Well, I had my monthly appointment yesterday and have mixed news. Despite continued morning sickness everything seems normal in terms of growth. My belly is the size it should be, baby seems to be getting enough nutrients and both his heartbeat and my blood pressure seem fine. The bad news is that I have to take the 1 hour GTT or gestational diabetes screen test. This is something I had wished to avoid.
Apparently, it is recommended to test for GTT if you have sugar in your urine. At this stage in the pregnancy, increased hormone levels necessary for the baby are sometimes hard for the mother's body to process. For some unknown reason, some women develop gestational diabetes. My nurse and doctor both told me not to fail the 1 hour test! My doctor said that if I failed the test I would have to go back for a confirmation test that is 3 hours long. If that confirmed that I have developed GTT then my life will be hell from now till the end of the pregnancy [apparently a monitored diet and weekly tests help to monitor the condition until the end of the pregnancy and it usually goes away once the placenta is expelled].
Scary stuff right? Now I'm trying not to get too concerned until I get the results back from the test [should be a day or two after I take it in the first week of January]. I've done some more research and have found that the 1st test is more accurate than the urine test and can rule a lot of people out right there. Sometimes you find out that you are okay at the 2nd test. My main concern at the moment is how do you pass a test that you can't really prepare for. My nurse told me to cut back on carbs and starches and to eat more protein rich foods. Okay. I thought that I had been doing that. I wondered if it was the occasional piece of chocolate or cookie that skewed the test results but I found out online that this is not the case.
So, I now prepare for a test that really can't be prepared for and hope that I pass. I'm going to have to really watch my diet over the next few weeks and make sure I get plenty of exercise. At least this cuts back on my Christmas chores - I had planned on starting to bake some cookies and treats next week but now I think I will avoid all temptation and leave that for next year.
It also means Don and I have to get it together a bit more and stop ordering take out so often. Now that my crunch time has passed [mostly] and Don is off from work as of Friday I expect this won't be a time-management issue but more of a "get-off-the-couch-and-cook" kind of thing. Or maybe it will be more like a hide-husband's-computer-game kind of thing.
Well - off to work.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Monday, December 06, 2004
We've come so far...or have we
Last weekend we managed to get out of the house and attend a kid-friendly gathering hosted by Don's friend. We ran into a few people that we haven't seen for awhile [well, a really long while]. It was really neat for all of us to see just how much the kids have grown. Don's friends knew the girls when they were little so it was a big shock for them to see them as teenagers now. Don and I were also surprised at how much their own kids had grown as one had been a baby and the other a toddler the last time that we saw them. They had changed so much - with definite personalities of their own now.
There was another pregnant woman at the party. We shared some stories and some sympathy. However, when she told me that she was 40 weeks along I was both happy for her and a bit dismayed. I thought that passing the half way point was a good thing. It makes it seem as though you are almost at the end. When you meet someone who is actually almost there you have to stop kidding yourself and remember that there is still a way to go. With the morning sickness still making the occasional appearance and the ever growing belly it's not a thought I care to recall.
We've got so much to do before the baby comes that I am glad for the time remaining but I don't expect I'll ever get any joy out of the pregnancy experience and just want it to be over. I talked with one of the other mothers about just how much I expect life to change when the baby arrives and although she didn't say so, I know she was thinking I can't possible realize just how much [and I'm sure she'd be right].
In book club news, the first catalogue arrived last week and I was so excited. I ordered some baby-friendly books about bears, a plush book on turtles and the Polar Express [more for me at this point]. I hope our baby learns to love books too or someday I'll be making one big donation to a school library or daycare. Both of my nieces are big readers so I know that there is hope. My love of reading and Don's overwhelming curiosity about just about everything ought to count for something too. Actually, Don and his Dad are great with all things electronic and technical and my parents are creative and can build just about anything. We may either end up with a kid that breaks everything apart just to understand how it works or one that is able to take all the things that we break and put them together again. It an interesting prospect either way.
I've got a week and a bit to go before my next appointment. I think we will be talking about more tests then - and probably more blood work. The only positive thing that I got out of all that so far is that I know I'm fairly healthy and I now know my blood type. The baby seems to be doing great - I get a lot of movement going on at night and the occasional solid kick during the day. I still haven't had any elbows, knees or feet sticking out yet [something my sister warned me about] but expect that will come when room gets a little tighter in there.
Until next time...I'm off to contemplate the passing of weeks.
There was another pregnant woman at the party. We shared some stories and some sympathy. However, when she told me that she was 40 weeks along I was both happy for her and a bit dismayed. I thought that passing the half way point was a good thing. It makes it seem as though you are almost at the end. When you meet someone who is actually almost there you have to stop kidding yourself and remember that there is still a way to go. With the morning sickness still making the occasional appearance and the ever growing belly it's not a thought I care to recall.
We've got so much to do before the baby comes that I am glad for the time remaining but I don't expect I'll ever get any joy out of the pregnancy experience and just want it to be over. I talked with one of the other mothers about just how much I expect life to change when the baby arrives and although she didn't say so, I know she was thinking I can't possible realize just how much [and I'm sure she'd be right].
In book club news, the first catalogue arrived last week and I was so excited. I ordered some baby-friendly books about bears, a plush book on turtles and the Polar Express [more for me at this point]. I hope our baby learns to love books too or someday I'll be making one big donation to a school library or daycare. Both of my nieces are big readers so I know that there is hope. My love of reading and Don's overwhelming curiosity about just about everything ought to count for something too. Actually, Don and his Dad are great with all things electronic and technical and my parents are creative and can build just about anything. We may either end up with a kid that breaks everything apart just to understand how it works or one that is able to take all the things that we break and put them together again. It an interesting prospect either way.
I've got a week and a bit to go before my next appointment. I think we will be talking about more tests then - and probably more blood work. The only positive thing that I got out of all that so far is that I know I'm fairly healthy and I now know my blood type. The baby seems to be doing great - I get a lot of movement going on at night and the occasional solid kick during the day. I still haven't had any elbows, knees or feet sticking out yet [something my sister warned me about] but expect that will come when room gets a little tighter in there.
Until next time...I'm off to contemplate the passing of weeks.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Much better thanks...
Well, so far this week has been much better than last week. I'm taking the anti-nausea medication again even though it makes me sleepy. I think I've finally gotten the timing down right though and if I now stick to my schedule I manage to make it through the day without any worries of suffering from the effects of morning sickness. At last!
I've discovered that the chocolate thing extends to all things chocolate. The little one really seems to love the stuff. I'm doing my best to stay away from it though because I kind of want to keep the illusion that we are going to have the best behaved kid in the world for just a while longer (a lovely picture as we deal with the many trials and tribulations of raising two teenage girls). It's pretty hard to keep that image when he's doing somersaults and kicks just from me taking a bite of chocolate. I'm looking into sugar-free recipes now because I think I'm going to need them.
As we wrap our minds around the concept of having a boy, we have all sorts of wonderful things to consider. My doctor asked me what I thought about circumcision and I can honestly say I had really given it no thought. I've been doing a bit of online research and quite frankly I've already told Don that if we do decide to do it, I can't watch. I always thought that I would not have a problem with being the one to take the kid for needles. I remember being with my sister one time when she had to take my niece in and thinking that she was taking it worse than the baby. Now, well now I know it makes all the difference when it's your baby that is the one getting the needle.
We (well, me, really) have been having fun doing some shopping for baby clothes. I'm trying my best to stay away from buying things just because they look cute. Friends have told us that they grow quickly and not to buy too many of those really small outfits. That's pretty hard to do but I've been trying to stock up on a range of sizes so that we can be ready when the growth spurt hits.
We've decided to start furniture shopping in January. It is pretty hard to resist but the girls are anxious that we will forget Christmas if we start shopping too early. In fact, if it were left up to Desiree, we wouldn't start shopping until after her birthday [February]. I told her that we could do that but if the baby came early she would be the one to share her bed, dresser, room, etc. She almost agreed [she must want something big for her birthday] but quickly reconsidered.
Well, off to work now. I may have more news after my appointment mid-month.
I've discovered that the chocolate thing extends to all things chocolate. The little one really seems to love the stuff. I'm doing my best to stay away from it though because I kind of want to keep the illusion that we are going to have the best behaved kid in the world for just a while longer (a lovely picture as we deal with the many trials and tribulations of raising two teenage girls). It's pretty hard to keep that image when he's doing somersaults and kicks just from me taking a bite of chocolate. I'm looking into sugar-free recipes now because I think I'm going to need them.
As we wrap our minds around the concept of having a boy, we have all sorts of wonderful things to consider. My doctor asked me what I thought about circumcision and I can honestly say I had really given it no thought. I've been doing a bit of online research and quite frankly I've already told Don that if we do decide to do it, I can't watch. I always thought that I would not have a problem with being the one to take the kid for needles. I remember being with my sister one time when she had to take my niece in and thinking that she was taking it worse than the baby. Now, well now I know it makes all the difference when it's your baby that is the one getting the needle.
We (well, me, really) have been having fun doing some shopping for baby clothes. I'm trying my best to stay away from buying things just because they look cute. Friends have told us that they grow quickly and not to buy too many of those really small outfits. That's pretty hard to do but I've been trying to stock up on a range of sizes so that we can be ready when the growth spurt hits.
We've decided to start furniture shopping in January. It is pretty hard to resist but the girls are anxious that we will forget Christmas if we start shopping too early. In fact, if it were left up to Desiree, we wouldn't start shopping until after her birthday [February]. I told her that we could do that but if the baby came early she would be the one to share her bed, dresser, room, etc. She almost agreed [she must want something big for her birthday] but quickly reconsidered.
Well, off to work now. I may have more news after my appointment mid-month.
Saturday, November 27, 2004
How many more like yesterday?
Though I have officially passed the half way point in the pregnancy, I can't help but wonder how many more days I will have like yesterday. It was the absolute worst day of the whole experience so far. It started out with me waking up early - way too early - and unable to fall back to sleep. I got up and got a start on the day and was able to get a few hours of work in before morning sickness hit. I had a great week up until the night before and thought I had been moving beyond that whole horrid phase. I guess that I was wrong.
I had to go into the office to drop off some documents so I pulled it together and went off with Don. Shortly after arriving I knew that the rest of the morning was shot. Even sitting in front of the computer was making me sick. So after quickly checking in with a few people I started home. It didn't get any better through the rest of the day. I seemed to be getting all the symptoms of pregnancy at once. I had a headache, sore back, sore feet, heartburn, was tired, sick [a few too many times], constipated [I know, I know - TMI - but it hurts!] and frustrated. What happened to the old me? When would I see her again?
The only bright spot in the whole day was the TLC I got from Don. When I was lying in bed, trying to remind myself that it would all be worth it in the end he came in and gave me a massage, a back rub [despite a sore wrist] and support. I'm such a sucker for that kind of thing and felt better just because he was there.
Next week will be the 23rd week. That means I have about another 17 weeks of pregnancy to enjoy. On the plus side, the baby is moving around a lot these days and though it can make it hard to sleep at night, it's really kind of neat. I'm learning all kinds of things about our boy already - he loves Belgian chocolate [very, very active after Don brought me some home], will likely be very active at night if his acrobatics are any indication, and will be a torment to the cat. When she tries to lie on my tummy he gets mad and starts kicking. The poor cat gets pushed off again and again. I also get a pretty quick response if I pat the left side of my tummy - sort of a kick that says "Hi mom! Wanna play?"
I know that I've said it before but I'll say it again. I have a whole new appreciation for moms! I haven't even gone through the labor experience and I'm regretting everyday in my life that I haven't remembered and appreciated all that moms go through just to bring us into the world.
That being said, it's my mom's birthday this weekend. Happy birthday mom! I love you, you were [and still are] always right and thank you for everything. You will always be the standard against which I judge myself and I hope that one day I can give my son all the love, understanding, patients and strength that you selflessly continue to give to all of us.
I had to go into the office to drop off some documents so I pulled it together and went off with Don. Shortly after arriving I knew that the rest of the morning was shot. Even sitting in front of the computer was making me sick. So after quickly checking in with a few people I started home. It didn't get any better through the rest of the day. I seemed to be getting all the symptoms of pregnancy at once. I had a headache, sore back, sore feet, heartburn, was tired, sick [a few too many times], constipated [I know, I know - TMI - but it hurts!] and frustrated. What happened to the old me? When would I see her again?
The only bright spot in the whole day was the TLC I got from Don. When I was lying in bed, trying to remind myself that it would all be worth it in the end he came in and gave me a massage, a back rub [despite a sore wrist] and support. I'm such a sucker for that kind of thing and felt better just because he was there.
Next week will be the 23rd week. That means I have about another 17 weeks of pregnancy to enjoy. On the plus side, the baby is moving around a lot these days and though it can make it hard to sleep at night, it's really kind of neat. I'm learning all kinds of things about our boy already - he loves Belgian chocolate [very, very active after Don brought me some home], will likely be very active at night if his acrobatics are any indication, and will be a torment to the cat. When she tries to lie on my tummy he gets mad and starts kicking. The poor cat gets pushed off again and again. I also get a pretty quick response if I pat the left side of my tummy - sort of a kick that says "Hi mom! Wanna play?"
I know that I've said it before but I'll say it again. I have a whole new appreciation for moms! I haven't even gone through the labor experience and I'm regretting everyday in my life that I haven't remembered and appreciated all that moms go through just to bring us into the world.
That being said, it's my mom's birthday this weekend. Happy birthday mom! I love you, you were [and still are] always right and thank you for everything. You will always be the standard against which I judge myself and I hope that one day I can give my son all the love, understanding, patients and strength that you selflessly continue to give to all of us.
Friday, November 19, 2004
what's in a name
Ok, we have been kicking around some names lately. I must say that all my suggestions for names have been REJECTED! Desiree is listening to Nirvana and has her room plastered with posters, all I suggested was that we consider the name Kurt and a middle name of KO (as in knock-out)...ok sound it out...Kurt Ko Bain...Desiree didn't think that was funny. Then I suggested the name Jesus...shot down...Jesus Bain...sounds good...nope.
I did mention these suggestions to a lawyer friend of ours, to which she stated that she would represent our son and would act in his best interest in terms of the issue of names. As such, when I suggest a name I must preface it with the statement "The one-to-be-named..."
My last suggestion was more traditional, He-Stands-With-A-Fist BUT Angie says that is sounds too much "Dances-With-Wolves" like.
So if you have any suggestions....
I did mention these suggestions to a lawyer friend of ours, to which she stated that she would represent our son and would act in his best interest in terms of the issue of names. As such, when I suggest a name I must preface it with the statement "The one-to-be-named..."
My last suggestion was more traditional, He-Stands-With-A-Fist BUT Angie says that is sounds too much "Dances-With-Wolves" like.
So if you have any suggestions....
Monday, November 15, 2004
Our moms were right!
The day has finally arrived. We are now 99.9% certain about the sex of the baby. It's exciting to finally know and we are happy, but we would have been happy regardless of the news. All that I keep thinking though is that our moms were right.
My poor husband had to wait all day for the news. I had a late appointment - made all the more delayed by a delivery that my doctor was busy with earlier in the day. After waiting almost 1 hour to get in to see her [with the baby performing aerobics in my belly the whole time] I knew Don would be anxious to hear the news. I was going to slip out to call him before I went in but I kept thinking that I couldn't leave because I would surely be the next person called in by the nurse. Little did I know I had a text message waiting for me from an anxious dad-to-be. While it was cruel to keep him in the dark, I think I finally got my revenge for all of those times I've gone by his office after work only to wait around while he took one more call, sent one more email or just had to tweak their website before he could call it a day. To be fair, I did call him as soon as I got out.
First off, everyone will be happy to know that we are all healthy and happy. My doctor said that the ultrasound looked good and everything seems normal. The triple marker test results came back too [to assess the possibility of Downs Syndrome] and the results were negative. I was so excited I forgot to ask if I could record the heartbeat. Next time. Then the doctor said that the report had indicated the sex of the baby and did I want to know. She asked me to guess and I told her we were both sure of what it was going to be. We even had names picked out but only for one sex.
When she told me we were wrong I did a mental groan. Don't get me wrong, I was happy. But again, I thought the moms were right and we were wrong. You know, I'm really looking forward to getting the mom-sense [kinda like spidey-sense I guess]. I think they must give it to you after you make it through the delivery. Someday soon I too will be able to say "I-told-you-so" and "a-mother-just-knows."
Now, we have a bit of a dilemma. Anyone know a good name for a BOY?
My poor husband had to wait all day for the news. I had a late appointment - made all the more delayed by a delivery that my doctor was busy with earlier in the day. After waiting almost 1 hour to get in to see her [with the baby performing aerobics in my belly the whole time] I knew Don would be anxious to hear the news. I was going to slip out to call him before I went in but I kept thinking that I couldn't leave because I would surely be the next person called in by the nurse. Little did I know I had a text message waiting for me from an anxious dad-to-be. While it was cruel to keep him in the dark, I think I finally got my revenge for all of those times I've gone by his office after work only to wait around while he took one more call, sent one more email or just had to tweak their website before he could call it a day. To be fair, I did call him as soon as I got out.
First off, everyone will be happy to know that we are all healthy and happy. My doctor said that the ultrasound looked good and everything seems normal. The triple marker test results came back too [to assess the possibility of Downs Syndrome] and the results were negative. I was so excited I forgot to ask if I could record the heartbeat. Next time. Then the doctor said that the report had indicated the sex of the baby and did I want to know. She asked me to guess and I told her we were both sure of what it was going to be. We even had names picked out but only for one sex.
When she told me we were wrong I did a mental groan. Don't get me wrong, I was happy. But again, I thought the moms were right and we were wrong. You know, I'm really looking forward to getting the mom-sense [kinda like spidey-sense I guess]. I think they must give it to you after you make it through the delivery. Someday soon I too will be able to say "I-told-you-so" and "a-mother-just-knows."
Now, we have a bit of a dilemma. Anyone know a good name for a BOY?
Thursday, November 04, 2004
I'm on the blog...
My dear wife Angie has invited me to be with her on her blog. She appears to be hesitant on the idea of having at least one line of a hockey team in the family (we would need another 3 little ones)...simply put, she is hinting...well more like telling...me that there is no %&(#)@_% way she is going through another pregnancy anytime soon.
Sunday, October 31, 2004
The First Pictures
As you can see my in-house technician was successful. It wasn't easy - we had to install photoshop, hold a more powerful light source up to our scanner and skillfully crop them to make sure the reflection of the light bulb didn't make it look like our kid is going to be, well, just a little strange.
Do you see my point though about how hard it is to interpret these things? I'm starting to think our kid has 7 toes. The hardest one is the picture with the head and torso facing out - the head is on the bottom right hand side and the body is a little curled up. Apparently the baby was a little camera shy because the technician said it was pretty hard to get some of the shots. I wish we thought to ask for one of the heart - but it would only look like a blob.
The next time I'm hooked up to the device that allows my doctor to check the baby's heartbeat I'll ask if I can record it. Now that is cool.
Do you see my point though about how hard it is to interpret these things? I'm starting to think our kid has 7 toes. The hardest one is the picture with the head and torso facing out - the head is on the bottom right hand side and the body is a little curled up. Apparently the baby was a little camera shy because the technician said it was pretty hard to get some of the shots. I wish we thought to ask for one of the heart - but it would only look like a blob.
The next time I'm hooked up to the device that allows my doctor to check the baby's heartbeat I'll ask if I can record it. Now that is cool.
And still we wait
The ultrasound was quite an adventure. You are supposed to arrive for your appointment with a full bladder. I received instructions to drink 4 cups of water 1.5 hours before my appointment. It wasn't as easy as I thought. Just when I had managed to down all but a few sips, morning sickness kicked in. I'll spare you the details but needless to say, I had to start drinking more water again.
Don and I had decided that we want to know the baby's gender. Apparently, you need to go out to Delta in order to be able to find this out as most places in the Lower Mainland will not share this information. I had told my doctor early on that we wanted to know and she ensured that our form was stamped to ensure that the technician included this information in her report if it could be determined. I hoped she would tell us but apparently we have to wait to hear it from my doctor.
Try as we might, neither Don or I could tell for certain just what gender the baby is. We actually could make out a lot of detail. We saw the face, the feet, the hands and even got to see the heart beating. We payed $5 to get a copy of a few pictures and the only one that is somewhat helpful in that regard actually isn't - it looks to us like the baby's feet are blocking the critical view. We talked about it afterwards and are both convinced that we are having a girl. It will be a few weeks before we know for sure. Guess I should put off any shopping for cute little dresses until we get confirmation.
My in-house technician is trying to scan copies of the pictures but it doesn't look easy. If he's successful, I'll post them soon.
Don and I had decided that we want to know the baby's gender. Apparently, you need to go out to Delta in order to be able to find this out as most places in the Lower Mainland will not share this information. I had told my doctor early on that we wanted to know and she ensured that our form was stamped to ensure that the technician included this information in her report if it could be determined. I hoped she would tell us but apparently we have to wait to hear it from my doctor.
Try as we might, neither Don or I could tell for certain just what gender the baby is. We actually could make out a lot of detail. We saw the face, the feet, the hands and even got to see the heart beating. We payed $5 to get a copy of a few pictures and the only one that is somewhat helpful in that regard actually isn't - it looks to us like the baby's feet are blocking the critical view. We talked about it afterwards and are both convinced that we are having a girl. It will be a few weeks before we know for sure. Guess I should put off any shopping for cute little dresses until we get confirmation.
My in-house technician is trying to scan copies of the pictures but it doesn't look easy. If he's successful, I'll post them soon.
Friday, October 29, 2004
The beginning
Hi and welcome to my blog.
This blog is intended as a quick and easy means of keeping friends and family up to date on new and exciting developments in the life of my family. I have been notoriously bad at sharing news lately so I thought this method may beat the old standard of the form letter email.
As you know, Don and I are expecting a baby. I'm in my second trimester and the baby is due at the end of March. Tomorrow we go for the first ultrasound. It seems like we have been waiting for this day forever but I can't help but think that I will be disappointed. Can anyone really even see anything resembling a baby on those monitors?
I am, however, looking forward to putting a stop to Don's comments regarding twins, triplets, etc. The very thought scares me so I'll be more than happy to have actual proof that there is in fact only one baby on the way.
Look for more news in the coming days.
This blog is intended as a quick and easy means of keeping friends and family up to date on new and exciting developments in the life of my family. I have been notoriously bad at sharing news lately so I thought this method may beat the old standard of the form letter email.
As you know, Don and I are expecting a baby. I'm in my second trimester and the baby is due at the end of March. Tomorrow we go for the first ultrasound. It seems like we have been waiting for this day forever but I can't help but think that I will be disappointed. Can anyone really even see anything resembling a baby on those monitors?
I am, however, looking forward to putting a stop to Don's comments regarding twins, triplets, etc. The very thought scares me so I'll be more than happy to have actual proof that there is in fact only one baby on the way.
Look for more news in the coming days.
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