Last week brought some snowy weather, cold temperatures, and a Baby J. first: his/her heart beat! My mom and I went to the appointment (where I found out no internal exams are necessary until, like, week 36! What great news!!), and BAM! A minute after walking into the room and lying down, I was listening to my baby's healthy, strong heart beat...or at least I thought I was...
Turns out, I was getting emotional over the sound of sonar. Not so much my baby's heart beat, but the tears flowed! After the doctor pointed out WHICH sound I was supposed to listen to, I did hear Baby J.'s heart beat and it WAS healthy and strong and wonderful :). The doctor also said I'm doing a nice job; I'm a "good house" for the baby. My blood pressure, blood count, weight gain, and other tests have good results, and the baby is growing just as he/she should be. This, of course, is code for EAT EVERYTHING YOU SEE! I know this because that's what my belly is telling me to do: I have an insatiable appetite and pretty much embarrassed myself at Nonna's birthday party when I ate almost as much as my husband. I'm also having a hard time buttoning the last two buttons on my winter coat. I'd like to pretend it's because the sweaters underneath are so bulky, but let's be honest: I'm getting big! It's almost fun because I feel like Tommy Boy's fat man in a little coat when I'm all bundled up. At least I can laugh at myself, right?!
Today's title (So close...yet so far away!) refers to the fact that in about 3 weeks, we'll have the ultrasound that can confirm the baby's sex. That's SUPER exciting...except for the fact that my husband is SUPER adamant about it being a surprise. I realize this is no NEW news, but I think I was hoping that once the opportunity presented itself, he would change his mind. No such luck. So even though we'll be looking at the naked child and perusing his/her crotch-region (So close...), I am forbidden to ask for "gender confirmation" (yet so far away!). I have, however, gained some "inside information;" I know I'm looking for either the "hamburger or the hot dog." Zach is convinced that even if I do look, I'm not trained well enough to identify this ever-important part, but I have confidence...or arrogance...or naivety...that I can! February 21st shall tell the tale...
Other than that, I'm still feeling glorious. I've never been so calm and chill (even in light of recent HORRID events, like the tragic car accident that claimed the young life of one of my former students); I feel like I'm on something, but it's completely natural (and legal!)! One physical complaint--if there had to be one--would be my left hip. I really haven't gained that much weight (maybe 5 pounds?), but my hip bothers me really badly, especially at night which makes the whole "sleep in the fetal position" kinda difficult! But I'm using the maternity body pillow my kind brother got me as a Christmas present, and it's helped. I'm just not used to sleeping on my side; I'm always on my back or my stomach! I'll actually wake up (normally, close to 1 am--strange!) and realize I'm out of position and stress about it so badly that I lose, on average, 3 hours of sleep a night! Clearly, I'm my own worst enemy! Well, me and my bladder...that thing is STILL not my friend...
Until next time...thanks for reading :) Oh and this entry is dedicated to Nonna, who checks in faithfully to our blogs! Thanks, Nonna!!
So I was re-reading some of our posts and came across the line that referred to my hope of a Winnie the Pooh nursery. Much like the veto on finding out the baby's sex, Zach has refused Winnie. While this is quite the blow to my childhood (and motherhood) dreams, we've yet again compromised: Noah's Ark it shall be. And because I was given free reign to "get started," I've already purchased the window valance, the diaper hanger, and all crib necessities. My new favorite store is Babies-R-Us; I got everything on clearance for $60. If I'm as good a mom as I am shopper, Baby J. is going to be one fortunate kid :0)
Wow! As of Friday, January 16, we are officially in our second trimester! The time really has flown, which makes us want to slow down and truly appreciate everything that's happening--even if some of that includes mood swings and incessant crying :)
We had a small scare a few weeks back where I was spotting a bit. Luckily, after the ultrasound (which marks our first visit to Magee!), we were told all is well. And the cherry on the sundae was seeing Baby J. for the first time!! I, of course, cried because that's what I do best these days. Zach, ever the math teacher, was more interested in counting everything: two legs, two arms, there's a nose. That is a day we will never forget. We got our first picture of Baby J., too. I've attempted to attach it to this post...let's hope all of my technology training is not in vain...
From what I gather, the second trimester is most moms' "favorite" part of the pregnancy because we apparently start to feel a lot better. I was extremely blessed in that I was not sick for one second due to the pregnancy: no morning sickness, no nausea--nothing. I've just been sleepy. But I'm waiting for the much anticipated "nesting instinct" to kick in which will, so they say, give me extra energy and throw me into "Mommy Mode." I'm just looking forward to the idea of not falling asleep at 7 pm.
Yesterday, Zach was kind enough to accompany me into Motherhood Maternity where I purchased my first, as he calls them, "Fat Lady's Clothes." All I can say is whomever is responsible for the expandable waistbands and/or invisible belly jeans is my HERO. I never want to take them off...which is awkward because I'm really not big enough for them yet. But I am comfortable nonetheless...
That's about it from these parts. Next doctor appointment is this Thursday, so if there's anything else to report, I'll be sure to post it here. Until next time...adios from Baby J.!
It's 2009 and you know what that means: Baby J. is coming this year! At this point, we're 12 weeks pregnant and looking back on the past few months, I've learned some important things:
1. When I have to use the restroom facilities, I have to use them IMMEDIATELY. The bladder is not my friend.
2. I like naps...a lot.
3. When I'm hungry, I need food, like, five minutes ago. I now understand why infants cry when they're hungry. It's rough.
4. The rubber band is a fantastic invention that can spare an inch or two worth of breathing room in my favorite pants.
5. I cry just because. ESPN's Best Sports Stories of 2008 made me sob, as did a Subaru commercial.
6. My husband is going to be admitted into Heaven without any questioning or doubt. He is a saint for putting up with a hungry, crying, lazy, fat wife :0)
7. While the bladder is not my friend, the sports bra is.
So many of our friends have kids (or in the case of many of my good friends, JUST HAD kids!) and that is so amazing to me. It seems like it was just last year that I met Zach and we started dating. Now we're married almost 2 and a half years, we're homeowners, dog-parents, and now decorating a nursery for our CHILD. The prospect of being a parent completely terrifies me, but more than that, it gives me a sense of purpose. This is the most important job I'll ever have; let's all say a prayer I'll do it well :0)
We go back to school in a day, and that's when I plan on telling my students "the news." I'm hoping that those who are annoying will be less so; otherwise, they may have to feel my hormonal wrath!
Next doctor appointment: January 22nd--hopefully there will be a heart beat to speak of :)
