Was this Chair ever comfortable?

As baby and I grow bigger I am finding it extremely difficult to get comfortable. As this creative spurt of mine has my mind whirling, I want to sit at my computer and read blogs. Check out some photography tutorials. Write a bit. Edit some pictures. But I can't seem to sit here for very long before I become extremely uncomfortable. Never mind the heat. I have the A/C running as I sit here in t-shirt and boxers with sweat running down my face. Oh the joys of pregnancy. At least the little guy is keeping me company with his little kicks and punches.

Of course Chichi can get comfy anywhere. I envy her.



We went for my prenatal check up yesterday. The doctor measured my belly and checked the little one's heart beat. He's growing well :) I only gained 3Lbs since my last visit. One pound more than what you're "supposed" to gain on "average"... I do worry about it. It's a crazy phenomenon my mom likes to call "having access to too much information!" Anyway, doc never mentions my weight so I shouldn't worry. Of course I won't start a diet of ice cream sundaes either.

I mentioned my puffy ankle and she checked my blood pressure. That is fine, so it could be the humidity. It could also be too much salt in my diet. For that I am probably guilty. Sweets I can usually walk away from. Salty food on the other hand I cannot resist!! She also suggested I rest with my feet elevated. Otherwise, its a normal pregnancy symptom.

So then I mentioned my moodiness. The doctor just told me to blame hubby. Then she made sure we knew she was joking. But once again just another pregnancy normalcy. And she told hubby to not take it personal. I liked the blame it on him advice better though.

I forgot to mention my light-headedness, which seems to have passed now anyway. But the "pregnancy brain" is kicking in big time. I HAVE to write lists now just to keep my life in order. Then I HAVE to remember to read the lists!

Counting Down...

As excited as I am to finally experience motherhood and to meet our little bundle of joy, I have realized that I have been avoiding my education in the actually process of labour and delivery. Part of my mind is telling me I can wait to learn it at the prenatal classes we signed up for. Part of my mind says we'll just wing it. And part of my mind is guilty for avoiding the topic for so long.

I have been happy to read about the baby's development week-by-week, though truth be told I'm getting bored and just want to get to the good stuff (you know, the cuddling and cooing and such). But when I start to read about labour and delivery (unless written in a humorous manner) my eyes gloss over and I start thinking if I have enough Peanut butter for a batch of cookies.

I am also set in my ways and don't want to read about anything I haven't already set my mind on. Even though I know I must keep an open mind, I don't want to hear about how I should have natural childbirth. No pain relief! Are you insane? At least my doctor agrees with me. She said "Natural childbirth does not make any one a better mother. For your first child I would recommend an epidural."

But as you can tell it is obviously on my mind, as much as I try to avoid the topic. And its not like I have no resources. I have the world wide web. And books galore. Now to just get down to it and stop daydreaming that it will be like on TV.

My goal for today is to read at least one article or chapter about labour and delivery. But first I have laundry and work. Oh and about those cookies...

27 Weeks

roundwithtree
Originally uploaded by lovey_dovey9

Shortness of breath. Acid reflux. Puffy foot (it's still just the left one). And now I'm light headed. With just 13 weeks left I'm looking forward to meeting my little guy.

I had a dream the other night that he was born a week earlier than expected. I was changing his diaper.

Hubby took this picture of me at the park yesterday. I like how the tree cradles my roundness. :)

week 26 (or 14 weeks left)

It's hard to believe we are almost done, or rather he's almost done. Almost 7 months and into the third trimester (depending on which source I check). I think I've felt a hand or a foot in my belly on a couple of occasions. Heartburn has kicked in. Not as bad as I have had it, but it's consistent.

We picked up our first baby present on Thursday. A Graco Deluxe Travel system. (Its fancy terminology for stroller with infant car seat). Recommended by my sister-in-law, because she loves Graco products and she saw it on sale for us. Baba volunteered to buy it as long as we picked it up. I'm not one who can wait for much of anything (maybe that's why these 9 months are starting to drag for me and no one else?!). We picked it up and the next day had it out of the box and assembled. So far we haven't given the cats any rides. I'm hoping they will stay away from it. I don't need another item to vacuum cat fur off of.

Although we still have three months to prepare I'm starting to get anxious about preparing the baby's room. We still have our computers in here and the floors aren't done. And the kittens aren't on the walls. And where's the crib? (I will calm down I promise.)

25 Weeks - Things I Love (and HateDislike) about Pregnancy

What I love about being pregnant:

- feeling my baby kick, especially when I tap my belly and he taps back
- having an excuse to take midday naps
- after a midnight bathroom visit, the little one gives me a few reassuring kicks before I fall back to sleep
- shopping for baby clothes...for MY baby - not someone else's and not for my "maybe in the future..." box (most of which turned out to be girl's clothes - guess we'll have to try for another one after this little guy...)
- now that I'm showing strangers will smile at me for no reason and family members get even more excited about the baby
- watching my body change
- having a good excuse to boss people (mostly hubby) around - you don't expect me to lift/climb/exert/etc. myself do you?

What I hate dislike about being pregnant:

- acid reflux, gas, indigestion, stuffy/bloody nose and swollen ankles. Or should I say ankle - it only seems to effect my left one!?
- having to nap in the midday - I feel guilty
- waking up multiple times in the night to pee
- frustration about what baby stuff I should buy/ask for. Is a baby wipes warmer really necessary?
- it hasn't happened to me yet, but I fear strangers touching my belly without permission. Not that I would give them permission even if asked!
- fearing my body won't change back after giving birth (not that I expect an instant change)
- not being able to do somethings for myself. I want it done now and I want it done my way!

But in the end I AM really happy about being pregnant. It is amazing and wonderful to be growing another human being inside me. Sometimes it feels like science fiction. Sometimes it feels like something divine.

Budda Belly (week 24)

We are getting bigger. Hubby likes to rub my belly like I'm a Budda :) Hey if it brings us good fortune then keep rubbing...LOL

I haven't noticed any stretch marks yet (thank God!). But my belly is getting very itchy. My belly button has changed colour and looks dirty (or chocolaty). And I've been getting heartburn. Even if I just drink a glass of water!!

My mother-in-law clipped a small article about watermelon for me. It says that it is good for pregnant women. It contains B vitamins, which are good for baby's brain development. It contains folate which helps prevent birth defects like spina bifida. And though my diet and prenatal vitamin likely cover my needs in these areas I just had to have watermelon. A guilt free snack that is very thrist quenching on these warm summer days.

I continue to have small anxiety attacks about nothing in particular. I try not to take out my moodiness on innocent citizens, even if it feels good;)

I have been keeping up with my prenatal cardio workout, even though I'm sometimes bored. But it does feel good once I'm done. And with this city strike still on our local pool is closed. Bad timing! The water would feel great right now!

Hubby and I went to the Beaches on the weekend. I walked barefoot in the sand. I wore my sandals for some silly reason and found it hard to walk with them on. I managed to avoid any broken glass. The next day I could really feel the work out in my calves. Next time I will wear running shoes and hopefully the walk will be easier!!

I find it hard to believe we only have about 16 weeks left until we meet the little man. Part of me does want it to slow down. His little kicks are comforting. I know he's safe and comfortable in my belly. But then again it will be wonderful to see him. And to have my body back!!

23 weeks ALREADY!!!

I finally have a noticeable bump. My parents and Baba were very excited about this when I visited on the weekend. I'm still trying to figure out if I would say I am 5 months or 6. It seems to vary from each resource I check. The way I figure it I have 4 months to go - so I'm 5 months in. Does it really matter? ;)

(Sorry no pic this week. I forgot my camera in Richmond Hill!)

We saw the doctor yesterday. The little guy is doing great. I'm doing great. When I was weighed (I'll leave the details out on that, but I think I'm doing fine in that department - the actually number is just scary) my husband felt compelled to weigh himself. This made the doctor laugh. I'm about the same weight as he is now, even though I have stopped wearing his clothes (I am rounder after all).

Yesterday I looked at my feet and didn't recognize them. They were so swollen. I'm not good at sitting down and taking it easy sometimes. So I forced myself to sit with my feet elevated and everything looks normal again today.

I've been feeling a lot of stretching in the abs. I mentioned this to the doctor and she says its normal. It is just very uncomfortable when I am trying to get back to sleep at 2am!!

Three more weeks and I am officially in the third trimester. I cannot believe how fast time is going by. I am trying to enjoy every minute of it.

I guess our next big step before the big arrival is setting up the baby's room. New flooring. My mother-in-law is going to paint kitties on the walls (we can never have enough!!) And of course cleaning like a mad woman :)

A Different Topic

Happy Birthday to my big brother!!!!

We have to stop getting older. It's starting to scare mom!

I hope you have a wonderful day.

See you soon!

22 Weeks

Now that I am over the half way mark this baby is starting to really "kick" into my reality. I'm going to be somebody's mommy! My world as I know it will change forever. It's kind of terrifying - in a good way of course :)

I feel him kick everyday now. The little thumps are becoming more pronounced every week. I've heard that some women miss this after giving birth. I think I might too! It's comforting. When I feel him kick I know he's doing alright.

The baby shower last Sunday was nice. My 20 month old niece thought all the gifts with Elmo on them were for her. The games we played weren't too silly. And it was nice catching up with some people that I don't see too often. Of course, no one would believe that I am into my fifth month. Not every woman gets a big bump right away!!!

One week seemed to make a difference. To me at least. This is at 22 weeks. I'm wearing a non-maternity top that used to fit in a flowing manner, but now is almost getting a bit snug.


I am really starting to feel my belly stretching. And my belly button is starting to stick out. Minor discomfort there. I am really enjoying touching my own belly and am super thrilled when the baby kicks and I feel him inside and out.




I am really starting to think of labour and having the baby at home. Trying not to let my anxiety get the better of me. I'm not the only one to ever have a baby - I'm sure I'll do fine.

Next week, we go to the doctor. Again. These appointments really sneak up on me. June is almost over - already????? From what I understand I am going to be tested for gestational diabetes in the next couple of weeks. Really not looking forward to this. I'm not sure I'll be able to get down the super sweet drink I must have. Well, at least I sort of know what to expect.

Every Where I Look

I see pregnant women every where. I'm not sure if I'm just more aware because I'm part of the club. Or if 2009 is just a good fertile year. Or all the pregnant celebrities are having an influence (the last reason is admittedly a sad reason to be pregnant).

Today I am going to my husband's second cousin's baby shower. She is also having a boy. She's due in July. Though admittedly I feel awkward at social functions and I find some of these shower games really silly, I am looking forward to what gifts she gets so I can take mental notes for my own baby registry. I am also interested in comparing bumps. Will my bump be the same size at 8 months?

In our neighbourhood my husband and I are the more anti-social types. We say Hi and wave and that's about all. When we first learned we were expecting my hubby got more talkative and shared the news with a couple of the neighbours (the family that helps us take care of the outdoor cats). Now I feel every time I step outside they are checking out my belly, which at five months isn't all that big. I feel a bit uncomfortable, but at least they aren't groping at it - yet!

The neighbour did come over the other day to talk cats and try and gossip with us. And she asked how far along I was. "Oh I figured you were due in November!" Ah Ha! I was right, they were eyeballing my belly! I guess it's something I will have to deal with.

I am happy that I feel my baby boy kicking at regular times during the day. More often when I'm at rest. If I'm working I don't always feel him. However, on Friday I kept feeling little thumps for a few minutes, but everytime my mom would touch my belly he would stop. He's already testing the Gramma boundaries :)

We're Half Way There!

At week 20, time seems to be moving too fast as usual. Our boy is moving around a lot. Hubby finally felt him kick yesterday. It is very exciting.

Hubby has had a cold all weekend. I'm just praying that I don't get it. I have taken it as an excuse to relax a little more myself and to allow myself to wear yoga pants all weekend - even out of the house. I've been feeling pretty tired. At first I thought maybe I was getting sick too. Oh wait - I'm pregnant! My body is going through a heck of a lot. No wonder I'm exhausted. Sometimes it takes a few minutes to sink in again :)

I am determined to do my pregnancy aerobics three times a week. It helps with some of the discomforts, like my hands and feet swelling, backpain and shortness of breath. But then the discomforts help give me excuses for not doing it - I'm tired, achy or just plain lazy.

Well, I better get in gear.

I think he looks like me!

Except in this one he looks like Skeletor! :)


This one is the cutest - in my opinion anyway!

And finally we know

We had the ultrasound done yesterday. It seemed like the longest day. I felt like I did as a child on Christmas Eve. "Is it Christmas yet? Has Santa been here yet? When is he coming?"

This clinic was way better than the last. I don't know why we weren't just sent to this one for both. There was only one other person in the waiting room, as opposed to the Grand Central Station look of the other. It was VERY clean. And the staff were organized. My name was called right at 3pm on the button!

I changed into the paper gown with fancy belt. The Sonographer (named Honour - neat name) dumped a bunch of that gel on my belly and we were on our way. I got teary eyed when she started counting fingers and toes. It's real! I'm really having a baby!

I had to flip over a few times because the baby was hiding the right foot. I lay there fairly silently, only asking if I could get a print out (which I didn't have to pay for, and I got 5 pictures) and answering that we want to know the sex. Finally, she was done and called in my husband for the show. The baby is amazing! Spine is perfect. Even the skull, which we have a nice Halloween print-out of. Little heart pumping away.

"So, can you tell what the sex is?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"Legally, I cannot say. However, if I leave the room I can't stop you from checking my notes."

Honour left the room and Hubby and I immediately scrambled for her desk. I think I was cross-eyed with excitement. I couldn't even see the piece of paper. Hubby had to point and said "I was right. It's a boy!"

When we got home we made our phone calls and sent our messages over the internet informing all those who wondered with us. My mom was a bit shocked. She was sure it was a girl. She's excited all the same.

I think hubby was secretly praying that at least one of our two planned children would be boys. He's the first male of his generation to have kids to carry on the family name. He kept saying "Now Grandpa can relax!"

Tomorrow I am working with mom. It's our work day with a big time gap between houses. As well as a Value Village. Now that we know what colours are safe we're going to have lots of fun!!!!

Darn it!

Got the date wrong...the clinic just called. My appointment is for tomorrow. Guess I'll have to wait another day!!!

The real present

Tomorrow is my birthday :) I have to keep reminding myself because I'm so absorb with the pregnancy sometimes nothing else matters.

I get the best present (so far) on Monday. We are going for the 2nd ultrasound and will hopefully be told the sex of the baby. Come on kid, cooperate with mommy and daddy :)

How I finally saw a change...

Sure it seems strange. My pants don't fit anymore. I'm finding it increasingly more difficult to move around like I used to i.e. popping out of bed, jumping up from a seated position. I just didn't think it was physically noticeable until I did a side by side comparison of my belly pics.

In the beginning...week 5

At week 12 there still wasn't too much change...

Then me and the baby started our growth spurt :)

Week 16...finally I don't look crazy wearing my maternity pants :P

Week 17

(these are the pants I belt up...I wonder if they're just bad pants or will they always slide off even when I get bigger?!!?)

Week 18

The belly is growing, but according to my husband I only look pregnant when I'm naked. I'm still in the in-between stage where my "normal" clothes are too small and most of the maternity clothes are still too big. I've tried wearing a belt on a pair of maternity pants I bought for work. It works until I have to bend, then the belt gets me in the gut. It also looks quite funny wearing my belt on the last notch.

I'm finding a bit of frustration staying thrifty whilst trying to find clothes that fit. Considering I'm only going to wear them for five (maybe six) more months I really don't want to spend $40-80 on a top or a pair of pants. I don't ever spend that amount on clothes I plan to wear for much longer.

I have been able to squeeze into my old swimsuit thus far, but I really think this is the last week I can get away with it.

I have been looking around for maternity swimsuits. I thought it wouldn't be a problem. Well, it's a problem. I searched Old Navy - where I bought my maternity jeans and cargoes. They have tons of swimwear for the whole family. But nothing for us pregos.

Online, however, the Old Navy.com site has maternity swimsuits "only available online". I thought, "fine, I'll order from the states...how bad can it be." Bad enough to not let Canadians order online.

I've checked Zellers and Walmart. Their maternity "sections" consist of one rack hidden somewhere in the plus-size section of the women's department. No sign of maternity swimsuits though.

The specialized maternity stores sell swimsuits for SEVENTY DOLLARS!!! Okay, some of you may think I'm cheap. But the last swimsuit I bought for regular use only cost me $25!!! Once again it's only for 5 months....

I've decided to take a trip to Walmart and try on a non-maternity tankini style swimsuit and see if I can get away with that. Keep your fingers crossed for me :)

16 Weeks...and counting

Sometimes it just doesn't feel like I'm pregnant. I think I'm just impatient. Of course when the time comes to "get the show on the road" I'll be begging for it all to slow down.

This is my belly so far. Feels bigger than it looks in the picture.



I have given up on my "normal" pants and have been wear maternity pants, even though this pair is still a bit big on me, they are more comfortable than squeezing into my old jeans. Some of which were a bit baggy on me to begin with, are now so tight I cannot do up the button.

The only real discomforts I've been experiencing are sore breasts, a bit of cramping (the baby is growing fast!) and frequent urination. The last of which I have learned to act on quickly, before I sneeze. Yes, I have had an accident which hubby thinks is hilarious!! HAHA! Oh, and nasal congestion which causes the sneezing. All normal, just slightly annoying.

My dreams have been quite vivid and memorable, which I love for the most part. Except last night I had a scary dream that I lost the baby and I didn't know what to do. My scheduled wake-up to pee was greatly appreciated after that one. I was so relieved that it was just a bad dream.

I also sometimes have dreams about smoking. I had smoked for over 15 years up until I got pregnant. Quitting I found easy at that point. Seeing pregnant women smoking makes me want to get violent (I'm a peaceful person - really!) The thought of putting all that crap into my baby really turned me off. The morning sickness helped keep the cursed things from me too. During my waking hours I barely think of smoking. I'm not tempted and want to remain smoke free for life.

In my dreams however I am tempted. My dream self is convinced that one little puff won't hurt. My dream self also bums smokes from people who in reality have quit smoking too. Crazy!!! I guess after all those years the habit will stick with me one way or another. Better that its only in my dreams.

Everything seems to be going as planned. My last doctors visit was good. Baby and mommy are doing great. Heard his/her heartbeat again. And the next scheduled ultrasound is at a different clinic than the last - Thank God! If baby co-operates we will find out the sex and I can stop addressing my bump as Peanut.

For now I've got birthdays galore to look forward to (brother-in-law, nephew, Baba, mom and me) as well as mine and hubby's first wedding anniversary. May is a busy month.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day moms of the world. Though this is not always a happy day for some, for those who do enjoy it ..greetings!

The other day while shopping for Cards for our moms, hubby asked "I'm waiting for next year to do Mother's Day for you, right?" "Yes, dear!" LOL. He's so sweet. I know of some men who will not acknowledge Mother's Day to their wives (the mother of their children). So I really appreciate the sentiment, even if we are still 5 months away from being parents.

I am absolutely sure now that I have been feeling the baby move. S/He feels like bubbles in my belly. Bouncing around noticeably at least once a day. Which has prompted me to talk to my belly more often now. "What are you doing in there, kid?"

Things are moving along quickly now. The changes seem to occur daily now. Even my belly and the way my clothes fit. I have to experiment daily with my wardrobe. (Nope, can't get away with those pants anymore). Soon I will be wearing my Yoga pants to the grocery store. I know it seems acceptable to wear these things out of the house, but I've always felt like I was wearing my PJ's. Maybe because I do wear them to bed:P.

I'm going to see if I can get a decent baby bump photo and I will post it soon.

Again, Happy Mother's Day all!!

Week 15

Things seem to be moving fast and slow at the same time. As I am now 15 weeks pregnant and the baby is developing quickly, I'm still not really showing. I am starting to get a slight shaping of things to come I'm happy to say. But I still do not look pregnant. I don't even really feel pregnant. Without the nausea and tiredness I'm normal feeling again. Yes, I will enjoy it while it lasts.

Friday, when I got home from work I went through all my spring/summer clothes and tried everything on. Of my non-maternity clothes I found 2 pairs of pants and a couple of shirts that I can still get away with for now. Desperately I tried on a pair of Hubby's pants. They JUST fit!! Eeek!

I ran for the measuring tape and found that I have gained a few inches in the bust and waist, which I am happy about, except that I have no clothes. Seems my obsession with jeans and baby t's has come back to haunt me. No wonder I was looking like that stereo-typical fat plumber (big belly hanging out the front. Butt cleavage out the back).

As luck would have it my tax return came in. Time to go shopping! As most people who know me will note I am thrifty (some may say cheap, but not to my face :P). I can't remember the last time I bought myself new clothes from the mall. Well, desperate times call for desperate measures.

I found out that Old Navy has a maternity section (at select stores). It's not a huge selection, but the prices are decent compared to "maternity stores". I bought a pair a jeans with the atrocious stretchable belly panel. A pair of black cargoes with elastic waist band and draw string. And a maternity tank top in black. I figured I could wear it under the tops I have that might come a bit short on the belly. Or just on its own when its warm (covered in my 60 spf sunblock).

I'm happy with my purchases. Clothes that fit and will grow with me. I didn't want to get carried away though. I want to see how long they will grow with me :) And spending $100 in one shot was a bit scary for me. But maybe I could get used to it. I did resist my temptation to buy this really cute infant t-shirt. It was white with little ruffles on it. But we still don't know the sex, and I didn't want to tempt fate.

My second prenatal visit to the doctor is tomorrow morning. I hope I can convince her to send me to a different ultrasound clinic. I'm also trying to think of questions to ask her. I do think of things sometimes, but if I don't write them down right away I forget. Another symptom I have - pregnancy brain!!!

Maybe next week I will have a picture of my bump...