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
Monday, November 1, 2010
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
Sunday, August 22, 2010
All Clear and the Belly is Here!!
Okay, well, it's been a hectic few weeks for us - we've had a bit of trauma, but let me start by saying everything is fine.
We had our first ultrasound at 17 weeks, which was a bit early for their liking, so they asked us to come back at or near 20 weeks. We went back to the same radiology dept, part of U of M. In this ultrasound, it was fairly clear to both of us that the lab tech was spending a LOT of time on his heart, and at one point, I could clearly see a white dot in the ultrasound. I asked what it was and the tech just said "I'll let the doctor answer that" which I totally understand. I wouldn't want to say something and then be wrong or out of line.
So the next day, my doctor called at 6:30 pm and left a voice mail that they found an echogenic cardiac foci on his heart. This is not a big deal, but it is a marker for Downs syndrome. So we had a third ultrasound scheduled for the next day at U of M, at Mott Childrens' Hospital in the prenatal unit - talk about a slightly upsetting event!!
Luckily, my friend Jen Truman had all this happen to her not long ago, and was able to talk me down. We went for the ultrasound and, without our knowing, we also met with a genetic counselor.... seriously?? Who took our genetic profile (nuttiness and craziness apparently don't count for much in these profiles=), and said that we were a very low risk.
THEN we went in for the ultrasound, which was a much nicer place than the other two. The tech was very chatty, which we appreciated, and since we already knew what we were looking for, she was able to point it out to us. We sat for a few minutes after the ultrasound was over, and then the Doctor came in. He explained that this was probably nothing, it was either 1. a calcium deposit (normal) or 2. that piece of the heart was just more reflective of the ultrasound than other parts (also common). He said that since my triple test (a blood test that tests for Downs, Spina Bifada and something else) all came back negative, and they had measured Sherm's leg and arm bones, along with his neck fold (back of his head, another marker for Downs) and those measurements all looked fine, he was going to put this into the "not a problem" category.
What a MESS!! I'm glad we know, though, and I'm glad it's over.
One thing the lab tech asked me in the 3rd ultrasound was if I could feel the baby yet (not really). She said "You are in big trouble" because he was rolling, doing somersaults, and sucking his thumb the whole time. He apparently also was doing a little "boy part jig" - wiggling it around for her to see.... I laughed and said that is definitely GENETIC!! =)
SO, we are doing well, trying to relax and, now that the belly has arrived, trying to find pants that fit. I've been having pretty good luck with JCPenney online, but otherwise not so much. I have about 2 pair of pants that fit at this point, and am trying to find shirts that cover the pant lines.... looking pretty!!
Other than that, things are normal - work is hectic, and Andy has been up to his neck with work as well. As always, it's nice to talk to you - I will try to be better about posting... I'll do my best!!
Love you to all- Saud
We had our first ultrasound at 17 weeks, which was a bit early for their liking, so they asked us to come back at or near 20 weeks. We went back to the same radiology dept, part of U of M. In this ultrasound, it was fairly clear to both of us that the lab tech was spending a LOT of time on his heart, and at one point, I could clearly see a white dot in the ultrasound. I asked what it was and the tech just said "I'll let the doctor answer that" which I totally understand. I wouldn't want to say something and then be wrong or out of line.
So the next day, my doctor called at 6:30 pm and left a voice mail that they found an echogenic cardiac foci on his heart. This is not a big deal, but it is a marker for Downs syndrome. So we had a third ultrasound scheduled for the next day at U of M, at Mott Childrens' Hospital in the prenatal unit - talk about a slightly upsetting event!!
Luckily, my friend Jen Truman had all this happen to her not long ago, and was able to talk me down. We went for the ultrasound and, without our knowing, we also met with a genetic counselor.... seriously?? Who took our genetic profile (nuttiness and craziness apparently don't count for much in these profiles=), and said that we were a very low risk.
THEN we went in for the ultrasound, which was a much nicer place than the other two. The tech was very chatty, which we appreciated, and since we already knew what we were looking for, she was able to point it out to us. We sat for a few minutes after the ultrasound was over, and then the Doctor came in. He explained that this was probably nothing, it was either 1. a calcium deposit (normal) or 2. that piece of the heart was just more reflective of the ultrasound than other parts (also common). He said that since my triple test (a blood test that tests for Downs, Spina Bifada and something else) all came back negative, and they had measured Sherm's leg and arm bones, along with his neck fold (back of his head, another marker for Downs) and those measurements all looked fine, he was going to put this into the "not a problem" category.
What a MESS!! I'm glad we know, though, and I'm glad it's over.
One thing the lab tech asked me in the 3rd ultrasound was if I could feel the baby yet (not really). She said "You are in big trouble" because he was rolling, doing somersaults, and sucking his thumb the whole time. He apparently also was doing a little "boy part jig" - wiggling it around for her to see.... I laughed and said that is definitely GENETIC!! =)
SO, we are doing well, trying to relax and, now that the belly has arrived, trying to find pants that fit. I've been having pretty good luck with JCPenney online, but otherwise not so much. I have about 2 pair of pants that fit at this point, and am trying to find shirts that cover the pant lines.... looking pretty!!
Other than that, things are normal - work is hectic, and Andy has been up to his neck with work as well. As always, it's nice to talk to you - I will try to be better about posting... I'll do my best!!
Love you to all- Saud
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Halfway There!
20 weeks is apparently a BIG milestone (or so says the baby website I visit). According to said website, the baby is as long as a banana now... ha!
So, to celebrate, we went and had our second ultrasound yesterday. Everything looks "fine" according to the lab tech, who is basically not allowed to say anything other than what the body parts are... and yes, we did see his giant penis once again =) Andy says we can take pictures of the ultrasound pictures and post, so look for that next week. I think basically, he looks like any other ultrasound pictures you may have ever seen, except that he's MINE and he's amazing!
We're working on registering... what a mess that is! How are you supposed to know what of the million baby things out there are actually worth registering for, and which are total crap?? I mean, we're not total baby idiots - we do have 3 nephews and 3 nieces, so we have some experience. Any thoughts on this topic much appreciated!!
Hope you are all well - looking forward to fall (summer is too dang HOT for me!!).
Love, Saud
So, to celebrate, we went and had our second ultrasound yesterday. Everything looks "fine" according to the lab tech, who is basically not allowed to say anything other than what the body parts are... and yes, we did see his giant penis once again =) Andy says we can take pictures of the ultrasound pictures and post, so look for that next week. I think basically, he looks like any other ultrasound pictures you may have ever seen, except that he's MINE and he's amazing!
We're working on registering... what a mess that is! How are you supposed to know what of the million baby things out there are actually worth registering for, and which are total crap?? I mean, we're not total baby idiots - we do have 3 nephews and 3 nieces, so we have some experience. Any thoughts on this topic much appreciated!!
Hope you are all well - looking forward to fall (summer is too dang HOT for me!!).
Love, Saud
Friday, August 6, 2010
It's He-ere!
My belly, that is!
So, I've got a bit of a chubby bump now. AND we go today for our second ultrasound. We went for a first one about 2-3 weeks ago, everything is fine, except that we went about 2 weeks too early. So we "HAVE" to go back for another one, so they can better measure the face and check out the heart.
I also got some maternity clothes delivered from JCPenny - will have to send back for a larger size (dammit!), but at least I know what size now, since these are only available online. yay, pants!
Baby room is coming along. It's getting crowded with clothes from Grammie and gifts and diapers, but I'm working to get my clothes and stuff out of there, so there will be room to add a baby... can't wait!!
Have a nice weekend, everyone!
Love, Saud
PS Special thanks to my bud Jen, who showed me how to upload pics... I'll get better, I promise!!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Why don't I have a Belly?
I'm sure in a few weeks, this post will be "what happened to my belly?" but for now... I keep waiting for the beautiful, cute little pregnancy "bump" that all the celebs have when they get knocked up. Why, why can't this miracle happen to me?
Probably for the same reason I don't weigh 101 lbs and do yoga for an hour every day to 'stay fit'... but that's ok. I'm looking basically a bit chubby, but I did have someone come up to me last week and say "you are expecting!" It was kinda cool... so cool I forgot to say "what do you mean, no I'm not" with a shocked expression on my face. hehe that one never gets old, truly!
So I have a chubby belly, which means my loosest pants are starting to pinch and chafe. Which means the dreaded Pants Shopping. For those of you with junk in the trunk, you know what I'm talking about. You have maybe 2 stores that fit You, and then the other stores you can buy tops or shoes in. Note to self: those 2 stores that fit You actually fit pre-pregnancy you, not Knocked Up You.
So I've resorted to online shopping without the pre-fitting test run that might normally accompany said shopping spree. Which is you would go into a store, try a bunch of crap on, find the one pair of pants in the entire store that fits You (see note to self, above) and then proceed to purchase 4 more pairs in different colors from their online stock. This new shopping for Knocked Up You simply skips the first step. As an added bonus, all the pants are now simply S-XL, 1X and 2X (when available). Who knows what size you are - it's like being 14 all over again!! Hell, Hell I tell you!!
We'll see how JCPenney's does - they have a pretty good online selection, so it could happen. It's getting close to fall (i.e. Pants season) and the ones I have are not fitting, so it's gotta happen. If you happen to have any Chubby Girl/ Knocked Up Me pants that might fit, please feel free to send along. I promise to return if/ when they do not fit.
PS if you haven't seen Facebook, I've posted pics of the crib I put together, and of the UP trip last week.
Talk to you all soon-
Love, Saud
Probably for the same reason I don't weigh 101 lbs and do yoga for an hour every day to 'stay fit'... but that's ok. I'm looking basically a bit chubby, but I did have someone come up to me last week and say "you are expecting!" It was kinda cool... so cool I forgot to say "what do you mean, no I'm not" with a shocked expression on my face. hehe that one never gets old, truly!
So I have a chubby belly, which means my loosest pants are starting to pinch and chafe. Which means the dreaded Pants Shopping. For those of you with junk in the trunk, you know what I'm talking about. You have maybe 2 stores that fit You, and then the other stores you can buy tops or shoes in. Note to self: those 2 stores that fit You actually fit pre-pregnancy you, not Knocked Up You.
So I've resorted to online shopping without the pre-fitting test run that might normally accompany said shopping spree. Which is you would go into a store, try a bunch of crap on, find the one pair of pants in the entire store that fits You (see note to self, above) and then proceed to purchase 4 more pairs in different colors from their online stock. This new shopping for Knocked Up You simply skips the first step. As an added bonus, all the pants are now simply S-XL, 1X and 2X (when available). Who knows what size you are - it's like being 14 all over again!! Hell, Hell I tell you!!
We'll see how JCPenney's does - they have a pretty good online selection, so it could happen. It's getting close to fall (i.e. Pants season) and the ones I have are not fitting, so it's gotta happen. If you happen to have any Chubby Girl/ Knocked Up Me pants that might fit, please feel free to send along. I promise to return if/ when they do not fit.
PS if you haven't seen Facebook, I've posted pics of the crib I put together, and of the UP trip last week.
Talk to you all soon-
Love, Saud
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