chance of miscarriage dips below 2%, so we can start looking to the future with love and hope.
What's next? The official end of the 1st trimester March 11, another HB check at 16 weeks March 25th, then going in for the big gender U/S 2 weeks after that! Oh, and the little thing of telling work tomorrow...*gulp*.
One last piece of advice - check out babycenter.com. They help track your pregnancy week by week and give you a visual of how big your baby is - we started at a poppy seed and will be a lime on Saturday. They also have a GREAT community of message boards with ladies that are in the same boat as you!
More updates to come!
The two months since that moment have been a whirlwind of worry. Like crazy, out of control anxiety. I check the TP EVERY time I go to the bathroom, fully convinced that something MUST be wrong. It's sad really losing that brilliant innocence of our 1st pregnancy. Despite weight gain (some in the right places :)) I've refused to buy anything and have been dealing with too tight pants and bras for a couple of weeks. Mentally, I just keep worrying that we'll lose this baby too.
After our 1st exam at weeks 6, I had some spotting the following weekend. We of course thought the worst and headed to the Dr. Contrary to what we thought, everything was PERFECT. Baby measured exactly at 7 weeks and had a strong hb of 132 (normal is 120-180)! Going in a week early meant waiting an extra week between appointments and me counting the days...
All the in between went swimmingly. I'm one of the (lucky) few who have no morning sickness. I know in the end that is good news, but after a M/C, I'd like to have more symptoms to keep me convinced everything is ok. My breasts have been tender on and off and growing like crazy and I've been tired, but all in all, 1st trimester has been a breeze. The only real setback is this killer cold I've been fighting for a week. Note to you all - DO NOT get sick while pregnant - you will NOT get better in a hurry!
Today was a real turning point for us...we went in for our 11 week appointment (well, 11w4d) to hear the baby's hb on the doppler. I was so full of anxiety the whole morning that I could barely eat anything at all. Doctor had some problem hearing the hb over my own rapidly beating heart...butttt, she finally got it, and found it again 5 or 6 times. While the doppler doesn't give an exact BPM, she said it was clearly at least twice mine! :)
On the way home I caved and bought a Bella Band from Target that will allow me to wear my regular pants for another month or so and took a breath of relief. At this point, our chance of miscarriage dips below 2%, so we can start looking to the future with love and hope.
What's next? The official end of the 1st trimester March 11, another HB check at 16 weeks March 25th, then going in for the big gender U/S 2 weeks after that! Oh, and the little thing of telling work tomorrow...*gulp*.
One last piece of advice - check out babycenter.com. They help track your pregnancy week by week and give you a visual of how big your baby is - we started at a poppy seed and will be a lime on Saturday. They also have a GREAT community of message boards with ladies that are in the same boat as you!
More updates to come!
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