So, today we're making it officially official, and finally telling everyone about the pregnancy. I'm well out of my second trimester, and at last check everything still looked great with the baby, so we feel comfortable to announce it now. I'm pretty much still sick as a dog, and really REALLY looking forward to feeling better again, but at least we know the baby is healthy.
Many of you probably received your Easter cards today, making the announcement. If you haven't received it yet, it will either be there Monday, or I just don't have your current address (sorry.)
Hope to see you all soon!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Healthy Heartbeat
It's been a looooooong past few weeks. Instead of the morning sickness tapering off, they have actually only gotten worse, which is odd since I am now nearly 16 weeks. We met with our doctor again today to discuss different medication options, since the current ones haven't really helped much, and dehydration and exhaustion have become a major factor. Hopefully, the new meds will help the nausea & acid reflux, and therefore the dehydration. I really can't wait to feel better... or at least, something closer to normal.
I had a moment of panic today when the nurses couldn't find the baby's heartbeat. Every time it appeared to be located, it turned out to be my own pulse (which is obviously much slower than the baby's.) Finally, the doctor was able to locate it, though no one appreciated the game of hide-and-seek that the munchkin wanted to play today.
Russ has really been great through all this. He's basically taken over the eBay store, and been taking great care of me as well. I'm not used to being this worthless and out of commission. On the upside, he's getting to enjoy some of the random cravings I've had at odd hours of the day and night. (I'm jealous though, because when he eats, it doesn't make a return appearance.)
Today was actually the first time that I've heard the heartbeat at all, which was another nice moment. I can't wait til the next ultrasound next month to see the baby again!
I had a moment of panic today when the nurses couldn't find the baby's heartbeat. Every time it appeared to be located, it turned out to be my own pulse (which is obviously much slower than the baby's.) Finally, the doctor was able to locate it, though no one appreciated the game of hide-and-seek that the munchkin wanted to play today.
Russ has really been great through all this. He's basically taken over the eBay store, and been taking great care of me as well. I'm not used to being this worthless and out of commission. On the upside, he's getting to enjoy some of the random cravings I've had at odd hours of the day and night. (I'm jealous though, because when he eats, it doesn't make a return appearance.)
Today was actually the first time that I've heard the heartbeat at all, which was another nice moment. I can't wait til the next ultrasound next month to see the baby again!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
It's a... Green or Orange jar?
So if you have had a baby, or are trying, you've certainly been in the pregnancy test aisle. It's possible you've also seen the box for Intelligender, an at-home gender test. In theory, this test in a box can tell you the gender of your baby as early as 10 weeks. Being the impatient person that I am, I decided to give it a try. Basically, instead of peeing on a stick, you pee in a jar filled with chemicals and after ten minutes you look to see what color it is. If it's orange, it's a girl. If it's green, it's a boy. Supposedly, this test is measuring hormones in your urine and if there is testosterone present, it's a sure sign you're having a boy... supposedly. While waiting the 10 minutes to see what color it changed, I did a little more googling on the test. The test's website boasts a 90% accuracy rate in their own labs, and an 80% accuracy rate in home use. After looking at a lot of pregnancy forums, it looks like it's more like a 60-65% accuracy... so basically, there's a good chance that this is just a glorified (and more expensive) version of an old wive's tale. Who knows...
So anyways, it turns out that my jar turned green. According to this, I'm having a boy. It could be completely wrong, or the test could have gotten lucky and it could be right. We won't really know anything til April.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Lies, it's all lies.
I'm having a bad expectant mommy day... make that a bad week. I'm a little annoyed at a few things that I was always told *before* I got pregnant.
1. "Morning sickness gets easier and goes away after your first trimester."
- Bulls***. I've officially moved into the second trimester, and it is not getting better. In fact, it's getting worse. Worse than ever. It's been a puke-tastic kind of week.
2. "You have a lot more energy in your 2nd trimester".
- I would *love* for this to kick in any day now. Even when I can't sleep, all I want to do is sleep. I have zero energy whatsoever, and the only work I'm getting done is from my laptop... in bed. Even my cats are looking at me like I'm a lazy bum.
3. "You are pregnant for 9 months."
- Again, bulls***. It's ten months. Don't let anyone fool you. Pregnancy is technically 40 weeks. With an average of 4 weeks per month, that makes it ten months. Nine months is a myth as far as I'm concerned.
4. "You will look radiant and glowing when you're pregnant."
- This might be the biggest lie of all. I am not glowing. At best, I'm flushed and red, and that's generally after a marathon of morning sickness, so I don't think that counts. If not morning sickness, than the heartburn & acid reflux. I'm even paler than normal (scary, I know), I have circles under my eyes, I'm exhausted all the time, yet I can't sleep and in general, I look like crap. You don't have to be nice and try to pretend that I don't, because I know I do. It's all good.
::grumble::
I'll get over it. I know my body is going through hell for a good purpose... but right now, I'm not real thrilled about it. Move along.
1. "Morning sickness gets easier and goes away after your first trimester."
- Bulls***. I've officially moved into the second trimester, and it is not getting better. In fact, it's getting worse. Worse than ever. It's been a puke-tastic kind of week.
2. "You have a lot more energy in your 2nd trimester".
- I would *love* for this to kick in any day now. Even when I can't sleep, all I want to do is sleep. I have zero energy whatsoever, and the only work I'm getting done is from my laptop... in bed. Even my cats are looking at me like I'm a lazy bum.
3. "You are pregnant for 9 months."
- Again, bulls***. It's ten months. Don't let anyone fool you. Pregnancy is technically 40 weeks. With an average of 4 weeks per month, that makes it ten months. Nine months is a myth as far as I'm concerned.
4. "You will look radiant and glowing when you're pregnant."
- This might be the biggest lie of all. I am not glowing. At best, I'm flushed and red, and that's generally after a marathon of morning sickness, so I don't think that counts. If not morning sickness, than the heartburn & acid reflux. I'm even paler than normal (scary, I know), I have circles under my eyes, I'm exhausted all the time, yet I can't sleep and in general, I look like crap. You don't have to be nice and try to pretend that I don't, because I know I do. It's all good.
::grumble::
I'll get over it. I know my body is going through hell for a good purpose... but right now, I'm not real thrilled about it. Move along.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Ultrasound Day!
We got to see our munchkin for the first time today!
We woke up this morning to more snow... and lots of it. I turned on the news to see that I-40 and I-24 were both closing in various places, and had already heard that Old Hickory Blvd was a total mess. I called my Dr's office to make sure that they weren't closing early. They were, in fact closing early and re-scheduling appointments, but my appointment time was right on the cutoff, and they told me to go ahead and come in. I was ecstatic and relieved, because I hadn't slept at all the night before because I was so nervous, so I really didn't want to do that all over again.
Russ and I arrived and got all our paperwork & such done and waited... I know I probably only waited about 3 minutes, but it sure seemed like 30. When we were called back, and our baby came up on the screen it was such a surreal feeling. I *know* I'm pregnant, but seeing a picture has made it so much more real. I'm sick as a dog for a reason at least!
The ultrasound looked great, and we were told that everything looks 'perfect'. That was a very relieving word to hear. As the ultrasound tech was moving the wand around to get different angles and pictures, the baby had a total spazz out and bounced all over the place. It was fun to see him/her move around, and also amusing to see that the baby is as hyper as the two of us are. Yep, we're in trouble.
We left the appointment and made the first phone call to mom. Of course, she already knows, but we wanted to let her know that everything was ok and looked great. After being at the office for a couple hours and having blood drawn, I was hungry and feeling less than stellar. We headed straight to the Arby's on West End. As I was on the phone with mom, I told her we were pulling into Arby's and she started laughing hysterically. It turns out that after every appointment she had at Baptist when she was pregnant with me, she went to that same Arby's every time as well.
We have now called and shared the news with family, but it will be a little bit longer before we share the news with friends, co-workers, etc. So, whenever you're reading this, don't be hurt that we haven't told you yet. We haven't told much of anybody.
So officially... everything looks great, the baby's heartbeat is 162, and my due date is somewhere around September 4th-6th. Labor Day has a dual meaning this year!
We woke up this morning to more snow... and lots of it. I turned on the news to see that I-40 and I-24 were both closing in various places, and had already heard that Old Hickory Blvd was a total mess. I called my Dr's office to make sure that they weren't closing early. They were, in fact closing early and re-scheduling appointments, but my appointment time was right on the cutoff, and they told me to go ahead and come in. I was ecstatic and relieved, because I hadn't slept at all the night before because I was so nervous, so I really didn't want to do that all over again.
Russ and I arrived and got all our paperwork & such done and waited... I know I probably only waited about 3 minutes, but it sure seemed like 30. When we were called back, and our baby came up on the screen it was such a surreal feeling. I *know* I'm pregnant, but seeing a picture has made it so much more real. I'm sick as a dog for a reason at least!
The ultrasound looked great, and we were told that everything looks 'perfect'. That was a very relieving word to hear. As the ultrasound tech was moving the wand around to get different angles and pictures, the baby had a total spazz out and bounced all over the place. It was fun to see him/her move around, and also amusing to see that the baby is as hyper as the two of us are. Yep, we're in trouble.
We left the appointment and made the first phone call to mom. Of course, she already knows, but we wanted to let her know that everything was ok and looked great. After being at the office for a couple hours and having blood drawn, I was hungry and feeling less than stellar. We headed straight to the Arby's on West End. As I was on the phone with mom, I told her we were pulling into Arby's and she started laughing hysterically. It turns out that after every appointment she had at Baptist when she was pregnant with me, she went to that same Arby's every time as well.
We have now called and shared the news with family, but it will be a little bit longer before we share the news with friends, co-workers, etc. So, whenever you're reading this, don't be hurt that we haven't told you yet. We haven't told much of anybody.
So officially... everything looks great, the baby's heartbeat is 162, and my due date is somewhere around September 4th-6th. Labor Day has a dual meaning this year!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Well, not many more answers... but some serious head scratching (literally, and figuratively.)
I'll make this as short as possible, because it is a reaaaaaaal long story. After a series of various Dr's appointments, we don't have a real firm answer. I am still breaking out in hives, though the swelling hasn't been as problematic. My Dr's have had me change *everything* in my house to dye-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. That hasn't really helped anything, but at least nothing has gotten worse.
We do, however, think we know what I'm allergic to... (drumroll).... Progesterone. Yep, the pregnancy hormone. It's weird, and it's rare, but it's possible. Nothing has changed other than the pregnancy, and despite removing all possible outside allergens, I'm still having the same reactions. So, yes, I'm allergic to my baby. Or myself. Take your pick.
Because of all of this, my chances of miscarriage are considerably higher, especially with the steroids that I've had to be on. This re-affirms that it will be a while longer before we start telling people about the pregnancy.
Until then... fingers crossed and prayers said.
I'll make this as short as possible, because it is a reaaaaaaal long story. After a series of various Dr's appointments, we don't have a real firm answer. I am still breaking out in hives, though the swelling hasn't been as problematic. My Dr's have had me change *everything* in my house to dye-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. That hasn't really helped anything, but at least nothing has gotten worse.
We do, however, think we know what I'm allergic to... (drumroll).... Progesterone. Yep, the pregnancy hormone. It's weird, and it's rare, but it's possible. Nothing has changed other than the pregnancy, and despite removing all possible outside allergens, I'm still having the same reactions. So, yes, I'm allergic to my baby. Or myself. Take your pick.
Because of all of this, my chances of miscarriage are considerably higher, especially with the steroids that I've had to be on. This re-affirms that it will be a while longer before we start telling people about the pregnancy.
Until then... fingers crossed and prayers said.
Monday, January 11, 2010
It's the Itchy & Scratchy Show
I don't really know what's going on with me right now, other than it's really weird.
Things got a little strange on Friday night... and have only gotten a little more strange. We had a few friends over on Friday night for our normal poker game. I noticed during the game that my right leg was itching something fierce, but I didn't think too much about it. It is winter, after all, and I figured some lotion would fix it. After everyone left, I went upstairs to change clothes into pj's and noticed that I had about half a dozen red bumps on my leg that looked like mosquito bites. I couldn't figure out where a rogue mosquito had come from in the middle of January, but put some hydrocortizone cream on them and went to bed. I got up the next morning and they had multiplied. They now pretty much covered my legs. At this point, I knew that it was hives and not some weird bug bite, so I took a Benadryl.
Throughout the day, they continued to spread... benadryl didn't do a darn thing, so I resorted to cold showers and ice packs. It helped the itching, but they just kept spreading. Russ tried distracting me by getting me to play wii for a while, so I wouldn't think about the crazy itching that had now spread from the top of my head to my toes. The distraction was working ok until I noticed that I couldn't grip the controllers anymore, as my hands were starting to swell up, and fast. Pretty quickly, it started moving up my arms. The hives had been annoying, but managable. The swelling was something that I couldn't stop, and got a little scared. It was after midnight at this point, and we made the decision that it was time to go to the ER. I honestly don't think I've been to the ER (for myself anyways) since I was 5 years old and bit by a dog.
I knew that my mom was going to be up late, and called her to tell her that we were going to the ER. Keep in mind, she didn't know about the pregnancy yet. She was asking various questions and why I hadn't tried taking certain medications or more of them. I finally told her that I had a secret... that I had wanted to tell her in person, and to do something special, but that circumstances had changed and that I needed her to know what was going on. Needless to say, she is very excited, but was now double-worried.
We went to Summit Medical Center's ER, which ended up being a good choice. There was no one at all in the waiting area, and I was seen immediately. (On a side note, my ER Dr and nurses were amazing and so, so sweet.) The swelling had continued the whole way to the hospital, and was moving up my arms, and I was starting to have a little trouble breathing. By this point, my hives were 4-5 inches wide as well. Since I'm pregnant, there's lots of medications that I can't have, or can't have significant amounts of, but at the same time, all the precautions in the world do no good if I'm not breathing.
We have no idea at this point what has caused this, since nothing has changed. I haven't changed detergent, lotion, shampoo, etc. We haven't gotten new sheets or a new pet, and I haven't eaten anything abnormal. Hives during pregnancy is not unheard of in the third trimester... but is really weird (especially to this extreme degree) in the first. We're all a little stumped. I'd just like to find out what is causing this, so I know what I need to avoid.
They put me on an IV of antihistimines and steroids, which fortunately kicked in quickly. I spent the night at Summit, and they discharged me Sunday morning. The swelling was under control and lessening, but my hives were pretty much unchanged, but at least not getting worse. After some sleep and some more Benadryl, my hives were still visible, but far less itchy & annoying.
I talked to my OB today, and they are sending me to a dermatologist tomorrow to see if they can figure out what it is. Hopefully, I was just exposed to something random, and this won't happen again. We'll see what tomorrow brings!
Things got a little strange on Friday night... and have only gotten a little more strange. We had a few friends over on Friday night for our normal poker game. I noticed during the game that my right leg was itching something fierce, but I didn't think too much about it. It is winter, after all, and I figured some lotion would fix it. After everyone left, I went upstairs to change clothes into pj's and noticed that I had about half a dozen red bumps on my leg that looked like mosquito bites. I couldn't figure out where a rogue mosquito had come from in the middle of January, but put some hydrocortizone cream on them and went to bed. I got up the next morning and they had multiplied. They now pretty much covered my legs. At this point, I knew that it was hives and not some weird bug bite, so I took a Benadryl.
Throughout the day, they continued to spread... benadryl didn't do a darn thing, so I resorted to cold showers and ice packs. It helped the itching, but they just kept spreading. Russ tried distracting me by getting me to play wii for a while, so I wouldn't think about the crazy itching that had now spread from the top of my head to my toes. The distraction was working ok until I noticed that I couldn't grip the controllers anymore, as my hands were starting to swell up, and fast. Pretty quickly, it started moving up my arms. The hives had been annoying, but managable. The swelling was something that I couldn't stop, and got a little scared. It was after midnight at this point, and we made the decision that it was time to go to the ER. I honestly don't think I've been to the ER (for myself anyways) since I was 5 years old and bit by a dog.
I knew that my mom was going to be up late, and called her to tell her that we were going to the ER. Keep in mind, she didn't know about the pregnancy yet. She was asking various questions and why I hadn't tried taking certain medications or more of them. I finally told her that I had a secret... that I had wanted to tell her in person, and to do something special, but that circumstances had changed and that I needed her to know what was going on. Needless to say, she is very excited, but was now double-worried.
We went to Summit Medical Center's ER, which ended up being a good choice. There was no one at all in the waiting area, and I was seen immediately. (On a side note, my ER Dr and nurses were amazing and so, so sweet.) The swelling had continued the whole way to the hospital, and was moving up my arms, and I was starting to have a little trouble breathing. By this point, my hives were 4-5 inches wide as well. Since I'm pregnant, there's lots of medications that I can't have, or can't have significant amounts of, but at the same time, all the precautions in the world do no good if I'm not breathing.
We have no idea at this point what has caused this, since nothing has changed. I haven't changed detergent, lotion, shampoo, etc. We haven't gotten new sheets or a new pet, and I haven't eaten anything abnormal. Hives during pregnancy is not unheard of in the third trimester... but is really weird (especially to this extreme degree) in the first. We're all a little stumped. I'd just like to find out what is causing this, so I know what I need to avoid.
They put me on an IV of antihistimines and steroids, which fortunately kicked in quickly. I spent the night at Summit, and they discharged me Sunday morning. The swelling was under control and lessening, but my hives were pretty much unchanged, but at least not getting worse. After some sleep and some more Benadryl, my hives were still visible, but far less itchy & annoying.
I talked to my OB today, and they are sending me to a dermatologist tomorrow to see if they can figure out what it is. Hopefully, I was just exposed to something random, and this won't happen again. We'll see what tomorrow brings!
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