This pregnancy is whizzing by. Although I try to think about it and prepare when I can, I have to admit that I am too busy with work and Juju and life in general to give it much thought. I really can't believe that it still hasn't sunk in. I have so few feelings about this little person that is coming. I know that will change; I just wonder when.
I continue to be hormonal though, don't worry. The other night I woke up around 2:30 AM for no reason and couldn't fall back asleep. After trying for a while I started to watch "More of the Business of Being Born" on Netflix. I had seen something on TV about it so I decided to check it out. It is actually 4 mini-documentaries the filmmakers did after the original since there was so much buzz from the film and people wanting more. I watched two of the four and it was more of the kind of stuff they got into in the film about what birth is like in the US and they interviewed a bunch of celebrities about the glories of home birth (if I lived in Cindy Crawford or Christy Turlington's house I'd probably want to give birth there too. . .). The stories were inspiring but I still think I'm going to deliver in a hospital this time around.
It got me excited and scared about the birth but mostly again made me really emotional about Juju and when she was born (remember a few weeks ago when I burst into tears right in her face?). It's a good thing this was the middle of the night and she was asleep so she couldn't see me all weepy and sentimental. But that didn't stop me from climbing into her twin sized bed with her and snuggling with her as she slept! I think she is at her most beautiful when she is asleep and it was so peaceful cozying up next to her and stroking her hair while she slept. It took a while but I actually fell asleep with her. Then I woke up to her tossing and turning and kicking me and I retreated back to my room. I'm trying to cherish these moments with her both as an only child but also just as a child at all. I know at some point she won't be across the hall anymore to let me sneak in and snuggle with her.
I went to the chiropractor yesterday but didn't feel much different when I left, I guess because I haven't really had any back pain yet. I don't know if that is attributable to the fact that I have been going to the chiropractor throughout the pregnancy or if I am just getting lucky.
I continue to read a whole lot of pregnancy and birth books and am attracted to hypnobirthing at the moment. No, that does not mean I am going to get hypnotized while giving birth, but rather I'm going to try to learn to focus and get through labor without fearing the inevitable discomfort that comes with giving birth. I'll let you know how that goes. . .
I also just picked up one of Ina Mae Gaskin's books at the library. The folks at the LA Public Library have a whole lot of information about what kind of pregnancy and birth I want to have.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Week 22 update
I'm posting this late because yesterday was Yom Kippur and I was trying to stay offline. Things are going well. I still feel pretty good though I had a really busy day on Monday and my back was a mess that evening. It was a real reminder that I was pregnant as I often forget about the baby. I missed prenatal yoga yesterday due to the holiday so I tried to do some of the poses at home today. I actually felt the baby move while I was doing some of the positions which was a funny feeling. I go to the chiropractor next week (I am trying to go once a month) and looking forward to feeling good when I leave. It really has been quite helpful. I have been having heartburn and still pee a lot. Otherwise most things are the same.
I visited my friend Amy today; she had a baby three weeks ago. Her daughter is adorable and seemed pretty "easy" for the one and a half hours I spent there. It still doesn't feel real to me. Amy also has an older child Juju's age so I am really looking forward to her wisdom on this topic.
I keep thinking I should try acupuncture. I hear it helps pregnant women although I don't have any real problems yet so I am not sure it's worth it to me.
I watched a Ricki Lake show where she revisited the movie the Business of Being Born and every time they showed images of women giving birth I got teary-eyed again. My hormones must still be raging.
I apologize if these updates are boring. There isn't much to report. I have another appointment in two weeks and I have to do the gestational diabetes screen. I hope I don't have it.
I visited my friend Amy today; she had a baby three weeks ago. Her daughter is adorable and seemed pretty "easy" for the one and a half hours I spent there. It still doesn't feel real to me. Amy also has an older child Juju's age so I am really looking forward to her wisdom on this topic.
I keep thinking I should try acupuncture. I hear it helps pregnant women although I don't have any real problems yet so I am not sure it's worth it to me.
I watched a Ricki Lake show where she revisited the movie the Business of Being Born and every time they showed images of women giving birth I got teary-eyed again. My hormones must still be raging.
I apologize if these updates are boring. There isn't much to report. I have another appointment in two weeks and I have to do the gestational diabetes screen. I hope I don't have it.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Pregnancy brain
Pregnancy brain has been catching up with me and I don't like it one bit. Last week I lost my iPhone! I use that gadget about 100 times a day and always know where it is but somehow I left it at Whole Foods. I was so surprised and grateful that another shopper turned it in to customer service. (Security tip: I was able to take possession of my iPhone because it's password protected. Once I unlocked it they knew it was mine - just one of the many reasons you should password protect your phone!!).
Then, the very next day, I left my keys at Juju's school. Fortunately we needed them to drive home so they were only gone about 10 minutes and were similarly turned in to the security desk.
And of course the most important thing I forgot was to update this blog, especially last week when we went for our anatomical scan and the Dr. told Juju she was getting a baby. . . . . . .sister! To be honest, I think one of the reasons I neglected to update this blog was also because nobody seemed particularly shocked by this news. I had a strong feeling from the start that I would be having a girl and the doctor guessed at our 12 week scan that we'd be having another daughter. And of course Juju told me it was a girl from day one. So no one was really impressed with the news, it just felt like he was telling us something we already knew. I really don't care either way; I just hope for a healthy child.
I continue to go to prenatal yoga and I even took a mommy and me belly dancing class with Juju yesterday. The instructor told me she used to teach bellydancing at a hospital in NY where they recommend it to women to aid in their deliveries. Who knew.
I feel the baby move more and more each day but otherwise life really does seem the same. I'm so grateful that I feel really good. My only complaints are that I get tired from time to time.
Juju has changed the baby's name once again. Her little sister-to-be is now known as "Silly Goose Goose."
Then, the very next day, I left my keys at Juju's school. Fortunately we needed them to drive home so they were only gone about 10 minutes and were similarly turned in to the security desk.
And of course the most important thing I forgot was to update this blog, especially last week when we went for our anatomical scan and the Dr. told Juju she was getting a baby. . . . . . .sister! To be honest, I think one of the reasons I neglected to update this blog was also because nobody seemed particularly shocked by this news. I had a strong feeling from the start that I would be having a girl and the doctor guessed at our 12 week scan that we'd be having another daughter. And of course Juju told me it was a girl from day one. So no one was really impressed with the news, it just felt like he was telling us something we already knew. I really don't care either way; I just hope for a healthy child.
I continue to go to prenatal yoga and I even took a mommy and me belly dancing class with Juju yesterday. The instructor told me she used to teach bellydancing at a hospital in NY where they recommend it to women to aid in their deliveries. Who knew.
I feel the baby move more and more each day but otherwise life really does seem the same. I'm so grateful that I feel really good. My only complaints are that I get tired from time to time.
Juju has changed the baby's name once again. Her little sister-to-be is now known as "Silly Goose Goose."
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Half-way home
Here is the week 20 update. This means I am halfway through my pregnancy (though given my past history I will likely go past 40 weeks).
I feel good. I am not as tired anymore (I think this is due to upping my iron intake) and I don't feel that uncomfortable. I find that I lose my breath more easily (this morning I took a flight of stairs at Juju's school that I normally take and had trouble talking when I got to the top!). I also still need to pee a lot. I drink a lot of water but I thought the peeing all the time was only at the beginning and end of the pregnancy. I am getting to know lots of new restrooms around town.
On Friday I have two appointments. One is the regular 20 week check with my OB, the other is for the 20 week anatomy scan with my perinatologist. We made the appointment before school so Juju can come with us. My plan is to have Dr. Silverman tell Julian the sex and she can tell us. She insists it's a girl (and I think she is right) so I think finding out now, at week 20 will be better than waiting until week 40. In case she's wrong, we can start preparing her now for the idea of a little brother.
This pregnancy still doesn't feel real. Perhaps because it's so early, and because I am still 4 weeks shy of the important 24 week mark when the fetus is viable. I wonder when it will all sink in.
Lastly, I forgot to give a shout-out to my friend Dina who had a little girl about two weeks ago!
I feel good. I am not as tired anymore (I think this is due to upping my iron intake) and I don't feel that uncomfortable. I find that I lose my breath more easily (this morning I took a flight of stairs at Juju's school that I normally take and had trouble talking when I got to the top!). I also still need to pee a lot. I drink a lot of water but I thought the peeing all the time was only at the beginning and end of the pregnancy. I am getting to know lots of new restrooms around town.
On Friday I have two appointments. One is the regular 20 week check with my OB, the other is for the 20 week anatomy scan with my perinatologist. We made the appointment before school so Juju can come with us. My plan is to have Dr. Silverman tell Julian the sex and she can tell us. She insists it's a girl (and I think she is right) so I think finding out now, at week 20 will be better than waiting until week 40. In case she's wrong, we can start preparing her now for the idea of a little brother.
This pregnancy still doesn't feel real. Perhaps because it's so early, and because I am still 4 weeks shy of the important 24 week mark when the fetus is viable. I wonder when it will all sink in.
Lastly, I forgot to give a shout-out to my friend Dina who had a little girl about two weeks ago!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Week 19 update
It's week 19. This pregnancy is moving really fast. Next week will mark the halfway point. I can't believe it. So far I have been feeling good. My only problem is that I have been getting headaches. It might have something to do with the anemia that I am working on getting rid of. I should probably also be better about snacking in between meals to avoid low blood sugar which can also trigger a headache. I know it's not dehydration because I drink a ton of water (which means I also pee a lot - I'm getting to know many bathrooms around town intimately).
Other than that there isn't too much to report. We went through a bunch of boxes in the garage yesterday, and I snuck a peek at a box of baby clothing I saved from when Juju was born. Everything is so summery! (Juju was born in July). I hope I will be able to use some of it for Pumpkin Pickle Mushroom (that is the updated name Juju has given this child-to-be) due in the winter. But it's too early to think about that now. I also thought I would be more emotional looking over baby clothes but I really wasn't. Maybe I need a few more months for that.
It's so easy to forget about your pregnancy when you have a 4 year old running around getting ready for her first day of Pre-K next week!
Other than that there isn't too much to report. We went through a bunch of boxes in the garage yesterday, and I snuck a peek at a box of baby clothing I saved from when Juju was born. Everything is so summery! (Juju was born in July). I hope I will be able to use some of it for Pumpkin Pickle Mushroom (that is the updated name Juju has given this child-to-be) due in the winter. But it's too early to think about that now. I also thought I would be more emotional looking over baby clothes but I really wasn't. Maybe I need a few more months for that.
It's so easy to forget about your pregnancy when you have a 4 year old running around getting ready for her first day of Pre-K next week!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Almost 18 week update
Technically I'm 18 weeks tomorrow but I had time so I'm doing the update today. I continue to not think about this pregnancy very much although I most certainly have a bump so I'm reminded every morning when I get dressed that things aren't totally normal.
I spoke to my doctor yesterday (can I just say again how much I love her?!) and learned that while most of my bloodwork is normal, I am anemic and slightly Vitamin D deficient. The anemia isn't a total shock, I have felt really tired lately and have been getting headaches and I was anemic with Juju. The Vitamin D does surprise me because I have spent a lot of time in a pool in direct sunshine this summer. I do however cover myself in sunblock which I suspect has something to do with me not being able to absorb Vitamin D as well. So, in addition to prenatal vitamins and flax seed oil pills I am now taking an iron pill and Vitamin D gummies. Fingers crossed I can remember all of those pills each day. I'm also trying to eat more of an iron-rich diet.
I'm surprised by how little I care about the sex of this baby. With Juju I really really wanted a girl. I didn't grow up with brothers so the idea of a boy was foreign to me. And maybe it was easier for me to imagine a little kid who looked like me. I assumed I would always feel this way but if I am being completely honest with myself, I really don't care. I just want a healthy baby, boy or girl. I can't believe I'm saying it but I will be happy if it's a boy, I swear. Juju on the other hand is totally convinced that it's a girl (her rationale is "it's a girl because I'm a girl. And we need to wear the same clothes and share things.") She told me it was a girl the day I confirmed to her that I am pregnant and she has no problem telling other people this statement of fact either. For some reason I keep thinking it's a girl too. While I would love for this to remain a mystery until I deliver, I think for Julian's sake we will find out so she can get used to the idea (not that she has any doubt in her mind at the moment). We will be taking her to my 20 week appointment for the advanced ultrasound and hoping the doctor can give her the news she wants to hear. . .
I spoke to my doctor yesterday (can I just say again how much I love her?!) and learned that while most of my bloodwork is normal, I am anemic and slightly Vitamin D deficient. The anemia isn't a total shock, I have felt really tired lately and have been getting headaches and I was anemic with Juju. The Vitamin D does surprise me because I have spent a lot of time in a pool in direct sunshine this summer. I do however cover myself in sunblock which I suspect has something to do with me not being able to absorb Vitamin D as well. So, in addition to prenatal vitamins and flax seed oil pills I am now taking an iron pill and Vitamin D gummies. Fingers crossed I can remember all of those pills each day. I'm also trying to eat more of an iron-rich diet.
I'm surprised by how little I care about the sex of this baby. With Juju I really really wanted a girl. I didn't grow up with brothers so the idea of a boy was foreign to me. And maybe it was easier for me to imagine a little kid who looked like me. I assumed I would always feel this way but if I am being completely honest with myself, I really don't care. I just want a healthy baby, boy or girl. I can't believe I'm saying it but I will be happy if it's a boy, I swear. Juju on the other hand is totally convinced that it's a girl (her rationale is "it's a girl because I'm a girl. And we need to wear the same clothes and share things.") She told me it was a girl the day I confirmed to her that I am pregnant and she has no problem telling other people this statement of fact either. For some reason I keep thinking it's a girl too. While I would love for this to remain a mystery until I deliver, I think for Julian's sake we will find out so she can get used to the idea (not that she has any doubt in her mind at the moment). We will be taking her to my 20 week appointment for the advanced ultrasound and hoping the doctor can give her the news she wants to hear. . .
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Week 17 update
This is the week I almost forgot I was pregnant. If I didn't have the "My Pregnancy" app on my iPhone to remind me that I was 17 weeks today I wouldn't have remembered to post here! The app is actually pretty lame but did come in handy today.
There is not a ton to report. I feel some weird feelings in my tummy which is probably the baby but they aren't the fun pokes or movement I felt a few weeks ago.
Juju has changed the baby's name. I found this out when she started telling people that the baby's name is Pickle. She told me she likes that name better than Pumpkin. Pickle it is. This girl has food on her mind 24/7.
My hormones are still funny - I know this because both my body wash and deodorant are failing me today. Mental note: never hug a pregnant woman in the summer.
I couldn't go to prenatal yoga today. I really missed it. I've been doing some swimming which is a fun exercise to do while you're pregnant, but it's not the same. I miss the zen-like atmosphere of the yoga studio.
I hope to have more updates to report soon! Oh, a big shout out to my friend Julia who gave birth to a baby boy yesterday!
There is not a ton to report. I feel some weird feelings in my tummy which is probably the baby but they aren't the fun pokes or movement I felt a few weeks ago.
Juju has changed the baby's name. I found this out when she started telling people that the baby's name is Pickle. She told me she likes that name better than Pumpkin. Pickle it is. This girl has food on her mind 24/7.
My hormones are still funny - I know this because both my body wash and deodorant are failing me today. Mental note: never hug a pregnant woman in the summer.
I couldn't go to prenatal yoga today. I really missed it. I've been doing some swimming which is a fun exercise to do while you're pregnant, but it's not the same. I miss the zen-like atmosphere of the yoga studio.
I hope to have more updates to report soon! Oh, a big shout out to my friend Julia who gave birth to a baby boy yesterday!
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