32 Weeks and Counting

Today was our 32 week check-up, where I spent more time waiting for the doctor than actual time spent with her. I get it, doctors are crazy busy, especially when the baby business is a booming one.

Luckily, this time I remembered the questions I had about my non-stop heartburn, how to tackle this cold that is kicking my butt, and if my suspicions that she is turning are correct. We listened to her heartbeat, 150 and she didn't kick the doctor this time (hahahaha). I am now on a prescription for heartburn, apparently it is normal and hopefully does the job. I was also handed a list of medicine allowed sparingly after 12 weeks of pregnancy to aid in getting some relief from this cold. I did discover that I am allowed to take Tylenol Cold Medicine, but all I saw at Walgreen's were the severe and max versions so I want to do a little more research on that first. But I did pick up some saline nasal spray and throat lozenges to assist in the mean-time. The list also contains Benadryl, so I will try that tonight to see if it helps to at least provided relief at night. Plus, I was right from what we can tell she is moving, getting into position.

We are also starting the process for a pump, so that should be an interesting journey with insurance. Now to rest up and get ready for the SIDS sleep class this week and the baby shower this weekend!

Don't mind the haggard, I've-been-teaching-all-day while battling a cold look.

Glucose Test #2 and More...

So today was the day, the day that I went in for my glucose tolerance test since I failed the glucose screening test. With this test I had to fast for 12 to 14 hours and then go in to a lab, drink the twice as sugary drink and get tested every hour. Needless to say I was dreading it, but also very ready to get it done and over with.

Per the usual, I had my trusty side-kick Lorie, who graciously gave up her entire morning for this and also picked me up (THANK YOU!!!). Now, in my head I originally thought that I would have three blood draws and that was that...wrong! In the end I was jabbed, not three times, not four times, but five times. FIVE!?! The first try either the needle was a dud or my vein was unhappy, the gal kept moving the needle in and out trying to draw blood and it actually started to really sting until I said ouch and she stopped. I would like to add that it was like nails on a chalkboard and still makes me cringe. So she moved to the other arm and it was over in a jiffy.  This was the base-line draw (if you are over 99 mg/dl then you automatically fail and just have to go back to your doctor to talk about how to handle your gestational diabetes. Mine was at 80 mg/dl, so in the average range...which leads to me to wonder the statistics of women who fail the test after passing the base draw. After they get the results, the nice lady brought a big cup of the lemon-lime 100 gram of glucose drink for me to chug (which I couldn't do, but drank as fast as I could). In the end the results are as follows: first hour 161 mg/dl (which is considered normal), second hour 162 mg/dl (which was considered high and flagged), but the third and final hour was 123 mg/dl (the goal is to be 140 or lower). Meaning, I passed and I do not have gestational diabetes!!! Overall, I have the failed (and very bruised) attempt in the left arm, three on my right and one on my right hand making me feel like a human pin-cushion.

However, while visiting with Lorie, it dawned on me....most of the time they have women visit a nutritionist to help control their gestational diabetes; but wouldn't it be a smart idea to visit with a nutritionist as one of your first appointments while pregnant? Little late now, but something to still consider and something I want to talk about with my doctor on Monday (next visit).

Lately I have noticed that when I lay down to sleep my legs keep wanting to move and I spend quite some time flexing and shaking them before I go to sleep. I am not sure if this is restless leg syndrome, or if I am just very ready for the ground to thaw so I can go on evening walks again. Also, my body is continuing to prepare me for the future, I am up every 90 minutes or so. Plus, as my belly grows it itches and even burns if I don't have enough moisturizer on it. In addition to all of that, Addie's sleep patterns are continuing to be present, she is very active in the evening, about 2:30 am and also 5:30 am.

Some cool developments include big movements from the Adaline, not just kicks, but I think she is actually rolling because of all the movement I see and feel (both inside and out). Diesel has been enjoying his cuddle time with the bump, which will have to end shortly, but is still really cute in the mean time. I have to also say that we are blessed with some amazing people who continue to blow me away with their kindness and generosity. Kristi and DeAnn put together a wonderful package filled with some awesome goodies for Addie, and I couldn't be more grateful! Thank you all!!! :)

Glucose Screening and Shots

So today I had my 28 week check-up, shots, and results from last week's glucose screening. Overall, the only positive thing from the appointment was the fact I heard my little girl's heartbeat. The rest? Well, it sucked.

First, the Rhogam shot....wowza that one hurt. It still stings actually (nearly four hours later), so not my favorite. While I was preparing for that shot they asked if I wanted to also get the Tdap vaccine; my response? Who wants to get a vaccine? Nobody, that's who! Anyways, I ended up deciding that I should just get it done and over with since I knew I was already getting one shot. Side note: anyone who plans on babysitting or spending a great deal of time with the baby should get the vaccine about six weeks or so before due date. Luckily, the doctor said it is simple, either by doctor or Walgreen's or Walmart pharmacies can do it as well.

Second, glucose test screening....this was last week and I was praying that I would pass with flying colors. Well, I didn't. I freaking failed by eight miserable points. According to the doctor it is not enough to panic, but enough that I have to do the three hour glucose tolerance test. That means drinking a second (and nastier) drink, and sitting in the lab for three hours while they draw my blood three times (once every hour). Apparently God has a plan to make me get over my fear of needles with this pregnancy.

Third, I found out that my hemoglobin count is on the low end of normal, by that I mean .2 away from being considered low. This is an easy fix, just some iron supplements and increase in leafy greens like spinach. This is more of an annoyance than anything else, however, it does explain why my wedding ring has been leaving marks (apparently having a reaction to gold is a sign of low iron).

Finally, the doctor explained the fetal kick count (which I've already started informally monitoring). I should count at least 10 movements in a span of two hours. I did try to explain that she is most active at night, to which his response was that most babies are most active (or at least noticeably) between 7 and 11 pm. What I was trying to explain is that she is active all night, like she is a night owl. Hopefully we break that habit before birth-hahaha. However, I will start the formal monitoring which should be interesting to track!

Glucose Test

So as I near my 28th week (YAY!), I knew the dreaded glucose test was no longer avoidable. After some scheduling conflicts, I was able to nail down a day and today happen to be that day. I did my research about what I should do to make sure I don't accidentally fail the test (hopefully it worked!) and have to repeat it with the three-hour test of doom.
Going into it, I had three options to choose from for the flavor, the orange, fruit punch, or lemon-lime. I chose lemon-lime in the hopes that it would taste better...but honestly I doubt any of them taste good. I did chill mine (which I also high recommend even though I have not experienced it warm, but my imagination suggests it would be terrible). I started fasting as instructed after a quick prep-time lunch of hummus and veggies, and before I knew it 2:45 rolled around. All day long (and really since last week), I have been discussing what my plan was with Lorie since she is my trusty sidekick who goes with me to these things and talk me through it...seriously, what would I do without her?
The drink itself is not the greatest, but not as awful as I had heard. It was very sugary, just as I suspected considering the ingredients. It tasted like flat 7-Up with a bag of sugar added, but as I started I thought to myself "Not too bad, you have drank worse in college! I mean, who didn't?!?" But I do have to confess that by the end of the bottle and 10 minutes later I was about to be sick. It also gave me some pretty horrible heartburn, so that wasn't any fun either.
By 3:15 Lorie and I hit the road and made our way to the lab for the tests. She kept me calm as possible and the tech was a pro who knew how to keep her cool as well. In the end, we will just have to wait and see what the results are! Fingers crossed!!! Next stop, the Rhogam shot.

Ultrasound #2

This morning was our second ultrasound, and baby girl was as stubborn as ever. Although she was facing in a way that we could get a clear view of her heart along with other things, as soon as we went to get a look at her face she decided to be shy. She covered her face with both hands and began wiggling quite a bit--total opposite of last time. At one point, I swear she shook her head no at me when I said she needs to cooperate.

Her heart rate was 161 BPM, and she was a'mov'n! However, everything looked good and with some patience, our technician was able to get a 3D picture of her along with a profile; which was unexpected. Also, she weighs in at 1 pound 13 ounces and is a week ahead of schedule in length, so as the doctor said "She's a little big." HAHAHA. But the doctor was very pleased with the rest of the news, it was all positive, yay!

Movements From the Bump

At about 17 weeks I began feeling only what I can describe as bubbles from the bump, it would happen randomly and I would usually feel them in the morning as I laid in bed not wanting to get up. Plus there would be the hard spots I could feel and pressure as she pushed around.

As the weeks progressed, I could gradually feel more to the point of actual jabs.

Over break at about 21 weeks, I was laying on my side and I could feel her feet push out towards my hip, it was pretty cool. I told Rusty who has been wanting to feel her move, and we decided to see if she would encore later that night. We didn't get an encore of the feet, but he did get to feel a swift jab. The doctor did tell me that it could take longer to really feel anything since it is my first time and because the placenta is sitting in front.

However, here at 23 weeks and I have felt at least one kick/jab a day and lots of other movement. I have to admit it brings a smile to my face, even the ones that are uncomfortable, simply being that I know she is moving around and growing. I love being able to feel her, and I do get nervous if there are periods of several hours that I don't feel her (Friday was one of those days and I almost called the doctor when she decided to finally wake up).

Some triggers that seem to get her wiggling are BBQ, Rice Crispie Treats, fresh juice, and when I move from one side to the other at night. 😍

Who Doesn't Like Freebies?

I know I am not telling anyone anything new when I say that preparing for a baby is expensive, even if you just do the basics and forego the "fluff" it has the ability to put a dent in anyone's bank account. Plus, trying to figure out which type/brand works best can be a little much for first time parents, and when asking for opinions you get just as many answers since many have their own personal choice. But, I have discovered that there are many stores and sites that will provide you with a box of samples to help pave the way.

First, the easiest ones I have discovered so far (but have yet to receive the boxes):

• Walmart will send you a free welcome box, all you have to do is follow the link and sign up:
  https://www.walmart.com/cp/baby-registry/1229485?u1=&oid=223073.1&wmlspartner=CY3NkS*Y9qw&sourceid=24064453711959595954
• Sam's Club will do the same (yes I know they hail from the same mother ship) and you don't have to be a member; follow the link to sign up: https://www3.samsclub.com/best-deals/samplesamsclub/
• If you are a resident of California or Washington you can get a free pregnancy journal: https://www.scholarshare.com/buzz/pea-pumpkin.shtml
• When you join Similac you can get formula: https://similac.com/formula-coupons-free-samples
• Did you know Dolly Parton is on a fight against illiteracy? If it is available in your area (it is not in ours--boo!) you can register your child and receive free age-appropriate books from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: http://www.imaginationlibrary.com/  *go to Register My Child
• Also, something I think is pretty cool, you can get a Newborn Greeting (along with many others) from the White House. Follow the link to get more information: https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-order-free-white-house-greetings-1358017

Diapers are worth their weight in gold, but if you contact many of the major diaper companies to let them know you are trying to switch or decide which diapers you would like to use they would be more than happy to hook you up with samples. Now this won't get you through a long period of time, but something is better than nothing. Also, many of the companies like Huggies have reward systems that can help earn some free stuff too.

Many new parents set up registries, but some are more meaningful than others. If you complete a registry with Amazon.com and check all the boxes (including a small purchase) they will send you a welcome box of goodies as well. This is what I received.

Target will also give you a welcome bag of goodies, simply set up a registry and visit your local Target store. I believe you just talk to customer service about it (I will find out today). ***Update, Target does give a welcome bag (pictures below) and all you have to do is talk to customer service. Super easy. I have heard (but not tried yet) that Babies-R-Us will do the same thing. I am sure there are a lot more out there, so if you know of one let us know! :)