Our Greatest Adventure: Weeks 29 and 30

4/16/2013 and 4/23/2013 

This week was filled with sadness. On Monday, there were two bombs that went off at the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring hundreds. It made me question if bringing a baby into a world with such crazy people is a good idea. I know there is really no turning back now, and I don’t want to…Husbandy did remind me we are bringing goodness into the world. Then, on Wednesday, there was an explosion in West, Texas that killed 14 at least and injured 160+. I've been to West several times on my way to/from College Station and it’s just this sweet little Czech town. My prayers are with the families and friends that were impacted by both of these events. May the Lord be with our nation as we find strength to carry on. 

Ok, so I didn't post a blog last week because I was out of town and never found the time. So, this week I’m combining my 29th and 30th week. At this point, I really couldn't tell you what happened when anyway. 

How far along: 29/30 weeks 

30 weeks!

How big is baby: About the length of a cucumber and the weight of a head of cabbage. Reese’s brain continues to develop as brain tissue is increasing. Red blood cells are also being produced which furthers her ability to live outside the womb. 

Total weight gain: At my dr appointment I think I was right at 14 lbs. 

Maternity clothes: I ended up buying the maxi skirt at Old Navy and I love it. It’s super comfy and fits really well. I actually think it makes me look like a cute little pregnant lady. :)

Sleep: Oh, it started off ok, but it’s gotten a little worse. During the night I feel like I’m sleeping pretty good, but never feel rested in the morning. 

Best moment of the week: 

1) Husbandy and I started Bradley classes on 4/16. I’m really excited to learn about relaxation techniques that will help me deliver Reese without an epidural. I think the first class also helped Husbandy see why having a baby sans medication is so helpful for the baby and mom. I am not completely against medication, but I would really love to be able to have Reese without any. As the classes go on we will be working on our birth plan, learning techniques, watching videos, etc. 

2) I had a dr appointment on 4/18. While there, I had another sono because they wanted to look at my kidneys. Nothing was found in my right one, but the tech did see something in my left. I thought that was kind of strange because any feelings I've had that felt like kidney stones have been on my right. She couldn't say for sure that it was or wasn't, but just something they will keep an eye on. While laying on the table she decided to let me get a glimpse of Reese. I didn't get a video since I was the only one there, but I promise she was talking to me. Her little mouth was moving away. I realize she could have been eating, but I think she was communicating. :) This was the first appointment I've had since results of my three hour glucose test came back. Dr B again said I don’t need to take blood daily, but did recommend I see a nutritionist. I’m trying to get in touch with family friends before going to see one at the hospital, but so far no luck. Other than that, things are going well. 

3) On the 21st I made my way to Austin for a conference. Nothing too exciting happened there, but on Wednesday I got to stay with my cousin. It was nice spending time with her, just hanging out and watching Duck Dynasty. On Thursday, my dad picked me up and we met Jason, Bec, and Aidan for lunch in Austin. We wanted to try this BBQ place, Franklin’s, but you apparently have to get there at 8:30am if you want to eat by 11 (that’s when they open and they serve until there is no more food). We got there at 1 and they told us there was an hour and fifteen minute wait and they couldn't guarantee food. Sooo…we decided to execute plan B and go to the Magnolia Café. After eating I hung out by myself while everyone else continued their drive to San Antonio until Husbandy made it into Austin. Then we were on our way. 

4) Our time in SA was so fun. I got to hang out with my family and play with my niece and nephew. Thursday night we had a super nice dinner at the hotel. I got lobster crepes which were real good. On Friday we went to Sea World, and that was a lot of fun. Unfortunately, my feet didn't like me being on them all day and swelled up like a balloon. They are still recovering and it’s kind of creepy. Saturday was a spa day for the girls and golf day for the guys. I finally got the mani/pedi I've been waiting for for weeks! I also had a prenatal massage which was super nice. Husbandy got his first massage at the same time and also enjoyed it. Sunday we headed to Mass at the University of Incarnate Word, then to lunch before heading home. 

5) Husbandy came home one day while I was at the conference and noticed our travel system sitting on the porch. At first he couldn't figure out who sent it, but then he saw something with Merit’s address on it! Yup, my company bought us this! We are so thankful, one big item can be checked off our list. :)

Food cravings: I had such good food these past two weeks, I really didn't need to crave anything. 

Food aversions: I’m going to stick with garlic. I want sweets to taste good, but still aren't up to par. Again, this is good cause I shouldn't be eating them anyway. 

Symptoms: One morning I woke up and stretched and got a terrible cramp in my right calf. I just started yelling (for lack of a better word) and Husbandy rushed over. Luckily he was already awake and had just gotten out of the shower. I know it freaked him out cause he later told me the first thing that went through his mind was that I was going into labor. Thankfully, that wasn't the case. Anyway, once he figured out what was going on, he helped me massage it out. After that happened my leg felt tight for about 2 days. 

Hellllloooo swelling. I thought I had bad swelling already. Ha. This past week showed me what feet swelling really is. I think being at Sea World started it, and now my feet swell basically everyday then go down some during the night. 

I’m still very emotional and find lots of things to cry about. But, also during Mass, right during the consecration of the Eucharist, I got the giggles. I could not stop laughing. Husbandy just looked at me so confused, “What the heck is so funny?!” “Nothing! I just can’t stop!” I literally had to bite my cheek and keep telling myself nothing was funny for me to calm down. Seriously, could there have been better timing? 

Movement: I was really good at my kick counts during my 29th week and Reese was really good at getting the 10 movements within an hour. Then, during my 30th week, while I was traveling, it was hard for me to keep track. All my movement on Thursday/Friday must have put Reese to sleep. This of course made me wonder what was going on inside and there were even some tears that welled up. I have been told by both my SIL, sister, and BIL not to stress over it, but you know me....

What I’m looking forward to: This month is all about Reese preparation. I would love to say “yes!” when people ask if the nursery is done. 

What I miss: Ok, so I did want a diet coke this week pretty badly. I know, one coke isn't going to hurt anything….but with all the sugar in it, I had to pass. 

Next appt: May 6th 

Workout/Fitness: Some walks on the treadmill and lots of walking around San Antonio! One night I did several sets of 10 squats. I think this may have triggered the leg cramp (maybe I didn't stretch well?!), so now I’m nervous to do that again.

Pregnancy Thought: I absolutely love it when people tell me I look cute or something along those lines. If I was told that everyday by the same person it wouldn't mean quite as much. But, every now and then when a random girl at work says "Kim, you look so cute today" or "That's a really fun outfit." it just makes my day. I definitely don't feel cute much these days, so hearing it from other girls is nice.

Our Greatest Adventure: Week 28

4/9/2013 

 

How far along: 28 weeks…third trimester is here! I cannot believe it. 

 

How big is baby: The size of an eggplant. Reese is developing more fat so her skin is starting to get smoother. Her lungs have also matured enough to where if she came early she would have a good chance of surviving. 

 

Total weight gain: I didn’t gain weight again this week, which is wierd. It might have something to do with cutting carbs and sugar though. 

 

Maternity clothes: This week old navy was having a sale so I bought a couple shirts. They are super comfortable, I’m now looking at a cute maxi skirt I want. 

 

Sleep: Still no big changes with sleep. I have to make sure to give my stomach and back support or else it causes problems. It just feels like my stomach is so huge, it needs something to support it all the time. 

 

Best moment of the week: 

 

1. Tuesday was mom’s birthday! The kids got together and cooked her a nice meal (steak, salmon, potatoes, salad, corn, buyon onions, and a strawberry dessert) while she got to play with Brooklyn and Aidan. It was a really good night with the whole family. Happy birthday, Mimi! 

 

The only possible way this picture could get cuter is if it had Reese in it. :) I'm sure we'll get plenty of those!

2. Over the weekend we went to College Station, which is always a good time. On Friday we went with Husbandy’s old roommate to get his Aggie Ring. Whoop! We hung out with him for a bit and got dinner, then headed to where we were staying for the weekend. Our good friend’s parents are always gracious to offer a room for us to stay in, they are such wonderful hosts and we are very thankful for them! On Saturday we went to the Maroon and White game, I was worried about getting too hot, but luckily we found shade. Afterwards, we hung out at the house and played with Abby and Kate. Nothing makes a weekend more complete in College Station than going to Mass at St Mary’s! So, that’s of course what we did on Sunday. After Mass we ate lunch and headed home. It was a great weekend away from the house, and possibly the only Aggie football game I 'llsee live this year (excluding the Cotton Bowl). :)

 

3. When we got back to Dallas on Sunday we met up with a friend of mine for dinner that I haven’t seen in about four years. It was good catching up! 

 

Food cravings: Again, no big cravings. My taste buds are trying to get used to my meat and veggie filled diet. They certainly missed the fries at Wings N More that were not consumed. 

 

Food aversions: Meats are thankfully getting better. I’m still staying away from garlic and desserts never taste as good as I remember them tasting. 

 

Symptoms: Still have a shot of pain when I get out of bed down my right leg. I’ve also had some aches/pains/cramps from all the growth Reese is going through. I also think I may have experienced some Braxton Hicks, but I’m not sure. Sometimes my stomach is really tight and hard, so I figure that’s what’s happening, though it lasts longer than I would expect. I’m going to mention it to Dr B during my next appointment. 

 

Movement: This week I’ve started to count Reese’s movements. I have a little tracking sheet, and the goal is to feel 10 movements within an hour sometime during the day. Reese typically gets her counts in between 8:30-10:00 am. 

 

What I’m looking forward to: My dad is taking the kids on a trip to San Antonio at the end of the month. It sounds like it’s going to be pretty relaxing, so I’m definitely looking forward to it! Hopefully there is nice weather.

 

What I miss: Not having to look at everything I eat to see how many carbs are in it. I am learning a lot though. 

 

Next appt: April 18 

 

Workout/Fitness: More walking on the treadmill and all over Aggieland. I think I need to start adding more squats in preparation.

Our Greatest Adventure: Week 27

04/02/2013 

How far along: 27 Weeks! 

How big is baby: Ha. I got a little confused this week cause one of the websites I look at to see what Reese is doing this week says she is now the size of a rutabaga. I knew I recognized that and it turns out the other website I use said she was this size two weeks ago! So, who really knows how big she is, ok I do. (see Dr’s visit below) Reese is rapidly developing an immune system and has lots of brain activity. She can even open and close her eyes. 

Total weight gain: I weighed myself this morning and I had lost a couple pounds. I find this a little odd. 

Maternity clothes: Yup, still rocking those. With summer right around the corner I’m wanting more and more to go use my Old Navy gift cards for some cute skirts, shirts, and dresses. I also still have a little bit of money for Destination Maternity. 

Sleep: No big changes from last week. My belly feels pretty large so it takes a little bit to get comfortable, but once there I sleep pretty well. 

Best moment of the week: 

On Friday I went out for a girl’s night and had a lot of fun. We started off with some yummy pizza then moved ourselves to a bar. It was quite a different experience as I obviously only drank water (I asked for a cranberry and soda, but she came back and told me they didn’t have it. She said we have coke and things like that. I was pretty sure she was confused…I wasn’t wanting a cranberry flavored soda. Either way, I didn’t feel like questioning her, but seriously, she had to be wrong), but I had a good time. 

On Sunday Husbandy and I watched Aidan for a while. He reminded me how very soon Reese is going to be here and how adorable baby sleep smiles are. :) I’m so excited to see them grow up together! 

Food cravings: Pizza and hamburgers 

Food aversions: No big changes 

Symptoms: I found myself saying sarcastically rude comments to Husbandy this week. Poor guy, thankfully he is still talking to me. When I get out of bed,  a lot of the time I get this sharp pain in my right lower back. I have to pause cause it hurts so bad; I think it’s probably my sciatic nerve. Still swelling, I just refer to my feet as little sausages. 

Movement: Hmm there were definitely a few days this week Reese did not move a lot. I still don’t like when this happens! I did get one little movement on video. It’s around 5 seconds to the upper right of my bellybutton (I found it helps if you make the video bigger). She had been moving a lot, so I thought I would catch more, but we all know how that goes. 

Gender: I think you know this by now. 

What I’m looking forward to: We are going to College Station this weekend! I’m really excited to be down there; maybe I’ll even get myself a maroon dress. :)

What I miss: Not having to pee so much. I feel like it’s all the time. 

Next appt: April 18th 

Workout/Fitness: This week I actually walked on the treadmill a few times after work! Yea me. 

Dr Appt: So, as we know I had to go take the three hour glucose test. Because I had to fast starting at midnight, I woke up around 11:30 and ate a snack. Hopefully they meant midnight when they told me that. :) I got there before the nurses did, so I couldn't start the test right away. But, I finally got down to the lab around 8:45. I immediately saw the orange flavored drink sitting out and asked if they had any other flavors, but they didn't. I started giving myself a pep talk cause I knew I would need one. I explained that I don’t like orange anything, but the nurses didn't seem to care. Rude. They first tried to take my blood on my right arm, but all it did was drip. At that point I was thinking, wow this is going to take forever if I have to fill that entire vile, so I told the nurse my left arm usually works better. Thankfully, it did. After the fasting blood test, I had to drink the drink. Ewwww. It was so gross. I then had to wait an hour to take the test again. During this time I basically looked like a creeper in the hospital waiting area. I got kind of tired, so I tried to get a short nap, then I went to make sure the online registration I did with the hospital went through. Eventually, it was time to take my blood again. The nurse checked my right arm to see if there was more pressure now, but she didn't think it would work, so she had to use my left. Poor guy, it got stuck four different times! And, I now look like a druggie (both arms bruised a little). In between hour one and two, I went up to Dr. B’s office to tell them I was going to be late for my 11:30 appt (I moved my April 11th appt up a week) as my last blood test wasn't until 11:45. I was then told the sono tech could get me in early. Typically this is good news, but my sister was meeting me and I didn't want her to miss the sono!! I quickly texted her hoping her morning had gone well. Luckily, it had and she was on her way. She actually ended up walking in the office at the exact time they had called me back, so it worked perfect! The sono went really well, Reese was actually measuring exactly 27 weeks and 1 day (which is how far along I was) and weighed 2.3lbs. YEA! Everything else looked great too. We did get a video, it’s somewhat long and I will admit it’s hard to make out what is happening. The sono tech points out the heart right when the video starts, you can see it pumping away briefly in the middle of the screen. Around 14 seconds you can kind of make out the profile of her head on the right of the screen and her right hand. Then we just sit there for a while. At 48-50 seconds it’s just her hand on the screen, then more of the head. Around 1:30 we move down to the leg, and then at about 2:00 you can see the heartbeat on the left side of the screen. She was moving around and is getting bigger so it’s hard to see, but I promise those things are there. 

After the sono it was back down for the two hour blood test, then back up to see Dr B. I asked him about the ligament pain I had the week prior and he said that was pretty normal. Although, he was kind of concerned it lasted for so long. He brought up kidney stones again and I reminded him I've had them in the past. I think he forgot to write this down the first time I told him, and ended up prescribing me to a low dose medication to help prevent them as they can cause preterm labor. He also scheduled another sono for the next visit so they could take a look at my kidneys. After seeing Dr B it was back down to the lab for the last blood test. At this point I was pretty hungry and thirsty, so I was grateful for the water I brought. I also brought some strawberries, but was told not to have any fruit as they contain sugar, which, obviously, my body didn't need. 

Thank you so much to my sister who came and hung out with me! Being able to talk with someone really helped pass the time, plus I got to see Aidan. :D 

The next Monday (4/8) I got a call from Dr B with the results. Basically, I’m borderline. If two of the four blood tests come back abnormal, they will diagnose you with GD. Only my one hour test came back super high, but my two hour test was only one point away from being abnormal. So, they aren't going to diagnose me yet, but just monitor my sugar levels and Reese’s size. I also have to cut back on the carbs and sugar. I've been reading a lot of forums trying to figure out good meals and snacks for me to eat, so no more desserts or pasta for me!

Our Greatest Adventure: Week 26

3/26/2013

How far along: 26 weeks 

After Easter Mass

How big is baby: The size of a cucumber (as far as length goes). Reese has formed eye lashes and will soon be able to open her eyes. She’s also getting ready for life outside the womb by soaking up my antibodies. Lastly, and what I find most amazing, she’s taking breaths of amniotic fluid and getting practice for breathing air! 

Total weight gain: 15 lbs 

Maternity clothes: I can still wear my t-shirts, but unfortunately those aren't encouraged at work. I’m sure everyone can predict what I’m going to wear within a two week span, cause that’s about as many options I have. I’m not complaining though. 

Sleep: Sleep got a little harder this week. I think Reese may have had a growth spurt, cause I feel like my belly is huuge! Getting comfortable in bed is taking more and more time and some groans. I also feel like I have so many pillows around me, I’m getting hot in the middle of the night. Still getting up for bathroom breaks, that’s just not going to end. 

Best moment of the week: 

Easter! On Friday Husbandy and I went over to my brother’s house for dinner. His in laws were in town from San Antonio and the dad is one amazing Italian cook. My mom , sister, BIL, and Aidan were also there. Mr. A’s specialty is spaghetti with fish sauce and shrimp, calamari, flounder, and lobster on the side. Sooo tasty! On Sunday, we went to Mass with my mom, sister, BIL, BIL’s mom, and nephew. Then, we headed to Anna to see Papa Joe and the rest of the family; and of course to eat a good Easter meal. It was supposed to rain all day, but it ended up being a beautiful and relaxing day. 

Food cravings: Hmm, don’t think I had any big cravings this week. 

Food aversions: Same. 

Symptoms: On Thursday, I had a weird pain to the left of my bellybutton down to my pelvis. I wasn't really sure what it was, but after doing some research and talking with my sister and SIL, I think it was ligament pain. It hurt really bad. When I was sitting I felt like it would feel better if I stood, but then when I did I felt like I needed to sit again. I wanted to call Dr B on Friday, but due to the holiday his office was closed. I’ll mention it the next time I see him. 

Movement: One day this week Reese was doing lots and lots of flips. I was at work, but I wanted so badly to just watch my stomach. 

Gender: Girl 

What I’m looking forward to: April is going to be a pretty fun month filled with time in College Station and a nice trip to San Antonio! I can’t wait for both of these things. 

What I miss: Sushi and places like Potbelly 

Next appt: Well, it was supposed to be April 11th, but I got a call and my glucose test came back abnormal. :( So, now I’m headed there on the 3rd to do the three hour test. I’m really praying that things come back ok and they tell me Reese is doing well. I also moved my sono to be the same day, which will hopefully help ease my mind. Right now, I’m just nervous though. I’m also nervous for the fact that I can’t eat anything after midnight for the three hour test. I still get sick if I don’t eat for a while, and seeing as I can’t eat until the test is over, I’ll be not eating for 12 hours! That should be interesting. 

Workout/Fitness: Oh, about the same. Husbandy and I had the best of intentions to go on a walk on Friday. We were actually already on it, and then we got the call from my brother saying we should come over for dinner. He didn't give us much warning (as in dinner was being served in an hour) and I hadn't showered for the day….so we turned around. Oops.