Monthly Archives: July 2016

Thirty Weeks ! – The 411

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How my baby’s growing

Your baby is about 15.7 inches long now and weighs almost 3 pounds (about the size of a large cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will shrink as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it’s not very keen; even after she’s born, she’ll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she’ll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision – which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

How Mommy’s life’s changing

You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you’re having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off.

Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in some new shoes in a bigger size. Remember those mood swings you had earlier in pregnancy? The combination of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes can result in a return of those emotional ups and downs. It’s normal to worry about what your labor will be like or whether you’ll be a good parent. But if you can’t shake the blues or feel increasingly irritable or agitated, talk to your doctor or midwife. You may be among the 1 in 10 expectant women who battle depression during pregnancy. Also let your healthcare provider know if you’re frequently nervous or anxious.

BABY STATS:

How Far Along?

30 weeks !

How Big Is The Little One?

My baby girl is now the size of a head of cabbage.

Total Weight Gain / Loss?

I have gained a total of 7 pounds (lost one I gained last week)  During first trimester, I lost 27 pounds.

Maternity Clothes?

I wear maternity pants, maternity shirts, oversized tees, and body con dresses. I have a few sundresses that are loose as well.

Sleep?

I am having no problems with sleep now.  (Thank you sweet baby Jesus !)

Best Moment of the Week?

I have had a pretty shitty week being in my feelings about friends who are not attending my baby shower.  Some that were notified in MARCH or APRIL about my August baby shower, have called or I either I had to call them, to learn they are not coming.  My best friend, can not come because it is her son’s birthday weekend (note he is turning 17) and she is having some issues with her ex husband, who usually gets the boys and brings them to ATL for the summer and it is also her vacation week.  I have a few others who all of sudden have scheduling conflicts a week before my shower !  I am completely and utterly pissed.  I am always, ALWAYS there for important events for others, and whether I can really afford it or not at the time, I work it out.   At $100 per person you do NOT bail on a life altering event of this magnitude for stupid shit AFTER Rsvp’ing that you are coming AND bringing someone with you!   I am not happy about it and I swear this is the LAST event I plan that includes anyone outside of my immediate family.   I had started planning my baby’s baptism, which will be held beachside, but I have decided to only include her Godparents, my mom and I.   I may not even invite my sisters.   I am kinda put off by them at this point too.   My birthday was July 12th and I got NO card, no gift from either of them.  I give them gifts every birthday, every Mother’s Day, every Valentine’s Day, every Easter, and Christmas !  Not even a card?  Neither of them gave my mom a gift for her 65th birthday either, which was odd.  One is having financial issues so I kinda get the no gift, but you can not buy a card, yet the next week, you take off to meet the other sister in Orlando for our nephew’s basketball games and failed to even mention you are going?

Anyway, I am just not happy at all that my godmother, best friend and some other friends are not coming to my baby shower and there are other people who did not even respond to the RSVP simply because they do not want to buy a gift, which I do not need anyway.  It is just effing RUDE to not reply to an RSVP.    I think I am just being hormonal, because usually, I could give a shit less about stuff like this….   I just put a lot of effort into this event and wanted people I care about to be there to celebrate the impending birth of a child I have waited my whole life for and worked for over two years for !

For the best moments of the week… that was the question right? lol….  I had my 30 week OB appointment and also MFM scan.  My baby girl. of course, would NOT cooperate so the 3D scan of her little face was not a good one.  Everything else looks great and she is almost 3 pounds.  They estimate she will be around 7 pounds.  I also have started receiving baby shower gifts and it is pretty cool that there are those who are happy for me and are celebrating my little one.

Symptoms?

I am not having any pregnancy symptoms, aside from the baby kicking and moving around.  My boobs hurt ALL the time… but that is about it this week.

Food Cravings?

I was craving pizza earlier this week so I made two from scratch.

Food Aversions?

Salty foods.

Gender?

Baby Girl !

Labor Signs?

I had a little cramping because I was upset about the post office not locating a package but I calmed myself down and drank a bottle of water and the cramps subsided. No real labor signs….

What I Miss?

Being able to wear a bra without pain !

What I Am Looking Forward To?

My baby shower next week and Holding my baby in a few weeks !

Bump?

My bump has not gotten much bigger, at least I do not think so.  I have a little soccer ball.


Navel In/Out?

In

Baby / Mommy Purchases?

The only items I have purchased this week are all baby shower related…  Custom cookies, custom cake from a celebrity baker I have used for years, custom candy apples, floral arrangements, and little odds and ends.   I also finalized catering fees and paid them…

30 Week Scan – The 411

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Today, I had an OB appointment as well as a 30 week scan. I met with Dr. Karamitsos and he listened to the baby’s heartbeat, which was at a rate of 145.  He measured my tummy and its 34 cm.  We reviewed my blood work from last appointment and discussed my anesthesia questions regarding my cesarean.  We are doing a spinal unless they feel it will take two hours or more in which case they will administer and epidural.  I got my TDAP vaccine today. My mom got hers on Tuesday when she had a preoperative appointment.

After my first appointment, which ended early, my mom and I walked around the corner to Rockefeller Plaza and sat out for an hour before having the Uber pick us up to head to Lenox Hill Hospital Black Hall for my sonogram.

My baby girl now weighs a few ounces shy of 3 pounds.  They anticipate her birth weight to go to 7 to 7.5 pounds.  I honestly think she will be between 5-6 pounds.  I am hoping she stays small.  No one wants a big ole fat baby lol.   My niece was only 5.9 pounds and was sooo tiny !  All the other kids were 7-8 pounds and they were pretty decent size.

I had to do another vaginal exam today and my placenta is still low, though it moved up some.  I HATE doing the transvaginal sonograms.  I have a little cramping afterwards and it kinda hurts.

My amniotic fluid is normal and all the measurements are normal.  I have to come back in three to four weeks for another placenta check and a biophysical exam.

Twenty Nine Weeks ! – The 411

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How my baby’s growing

The baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (about the size of a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, you’ll need plenty of protein, vitamin C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby’s hardening skeleton each day.

How mommy’s life’s changing

Your baby’s very active now. Your healthcare provider may ask you to spend some time each day counting kicks and will give you specific instructions on how to do this. Let your doctor or midwife know if you ever notice that your baby is becoming less active. You may need a nonstress test or biophysical profile to check on your baby.

Some old friends – heartburn and constipation – may take center stage now. The pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body, including your gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation, coupled with the crowding in your abdomen, slows digestion. Sluggish digestion can cause gas and heartburn – especially after a big meal – and contribute to constipation.

Your growing uterus may also be contributing to hemorrhoids. These swollen blood vessels in your rectal area are common during pregnancy. Fortunately, they usually clear up in the weeks after giving birth.

If they’re itchy or painful, try soaking in warm water in a tub or a sitz bath or applying cold compresses medicated with witch hazel to the affected area. Avoid sitting or standing for long stretches. Talk with your healthcare provider before using any over-the-counter remedies during pregnancy, and let her know if you have any rectal bleeding. To prevent constipation, eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, and get regular exercise.

BABY STATS:

How Far Along?

29 weeks ! Wow… just wow !

How Big Is The Little One?

She is the size of a butternut squash

Total Weight Gain / Loss?

No weight gain this week.   I lost 27 pounds during 1st trimester and have gained only 8 so far, which is all baby and boobs !

Maternity Clothes?

I wear maternity jeans and capris.  I have some maternity tees but mostly wear running tights and oversized tees since I am in the house most of the day except my little walks or outings for errands, lunch, dinner shopping etc.  It is too hot out.  I try to go to the waterfront a few times a week and sit out for a few hours to get fresh air and sun.

Sleep?

My sleep pattern has improved, but I still can not get comfortable at night unless I strategically place pillows.

Best Moment of the Week?

Nothing that awesome has happened this week except baby shower gifts are starting to arrive.  I started writing and sending out thank you notes.  I am spending most of the week finishing up details for the baby shower.

Symptoms?

I have not dealt with too many symptoms this week. I have noticed that my feet are HOT !  My baby also has hiccups throughout the day which is THE weirdest feeling EVER !  🙂 I have noticed a slight increase in watery vaginal discharge and this thick white stuff in my nipples.

Food Cravings?

None

Food Aversions?

Salty foods and overly sweet foods.

Gender?

It’s a ….. GIRL !

Labor Signs?

None

What I Miss?

A nice glass of red wine sangria !

What I Am Looking Forward To?

Bonding with my daughter

Bump?

Oh yes !


Navel In/Out?

In

Baby / Mommy Purchases?

I bought my two bags for the hospital off of my registry this week.  I also purchased two more nursing tanks and a cute tee that says Me …. Mini Me !

Twenty Eight Weeks ! – The 411

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How my baby’s growing

By this week, the baby weighs 2 1/4 pounds (about the size of a large eggplant) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels.

She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She’s also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

How Mommy’s life’s changing

I’m in the home stretch! The third and final trimester starts this week. At this point, you’ll likely visit your doctor or midwife every two weeks. Then, at 36 weeks, you’ll switch to weekly visits.

Depending on your risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend repeating blood tests for HIV and syphilis now, as well as doing cultures for chlamydia and gonorrhea, to be certain of your status before delivery. Also, if your glucose screening test result was high and you haven’t had follow-up testing, you’ll soon be given the three-hour glucose tolerance test. ( Because I had gastric bypass and all of my recent A1C testing has been normal, I got to skip this test !! woot woot !)

And if the blood work done at your first prenatal visit showed that you’re Rh-negative, you’ll get an injection of Rh immunoglobulin to prevent your body from developing antibodies that could attack your baby’s blood. (If your baby is Rh-positive, you’ll receive another shot of Rh immunoglobulin after you give birth.)

Around this time, some women feel an unpleasant “creepy-crawly” sensation in their lower legs and an irresistible urge to move them while trying to relax or sleep. If this sensation is at least temporarily relieved when you move, you may have what’s known as restless legs syndrome (RLS).

No one knows for sure what causes RLS, but it’s relatively common among expectant mothers. Try stretching or massaging your legs, and cut down on caffeine, which can make the symptoms worse. Ask your healthcare provider if you should try iron supplements, which can sometimes relieve RLS.

BABY STATS:

How Far Along?

28 weeks !

How Big Is The Little One?

She is the size of an eggplant

Total Weight Gain / Loss?

I have gained a total of 8 pounds 😦   I gained 3 pounds since last week !   I lost a total of 27 pounds the first trimester.

Maternity Clothes?

I am wearing mostly maternity clothes, running tights with baggy tees and sundresses.

Sleep?

My sleep patterns are getting a lot better.  I have figured out a way to use pillows as braces and am a lot more comfortable at night.  Things are a lot better now that my niece and her baby sleep in their rooms and it is quiet at night.  The only problem I have had of late is my mom up hunting down junk food at 12 and 1 am !  I got on her about it and told her she had to go to bed and STAY in her bed like normal people LOL.  I do not like people moving around in a house when I am sleeping, as I am a light sleeper.  I will be back in NYC in a few weeks until a few weeks after the baby is born, so it will all be a moot point soon anyway.

Best Moment of the Week?

The best moment of the week was spending the entire week with my family.  My sister, niece, and nephew came up from NC for the week and we have all been hanging out.

Symptoms?

Round ligament pain, feeling of heaviness, bouts of moodiness, sore boobs, no appetite, preggo brain, feelings of weird flutters and punches from within are all the things I feel.

Food Cravings?

None

Food Aversions?

I am able to better tolerate sweets now, but still can not stand anything too salty.  My taste buds seem to be heightened.

Gender?

Baby Girl

Labor Signs?

None

What I Miss?

Being able to hop on a plane whenever I want to !

What I Am Looking Forward To?

Being free to travel again. My upcoming baby shower.

Bump?

I have a round soccer ball !  I look more fat than pregnant most times.


Navel In/Out?

In

Baby / Mommy Purchases?

I bought nursing tanks and more items for my baby shower.

OMG ! Twenty Seven Weeks ! – The 411

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How my baby’s growing

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (about the size of a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She’s sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby’s brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning – with a lot of medical help –if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don’t bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

 

How mommy’s life’s changing

The second trimester is drawing to a close, and as your body gears up for the final lap, you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp now and then. They’re carrying extra weight, after all, and your expanding uterus is putting pressure on the veins that return blood from your legs to your heart as well as on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs.

Unfortunately, the cramps may get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. When a cramp strikes, stretching the calf muscle should give you some relief.

Straighten your leg and then gently flex your toes back toward your shin. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.

It may be the furthest thing from your mind right now, but it’s not too soon to think about postpartum birth control. You’ll want to make some decisions about it before your baby arrives. If you’re considering a tubal ligation, be aware that some insurers, including Medicaid and other federal programs, require you to sign a consent form at least 30 days beforehand if your procedure is to be covered by insurance. So if you’d like the option of having the surgery during your postpartum hospital stay, don’t wait too much longer to discuss it with your doctor or midwife. (You can still change your mind later.)

BABY STATS:

How Far Along?

27 weeks  🙂

How Big Is The Little One?

The baby is the size of a head of cauliflower

Total Weight Gain / Loss?

4 pound gain total.  (I lost 27 pounds the 1st trimester)

Maternity Clothes?

I now wear either exercise leggings with baggy tees or maternity clothes.

Sleep?

Sleep is still a bit sketchy but only because of disturbances by other people in the house. If my mother doesn’t wake me with her insomnia by rattling bags of junk food she is eating at midnight or beyond while sitting on the couch in my bedroom watching tv, then my sister or her family are making some noise (baby crying, tv in the den on the loudest volume like they are deaf, walking across the floor upstairs, waking up early and making noise in the kitchen which is just upstairs).  I am sooooo ready to go back to NY for peace and quiet !  A few more weeks and I can move into my sublet, which will be at a hotel.

Best Moment of the Week?

This week has been pretty quiet.  Tomorrow, I am leaving for Kentucky to take my mom to Paducah for the weekend.  It is the Quilt Capital of the world.  Because of her compromised immune system, my sister and her doctor were not in agreement with us sending her to Costa Rica due to Zika risk :-(.  My friend suggested taking her to KY, which I had no idea about and after researching the town, I decided to just take her there.  We will take a family trip next year to Europe.  My sister, who is a Pediatric RN is against me taking the baby out of the country due to germs, etc and her being not fully immunized, but I will discuss it with the Pediatrician when we have our first appointment.

Symptoms?

Other than the inability to get comfortable at night, pelvic heaviness, and round ligament pain, I have no other symptoms.

Food Cravings?

Still no appetite.  The only think I crave occasionally is watermelon and sometimes a homemade burger with onion and tomato.

Medical Issues/ Developments?

My TSH is elevated a bit and my doctor called in a prescription for a higher dose of Synthroid.  I now have to take 200mg instead of 175mg.  My iron levels have dropped too so I have to take an iron supplement.  Since they never called in one, I will start taking the organic liquid one I bought at a health food store.

Food Aversions?

Salty foods.  I am starting to be able to tolerate a little bit of sweets.

Gender?

Baby Girl !!

Labor Signs?

None

What I Miss?

Having a flatter belly and not having to try to figure out where to rest my arms/hands

What I Am Looking Forward To?

My baby shower in a few weeks !

Bump?

Yes, I have a little basketball


Navel In/Out?

In

Baby Purchases?

I have not bought anything this week.  Well, I did purchase a gray elephant pillow for the baby’s room 🙂

Custom Baked Cookie Gift Boxes Have Arrived ! – The 411

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I had the idea of having my favorite custom cookie company to make gift boxes for the six persons whom I have long since decided would be my children’s Godfather or Godmother.

I had Banana Bakery of Dallas, Texas to create white cookies that were the following shapes: rattle, bottle, onesie, and plaque that states “will you be my Godmother/Godfather?”

The cookies are white with a shimmery pearl spray and silver accents.   They are placed in individual gift boxes and will be overnighted to the three ladies and three gentleman to request the honor of being godparents.  These people are long time friends and spiritual prayer warriors in my life.

I am in love with Banana Bakery and the work Frances does.  The cookies taste phenomenal as well !

Twenty Six Weeks !! – The 411

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zucchini

How my baby’s growing

The network of nerves in your baby’s ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both your voice as you chat with others. She’s inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she’s born and takes that first gulp of air. Your baby is continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about 1 2/3 pounds (mine weights 1.12 pounds)  and measures 14 inches (about the length of a scallion) from head to heel. If you’re having a boy, his testicles should soon begin to descend into his scrotum – a trip that will take about two to three months.

26 weeks: Your baby is about the size of a scallion in length and the size of a large zucchini.

 

How mommy’s life’s changing

Are you rushing around trying to get to childbirth classes and prenatal visits, prepare your baby’s room, and take care of all your other daily tasks? Make sure that you also continue to eat well and get plenty of rest.

Around this time, your blood pressure may be increasing slightly, although it’s probably still lower than it was before you got pregnant. (Typically, blood pressure falls toward the end of the first trimester, and it tends to reach a low at about 22 to 24 weeks.)

Preeclampsia – a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure – most often shows up after 37 weeks, but it can happen earlier so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs. Call your healthcare provider if you have swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain (more than 4 to 5 pounds in a week). With more severe preeclampsia, you may experience other symptoms. Let your doctor or midwife know immediately if you have a severe or persistent headache, vision changes (including double or blurred vision, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light, or temporary loss of vision), intense pain or tenderness in your upper abdomen, or vomiting.

If your lower back seems a little achy lately, you can thank both your growing uterus – which shifts your center of gravity, stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve – as well as hormonal changes that loosen your joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight you’re carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel worse at the end of the day. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting, can put a strain on your back.

A warm bath or hot compress might bring relief. (Some women, though, find cool compresses more comforting.) Try to maintain good posture during the day, avoid activities that require bending and twisting at the same time, take frequent breaks when sitting or standing, and sleep on your side with one or both knees bent with a pillow between your legs, using another pillow (or wedge) to support your belly.

BABY STATS:

How Far Along?

26 Weeks

How Big Is The Little One?

The baby is the size of a zucchini and the length of a scallion.

Total Weight Gain / Loss?

4 pounds gained since last month / I lost 27 pounds January through February.

Maternity Clothes?

I am now wearing mostly maternity pants and jeans.  I am having a hard time finding dresses that I actually like so I am going to start boutique shopping at plus size upscale stores to find some cute wrap dresses and maxi dresses.

Sleep?

My insomnia is out of control !  I am hoping that I will be able to get some sleep in the3rd trimester.  I am lucky that I can at least get a few hours of sleep during the day since I control my own schedule.

Best Moment of the Week?

My mom was again declared CANCER FREE !  Her pet scan showed a nodule on her thyroid and the they ordered a MRI.  A nodule was seen on the other side too !  A biopsy was then ordered and she went in on Wednesday for the biopsy and those nodules are just little goiters !  NO CANCER !!   We are all elated that cancer is behind us and great health is all we have in the future :-).

Another great moment this week was this long long sleep I was able to get last night !  I was MAD when I woke up at 5:30 am realizing I had to be up in 30 mins and in the shower to get ready to meet the driver at 7 am to head to Lenox Hill Hospital.

Seeing my baby move around and seeing that she is sideways as I suspected during the sonogram and hearing that all is well was an amazing, relieving feeling.

Symptoms?

I am experiencing bouts of queasiness and there is not a lot of room for food once I start eating.  I can feel that my placenta is still low, or that the baby seems low and heavy.  I still experience round ligament pain and have to brace for sneezing and coughing.

Food Cravings?

I still have no appetite.  I was craving plums, but now it seems to be watermelon.

Food Aversions?

Salty foods and sweet foods.

Gender?

Female

Labor Signs?

None

What I Miss?

Sleep and my clothes fitting the way I want.  I miss my pregnancy being incognito.  I have a definite pouch and bump and it can not be mistaken.  I was just be glad when it rounds out more and I look less “fat” and more like a preggo girl. I also miss waking up walking on the beach and seeing the sunrise over the horizon.

What I Am Looking Forward To?

Seeing my baby and holding her.  Hearing her cry and getting to know this little being I created.

Bump?

Whoa Big !


Navel In/Out?

In

Baby / Mommy Purchases?

I have not made any purchases this week.  The only purchases I will be making over the next few weeks will be related to my baby shower.