Get your mumps out of my face.

Last night, while chatting with the hubs and sister-in-law, and then while perusing the 2010 Ikea catalog (many earmarks were made, let me tell you) - I half-watched the Dateline special called "A Dose of Controversy" about vaccinations, autism, and the he-said she-said war of who's right.

A statement given by the American Academy of Pediatrics to Dateline pretty much sums up why I WILL be vaccinating my child. Specifically:

While it is likely that there are many environmental factors that influence the development of autism, vaccines are not the cause of autism. We know this because many careful and repeated studies show no link between vaccines and autism. Specifically, numerous studies have refuted Andrew Wakefield’s theory that MMR vaccine is linked to bowel disorders and autism. Every aspect of Dr. Wakefield’s theory has been disproven.

Don't get me wrong, I am concerned about Autism and the possibility of my child developing it. However, it's sounding more and more like a genetic defect (which one study says possibly develops sometime in the 2nd trimester) and at this point, may be unavoidable. In the meantime, since almost all studies show that there is NO LINK between childhood vaccines and Autism, I will have my kids vaccinated. It's more important now than ever to have your kids vaccinated since so many parents are NOT vaccinating their children, exposing EVERYONE to the possibility of any number of diseases and infections that haven't been widespread for years, like whooping cough and measles.

It's a very sensitive subject with parents, and one I would probably leave on the shelf among strangers (like religion and politics) because people's mind's are usually pretty made up on the topic. I will not try to convince someone otherwise if they choose to not vaccinate. I WILL protect my child from those people's children by vaccinating them.

In less controversial news, I'd like to give a shout out to my sciatic nerve for ruining my day.

Was that a Mack truck? Oh wait - it was just the weekend.

This weekend was a good one for sure, but completely wiped me out. We got so much done, spent a lot of time with my parents, and had a lot of fun. However, I am paying the price today. And last night. I paid the price last night too.

Anyway - we started the weekend out with a De La Soul concert at First Avenue on Thursday night, and after that wrapped up, headed to the hotel where my parents would be staying.

Friday, the hubs and I cleaned up the house, and once my parents arrived, my dad and I installed a ceiling fan/light fixture in the baby's room. And we did it - we powered it up and it worked without smoking or blowing up. (High-five, Dad!) It looks pretty nice. I'll take some more pics when we have a little more done. Friday night we went to a bar/restaurant in Northeast and then called it a night.

Saturday, my mom and I went to the Mall of America where she purchased early birthday gifts for me - work (maternity) clothes. The passing of labor day means no more "casual summer" at my job. Le sad. But now, I am set. Like my mom said - hopefully I don't get put on bedrest or something and can actually use those clothes for the rest of my pregnancy! Saturday evening we went to the state fair, walked and ate tons of food, watched The Wailers play. I also froze to death. It was about 57 degrees...at 9:30 at night...at the end of August. Gotta love Minnesota weather. Anyway, contractions started up like the weekend before, and I had to get home. Once home, I reclined on the couch where my body pretty much gave up on itself, and every muscle ached. My dear hubs ran a bath for me (the first I've taken since being pregnant) and it was HEAVEN. It really helped. But, sleeping was another matter. I couldn't get comfortable and my whole body was cramping up. I'll assume it was rebellion for the miles I walked in both the mall and the fair. In any case, I slept pretty shitty.

Today we had breakfast with my parents and then they left. It was sad, but I think I was too tired/achy to cry. I don't know if I'll see them again before the baby's here...we're going to try for them to come again in October. Anyway - I've pretty much been parked on the couch since then, sleeping and relaxing, something I haven't done in a while.

And, to round out this post to be the LONGEST EVER...I have a gallbladder update. This is where I get red faced and slightly embarrassed. The thought occurred to me last week that maybe the constant rib pain on my right side was caused by something else. I always felt better in the mornings, and some evenings...and (get this) whenever I would wear a sports bra. So, I moved my bra to the next loosest hooks.

The pain went away.

I am Jack's complete and utter embarrassment.

Granted, I still get occasional pains here and there, but the constant ache I was experiencing is gone. I'm so relived, but still trying to eat a lower fat diet to get everything under control.

Later...or tomorrow, I'm going to post about the Dateline special on (right now) about vaccines and autism.

I'm feeling ballsy.

Therefore, internets...I've decided to post a bare belly picture.

Forgive me.

THE HORROR.

(as I type this, the ninja is working through it's 4th bout of hiccups today. Poor lil' ninja.)

Heartache and tears...

Last night, a fellow baby-gestator posted this and little did I know it was in regards to a mutual e-friend from thebump.com.

Today, this e-friend made her own post regarding what happened last night, and for the first time, I cried for someone I've never technically met. Mere minutes after telling a friend that I was "so over being pregnant" and "ready for an outside baby" (you know, not really but ready for it to be November) - I get this news. No one should ever have to go through this, and it breaks my heart.

I am so grateful that my pregnancy, for the most part - has been free of problems and concerns. I am so grateful that I was able to conceive naturally AND quickly. Most of all, I am just thankful that I am pregnant. I really and truly am. I may bitch about it (a lot), but I love every minute of it and wouldn't trade it for anything.

The world truly sucks sometimes. If you pray or have a way to send good thoughts to someone, please do. I'm sure she and her family could use a lot right now.

29 weeks.

How far along? 29 weeks.
Total weight gain/loss: About + 25 lbs, give or take a pound.
Maternity clothes? Yes. Yes indeed. My "large shirts" (non-maternity) I bought earlier in the pregnancy are starting to not be so large anymore.
Stretch marks? I can't bare to even look at my thighs anymore. So I'll continue to enjoy my stretchie free tummy.
Sleep: Not so good the past few nights. Cannot get comfortable. Where can I put my arms where they won't fall asleep?!
Best moment this week: Hmmm. I guess NOT going into labor at the cabin was pretty cool.
Movement: Yes'm.
Food cravings: Everything high fat. EVERYTHING. I always want what I can't have...
Gender: EVERYONE and their mom says girl. This week I'm kind of leaning boy again.
Labor Signs: See a couple posts below. The BH are fighting with my gallbladder to see which can be more annoying.
Belly Button in or out? Both. (And yes, it's totally possible.)
What I miss: Junk food. Specifically those donuts pictured below. All I did was think about them just now, and my mouth is watering.
What I am looking forward to: My parents visiting this weekend!!
Weekly Wisdom: Gallbladders are annoying.
Milestones: Turned the corner into the 7th month!!

The Fruit: 29-32 weeks (Month 7)

Yeah, that's a squash.

Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

In all honesty, I haven't felt kicks to the ribs yet. Is that weird? Maybe because I'm too busy holding onto the ribs on my right side for fear of my gallbladder blowing through them.

So this pregnant lady takes a weekend trip to the north woods...

Alright, I knew that going on a weekend 5 hours away at 28 weeks might have been a little less than desirable, but I figured better now than in another 4 weeks, right? Right. (Just agree with me.)

For the most part, the drive up was uneventful. I was having a few more Braxton Hicks than normal, but whatever. Old news at this point. We luckily had a room in the cabin owned by a friend...which is awesome considering 12 of our closest friends were also staying at said cabin. So, I made up our beds (bunk beds, I had the top since I was SUPER claustrophobic on the bottom) and enjoyed the day. We made dinner (what I assumed to be low-fat and pro-gallbladder: chicken breasts and potatoes) and later I indulged in just ONE smore. JUST ONE. Not long after this point, the contractions were getting to be annoying and slightly worrisome, so I excused myself and went to lay down with the fafillion pillows I brought with. They wouldn't really calm down, and then my gallbladder started in on the fun. Did I mention the only toilet option was either an outhouse or a portopotty? BECAUSE THAT WAS IT. No flushing toilets. And then...the gallbladder hit. AWESOME. Needless to say, I went back to bed after some QT in the biffy and silently wished my demise to be more quick than was apparently going to play out.

The next day I felt better, gallbladder and contractions were back to normal. We spent the day in the sun and on the boat - it was quite fun. However, by evening, the braxton hicks were back in full swing. I ate dinner (this time, JUST chicken breast, and fruit) and laid on my left side...and nothing was helping. Finally, I called my clinic. I was getting worried - I was getting one every 5-10 minutes...and me being the worst mother-to-be...had NO idea where the closest hospital was should I need to go. I finally talked to the midwife on call and she suggested a hot compress of sorts and more laying down...and no more water. She attributed them to the fact that I had had a HUGE growth spurt in the past month (she kept saying "You gained FIVE POUNDS and FIVE CENTIMETERS in your fundal height" as if I wasn't already aware of this...but apparently it's enough to warrant additional braxton hicks.)

So, I went to bed, and after another full night's sleep - I was better again this morning. And I couldn't have been more excited at the prospect of spending 5 hours in the car because it meant I was THAT much closer to flushing toilets and a bed that's not 4.5 feet off the ground.

I hope you've enjoyed my recap of traveling at 28 weeks with a shitty gallbladder and a uterus that just won't quit. Don't get me wrong, I had a lot of fun...but I'm seriously reconsidering any travel I may have to endure in the next couple of months.

Avocado episode, part II.

I ended up calling the nurses again yesterday about my pain, and they had me come in.

Before the midwife made his decision as to what was ailing me, he heard my complaints and aches and whatnot, then had me lay down so he could measure me and hear the baby - the old ute is 29cm long (grew by 5cm from a month ago) and he was BAFFLED at how short waisted I am. He said I have less than a foot between my hip and the bottom of my ribcage. (That's not normal?) if I'm not already having aches in my ribs and back, they'll be starting soon because there's no where else for the baby to go. Great. Thanks mom! Just kidding. I know you didn't choose this short-waisted-ness either. Do we blame my grandmother?

Anyway, he said in the end he thinks that it IS my gallbladder being a jerk, but doesn't suspect stones or anything, just acting up with higher fat intake, less space to function and good old hormones throwing off the delicate balance of my organs. He said I just need to officially change my diet and cut out all high fat (or relatively fatty) foods. He wasn't too concerned with the itching (my feet and hands were kind of itchy over the weekend), but said if it's more constant and consistent that I should call in. (See the concern about itchiness of hands and feet here.) But he's pretty secure in the thought that with a lower fat diet that I should be feeling better in no time.

The state fair starts next Thursday. So much for everything on a stick! (He said I can have a pickle on a stick, but what I really want is deep fried pickle slices dipped in ranch dressing. Nom nom nom.)

So, after all that, I ended up getting my Rhogam shot so I don't have to go back in again tomorrow.

I'm hurting again today...just in that spot under my ribs, but dealing. It just sucks...and watching what I eat is REALLY going to suck. Not to sound like "that girl" - but I've never had to watch what I eat. Reading labels is very foreign to me. Although, I discovered that the donuts I bought at the grocery on Sunday may have been hurting me - 55% of daily value of SATURATED FAT in EACH ONE. Ooops. I suppose I could cut those out.

(look at that frosted goodness)

But seriously? Entenmann's chocolate devil's food cake donuts?! They are SO GOOD...eating one is almost worth the pain. Almost.

This is what I found on a website of what to avoid when you have gallbladder issues. It's laughable.

Eggs, pork, onion, fowl, milk, coffee, oranges, grapefruit, corn, beans, nuts, in that order.
Trans fats
Hydrogenated, partially-hydrogenated oils
Margarine
Fried Foods
Saturated fats(even coconut oil until feeling better)
Red meats
Dairy products
Eggs
Coffee, regular or decaf
Chocolate
Ice cream
Black tea
Alcohol, beer, wine, liqueur
Fruit juice
Carbonated water
Tap water
Raddishes and turnips
Cabbage, cauliflower
Colas and all sodas
Oats (for some people)
Wheat
Barley
Rye (although the sour German ryes seem to be less troublesome)
All legumes (beans) as they tend to increase the cholesterol in the bile.
Avoid all artificial sweeteners, sugar, preservatives, refined and bleached foods (like white flour)

So, I can't drink water, juice, milk, tea, coffee or soda. That leaves....what? This list is ridic.

WebMD's article makes more sense. Maybe I'll pay attention to that one instead.

Hypochondriac, party of one.

So, all weekend I've been experiencing what I've written off to be rib pain. Rib pain is to be expected when you have a tiny human burrowing in your uterus, which is slowly expanding into your abdomen and rib cage.

However, I've realized in the past two days that it's really only in one location - my right upper abdomen. And after MORE consideration, it's the same spot I experienced discomfort during my "avocado" episodes - aka Gallbladder attacks.

I pretty much just sit at my desk all day, holding onto my ribs on my right side. It's not SUPER painful, but enough of an ache to me EFFING ANNOYING and is getting to be a bit of a worry. Today I made sure to stay away from high fat foods, and unless dinner from last night is still somehow plaguing me, I don't understand why I'm in pain today.

Now the decision making time - do I call the doc's office again (I did yesterday and the woman just said to avoid high fat foods, or thought maybe it was just plain old rib pain) and try to have them get me in today or tomorrow? Or just wait it out and talk to the MW on Thursday during my regularly scheduled appointment? I'm leaning towards waiting. The pain isn't stopping me from working, and I'm not nauseated or anything. It's really just more aggravating than anything. Fingers crossed it IS just rib pain and isn't my gallbladder.

28 weeks.

How far along? 28 weeks.
Total weight gain/loss: About + 22 lbs, give or take a pound.
Maternity clothes? Uh huh. Although I've aquired a couple dresses from American Apparel that do the trick.
Stretch marks? Thighs are beginning full rebellion. Stomach is still safe.
Sleep: Lots of weird dreams, waking up on back and needing to roll over every time.
Best moment this week: Getting the crib assembled, our 2nd anniversary.
Movement: Oui. Lots of rolls and occasional pokes.
Food cravings: FRUIT.
Gender: Still thinking girl. (Although the room looks more boyish...)
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks chilled out this week a little.
Belly Button in or out? Flattening more and more.
What I miss: After a couple sips of the hub's High Life - REAL BEER.
What I am looking forward to: Getting the nursery finalized...which could take the next 12 weeks.
Weekly Wisdom: Be prepared to stand on public transit. Most people could give two shits you're pregnant and carrying an extra 20 pounds...which is super sad.
Milestones: The final 3 months begins now...

The camera is taking crappy pics...sorry it's so damn grainy. I blame lack of flash. Boo is showcased in this photo as well. More finalized nursery pics are up here, as well. Enjoy. (the last 4 photos, to be exact.)

Correction. I WAS a blogging machine.

Yeah - not much for updates here all of the sudden! Our anniversary dinner was GREAT, I hit up yoga for the first time in like, 2-3 weeks on Wednesday night, and on Thursday night we put together the crib. (It looks super nice!) Over the weekend, we saw a movie, went to the Twins game (and left early due to boredom) and ran some errands on Sunday.

Exciting, no?

Right. No.

Anyway, this week will be busy in it's own respect - tonight, cleaning and laundry. Tomorrow - work and more of the same. Wednesday - work and Yoga. Thursday - work and doc's appointment (rhogam shot - boo!) and Friday morning, leaving for a cabin for the weekend.

28 week update later tonight, with a new picture (and maybe some more nursery pics to go with it).

I'm a ball of creative juices today, can you tell?

I'm a blogging machine.

Okay - seriously, I know I don't usually post this much. You'll have to deal with not being able to catch up just for now. I'm sure this won't stick for too long. :)

Anyway, I have to be an attention whore for about 3 more minutes and announce two things. One, HOLY CRAP I'M IN THE THIRD TRIMESTER. Do you know what that means? I'm almost done with being pregnant. As in, in 3 months (or less) we'll have an outside baby. I started to think about that last night as I was laying in bed and started to panic. But then, the 5 hours of sleep I had gotten the night before got the best of me and I fell asleep.

And two - it's our second anniversary today! (Everyone breathe a collective "AWWWWWWWW!") That's right, I've been married to my wonderful hubs for 2 years now. I know it's cliché, but it really feels like it was only a few weeks ago that we got married. It's funny too, the weather this week is mimicking the weather when we were married - 90s and hot, sunny and humid. It's a good thing I love this kind of weather. I can't say the same for our wedding guests.

Anyway - what a different two years can make.

August 2007


August 2009

27 weeks.

How far along? 27 weeks.
Total weight gain/loss: Still about + 20 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Werd.
Stretch marks? Thigh stretchies have increased. :(
Sleep: Not bad, but arms are falling asleep while I'm sleeping.
Best moment this week: PAINTING THE NURSERY! And getting the furniture - FINALLY.
Movement: Yes. Cervix kicks in the house. SO painful. I had no idea how much it could hurt.
Food cravings: Rainer Cherries.
Gender: Still thinking girl. (Although the room looks more boyish...)
Labor Signs: Lots o' Braxton Hicks, probably forever.
Belly Button in or out? Barely innie.
What I miss: REAL wine. Three glasses of the fake stuff just didn't cut it last night.
What I am looking forward to: Putting the crib together.
Weekly Wisdom: It takes much longer to paint a room thank one might think.
Milestones: Nursery is coming together!

*this week's belly shot features our lone cat Boo-boo, nervously cleaning himself as usual.

A tease if you please.

You can look at all the new photos of the nursery on my flickr page. (The crib isn't put together yet - I'll add more pics with that when it's done! Probably sometime later this week.)

Nursery Update, Part 2.

WE HAVE PAINTED WALLS! ::cheers and applause::

It took SO MUCH LONGER than I thought it would, but it's done, and I love the color. My lovely friend Meredith suggested a color for the walls - and without hesitation I purchased a can and began prepping the walls. The color (Benjamin Moore's "Gray Wisp") finally went on the walls on Saturday, after the hubs rolled the primer on. It turned out really well. It looked like a greenish gray while wet, and now looks more of a bluish gray in some light...but will go VERY well with everything we have for the room.

We tried negotiating a pick up of the furniture this weekend, and it was turning into a huge ordeal, so we arranged to have everything delivered...tonight!! (I'M EXCITED - AGAIN.)

And yes (Shannon), I know I'm missing a photo from this past week. It's too late now. :) BUT I will take one tonight to add to my 27 week post tomorrow, as well as the first peek at the not-so-finished nursery.

Nursery update.

Well, I received the rug in the mail that I ordered from Anthropologie for the ninja's room, and needless to say, I wasn't convinced that it was worth $300. Probably because this five feet in diameter rug came folded up. In a box. THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS. I was expecting a wool rug - thick and worthy of being rolled. But no. So, needless to say, I'll be taking it back tomorrow before yoga. Thank GOD I can return it to a store so I can get my $$ faster.

Other than that...I just bought all painting supplies needed to start transforming the nursery. Primer, rollers, ceiling paint - you name it...I got it. When I got home, I took down the mini-blinds and curtains, and took down the shelves. Tomorrow, I'll wipe down the walls and lay down the drop cloths...and Thursday after work, I'll paint the ceiling and then prime the walls. Then Friday - the wall color goes up. Can you tell I'm excited? I'M EXCITED.

Our glider came in this week - so when we pick up the furniture on Saturday or Sunday...we'll have almost all of the pieces in the room. At which point, I will sit in said glider and stare, and stare, and stare....

26 weeks.

How far along? 26 weeks.
Total weight gain/loss: About + 20 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Indeed.
Stretch marks? Boob and thighs. Fun for all.
Sleep: Better, and less getting up at night. Although, back sleeping is now outlawed due to their tendency to induce BHs.
Best moment this week: Seeing the fam this past weekend!
Movement: Totally.
Food cravings: SUGAR.
Gender: Thinking girl.
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks, probably forever.
Belly Button in or out? Barely innie.
What I miss: Sleeping on my back. Totally.
What I am looking forward to: Getting the nursery painted, and picking up furniture this weekend!
Weekly Wisdom: Always love and cuddle your furbabies!!! And swelling sucks. :)
Milestones: The swelling hath begun.

The rings are off, and so is the watch.

Swelling, party of 1.

Last week, my beloved Storm watch had to come off. It's got a metal band and could not be adjusted to work with my expanding wrists, so...I bought a new one and had the band set with room to expand. Here it is!


All last week and this past weekend my rings have been tight and uncomfortable, but I was dealing because I just didn't want them off yet. This morning at 5am, I woke up to actual pain in my ring finger...so I soaked my hands in super cold water and applied liberal soap, and FINALLY got them off. Needless to say, I don't think I'll be able to get them back on again for a while. Hopefully they WILL fit again someday.

I ordered a fake set to wear temporarily. It looks like this:


It was only $25...so we'll see how it works out. I had to order it a half size bigger than what my ring finger currently is (thanks so whole sizes only) so who knows if it'll fit. If it's big right away, I'm sure after a few weeks, it'll fit just fine.

Also - in test results news - the lab tech that told me my iron was low and to take supplements was kind of wrong. Apparently my number was 10.8, and they like it to be around 11 or higher when you're pregnant (since you have more blood volume, which tends to dilute your iron levels). The nurse I spoke to today said supplements weren't really necessary, that I could try to add iron in my diet and that should be enough. THANK GOD. I hear those iron pills do a real disservice to an already slowed digestive system. :)