Glucose Test, Pre-registering, Hospital Tour

Today was the big glucose test day! I was pretty excited to get it over with (assuming I don't have gestational diabetes-results will be on Monday) since I have heard terrible things about it. I'm not quite sure what the big fuss in about. I went in drank so really sugary Sunkiss (it was really some kind of orange drink) which wasn't that terrible. In fact if it wasn't so cold I probably would have chugged the whole thing in one gulp... like a beer on FSU game day! :) Then I came back in an hour, she took my blood and off I went. I am currently eating all the salt I can get my hands on and I did want to stop and get a burger and fries but hey not too bad!

This is what I had. It did make me want a Sunkiss!

During our hour wait, we went to pre-register. It seriously took maybe 10 minutes and was super easy. I was glad Jamie was there to fill out all his stuff too. Then I asked the lady how/when we could take a hospital tour and she said I'll take you on one right now! Awesome!

Hospital Tour:

We have been to the hospital that we are delivering at but not the maternity ward. It was so nice! It is newly renovated- everything was big, clean, and new! The staff was very nice too. It did make me a little anxious being there thinking we will be here is 14 weeks eks!! But as Jamie says, "What doesn't make you anxious?" hahah right. So we had NO questions. I couldn't think of anything to ask so of course I went online after to see what we are suppose to ask and I think we know all of the answers.

[  ] When we arrive, do we need to check in at the front desk, or can I waddle straight to the maternity ward?

-If we get there after hours we buzz the nurse and they let us in. And since the front desk is right be the doors to the ward I think that waddling from the desk to the doors will be just fine. 

[  ] What are the policies on cameras and video cameras?

-Yes

[  ] Are cell phones allowed?

-Yes

[  ] Will baby be able to stay in my room the whole time?

-Yep they don't even really have a nursery- it is only for check ups and surgeries, etc.

[  ] Can daddy stay the night?

-I'm assuming since she showed him the pull out couch and said this is where you will be daddy.

[  ] What are my chances for getting a private room? Will my insurance cover it?

-All the rooms are private.

[  ] What sort of breastfeeding support is offered? How does it work?

-Lactation specialist. We meet her immediately. And she sets up appointments even after discharge if you need them. So sweet!

[  ] Where and when are my other children allowed to be with me?

-Yes not that we have any

[  ] Is there any extra paperwork involved to get my partner’s name on the birth certificate? (If you aren't married)

-Doesn't apply

[  ] Can I pre-register a couple of weeks before delivery? (Getting some of the legal hoopla out of the way can be very freeing.)

-Already did

It's great to have some things off the check list! I can't believe how close it is getting! 

26 weeks~6 1/2 months

Size of a head of lettuce!

How far along? 26 weeks

Total weight gain:

 17+ 

Maternity clothes? 

Mostly maternity

Stretch marks? 

No

Sleep: 

For the most part it’s good with my 16 pillows.

Best moment this week: 

Being back in Charleston where Jamie and I met :) Putting the mattress in his room with the sheets on it! The room is coming together slowly.. 

Miss Anything? 

Not that I can think of!

Movement: 

He is moving everyday- usually lots of times during the day. I love it! I have felt some very big body parts and movements lately. A little painful when he gets kicking at my hip bone. 

Food cravings: 

SUGAR!! Anything sweet! I hate this craving. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: 

Chicken. 

Gender: 

BOY!

Labor Signs:

Pretty sure maybe one-two Braxton Hicks but what do I know?! Supposably they are happening.. says the books.

Symptoms: 

This week was great! I can’t be on my feet too long and I def. get tired easily. This weekend I was in my friend’s wedding and afterwards I pretty much slept all day Sunday. Jamie kept making fun of me but I was so TIRED. Carrying around 17+ pounds is exhausting! 

Belly Button in or out? 

The top part is out. EKS! 

Wedding rings on or off? 

On! Maybe getting a little snug. Boo.

Have you started to show yet?

Yes. If I wasn’t at this point I’d be worried!

Happy or Moody most of the time: 

HAPPY!!! :))) 

Looking forward to: 

Getting the glucose test over with. Pre-registering at the hospital (little scary). Working on the nursery. 

Workout:

Same.

Furry Babies:

They loved exploring the mattress box!

Of course they both have to be in it at the same time..

To dos:

Finish dust ruffle. I have list of things to buy.. 
Done:
Pediatrician appointments made! Almost all the cleaning supplies have been bought- buy one get one free!!! We were shocked by how happy that made us..

Organic of course. We also got the laundry detergent and drier sheets. We are trying to buy things off the registry most people won't buy.

Worries:

I don’t think I have any at the moment. Time is really starting to fly by so maybe getting everything done. 

Chiropractor:
So I have never been a fan of popping or anything to do with a chiropractor but desperate times call for desperate measures :) Actually I have read about how much is really helps pregnant women. This Dr. specializes in pregnant women so I thought I would try it. I went to the chiropractor Tuesday who said: my pelvis is all out of sorts- one side going back and one going forward this is causing all kinds of problems in my spine. And because my hip is twisted it is causing my ribs to twist and turn out of line- she said a little bit longer and they probably would have popped out of place (awesome). Of course my neck had issues too which is probably part of my migraines. We can't tell if any of it is from my accident because they can't do x-rays. Anyways so she is realigning everything to give Jackson more room so he won't be hanging out of the right hip anymore! And so hopefully he will turn and position the right way when it's time. She said I should start sleeping better and she wasn't kidding. I didn't wake up one time last night!!! My hip didn't bother me at all and no leg cramps. It was a miracle. I feel awake today! I go back on Friday. 

Prenatal Fitness

My goal pre pregnancy was to run up until I gave birth..but since Jackson had another plan I have stuck to the run/walking. I also knew that I should do yoga to help with birth. I'm not a huge yoga fan in general- it's too slow, you don't really sweat, and it's boring. My goal is to do yoga 1x a week which I have pretty much stuck to. Since there aren't a ton of prenatal yoga classes in Jacksonville I bought:

I really like this DVD. The yoga is broken up into several different sections- fertility, 1st trimester, 2nd, 3rd.. there maybe more. Then each trimester has different sections as well- energizer, hip/back, general, bloating/constipation. I usually stick to hip and back. Now this yoga is all about relaxing, stretching, and preparing for birth- she says that several times in the DVD it's a little scary...so don't expect to get toned with this DVD. I use a lot of the stretches at night when I have hip/back pain. My favorite position is the corpse position- you lay on your side with your body pillow and mediate or in my case take a little nap. This is Oscar's favorite too :) He lays right down there next to me and takes a little nap too. Now this video is a little dated with the unitard and backgrounds but it gives you something to laugh about. 

There is a pilates DVD as well. I tried pilates once and I didn't like it.. but I don't like pilates normally so I wouldn't take my opinion to seriously.

The last DVD is the workout video. I have only done the 2nd trimester routine but I really like the strength training. I actually do sweat in the video and if I'm being perfectly honest I haven't actually done all the reps throughout the whole routine (I'm really out of shape). I try to do the strength training 1x a week. This video is up to date! Of course the "1st trimester" girl is super cute and fit and you just want to kill her... in fact I call her some names a few times a routine. I def did not bounce around looking all cute during my first trimester... 

Overall, I would recommend this DVD! 

25 Weeks

Actually the size of a cauliflower but who can draw that?!

How far along? 25 weeks

Total weight gain:

 17 pounds

Maternity clothes? 

Mostly maternity

Stretch marks? 

Nope. My skin feels very tight on my belly so I just started putting some lotion on it.

Sleep: 

GRRR. Monday morning up at 3:00am with a migraine. Getting comfortable and staying that way is the biggest issue. Currently attempting 4 pillows which seems to be helping. I also scheduled an appointment to see a chiropractor for my hip.

Best moment this week: 

Hearing Jackson's heartbeat! Finding out my iron levels are great! Ordering the mattress and hamper. Putting together the night stand. Buying his first polo!!  Seeing Jackson move from the outside! 

Miss Anything? 

Running, spinning, moving fast...

Movement: 

BIG movements and kicks!! I tried to remove him from my hip today and he responded my kicking me and staying put. I can't wait until I can identify which body part is poking out where. 

Food cravings: 

CINNAMON ROLLS! I made some and I want more :( Sugar Sugar Sugar. I still eat a ton of fruit but I want sweets all day long. I usually only have one after dinner. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: 

Chicken. Migraines. My belly button.

Gender: 

BOY!

Labor Signs:

No. I have had some pains that I thought were Braxton Hicks but who knows?!

Symptoms: 

1- 2 day migraine. Awful. Hip and back pain. HUNGRY hippo. I mean so hungry it’s crazy. I could take those cinnamon rolls right now....

Belly Button in or out? 

It gives me the willies. The top part is playing peek-a-boo. And if I lean back oh my. Jamie thinks it funny. 

Wedding rings on or off? 

On! WHEW

Have you started to show yet?

Yes. Trying not to be too sensitive about not so nice comments. I have to get bigger people or he won’t be healthy!!!  Please lie to my face :) jk. No really for the most part everyone has been really sweet. Thank you seriously. My friends have been the best!! They think I look great and I love them for that :) 

Happy or Moody most of the time: 

HAPPY!!! :))) I am moody too. I have been trying to go for walks when I am feeling irrational but since it rained all last week.. it left me on edge. Poor hubby. 

Looking forward to: 

The mattress and hamper arriving! Going to Charleston this weekend back to where Jamie and I met :) 

Workout:

Same.

To Dos:

Scheduled the glucose tolerance test and we will go pre-register at the hospital that day. Attempting to make another appointment with a pediatrician but they haven't gotten back to me yet. Find a mobile!!! I can't decide sailboats or sea creators. 

15 more weeks!!

Happy Birthday Oscar!!

Happy birthday OSCAR!!

Oscar's first day! We didn't know then but this is his favorite thing to do -sleep!

Just like Stella we don't really know Oscar's birthday due to him being a shelter kitty. But we got him in July so we can assume he was born sometime in the month of May. He is just two years old. This was Jamie's cat. He wanted a fat tiger striped cat.. he wish was granted. We went to the shelter in Shirlington Virginia and checked out all the kitties. Of course I fell in love with the little gray and white girl cat that had escaped and was sprinting across the flour.. but then we would have two Stellas. But we found a little striped kitty that was so snuggly and cute. He even let out a nasty fart for us- this should have told us how stinky he would be. Once they finally let us take him home, we got him in the car, and he cried the whole way home- another foreshadowing of our future and driving with Oscar.

I LOVE STELLA!!

Stella was REALLY scared of Oscar when we got him but after a week or so they got used to each other. Now they play, fight, and occasionally snuggle together. Oscar LOVES Stella. He is our little cuddle bug. He never bites, scratches, or gets upset if you hold him. He is our laid back cat. He is also not very smart at all. He is obsessed with water and doesn't mind getting wet. He loves dry cat food and hates people food. He loves treats! When we got him he was 3 pounds and he is now at least 16 pounds. We have tried dieting.. He is finally starting to play more and act like a kitten.

Obsessed with water.. last time we used that watering thing!

He may have started out as Jamie's cat but he loves me!! He is my buddy. I once thought he was dead (he got out) and was so hysterical Jamie said he has never seen me so upset. So basically our cats have to live forever :)

Loves sleeping in sinks!

Big Boy and he thinks he's the baby

I love to help blog!

Book Review

I have been reading quite a few baby books and thought I would share my reviews (in hopes to help anyone else who might be considering these books). A couple of my friends suggested I take notes and give them all the info.. I might just do that :) Like I said before I think it is very important to be educated about your child! It's amazing sometimes what parents ask me (26 year old with no kids yet)! Most of my fears and motivation to read the books stems from my job of working with children with a variety of special needs. And my enjoyment of learning. Huge Dork I know. Here we go:

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy- Mayo Clinic

Like:
I like this book because it is medical, very organized, easy to read. This isn't a book based on opinions-That pain you feel here and there is explained by a doctor- not by a person with 16 kids who thinks they know what it is. It also has stretches and exercises in the book to help with labor. It has sections about month to month changes, labor, birth, C-sections, newborns, recovery, pretty much everything! And medial symptoms section- I frequent this often- oh rib pain let me look that up.. and then you know whether or not to call the doctor.
Dislike:
It combines all the symptoms for the month in one section vs. week by week. However, do your symptoms really change each week or is it pretty consistent for the month? Most likely this is the best way to describe the symptoms. I often look at different online sources for a week to week description.

I would recommend it!

The Birth Book- Sears

Like:
She describes all birth methods equally even though you know she prefers and supports a natural birth. This is a non judgmental book. Very in depth and detailed. Organized! Graphs/drawings (not gross ones) are included. It has the history of the birth process (you can compare your mom's to now- which is completely different), getting ready for birth, all the interventions that could happen at birth, techniques for a natural birth, the stages, best positions, and making your birth plan. I felt very prepared after reading this book.

Dislikes: Nothing

I would recommend it!

Breastfeeding Made Simple- Mohrbacher, Kendall-Tackett

Likes:
Easy to read! Organized! It also has pictures. Very helpful to someone who has never breastfed before.. at least I think as of right now. It talks about breastfeeding week by week, pumping, weaning, formula, you name it it's in here. Hard to review before I can use the techniques.

Dislikes:
Nothing

I would recommend it!

The Nurturing Touch at Birth- Paulina Perez


Likes: A lot of information about different labor techniques. This book is more for nurses or midwives.

Dislikes: Overwhelming amount of information. I think this is a good book for some people but just not for me. Lots of pictures that were scary.. I mean women in pain. I want to live in my ignorance with that one!

Heading Home with Your Newborn- Jana, Shu

Likes: Written by the Academy of Pediatricians and mothers. All the information you need to know about newborns. Easy read! Really organized! Very helpful! It talks about breastfeeding, bottles, schedules, poop, pee, vomit, sleeping, crying, development (great speech section), safety, and health. I really enjoyed this book. I will be referring back to it once the baby is here.

Dislikes: None.

I would recommend it!

The Vaccine Book- Sears

Likes: He isn't against vaccines, he is just giving you the research from both prospectives. He also gives his own opinion as a Pediatrician. He gives all the options and consequences. I felt like he wasn't biased at all which I wan't expecting. Very informative. He goes through each vaccine in depth- pros, cons, research. Then he discusses all the different schedules you can use.

Dislikes: This wasn't the easiest book to read in the since that there is a lot of lists of the ingredients in every shot and all the research- it's not a book your going to sit down and finish in one sitting. It's not hard to understand at all just a lot of information. Does that make sense? I was the ingredient info was first then the shot by shot description. I found myself going back being like oh ok so that's what was in this.

I would recommend it! I'm really glad I read the book.

Baby Wise- Apparently Amazon canceled my order because they ran out of it?! 


Also RECOMMEND: Baby Bargins, The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy! See previous reviews on these books. Couldn't live without them.


I was also recommended The Happiest Baby on the Block

24 weeks~6 months

Size of a cantaloupe!!!! I can't draw a cantaloupe..

How far along? 24 weeks

Total weight gain:

 12+ pounds. I’ll find out next week.

Maternity clothes? 

Mostly maternity for work. I'm jealous of people who work at home- I could totally live in yoga pants and a t-shirt.

Stretch marks? 

Nope

Sleep: 

Some nights good some nights bad. Sleeping on my side is really uncomfortable. My right hip has been bothering due to the fact that Jackson loves to hang out on that side. I think when I sleep on the right it just makes it worse. 

Best moment this week: 

My belly rounding out! It’s fun to dress a round bump! And seeing Jackson move my belly from the outside. I'm getting slightly nervous about how this will feel when he is 6-7 pounds. We ordered the mattress yesterday!! Big relief for me.

Miss Anything? 

Sleeping on my back!! I complain about this every night.

Movement: 

He is moving all the time now. I love it!  

Food cravings: 

Evil sweets! UGH. I can now see why people can gain so much weight. I do have cinnamon rolls in the frig waiting for me... uh oh. And I still really love tat or tots. This week I had a slight obsession with onion dip and chips. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: 

Chicken

Gender: 

BOY!

Labor Signs:

No and I’m not looking forward to the Braxton Hicks either.

Symptoms: 

Hip/back pain!! OW! If I don’t do too much and sit most of the day it’s good though. A couple days of reflux that wasn’t too fun. Some leg cramps at night. I haven’t been feeling well the past couple days. I think I’m coming down with something though. 

Belly Button in or out? 

"I'm coming out so you better get this party started..."

Half in..starting to come out.

Wedding rings on or off? 

On! YAY!

Have you started to show yet?

Ha. Yes. It’s not a question anymore! 

Happy or Moody most of the time: 

HAPPY!!! :))) I’m sure Jamie might disagree with this one :) 

Looking forward to: 

The next doctor’s appointment- Tuesday. Seeing What to Expect movie. Getting the mattress so I can put his cute sheets on! 

Workout:

The same! Did some yoga this week to help my back. It's been raining all week which really messes up my run/walks. Don't even talk to me about a treadmill. Devil machines. 

Reading:

The Vaccine Book. I know I know I can’t believe I’m actually reading this either but I am in no way saying NO to any vaccines. Jackson will be vaccinated I’m just researching the alternative schedule of vaccines. It’s been very interesting so far. Who knew how vaccines where made of? It’s actually very disgusting! And it convinced me to get my flu shot every year.. which I am bad about. And I even got the flu two years ago! 

Furry Babies:

They have been good lately! Oscar is craving attention ALL the time. 

Random:

Had my first labor dream. I was in the hospital in DECEMBER (whooo late baby) and I had really bad contractions in my hip. HAHAH I woke up with ta da hip pain and leg cramps. 

Scheduled our first appointment to meet with a pediatrician. It's not until June but I would like to have the pediatrician decided by the end of June. Birth classes July. Star in the show at Sea World in August. Jackson arrives in September! 

+/- 16 weeks!!!!! I love countdowns!