This week has been absolutely amazing. I'm VERY glad I listened to the doctor when he advised that I not go to work last Monday! I was in full blown nesting mode. The only thing I still had to finish before I was satisfied was the floors. I had an appointment at 2:30 and was determined to have the floors finished before I went to the appointment. During the morning, I had what I thought was a baby sitting on my bladder. She has done it in the past causing scares; it felt just the same this time. I called the doctor after a couple of rounds of this. They asked me to come in a little early.
Derek met me at the office for my appointment. I won't go into details. Let's just say it was amusing to watch the doctor get a little excited when it was in fact NOT my bladder this time. From there it was straight to the hospital. (Have I mentioned that I love having a doctor who is literally across the street from the hospital?)
At the hospital, they started pictosin and would not allow me to get up because my water had broken. Back labor is definitely NOT fun in that situation. One epidural and 8 hours labor we were ready to push! 45 minutes later on 3/22/11 at 2:23, Aeryanna was here! Her birthdate and time will always be easy to remember! 32211223...kinda weird huh? But I like it!
lilypie
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Almost there!
Well, we made it to the last week. The last week has been an eventful one! Things have been very stop and go. I had really good contractions a week ago. The doctor on call gave me a Lortab, which pretty effectively stopped what contractions I was having. Unfortunately, they never really picked up again after that. I've had back pain and aches, but no real contractions and no real progress as of Wednesday. I go back to the doctor tomorrow to see if anything new has happened in the last 5 days.
I've been lucky with this pregnancy really. I had morning sickness, but it was manageable. I didn't swell until 2 weeks ago, and I lost all of that water retention and swelling within a week. I really didn't hurt or feel too miserable until 2 weeks ago. I haven't gained much weight. I know a lot of people who have had a much harder time with being pregnant, so I try not to complain too much.
I've had a harder time dealing with the last week than I have anything else that has happened. I've never handled the unknown very well. (Maybe that's why I like teaching....I can plan ahead even if those plans have to change). I like the unknown even less when there is no clear cut answer as to what I need to be watching for.
I understand that labor is different for everyone, but when it's your first time, that's kind of a crap answer. I've had to work very hard this week to keep from second-guessing and becoming frustrated with myself and others. I beat myself up wondering if I would already be holding my little Fish if I hadn't accepted the Lortab last weekend. That has been the hardest thing for me to overcome. If that choice stalled things, I am very frustrated with myself.
On the bright side, I've attempted to stay busy getting the house ready. Through much stress, hard work, and a few tears, the house is pretty much ready. I've had some great help from lots of people, and I REALLY appreciate them all! Having the house clean and ready for a baby has been my biggest stressor throughout my pregnancy. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I am not the greatest of housekeepers. It's a skill that I know I will have to maintain from this point forward.
I am also officially on maternity leave as of tomorrow. My doctor gave me "the look" when I talked about coming back to work after Spring Break. He didn't tell me I couldn't work, but you could tell he didn't approve either. After much deliberation, I asked his opinion. He advised that I stay home. I think this is mostly for ease of getting to the hospital if something were to happen this week. I'm a little nervous about having time on my hands. I think part of my struggle last week was not having as much to occupy my mind. Work has kept me focused on other things besides going into labor.
Hopefully things will pick up quickly this week, so I won't have much time on my hands to think about it!
I've been lucky with this pregnancy really. I had morning sickness, but it was manageable. I didn't swell until 2 weeks ago, and I lost all of that water retention and swelling within a week. I really didn't hurt or feel too miserable until 2 weeks ago. I haven't gained much weight. I know a lot of people who have had a much harder time with being pregnant, so I try not to complain too much.
I've had a harder time dealing with the last week than I have anything else that has happened. I've never handled the unknown very well. (Maybe that's why I like teaching....I can plan ahead even if those plans have to change). I like the unknown even less when there is no clear cut answer as to what I need to be watching for.
I understand that labor is different for everyone, but when it's your first time, that's kind of a crap answer. I've had to work very hard this week to keep from second-guessing and becoming frustrated with myself and others. I beat myself up wondering if I would already be holding my little Fish if I hadn't accepted the Lortab last weekend. That has been the hardest thing for me to overcome. If that choice stalled things, I am very frustrated with myself.
On the bright side, I've attempted to stay busy getting the house ready. Through much stress, hard work, and a few tears, the house is pretty much ready. I've had some great help from lots of people, and I REALLY appreciate them all! Having the house clean and ready for a baby has been my biggest stressor throughout my pregnancy. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I am not the greatest of housekeepers. It's a skill that I know I will have to maintain from this point forward.
I am also officially on maternity leave as of tomorrow. My doctor gave me "the look" when I talked about coming back to work after Spring Break. He didn't tell me I couldn't work, but you could tell he didn't approve either. After much deliberation, I asked his opinion. He advised that I stay home. I think this is mostly for ease of getting to the hospital if something were to happen this week. I'm a little nervous about having time on my hands. I think part of my struggle last week was not having as much to occupy my mind. Work has kept me focused on other things besides going into labor.
Hopefully things will pick up quickly this week, so I won't have much time on my hands to think about it!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The most amusing memories
Over the last few months, I've realized that the best reactions and comments I've gotten from people about my pregnancy have been from students at school, younger family members, and other friends' kids. I just have to share/record the best of them here! (I apologize in advance if i embarrass anyone, but I couldn't resist sharing!)
One of our friends' pre-teen daughters texts me off and on. One morning a couple of weeks ago, she sent me a text that said "I'm so glad you are getting a baby". I LOVE it!
When one of my students found out last semester his response was "I thought you were just getting fat!" I know it sounds bad, but it cracked me up! He said it more like he was relieved that there was a reason I was getting bigger, not as an insult.
Another student looked at me 2 weeks ago and said "Everyone says you're pregnant. Are you?" Before I could even get over the "REALLY?!" reaction and respond another young man looks at him and said "NOoooo, the bump on her stomach is a tumor. What did you think it was?!" P-R-I-C-E-L-E-S-S!
And now, for one of my favorites! I posted this week on Facebook that the doctor is still projecting 2-3 weeks until the big day. My 10-year-old cousin's comment on my status was "hope it comes out alright and no problems with it".... I laughed so long over that one! I love how kids express things sometimes!
One of our friends' pre-teen daughters texts me off and on. One morning a couple of weeks ago, she sent me a text that said "I'm so glad you are getting a baby". I LOVE it!
When one of my students found out last semester his response was "I thought you were just getting fat!" I know it sounds bad, but it cracked me up! He said it more like he was relieved that there was a reason I was getting bigger, not as an insult.
Another student looked at me 2 weeks ago and said "Everyone says you're pregnant. Are you?" Before I could even get over the "REALLY?!" reaction and respond another young man looks at him and said "NOoooo, the bump on her stomach is a tumor. What did you think it was?!" P-R-I-C-E-L-E-S-S!
And now, for one of my favorites! I posted this week on Facebook that the doctor is still projecting 2-3 weeks until the big day. My 10-year-old cousin's comment on my status was "hope it comes out alright and no problems with it".... I laughed so long over that one! I love how kids express things sometimes!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Crunch time!
Only 4 weeks to go! Where have the last 9 months gone? I can't believe I have 4 or fewer weeks until we get to meet Areyanna! I know it COULD be more than 4 weeks, but I won't be a very happy camper if that happens!
Not much else to report this week. We had a little scare on Monday, but Dr. Anderson thinks it's just par for the course being almost 36 weeks pregnant for the first time. Things sound like they are progressing great! If I can make it through the next 2 weeks until Spring Break I will be doing great!
Not much else to report this week. We had a little scare on Monday, but Dr. Anderson thinks it's just par for the course being almost 36 weeks pregnant for the first time. Things sound like they are progressing great! If I can make it through the next 2 weeks until Spring Break I will be doing great!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Time will tell...
Well, I had an eventful morning! I had some symptoms that I was told to call my doctor if I experienced after I got to school. I called and instead of the just take it easy response I've received in the past, my doctor had me go to labor and delivery at the hospital I will be using to get checked out!
On the bright side, the symptoms are just the norm for a first time mom at 35 weeks and not a sign of anything to be concerned about. Plus, I got to get my preregistration out of the way since I was a captive to the monitors for a couple of hours! I was having very mild contractions every couple of minutes. Now that I've seen the correlation between the contractions and something actually measuring them, I notice them more when they happen, and am not chalking them up to the baby shifting around or stretching.
On the down side, I got to blow another half-day of work. I go back to the doctor on Wednesday, so maybe I'll find out a little more then. This is the start of a process that could go quickly from here or could drag on for another month or more. I guess we'll just have to wait and see! I for one would be very happy if Aeryanna could be patient for another 3 weeks or so, but if she's anything like her mama, she may get impatient! Until any other big changes occur the waiting game continues....
On the bright side, the symptoms are just the norm for a first time mom at 35 weeks and not a sign of anything to be concerned about. Plus, I got to get my preregistration out of the way since I was a captive to the monitors for a couple of hours! I was having very mild contractions every couple of minutes. Now that I've seen the correlation between the contractions and something actually measuring them, I notice them more when they happen, and am not chalking them up to the baby shifting around or stretching.
On the down side, I got to blow another half-day of work. I go back to the doctor on Wednesday, so maybe I'll find out a little more then. This is the start of a process that could go quickly from here or could drag on for another month or more. I guess we'll just have to wait and see! I for one would be very happy if Aeryanna could be patient for another 3 weeks or so, but if she's anything like her mama, she may get impatient! Until any other big changes occur the waiting game continues....
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Memories and Hopes
Yesterday made me stop and think about some of the things I want for Aeryanna someday. It all started with a stick of gum. When I was growing up, my grandparents' lived across the street from a very sweet man. I always new him as Mr. Sheriff. I didn't even know his first name until I was a teenager. What I remember most about Mr. Sheriff is going across the street to visit him when he was out in his yard. He always carried Wrigley's Doublemint gum in his pocket and would give me a stick of gum. At Halloween he would put together goodie bags for me with packs of Doublemint and plastic necklaces.
When I was in high school, Mr. Sheriff adopted a little chihuahua mix that wandered up to his house. This little dog LOVED to run whenever it got the chance. I can remember chasing that dog down the street and bringing it back to him quite often. By that time, he didn't chew gum anymore, but he would always pat his pocket with he saw me and say "I don't have any gum today." Even in college, I would go say hello to Mr. Sheriff when he was sitting in the swing in his garage when I came home. I knew it meant a lot to him because he would always come across the street after I left and tell my grandparents that I came to visit him.
Mr. Sheriff passed away a few years ago, but I will never see Wrigley's Doublemint gum without thinking of him. I mention all of this because I found a pack of Doublemint in the pocket of a jacket this week. It made me think back on all of the years of going to visit Mr. Sheriff. One of my hopes for Aeryanna is that she will have someone like that with whom she can make memories that will stick with her for a lifetime. I want her to have that connection with someone and learn the joy that can you can get from making those friendships. We all need someone like that in our lives.
When I was in high school, Mr. Sheriff adopted a little chihuahua mix that wandered up to his house. This little dog LOVED to run whenever it got the chance. I can remember chasing that dog down the street and bringing it back to him quite often. By that time, he didn't chew gum anymore, but he would always pat his pocket with he saw me and say "I don't have any gum today." Even in college, I would go say hello to Mr. Sheriff when he was sitting in the swing in his garage when I came home. I knew it meant a lot to him because he would always come across the street after I left and tell my grandparents that I came to visit him.
Mr. Sheriff passed away a few years ago, but I will never see Wrigley's Doublemint gum without thinking of him. I mention all of this because I found a pack of Doublemint in the pocket of a jacket this week. It made me think back on all of the years of going to visit Mr. Sheriff. One of my hopes for Aeryanna is that she will have someone like that with whom she can make memories that will stick with her for a lifetime. I want her to have that connection with someone and learn the joy that can you can get from making those friendships. We all need someone like that in our lives.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Counting down
I can't believe I only have 45 days until my due date! Hopefully I will stay healthy for the rest of them! The antibiotic shot I got 2 weeks ago has done me a world of good. I feel SO much better! I missed getting a 32 week belly pic, so hopefully I can get Derek to take one for me this week.
Everything is right on track according to my doctor. I go back in 2 weeks again, then I will start weekly visits! It doesn't seem possible that we are already at that point. Derek has given Aeryanna a nickname. He finally felt what I meant when I said she is like a little marching band in my stomach some days, so he has started calling her "Fish". He go the inspiration from Despicable Me. Here is the clip that gave him the idea!
The name is appropriate given the context and the fact that she will probably be a little fish if she takes after her parents. We both love being in the water, and I hope to pass that love along to her.
My little Fish just keeps trying to move in what little space she has left. Her favorite foods right now are Benjamin's Donuts and orange juice! She goes crazy when I eat them! For those of you not in the Amarillo area, Benjamin's is a local donut shop owned by a Korean family. They make buttermilk donuts that are to die for! They also make breakfast burritos and sandwiches. Our favorite burrito is their Bulgogi burrito. Bulgogi is a Korean beef dish made with cabbage, onions, and bell pepper. They make the burritos with all of this plus rice, cheese, and optional jalapenos. YUM! If you are interested in giving them a try, they are located on Bell St. just off of I-27.
Today is a much needed extra day off! Little Fish and I are enjoying being snowed in with the cats. I can't wait to be able to spend days like this with her here! It will be SO wonderful to spend days like today with her! The next month and a half will be the hardest for me so far. I don't like waiting for things to happen, I like making them happen! It may drive me crazy having no control over when and what is going to occur when Aeryanna Michelle decides to make her debut!
Everything is right on track according to my doctor. I go back in 2 weeks again, then I will start weekly visits! It doesn't seem possible that we are already at that point. Derek has given Aeryanna a nickname. He finally felt what I meant when I said she is like a little marching band in my stomach some days, so he has started calling her "Fish". He go the inspiration from Despicable Me. Here is the clip that gave him the idea!
The name is appropriate given the context and the fact that she will probably be a little fish if she takes after her parents. We both love being in the water, and I hope to pass that love along to her.
My little Fish just keeps trying to move in what little space she has left. Her favorite foods right now are Benjamin's Donuts and orange juice! She goes crazy when I eat them! For those of you not in the Amarillo area, Benjamin's is a local donut shop owned by a Korean family. They make buttermilk donuts that are to die for! They also make breakfast burritos and sandwiches. Our favorite burrito is their Bulgogi burrito. Bulgogi is a Korean beef dish made with cabbage, onions, and bell pepper. They make the burritos with all of this plus rice, cheese, and optional jalapenos. YUM! If you are interested in giving them a try, they are located on Bell St. just off of I-27.
Today is a much needed extra day off! Little Fish and I are enjoying being snowed in with the cats. I can't wait to be able to spend days like this with her here! It will be SO wonderful to spend days like today with her! The next month and a half will be the hardest for me so far. I don't like waiting for things to happen, I like making them happen! It may drive me crazy having no control over when and what is going to occur when Aeryanna Michelle decides to make her debut!
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