Little Miss....

You know the cartoon characters- Little Miss Sunshine, Little Miss Giggles, Little Miss Chatterbox.... 

Well, you can call me Little Miss (Hormonal) Pissy Pants.  And not in the pee way, in the B way.  haha 

For real peeps, I am up and down the past few days.  Lucky for most around me they are not the focus of my anger or frustrations.  Sadly, for my husband, he is.  I also don't feel like being around certain people.  This is making me a pretty crappy friend.  I honestly don't mean to, it just happens.  I think it is extra challenging for me right now too because I can't go try a new workout (hell, it's challenging to walk a block), it's terribly cold outside (yes I am spoiled rotten and dramatic about the weather, but it has been really cold here), practicing yoga no longer feels good- everything hurts and lets face it; shots are really frowned upon any time during pregnancy.  ;) 

I could go on and on about how much of a cranky pants I am right now and how awful I feel, but what I realize is there is only a short period of time left before the Ninja is here.  I have to remember there is only a short period of time left where I can just hop in my car and go to Target or out to dinner or where ever I want without having to gather anything but myself.

I got an email from a friend (and Mom) the other night that I have a lot of respect for.  One thing she said that really made me sit back and think was, "Enjoy the last few days (as miserable as they may be) because a year later you'll look back with fondness and longing as your baby turns one and starts his second year of many establishing his independence".  Her email couldn't have come at a better time.    

So, for now I will still be counting the days.  I know it is still ok to feel like crap and talk about it.  However,  I will try to not be such a B and focus more on how very blessed I truly am!

PS-  Denver peeps!  On a very bright note I finally found a fantastic massage therapist!  I would highly recommend her for not just those of you who are pregnant but everyone!  Amazeballs!  Her name is Christine and she is at Elixir - check it out! 

Who knew formula & c section were bad words?

Alright, so perhaps the title to this entry is a tad dramatic, but there are those that act that way when they hear formula feeding or c section.... 

Since finding I am having a planned c section I have been doing a ton of research on that and formula feeding versus breast feeding.  I want to be educated on things I know nothing about besides only what I have heard from other friends.  I want to know both sides, the good, the bad the ugly.

First, lets discuss the c section.  Personally, I am totally fine with it and not that scared (being awake during the procedure is what kinda messes with me).  While I do agree it is major surgery, getting the Ninja here as safe as possible is first priority.  Maybe I am also more laid back about it because I had so many surgeries and procedures done in order to get pregnant?  I also do not feel like I am anything LESS for not having him "naturally" or lets just say it- vaginally (note, there is a huge difference between natural birth and birth with meds vaginally). 

I have tons of respect for all types of birth plans.  I have friends who have done some things that really freak me out, but I still respect the decision they made for their birth.  I have to say I find it appalling the way some women treat one another once they hear that "naughty" word C SECTION.  And don't you dare even mention thinking about an elective c section.  OMG- no you didn't! 

Much of the research I have done always leads to some board of women interacting, which quite frankly is great (and this is by no means bashing them, I have gotten to know a couple and learned a ton)...  but we SAY we are supportive and then BAM that dirty little word comes out and ladies start flipping.  I just don't get it.  I feel lucky I have only had one person flip on me.  Lets just get real on this one, long of the short and either way you slice it, getting a baby out of your belly is not glamorous or fun.  I am also pretty sure when your doctor says you may need or do need a c section they are not trying to play Edward Scissorhands with your body or take the "easy" way out.  Clearly, they have identified a medical reason as to why.  I know there are some crazy docs out there, but I still think they know a hell of a lot more than we do. 

Secondly, formula feeding.  This is another naughty word (formula) that makes some people flip out.  It's the whole formula versus "breast is best" thing.  Trust me, my research has gone deep into this one as to what I will choose to do.  I think I have my mind made up, but I can't be sure quite yet.  Game time decision.  Or wait, my body could make the decision to NOT make any.  In my research I stumbled across an article that really got my attention.  Thought I would pass it along here as it does have so many great points, not to mention the author is quite funny (and I know she isn't a doctor).  ;)

Amy Sullivan: The Unapologetic Case For Formula Feeding

I guess all I am trying to say here is I see a ton of women who say they are supportive to one another, but 2 major triggers for the flip are the above subjects.  I don't see where that gets any of us.  I can tell you where it gets me (besides confused)---  Feeling people out before I even mention I am having a c section or am possibly considering not breast feeding.  Or honestly, just going with it and not saying anything at all.  Why should we be made to feel this way on the above topics?  Why should we be judged for a decision either we made, our doctor made or our body makes? 

I am not trying to ruffle any feathers with this post, I am just sayin'....  "Things that make you go hmmmm"....

 

Weekly check!

Sometimes I look into the mirror and I have to look again.  I don't look like 'me' anymore.  My face is joining ranks with the rest of my body and swelling.  I have never had Botox injections before, but I would think the aftermath of the procedure would feel the way my face feels right now (especially when I talk)- puffy, yet firm & gross.  It's weird.  Ok, I had to get that off my chest.  All better now.

My weekly appointment went well today.  I am up one pound (145).  This one pound I am not counting as I had my big Uggs on, a half full skinny Vanilla Latte in my hand, North Face Jacket on & scarf on.  Surely those things added my one silly pound (or maybe it was all that food I have been shoving into my mouth.....  hmmmm).  Blood pressure is still great.  Belly measurements were right back on track, no scares today in this department.  Dr. D'A said it was probably how he was positioned last week and now he is probably just stretching out more utilizing the small amount of space he has left.  His heart beat was around 130.  All good. 

I have been noticing over the past 2 days his movement hasn't been very kung fooish.  It is more labored and slow.  I am still getting to my 10 to 12 movements, but it is taking much longer.  Dr. D'A decided to go ahead and do a Non Stress Test just to be sure.  Have I mentioned how much I love her?  It feels so great to be in such good hands.  So, off to the NST room.  She hooked me up to a machine with sensors attached to my belly for 20 minutes to monitor Ninjas heart, movement & possible contractions.  The results were just fine.  Nice spikes to 145 (when he moved) and hover of 120-130 when he was just fluttering around. 

Oh sure, I authorize you to give me CPR
or a blood transfusion in case of emergency......

We also went over all the nitty gritty details of my c section along with signing a bunch of paperwork.  All systems go there.  The only news that had me kind of down today was Dr. D'A is taking off Monday- Friday next week.  If Ninja decides to come sooner than eviction day, I will be in the hands of another doctor.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I know the whole practice is highly qualified and will take excellent care of me....  however, it just wouldn't feel the same to have someone besides Dr. D'A slicing into me.  You know- comfort level of her knowing every last detail about you and your body.

So, I will say even though I am holding up the pregnancy white flag - little Ninja, try not to come when the good doc is out of town ;) 

Merry Merry

Merry post Christmas!  Hopefully everyone had a lovely holiday.  We sure did!  Spent some much needed time with friends (ate a ton), laid low at home, taught a yoga donations class with 2 other incredible instructors (Joe practiced) & ordered food from Whole Foods (no cooking for me this holiday)! 

 

Clearly, there were no Christmas "surprises" for us.  The Ninja is still cooking away in my belly.  ;) 

As the eviction date draws closer (14 days) the rare occasions that I do sleep my dreams are of waking up and not being pregnant.  Yes, I am ready. 

Tomorrow is my weekly appointment with Dr. D'A for the basics and to go over more details of the c section. 

 

I would write more, but my hand currently feels like it is on fire while being smashed with a hammer. 

 

I will leave you with this pic since I have been asked to post more.  Thank you Jeff.

A morning of scare & excitement!!

This morning I had my weekly appointment with Dr. D'A.  The office was out of the ordinary super packed with patients.  As a result of this she was running behind.  No bigs, I don't like waiting at all, but waiting for her is worth it to me. 

Once I was called back by my nurse things went as they normally do.  Weight check (I have gained 2 more pounds, way to go chubs, right?).  Blood pressure check (all good there).  Any changes check (nope, still feel like shit). 

Then followed prep for the StrepB test and measuring by Dr. D'A.  The StrepB test was only slightly uncomfortable (I will spare you the details) then on to measuring my belly.  As of last week I was measuring right on which is great.  This week however, I was measuring much smaller so Dr. D'A said I needed to get an ultrasound right away to check my amniotic fluid. 

At first it was scary to hear her say that.  I wasn't supposed to have any more ultrasounds unless she thought there was an issue.  Now, is this an issue?  Could be.  All I knew right then and there was one of two things:  1.  Either he had dropped so much it made extra room in my belly resulting in smaller measurements or 2.  There was an issue with my amniotic fluid which meant there could be a possibility of him coming today.  Of course she was great at making me feel more at ease, we moved on to hear the heartbeat (140- excellent) and talked about his positioning in my belly.  Head is down and body is curved to a cute little C. 

Because the office was off the chain busy I had to wait for the ultrasound to be available for Dr. D'A to use.  So more waiting.  She warned me it could take awhile.  Lucky me!  I had time to panic and be excited all at once!  Yee haw.  Actually, it wasn't that bad by my head was spinning.  Most importantly I just wanted Ninja to be ok. 

Finally (after what felt like a lifetime) the ultrasound was ready for me.  I gotta tell ya, our dude is running out room in there for sure!  However, he was as active as always showing off his Ninja skills to the doc.  Much to her surprise (you should have seen her face) my amniotic fluid was quite FULL.  At this point in the game (I am 36.5 weeks- yes every half/day/min counts now) they look for fluid levels over 5.  Yep.  Full!  Nothing like that Jiffy Lube and Oil check to let ya know!  haha 
She said she wasn't sure where I am storing all the fluid but she was so happy it wasn't low as she had originally suspected.  So, no Ninja today my friends! 

She went on to take quite a few measurements and data.  He was placed in my belly just as she had said he was as well.  I couldn't make too much out- but I got to see his cute little profile and all that crazy Kung Foo Fighting.  Measurements all looked good and she is speculating he is weighing in around 5 pounds. 

So, little Ninja-  no more scares, either cook or get your cute butt here!!

And because we all deserve a chubs, man hands laugh- here you go.  Make it a very HAPPY FRIDAY friends!! 

Pregnancy Brain - WHAT?

From wisegeek.com:

Pregnancy

brain is a condition that affects expectant mothers, usually during the first and third trimesters. Sometimes known as placenta brain or baby brain drain, the condition is usually characterized by short-term memory loss or forgetfulness. Some medical experts say that pregnancy brain is a myth, but evidence shows that many women have experienced this condition.

 

It's understandable that women's emotional levels vary greatly during pregnancy. Hormonal surges, combined with the fact that pregnant women must eat for two and may be getting less sleep, are contributory. A great deal of the mother's time is taken up with thoughts of the baby, so a little forgetfulness is expected.

Increased levels of the hormone progesterone are thought to be a culprit in pregnancy brain. Progesterone can often cause headaches, mood swings and fatigue. The increase of progesterone is often greatest in the first trimester and may be the reason for increased forgetfulness throughout pregnancy.

Yep, it is happening.  I always said "what a bunch of caca" when it came to the concept of "pregnancy brain".  The only thing I really ever thought about it was - ok, fine blame your lack of sleep on something, blah blah blah.  Welp.  Time for me to eat some serious crow.  This shit is real folks. 

I have been "suffering" (yes, I now consider it a "condition") from this said pregnancy brain for about a month now.  It continues to get worse.  You should see me in the morning all over the house, up the stairs, down the stairs, getting my work bag ready- hell getting ready.  It is quite the sight and incredibly frustrating.  Though frustrating I do find space to laugh at myself and pull it together!

Now, lets discuss pregnancy sympathy symptoms....  another thing I thought for sure was another crock of shit....  I stand corrected.  Here is what I found (look, it even has a special name)!

Couvade syndrome

also called sympathetic pregnancy, is a condition in which a partner experiences some of the same symptoms and behavior of an expectant mother. These most often include minor weight gain, altered hormone levels, morning nausea, and disturbed sleep patterns. In more extreme cases they can include labor pains, postpartum depression, and nosebleeds.^[1] The labor pain symptom is commonly known as sympathy pain.

Couvade syndrome is not a recognized medical condition.^[2] Its source is a matter of debate. Some believe it to be a psychosomatic condition, while others believe it may have biological causes relating to hormone changes.

Upon further research I also found this "condition" is not exclusive to your partner.  It also affects your very close friends and coworkers.  Uh oh, guess what??  It has made its move on a couple of my friends from zits to brain.  This was made official a couple days ago while looking for a fire extinguisher.  I will leave it at that.  Sorry ladies, I love you and the Ninja will be here soon and all these zits, mood swings, migraines and forgetfulness will be totally gone. 

Long of the short.  It is bad, it is real and I am ready for it go away. 

 

Good Morning & Night Ninja

Some studies show if you play Mozart for your unborn child they will be more calm and perhaps smarter.  Clearly, nothing has been proven on this matter, but why not try it on??

The Ninja gets Mozart music time for 10 minutes in the morning and at night (most days, but not always everyday).  The Nurse Practitioner at Dr. D'A's office recommended it around week 28.  Joe found some great stuff and put together a play list just for him. 

What I can tell you is he loves to dance to it.  And it is truly more of a dance than his normal Kung Foo fighting.  Trust me, there is a difference.  So here we are jammin to some serious Mozart!

Not much new news to report besides some pretty intense contractions (not Braxton Hicks).  They come and go whenever they want. They are completely random, however, they hurt like hell.  I still don't have a hospital bag packed, but I have the Ninja's stuff ready - well, as ready as we will ever be.  :) 

What were they thinking?

Since I don't do a whole lot of sleeping, I do a lot of reading and researching instead.  I stumble across some pretty fun, funny, sad, amazing and puzzling things- as I am sure you can imagine. 

I have been sitting on this one for a couple weeks now still puzzled. 

 

What were they thinking?  Didn't they have someone who told them this was an awful idea?  Didn't they have someone who loved them enough to say this is not only creepy but just wrong?  Can you imagine this hanging in your hallway, living room or Lord forbid the babies room?  Is that a drawing on her belly or a tattoo?  I really hope it is only a drawing.

And no, this isn't Joe and I.  Happy Monday everyone. 

Fat guy in a little coat.....

Remember that from Tommy Boy? If not, shame on you and watch it now!!!

That's about how I feel.  Not to mention all the other ailments that are now joining forces with the ones that have been with me since the early stages of pregnancy.  The Ninja is really starting to get comfy in there and doesn't mind kicking the shit out of me.  He has found his way to my ribs (right side).  They feel incredibly bruised right now.  I am also convinced he is sitting on some nerves as I am now getting sharp pains when he kung foo fights down the front and back side of my body- they are like lightening.  The kicks are becoming much more Ninja like.  Strong.  Precise. 

Hey, that is what I get for making him a Ninja, huh?  

 

My appointment with Dr. D'A went great.  We are back to measuring right on track and his heartbeat is beginning to slow a tad (this week 130- which is perfectly normal).  He is starting to get cramped in there for sure.  I think he was also just showing off for Dr. D'A -  his way of trying to say, "I have no idea what this mother of mine is talking about, I am sweet and cuddly all the time"!  My weight (now 142!  yes, that is 42 pounds that I have gained so far), proteins, sugars & blood pressure are all perfect.  I am starting to visibly swell through my legs (I call them Ganesha legs) and still on my lame right hand which continues to get worse as well.  Needless to say, I am welcome to him arriving anytime at this point.  ;)

 

Many of you have asked for belly pictures.  Funny thing is I will have LOTS of pictures after the pregnancy that are going to be so cool.  I have been meeting with Jeff once a week since week 14 taking pictures of the progression of my pregnancy.  Though I think he picked a bad candidate for it (I just recently really started to blow out) they are going to be super sweet.  I can't wait to see the finished product and share with everyone. 

For now I will leave you with these 2.  One before (all I had was one back when we were prepping for IVF) and one NOW-  well, actually one from about a week ago.  If you can believe it, the belluh is bigger already this week.  Come on Ninja!  This momma is ready to meet her little miracle!! 

 

 

 

Ninja Nursery!

Ahhh, yes!  The long awaited nursery pictures.  It was difficult to capture the whole room, but you get the point.  I didn't take any shots of his bathroom, but it is gray and white.  I am so pleased how everything turned out.  I am so thankful for such great friends and family who were a part of this room coming together!  Hopefully many smiles, laughs, sweet dreams and very little temper tantrums will take place here!  haha 

Please take note the to coolest thing in this room:  the RED gummy bear night light on his book shelf.  Seriously peeps.  Every kid (and even adult) should have one. 

 

Enjoy!