Well, it's past Christmas day - 3 days past Christmas to be exact, and still no baby. My mom says she was within a few days of her due date with me, and Maggie (my sis) was 2 weeks late with her first son. That doesn't really help.
So on Christmas night, we tried Castor oil. That was awesome (not really), but it did not work - just crampy and... well, other things that we don't need to talk about here. We've tried some other things on the "home remedy" list also that have not panned out, either. He's obviously not ready yet!
BUT he "dropped" on Christmas Eve morning - his head is lower in my belly - which is a very good sign! and my doctor is trapped in a snow storm in Chicago, so that probably means he's going to be ready any time now=)
So - we had a great, quiet Christmas - lots of family and friends and lots of food. I got jewelry for both December and January - score! - my hubby says that way he's covered in case the baby comes either month.... what a nut!
Anyway, I'll try to blog more frequently now, so in case some action is happening, you'll get more details here.... we'll also plan to post at least something on FBook.
Love and blessings to you all-
Andy and Saud
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Nothing dilated yet!
Hey all - Had a dr appointment this morning and there is no dilation going on... we are 38 weeks today, and 40 weeks is your 'normal' gestational timeframe. She was hoping I'd be at least a little dilated, but he's just not ready yet=)
We had a good Thanksgiving, stuck close to home and got a lot of work done on the baby room (aka "Bachelor Pad"), including moving the final dresser out, cleaning clothes out of the closet, ordering the rocker, and insulating the window. We go to pick up the rocker tonight, so that means ALL the furniture is in and ready, and we just need to tidy stuff up a bit... how exciting!
It's snowing here again, and cold. I thought pregnant women were supposed to be hot? Yeah, well, I go through spurts, I guess, but mostly freezing my butt off right now!
Not much to report, but wanted to say hi to everyone. Been feeling like a homebody lately, which is apparently normal as well. Anyone who's making Christmas cookies is welcome to send a few our way (ok... my way!) as I'm looking forward to the taste without the work!
Love to all-
Saudia
We had a good Thanksgiving, stuck close to home and got a lot of work done on the baby room (aka "Bachelor Pad"), including moving the final dresser out, cleaning clothes out of the closet, ordering the rocker, and insulating the window. We go to pick up the rocker tonight, so that means ALL the furniture is in and ready, and we just need to tidy stuff up a bit... how exciting!
It's snowing here again, and cold. I thought pregnant women were supposed to be hot? Yeah, well, I go through spurts, I guess, but mostly freezing my butt off right now!
Not much to report, but wanted to say hi to everyone. Been feeling like a homebody lately, which is apparently normal as well. Anyone who's making Christmas cookies is welcome to send a few our way (ok... my way!) as I'm looking forward to the taste without the work!
Love to all-
Saudia
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Down to the Wire - 5 Weeks to Go!
We toured the U of M Hospital yesterday - was very informative, though I was a bit surprised at the lack of waiting room space for the family. The rooms are pretty nice, most are singles and encourage you to have the baby housed in the room with you, which is really nice and answers many questions on my list (you KNOW I had a list!!).
It is a big hospital, but the Labor and Delivery floor is all together, whether you're having a C-Section (not planning on it!) or a 'regular' birth. Many of the rooms have big bathtubs, too... oh yeah! I've also heard rumors that the cafeteria is pretty good and cheap.
Meanwhile, At home: the baby room (aka Bachelor Pad) is going well. I do need to figure out how to make the words go onto the wall - Aunt Becky made me the words "Now I lay me down to sleep" in vinyl for his wall.... mommy's dream! Havent' really focused on that yet=) It's on my list for this week, along with 20 million other things!
and here's the body update - got my first stretch mark yesterday. It's HUGE! It runs from my belly button down (pretty far) and is about 1 1/2 inches across - and it kinda hurts! Any suggestions on how to control this or make it better are definitely appreciated and needed.
Baby is good - he continues to breakdance - he is head down, which is good. And he likes to spin on his head every half hour or so. It's a strange sensation, you can see his little buns move from one side of my belly to the other... it's amazing. I love it, but it's still weird. His little foot also found my ribs yesterday. Must be a sign that he's getting just big enough to start running out of room.
Ok - all for now - I'll try to be better about posting next week while I'm on vacation.
Love to you all -
Sauds
It is a big hospital, but the Labor and Delivery floor is all together, whether you're having a C-Section (not planning on it!) or a 'regular' birth. Many of the rooms have big bathtubs, too... oh yeah! I've also heard rumors that the cafeteria is pretty good and cheap.
Meanwhile, At home: the baby room (aka Bachelor Pad) is going well. I do need to figure out how to make the words go onto the wall - Aunt Becky made me the words "Now I lay me down to sleep" in vinyl for his wall.... mommy's dream! Havent' really focused on that yet=) It's on my list for this week, along with 20 million other things!
and here's the body update - got my first stretch mark yesterday. It's HUGE! It runs from my belly button down (pretty far) and is about 1 1/2 inches across - and it kinda hurts! Any suggestions on how to control this or make it better are definitely appreciated and needed.
Baby is good - he continues to breakdance - he is head down, which is good. And he likes to spin on his head every half hour or so. It's a strange sensation, you can see his little buns move from one side of my belly to the other... it's amazing. I love it, but it's still weird. His little foot also found my ribs yesterday. Must be a sign that he's getting just big enough to start running out of room.
Ok - all for now - I'll try to be better about posting next week while I'm on vacation.
Love to you all -
Sauds
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
He's BIG!
Had a dr appointment this week, and will be going in for (another!) ultrasound in a week or so... you know what that means - yep, MORE PICS!!
Normally, you would measure (pubic bone to top of uterus) the number of weeks you are. So, I'm 33 weeks, I should measure around 33cm. Well, at the last appointment, I was 31 weeks and measured 33, this week I'm 33 and am measuring at 36. So we're going to have another ultrasound just to measure the amount of amniotic fluid and see how big he really is... she doesn't think he's a gigantor, but we'll see. He is a Kneffel. =)
Other than that, things are good. I have some unusual aches and pains, which I will not get into for fear of TMI online... suffice it to say things are strange!
Baby boy seems to be doing great - he is practicing and I'm sure will make first string for the soccer team pretty much as soon as he comes out. For those who haven't seen, my belly becomes a moving mass, I assume much like a volcano right before eruption. It's kinda freaky, but I love it!! He's such an active little guy - can't WAIT to meet him. Though, you all know how I feel about that whole "make like a baby and HEAD OUT" part. Ugh. Hands are sweaty just typing about it!!
Just a quick update today - Love to you all -
Saud and Baby Sherm
Normally, you would measure (pubic bone to top of uterus) the number of weeks you are. So, I'm 33 weeks, I should measure around 33cm. Well, at the last appointment, I was 31 weeks and measured 33, this week I'm 33 and am measuring at 36. So we're going to have another ultrasound just to measure the amount of amniotic fluid and see how big he really is... she doesn't think he's a gigantor, but we'll see. He is a Kneffel. =)
Other than that, things are good. I have some unusual aches and pains, which I will not get into for fear of TMI online... suffice it to say things are strange!
Baby boy seems to be doing great - he is practicing and I'm sure will make first string for the soccer team pretty much as soon as he comes out. For those who haven't seen, my belly becomes a moving mass, I assume much like a volcano right before eruption. It's kinda freaky, but I love it!! He's such an active little guy - can't WAIT to meet him. Though, you all know how I feel about that whole "make like a baby and HEAD OUT" part. Ugh. Hands are sweaty just typing about it!!
Just a quick update today - Love to you all -
Saud and Baby Sherm
Monday, November 1, 2010
It's Raining!
Ha - the showers have started, and not just the gift-parties... I'm sitting at home working today, and reading the "you're 32 weeks pregnant" emails I get every week, weeping because it's talking about all the things moms wish they knew when they got pregnant.... awful!! They should know better than to publish this crap to gestational women!!
Anyway, I'll try to hold myself together long enough to put some words on a page for you all=)
Had a great couple of showers - The Alpha E's threw me a secret-not secret shower on Oct 23 at the Treehouse in Chelsea. It's kinda like an indoor playground. Had a top 3 best cake ever, made by my sorority sister Marija. It was amazing! Cool room, tons of little kids running around, it was great!
This past weekend, had our family shower, at our house. Andy decided he wanted to have the "man shower" in the garage during the "girl shower", so they grilled steaks and watched football in the garage (his new hangout) ... which really worked out for us!
Best gift of the day - Andy's mom brought an envelope filled with baby pics of Andy - it was awful! I couldn't help it and started sobbing - seriously... sobbing in front of everybody. I'm normally pretty emotional, but this was crazy! I look up, and my mom, my sisters, my grandma, my friend Leslie, Andy's mom, and various others are all either crying or misty-eyed too. Sorry, guys! Can't help myself!!
Andy says to me after the shower - I don't understand why she would give my baby pictures to you as a shower gift. I just started crying (again) and said "Because you're a guy. You don't understand because you're a guy. That was the best gift" He just rolled his eyes and hugged me a little. ...probably thinking "whatever! you guys are so weird!"
So anyway, we are doing great. The baby is measuring 35cm, which is a little long/ big. Dr Strzoda thinks it's because he's finally head-down and he's still stretched out. So we're going to wait until the next appointment (week 35, Nov 8) and see how he's doing then. She watched him kick my belly all over the place, and then when we got on the table to check his heartbeat, he calms right down and sits still for Dr Strzoda.... he knows who's the boss!! His heartbeat is good - still in 140-150 range, and he's kicking a ton!
The baby room is almost done - I got the lettering I hoped for from my aunt Becky as a shower gift. It says "Now I lay me down to sleep" so I/ we need to put that on the walls. She also found a template for a guitar and some stars, so those may be needed as well=) The Rockstar theme is coming together nicely- who woulda thought my husband would have a good idea?!
Anyway, we are doing great - and if I havent' seen you yet, I miss you. If I've seen you lately, you know my belly is getting big=)
Take care, love - Saudia
Anyway, I'll try to hold myself together long enough to put some words on a page for you all=)
Had a great couple of showers - The Alpha E's threw me a secret-not secret shower on Oct 23 at the Treehouse in Chelsea. It's kinda like an indoor playground. Had a top 3 best cake ever, made by my sorority sister Marija. It was amazing! Cool room, tons of little kids running around, it was great!
This past weekend, had our family shower, at our house. Andy decided he wanted to have the "man shower" in the garage during the "girl shower", so they grilled steaks and watched football in the garage (his new hangout) ... which really worked out for us!
Best gift of the day - Andy's mom brought an envelope filled with baby pics of Andy - it was awful! I couldn't help it and started sobbing - seriously... sobbing in front of everybody. I'm normally pretty emotional, but this was crazy! I look up, and my mom, my sisters, my grandma, my friend Leslie, Andy's mom, and various others are all either crying or misty-eyed too. Sorry, guys! Can't help myself!!
Andy says to me after the shower - I don't understand why she would give my baby pictures to you as a shower gift. I just started crying (again) and said "Because you're a guy. You don't understand because you're a guy. That was the best gift" He just rolled his eyes and hugged me a little. ...probably thinking "whatever! you guys are so weird!"
So anyway, we are doing great. The baby is measuring 35cm, which is a little long/ big. Dr Strzoda thinks it's because he's finally head-down and he's still stretched out. So we're going to wait until the next appointment (week 35, Nov 8) and see how he's doing then. She watched him kick my belly all over the place, and then when we got on the table to check his heartbeat, he calms right down and sits still for Dr Strzoda.... he knows who's the boss!! His heartbeat is good - still in 140-150 range, and he's kicking a ton!
The baby room is almost done - I got the lettering I hoped for from my aunt Becky as a shower gift. It says "Now I lay me down to sleep" so I/ we need to put that on the walls. She also found a template for a guitar and some stars, so those may be needed as well=) The Rockstar theme is coming together nicely- who woulda thought my husband would have a good idea?!
Anyway, we are doing great - and if I havent' seen you yet, I miss you. If I've seen you lately, you know my belly is getting big=)
Take care, love - Saudia
Friday, October 8, 2010
What a Week!
Let me start by saying - everything is fine, all the tests turned out well.
SO, Tuesday, I spent 3 hours in the Dr office, taking the 3 hour blood glucose test [baseline blood draw, drink flat Sprite tasting liquid, with the equivalent of 3 cans of Coke in sugar, then one blood draw every hour for the next 3 hours, followed by an extreme sugar crash because you've been fasting since the day before]. The test was bad - hello, needles, but the sugar crash after was way worse.
Before I could help myself, I ate the rest of a box of cereal... unfortunately, I realized later the name of the cereal was Cracklin Oat BRAN... owww! My tummy hurts! =)
Then, I traveled to Traverse City on my birthday for work. It was a beautiful (but long!) drive. I hadn't realized how long every drive is getting until I had to make this one. So, I'm packing up to leave on Thursday and smacked my belly, which, admittedly, was in the way, with my laptop. I know. Only me. It didn't leave a bruise, or hurt a LOT, but I did notice it, and apparently baby Sherm did, also. He was incredibly quiet for the entire ride home, and overnight.
I called my doctor (on my sissy's advice) today - Friday - and she said any trauma to the abdomen would be grounds for an ultrasound. Now, I promise - I did not do this for another ultrasound, but it is a side benefit!! So, I went to U of M this afternoon to the Labor and Delivery section (now I know where it is...) and they were very nice to me. My Dr called ahead, and paged a Dr friend to check on me and report back to her... she is the coolest Dr ever!
Wouldn't you know it, Sherm would not stop moving long enough for them to get a heart rate reading. So they did an ultrasound, and the tech again said "does he ever stop moving"? I was like, yeah, for the last 24 hours!! Little brat! But it was a good thing, they were able to confirm he does not have a concussion or brain damage (at least visible) from a laptop to the skull.
Whew! I have a follow up with Dr Strzoda next week, where I'm sure she will tell me to be more careful, and watch out for my belly... I get it, It's just... in the way! I'm not used to it!
Anyway, just wanted to update you all - we are doing great! I'll get some new pictures this weekend to post on Facebook.
As always, good to talk to all of you -
Love, Saud
SO, Tuesday, I spent 3 hours in the Dr office, taking the 3 hour blood glucose test [baseline blood draw, drink flat Sprite tasting liquid, with the equivalent of 3 cans of Coke in sugar, then one blood draw every hour for the next 3 hours, followed by an extreme sugar crash because you've been fasting since the day before]. The test was bad - hello, needles, but the sugar crash after was way worse.
Before I could help myself, I ate the rest of a box of cereal... unfortunately, I realized later the name of the cereal was Cracklin Oat BRAN... owww! My tummy hurts! =)
Then, I traveled to Traverse City on my birthday for work. It was a beautiful (but long!) drive. I hadn't realized how long every drive is getting until I had to make this one. So, I'm packing up to leave on Thursday and smacked my belly, which, admittedly, was in the way, with my laptop. I know. Only me. It didn't leave a bruise, or hurt a LOT, but I did notice it, and apparently baby Sherm did, also. He was incredibly quiet for the entire ride home, and overnight.
I called my doctor (on my sissy's advice) today - Friday - and she said any trauma to the abdomen would be grounds for an ultrasound. Now, I promise - I did not do this for another ultrasound, but it is a side benefit!! So, I went to U of M this afternoon to the Labor and Delivery section (now I know where it is...) and they were very nice to me. My Dr called ahead, and paged a Dr friend to check on me and report back to her... she is the coolest Dr ever!
Wouldn't you know it, Sherm would not stop moving long enough for them to get a heart rate reading. So they did an ultrasound, and the tech again said "does he ever stop moving"? I was like, yeah, for the last 24 hours!! Little brat! But it was a good thing, they were able to confirm he does not have a concussion or brain damage (at least visible) from a laptop to the skull.
Whew! I have a follow up with Dr Strzoda next week, where I'm sure she will tell me to be more careful, and watch out for my belly... I get it, It's just... in the way! I'm not used to it!
Anyway, just wanted to update you all - we are doing great! I'll get some new pictures this weekend to post on Facebook.
As always, good to talk to all of you -
Love, Saud
Thursday, September 16, 2010
6 Months along and all is well!
Hey All - I know - I'm a huge slacker! Thanks to all of you who have "suggested" I need to update my blog=) I know it's been a while...
Had my 6 month appointment this morning, and everything is GREAT - his heartbeat is in normal range (140-150) and you'll be happy to know I've gained weight... 13 lbs so far, 9 of it this month - whew! Dr Strzoda (stroh-duh) says this is absolutely great, she has no concerns. Unlike my husband who was worried I was not eating enough - really?!? I wrote down what I ate yesterday, including a tall Biggby's coffee for breakfast and a piece of lemon cake and a pear for dessert, and she said it was fine. I'm listening to my body and that's good. Hm. Never been accused of eating too LITTLE... it was odd, and kind of ...nice?
Also, she told me that I need to breastfeed because of my MS. Typically, a mom with MS will have a pretty severe flare after birth, ending up on steroids (that will be great - more weight gain!!) to help control the symptoms. She said that moms who breastfeed have a less severe flare overall.... so, any advice on this is much appreciated. I have a breast pump offer already (thanks, Jen!), and have bought a "cover" called... seriously now... an "Udder Cover" For the love of C**#$U(!! Like it's not embarrassing enough, you have to call it that! At least it's not cow print, right?!
In other news, we continue working to move the furniture out of the baby's room - my clothes mostly. I'm on the prowl for a glider rocker. Wonder if they have one with a skull motif? ha!
Doing well overall - I feel great - he is kicking and rolling up a storm. I especially enjoy being in meetings when he discovers how bouncy my bladder is... thank you. Dr Strzoda was taking his heartbeat today and had a hard time following him around - he's a wiggle worm!! I take the glucose tolerance test tomorrow, but, again, Dr Strzoda says she has no worries about this since she's never seen sugar in my urine... may be TMI, but there you go. You drink this vile sugar encrusted orange liquid, and then an hour later get a blood draw. They are looking to see how quickly your body metabolizes the sugar, indicating gestational diabetes. Sounds like an hour of complete fun and excitement, so be sure to follow along!!
Nice to talk to you all - take care!
Love, Saudia
Had my 6 month appointment this morning, and everything is GREAT - his heartbeat is in normal range (140-150) and you'll be happy to know I've gained weight... 13 lbs so far, 9 of it this month - whew! Dr Strzoda (stroh-duh) says this is absolutely great, she has no concerns. Unlike my husband who was worried I was not eating enough - really?!? I wrote down what I ate yesterday, including a tall Biggby's coffee for breakfast and a piece of lemon cake and a pear for dessert, and she said it was fine. I'm listening to my body and that's good. Hm. Never been accused of eating too LITTLE... it was odd, and kind of ...nice?
Also, she told me that I need to breastfeed because of my MS. Typically, a mom with MS will have a pretty severe flare after birth, ending up on steroids (that will be great - more weight gain!!) to help control the symptoms. She said that moms who breastfeed have a less severe flare overall.... so, any advice on this is much appreciated. I have a breast pump offer already (thanks, Jen!), and have bought a "cover" called... seriously now... an "Udder Cover" For the love of C**#$U(!! Like it's not embarrassing enough, you have to call it that! At least it's not cow print, right?!
In other news, we continue working to move the furniture out of the baby's room - my clothes mostly. I'm on the prowl for a glider rocker. Wonder if they have one with a skull motif? ha!
Doing well overall - I feel great - he is kicking and rolling up a storm. I especially enjoy being in meetings when he discovers how bouncy my bladder is... thank you. Dr Strzoda was taking his heartbeat today and had a hard time following him around - he's a wiggle worm!! I take the glucose tolerance test tomorrow, but, again, Dr Strzoda says she has no worries about this since she's never seen sugar in my urine... may be TMI, but there you go. You drink this vile sugar encrusted orange liquid, and then an hour later get a blood draw. They are looking to see how quickly your body metabolizes the sugar, indicating gestational diabetes. Sounds like an hour of complete fun and excitement, so be sure to follow along!!
Nice to talk to you all - take care!
Love, Saudia
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