xoxoThursday, April 30, 2009
Work Baby Shower
The Wonderful Ladies I work with threw me a Baby Shower over lunch this week! Here are a few pictures! I was so surprised and it was so nice!
Me and the Diaper Cake
The Gift Table
Diaper Cake
The Cutest Cake Ever!xoxo
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Unknown
As our due date approaches I find myself full on uncertainty about "The Unknown"! Not so much what I don't know about taking care of an infant or even down the road raising a somewhat normal, happy, inteligent child, but of the immediate unknown! Down the road I will always have friends and family to ask, "Hey what does this mean?" or "What do I do when...", but right now I can't ask anyone "Hey, when is my water going to break so I can squeeze this baby on out?" - well at least ask and get an inteligent and valid response. Not knowing when I'm going to go into labor and actually have this kid is driving me crazy! As most of you know I'm a big "planner"! I schedule everything! I think about what I'm going to eat 3 days before I eat it - that stems from my younger years, but we won't go there! So needless to say, this unknown is killing me! I would much prefer to schedule the day I will give birth, heck I'd even almost opt for a schedule c-section, I'm all on board for a scheduled induction - but why doesn't the doctor see it this way?
Everyone says, "Oh let it happen naturally!" I say "Boo on your naturally, I want certainty!"
xoxo
Everyone says, "Oh let it happen naturally!" I say "Boo on your naturally, I want certainty!"
xoxo
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Maternity Photos
We had our Maternity Pictures taken last Saturday and they are now available for viewing! I must admit at first I wanted to cry, but then the more I looked at them I decided they aren't that bad overall so I thought I should share! Haha! There are definitely some funny ones!
The link is: http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=48091 you will need to click on Chris & Darci in the "Recent Photos" section. The password is jack.
Oh, and don't laugh too hard! :-)
xoxo
The link is: http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=48091 you will need to click on Chris & Darci in the "Recent Photos" section. The password is jack.
Oh, and don't laugh too hard! :-)
xoxo
34 Weeks!!
Here is my 34 Week Glory! Haha! I think he has definitely started sliding south in my belly a little bit! Hopefully we are getting close! xoxo
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Doctor Appointment
I had another doctor appointment this morning, we are officially now at 34 weeks today! Yea! The best news...I only gained 1 pound since my last appointment which makes it only 3 pounds in the last 4-5 weeks, which is a ton better then what I was doing! Haha! I've decided everyone blows up with their first child, learns from it, then does better the second time around (if there is a second time!).
So everything looks good. Blood pressure was 112/68 so still smooth sailing in that department. She said that as long as I can deal with my swelling - especially since I'm still wearing heels (wedges, but heels), then she won't say a word about it as long as I don't start suddenly swelling in other places (hands, face, etc.). My pelvis/pubic bone still really hurts, but nothing we can do there - she did say something about trying a maternity belt and that it might help take some of the pressure off, but she said the baby's head is even more down in my pelvis then 2 weeks ago so it might be hopeless!
Doctor is going on vacation in 2 weeks which is when I was supposed to go back, so now I have to wait until May 11th! Shesh, seems like forever. I will be 2 days shy of 37 weeks by then, and I will have the Group B Strep test done, and I'm going to ask that she checks me. She says she doesn't start until 38 weeks (unless there is a reason), but if I'm already up there and out there for all to see - why not, right? So I'm going to ask! If the ultrasounds are right I will really already, technically be 38 weeks since he is has always measured about 8 days ahead of our due date!
I guess that's about it! xoxo
So everything looks good. Blood pressure was 112/68 so still smooth sailing in that department. She said that as long as I can deal with my swelling - especially since I'm still wearing heels (wedges, but heels), then she won't say a word about it as long as I don't start suddenly swelling in other places (hands, face, etc.). My pelvis/pubic bone still really hurts, but nothing we can do there - she did say something about trying a maternity belt and that it might help take some of the pressure off, but she said the baby's head is even more down in my pelvis then 2 weeks ago so it might be hopeless!
Doctor is going on vacation in 2 weeks which is when I was supposed to go back, so now I have to wait until May 11th! Shesh, seems like forever. I will be 2 days shy of 37 weeks by then, and I will have the Group B Strep test done, and I'm going to ask that she checks me. She says she doesn't start until 38 weeks (unless there is a reason), but if I'm already up there and out there for all to see - why not, right? So I'm going to ask! If the ultrasounds are right I will really already, technically be 38 weeks since he is has always measured about 8 days ahead of our due date!
I guess that's about it! xoxo
Monday, April 20, 2009
Weekend Recap
Not that this weekend was particuarly exciting or anything, but we did have one outing that I thought I should mention. I had my "Pregnant Pictures" taken on Saturday morning. I'm not sure how they are going to turn out? I just wasn't really too excited to have them done once it came down to actually doing it. The entire time leading up to the actual day I was really excited, but Saturday morning I just wasn't really feeling it - and of course Chris wanted nothing to do with the entire thing, he HATES pictures!? The shoot didn't last long, maybe 40 minutes or so, we had 3 different outfits, but I'm just not sure. Our photographer was really trigger happy (I've never used her before) and I just didn't feel like I had enough time to get ready in between the each picture - I mean, hello - I'm pregnant! Give me a minute! Haha! Depending on how they turn out I may or may not post the link and password so you all can check them out - stay tuned for the decision!
That was pretty much the only interesting thing that happened this weekend - I haven't been feeling that great, I've been SO swollen in my lower legs and ankles - it's disgusting! And my pelvis hasn't been getting any better, if not maybe a little worse and I've really not been doing any extra activity lately so I determined its hopeless. I'm at the stage where I absolutely don't care what I look like on a day to day basis and all I want to do is sit in the recliner with my feet up on a pillow just waiting for my feet to go back to a somewhat reasonable size! When your feet jiggle as you walk - you know you've got a problem!
One thing I'm looking forward to is going to see my friend's new baby this week! They had her on Friday in Joplin, but I just couldn't get the energy up to go over, but I'm bound and determined to go this week! From all the pictures I've seen online she is a total cutie!
xoxo
That was pretty much the only interesting thing that happened this weekend - I haven't been feeling that great, I've been SO swollen in my lower legs and ankles - it's disgusting! And my pelvis hasn't been getting any better, if not maybe a little worse and I've really not been doing any extra activity lately so I determined its hopeless. I'm at the stage where I absolutely don't care what I look like on a day to day basis and all I want to do is sit in the recliner with my feet up on a pillow just waiting for my feet to go back to a somewhat reasonable size! When your feet jiggle as you walk - you know you've got a problem!
One thing I'm looking forward to is going to see my friend's new baby this week! They had her on Friday in Joplin, but I just couldn't get the energy up to go over, but I'm bound and determined to go this week! From all the pictures I've seen online she is a total cutie!
xoxo
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Jack's Room!!
Jack's Room is now 95% complete! All I really have left to get is new baskets for the changing table and under the armoire. The ones I'm using now are just a mismatch of whatever I had! I think it turned out TOO CUTE! Enjoy! Oh, I have to give a big Thank You shout out to my mom - she made the curtains and all the pillows!
xoxo
xoxo
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction
Sounds scary, huh?! Well for those of you that are loyal readers you might remember me commenting on how I had kind of, sort of slipped in the bathroom about a week and a half ago and thought I had pulled my groin? Then at my doctor appointment last week, Dr. said she thought I had separated the cartilage in my pelvis or pubic bone - which I guess is fairly common in pregnant women. I didn't think much about it at the time because she said there wasn't really anything I could do about it, at least until after Jack is born, but then I thought, "Man, this really kind of sucks - I hurt all the time and going on walks - out of the question!" So I did a little more research and here are some interesting facts so that everyone else can relate and possibly even feel my pain!
This all came off a reliable, 100% accurate, Non-Dr. affiliated website - so take from it what you will!
Introduction/Background:
Your pelvis is a kind of a circular bone that goes all around and almost meets in the middle in front. The two sides do not quite touch; there is a small gap between them connected by fibrocartilaginous tissue reinforced by several ligaments. This area is called the Pubic Symphysis. This is important for helping your pubic bone to move freely, stabilizing the pelvis while allowing a good range of motion.
The Pubic Symphysis and the Sacro-Iliac joints (in the back of the pelvis) are especially important during pregnancy, as their flexibility allows the bones to move freely and to expand to help a baby fit through more easily during birth. In fact, the pregnancy hormones relaxin and progesterone help the ligaments of your body to loosen and be even MORE flexible than before, so that there is plenty of 'give' and lots of room for the baby to slip right through.
Because of these hormones, it is normal for there to be some extra looseness and pelvic pressure in pregnancy. This is good---it means your body is getting ready for birth! It's loosening up to give you maximum space and flexibility, and to help make things easy for you and your baby.
However, in some women, either because of excessive levels of hormones, extra sensitivity to hormones, or a pelvis that is out of alignment, this area is extra lax or there is extra pressure on the joint.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of SPD vary from person to person, but almost all women who have it experience substantial pubic pain. Tenderness and pain down low in the front is common, but often this pain feels as if it's inside. The pubic area is generally very tender to the touch; many moms find it painful when the doctor or midwife pushes down on the pubic bone while measuring the uterus (fundal height).
Any activity that involves lifting one leg at a time or parting the legs tends to be particularly painful. Lifting the leg to put on clothes, getting out of a car, bending over, sitting down or getting up, walking up stairs, standing on one leg, lifting heavy objects, and walking in general tend to be difficult at times. Many women report that moving or turning over in bed is especially excruciating.
Many movements become difficult when the pubic symphysis area is affected. Although the greatest pain is associated with movements of lifting one leg or parting the legs, some women experience a 'freezing', where they get up out of bed and find it hard to get their bodies moving right away--the hip bone seems stuck in place and won't move at first. Or they describe having to wait for it to 'pop into place' before being able to walk. The range of hip movement is usually affected, and abduction of the hips especially painful.
Many women also report sciatica (pain that shoots down the buttocks and leg) when pubic pain is present. SPD can also also be associated with bladder dysfunction, especially when going from lying down (or squatting) to a standing position. Some women also feel a 'clicking' when they walk or shift just 'so', or lots of pressure down low near the pubic area.
To summarize, SPD is the mild form of this problem. Its symptoms often include one or more of the following:
This all came off a reliable, 100% accurate, Non-Dr. affiliated website - so take from it what you will!
Introduction/Background:
Your pelvis is a kind of a circular bone that goes all around and almost meets in the middle in front. The two sides do not quite touch; there is a small gap between them connected by fibrocartilaginous tissue reinforced by several ligaments. This area is called the Pubic Symphysis. This is important for helping your pubic bone to move freely, stabilizing the pelvis while allowing a good range of motion.
The Pubic Symphysis and the Sacro-Iliac joints (in the back of the pelvis) are especially important during pregnancy, as their flexibility allows the bones to move freely and to expand to help a baby fit through more easily during birth. In fact, the pregnancy hormones relaxin and progesterone help the ligaments of your body to loosen and be even MORE flexible than before, so that there is plenty of 'give' and lots of room for the baby to slip right through.
Because of these hormones, it is normal for there to be some extra looseness and pelvic pressure in pregnancy. This is good---it means your body is getting ready for birth! It's loosening up to give you maximum space and flexibility, and to help make things easy for you and your baby.
However, in some women, either because of excessive levels of hormones, extra sensitivity to hormones, or a pelvis that is out of alignment, this area is extra lax or there is extra pressure on the joint.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of SPD vary from person to person, but almost all women who have it experience substantial pubic pain. Tenderness and pain down low in the front is common, but often this pain feels as if it's inside. The pubic area is generally very tender to the touch; many moms find it painful when the doctor or midwife pushes down on the pubic bone while measuring the uterus (fundal height).
Any activity that involves lifting one leg at a time or parting the legs tends to be particularly painful. Lifting the leg to put on clothes, getting out of a car, bending over, sitting down or getting up, walking up stairs, standing on one leg, lifting heavy objects, and walking in general tend to be difficult at times. Many women report that moving or turning over in bed is especially excruciating.
Many movements become difficult when the pubic symphysis area is affected. Although the greatest pain is associated with movements of lifting one leg or parting the legs, some women experience a 'freezing', where they get up out of bed and find it hard to get their bodies moving right away--the hip bone seems stuck in place and won't move at first. Or they describe having to wait for it to 'pop into place' before being able to walk. The range of hip movement is usually affected, and abduction of the hips especially painful.
Many women also report sciatica (pain that shoots down the buttocks and leg) when pubic pain is present. SPD can also also be associated with bladder dysfunction, especially when going from lying down (or squatting) to a standing position. Some women also feel a 'clicking' when they walk or shift just 'so', or lots of pressure down low near the pubic area.
To summarize, SPD is the mild form of this problem. Its symptoms often include one or more of the following:
- pubic pain
- pubic tenderness to the touch; having the fundal height measured may be uncomfortable
- lower back pain, especially in the sacro-iliac area
- difficulty/pain rolling over in bed
- difficulty/pain with stairs, getting in and out of cars, sitting down or getting up, putting on clothes, bending, lifting, standing on one foot, lifting heavy objects, etc.
- sciatica (pain in buttocks and down the leg)
- "clicking" in the pelvis when walking
- waddling gait
- difficulty getting started walking, especially after sleep
- feeling like hip is out of place or has to pop into place before walking
- bladder dysfunction (temporary incontinence at change in position)
- knee pain or pain in other areas can sometimes also be a side-effect of pelvis problems
Tips for Coping with Pubic Symphysis Pain:
Although the best idea may be to resolve chronic SPD pain through realigning the pelvis girdle and soft tissues, most women have at least some residual pubic and low back pain stick around for pregnancy and the early postpartum weeks because of hormones. Therefore, tips for coping with pubic pain tend to be a focus of many SPD websites. Many of the suggestions include:
- Use a pillow between your legs when sleeping
- Use a pillow under your 'bump' (pregnancy tummy) when sleeping
- Keep your legs and hips as parallel/symmetrical as possible when moving or turning in bed
- Some women also find it helpful to have their partners stabilize their hips and hold them 'together' when rolling over in bed or otherwise adjusting position
- Some women report a waterbed mattress to be helpful
- Silk/satin sheets and nighties may make it easier to turn over in bed
- Swimming may help relieve pressure on the joint
- Deep water aerobics or deep water running may be helpful as well (there are flotation devices to help you stay afloat easily during this; you do not need to know how to swim in order to do this)
- Keep your legs close together and move symmetrically (other sources recommend a very small gap between the legs with symmetrical movement)
- When standing, stand symmetrically, with your weight evenly distributed through both legs
- Sit down to get dressed, especially when putting on underwear or pants
- Avoid 'straddle' movements
- Swing your legs together as a unit when getting in and out of cars; use plastics or something smooth and slippery (like a garbage bag) on the car seat to help you enter car backwards and then turn your legs as a unit
- An ice pack may feel soothing and help reduce inflammation in the pubic area; painkillers may also help
- Move slowly and without sudden movements
- If sex is uncomfortable for you, use lots of pillows under your knees, or try other positions
- If bending over to pick up objects is difficult, there are devices available that can help with this
- Really severe cases may need crutches, although these should probably only be used as a last resort
- Sciatica may be helped by stretching the hamstring muscles with a stirrup around your foot (long piece of rope, two neck ties tied together, etc.)
- Back pain can often be helped by resting backwards over a large gymnastic or 'birth' ball
- Some women report that pelvic binders/maternity support belts are helpful for pelvic pain. However, if the pelvic bones are really misaligned, some women report more pain with these.
Based off these recommendation I'm going to purchasing a waterbed ASAP, wearing a girdle, sliding around town on trash bags in my silk pajamas with an ice pack strapped to my groin - all at the same time that Chris keeps my hips aligned constantly? This is going to take some work!
In all reality I think I have a mild case - Alot of the symptoms apply to me and believe me it really does hurt, but not enough to try any of these "Tips for Relief" other then the pillows (which I already did) and the sitting down while dressing - that really hurts! Haha!
xoxo
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Childbirth Class: Week 3
Yes, Week 3 of class was last night and let me tell you I'm just about over it! Every week we watch a video made in 1981 and then the instructor talks for an hour and a half, but never really revealing anything or teaching anything?! Last night I almost fell asleep! We did however go over some breathing techniques for approximately 4 minutes - like that's going to help when the big day actually arrives!
We have next week that we both go again, then I have a 5th week to go to by myself that is about breastfeeding - maybe that will be helpful?
All in all, not to impressed!
xoxo
We have next week that we both go again, then I have a 5th week to go to by myself that is about breastfeeding - maybe that will be helpful?
All in all, not to impressed!
xoxo
Monday, April 13, 2009
Dr. Appointment and Ultrasound
I'm a little behind on this, sorry! Last Thursday we had our 4th ultrasound to check Baby Jack's kidneys and growth...again! Well his right kidney still shows "minimal dialation" but the left one looked OK. His weight was estimated at 4.5 pounds at 32 weeks which is maybe about a 0.5 pounds on the large size. He was measuring in the 67th percentile, so slightly up from our 28 week ultrasound. The ultrasound tech said he does have some hair - that made me happy although I have no idea how she knows that, or well could see that? Jack has already slightly dropped and is head down, which I had pretty much already figured out by the change in pressure!
The appointment went good, I only gained 2 pounds since our 30 week appointment - tons better then the 6 I gained between 28 and 30 weeks! Shesh! Blood pressure is still good. Doctor said that our pediatrician will just follow-up on Jack's kidney's after he is born so I don't think we get anymore ultrasounds!? :-(
The big thing though is that early last week I kind of, sort of slipped getting out of the shower and my right leg did one of those "Oh crap I almost fell down but I caught myself things!" You know where the one leg slides out and then your groin area might be slightly sore? Well, I guess if you do that when you are 8 months pregnant - it's a whole different story and feeling. If I do any extra walking (like go on my evening walks or go to the mall shopping, things like that) by bed time I'm barely able to lift my legs to walk - not kidding! So I asked Dr. last week and she did some pushing around, which absolutely hurt like heck, then says I think you probably separated the cartilage in your pelvis, more specifically the cartilage that fuses your pubic bone area together!? She said that it won't affect Jack in anyway, but that it's just going to hurt for me and there isn't much I can do about it?! Ugh! So now I'm in the mindset of, "Do I still go on my walks or become a couch potato?" I know what I want to do, but also what I should do!? So it's hard, but I'm still going to go on my evening walks, but maybe just not as far?!
Well that "quick" update turned fairly lengthy! Sorry!
xoxo
The appointment went good, I only gained 2 pounds since our 30 week appointment - tons better then the 6 I gained between 28 and 30 weeks! Shesh! Blood pressure is still good. Doctor said that our pediatrician will just follow-up on Jack's kidney's after he is born so I don't think we get anymore ultrasounds!? :-(
The big thing though is that early last week I kind of, sort of slipped getting out of the shower and my right leg did one of those "Oh crap I almost fell down but I caught myself things!" You know where the one leg slides out and then your groin area might be slightly sore? Well, I guess if you do that when you are 8 months pregnant - it's a whole different story and feeling. If I do any extra walking (like go on my evening walks or go to the mall shopping, things like that) by bed time I'm barely able to lift my legs to walk - not kidding! So I asked Dr. last week and she did some pushing around, which absolutely hurt like heck, then says I think you probably separated the cartilage in your pelvis, more specifically the cartilage that fuses your pubic bone area together!? She said that it won't affect Jack in anyway, but that it's just going to hurt for me and there isn't much I can do about it?! Ugh! So now I'm in the mindset of, "Do I still go on my walks or become a couch potato?" I know what I want to do, but also what I should do!? So it's hard, but I'm still going to go on my evening walks, but maybe just not as far?!
Well that "quick" update turned fairly lengthy! Sorry!
xoxo
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Childbirth Class: Week 2
We had our second week of classes at the hospital last night and let me tell you it wasn't that much better then last week. The class is technically called "Childbirth Preparation" so I guess it's not so much like a "Lamaze" class, as a true "prep" class for what to expect before, during, and after giving birth.
Last night we watched another video (I must say this one was more graphic and I liked it) and it was good. Then we talked all about pain management and what options there are. Going all natural, using IV drugs, getting an Epidural (which I will be doing), Spinal Cocktails (used primarily for c-sections), and then General Anesthesia (for extreme emergent c-section cases).
Our instructor did explain that with the IV drugs and Epidurals the first dose is always the best and most effective so the longer you can hold out the better the drugs will work for you during the most difficult stages of labor/delivery. Then she quickly followed up with, "But if you hit an 8 we can't give you anything after that, so make sure you don't get too far along before you ask for the pain meds!" I'm going to have to stay on top of that! I think if I can get to a 5 or 6 on my own then I'll get it after that - that's my goal anyway.
Next week is breathing exercises and postpartum!
xoxo
Last night we watched another video (I must say this one was more graphic and I liked it) and it was good. Then we talked all about pain management and what options there are. Going all natural, using IV drugs, getting an Epidural (which I will be doing), Spinal Cocktails (used primarily for c-sections), and then General Anesthesia (for extreme emergent c-section cases).
Our instructor did explain that with the IV drugs and Epidurals the first dose is always the best and most effective so the longer you can hold out the better the drugs will work for you during the most difficult stages of labor/delivery. Then she quickly followed up with, "But if you hit an 8 we can't give you anything after that, so make sure you don't get too far along before you ask for the pain meds!" I'm going to have to stay on top of that! I think if I can get to a 5 or 6 on my own then I'll get it after that - that's my goal anyway.
Next week is breathing exercises and postpartum!
xoxo
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Childbirth Class: Week 1
Last night Chris and I had our first week of Childbirth Class at the hospital. I think it will be helpful, definitely heard some helpful tips last night, but for the most part last night wasn't all that informational.
The class was kicked off by watching a video, "The Magical Moments of Birth" and you can only guess what we saw. It actually wasn't too graphic, but the video was made in like 1986 and every woman on there had a MASSIVE FURKINI! It was kind of funny!
Then we covered car seat safety, nothing too exciting or new was learned there.
Lastly, we went up to L&D and got a tour. That was nice considering I've never been anywhere in the hospital except like right inside the main entrance and back to where they draw blood! We got to see the labor rooms, the postpartum rooms (they even have 2 or 3 "Mommy Suites" that have queen sized beds so that dad can sleep there too! it's first come, first served but hopefully we will get lucky and get one of those!), and also they have their own C-Section room in the L&D wing so that you don't have to go to a serarate surgery floor.
I must say when she showed us how the bed is arranged for actual delivery I got a bit freaked out! It's like your legs are suspended 3 feet above the rest of your body! I'm still trying to imagine being that exposed and being able to concentrate and not be embarrassed! Everyone says when the time comes you won't care, but I'm not sure I buy into that just yet!?
xoxo
The class was kicked off by watching a video, "The Magical Moments of Birth" and you can only guess what we saw. It actually wasn't too graphic, but the video was made in like 1986 and every woman on there had a MASSIVE FURKINI! It was kind of funny!
Then we covered car seat safety, nothing too exciting or new was learned there.
Lastly, we went up to L&D and got a tour. That was nice considering I've never been anywhere in the hospital except like right inside the main entrance and back to where they draw blood! We got to see the labor rooms, the postpartum rooms (they even have 2 or 3 "Mommy Suites" that have queen sized beds so that dad can sleep there too! it's first come, first served but hopefully we will get lucky and get one of those!), and also they have their own C-Section room in the L&D wing so that you don't have to go to a serarate surgery floor.
I must say when she showed us how the bed is arranged for actual delivery I got a bit freaked out! It's like your legs are suspended 3 feet above the rest of your body! I'm still trying to imagine being that exposed and being able to concentrate and not be embarrassed! Everyone says when the time comes you won't care, but I'm not sure I buy into that just yet!?
xoxo
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