37 Weeks - Baby Pool Time!

It's almost time! I'm now in my 37th week and Baby D could make an appearance any day now. So, with that in mind, it's baby pool time! My sister-in-law is organizing a baby pool and we figured it'd be easier for me to let everyone know here instead of her e-mailing everyone individually. I'm not sure if there's any money to play or a prize involved (you'll have to ask her), but she is keeping a spread sheet and will let everyone know who won after Baby D is born.

Please e-mail her the following:
Sex of baby
Date of birth
Weight
Bonus: Baby D's name

All I ask is that you be nice to me when placing your guess. No 10-lb. babies, please!

If you don't have her e-mail address, it is her first name and maiden name (no spaces in between) @gmail.com. If you aren't sure of how to spell it or if it bounces back, shoot me an e-mail and I'll give it to you. But please don't send me your guesses, I'll look at them after Baby D has arrived.

Also, if you know people who don't read this blog but would like to participate, let them know.

Good luck!

It's Like Being A Celebrity

This weekend I gave up my rings. Both my wedding band and engagement ring have gotten a bit too snug. I can get them on, but getting them off has become challenging. Since I didn't want to have them cut off, I decided it's best to just lock them away until Baby D arrives. So now I'm pregnant and unwed (well, at least that's how it appears to strangers). Finally, I'm part of a Hollywood trend - Angelina Jolie, Nicole Richie, Katie Holmes, Minnie Driver, etc. all gave birth without rings on their fingers. And now, I will get to do the same. I just can't believe it took me 29+ years to be trendy and it took being bloated/swollen to do so.

Birth Plan (and more about Lamaze)

On Sunday H and I met with the doula for two and half hours. We went over our birth plan and she asked a lot of questions to better understand us and get an idea of what will and won't work during labor.

The whole meeting made me even more confident about my choices (in hiring her and trying to have a natural childbirth) and she even calmed my fears about delivering an eight pound baby. I told her that was my only real fear and she calmed my nerves by telling me that she once attended the birth of a Korean woman who had an 11-pound baby, naturally! If a tiny Korean woman can do that, then I feel comfortable with an 8-pound baby.

Yesterday I went over all of my preferences with one of my doctor's partners (I have to meet each doctor in the practice in case they are the one on call when I go into labor) and she was okay with most everything. Our next step is to write a one page birth plan that we can give to the doula, our doctor and the hospital staff. This will help them understand my wishes during labor and (hopefully) prevent them from insisting on interventions that I didn't ask for.

I'm glad that I'll be at Roosevelt Hospital as they are much more progressive than most of the hospitals in the city. Women have many options and aren't just forced to lie in bed with an IV. From what I've learned, this makes a big difference during labor.



Also on Sunday H and I went to our second Lamaze class and, honestly, we find the whole thing a little silly. We educated ourselves early on through movies and books and so a lot of what is discussed in class are things we already know. The instructor did introduce some coping techniques, such as different types of massage and breathing, but we don't need to commit these to memory since that is what the doula is for. Therefore, this class is pretty boring to us.

To make matters worse, while we're learning how to breathe and focus (a very serious exercise), H is making me laugh! He will swear to you that he didn't do anything, but when we were told to look into each other's eyes, a small smirk crept onto his face. So I'm cracking up laughing and everyone else is concentrating on thinking of that "special place." (You'd laugh too, wouldn't you?)

The best part of Lamaze is the other couples. Some are amusing and others are strange. There is one couple who announced that they plan to not diaper their baby - they want to try a process called "elimination communication" and claimed that they consider this an interesting social expirement. The basic idea is that infants are aware of their elimination needs from birth and parents can learn their signals as to when they need to go to the bathroom. When it's time to go, the parent holds the baby over a toilet, bathtub, sink, etc. and they go there. Supposedly, babies potty train much earlier. I wonder who thought of this. When did someone decide not to put a diaper on their baby and that they would be able to tell when it was about to pee or poop (or both)? How many soiled clothes and how much ruined furniture do you think these parents endure? What happens if you are stuck in traffic when your baby signals that he/she has to go? Or on an airplane? I don't think I'd want to be invited to this couple's house for the first year or two of their baby's life. The whole idea just grosses me out.

Busy Baby Day

Today was a busy baby day. We're finally starting to get ready for parenthood (I know, I know, we should've started a while ago) and there's a lot to do!

This afternoon I met with a baby nurse. Although I've been looking for a while, she is the first one that is available when we'd need her. Most nurses were either already booked (and I started 3-4 months in advance!) or will be out of town. She was nice and gave me some great tips for my recovery and for caring for the baby but I'm a bit nervous because she's only been a baby nurse for a year. Before that, she was a nanny. There is one other woman who is a possibility and then I need to make a decision.

Tonight we had our first Lamaze class. The classes are a total of 15 hours with each session being 3 hours long. There were seven couples in the class and one more will join for our next class. Even though I was the furthest along, I was not the biggest in the class. In fact, I was one of the smallest. I know it's kind of silly, but it made me feel good.  I always feel so big. The one other girl at work who is pregnant is about two months behind me and so tiny that I feel huge! And since everyone else I work with is not pregnant, she's my only regular comparison. 

This weekend will be more baby fun. Tomorrow I am going shopping to purchase all of the things I'll need for my labor bag. On Sunday we have our second Lamaze class and are then meeting with the doula to go over the birth plan.

So much to do, so little time!

It Keeps Growing and Growing...

This morning I got my second to last fetal growth scan and Baby D is right on track! Right now, the technician estimated that it is 4 lbs. 12 oz. But here's the scary part, if Baby D continues to grow at the normal rate of half a pound per week, then it will be about 7 lbs. 12 oz. when born! (Coworkers who read this: keep that math in your head if they do a baby pool!) That seems like a big baby to me. I hope I can deliver a baby that size. I'm not worried about the labor, just the delivery (now).


I'm also a bit worried about how I'll move around. At this size, I already feel I'm pretty big and am starting to feel the strain on my back. I can't bend over anymore and my feet have completely disappeared from view when standing. I can't imagine another three pounds. I'll be waddling everywhere!


We (H was with me) learned today that Baby D has moved slightly since last month. Instead of it's head facing my back, it's now facing my belly (for delivery it is ideal for it to be facing my back but it can still turn around again). And it's body is now on my left side. The butt on the top right, the feet on bottom right and hands on bottom left.


I showed the technician where I feel the most pressure and she confirmed that it is the butt. She said it could be from Baby D curling up its legs and therefore pushing against my belly. I think Baby D just likes to stick its butt out at me.


I'll post pictures later.

Grandma

My dad's mother passed away last night. She's my first grandparent to do so and it's very hard for me not to be there. Since I'm so far along in my pregnancy, it's not a good idea for me to fly down to Birmingham for the funeral. I wish I could be there for my dad, Grandpa and, of course, for Grandma.


I've been very fortunate that I haven't had any close family members pass away so it's a new thing for me. (The last was my great grandmother when I was six. I was too young to go to the funeral and didn't really know what happened until I was older. I am the only great grandchild who remembers her and I always remember her telling me that I was her favorite because I was the oldest.)


Grandma has been sick with Parkinson's for a few years but that doesn't make it any easier. It's been about a year and a half since I last saw her and at that point she was doing okay. She used a walker and couldn't move around like she used to, but she was in good spirits and still had her signature personality. (And, of course, a spunky dog to keep her company.) I'm glad that will be my last memory of her, but I still wish I could say goodbye. I'll do the most I can from here - donate money in her honor and think about her tomorrow. Maybe I'll have a bowl of Frosted Flakes (what she served my sister and I for breakfast every time we visited her) in her honor.

Full Moon

Remember the two women from the Halloween party who had the conversation about my looks within earshot? Well, I have another story to share.

I had to go to Woman 2's office to hand her some paperwork and Woman 1 was in there eating lunch. They asked me how many weeks I have left (only six, can you believe it?) and then Woman 1 told me that I was having a girl because my face changed (honestly, it's just gotten fat, not sure it's really changed other than that). After talking about that for a minute or two, she spouted out another old wives tale that I'd actually never heard of.

She told me that all babies are born around the full moon. Either on the full moon or a day or two afterwards. She said that I need to check the calendar for the next full moon and then I'll know exactly when the baby is coming. Although I find this very hard to believe for a number of reasons (see below), I politely told her I would and I actually did. If she's right (ha!), the Baby D will arrive about four and a half weeks early (December 12) or five days early (January 11). While H would like the first option (for tax reasons, remember?), I would prefer the second because, honestly, I'm not ready yet. Bags haven't been packed, necessities (diapers, etc.) haven't been purchased, etc.

But, I don't buy into that so I'm not banking on it. I could go on and on about why this is nonsense but here are my top three reasons:

1. Hospitals don't only deliver babies once a month. That's a fact.

2. If it really were true, wouldn't OBGYNs base your due date on the lunar calendar instead of your menstrual cycle?

3. I checked some recent birth dates of friends' babies and none of them were born on or right after a full moon.

If, by some chance, I do have a girl and she is born on or right after a full moon then this woman should start charging for her predictions!

CPR

On Saturday H and I took an infant and child CPR class. I haven't taken CPR since I took the Red Cross babysitting course at 11 or 12 years old. This class was well worth it and I'm glad we took it. In about 1 1/2 hours and we learned basic CPR and choking techniques for babies (up to 1 year) and children (up to 8 years). And yes, there really is a difference between how you treat a baby versus a child.

There were seven people in our class and the nurse who taught it used the repetition method to help us learn. Personally, I learn best with repetition so I was happy for her choice of teaching methods. During the class, were each given a practice doll whose chest actually inflated when you blew air into the mouth!

It wasn't a certification course, just a "friends and family" class but I do feel I walked away with a good knowledge of what to do in an emergency. In fact, H and I have already requested that our parents (Baby D's grandparents!) take the course. Hopefully none of us will ever have to use it, but it's great to know. It could even save the life of a stranger's kid.

Jealousy

On Thursday I went to get a manicure. Halfway through, a woman sat in the chair next to me and made a comment to the manicurist that she almost made it two weeks without a chip - she got her first on Wednesday! I was instantly jealous. 

Prior to being pregnant, my manicures usually lasted a week. But now, since I go to the bathroom so often (therefore wash my hands all the time), my manicures barely last three days. In fact, by Saturday I already had my first chip. And today, as I look down at my very chipped nails, I have become even more jealous of this woman. 

In order to make myself feel better, I've decided that she probably rarely washes her hands. And that's just gross.

That Girl

This past Saturday evening was my sister-in-law's wedding. She's one of those women who dreamed about her wedding ever since she was a little girl. (Once I got engaged I became jealous of these women because they knew what they wanted and I had no idea. I'd never given it much thought.) She looked beautiful,  the venue was beautiful and the entire wedding was simply amazing. They used the rabbi that married me an H and it was nice to see him again (and discuss the possible baby naming/bris). They also purchased the same Ketubah as us and used the same song to introduce themselves at the reception. 

But what I'll remember most about that evening is that I became "that girl." You know, the one who got sick. It was hard enough for me to get over being the "pregnant one" (aka the "fat one") in the wedding party but the getting sick thing was so embarrassing. At least it wasn't from drinking too much (one sip of champagne all evening). I'm not sure if I ate something I shouldn't have or had some sort of bug, but I spent the last hour of the wedding in the upstairs bathroom (and sitting on the stairs next to the bathroom). It was so humiliating and I'm thankful that not too many people found out (at least that's what I would like to believe). 

My mom and sister sat there with me for most of the time and it was nice to have the company. I was told (by a friend who recently gave birth) to call the OBGYN's office and make sure that I didn't need to get checked out. The doctor on call said that if lasted more than 24 hours I should call back. That made me feel a bit better but as the evening ended I worried if I could make it home to Greenwich. I almost stayed in Manhattan with my parents at their hotel but decided to try and get home (I'm not sure I could've slept without my five pillows!) and luckily I made it.

I was sick for most of Sunday but started to feel better towards the evening (never underestimate the power of toast and Ginger Ale). On Monday I stayed home from work just to make sure I was better and returned to work today. I'm now back to normal and hoping to put this whole sick thing behind me. 

It's Getting Hot In Here...

Finally, for the first time in my life I'm warm! I'm always cold - in restaurants, at work, on the train - and I've finally gotten to the point in my pregnancy where I'm warm (sometimes hot) in places. I'm very excited and enjoying this one and only time where I am not shivering while eating. And since it's becoming winter in the northeast, this couldn't have come at a better time. Hopefully I won't have to wear a ridiculous amount of layers as December and January roll around. 

The one downside? Poor H has to deal with me and my new temperature requests. I am constantly wanting to open windows or turn on the air and he's just fine. 

Second Growth Scan

This morning we went for the second (of four) growth scans at the hospital to make sure Baby D is on track. Good news - right on track! Currently, Baby D is 3 lbs 1 oz, which is exactly what it should be. I was happy to hear that until the technician told me that from now until the baby comes (10 weeks), its supposed to grow approximately 1/2 lb each week. That's another 5 lbs, making Baby D about 8 lbs at birth!

How can I carry around or deliver an 8 lb baby? That seems way too large for someone my size. Let's hope the baby doesn't grow that much or comes a bit early. Fingers crossed!!

(No pictures this time because Baby D was facing the wrong way. Sorry.)

Ready to go!

I went to the doctor today and got the great news that Baby D is ready to go - in position for delivery! With ten weeks left it will stay in this position from now on.

So no handstands in the pool (thankfully, public pools creep me out), shining flashights or sitting on music. My biggest fear is no longer and I'm now (relatively) worry free.

Unlike Baby D, I'm far from being ready to go. There's still so much to do before the baby comes. We have our first class this Sunday - a Baby Care class so H can learn how to change a diaper. And then there's CPR and 5 lamaze classes. On top of that we have to figure out what we need immediately when Baby D arrives and what can wait. We still have to finish our home (we still don't have blinds or curtains anywhere, just temporary shades in the bedroom). We need to interview/hire a baby nurse, figure out what we'll do with the puppy when I'm in the hospital, etc.

At least I won't be bored.

Stairs

Over the summer, the firm I work for merged with another and we are now in the process of moving offices so everyone can be together. Luckily our group is just moving downstairs (most of our old firm is moving uptown so I'm happy that my commute won't change) for a year until we move into new office space in the Flatiron District.

Today we all went downstairs to see where we'll be sitting. Since it's only four floors down and I need the exercise, my friend and I walked down the stairs and we got there at the same time as everyone else who rode the elevator. When we got out of the stairs a senior (childless) woman in our firm greeted me with: "You shouldn't be taking the stairs in your condition."

Huh? Really? Why can't I take the stairs? I'm not paralyzed and it's good exercise. I walk up and down the stairs all the time at home. Unless a pregnant woman is on bedrest, I've never heard of being confined to just one floor of her home. And I don't see elevators in every multi-story home where a pregnant woman has lived.

I just keep thinking about that remark and all the things I wouldn't be able to do if I couldn't take the stairs. It makes me laugh.

Flu Shot

I just got my flu shot today through work. In order to do so, I had to get a note from my OB. I find that a bit odd since pregnant women are a high-risk group.  My OB found it odd too and so my note from her (which she wrote under protest, saying they should just go look it up - I need the shot) said: Pregnant. Needs flu shot. 

Have you gotten your flu shot? If you want to get near and/or hold Baby D you need to! Babies do not have a great immune system and if you are carrying flu germs then Baby D can get very sick. And you wouldn't want that, right?

Head Start

I'm not sure our one-year-old puppy fully understands what's going on with me. I'm sure he can tell that something's different, but I don't think he's old enough to fully get it. But, the one thing he does get is that I'm a bit slower than I was. 

Our puppy loves to run up and down the stairs and does so almost every time I go up and down (he's gotten more attached to me recently). However, in the past few weeks he's begun to give me a head start. Instead of going up with me, he waits until I'm about 2/3 of the way up and then starts, finishing at the top just as I do.  He does the same on the way down (although I still go down pretty quickly).  

It's very cute that he does this but, honestly, it makes me feel old.

I can hear you

Today we had our office Halloween party. It's strongly suggested that we attend these gatherings for a few minutes so I went upstairs with two friends to make my appearance. After being there for about ten minutes, two (old and single) women in the finance department were standing a few feet from me, talking about me! The conversation went something like this:

Woman 1: Oh, she's definitely having a girl (pointing - yes pointing - at me).

Woman 2: Really?

Woman 1: Yes, her face has really changed. It's gotten so fat (pointing again). Can you see how fat her face has gotten? 

Woman 2: Oh.

Woman 1: If your face changes and it gets fat that means your having a girl. And hers (yes, still pointing) has really changed. It's gotten fat.

I'm sure the conversation continued but I didn't stick around to listen. I walked over to talk to some other girls and started talking to them. I just wanted to get away from them. 

Now I'm not perfect and have definitely put my foot in my mouth on many occasions but it still shocks me that people say things like that when the person they are speaking about is right there! 

And didn't her mother teach her not to point?

Sleep

If one more person tells me to get all the sleep I can now, I'm going to scream. Why? Well, because I can't get all the sleep I want now. It's very uncomfortable (actually, it's quite painful).

Some "expert" somewhere decided that the best position for sleep during pregnancy is your left side. Sleeping on your stomach (my normal position) is out because of the bowling ball in your belly. Apparently, if you sleep on your back the weight of the uterus and the baby presses against the vena cava (main vein that carries oxygenated blood back to the heart from the lower body). If this vena cava is compressed, it can interfere with circulation. So it's down to sleeping on your side. The left side is recommended because it allows for maximum blood flow and can reduce swelling in the legs.

So I am forced to sleep on my left side. In theory this doesn't sound bad but in reality it's not good. All of that weight on my left hip, shoulder and neck make it very uncomfortable. Every morning I wake up stiff on my left side. My hip is the worst part. It's downright painful and now hurts on a regular basis. I spend half of my day stretching it out just so I can fall asleep at night (I won't even get into trying to get back to sleep after I've woken up at night). So far no pillow combination or configuration has been able to help. I now sleep better sitting up on the sofa or train.

This Saturday my yoga instructor is going to show me a modified back-sleeping position. I'm hoping that will be comfortable and help fix my problem. Also, I think I'm going to purchase a body pillow. If neither of these work, then I will eagerly look forward to the few hours of comfortable sleep that I will get with a newborn.

Turn, Baby, Turn

We went to the doctor this morning for the 7-month check-up and learned that Baby D is currently breech. At this point, that really doesn't mean too much as the baby can (and often does) change position as it gets closer to its due date.

In the yoga class I took in Manhattan, the instructor would often tell women whose babies were in the breech position (and at 35+ weeks) to try a few different methods to turn the baby. For example, handstands in a pool, shining a flashlight up there or sitting on a loud radio. If Baby D doesn't do the right thing and turn on its own, I guess I will get to experiment. Oh how fun.

So far, I've gained 19 pounds. (The baby should be about 2 pounds right now - does that mean I have a 17 pound placenta?) Luckily, I am not feeling too bad. I have lower back pain every once in a while but nothing terrible. Nothing the lumbar massage cushion can't remedy.

I now start going to the doctor every two weeks so that I can meet all of the doctors in the practice (in case mine isn't on call when I go into labor). I do hope it's my doctor though. The idea of a relative stranger delivering the baby is not ideal. At least I'll have a doula (and H - who will probably have his eyes closed the whole time).

Hiccups

I think Baby D has the hiccups right now. Based on what I've read, that's what it feels like. It's kind of like tiny gas bubbles in my stomach. It feels weird. I wonder if they'll go away if I drink a glass of water, try to scare the baby or hold my breath.

Where's Your Filter?

Yesterday at work, I was working with one of the interns on a project. Another intern in the room (there are three total) commented that I "finally look pregnant." I think I've looked pregnant for quite a while now so that struck me as odd. But not nearly as odd as what she said next:

"Are you sure you're not having twins? You're so big!"

First, I'm actually not that big (although I sure do feel it). Secondly, where's your filter? Do you really think it's okay to say that to a pregnant woman? I know she's only 21 years old, but still. I wasn't really offended by what she said but I can't get it out of my head. Oh well, could've been worse, I guess.

Boy Names

The frustration continues.

Friday night H and I sat down to go over boy name options. We each took a week to come up with names we liked and then sat down to weigh the pros and cons of each name. Unfortunately, we ended up right back where we started. He didn't like my choices and I didn't like his. I think part of the problem is that we want different things in a name.

I'm at a loss. Maybe we'll just name the baby (if it's a boy) Baby D. That could work, right? (Of course we'd then have to change it to Kid D, Teenager D and finally Adult D.)

It seems ridiculous, but I suggested a baby name consultant. H doesn't want to do it because he says there aren't any names he doesn't know of. H thought about leaving the name to a vote among family and friends. We'll put our top choices in there and see what everyone seems to gravitate towards. Or, we can just let one of us pick the name this time and the other pick the next child's name (if we are lucky enough to have two).

And people say this is the easiest decision you make as parents...

Alive and Kicking!

Well, at 26 weeks Baby D has finally begun to let its presence known. This week Baby D began moving much more and kicking around. Last night, as I was laying down to go to sleep, Baby D decided it was time to party. Not so good for me, but H got to really feel the movement! You could actually see little bumps in my stomach. Very cool.

On Wednesday I went to the hospital to learn the baby's current weight and make sure it was growing okay. Currently, it is 1 lb. 12 oz. (right now it should be between 1.5 and 2 pounds so it's in range). It's kind of crazy to think how fast the baby is going to grow over the next 3 1/2 months. I already feel big, I can only imagine what I'll be like in January.

I've included the latest sonogram pictures. Enjoy!

Breaking habits

I once read that it only takes 3 times to form a new habit and 30 days to break an old one. With my tummy quickly expanding, there are some new habits I need to make and old ones I need to break (at least temporarily):

I can fit through there!
After having been about the same size for the last ten years, I still find it hard to get used to my new and bigger body. I still think I can squeeze through small spaces but now I end up bumping people in the process.

My (lack of) height + countertops = no leaning
I still try to lean over the bathroom sink and see into the mirror. It doesn't get me very far so I have to walk around to the side if I want a close-up view.

Bend from the knees
For simple things, like picking up Jackson's toys, I normally bend over from the waist to pick things up. This now hurts my back. It's all about bending at the knees.

Smaller meals
I've always been a three meals a day kind of girl. Breakfast, lunch and dinner with a snack here or there. Small meals are just too difficult to do. But now I need to make the switch. Big meals leave me feeling nauseous these days. And then I'm still hungry two hours later.

Pointy shoes have got to go...eventually
This will be the last habit I break - mark my words. I should've been in flats (or shoes with little heels) for the past two months now but I just cannot bring myself to do it. All of my shoes still fit and they're not painful. Pretty soon I'll have to break down and purchase shoes with little (and wide) heels. Ugh!

Lots of changes, so little time!

Name Game

So a while ago H and I picked out two boy and two girl names. We ran them by our parents and decided on one girl and one boy name (no, I'm not sharing). Well, now we've both seperately decided that we don't like the boy names (funny enough, it's for the same reason). So we're back to the drawing board. It's harder than I thought. I might love a name but then H vetoes it (or vice versa). You have to see if the name rhymes with anything that could potentially be a source of teasing (my parents had no idea some idiot would invent a clay animal that grows hair and rhymes with my name, but I still really like my name). And, you have to make sure it accomplishes what you set out to accomplish. Our preference is for an uncommon name with Jewish roots and is not too long or difficult to spell/prounounce. If anyone has any suggestions, send them my way!

There's Something in the Water

There are a total of 22 women in my office/group at work. Of that, 10 of us are married. Of the 10 who are married, 5 have been pregnant in 2008 (4 others have children already). The fifth just let the cat out of the bag today. She's due two months after me and I'm very excited for her. She's very sweet and reminds me a lot of my college roommate.

Those unwed women may want to start drinking bottled water...

Strangers

One of the weird things about being pregnant is that strangers think that your belly is an open invitation to a conversation. (I've now "popped" and you can tell I'm pregnant - not just fat.) 

This evening as I was leaving work I was forced into a conversation with a total stranger. He got in the elevator one floor below me. Here's how the conversation went.

Him: How are you feeling?

Me (a bit confused): Fine, thanks.

Him: Is this your first?

Me: Yes.

Him: I've been pregnant three times now.

Me: You've been pregnant? You, personally?

Him: Well, each time my wife got pregnant, I kind of did too (he rubs his belly, which is now slender).

Me: Oh, okay.

Him: This will be the best thing that's ever happened to you. It might not seem that way now, but trust me, it will be. 

Me: Yes, that's what I've heard.

(The elevator opens - thankfully).

Nice man, but I would've preferred to read the news on the elevator TV. 

This is just one of many completely random conversations I've had recently. I've had complete strangers tell me about their grandkids, divorces, etc. The funny thing is that most of these conversations are with men, not women. Are all pregnant women subjected to strangers' personal lives? Perhaps the belly is really a billboard for men, with a sign pleading "Please, tell me your life story. I can't wait to hear it!"

I wonder what stories I'll hear when I have the baby.

Moving

So I've been quiet for a little while now but it's not because I gave up on the blog. It's because I moved. I haven't really talked about it much because I didn't want to jinx anything, but now that we're here and somewhat settled, I will explain.

We moved to Greenwich, CT last Thursday and it was the most difficult and complicated move I've ever had (and I'm the girl who moved 8 times in the past 8 years!). We made the move to make more room for Baby D and are now in a three bedroom townhouse which is so huge to me. This whole complex was built in 1969 but they are gutting every apartment and renovating. So we essentially have a new home. The reason I haven't spoken about it, is because we almost didn't move here three times. 

One month before the move, we came to sign the lease and walked into the apartment just to take some measurements. We walked in to an inch of water on the floor! Needless to say we didn't sign the lease that day. Next weekend we were scheduled to come back and sign the lease but got a call from the leasing office an hour before we were to leave saying that she didn't have the key to the apartment so we needed to wait another week. In short, we came to sign the lease the weekend before we were scheduled to move in. The washer/dryer were in the living room and the sink and toilet were in the kitchen! This was to replace the flooring in those areas. We were assured that everything would be in its place by the day we moved in. Luckily, it was. 

The move itself was also a disaster. Even though I reserved the freight elevator in our Manhattan apartment for the movers, there were three other people moving out on the same day. So it took about 30 minutes for the elevator to come each time they wanted to take things down to their truck. Then, they got lost in Connecticut. The movers didn't leave our new home until 10:45 at night! We then got dinner and had to do a bit of unpacking (can't sleep on a bed without bed linens) before we could go to sleep. The entire weekend was one sleepless blur. 

The good news is that we're making progress. I'm sure it'll be some time before everything is in its place, but we're on the way. 

And for those of you who are wondering, Jackson is doing great. He's loving the bigger space and especially the grass outside! It's so much fun to him. We have a dog walker (although he's now only getting walked once, instead of twice, a day) and he hasn't had any problems. I was nervous that he wouldn't take the move well, but he's adjusted nicely (probably better than me and H).

Baby D Passed Again!

On Wednesday, Baby D had its 20 week anatomy scan and (s)he passed with flying colors! The heart has four chambers, the spine goes from the head to the butt, there are two arms (with hands and fingers) and two legs (with feet and toes) and he/she weighs a total of 12 oz (a Coke can!). 

Of course, Baby D was being a bit stubborn. Apparently it was sitting during the sonogram, making it difficult for the technician to get a picture of it's entire spine (from head to butt). Finally, after about 45 minutes, Baby D moved and we got to see the whole spine! It was actually very cool. (Sorry no pictures of that. I think the tech was just glad to finally be done with us.) 

 

H is now even more convinced that it is a girl. At the end of the sonogram, he said something to the technician and reffered to the baby as a "he" and she corrected him by saying that he shouldn't say "he" because we don't know what the sex is. That, of course, made him even more convinced that we're having a girl. I'm enjoying the waiting game. It's kind of fun to guess. Only problem is that we have to pick two names, two sets of furniture, two stroller colors, etc.

PS I know H isn't fond of being mentioned here, but I just want to tell this quick story. When I arrived at the hospital (I was a bit late, hard to find a cab), H was waiting for me at the front. There was a blind man trying to find his way to the door without anyone to help him. So H walked over to him, asked if he needed some help and verbally guided him to the door. What a gentleman! 

Shopping

On Sunday we decided it was time to begin our baby shopping research. Being Jewish and superstitious, we don't plan to buy anything before the baby comes (except for the necessities) but we do want to be prepared so that we don't have to make those decisions when we're sleep deprived new parents.

Our journey took us to Buy Buy Baby, (the Bed, Bath and Beyond owned baby megastore) where we decided to focus on strollers and baby furniture. At the stroller section, we played around with the Bugaboos before someone was available to help us. I must've asked some good questions because by the end of our little tour, we had another couple (due one month before us) listening on! We then stuck around to hear their questions and then moved on to the furniture department.

In the furniture department, a knowledgeable woman came to help us almost immediately. We had already decided that we wanted furniture that converts from baby to kid to teen so that was one decision down. She walked us around and showed us a variety of brands and collections. There was even a collection with my name! We left liking the first two brands we saw best - Natart and Old Mother Hubbard. Now we have to decide what pieces we'd like and find a collection that offers all of those pieces. 

There's a lot of decisions to make and we haven't even gotten to bedding, clothing, etc. I'm overwhelmed...

Everybody Drink!

When I was in high school, I spent a summer in Israel with my youth group. One of my counselors was a bit paranoid about dehydration. Once an hour, she would yell "Everybody drink!" All 30 of us had to drink from our water bottles. I could've used her yesterday.

I got dehydrated yesterday - no fun. It kind of felt like a bad hangover with cramps. I had a headache, was nauseous, tired and overall felt blech. So, I went home from work around 2:30. I bought two Gatorades and cuddled up in bed with Jackson. After some rest and lots of fluids, I felt a bit better.

From what I've heard, most women experience this at least once. They're not kidding when they say you have to drink a lot of water! It's just that at some point water becomes VERY boring. Someone should invent pregnancy water. In my mind, it will come in different flavors and be addictive (without harming the baby) so that pregnant women want to drink.

Today I'm back at working and feeling better. But now I have a water bottle at my side at all times!

Math

So we all know that math isn't my strongest skill. I'm not bad when I have a calculator and I can plug formulas into Excel, but when left to do simple math in my head, I screw it up. So it should come as no surprise that it took H a good 20 minutes on Saturday morning to explain to me that I'm not in my fourth month, but rather in my fifth. For some reason, 19 weeks means four months in my head. In the real world, when you are 19 weeks, you are in the second week of your fifth month. He explained that weeks 1-4 are month 1, weeks 5-8 are month 2, weeks 9-13 are month 3, weeks 14-17 are month 4 and weeks 18-22 are month 5.

Of course, I didn't understand his first explanation so he had to give me a second one. (He counted backwards from my due date.) I finally got it and am now accepting the fact that I am in my fifth month.  I guess I've been telling people I'm in my fourth month for the past month and a half. 

Let's hope Baby D takes after H in the math department.

What I Miss

People have asked me what I miss most now that I'm pregnant. I know they are referring to food, but there's a lot more than food that I miss. So, I think it's time for another top 5 list.

Top Five Things I Miss (food included)

1. Turkey sandwiches 

2. Dresses (or skirts) with zippers

3. My jump rope 

4. Sleeping through the night

5. My mind

Saving time

One great advantage to being pregnant is the time I save getting dressed in the morning. Currently, I have about 4 skirts, 6 tops and 3 dresses that fit and I can wear to work. So while I used to take 15 minutes to figure out what I wanted to wear and tried on at least 2 outfits, now I get dressed in one minute. The odd thing is, I'm not really getting to work any earlier. 

Pregnant

You know you're pregnant when:

1. A stranger in an elevator says "Oh, we're having a baby!" (We?!?! What did she have to do with it?) 

2. Your husband is excited you've gained weight in your belly and lovingly talks to it.

3. You have to sleep on your left side. 

4. You get excited over little flutters in your lower abdomen because it means the baby is moving/kicking. 

5. You are hungry. All the time.

Today's Adventure

So this morning I woke up with a small asthma attack. I took my rescue inhaler and about 10-15 minutes later realized that it wasn't working. I moved on to my nebulizer and did an entire treatment. Once complete, I thought I was getting better. Then, it got worse. It was hard to breathe, I was coughing (so much so that I went and sat near the toilet), my hands and head were tingling and I was dizzy. I'm sure you can see where this is going - a fun little trip to the hospital! (I haven't been to the hospital for my asthma since my sophomore year of college.) 

H (short for husband, it'll be faster from now on, promise) took me to the hospital and they directed us to the 12th floor - labor and delivery. Thirty minutes later someone finally saw me and my asthma had calmed down. I learned that in addition to my asthma, I was hyperventilating and that was causing the tingling and dizziness. 

After a few hours of tests on me (did you know they can check your oxygen levels just by putting a thing around your index finger?!?!) and the baby, they determined I was fine. Baby D's heart was beating normally, there were no contractions and I wasn't dilated.  So they gave me a prescription for Advair (I HATE steroids) and told me that I should see a pulmonologist. So I made an appointment with one for Monday. 

We were there for so long that one woman had her baby during the time we were there. I didn't get to work until 1:00 today. At least I got to catch up on some reading. 

I'm Full

Tonight is our dating anniversary. Five years ago today I met my husband at Monkey Bar in midtown Manhattan. We had a few drinks and were having such a good time that we decided to continue our date at a comedy show. It was a great evening (even with the rain) and we try to go back to Monkey Bar every year to remember our first date. Yesterday one of my RSS feeds informed me that Monkey Bar was being purchased by an unknown buyer and was closed for the day. Today I learned that Graydon Carter (editor of Vanity Fair) and a few partners purchased the bar/restaurant and it will be closed for the next year to undergo renovations. How selfish of Graydon. Didn't he know we planned to go there this evening? Couldn't he have waited until Friday?

Since our original plan was no longer an option and I can't drink anyway, we decided just to celebrate at home. We ordered pizza and I ate three slices (two is usually plenty for me) - I was so full. Then about an hour later I decided that the best use of my Coke would be to make a Coke float. So I did. And I drank/ate it. 

I AM SO VERY FULL!

Pregnant or not, that's a big meal for me. It's actually a bit painful. I still haven't bought into the whole "your pregnant so you can eat what you want" theory. I try to balance my vices (chocolate chip cookies and ice cream) with fruits and vegetables. I don't down a gallon of ice cream in a single serving (one scoop only) and don't stuff my face with junk. So now I'm feeling guilty. And full.

The MTA Hates Pregnant Women

Somewhere deep in the corporate headquarters of the MTA, there's a bitter man (probably divorced with very limited visitation rights to his children) who hates pregnant women. He's decided to take it upon himself to do everything possible to make sure their subway/bus ride is a miserable experience time and time again. Here's his five step plan:

1. make the subway platforms extremely hot and humid, making an August day above ground seem like a cool, fall evening
2. in key "family" areas of the city (such as the Upper West Side), time the trains so that they come very far apart during peak times, thus ensuring that pregnant women have to wait in the sweltering heat and must then navigate themselves (and their belly) into a packed car
3. strategically place one smelly person on each subway car/bus so that pregnant women, with their heightened sense of smell, almost gag each time they get on
4. just as it appears that a pregnant women might pass out from being crammed into a packed car (frequently without air conditioning), stop the train or bus for a few minutes, citing some inexplicable reason
5. for the final touch, hire rude employees

Let me tell you, his strategy is working. I see very few pregnant women on subways and buses and I don't blame them. Most of them probably take cabs. Come to think of it, this MTA guy might actually have a secret deal with the Taxi & Limousine Commission where he gets 10% of every cab ride taken by a pregnant women.

My first baby product purchase

On Saturday I went for a prenatal facial (one of the joys of being pregnant - my skin is all broken out) and the facialist recommended that I use diaper rash cream to help reduce the swelling of my pimples. Apparently, it's safe for pregnancy and really works. So on Monday I purchased Desitin. I've used it for two days now (on my back only - it freaks me out to use it on my face) and am hoping to see results soon. At least it doesn't smell and isn't greasy.

Exercise

Two weeks ago, my husband purchased an elliptical machine so that he (and me) could exercise in the apartment. It came on Friday and he spent Saturday putting it together. He put the whole thing together by himself without having to ask for help or call the company for assistance with their terrible directions. I'm very, very impressed. 

Birthday

My last birthday before I become a mom - how strange. For dinner, the husband and I went to my favorite Italian restaurant - a small place where the owner rattles off the dessert menu in such a thick accent that I always have to hear it twice. Even though we had a reservation (always need one there), we still had to wait about 20 minutes for a table. As soon as we sat down, the owner (he seated us) pointed to me and said that I cannot drink because I'm pregnant! He was the first "stranger" to notice I am pregnant. And he wasn't shy about it either. There was absolutely no hesitation. We're still trying to figure out how he knew. I don't really look pregnant yet, just fat. And the dress I was wearing is not a maternity dress so I really did look like I put on a few pounds. Anyway, dinner was great (as always). When we got up to leave the restaurant, he asked me how far along I was. He told me to come back in a month because then he will tell us what we're having (great way to get business!). Honestly, that guy is half the reason the place is so great. 

Good News Comes In Pairs

On Friday afternoon, I got an e-mail from my OBGYN that Baby D had passed all of its tests! We're in the clear! 

Today we found our new apartment! Yup, we're moving again. (For those who are keeping track, this will be my 8th home since I moved to NYC. I moved here in 2001.) This time, we're leaving the city in search of more space for our growing family. This one bedroom just won't do once Baby D is here. So in the beginning of September, we'll become residents of Greenwich, CT. We'll have to get new drivers licenses, buy another car and take the train (instead of subway) into work. But, we'll have more space, semi-reasonable rent and access to the beaches. Life will be good. 

Just a quick note: Jackson is sitting on my lap right now and was trying to type! He's hit a few letter keys, the caps lock, delete, etc. I've had to push the keyboard as far away as possible in order to get this post written. He just realized that he's defeated and is now resting his head on my arm - continuing making it difficult for me to type!

Were You Trying???

In the past three days, I've told three friends that I'm pregnant (yes, it's taking me a while - but I've got time). Surprisingly, each of those friends asked me if we were trying to get pregnant. I've always found this to be sort of a taboo question and have never asked anyone. But since it's not like we're 45 years old with two teenagers, I guess it's not so bad to ask. I would have to say the majority of people I've told have asked me this. When I told one person that I thought it was a weird question to ask, she said it's because I didn't openly talk about wanting to have a child RIGHT NOW. With all the stories of how long it can take and in vitro, it's just not something I'd do. 

So what do I tell everyone who asks? The truth. We weren't trying, but we weren't not trying. It's not like I was taking my temperature or anything but we were both ready. We figured that if it happened, great. If it didn't, that's fine as well. Lucky for us, it did happen.

On another note, I had my second prenatal screening test on Wednesday. It was just a blood test and the results will be sent to my doctor. This test (along with the last one) provides you with the odds that your child will have down syndrome, spina bifida (or other neural tube defects) or Trisomy 18. It's Baby D's first tests and he/she cannot even study for them! Cross your fingers that everything is okay.  =)

Growing (or not really) and packing

This weekend was quite difficult for me. On Saturday I decided to go down to the maternity store to purchase those bands that cover the tops of skirts/pants and allow pregnant women to leave them unzipped as their belly grows. But, once there I learned that these are only recommended for up to four months (I'm at four months now) because after that it's too restricting for the baby. So, I now need to purchase maternity clothes. This wasn't fun. Apparently, I am a very small four months and so a lot of skirts and dresses were way too long as I didn't have a belly to pull them up. After a depressing hour by myself in the store, I purchased a few things and left. 

If that wasn't bad enough, the plan for the rest of my afternoon was to pack up all of the clothes that don't fit me (95% of my wardrobe) and move them to storage. This was to help with two things: 1. make it easier to pick out what to wear in the morning and 2. prevent me from being depressed when I try on clothes that no longer fit. This was tough, very tough. I work(ed) hard to stay my size and to have that all go away within the matter of two months and with no control over it, isn't easy.  I won't lie. I hated being pregnant on Saturday (and Sunday - read on...). 

Sunday wasn't much better. After encouragement from a friend to visit Ann Taylor Loft and check out their sales and maternity clothes, I decided it couldn't hurt. Ha! The maternity section has about 10 pieces of clothing and even the XS (they say you should wear the size you did before pregnancy) were too big. The skirt literally fell off! And the petite dresses/shirts didn't fit either - a combination of too tight and too big. So, back to American Apparel - my savior. I purchased one more skirt and dress. Hopefully I'll be able to avoid shopping again until my mother comes in a few weeks.

I can't believe I'm saying (writing) this, but I'm looking forward to being "more pregnant" so that I'm not in this weird in between stage. I just feel fat, and, quite frankly, it sucks.

I'd like to end on a positive note, so here is my top 5 list of things I'm thankful for so far in my pregnancy:

1. My extensive knowledge of the location of public restrooms (and which ones are clean)

2. My first Dian von Furstenberg purchase - a wrap shirt, the dresses still look terrible on me

3. Jackson - he's a great comfort and also great exercise (we've started taking morning walks so that I can stay in shape) 

4. Thicker nails (hair's still thin though)

5. My bed

Goodnight!

Taxes

Yesterday morning I am in the kitchen feeding Jackson and my husband walks in. Below is the very odd (well, not so odd if you know him) conversation we had:

D: You know, it would be really great if you could make it so that the baby comes in December.

G: Why?

D: That way, we could claim it on our taxes for the entire year of 2008.

G: But if the baby does come early, it'd be premature and it could have health problems. You're okay with that?

D: It wouldn't have health problems. It'd just be a few weeks early. And we'd save a lot of money on our taxes.

G: The baby will come when it's ready to come.

Later that night at dinner, he said that he's jealous of another couple we know because they are due a week before us and have a better chance of having the baby in 2008. Then he suggested (jokingly, I think) that next time we go to the OB, we talk to her about inducing in December. 

Yes, ladies and gentleman. This is my life. 

Doctor Visit

We went to the doctor this morning and I've gained 7 pounds! I didn't gain any weight during the first three months but in one month I've gained 7! My doctor says this is perfectly normal and there's nothing to worry about. But for me, I'm now at the heaviest I've ever been and I cannot imagine seeing the scale go higher. It's taking a lot of strength to not freak out. I know it's good to gain weight but I still cannot understand why I would need to gain 25-30 pounds for a 6-8 pound baby. Seems crazy.

At every visit, we get to see Baby D on the monitor (I'll upload a picture later) and it's doing well! Baby D did a few kicks and acrobatic moves for us this morning (taking after its mother). It was fun to see. It'll be a while before I feel those. So after the baby performed, the doctor asked if we want to know the sex. We said no. But apparently she looked anyway. (As you may or may not know, my OB's husband works with my husband. So I have a more casual relationship with her than you would with most doctors.) While we're waiting to check out, she comes by to tease us. She tells us that she peeked and she knows what we're having! She promised not to tell her her husband. After we left the her office we had a conversation about what we think the sex is.

Now my husband is even more convinced that it's a boy because if she looked quickly, she would've had to have seen something in order to confirm that (I tried to explain there are clear indicators for a girl too, but he didn't want to believe me). I guess this theory is a little better than his reasoning from our last ultrasound where he said it was a boy because of the jaw structure! I, of course, want a girl. I won't know what to do with a boy. Perhaps I'll make him into a ballerina.

Prenatal Yoga and shopping

I have received mixed advice about exercise during pregnancy. Some say it helps the labor, others say it helps you get back in shape afterwards and then there are some that say it doesn't matter at all. I'm going to go on the exercise does help advice as I generally like to be in shape and figure it can't hurt.

I've been taking Prenatal Yoga classes on Monday evenings since I was about 10 weeks along. Each class is an hour and a half and has a theme. Last night was "open mouth, open vagina" and talked about how relaxing your mouth and jaw during labor will result in an open birthing canal and less chance of a tear and the need for an episiotomy. I never realized how much I clench my jaw until I was constantly reminded not to. 

This past weekend I went shopping. I'm still afraid of maternity stores (I can't explain it and I know it's irrational, just like Jackson's fear of the Guitar Hero guitar) so I went to American Apparel. This store was made for pregnant women! There are no zippers so everything stretches. I bought two skirts and a dress that can be worn a million different ways. I'm in pregnancy heaven...

How Big is Baby D?

Today I learned that Baby D is the size of a lemon. He/she can squint, frown, grimace, pee (gross, right?) and possibly suck its thumb.

Although I'm at 14 weeks, I haven't had any weird cravings yet. I hear that this is the time they begin so I'm waiting. I'm actually looking forward to these - I can't wait to see what strange things I'll want to combine. Maybe I'll even develop a taste for pickles?

On my way to work today, there was a woman with a bag of bread crumbs feeding the pigeons. That's gross. I'd like to add that to the list of things I want to ban: feeding pigeons.

Welcome to my blog

(Since so many of my friends/family live out of town, it was suggested that I start a blog. So, here it is. I cannot promise to be funny or interesting, but I'll do my best. )

So, I'm knocked up. Yup, it happened while Dan and I took a cruise to the Galapagos Islands (which I highly recommend). It's been a little over three months now and I think I'm finally past the worst of it. Yes, the nausea, cramps, breakouts, sore boobs and intense hunger sucked, but worse was having to tell my sister. You see Cara's wedding was scheduled for the begining of January and Baby D (that's how it will be referred to on this blog - the D is for my last name, in case you are wondering) is due on January 16. So poor Cara had to change the date of her wedding to accomodate the arrival of her first niece/nephew. It's the family curse. All the cousins have a "disaster" that they have to overcome. I had to change the date/location of my wedding because of Hurricane Katrina and Ilana's guests experienced a tornado that directly hit the hotel while we were all out to dinner (walking down 44 flights of stairs with a 10-lb. puppy in your arms is quite a workout!). So, Cara's "disaster" was Baby D. But now Cara's getting married in March (like the rest of her cousins) and things are settling into place.

As for me, my clothes don't fit. They say you should gain 3-4 pounds during the first three months and 2-3 pounds every month afterwards. Well, 4-5 pounds on a 5'1" 110 lb. body is a lot! So I'm down to just a few skirts and dresses that will actually zip. And, I'm too small for maternity clothes. I always thought being pregnant would be great because I wouldn't get my period for 9 months. Ha! Spending a half hour trying to find something that fits totally makes up for it.


Today's Random Thought:
Since I've been in NYC, there've been quite a few bans. First, there was the smoking ban. Then there was the trans fat ban. Now, a state assembleywoman from Manhattan is trying to ban styrofoam from all restaurants throughout the state. While I think all these bans are great, there are a few more that I'd like to suggest:
1. Tourists before 9:00 a.m.
2. Rodents (the animal kind and the human kind)
3. Smelly people on the subway
4. Cell phone reception in public bathrooms
5. Golf umbrellas