Nevermind.
Ashtanga News (.com) blows.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Went...
Went to Lowes and Home Depot.
Repicked out paint colours for the nursery.
Today I will be printing out the critters I would like to paint all over the walls.
Exciting.
I also have a MAD busy kitchen project going on in my mind.
I'd like to tackle that sometime this week.
Crazy and awesome, yup yup.
Slowly - but surely - we will get there!
Repicked out paint colours for the nursery.
Today I will be printing out the critters I would like to paint all over the walls.
Exciting.
I also have a MAD busy kitchen project going on in my mind.
I'd like to tackle that sometime this week.
Crazy and awesome, yup yup.
Slowly - but surely - we will get there!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Nursery Plans
I think I am going to draw up the mural for the nursery with Brennen tonight!
Excited.
Speaking of, here's a pretty little crib idea (not for us, but pretty none-the-less)...
Excited.
Speaking of, here's a pretty little crib idea (not for us, but pretty none-the-less)...
Bad Mamma
Thumper is building a city in there.
I'm sure of it.
He's banging, he's hammering, he's moving around at frantic speeds.
When you go to bed at night and he's non-stop on the go, and you wake up first thing to a kick under the ribs, you can feel really....drained.
And then, because I feel drained, I feel like a bad mamma.
Like....I should relish *every* kick, right?
What's up?
I'm sure of it.
He's banging, he's hammering, he's moving around at frantic speeds.
When you go to bed at night and he's non-stop on the go, and you wake up first thing to a kick under the ribs, you can feel really....drained.
And then, because I feel drained, I feel like a bad mamma.
Like....I should relish *every* kick, right?
What's up?
On Track
Thumper, once more, is right on track.
Spent the last two days suffering horrid morning sickness.
Then got tomorrows update today and it says 'voila....morning sickness will be back'.
Ahhhh.
Maybe at least I'll stop eating so much.
My treadmill, btw, has been moved over to the new house.
Workouts commence today!
Spent the last two days suffering horrid morning sickness.
Then got tomorrows update today and it says 'voila....morning sickness will be back'.
Ahhhh.
Maybe at least I'll stop eating so much.
My treadmill, btw, has been moved over to the new house.
Workouts commence today!
Week 27
Fetal development in pregnancy week 27:fetus in seventh month
Your not-so-tiny-anymore brilliant baby(about 2 pounds and 14.5 inches long!) is slowly rotating in preparation to “head out.” Obviously, this doesn’t happen overnight, but when you start to feel an unfamiliar pressure on your cervix, you’ll know you’ve got a fully flipped baby locked and loaded for the countdown to their birthday! Even now, at the beginning of the third trimester, their little lungs are already capable of breathing air while the pulmonary vascular system can provide sufficient gas exchange and the central nervous system can generally regulate rhythmic breathing as well as their basal body temperature. For what it’s worth, at this point in a healthy pregnancy a premature child (with intensive care) could easily win on the show: “Survivor: The Early Years.”
And how's mom doing? You’ve worked hard, done your research, endured a plethora of joyless symptoms and would like nothing more than to have wonder-baby on the outside. Well, dig in for the final endurance round and say hello again to the familiar but not-so-lovable faces of fatigue and nausea. You guessed it, the dratted hormone factory is once again running at full-tilt (and causing rapid hair growth), sigh…. Your (“yaaaawn”) fatigue stems from several factors, including the proverbial weight gain, shortness of breath and of course, sleep deprivation. (See week 29 for tips on how to alleviate fatigue!).
Yes, ladies, you’ve finally reached the infamous “live-on-the-toilet” stage. Your feet are bigger, your breasts are bigger, your belly is bigger, even your baby is bigger—and something’s gotta give. Annoyingly, nature didn’t choose your butt and instead opted to compress your bladder, which is now being completely squashed by your-super-sized-baby... all day long. So your best shot is to just accept the fact you’re going to need to urinate every 10 minutes (and if you manage to go longer, thank the good lord).
Of course breast tenderness is also very common at this phase as milk production is kicking in. Other thrilling third-trimester symptoms include more swelling (known as edema) and feeling like you live in a sweat factory as a result of increased basal body temperature. Thank your baby: this temperature increase stems from their body heat coupling with your own, which of course all adds up to one hot mama!
Just in case you don’t have enough things to stress out about: we’d like to remind you the third trimester is really a time to kick your baby-on-the-outside preparations into high gear: baby-proof the home or apartment, buy a car-seat, get a stroller, dress up the nursery and plan a space for diapering, keep mulling over possible names, and try to enjoy this time… when you’re not nauseous, constipated, running to the toilet, or just plain wiped out. (And don’t forget to get your sleep, be active, and eat well! Phewee! we're tired just thinking about what you're going through!)
Your not-so-tiny-anymore brilliant baby(about 2 pounds and 14.5 inches long!) is slowly rotating in preparation to “head out.” Obviously, this doesn’t happen overnight, but when you start to feel an unfamiliar pressure on your cervix, you’ll know you’ve got a fully flipped baby locked and loaded for the countdown to their birthday! Even now, at the beginning of the third trimester, their little lungs are already capable of breathing air while the pulmonary vascular system can provide sufficient gas exchange and the central nervous system can generally regulate rhythmic breathing as well as their basal body temperature. For what it’s worth, at this point in a healthy pregnancy a premature child (with intensive care) could easily win on the show: “Survivor: The Early Years.”
And how's mom doing? You’ve worked hard, done your research, endured a plethora of joyless symptoms and would like nothing more than to have wonder-baby on the outside. Well, dig in for the final endurance round and say hello again to the familiar but not-so-lovable faces of fatigue and nausea. You guessed it, the dratted hormone factory is once again running at full-tilt (and causing rapid hair growth), sigh…. Your (“yaaaawn”) fatigue stems from several factors, including the proverbial weight gain, shortness of breath and of course, sleep deprivation. (See week 29 for tips on how to alleviate fatigue!).
Yes, ladies, you’ve finally reached the infamous “live-on-the-toilet” stage. Your feet are bigger, your breasts are bigger, your belly is bigger, even your baby is bigger—and something’s gotta give. Annoyingly, nature didn’t choose your butt and instead opted to compress your bladder, which is now being completely squashed by your-super-sized-baby... all day long. So your best shot is to just accept the fact you’re going to need to urinate every 10 minutes (and if you manage to go longer, thank the good lord).
Of course breast tenderness is also very common at this phase as milk production is kicking in. Other thrilling third-trimester symptoms include more swelling (known as edema) and feeling like you live in a sweat factory as a result of increased basal body temperature. Thank your baby: this temperature increase stems from their body heat coupling with your own, which of course all adds up to one hot mama!
Just in case you don’t have enough things to stress out about: we’d like to remind you the third trimester is really a time to kick your baby-on-the-outside preparations into high gear: baby-proof the home or apartment, buy a car-seat, get a stroller, dress up the nursery and plan a space for diapering, keep mulling over possible names, and try to enjoy this time… when you’re not nauseous, constipated, running to the toilet, or just plain wiped out. (And don’t forget to get your sleep, be active, and eat well! Phewee! we're tired just thinking about what you're going through!)
Friday, December 26, 2008
Poll's Over
Poll's over!
Votes are in!
Best baby present of the year arrived on our doorstep TODAY.
There's really no beating this one, I'm afraid.
Thanks Daddy!
I love you.
Votes are in!
Best baby present of the year arrived on our doorstep TODAY.
There's really no beating this one, I'm afraid.
Thanks Daddy!
I love you.
I Love Today
It's 12.30pm.
Dressed in an over-sized shirt which comes down mid-thigh (my husbands, I love to wear his shirts and sweaters) and nothing else I have been moving around in our new home, trying to renovate. I've spent a few hours cutting filling foam out of the cracks we put it into. I've been shifting light furniture. I've been taping paint colour chips to the nursery wall.
The rocking chair stands in the middle of the room, covered with a white drop-cloth. Soon I will scrub the walls down with warm soapy water and, once dry, tape the moulding and ceiling off with painters tape. Unscrew the lightswitch and outlet covers. And call the room ready for it's paint.
My hair is clean and shiny and piled up loosely out of the way. The shade is delicious...darker than I had intended but close to my natural.
Brennen is in our new kitchen cooking us lunch. Steak for him, stir-fry for me.
I spent last night exploring our new oven by making cookies for a group of friends who were gathered around playing games.
Later the kitchen will have to be painted too...colours hand-picked by us, the two artists, picky but in love enough to compromise on taste.
The bathroom is the only room near finished. I didn't pick my colour, he didn't pick his....we compromised and the outcome is beautiful. Everybody loves it.
I am excited for the rest of the house.
But that is then and this post was for now.
For today.
I love today.
I love we three.
First thing this morning, naked and snuggling in bed, Brennen puts his hand on my belly. Thumper promptly starts to kick. Either to say 'hey' or to say 'get off me!'. We don't know which but we giggle together.
Next a bubble bath, shared.
Then I slip into his over-sized shirt, put on great music and begin work on our baby's room.
The days are very beautiful now that we are on our own again.
Not our duo, which we love, but our trio, which is just as amazing.
It's like a great sigh of relief to be ourselves, in our own spaces.
Heck, we even found a new series we like to lay in bed at night and watch.
Today...today is just beautiful.
And so was yesterday, Christmas, spent with friends.
I cannot wait for the New Year, now.
I cannot wait for the days that will come.
I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with these boys.
In our house, in our home.
It's really pretty terrific.
Dressed in an over-sized shirt which comes down mid-thigh (my husbands, I love to wear his shirts and sweaters) and nothing else I have been moving around in our new home, trying to renovate. I've spent a few hours cutting filling foam out of the cracks we put it into. I've been shifting light furniture. I've been taping paint colour chips to the nursery wall.
The rocking chair stands in the middle of the room, covered with a white drop-cloth. Soon I will scrub the walls down with warm soapy water and, once dry, tape the moulding and ceiling off with painters tape. Unscrew the lightswitch and outlet covers. And call the room ready for it's paint.
My hair is clean and shiny and piled up loosely out of the way. The shade is delicious...darker than I had intended but close to my natural.
Brennen is in our new kitchen cooking us lunch. Steak for him, stir-fry for me.
I spent last night exploring our new oven by making cookies for a group of friends who were gathered around playing games.
Later the kitchen will have to be painted too...colours hand-picked by us, the two artists, picky but in love enough to compromise on taste.
The bathroom is the only room near finished. I didn't pick my colour, he didn't pick his....we compromised and the outcome is beautiful. Everybody loves it.
I am excited for the rest of the house.
But that is then and this post was for now.
For today.
I love today.
I love we three.
First thing this morning, naked and snuggling in bed, Brennen puts his hand on my belly. Thumper promptly starts to kick. Either to say 'hey' or to say 'get off me!'. We don't know which but we giggle together.
Next a bubble bath, shared.
Then I slip into his over-sized shirt, put on great music and begin work on our baby's room.
The days are very beautiful now that we are on our own again.
Not our duo, which we love, but our trio, which is just as amazing.
It's like a great sigh of relief to be ourselves, in our own spaces.
Heck, we even found a new series we like to lay in bed at night and watch.
Today...today is just beautiful.
And so was yesterday, Christmas, spent with friends.
I cannot wait for the New Year, now.
I cannot wait for the days that will come.
I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with these boys.
In our house, in our home.
It's really pretty terrific.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Lows, The Highs
Anemic.
Can't sleep at all.
Constantly dehydrated.
Pregnancy has really been a breeze.
Can't believe it's almost over.
Is this it?
3 months and counting...feeling blessed for the time I've had.
Can't sleep at all.
Constantly dehydrated.
Pregnancy has really been a breeze.
Can't believe it's almost over.
Is this it?
3 months and counting...feeling blessed for the time I've had.
Week 26
Week 26: Eye see YOU!
Fetal development in pregnancy week 26:fetus in sixth month
At long last, your little swimmer can see the womb! Your miracle’s little eyelids have finally separated (they were fused closed previously) and they’re probably having their first moments of sight as you read this (or maybe it already happened while you were brushing your teeth or watching Oprah or something). In addition to seeing their little studio in your belly, they’ve recently acquired the ability to say “yes” and “no” in rudimentary sign language as they can now move their head back and forth. This is also the time where your little super star’s head hair is starting to grow! A cute little cowlick or two may be springing into position right now, getting ready for years of cute-but-stubborn bed-head. Also, their toenails have grown in and you little raisin continues to slowly pile up fat beneath their still-loose skin. Most importantly, brain tissue and neurons are all developing at a rapid pace, increasing their (genius-level?) brain activity and will continue to function at accelerated levels for the first seven to eight years of childhood!
And how's mom doing? This is the final week of your second trimester. We won't go on and on about the joys of constipation, but if you’re curious why you’ve got to put up with this much-less-than-fun blockage, it’s basically because you’re producing higher levels of progesterone, which relaxes muscle tissue throughout your entire body, including the G.I. tract and ultimately slows digestion down… waaaay down. Not to fear, there are plenty of natural remedies for the joys of constipation, including: increasing your standard fiber intake with fruits and veggies, oatmeal, or whole grains (such as millet, rye and wheat). Another way to get things moving "down there" is to get yourself moving! If you haven’t been very active, try putting some time in walking or swimming. Increasing your general activity levels often inspires a bowel movement without requiring a suppository. Many women also experience restless and jittery legs during the second half of pregnancy. It’s a common condition known as Restless Leg Syndrome (or RLS—not a very creative name). Cutting out caffeine, stretching your calf muscles slowly, and some nice and deep muscle massages are generally effective ways to help deal with RLS.
Fetal development in pregnancy week 26:fetus in sixth month
At long last, your little swimmer can see the womb! Your miracle’s little eyelids have finally separated (they were fused closed previously) and they’re probably having their first moments of sight as you read this (or maybe it already happened while you were brushing your teeth or watching Oprah or something). In addition to seeing their little studio in your belly, they’ve recently acquired the ability to say “yes” and “no” in rudimentary sign language as they can now move their head back and forth. This is also the time where your little super star’s head hair is starting to grow! A cute little cowlick or two may be springing into position right now, getting ready for years of cute-but-stubborn bed-head. Also, their toenails have grown in and you little raisin continues to slowly pile up fat beneath their still-loose skin. Most importantly, brain tissue and neurons are all developing at a rapid pace, increasing their (genius-level?) brain activity and will continue to function at accelerated levels for the first seven to eight years of childhood!
And how's mom doing? This is the final week of your second trimester. We won't go on and on about the joys of constipation, but if you’re curious why you’ve got to put up with this much-less-than-fun blockage, it’s basically because you’re producing higher levels of progesterone, which relaxes muscle tissue throughout your entire body, including the G.I. tract and ultimately slows digestion down… waaaay down. Not to fear, there are plenty of natural remedies for the joys of constipation, including: increasing your standard fiber intake with fruits and veggies, oatmeal, or whole grains (such as millet, rye and wheat). Another way to get things moving "down there" is to get yourself moving! If you haven’t been very active, try putting some time in walking or swimming. Increasing your general activity levels often inspires a bowel movement without requiring a suppository. Many women also experience restless and jittery legs during the second half of pregnancy. It’s a common condition known as Restless Leg Syndrome (or RLS—not a very creative name). Cutting out caffeine, stretching your calf muscles slowly, and some nice and deep muscle massages are generally effective ways to help deal with RLS.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Lava Lamp
Probably nobody will understand this swirling mess but Brennen and I.
But here's the most exciting lava lamp I've ever seen.
But here's the most exciting lava lamp I've ever seen.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Week 25
Week 25: Turn it around... and around
Fetal development in pregnancy week 25:fetus in sixth month
Your little grower’s physical proportions are evening out at this point and most of their remaining development will largely be weight gain and lots and lots of nervous system development. The good news is: if your child is born premature now they’ll be more likely to survive without too much trauma as their lungs began to produce “surfactant” last week, which means their tiny respiratory system is getting stronger with each passing day. Yes, now’s a good time for a minor sigh of relief and a quick pat on the back. All that hard work and conscientious living is really getting your child prepared for a healthy delivery. Keep up the fabulous work mama! This week they’ll be scootching slowly out of the old breech position and start rotating (already!) into a better position for exit during their birth. Their head and feet are slowly rotating so that the head is pointed down towards the birth canal. Time is short (or really long, depending on who you ask)—just (still!) 14 weeks left before you can go back to being a single-resident human.
And how's mom doing? Trimester two is finally almost over, which means you have that one final trimester of pregnancy to enjoy (and suffer through). You could celebrate this landmark passage by purchasing some piece of clothing designed to make your curvy body look as gorgeous and classy as possible... and don’t let the price tag stop you, this is an act of self-love not book-keeping. But before you max out your credit card, remember: you’re only going to get larger, so buy smart. Speaking of larger, you’re obviously carrying more weight now and your back is going to let you know. Don’t let this get you down or make you feel like a weakling—it all comes with the territory of being preggers. Try to practice good posture—it will alleviate some of the back fatigue as slouching is actually harder on your back. It’s also common for women to experience leg cramps during this period. Go ahead, strong arm someone who loves you into giving you a massage. Or if you're lucky enough to have the extra bucks, head to a spa that specializes in pregnancy massages and get the full-treatment.
You may have already noticed that your hair seems fuller, thicker, more plentiful and darker-- especially your body hair. There are two basic reasons for this: 1) you're shedding much less (head) hair than you usually do and 2) your body's hormones contribute to the way your body hair is growing right now. Not to worry, all the hairiness will return to normal after you've delivered your baby.
Fetal development in pregnancy week 25:fetus in sixth month
Your little grower’s physical proportions are evening out at this point and most of their remaining development will largely be weight gain and lots and lots of nervous system development. The good news is: if your child is born premature now they’ll be more likely to survive without too much trauma as their lungs began to produce “surfactant” last week, which means their tiny respiratory system is getting stronger with each passing day. Yes, now’s a good time for a minor sigh of relief and a quick pat on the back. All that hard work and conscientious living is really getting your child prepared for a healthy delivery. Keep up the fabulous work mama! This week they’ll be scootching slowly out of the old breech position and start rotating (already!) into a better position for exit during their birth. Their head and feet are slowly rotating so that the head is pointed down towards the birth canal. Time is short (or really long, depending on who you ask)—just (still!) 14 weeks left before you can go back to being a single-resident human.
And how's mom doing? Trimester two is finally almost over, which means you have that one final trimester of pregnancy to enjoy (and suffer through). You could celebrate this landmark passage by purchasing some piece of clothing designed to make your curvy body look as gorgeous and classy as possible... and don’t let the price tag stop you, this is an act of self-love not book-keeping. But before you max out your credit card, remember: you’re only going to get larger, so buy smart. Speaking of larger, you’re obviously carrying more weight now and your back is going to let you know. Don’t let this get you down or make you feel like a weakling—it all comes with the territory of being preggers. Try to practice good posture—it will alleviate some of the back fatigue as slouching is actually harder on your back. It’s also common for women to experience leg cramps during this period. Go ahead, strong arm someone who loves you into giving you a massage. Or if you're lucky enough to have the extra bucks, head to a spa that specializes in pregnancy massages and get the full-treatment.
You may have already noticed that your hair seems fuller, thicker, more plentiful and darker-- especially your body hair. There are two basic reasons for this: 1) you're shedding much less (head) hair than you usually do and 2) your body's hormones contribute to the way your body hair is growing right now. Not to worry, all the hairiness will return to normal after you've delivered your baby.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Singing
Sitting, singing, relaxing with the sprog inside.
It's beautiful.
I'm dreaming of snow (there are rumours it's coming)and of the home we are building and just...
enjoying this beautiful moment of life.
Only thing better than this is laying in bed with Brennen.
We fit so brilliantly together.
But, until he gets home, I shall continue to sit and sing.
It's beautiful.
I'm dreaming of snow (there are rumours it's coming)and of the home we are building and just...
enjoying this beautiful moment of life.
Only thing better than this is laying in bed with Brennen.
We fit so brilliantly together.
But, until he gets home, I shall continue to sit and sing.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Appearance Ramble
I'm getting bigger but you still can't tell I'm pregnant unless I'm wearing something tight.
Being winter, with me wearing my jacket, you can't really tell at all.
I really want to take some baby/daddy shots with B and my belly but the darn thing looks so little on film! He'd just look like he was hugging a bear gut. A bear gut below some huge knockers.
I am pale with HUGE purple bags under my eyes.
I look like a zombie.
Somebody told me I had a beautiful glow but bollocks to their lies!
I fear I am anemic, I can't do too much activity without wearing myself out.
Who knew pregnancy would be like this for a fitness freak like me?
I'm still baffled by that.
*shouts into megapone* "The entire world is a trickster"
Belly moves when Thumper does.
Want to video-tape it when he gets a little bigger.
/ponder
What do you call video-taping now that nobody uses video tapes?
/end of ponder
Annnnnnnnnnnnd.....
that's about it!
I'm tired.
I need to work but my clamps are covered in epoxy and I've been informed not to touch them.
Maybe I can do some drawing instead.
I have to do *something* despite this fatigue....
*wanders off*
Being winter, with me wearing my jacket, you can't really tell at all.
I really want to take some baby/daddy shots with B and my belly but the darn thing looks so little on film! He'd just look like he was hugging a bear gut. A bear gut below some huge knockers.
I am pale with HUGE purple bags under my eyes.
I look like a zombie.
Somebody told me I had a beautiful glow but bollocks to their lies!
I fear I am anemic, I can't do too much activity without wearing myself out.
Who knew pregnancy would be like this for a fitness freak like me?
I'm still baffled by that.
*shouts into megapone* "The entire world is a trickster"
Belly moves when Thumper does.
Want to video-tape it when he gets a little bigger.
/ponder
What do you call video-taping now that nobody uses video tapes?
/end of ponder
Annnnnnnnnnnnd.....
that's about it!
I'm tired.
I need to work but my clamps are covered in epoxy and I've been informed not to touch them.
Maybe I can do some drawing instead.
I have to do *something* despite this fatigue....
*wanders off*
I CAN'T PRONOUNCE MY BABY'S NAME.
Have I mentioned this?
I have an accent still (oh, apparently) and whenever people ask me his name...
well, it goes like this:
"What's his name, have you picked one yet?"
"Yes! It's *****"
*confused stare*
I repeat.... "It's *****"
*extra confused stare*
They try to repeat it back to me and sound ridiculous.
I turn to Brennen.
He says "It's *****"
They say "Oh! *****!!! I See!" and say it perfectly.
*stamps foot*
*kicks ground*
*squints at all things American*
YOUR CHEESE IS ORANGE, YOU KNOW!
And you *deep fry* it.
I have an accent still (oh, apparently) and whenever people ask me his name...
well, it goes like this:
"What's his name, have you picked one yet?"
"Yes! It's *****"
*confused stare*
I repeat.... "It's *****"
*extra confused stare*
They try to repeat it back to me and sound ridiculous.
I turn to Brennen.
He says "It's *****"
They say "Oh! *****!!! I See!" and say it perfectly.
*stamps foot*
*kicks ground*
*squints at all things American*
YOUR CHEESE IS ORANGE, YOU KNOW!
And you *deep fry* it.
Week 24
Week 24: Breathe baby, breathe!
Fetal development in pregnancy week 24:fetus in sixth month
This is another big week for your magical growing baby! Just take a look at the checklist for this week: 1) ears: done; 2) fingernails: done; 3) (if you have a boy) testicles: taking their 3-4 day trip from the abdominal wall to the scrotum; and 4) lungs walls: secreting “surfactant”. What’s that? Well, surfactant is sort of what it sounds like: a surface-activated fat whose main purpose is to assist the your baby's little lungs during inflation (as in, filling with air, not getting more expensive). Just in case you’re curious, your submerged baby is still breathing in amniotic fluid, preparing and rehearsing the lungs an oxygen-filled life outside the womb. By the end of this week, your child will be weighing around 2 lbs and 14 inches long. Your cutie-patootie may even be a little more plump, but isn't anywhere near their full baby-fatted cute-self. Most of the “filling out” is coming up in that long awaited (and slightly dreaded?) third trimester. Woo-hoo! Get ready!
And how's mom doing? Your little one is moving (spinning, kicking, pirouetting, shimmying, and maybe even doing a bit of the Can-Can) so much these days that if you invite your friends and/or family to touch your belly there’s a good chance they’ll get a milder sample of what you’ve been experiencing . You’ve may have experienced the oddity that is strangers who feel a protruding pregnant belly is public property and a silent invitation for belly touching. We recommend taking the belly-touching calmly and if it really offends you, just say something like: “I just fell in a large vat of anthrax.” Or perhaps something a little less aggressive, like, “Please, at the very least, ask me before touching my body.” Still, there are many women who enjoy sharing this touching ritual with others. Find your comfort zone and good luck with the rest.
Scary stuff you should be aware of: The danger of getting preeclampsia (a.k.a. Toxemia) during pregnancy is significantly higher and is characterized by significant swelling of the hands and face, excessive weight gain, blurry vision with severe headaches or abdominal pain. Obviously, swelling is common during pregnancy, but should be monitored closely, and sudden ongoing swelling to the hands and face could be a concern. Talk with your physician for more information. Preeclampsia can also be diagnosed by high blood pressure and the presence of certain proteins in your urine. Again, high blood pressure alone does not mean you are affected, but it might be something you and your physician will want to/need to monitor throughout your pregnancy. Preeclampsia can prevent the placenta from receiving enough blood, thus depriving your baby of essential nutrients and lower oxygen levels, possibly resulting in low birth weights and other problems. There are several websites dedicated to preeclampsia education such as: http://www.preeclampsia.org/.
Fetal development in pregnancy week 24:fetus in sixth month
This is another big week for your magical growing baby! Just take a look at the checklist for this week: 1) ears: done; 2) fingernails: done; 3) (if you have a boy) testicles: taking their 3-4 day trip from the abdominal wall to the scrotum; and 4) lungs walls: secreting “surfactant”. What’s that? Well, surfactant is sort of what it sounds like: a surface-activated fat whose main purpose is to assist the your baby's little lungs during inflation (as in, filling with air, not getting more expensive). Just in case you’re curious, your submerged baby is still breathing in amniotic fluid, preparing and rehearsing the lungs an oxygen-filled life outside the womb. By the end of this week, your child will be weighing around 2 lbs and 14 inches long. Your cutie-patootie may even be a little more plump, but isn't anywhere near their full baby-fatted cute-self. Most of the “filling out” is coming up in that long awaited (and slightly dreaded?) third trimester. Woo-hoo! Get ready!
And how's mom doing? Your little one is moving (spinning, kicking, pirouetting, shimmying, and maybe even doing a bit of the Can-Can) so much these days that if you invite your friends and/or family to touch your belly there’s a good chance they’ll get a milder sample of what you’ve been experiencing . You’ve may have experienced the oddity that is strangers who feel a protruding pregnant belly is public property and a silent invitation for belly touching. We recommend taking the belly-touching calmly and if it really offends you, just say something like: “I just fell in a large vat of anthrax.” Or perhaps something a little less aggressive, like, “Please, at the very least, ask me before touching my body.” Still, there are many women who enjoy sharing this touching ritual with others. Find your comfort zone and good luck with the rest.
Scary stuff you should be aware of: The danger of getting preeclampsia (a.k.a. Toxemia) during pregnancy is significantly higher and is characterized by significant swelling of the hands and face, excessive weight gain, blurry vision with severe headaches or abdominal pain. Obviously, swelling is common during pregnancy, but should be monitored closely, and sudden ongoing swelling to the hands and face could be a concern. Talk with your physician for more information. Preeclampsia can also be diagnosed by high blood pressure and the presence of certain proteins in your urine. Again, high blood pressure alone does not mean you are affected, but it might be something you and your physician will want to/need to monitor throughout your pregnancy. Preeclampsia can prevent the placenta from receiving enough blood, thus depriving your baby of essential nutrients and lower oxygen levels, possibly resulting in low birth weights and other problems. There are several websites dedicated to preeclampsia education such as: http://www.preeclampsia.org/.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Lucky Little Monster
Gets a RAINFOREST nursery!!!
I was tossing up between Dinosaurs and a Jungle theme. Almost a horse/cowboy theme. Then my MIL bought Thumper a little nursery swing that was rainforest theme and I fell IN LOVE with the treefrogs and toucans. Even more in love with them than with the lion micofleece blanket we had bought him! So we went from dinosaurs to jungle and from jungle to rainforest.
And I'm set on the rainforest.
Because I'm pee-my-pants excited about painting colourful treefrogs all over the wall!
I'm still going to throw that lion blanket in there, because it's sooooooo cute.
And he's keeping the rocking horse we bought because that somehow symbolises my own childhood.
But SQUEE!!!!!!!
The rest of his room will be a wonderful, fantastic, beautiful, rainforesty, toucanny, treefroggy, monkey MESS!!
I was tossing up between Dinosaurs and a Jungle theme. Almost a horse/cowboy theme. Then my MIL bought Thumper a little nursery swing that was rainforest theme and I fell IN LOVE with the treefrogs and toucans. Even more in love with them than with the lion micofleece blanket we had bought him! So we went from dinosaurs to jungle and from jungle to rainforest.
And I'm set on the rainforest.
Because I'm pee-my-pants excited about painting colourful treefrogs all over the wall!
I'm still going to throw that lion blanket in there, because it's sooooooo cute.
And he's keeping the rocking horse we bought because that somehow symbolises my own childhood.
But SQUEE!!!!!!!
The rest of his room will be a wonderful, fantastic, beautiful, rainforesty, toucanny, treefroggy, monkey MESS!!
Kicking Daddy's Butt
The other night whilst spooning my lover (he is the best spooner in the *world*) Thumper started kicking.
Of course my belly was hugged next to Brennen's butt.
So Thumper - literally - kicked his dad's butt all night long.
Awesome!
I giggled a lot. So did B.
The next day at the Christmas parade Thumper kicked everytime the bands went by.
He loves music already.
We're in for trouble!
Of course my belly was hugged next to Brennen's butt.
So Thumper - literally - kicked his dad's butt all night long.
Awesome!
I giggled a lot. So did B.
The next day at the Christmas parade Thumper kicked everytime the bands went by.
He loves music already.
We're in for trouble!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Weight Ramble
When most people find out I'm pregnant they look surprised.
When they find out I'm near six months along, they look shocked.
I've had several *several* people say "I'm bigger than you and I'm not even pregnant" and then they marvel at my size.
I think my vain side is secretly glad for (and even proud of!) this.
But then logic kicks in and I get mad at myself for even caring about how I look to others.
With weight gain I have had to buy some maternity pants. I probably could have gotten by just buying larger sizes of clothing but the price was the same so I just went with getting some maternity jeans, which I can easily grow into.
WOO-HOO are they ugly! At least around the waist, which I cover up with long tops.
But they are comfortable.
Prior to these my jeans buttons dug into my belly and I squealed everytime I sat down or bent to tie my shoes. This distressed Brennen somewhat! I think both he and Thumper are much happier with the new wardrobe.
I'm trying not to worry about my weight which - as a longtime dieter - is very hard.
I've gained about 15lbs and I've just entered the sixth month.
I thought I was doing well but now I'm not so sure - 30-45lbs is a supposedly good amount of weight for an entire pregnancy gain so...I'm almost halfway there and baby hasn't reached his growth spurt yet. So I wonder if I'm gaining too rapidly.
Then I think to two of my friends who each gained 60-70lbs during their pregnancy and I tell myself to calm down.
I think, REALLY, it doesn't matter.
I think I shouldn't look at weight, just at what I'm eating.
In fact I know this.
It's just hard not to worry at the number getting larger on the scale.
I have a cardio workout I need to do (good old netflix, it came in the mail) but I haven't conquered it yet.
I really just wish I were at my own house, with my treadmill.
I think it will be one of the first things I move over, into the new house.
I am going crazy without it.
I just want Thumper and I to go walking, maybe jogging, to some fabulous music each day.
On that note we can hopefully start moving to our new location sometime in December. We are currently picking out bathroom fixtures which - despite current poverty - is fun and exciting. I can't wait to see it all put together.
Anyway, now I am just blathering when I could be discovering my cardio workout.
Or drinking water.
Or finding something healthy to eat.
I hope to take some belly photos soon.
Some arty ones that involve my lover as well.
We'll see what time hands us.
Love & Sparkles,
xxxS.
When they find out I'm near six months along, they look shocked.
I've had several *several* people say "I'm bigger than you and I'm not even pregnant" and then they marvel at my size.
I think my vain side is secretly glad for (and even proud of!) this.
But then logic kicks in and I get mad at myself for even caring about how I look to others.
With weight gain I have had to buy some maternity pants. I probably could have gotten by just buying larger sizes of clothing but the price was the same so I just went with getting some maternity jeans, which I can easily grow into.
WOO-HOO are they ugly! At least around the waist, which I cover up with long tops.
But they are comfortable.
Prior to these my jeans buttons dug into my belly and I squealed everytime I sat down or bent to tie my shoes. This distressed Brennen somewhat! I think both he and Thumper are much happier with the new wardrobe.
I'm trying not to worry about my weight which - as a longtime dieter - is very hard.
I've gained about 15lbs and I've just entered the sixth month.
I thought I was doing well but now I'm not so sure - 30-45lbs is a supposedly good amount of weight for an entire pregnancy gain so...I'm almost halfway there and baby hasn't reached his growth spurt yet. So I wonder if I'm gaining too rapidly.
Then I think to two of my friends who each gained 60-70lbs during their pregnancy and I tell myself to calm down.
I think, REALLY, it doesn't matter.
I think I shouldn't look at weight, just at what I'm eating.
In fact I know this.
It's just hard not to worry at the number getting larger on the scale.
I have a cardio workout I need to do (good old netflix, it came in the mail) but I haven't conquered it yet.
I really just wish I were at my own house, with my treadmill.
I think it will be one of the first things I move over, into the new house.
I am going crazy without it.
I just want Thumper and I to go walking, maybe jogging, to some fabulous music each day.
On that note we can hopefully start moving to our new location sometime in December. We are currently picking out bathroom fixtures which - despite current poverty - is fun and exciting. I can't wait to see it all put together.
Anyway, now I am just blathering when I could be discovering my cardio workout.
Or drinking water.
Or finding something healthy to eat.
I hope to take some belly photos soon.
Some arty ones that involve my lover as well.
We'll see what time hands us.
Love & Sparkles,
xxxS.
Jingle
Now that Thumper is almost a foot long I have the stinking Subway song in my head!
Five dollar....
Five dollar....
Five dollar foot lonnnnng.....
Five dollar....
Five dollar....
Five dollar foot lonnnnng.....
Week 23
Fetal development in pregnancy week 23:fetus in sixth month
At this point you’ve pretty much adjusted to the fact you’ve got a moving little gymnast inside of you, but now they’re going to kick up the party a notch because they can hear and react to sounds from the outside world. Sounds from your alarm clock, a thunder roll, or that darned car honking at you across the intersection can actually jar their little ears enough to elicit a kick or violent bout of squirming. Of course this also means that their little ears are picking up the sounds of your voice and those near you. So go ahead, sing a lullaby to your little angel—if they start kicking, it’s likely they just want you to stop… or maybe it was a kick of approval? You decide. Your baby's tiny taste buds are still growing and their bones are continuing to ossify (harden), their tiny veins are visible through their translucent yet wrinkly skin. (Think of it this way: they’ve been swimming in the equivalent of a long hot bath for the past 23 weeks, so you can’t blame them for being a little prune-like.)
And how's mom doing? If no one warned you about the joys of the pregnancy-sleep-challenge, you’ve probably already started to discover just how difficult it can be to find adequately comfortable sleeping positions. The good news is: some people actually invented pillows specifically designed to give a pregnant woman a better chance of sleeping through the night. There are a variety of different designs, but inevitably you’ll want some sort of belly support as well as a body pillow between your legs and under your belly to relieve a bit of the discomfort you're sure to be experiencing right now. If you choose to buy the (rather spendy) pregnancy pillows they've got on the market, make sure you keep the receipt as some women still have problems sleeping and fare better with their own unique pillow collection and set-up
As if there's not enough to keep track of already, are you remembering to drink lots of fluids? Plenty of good ol’ fashioned H20 (water) can help reduce swelling in your poor ankles and feet-- resulting from the pressure your now over-sized uterus is putting on your pelvic veins, thereby slowing fluid circulation to the lower half of your body. Also, if you want to further reduce the dreaded appearance of pregnancy “cankles” (calf-ankles) try to avoid sitting for long periods of time—and for the hundredth time: don’t forget to stay active! Keeping your fluid intake up is also good for your little resident swimmer as dehydration is frequently connected with premature birthing. Yep, it’s a lot of responsibility, but you can do it! You’re almost two-thirds of the way there already! Keep up the good work mom!
At this point you’ve pretty much adjusted to the fact you’ve got a moving little gymnast inside of you, but now they’re going to kick up the party a notch because they can hear and react to sounds from the outside world. Sounds from your alarm clock, a thunder roll, or that darned car honking at you across the intersection can actually jar their little ears enough to elicit a kick or violent bout of squirming. Of course this also means that their little ears are picking up the sounds of your voice and those near you. So go ahead, sing a lullaby to your little angel—if they start kicking, it’s likely they just want you to stop… or maybe it was a kick of approval? You decide. Your baby's tiny taste buds are still growing and their bones are continuing to ossify (harden), their tiny veins are visible through their translucent yet wrinkly skin. (Think of it this way: they’ve been swimming in the equivalent of a long hot bath for the past 23 weeks, so you can’t blame them for being a little prune-like.)
And how's mom doing? If no one warned you about the joys of the pregnancy-sleep-challenge, you’ve probably already started to discover just how difficult it can be to find adequately comfortable sleeping positions. The good news is: some people actually invented pillows specifically designed to give a pregnant woman a better chance of sleeping through the night. There are a variety of different designs, but inevitably you’ll want some sort of belly support as well as a body pillow between your legs and under your belly to relieve a bit of the discomfort you're sure to be experiencing right now. If you choose to buy the (rather spendy) pregnancy pillows they've got on the market, make sure you keep the receipt as some women still have problems sleeping and fare better with their own unique pillow collection and set-up
As if there's not enough to keep track of already, are you remembering to drink lots of fluids? Plenty of good ol’ fashioned H20 (water) can help reduce swelling in your poor ankles and feet-- resulting from the pressure your now over-sized uterus is putting on your pelvic veins, thereby slowing fluid circulation to the lower half of your body. Also, if you want to further reduce the dreaded appearance of pregnancy “cankles” (calf-ankles) try to avoid sitting for long periods of time—and for the hundredth time: don’t forget to stay active! Keeping your fluid intake up is also good for your little resident swimmer as dehydration is frequently connected with premature birthing. Yep, it’s a lot of responsibility, but you can do it! You’re almost two-thirds of the way there already! Keep up the good work mom!
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