The Rest of the Story...

Clearly, hearing the heartbeat was the highlight of yesterday's visit. But, I realized, some of you may be wondering how the rest of it went... or that I at least might want some sort of record of it for future reference... so here goes:

• My weight is down by 1/2 pound. Nothing at all to worry about. But, clearly the morning sickness did take its toll. Thankfully, I've gone over one WHOLE WEEK without any puking... so I'm sure the weight gain is on its way.
• We discussed the specialists recommendations. My doctor is totally onboard with the bi-weekly ultrasounds. She originally was planning on sending me to his office for the first couple, and then the rest with her. But, we told her the peri had said we could do them all at her office and she was relieved. Said she was more comfortable with that since it would be the same tech doing the measurements on the same machine each time, so less room for confusion or error.
• She did not agree with his recommendation for a renal ultrasound at this time. Did I even mention that after my visit with him? Evidently, when you have a uterine disorder, they like to check out your kidneys and such since they all develop at the same time. She feels the u/s wouldn't tell us any more than if I have one kidney or two, and that a CT scan after the baby is born would give us much more information and be the better way to go.
• We got to listen to the baby's heartbeat.
• Did the routine pap, cervix check, boob check, etc. for the first appointment. All looks good, and just had my annual pap in November, so no real concern there.
• Scheduled the first of my many u/s to come. May 26th is the next appointment.
• Doctor said as long as all is going well, she sees no reason why we can't still take our annual camping trip in July. Would be a good "get-away" before baby arrives.
• She also said that, much to the hubby's dismay, there is absolutely nothing wrong with my increased milk intake. Yes. I actually asked about it to get him off my back. I've always been a big milk drinker, averaging around 2 gallons a week. Since getting pg, however, I am now drinking 3 1/2 to 4 gallons a week. The hubby keeps harassing me that I'm drinking too much of the stuff and he's going to have to buy a cow.
• Doc did point out that drinking so much (I get my daily water intake on top of all the milk) will make me have to pee more. And since the baby is already sitting on my sciatic nerve, I may want to keep that in mind since sitting on the toilet tends to put me in the worst pain with it.
• Overall, we laughed and joked and had a good time and it was a very relaxed, laid-back appointment. Much better than my previous first OB visit experiences.
• Oh yeah.... did I mention hearing the heartbeat?

So all is going well. I did forget a question or two, but can call the nurse about those on Monday. Mainly... can we have sex again? (something only the doc can answer) and also, can I color my hair??? It's driving me nuts. I've heard it goes both ways, so figure I'd check with my doc on it. But curious... did you/will you color while pg?

The Sweetest Sound...

We heard the baby's heartbeat today. Amazing. And such a feeling of joy. And relief. Doctor had some troubles finding it since the placenta is on the front part of my uterus and doing a great job of hiding the baby right now. But, after a couple minutes of trying... there it was. Loud and clear and oh so beautiful.

I've been waiting for this day since the minute I found out I was pregnant. Now that it is here and we've experienced that moment... it is something I will never forget. Just thinking about it now brings tears to my eyes. Another milestone crossed. Two ultrasounds. Two times seeing that little heart beating away. Now, at 12 w 4 days, hearing that wonderful sound. Not "out of the woods" yet as there is still a lot of pregnancy left and I won't relax about it until this baby is in my arms (and don't mention all the worries that then come with motherhood. I know they are there... just not ready to hear about them yet). But... I am definitely feeling more relaxed and confident in this little Butterball. And believeing we will truly have something to be thankful for at Thanksgiving this year.

March of Dimes

I'm certain most everyone out there knows about the March of Dimes. Great organization. Great cause. Seriously. If anyone out there needs help, it's those teeny, tiny preemies fighting for their lives.

The company I work for is a national supporter of M.O.D. Each center works all year long to educate our young children in the importance of helping others (and since in this case they are helping children, it is easier for them to relate) and to raise money for M.O.D. Bake sales, car washes, art fairs, raffles, etc. etc. etc. We do it all in an effort to help.

For so many of us as teachers, the cause is even more dear to our hearts. Personally, I can name off more than a handful of children I personally know who were born prematurely and benefited from the work of M.O.D. And that's without giving it any real thought. I've visited them in the NICU, and cared for them after their healthy hospital release and homecoming.

This year, I find an even stronger pull to support M.O.D., being at high risk for pre-term labor and potentially needing their life-saving research...... though I pray every day that my cervix stays put and we never find out first-hand what it is to have a NICU baby. The hubby and I proudly wear our M.O.D wristbands every day to show our support. We give what we can each year to my work fundraisers. And this year, as in years past, we will be participating in the WalkAmerica event in our city. Our center staff walks every year as a group, along with every other center in town. We have a walk at the center for the children to particpate in. But the WalkAmerica is for the teachers. Our show of support. And another way to lead by example for the children in our care.

Every year, our teachers are asked to raise a minimum of $50 towards M.O.D. A rather small amount. Especially when you consider the hubby and I will contribute about half of that amount on our own. So... I'm not asking for a lot of help. But if you are interested and willing in supporting me in my efforts, and in supporting the greater cause of helping to fight prematurity with the March of Dimes, I'm all for it. And I don't think anyone at work would complain if I turned in a check for more than $50. Email me and I will get an address to you that you can send your donation to... be it $5 or $50. And thanks for your help in supporting a great cause!

I'm Wierd...

Evidently, I have been tagged again, thanks to Carrie (didn't she tag me last time, too?), for 6 wierd things about me. It's pretty sad that my hubby notices these things before I do. Well... maybe that's actually good since it means he not only reads my blog, but the comments you all leave on it, too.

Anyways, here is how this one goes.

Rules
1. Go write weird facts/things/etc. about yourself in my comment box and on your blog, then tag six more people!
2. Then leave a comment that says ‘You are tagged’ in their comments telling them to read your blog.

6 Wierd Things About Me

1. If I don't include this one, my husband is likely to call me out on it, so let's just start with it, shall we? I absolutely can not stand it if the covers on the bed are messed up at all when I am in it. No shifting of them off to one side. No getting all wrinkled. Nothing. The bed is perfectly made before I get in it, and the covers don't move all night. My dad used to laugh at me when I was a kid because I could sleep in a bed all night long and it would look like it hadn't been touched. If I get up in the middle of the night, I straighten the covers back up before getting back into bed. Not such a big deal... until I got married to a guy who wraps up in the covers, throws them every which way, and drives me nuts with it.

2. We have a pet snake. And I am fascinated with watching him eat. We feed him baby mice (bred solely for the purpose of being feed for other animals). And as much as I don't really like snakes, when we feed him, I will sit and watch forever until he lunges and grabs the thing in is jaws. Then he wraps his body around it to suffocate it, and swallows it down whole. It is totally disgusting. And completly fascinating. And I love watching it.

3. I have a fear of being home alone at night. I'm not sure why.... but sometimes I wonder if it's from the days of being a "latch-key kid" at a rather young age, and all the fears that were instilled in me then for my safety. I just think I never completely got over them. Even in the years I lived alone. It's better now though... we have a dog who barks at the wind... and though the barking sometimes gets annoying, it makes me feel safer when the hubby isn't around.

4. Something that has been very important lately... I can not puke in a dirty toilet. I can be running a fever of 102 with a bad stomach flu, and I will stop to scrub the toilet before I puke in it if it isn't already clean. I'll use a bucket or empty trash can if needed, and then scrub the toilet for the next round. Makes puking in public restrooms very difficult. But, with all the morning sickness lately... our toilets have never been cleaner.

5. I am very picky about the temperature and texture of my food. I don't eat mushrooms becuase I don't like the texture of them. I love macaroni and cheese, but the second it starts to cool off too much, I stop eating it because the texture changes. If it is supposed to be served hot, it needs to be steaming. And cold things should be near icy. Otherwise, they won't make it past my lips. Because of this, I also never eat leftovers... except for chili. The texture changes way too much when you reheat things.

6. I can not sleep in total silence. Blame it on being a city girl. A fan runs at night in our bedroom all year long. I even have a fan I take camping with me because I need the noise to sleep. And a separate fan for when we travel and aren't sleeping in our tent, but in an actual room. Never mind the sounds of nature. I have to have the fan.


And now that I've finished that, I'm tagging (and it's only 5, because that's all I have that I know read me regularly... except Carrie... and she started it):
Ladybug Ann
Prop Your Hips
Ornery
POW
Dream Mommy

Falcons & Ducks

Today seems to be the day for bird-watching. All week we've been watching the "Falcon Cam" waiting for the babies to hatch. So far, three of the four eggs have given us fuzzy little babies. There is much hope and anticpation that egg #4 will also produce a chick, and if it is going to, it should be at any time. So, we've been checking regularly throughout the day to see if there's any signs of another baby.

The peregrine falcons are a popular couple downtown. Both are banded and monitered by the DNR and various others. The nestbox is located atop one of the towers downtown and the camera is a wonderful feature. Every year, Kinney (the male) and his current bride, KathyQ, nest in the box and give us some wonderfully exciting shows. Of course, it's always most exciting once the eggs are laid and the chicks have hatched. With the unobtrusive eye of the camera, we get to watch them grow up and eventually leave the nest on their own. It's rather fun to check-in on them, as you never know what you're likely to see. Last night, I managed to tune in just as it was dinner time for the babes:


A rather fascinating sight to see. You should check it out for yourself sometime. You can find the cameras on the Falcon Blog. There's a link to the camera views, off to the right on the page. The camera shots update every 60 seconds, so while it isn't a true "real time," it is awfully close... and still very cool.



And as if the falcon watching wasn't enough bird-watching for one day, just a little while ago, we found a duck couple hanging out in our yard:



Mind you... I wouldn't normally find a pair of mallard ducks to be something to be excited about. But, you have to understand... these are in our yard. Our yard. I've only ever seen ducks around like this when there's also been a body of water nearby... a lake, a retention pond... something of that nature.

There is nothing like that near our house... so we have never, ever had ducks in our yard before. We live in an older neighborhood... and ours is surrounded by older neighborhoods... so retention ponds are nowhere to be found around here. And we're in the city... so no lakes. The closest thing I can think of is the river, a few miles up the road. Even so... ducks hanging out at our house is a first.

Guess What?? I'm Pregnant!

Somewhere in all the computer change-over stuff, I neglected to record this somewhat funny moment. Okay. Okay. I thought it was hilarious and the look on the hubby's face was priceless. But, it very easily may have been a "been there" kind of moment and may not seem so funny to you. Nevertheless, I want to record it for my own memory.

Couple of weeks ago, the hubby started harrassing me that he couldn't believe I still had a pregnancy test or two lying around. Somehow, after peeing on a couple of sticks and then immediately being sent for what turned out to be a super high beta... the need to poas wasn't that great. But, he still found it bizarre that I would still have unused sticks in the house.

So... a few days later, when I got up from my afternoon nap to pee (probably for the 100th time), I pulled out one of the sticks and peed on it. Obviously, I am very pregnant. And with a healthy baby. Which means the hcg is quite high. No surprise, the test line came up very dark and very immediately. I NEVER thought in a million years I would be staring at a a pg test waiting for the 3 minutes to pass because it was taking nearly that long for the control line to show up next to the obvious test line. Evidently, being much pregnant makes for a dark, dark test line and not much left to make the control line. But, it did finally and faintly show up.

Sure that all looked good with the stick, I went out to the living room where hubby was watching TV. "Hey honey. Come here. I have a surprise for you," I say as I take his hand and lead him toward the bedroom. (and being he's a man, we can all guess where his thoughts likely turned) Then I go into the bathroom and come out with the stick, hand it to him, and loudly and cheerfully announce "I'm Pregnant!" Hehehehehehehehehehehe. I'm pretty sure the look on his face was a touch of amusement at my cute little joke, and a bigger touch of "my god I married a dork." I got a good laugh out of it though.

Ligament Stretching

Why didn't any of you warn me I would be feeling it so soon? YIKES! Started a few hours ago... shortly before I left work. Sharp, horrible pain... primarily along my right hip, but occassionally my left side, too. Felt a little better when I'd lay down, but still there.

Have had the off and on cramp/stretching pain before. Hits hard, makes you wanna double over, and leaves as fast as it came. But not this. Been pretty steady since it started. Unable to take it anymore... mainly because it's had me pretty worried and worked up... I put in a call to my doctor's office. (Although, I can honestly say I was never really worried about the baby. Confident all is well there. Just worried that these sharp pains do not at all feel normal.) First good thing, my doc was the one on call this evening. Called me back less than 5 minutes after I left a message with the service. Soon as I described the pain and its location, she chuckled and said "That's just ligament stretching." Well alrighty then.

Take a couple Tylenol, stay off my feet and rest. If still bothersome in the morning, call the office. So, I guess I qualify as one of those paranoid patients. I've been seeing this doctor for almost 10 years though... so I'm pretty sure she understands my crazy, pg-after-a-mc paranoia. Even so... I feel better after talking to her.

Happy Easter!

Our day was busy. I had to ring bells at both church services. Between services, our church offers breakfast, so we joined our parents for that. Once we were all done at church, we went to brunch at the hotel my brother works for. I've been to many buffets before, but I have NEVER seen so much food at one. There was tons! And it was a non-morning sickness day for me, so I took full advantage. I'm usually not a big fan of buffets... I'm not a huge eater so they seem like a waste of money to me. And while I still probably didn't eat my full money's worth, I gave it a good try. Being pregnant has it's advantages.

Took a couple of pics to share with you. Yes, I am in maternity clothes. My mom took me shopping on Saturday because after going through my closet, I determined I had absolutely nothing to wear that was Easter appropriate. So, we went and bought a couple of tops. Granted, I'm not showing that much, but I really don't understand the women who just buy a size 14 instead of their usual 10 or 12. To do so seems like such a waste of money to me. If I only bought a size larger, I'd outgrow it in a matter of weeks. With the maternity tops, I have lots of growing room and will certainly get much more wear out of them.

Admittedly, I wasn't too sure about putting on maternity clothes at only 11 weeks. But, as my wonderful friend reminded me, just when I most needed to hear it, this isn't my first pregnancy. And your body reacts differently when it's been through it before. All my worry and it hadn't even dawned on me to think of it in that light. Not to mention surgeries and hormones and fertility drugs.

So, I donned my maternity gear proudly. I've waited a long time to get here, and now that I've made it, I intend to enjoy it and be proud of it and show it all off. So, here I am, looking pg and proud! (Oh, and I should point out that while the pic of us with the Easter Bunny is blurry, I had to include it. The guy in the costume is my "baby" brother.)

The Peri Visit

Sorry to be so slow with all the wonderful details. After my quick post last night, we dealt with thunderstorms, golf-ball++ sized hail, and tornado warnings.... which made it a little tough to be on the computer. Thankfully, no damage for us... though some parts of town didn't fare so well.

First thing at the peri, the tech did the ultrasound. She was very friendly, which always makes a date with the dildocam a little easier. Though, visiting the cam for baby purposes never seems as bad as the many visits with it we had in order to get to this point.

Since I was there for a consult about a cerclage, the first thing she did was measure my cervix. Then checked out my uterus and found what appears to be a pretty good sized fibroid. No worries. The tech and the doctor said it should not cause any problems with the pregnancy at all. Then, she focused on the baby. She pointed out the heartbeat, followed by "But I wasn't worried about finding it as much wiggling as the little thing was doing while I was measuring everything else."

I could not believe how much Butterball has grown!!! We have a healthy, dancing little baby in there! He/she measured at 4 cm and all looked just perfect. Baby was facing the camera, and we could clearly make out eyes and some facial features. Tech moved things around and gave us a wonderful crotch shot so we could see the little legs.... though still too early to tell what's between them. We got about two minutes of it on video... but, unfortunately, the printer wasn't working so she was unable to print us any pictures. No worries, though! I put the tape in the VCR and took a few pictures off the tv with the digital camera. They're a little grainy, but not bad.

Then the doctor came in. We loved him. Wonderful personality and very funny. He did a speculum exam of my cervix and then talked to us about things. I'm beginning to believe that my cervix has decided it's time to "get tough" and even though I have put. it. through. hell. it is determined to do its job and not let that baby out until it's time. Even with the poking and prodding (and not gently!!) from the speculum, my cervix did not let out one teeny tiny spot of blood. Yep. I think the cervix is standing its ground. I'm so proud of it!

After having reviewed my records and the ultrasound and done the exam, the peri does NOT think I need a cerclage at this point. He said the vast majority of women who have had surgery like mine go on to have perfectly normal pregnancies. But, I am at a higher risk for preterm labor and there is still a chance my cervix could open before it should. Starting at 16 weeks, I have to have an ultrasound measurement of my cervix every 2 weeks as a precaution until I'm about 30 weeks. If there is even the slightest change, they'll do an emergency cerclage then.

Also, he gave me a list of all the signs of preterm labor that I have to be on the lookout for at that point. Once I start feeling the baby move, I also have to keep a daily kick chart, since a decline in movement could be a sign of impending labor. He told me I basically have to "be paranoid" (his exact words) about things. Typically, his patients that are on top of things and know what every little twinge is and when it is cause for concern are the patients that do just fine. The ones who slack are the ones who end up with a very early baby in the NICU who may or may not make it. I laughed and told him I already AM paranoid, or I wouldn't have been meeting him.

So, basically I get to go about things as usual... with some extra monitoring and staying on my toes as this pregnancy progresses. I feel better after seeing him. Still nervous, but not as much since I trust he knows what he's doing. Just when you think about it, include us in your prayers that my cervix does its job.

And now... the real reason you all kept reading all that rambling:

Quickly

All went well. Baby is fine and so am I. Details will come later. Been a long day. I need to eat and rest. Just didn't want my friends & lurkers to worry.

Stuff

Things continue to go well. Still pretty tired most of the time. But, since my co-teacher's last day is tomorrow, my boss has given me an easier schedule these last couple days. I'm sure it's because I won't be leaving work early again anytime soon, since she'll be gone. But it has been sooo nice. I've gone in later and gotten to leave earlier. I'm getting spoiled by it because I could really get used to a schedule like that all the time.

Did cause myself a little worry this afternoon, but pretty much over it already. We have a big bounce (moonwalk?) at work today for the kids. For fun, I took my babies out and let them play in it for a bit. Then I questioned if I really should have been in there bouncing with them. Although, 3 of the 4 aren't even mobile, and the one who is was only crawling around. Any "bouncing" that happened was just me bouncing up and down a bit while I was sitting there. Very likely not a big deal. Just made me worry for a bit.

Nausea continues to come and go, though it does seem to be getting a little better. No vomiting in over a week now, so I'll take that. Just don't ask me to give up my B6.

Someone asked about my belly. I think it's growing, though I doubt it would look that way to anyone else. I got out of the shower last night and got dressed to go to orchestra rehearsal. When I looked in the mirror, I thought I actually LOOK pregnant. The hubby said I do, too... but he could just as easily be humoring me for fear of tripping the hormone switch. He also pointed out this morning that when he went to kiss me goodbye, he bumped into my tummy before my boobs, which is a first. (The boobs have already grown a full bra & cup size, so they've been sticking out there for a while) I plan to take another round of pics on Friday after my ultrasound, so will let you all see for yourselves then.

Catch Up

Let's play a little catch-up...

This past week I had my first "pg" moment, as the hubby calls it. I left work early on Monday because I was so nauseous every time I moved I wanted to run to the bathroom to puke. We were low on kids, so I wasn't really needed, so asked if I could go home and was given the pleasure. No one said anything to me about it, positive or negative, but for some reason I had a very strong feeling it wasn't liked, and even bothered some people that I would let the morning sickness get to me so much.

Unable to take it any longer, I called the doctor and was told Vit. B6 and Unisom. So, when the hubby got home, we immediately went to Target to purchase some and hopefully have me feeling better. While walking through the store, I suddenly felt very overwhelmed by the whole thing, and asked hubby if my being so sick and complaining about morning sickness made me a bad woman? I mean, after all, I had tried and tried and tried to get pg, and now that I'm am, here I am complaining about it. I tried to justify it by stating that NO ONE likes to vomit. And I don't care if the reason for it is a virus, a touch of food poisoning, or pregnancy, if you are constantly nauseous and vomiting, you are going to be unhappy and want nothing more than to crawl into bed until the feeling passes. Why then, if the reason is pregnancy, are you just expected to "suck-it-up" and "deal with it"??? Nausea and vomiting suck... no matter what the reason. (Though don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to death to be pg!) So, yes.... I'm going on and on about this, all the while walking through Target and crying about it. I'm sure people thought I was nuts. And in the middle of my tears and sobs, I whined to the hubby about needing our computer back so I could get a little support from my internet friends.

See... I really did miss you guys!

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The weather has gotten warmer. The hubby has gotten the bike out and started riding to work. Our city has a bike/walk/run/no motor vehicles trail that runs from the 'burb to the north, all the way to downtown. We live about 2 blocks from said trail. So, hubby hops on it and takes it as far as it goes, then rides a few blocks on the city streets and he is at work.

One night this week, his ride home wasn't so smooth. I'm home, knowing he had said he was on his way, and wondering why his ride seems to be taking longer than usual. Turns out, some lady decided at the last second to turn her car right in front of him, and he clipped her back bumper. YIKES! Just what a pg woman wants to hear. hankfully, no serious injuries. After much insistence on my part, he finally gave in and started riding with a helmet last summer. Thank GOD! He has some scrapes on his hand & arm, and a couple of monster bruises on his thighs, but nothing that required any treatment. We took a picture of the biggest bruise:



And that was taken on Saturday... several days after it happened. Turns out, he was late getting home that night because when she stopped to see if he was alright, he jumped her case and let her have it. And then proceeded to ride home, a bit more slowly and gingerly, since he was hurting.

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Our computer arrived and we got it all set up. Hubby has been on me for weeks about how we need to clean-out the baby's room. Up to this point, it has been the computer room and the catch-all... though the biggest "mess" would be the 30+ Build-a-Bears sitting on the floor waiting for us to get shelves hung up to put them on. Hubby did clean off the computer desk and made room for the new one. And then, once again, mentioned cleaning the whole room. After about 1,000 times of telling him I am not touching it until the second trimester (since I'm just too damn tired all the time now) I repeated that, and then added if he wanted it done before then, he could feel free to do whatever he wants with the stuff in here. Please, burn it and we'll just start over. Except the build-a-bears.

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The B6-combo seems to be helping. Still dealing with a lot of nausea, but since I started taking it have had no vomiting issues. I've thought about it once or twice, but no puking. I'll be 10 weeks tomorrow, and am hoping things will start getting better. Get to see the Butterball Friday morning and can not wait! MIL asked today if it'll be too soon to tell the gender. I had to laugh. Seems people are pretty evenly split at this point between boy or girl. I think boy... but what do I know?

I'm Back!

Or, at least getting there. New computer arrived today. Have it all set up. Except the printer since we have to buy a new cable for that. Now I'm just trying to get caught up on about 1,000 emails and 10,000 blog posts out there in blog land.

Butterball and I are still doing well. Anxious to see him/her at next week's ultrasound. Nausea is improving, thanks to the B6/Benadryl combo recommended by my doctor. Why in the hell didn't I call them sooner?!? Such fabulous people they are.

Will be back to regular posting in the next day or so. Figure I have the weekend coming up to get all caught up on things. Have missed you guys!!!

Still Alive

And still doing well. We ordered a new computer yesterday, which will hopefully be here in about a week, so I should be back with you all, soon.

Things are still going well. The nausea is lingering, but not as often and not as bad. And the vomiting is minimal. Thank goodness!!! The last few days I have been totally exhausted, after not being so tired the previous week or so. Butterball must be growing.

In the whole cerclage debate, my doctor has decided to send me for a consult with a perinatologist. My doc doesn't think I need one, but it has me very nervous. And I have never questioned her judgement before... in 10 years of being her patient. So, to make me feel better, and to insure the best course of treatment for me, we're doing the consult on the 14th. And, they'll do a detailed ultrasound, that we can bring a videotape for, so I'm extra excited about that. Will keep you all posted. And should definitely be back online by then.