Ah, time is ticking away and it's getting to the point where I'm not sure how I feel about all of this. It's positive, but it's everything. I'm starting to get nervous about labor and delivery and I can't get enough of people's birth stories. I know I'm strong and I know I can do it, but I'm still scared. I need to let go of that fear though. I've read that it will keep you from having a smooth delivery and if you go in with fear, you'll create resistance, which in turn more PAIN! The crazy part too is trying to imagine what that pain is like - I have nothing to compare it to. And then I have people tell me, having the baby is a piece of cake, just wait until after the baby is home.
I'm a feeling a lot of physical changes. My belly and boobs are itchy. I do put on some Burt's Bees body balm that feels great. I have all kinds of crazy blue and green veins running through my body. I kind of look like a map. The baby is kicking and moving as if he's trying to get out. It hurts! But it's amazing. I sometimes wonder about my tolerance of pain when I do feel the aggressive movements. But seriously, it hurts and sometimes I brace for the next kick or punch and hope that it isn't as hard. I also feel this weird umbilical cord sensation from the inside. I read somewhere that the baby uses it like a toy. So yeah, he's definitely yanking on it or something, which isn't so pleasant...
I am being a wuss though and have to say that with the discomfort comes the joy. I look down and think, holy shit, I'm having a baby. I think about what he's going to look like, about what kind of personality he's going to have, whether he's going to be a difficult baby or an easy baby. There are no opinions or judgements on these thoughts, I just wonder and get all excited.
I haven't been able to really nest since the house is on the market. It doesn't bother me though. I love having a de-cluttered, clean, house and have learned that this is how I want to continue living, whether in a new house or not. In a few weeks, I'm going to pull out the basics for what I will need when the baby is born and that's it. I'm sure that will do for a month or two. I'd like to bring my baby into a simple, de-cluttered world!
My nesting has consisted of what we are going to experience with the baby and what I'd like our lives to look like. I'm very adamant about living in a different country (preferably in Latin-America) just for a couple of years. We need to expose our child (or children and ourselves) to another culture once and a while. My husband and I know the beauty and benefits of that, and it would be a shame to not do that with our children. I couldn't wait to tell my husband about my plan, but when he returned from Guatemala recently he wasn't feeling well, physically, and well I thought it might not be a good time... I did mention it though so I know we'll have the conversation later.
I'm now planning baby showers with friends and family. That's another thing I'd like to be cognizant of. We have most of the "stuff" we need for the baby, given by family and friends, so we're needing to be a bit creative about gifts and such. My husband and I have always agreed that we should live with the minimum, that we shouldn't waste, that we should recycle everything and anything that we can. This baby will not be deprived in any way, shape, or form and we're just hopeful that our children will adapt and enjoy these basic standards of living.
I have more photos to post, so stay tuned.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Some photos - 25 weeks pregnant
These photos were taken 4 weeks ago. I am much bigger now. We took photos last week, but they are on the camera that my husband has with him (out of town). I will definitely post those so you can see the difference. I thought I looked pregnant then, but just wait until the 28 week ones are posted. It's amazing what a difference a few weeks makes.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Circumcision
My husband and I have been questioning whether we should circumcise the baby or not. I never thought it would be so difficult to decide. I talk to my clients all the time about whether or not they are going to and if they should or if they shouldn't. We tell them that insurance does not pay for it because doctors are finding research stating it isn't medically necessary. I never really thought about what we would want for the baby, but now, now that it's OUR baby, it's so tough!
My first instinct was that we would circumcise, naturally. I've never seen an uncircumcised penis (only in books) and I have to say that an uncircumcised penis seems to be unattractive. We are finding in the research out there that this is everyone's impression. Most families have their baby boy's penis circumcised simply because it looks better. Some do it because they believe it must be more hygienic. Studies out there show that either way, it's the same. Yeah, when your little boy is 3 years old, you'll have to show him to pull back the skin when bathing or wiping, but it would be the same thing as showing your 3 year old little girl to wipe from front to back... That's all it takes.
Studies reveal that children on the West Coast are not circumcised as much as boys in the Midwest. It's 50/50 in California. It's about 80/20 in the upper Midwest. People are saying that now that more and more insurance companies are not paying for it, there will be more uncircumcised babies. There will be a decrease in circumcision and boys will not have to worry about not looking like each other! Yay...!
So, we're still on the fence. Should we have our baby boy go through the unnecessary, painful, but brief experience or should we just say no and move on? It's still very hard to answer. The more I think about it, the more I think we should just do it, but then I think is it really that important? Any comments, suggestions, experiences would be greatly appreciated here.
My first instinct was that we would circumcise, naturally. I've never seen an uncircumcised penis (only in books) and I have to say that an uncircumcised penis seems to be unattractive. We are finding in the research out there that this is everyone's impression. Most families have their baby boy's penis circumcised simply because it looks better. Some do it because they believe it must be more hygienic. Studies out there show that either way, it's the same. Yeah, when your little boy is 3 years old, you'll have to show him to pull back the skin when bathing or wiping, but it would be the same thing as showing your 3 year old little girl to wipe from front to back... That's all it takes.
Studies reveal that children on the West Coast are not circumcised as much as boys in the Midwest. It's 50/50 in California. It's about 80/20 in the upper Midwest. People are saying that now that more and more insurance companies are not paying for it, there will be more uncircumcised babies. There will be a decrease in circumcision and boys will not have to worry about not looking like each other! Yay...!
So, we're still on the fence. Should we have our baby boy go through the unnecessary, painful, but brief experience or should we just say no and move on? It's still very hard to answer. The more I think about it, the more I think we should just do it, but then I think is it really that important? Any comments, suggestions, experiences would be greatly appreciated here.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Movement and Appearance
The holiday in Austin, TX was so fun. It was great to show my family my baby-bump and to hear their excitement for us. I think it was especially great for mom who got to feel the baby move. We were driving to a restaurant to have some good bbq for lunch and we were in the car for a quite a while. The baby was kicking like crazy so I took my mom's hand and put it on my belly. As soon and her hand was on there, the baby kicked really hard. It could've been a punch too, but I think it was a foot. My mom got so excited, and it was just delightful to share that moment with her.
The baby is moving a lot. I'm starting to pick up a pattern too. He moves between 9-10am, then again between 1-3pm, and a lot from about 9-10pm. Sometimes the kicking startles me because I'm usually not expecting it. It's so fun though! I'm trying to show my husband when the baby moves because that just looks funny. He has only felt the baby, but hasn't seen my stomach jump around yet. I'm starting to imagine what it will be like when the baby gets bigger. Alhough, I'm sure it's a bit strange too.
Supposedly the baby weighs about 1 lb and 9oz. I'm 25 weeks along, more than half way there! My body has changed a lot and others are starting to notice that I am clearly pregnant. I'm feeling the weight more and more and noticing that I can't do certain things as gracefully. I definitely feel the bulge when I bend down to put my shoes on. I'm feeling lopsided when I go to put clothes on. And, I somtimes can't see my feet when I look down. This only happens occassionally - it depends on what part of the day it is. I'm smaller in the morning than at night...
I am feeling really good these days and it's true when they say that the second trimester is glorious. One definitely feels good about what is happening and it's like you're in la-la land. Most times, things don't bother me and I'm feeling quite relaxed. It's great. Although, I am becoming absent-minded and kind of air-head-ish. I admit that I am that way without pregnancy, but now it's more pronounced. The good thing is that I don't care! I wonder what the 3rd trimester will bring before I enter that phase. Can't wait!
The baby is moving a lot. I'm starting to pick up a pattern too. He moves between 9-10am, then again between 1-3pm, and a lot from about 9-10pm. Sometimes the kicking startles me because I'm usually not expecting it. It's so fun though! I'm trying to show my husband when the baby moves because that just looks funny. He has only felt the baby, but hasn't seen my stomach jump around yet. I'm starting to imagine what it will be like when the baby gets bigger. Alhough, I'm sure it's a bit strange too.
Supposedly the baby weighs about 1 lb and 9oz. I'm 25 weeks along, more than half way there! My body has changed a lot and others are starting to notice that I am clearly pregnant. I'm feeling the weight more and more and noticing that I can't do certain things as gracefully. I definitely feel the bulge when I bend down to put my shoes on. I'm feeling lopsided when I go to put clothes on. And, I somtimes can't see my feet when I look down. This only happens occassionally - it depends on what part of the day it is. I'm smaller in the morning than at night...
I am feeling really good these days and it's true when they say that the second trimester is glorious. One definitely feels good about what is happening and it's like you're in la-la land. Most times, things don't bother me and I'm feeling quite relaxed. It's great. Although, I am becoming absent-minded and kind of air-head-ish. I admit that I am that way without pregnancy, but now it's more pronounced. The good thing is that I don't care! I wonder what the 3rd trimester will bring before I enter that phase. Can't wait!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Carpal Tunnel?!?!
In the last three nights, I've been waking up to numbing, tingling forearms, hands, and fingers. I've heard at work that pregnant women experience carpal tunnel syndrome throughout their pregnancies. The first night I felt it, I thought I was just sleeping on my arm, but then it happened again and it hit me that what I was feeling was carpal tunnel! I wasn't expecting it at all!!
It wakes me up, but not because it hurts. It's this numbing sensation that is somewhat startling at first, but then I get my hands and arms moving and then it's fine. I do find that my wrists are sore throughout the day, so that has been a bit annoying. So I consulted with the midwife and she said the only thing I can really do is use these wrist wraps at night. These wraps are suppose to help with blood circulation, which will eliminate the tingling and numbing. I found this information on babycenter.com, which helps understand why pregnant women get carpal tunnel:
"What causes carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy?
The carpal tunnel is a bony canal formed by the wrist bones on three sides and a ligament that runs across the wrist on the other. The swelling and fluid retention that's so common during pregnancy can increase the pressure in this relatively narrow and inflexible space, compressing the median nerve that runs through it.
The median nerve gives sensation to the thumb and the index, middle, and half of the ring finger and is responsible for movement of a muscle at the base of the thumb. Pressure on this nerve is what causes the symptoms."
For some women, it comes later in pregnancy, but I was one of the lucky ones to get it a bit early on. That's alright though, I'm getting the braces and hopefully that should work. It should then go away after I deliver...hopefully.
Life has been busy these days, as we are preparing for various events, but it's been really good. I've been feeling really great, and doing what I can to remain healthy. Hope to post again early next week....
It wakes me up, but not because it hurts. It's this numbing sensation that is somewhat startling at first, but then I get my hands and arms moving and then it's fine. I do find that my wrists are sore throughout the day, so that has been a bit annoying. So I consulted with the midwife and she said the only thing I can really do is use these wrist wraps at night. These wraps are suppose to help with blood circulation, which will eliminate the tingling and numbing. I found this information on babycenter.com, which helps understand why pregnant women get carpal tunnel:
"What causes carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy?
The carpal tunnel is a bony canal formed by the wrist bones on three sides and a ligament that runs across the wrist on the other. The swelling and fluid retention that's so common during pregnancy can increase the pressure in this relatively narrow and inflexible space, compressing the median nerve that runs through it.
The median nerve gives sensation to the thumb and the index, middle, and half of the ring finger and is responsible for movement of a muscle at the base of the thumb. Pressure on this nerve is what causes the symptoms."
For some women, it comes later in pregnancy, but I was one of the lucky ones to get it a bit early on. That's alright though, I'm getting the braces and hopefully that should work. It should then go away after I deliver...hopefully.
Life has been busy these days, as we are preparing for various events, but it's been really good. I've been feeling really great, and doing what I can to remain healthy. Hope to post again early next week....
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
A Growing Affection
In the 1st trimester, I read that at the beginning of pregnancy, one "looks inward" upon learning that you are pregnant. You try to let the idea sink in and there's a lot of introspection going on. I might have mentioned this before. But, looking back, it's so true. There are so many phases to this experience and it's very fascinating to me.
The 1st trimester is all about questioning: What is pregnancy going to be like? Why do I feel this way? How are people going to react? What kind of parent am I going to be? Holy crap is this really happening?! For some people, you spend all this time searching for answers - at least I did. I do admire women who go with the flow and learn as they go. Not me. I've always had an anxiety tick (thanks to genetics), but it's OK. I use it to my advantage and I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to know why things happen the way they do, and what you can do to make the best of it all. Anyway, there's definitely a lot of reflecting going on in the 1st trimester because it doesn't seem entirely real that you're going to have a baby.
The 2nd trimester is all about "outward-ness." I'm 22 weeks along this week and I feel really good. The baby is kicking a lot, I'm starting to show, although, I still look like I'm in the "is she gaining weight?" phase, we're starting to gather a lot of baby supplies, and right now it all feels very real. I'm no longer urgently looking on-line for answers, currently not worrying about pregnancy complications, and we are more and more elated with the fact that we're going to have a child!
For me, it started when I felt the baby's first real kicks. Before, it was like I was having muscle twitches in my abdomen - what they call fluttering or butterflies. But now, it's full blown kicking and maybe even little punches. Every time I feel the baby, I think oh, there he is! And I say hello little guy. I know I'm a dork, but that's what comes to mind every time. I'm starting to really enjoy his presence and I realize that my love is growing for him. It's so strange to me, but a good strange!
Part of it too is that we were able to get a whole bunch of baby supplies from my sister. We drove down to Chicago over Thanksgiving and filled a mini-van with stuff. It was great. We feel very blessed to have all these things and to know that all this money is not being spent. It feels good to know we're recycling and hopefully we can pass these things on to others. This is what we received: clothes from 0-12 mos., 2 swings, 2 bouncy seats, a bumbo, an infant carseat w/stroller (my other sister gave us an unused and larger carseat for later), a breast pump, a rocker, extra newborn diapers, a high chair, and other things I'm sure I can't think of right now. My MIL has a crib and changing table for us, so I think we're pretty much set.
Lastly, we're thinking of baby names. Names are so difficult. We want it to be unique, we also want it to be of Latino origin, but we want to choose one that everyone can say without difficulty. We want to tie the name to our families somehow - make connections to preserve legacies. We want to choose a name that will remind us of someone special or someone that has made an impact on us. How the heck do you do this?! We are optimistic though, and I know that we'll come up with something.
It's amazing to see the workings of human nature. To closely look at this timeline of having a baby, and how it influences the way we think and act. My second trimester is going to be a refreshing gentle breeze as we prepare for our baby boy. It's going by quickly with the holidays and all and before I know it, I'll be focusing on labor and delivery. I've kind of put that on the back-burner, but I will definitely be looking at various "techniques" on how I would like to deliver. May not turn out the way I plan, but I will try to be as prepared and open-minded as possible.
The 1st trimester is all about questioning: What is pregnancy going to be like? Why do I feel this way? How are people going to react? What kind of parent am I going to be? Holy crap is this really happening?! For some people, you spend all this time searching for answers - at least I did. I do admire women who go with the flow and learn as they go. Not me. I've always had an anxiety tick (thanks to genetics), but it's OK. I use it to my advantage and I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to know why things happen the way they do, and what you can do to make the best of it all. Anyway, there's definitely a lot of reflecting going on in the 1st trimester because it doesn't seem entirely real that you're going to have a baby.
The 2nd trimester is all about "outward-ness." I'm 22 weeks along this week and I feel really good. The baby is kicking a lot, I'm starting to show, although, I still look like I'm in the "is she gaining weight?" phase, we're starting to gather a lot of baby supplies, and right now it all feels very real. I'm no longer urgently looking on-line for answers, currently not worrying about pregnancy complications, and we are more and more elated with the fact that we're going to have a child!
For me, it started when I felt the baby's first real kicks. Before, it was like I was having muscle twitches in my abdomen - what they call fluttering or butterflies. But now, it's full blown kicking and maybe even little punches. Every time I feel the baby, I think oh, there he is! And I say hello little guy. I know I'm a dork, but that's what comes to mind every time. I'm starting to really enjoy his presence and I realize that my love is growing for him. It's so strange to me, but a good strange!
Part of it too is that we were able to get a whole bunch of baby supplies from my sister. We drove down to Chicago over Thanksgiving and filled a mini-van with stuff. It was great. We feel very blessed to have all these things and to know that all this money is not being spent. It feels good to know we're recycling and hopefully we can pass these things on to others. This is what we received: clothes from 0-12 mos., 2 swings, 2 bouncy seats, a bumbo, an infant carseat w/stroller (my other sister gave us an unused and larger carseat for later), a breast pump, a rocker, extra newborn diapers, a high chair, and other things I'm sure I can't think of right now. My MIL has a crib and changing table for us, so I think we're pretty much set.
Lastly, we're thinking of baby names. Names are so difficult. We want it to be unique, we also want it to be of Latino origin, but we want to choose one that everyone can say without difficulty. We want to tie the name to our families somehow - make connections to preserve legacies. We want to choose a name that will remind us of someone special or someone that has made an impact on us. How the heck do you do this?! We are optimistic though, and I know that we'll come up with something.
It's amazing to see the workings of human nature. To closely look at this timeline of having a baby, and how it influences the way we think and act. My second trimester is going to be a refreshing gentle breeze as we prepare for our baby boy. It's going by quickly with the holidays and all and before I know it, I'll be focusing on labor and delivery. I've kind of put that on the back-burner, but I will definitely be looking at various "techniques" on how I would like to deliver. May not turn out the way I plan, but I will try to be as prepared and open-minded as possible.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
A Healthy Pregnancy - Not Easy!
What I mean by healthy is eating well, exercising, appropriate amount of rest. I always try to be healthy by eating well, drinking lots of water, and exercising because it makes me feel good. I do it moreso to balance my brain, but I do also find it satisfying when I can fit into my clothes comfortably. Now that my body is expanding, I'm not feeling all that comfortable... But I keep thinking to myself, you're growing a baby!
The 1st trimester stopped me from exercising. I was sooooo tired and nauseous that my goal was to get through my day at work and then I would go home and sleep. Working out was not in the picture whatsoever. I've read though that if you can just get yourself to exercise, even 10 minutes a day, you feel better. You're less nauseous and less tired. I couldn't bring myself to do it. I felt guilty about it, but I also told myself that as soon as I felt better, I would get back into my routine. It happened.
I joined a gym a block away from work and it has been great. I thought I'd be running, but I don't. I was all paranoid that I had an incompetent uterus, so I chose to swim, I do some yoga, and I jump on the elliptical machine. All have helped me feel great. I work up a sweat (yeah, even in swimming - I can feel myself getting warmer) and I get my hearbeat going, and it feels wonderful. Yoga has helped immensely with lower-back ache and with breathing. I only workout about 20-30 min every other day, but I don't feel the need to do any more than this. If I weren't pregnant, it'd be a different story, but for some reason, this amount of exercise is perfect for now.
Eating has been quite interesting. I always think...everything in moderation...but being pregnant has made that a bit hard to control. You know when you're about to get your period, and crave something and you go out and just get it without even thinking about it? Well, that's what I feel like now. I crave salty food so I go and look for it! I do talk to myself a lot about what I should be eating, so I try to compensate by eating healthier foods like yogurt and vegetables. I also crave fruit (probably b/c of thirst and wanting something sweet) and I'm glad for that because at least it's not ice cream.
I drink coffee, but only about a cup every other day. When I do drink coffee I do drink more water that day. I do remember craving soda in my 1st trimester. I'm not a soda drinker, but I did have to have the occasional carbonated drink to get rid of that nausea. I would look for something like Fresca or 7up. Ginger Ale works great too.
In this second trimester, my taste buds have certainly gone wild. I hope to eat more spinach salads and more green vegetables. With the holidays, I'm hoping not to let-loose, but if I do, I have Jan-April to recover. I do have to say that it's easier when you think about the baby inside of you and you think of what you are feeding them. It's a great feeling when you know that the healthy food you are eating, your baby is eating it too.
Oh and rest, well, I sleep ok. I toss and turn and I'm getting used to not sleeping on my back. When we go to bed, my husband reminds me that I need to sleep on my side. I loved sleeping on my stomach, and can't wait to do that again!!! I don't feel the urge to take naps anymore, but people keep telling me that I need to get all the naps and all the rest in as much as possible b/c "when that baby comes, you're not going to have time to do that!!!" AH!
The 1st trimester stopped me from exercising. I was sooooo tired and nauseous that my goal was to get through my day at work and then I would go home and sleep. Working out was not in the picture whatsoever. I've read though that if you can just get yourself to exercise, even 10 minutes a day, you feel better. You're less nauseous and less tired. I couldn't bring myself to do it. I felt guilty about it, but I also told myself that as soon as I felt better, I would get back into my routine. It happened.
I joined a gym a block away from work and it has been great. I thought I'd be running, but I don't. I was all paranoid that I had an incompetent uterus, so I chose to swim, I do some yoga, and I jump on the elliptical machine. All have helped me feel great. I work up a sweat (yeah, even in swimming - I can feel myself getting warmer) and I get my hearbeat going, and it feels wonderful. Yoga has helped immensely with lower-back ache and with breathing. I only workout about 20-30 min every other day, but I don't feel the need to do any more than this. If I weren't pregnant, it'd be a different story, but for some reason, this amount of exercise is perfect for now.
Eating has been quite interesting. I always think...everything in moderation...but being pregnant has made that a bit hard to control. You know when you're about to get your period, and crave something and you go out and just get it without even thinking about it? Well, that's what I feel like now. I crave salty food so I go and look for it! I do talk to myself a lot about what I should be eating, so I try to compensate by eating healthier foods like yogurt and vegetables. I also crave fruit (probably b/c of thirst and wanting something sweet) and I'm glad for that because at least it's not ice cream.
I drink coffee, but only about a cup every other day. When I do drink coffee I do drink more water that day. I do remember craving soda in my 1st trimester. I'm not a soda drinker, but I did have to have the occasional carbonated drink to get rid of that nausea. I would look for something like Fresca or 7up. Ginger Ale works great too.
In this second trimester, my taste buds have certainly gone wild. I hope to eat more spinach salads and more green vegetables. With the holidays, I'm hoping not to let-loose, but if I do, I have Jan-April to recover. I do have to say that it's easier when you think about the baby inside of you and you think of what you are feeding them. It's a great feeling when you know that the healthy food you are eating, your baby is eating it too.
Oh and rest, well, I sleep ok. I toss and turn and I'm getting used to not sleeping on my back. When we go to bed, my husband reminds me that I need to sleep on my side. I loved sleeping on my stomach, and can't wait to do that again!!! I don't feel the urge to take naps anymore, but people keep telling me that I need to get all the naps and all the rest in as much as possible b/c "when that baby comes, you're not going to have time to do that!!!" AH!
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