Thursday, April 29, 2010
Labor
Ashley will probably give you a more detailed account but for the quick recap; Ashley started feeling contractions around 6:30 AM. They were far apart and a little irregular, so we were not sure if they were real. Later that morning, Ashley called the midwife, who stopped by, checked Ashley out and said that she had just begun to dilate, and probably can expect Brandon in the next 24-48 hours.
1 hour later, I get a call at work from Ashley asking me to come home because the contractions were too close together and getting stronger. The contractions were about 5 minutes apart when I got home, so we went to the Birthing Center. There the midwife checked her again and she was 3 cm dilated (and she expected about 1 cm/hr, up until 10 cm, then Brandon could be delivered). By this time Ashley was in pain and kept asking for an epidural. The delivery rooms were all being used, so Ashley had to wait an hour for a room and thus an epidural. The Midwife had the smart idea of letting Ashley sit in a warm bath, which made her feel better (though you couldn't tell at the time). She was checked again before we left for the delivery room and after an hour she was at 4 cm. Right on schedule.
On to the delivery room. Ashley was in lots of pain and kept asking for an epidural, which everyone was taking their time setting up because they had to wait for the anesthesiologist (plus Ashley had hours before delivery). I didn't understand the nurses because they felt the need to ask Ashley medical history questions or explain what they were doing in the middle of her contractions. If Ashley could reach their necks, I am pretty sure she would have snapped a few. They checked her dilation again and in 45 minutes she went from 4 cm to 8 cm (explains the pain) but still no epidural. The midwives tried to get Ashley to finish off without an epidural but that wasn't going to happen. Once Ashley got the epidural, the entire process screeched to a crawl, probably because they gave her too much. Thus it took another 4 hours for Ashley to go from 8 cm to 10 cm and be ready to deliver. This was then labor hour 15 or 16. Plus the epidural screws with how you push so Brandon was not low enough, so it took a lot of effort to get him down and then they needed to help him out by pulling on his head while Ashley pushed. Fortunately, everyone made it, everyone was okay but Brandon has a wicked headache and sore bruise on his head.
1 hour later, I get a call at work from Ashley asking me to come home because the contractions were too close together and getting stronger. The contractions were about 5 minutes apart when I got home, so we went to the Birthing Center. There the midwife checked her again and she was 3 cm dilated (and she expected about 1 cm/hr, up until 10 cm, then Brandon could be delivered). By this time Ashley was in pain and kept asking for an epidural. The delivery rooms were all being used, so Ashley had to wait an hour for a room and thus an epidural. The Midwife had the smart idea of letting Ashley sit in a warm bath, which made her feel better (though you couldn't tell at the time). She was checked again before we left for the delivery room and after an hour she was at 4 cm. Right on schedule.
On to the delivery room. Ashley was in lots of pain and kept asking for an epidural, which everyone was taking their time setting up because they had to wait for the anesthesiologist (plus Ashley had hours before delivery). I didn't understand the nurses because they felt the need to ask Ashley medical history questions or explain what they were doing in the middle of her contractions. If Ashley could reach their necks, I am pretty sure she would have snapped a few. They checked her dilation again and in 45 minutes she went from 4 cm to 8 cm (explains the pain) but still no epidural. The midwives tried to get Ashley to finish off without an epidural but that wasn't going to happen. Once Ashley got the epidural, the entire process screeched to a crawl, probably because they gave her too much. Thus it took another 4 hours for Ashley to go from 8 cm to 10 cm and be ready to deliver. This was then labor hour 15 or 16. Plus the epidural screws with how you push so Brandon was not low enough, so it took a lot of effort to get him down and then they needed to help him out by pulling on his head while Ashley pushed. Fortunately, everyone made it, everyone was okay but Brandon has a wicked headache and sore bruise on his head.
Brandon Daniel Kelly
Born: April 28, 2010 11:05 PM (Europe)
Weight: 3.9 kg , 8.5 lbs
Length: 51 cm, 20.5 inches
They are both exhausted but I think Brandon hasn't learned to hide it as well as Ashley.
Weight: 3.9 kg , 8.5 lbs
Length: 51 cm, 20.5 inches
They are both exhausted but I think Brandon hasn't learned to hide it as well as Ashley.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Keukenhof day!
Today I received the weirdest reaction to me being pregnant. I was at the grocery store in the little flower shop and the florist looks at me from behind and as soon as I turn around she says "Oh my I did not expect to see a belly like that" she said this in Dutch and since I've never heard a phrase like this, on top of her saying it really fast, I needed ask her to repeat that in English. I kept myself from bursting into tears with laughter and we chatted for a few minutes about babies. One of the ladies who works at the check in counter at my gym also said from behind you couldn't tell I was prego, which she said is a good thing because I'll bounce back to my pre-pregnancy size faster! Now that sounds like great news to me!
Then later in the day Paul and I were at Keukenhof Gardens walking around waiting for the flower parade to begin. We went into the green house to see the winners of the flower competitions, in there was a stand with hand painted tulips painted on pillow cases, aprons, table cloths, and paintings to hang on the wall. The two older women, who were the artists, were so sweet they complimented how nice my ruched tank top was and how they wished that when they were pregnant they had cloths like what I was wearing. They told me all they had were huge tents that were very unflattering.
I was a little worried last night that I would be to tired to go because I woke at 3:30AM not able to lay in any comfortable position. I ended up grabbing a blanket and going upstairs to lay on the lazy boy chair. For some reason this chair is the only thing I can lay flat on my back and sleep with no pain. I guess it's the way my weight is distributed along the chair because compared to laying in bed I was in heaven. I got about 3 1/2 hours of sleep on the chair and then went back down stairs and slept some more. Thank GOD for that chair getting me some comfortable sleep. I told Paul that I'm going to be venturing upstairs from now on and sleep in the chair if I feel achy at night. So our day at Keukenhof was still on! It took a long time to get there, the gardens were extra packed because of the Flower Parade. The day was beautiful and very warm. We stayed at the garden and parade for over 4 hours. That's 4 hours of walking/standing at the parade.
Here are a few pictures of the flower floats, they were amazing. They are completely made of flowers and smelled amazing!
Then later in the day Paul and I were at Keukenhof Gardens walking around waiting for the flower parade to begin. We went into the green house to see the winners of the flower competitions, in there was a stand with hand painted tulips painted on pillow cases, aprons, table cloths, and paintings to hang on the wall. The two older women, who were the artists, were so sweet they complimented how nice my ruched tank top was and how they wished that when they were pregnant they had cloths like what I was wearing. They told me all they had were huge tents that were very unflattering.
I was a little worried last night that I would be to tired to go because I woke at 3:30AM not able to lay in any comfortable position. I ended up grabbing a blanket and going upstairs to lay on the lazy boy chair. For some reason this chair is the only thing I can lay flat on my back and sleep with no pain. I guess it's the way my weight is distributed along the chair because compared to laying in bed I was in heaven. I got about 3 1/2 hours of sleep on the chair and then went back down stairs and slept some more. Thank GOD for that chair getting me some comfortable sleep. I told Paul that I'm going to be venturing upstairs from now on and sleep in the chair if I feel achy at night. So our day at Keukenhof was still on! It took a long time to get there, the gardens were extra packed because of the Flower Parade. The day was beautiful and very warm. We stayed at the garden and parade for over 4 hours. That's 4 hours of walking/standing at the parade.
Here are a few pictures of the flower floats, they were amazing. They are completely made of flowers and smelled amazing!
Friday, April 23, 2010
So the suspense of when Brandon will actually arrive is killing me. I've never felt so anxious in my life. I guess I should just assume that he won't come early and keep looking forward to May 11, but for some reason I just feel like he might come early, well I keep telling him everyday now to get his cute little butt out. My sleep has been disrupted this week by lots of pelvic and hip pain on top of the 2730353 times I use the bathroom. Many people tell me that when he is born I still won't have a chance to sleep, but I feel like even if I get just 2 hour increments they will at least be comfortable ones. Plus after he's born we'll have the baby nurse (Kraamzorg service) for the first 4 days to help Paul and mostly me rest so when we get home we'll just be overwhelmed and not exhausted.
Brandon's nursery is all ready, everything is washed and folded now all we need is him! This coming week I plan to put down the pregnancy book (Ive read through it to much) and start reading up about our newborn this way Paul and I can be prepared for the unexpected, because I'm sure there will be about 1000 unexpected things a day when we are home with him.
One great thing about Brandon coming anytime after this weekend is that Paul has lots of Dutch holiday time off. I think every week for the next 5 weeks he has 1-2 days off a week. But after this no more free days, we'll have to start using his vacation and bonus days from the extra hours he put in during January. But I'm not worried. We think he'll have about 5 weeks total between the bonus days and vacation.
Tomorrow Paul and I are going to Keukenhof Gardens to see the flowers and the parade. I'm so excited for this, hoping to get some great pictures and hoping that if Paul takes any pictures of me I don't cry when I see how much more water I am retaining. My face keeps getting fatter and fatter, my midwife told me it will go back to normal after Brandon is born, god I hope she's right. I'm really not enjoying these chubby cheeks and double chin.
Brandon's nursery is all ready, everything is washed and folded now all we need is him! This coming week I plan to put down the pregnancy book (Ive read through it to much) and start reading up about our newborn this way Paul and I can be prepared for the unexpected, because I'm sure there will be about 1000 unexpected things a day when we are home with him.
One great thing about Brandon coming anytime after this weekend is that Paul has lots of Dutch holiday time off. I think every week for the next 5 weeks he has 1-2 days off a week. But after this no more free days, we'll have to start using his vacation and bonus days from the extra hours he put in during January. But I'm not worried. We think he'll have about 5 weeks total between the bonus days and vacation.
Tomorrow Paul and I are going to Keukenhof Gardens to see the flowers and the parade. I'm so excited for this, hoping to get some great pictures and hoping that if Paul takes any pictures of me I don't cry when I see how much more water I am retaining. My face keeps getting fatter and fatter, my midwife told me it will go back to normal after Brandon is born, god I hope she's right. I'm really not enjoying these chubby cheeks and double chin.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Things I have learned so far...
a few things that I now know that I did not know before.
1. Birth is not as fast as movies and TV make it seem. I thought that it starts and Ashley needs to be at the hospital quickly or else. (or else what? I don't know but the threat was there.)
FALSE: it actually is a slow process with very definite phases.
2. My idea to save on diapers by turning them inside out is not as brilliant as I once thought. One day though...
3. Ashley likes to be scratched under her belly. Perhaps this is a pregnancy symptom.
4. After Ashley gives birth, she will go back to her appearance at about 6 months. I never really thought about this. All the celebrities go back to their pre-birth bodies so quickly, so I assumed that was the norm. Apparently, not as easy as that.
And there is even more that I am clueless about when it comes to babies. Like, at what age should they be talking, walking, crawling? How do I know if their crying is serious? And so on. We have books but I constantly think that I am going to miss something. I guess that is why I have Ashley (she is the one that put the kibosh on my inside-out-diaper revelation).
1. Birth is not as fast as movies and TV make it seem. I thought that it starts and Ashley needs to be at the hospital quickly or else. (or else what? I don't know but the threat was there.)
FALSE: it actually is a slow process with very definite phases.
2. My idea to save on diapers by turning them inside out is not as brilliant as I once thought. One day though...
3. Ashley likes to be scratched under her belly. Perhaps this is a pregnancy symptom.
4. After Ashley gives birth, she will go back to her appearance at about 6 months. I never really thought about this. All the celebrities go back to their pre-birth bodies so quickly, so I assumed that was the norm. Apparently, not as easy as that.
And there is even more that I am clueless about when it comes to babies. Like, at what age should they be talking, walking, crawling? How do I know if their crying is serious? And so on. We have books but I constantly think that I am going to miss something. I guess that is why I have Ashley (she is the one that put the kibosh on my inside-out-diaper revelation).
Real or Fake?
Friday night Ashley started feeling contractions but we weren't sure if they were real or just practice contractions (called Braxton-Hicks contractions in the biz). So we started timing them and flipping through the "What to Expect.." book to see what else it can tell us (what did people do before that book???). Ashley didn't have any of the other symptoms of labor that the book described and it also recommended that if Ashley moved around and changed position and this slowed the contractions, then it was probably false labor. And that is what we saw. So we were pretty sure that it was not real. And it passed after a few hours.
But the little event made me realize a few things:
1. This happened right at the time we were going to bed, and I was tired, and if it was real, we probably had a long, grumpy day ahead of us,
2. We realized there are still things we have yet to do. Pack a bag with clothes for Ashley and Brandon and wash all of Brandon's clothes and blankets, and just prepare those last few things. And time is winding down.
3. And finally, I was nervous. Not so much about Ashley going into labor but that Brandon was going to be here soon and relying on us. Obviously, I have known this day was coming but now we have to actually be parents. It felt like Ashley sprung a pop quiz on me.
But maybe it was also excitement. I usually mix those two emotions up.
But the little event made me realize a few things:
1. This happened right at the time we were going to bed, and I was tired, and if it was real, we probably had a long, grumpy day ahead of us,
2. We realized there are still things we have yet to do. Pack a bag with clothes for Ashley and Brandon and wash all of Brandon's clothes and blankets, and just prepare those last few things. And time is winding down.
3. And finally, I was nervous. Not so much about Ashley going into labor but that Brandon was going to be here soon and relying on us. Obviously, I have known this day was coming but now we have to actually be parents. It felt like Ashley sprung a pop quiz on me.
But maybe it was also excitement. I usually mix those two emotions up.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
week 37 bump
Oh and the cat at the bottom of the picture is not ours, it loves to come in our backyard when we're out to get attention. She kept running between me and Paul licking and biting our feet. I think she must have been hungry!
I'm staying home a lot more these days. Not sure if my "nesting" instinct has skipped and been replaced with pure exhaustion. I don't think I've ever been so tired in my life. This week was a rough one. Sleep is a luxury that I now realize I'll get in maybe 1-2 years....haha, well maybe a little more after baby B is born. Paul's been so good to me I'm sure he'll let me take some naps while he plays with Brandon.
We'll keep everyone posted on baby news on this site, our current plan is to post a blog entry letting everyone know when we head to the birthing center. We already know we won't be rushing there because the midwife has to first come to our house to evaluate if I'm ready for the birthing center, that way we don't go to early and can spend the first couple hours of labor at home relaxing.
Paul and I are going to open a "guess when the baby comes" poll soon. Hope you all can vote. The prize will be bragging rights and an autographed picture of Brandon!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
kicker
This little guy is sure getting stronger and stronger by the day. His movements pack a pretty powerful punch. I have noticed that they don't seem to happen as often as last month, but when they do he still shakes my belly. Paul loves to watch this because I look like I have an alien in my belly like some of the Fringe episodes we've watched.
Yesterday I think I may have over did it. I did probably 3 hours of walking/shopping, went to yoga, made dinner (standing at the stove for 40 min counts as something for my footies), and did some cleaning. By the time Paul got home I was in tears because my feet were throbbing. This new pregnancy symptoms sucks. Paul told me I'm running at a 6 and he needs me to get down to a 3 today. Well for someone like myself who usually always runs at a 9 or 10 I thought 6 was pretty slow, but apparently Brandon doesn't like me going so fast. So today I've declared a couch potato day. I'm going to prop myself up (because laying down is not comfortable) and watch 24 all day, and then when Paul gets home, we'll go for a walk (gosh I sound like I'm living the life of an indoor puppy)
But I have realized I do need my rest. Forcing myself to do this is so hard when the weather is so pretty, I love taking advantage of these beautiful spring days. I'm really hoping that we can go on April 24th we can go to the flower float parade at Keukenhof. But I never thought my feet would hurt so much after 3 hours, the pain reminded me of the time Paul and I took our first trip to Paris and we walked over 30 hours around the city in 2.5 days....sigh those were the days!
Yesterday I think I may have over did it. I did probably 3 hours of walking/shopping, went to yoga, made dinner (standing at the stove for 40 min counts as something for my footies), and did some cleaning. By the time Paul got home I was in tears because my feet were throbbing. This new pregnancy symptoms sucks. Paul told me I'm running at a 6 and he needs me to get down to a 3 today. Well for someone like myself who usually always runs at a 9 or 10 I thought 6 was pretty slow, but apparently Brandon doesn't like me going so fast. So today I've declared a couch potato day. I'm going to prop myself up (because laying down is not comfortable) and watch 24 all day, and then when Paul gets home, we'll go for a walk (gosh I sound like I'm living the life of an indoor puppy)
But I have realized I do need my rest. Forcing myself to do this is so hard when the weather is so pretty, I love taking advantage of these beautiful spring days. I'm really hoping that we can go on April 24th we can go to the flower float parade at Keukenhof. But I never thought my feet would hurt so much after 3 hours, the pain reminded me of the time Paul and I took our first trip to Paris and we walked over 30 hours around the city in 2.5 days....sigh those were the days!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Paul has been such a good sport with my moaning and complaining about being uncomfortable. But now I'm feeling seriously handicap. I have to be super careful how I sit or lay down because sometimes it's nearly impossible for me to get back up. I feel like a turtle on her back. Luckily when the weekend is here I don't have to worry I just call for Paul to lift me up. But the weekdays are funny. Getting up in the morning is a big laugh, I can't just rise out of bed anymore, I have to take things step by step. First off my legs are pretty dead in the morning so getting the covers off me is fun. Then rolling to my side and pushing myself up with my arms so I don't feel tons of pressure from Brandon in my belly is next. Then once I'm out of bed I have to waddle, well it feels like waddling, Paul says it's not noticeable but I feel a difference in my walk. I feel like I'm walking like a dinosaur.
As disabled as I feel, it's not so bad. I really thought at 36 wks pregnant I would be begging to have this baby removed from my body (normally once a week I feel this way) but I'm trying to look at these last 4 weeks like I did with the last weeks of summer before school would start, just them up and enjoy them because the real work is only a couple weeks away!!!!!!
As disabled as I feel, it's not so bad. I really thought at 36 wks pregnant I would be begging to have this baby removed from my body (normally once a week I feel this way) but I'm trying to look at these last 4 weeks like I did with the last weeks of summer before school would start, just them up and enjoy them because the real work is only a couple weeks away!!!!!!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
goodbye baby doctor
We were finally released from our baby doctor (the gynecologist) today. She did her routine ultrasound to measure Brandon and we got to see how far his head is in my pelvis, it looked like half his head is stuck in there already! The doctor said this is a very good sign that things are moving long smoothly. But since his head was so low already she could not measure it. So his guesstimate weight was just done by his belly circumference and femur length. Right now she thinks he weighs 6.4lbs and that when D-day comes he'll be around 8.5lbs maybe a little less since he's been slowing down his weight gain. But it was so nice to hear that he is back to being in the normal percentile of babies around 36wks. But she did say he still has a big head, which I can agree with because I've felt him nuzzling his head into my pelvis for the past 2 weeks and it's very sore and crampy.
Other good news, last night I got a full 3 1/2 hours of sleep before I woke up. Bad news I didn't get to sleep until 3:30AM. Brandon was having a dance party and wouldn't stop elbowing/kneeing me in the sides. I swear he was doing head spins. Well that's all the news for now.
One month left!!! Sooo excited!
Other good news, last night I got a full 3 1/2 hours of sleep before I woke up. Bad news I didn't get to sleep until 3:30AM. Brandon was having a dance party and wouldn't stop elbowing/kneeing me in the sides. I swear he was doing head spins. Well that's all the news for now.
One month left!!! Sooo excited!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Dear Brandon.
I'll make a deal with you. You can stay in hotel uterus for another 3-4 weeks if you stop with the sharp pelvic pain/cramps! But if you can't stop then just opt. for an early check out. Mommy and Daddy would love to meet you now!
Love, Mommy
Friday we have a baby doctor appointment. I would love nothing more for the doctor to tell me that Brandon is going to be coming within the next 1 or 2 weeks. I don't know if I can last another 4 weeks. Last night was such a painful night. Between 1:30AM-4:30AM I was in tears with sharp pelvic pain and cramping, but no contractions. Laying still or changing position did not seem to alleviate any of the pain. Paul heard my cries around 3AM and tried his best to rub my lower back and sides, but the moment he got near my pelvic bone I jumped because it hurt so badly. I somehow got back to sleep from 4:30-6:15, then hunger hit.
Everyone who has been telling me the last month is the worst is so far completely right! I am hoping that these past couple days can just be written off as "bad days" but I have a feeling that's not the case this time.
I'll make a deal with you. You can stay in hotel uterus for another 3-4 weeks if you stop with the sharp pelvic pain/cramps! But if you can't stop then just opt. for an early check out. Mommy and Daddy would love to meet you now!
Love, Mommy
Friday we have a baby doctor appointment. I would love nothing more for the doctor to tell me that Brandon is going to be coming within the next 1 or 2 weeks. I don't know if I can last another 4 weeks. Last night was such a painful night. Between 1:30AM-4:30AM I was in tears with sharp pelvic pain and cramping, but no contractions. Laying still or changing position did not seem to alleviate any of the pain. Paul heard my cries around 3AM and tried his best to rub my lower back and sides, but the moment he got near my pelvic bone I jumped because it hurt so badly. I somehow got back to sleep from 4:30-6:15, then hunger hit.
Everyone who has been telling me the last month is the worst is so far completely right! I am hoping that these past couple days can just be written off as "bad days" but I have a feeling that's not the case this time.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
I have 20 minutes to waste until it's time for me to walk over to a doctors appointment. It's just a normal doctor appointment for myself, Brandon's appointment is on Friday.
I've been noticing these past couple of days how I am getting very clumsy. I have an extreme case of butter fingers. Luckily I haven't hurt myself or broken anything of value.
Now that Paul is back at work I'm back to my normal daily routine, which now includes a daily nap, for some reason when Paul was home I just couldn't fit the nap into my schedule, I guess we're getting as much twosome time in before Brandon gets here. But the afternoon naps are back and are totally helping me get my body and mind back on track. I've noticed I need to be careful what I read or watch on television before bed or it will keep my mind racing. Anything to do with babies has to be avoided before bed or I will stay up all night thinking about Brandon and how/when/or where he will decide to make his debut into the world.
I'm looking forward to this weekend. Paul is running his first 10K, I'll be cheering him on from the sideline. We're also hoping that the weather is nice enough to get my 36wk prego picture in front of some flowering trees in the park. The weather has been so temperamental!
Only 1 month left!!! Soooo excited, come out come out when ever you're ready Brandon!!!
I've been noticing these past couple of days how I am getting very clumsy. I have an extreme case of butter fingers. Luckily I haven't hurt myself or broken anything of value.
Now that Paul is back at work I'm back to my normal daily routine, which now includes a daily nap, for some reason when Paul was home I just couldn't fit the nap into my schedule, I guess we're getting as much twosome time in before Brandon gets here. But the afternoon naps are back and are totally helping me get my body and mind back on track. I've noticed I need to be careful what I read or watch on television before bed or it will keep my mind racing. Anything to do with babies has to be avoided before bed or I will stay up all night thinking about Brandon and how/when/or where he will decide to make his debut into the world.
I'm looking forward to this weekend. Paul is running his first 10K, I'll be cheering him on from the sideline. We're also hoping that the weather is nice enough to get my 36wk prego picture in front of some flowering trees in the park. The weather has been so temperamental!
Only 1 month left!!! Soooo excited, come out come out when ever you're ready Brandon!!!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Easter weekend was so nice. Paul had a 4 day weekend (Off on Good Friday and Easter Monday) We used Friday and Saturday to run errands and just get everything we'd do in a normal weekend done. It was tiring. I've been getting to used to taking an afternoon nap, and both of those days I went without one and walked all over Rotterdam, my feet were so tired by Easter Sunday I decided our last two days off would be hanging out on the sofa. Luckily our Easter Sunday dinner was just a simple roasted lamp with baked white asparagus wrapped in bacon in a hollandes sauce with a bread and boiled potatoes. Dinner did not take longer than 1 hour to prepare and cook in total.
Since we are getting into the final month before Brandon's big debut, well who knows it could be less than 1 month! I keep thinking how this is the last time it will just be Paul and I doing things.Soon we'll be a family of 3. And I'm getting a little anxious for baby B to come out. I've been keeping track of my weight gain for the past 3 weeks and so far, even though I'm eating like a pig, I've gained no weight. But if I feel my belly Brandon definitely feels like he's gained since the last baby doctor appointment. We like to play guess his weight before the appointment comes. I think he'll be around 6.3lbs right now and Paul thinks maybe he'll be around 6lbs. But no matter how much he weighs right now he still feels like a ton of bricks. Sleeping the last few nights has been very uncomfortable. I really don't mind being pregnant at all except when it comes to bed time, switching sides I lay on is painful because when I move Brandon gets jumpy because he likes to lay on the belly side closest to the mattress, which is good for me until I decide I need to roll to the other side.
Since we are getting into the final month before Brandon's big debut, well who knows it could be less than 1 month! I keep thinking how this is the last time it will just be Paul and I doing things.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Crocheting @ Mama-Rama
Ashley's seemingly infinite talents also includes crocheting. She made Brandon a blanket that she finished today. And also a hat that Mr. Yummy is modeling. Brandon is going to be one lucky baby.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Stuffed Animal Hammock
We continue to work on Brandon's room trying to get it ready. We have all the essentials and are just decorating it. Today, I put up Brandon's hammock, or as it is more commonly known in the US, the Death Sling. We are using it to store his stuffed animals above his changing table.
It looks nice and is very functional, as far as storage goes. But I guess what is important is Brandon's view as he looks up from the changing table.
A scene to bring a smile to any lass or lad.
It looks nice and is very functional, as far as storage goes. But I guess what is important is Brandon's view as he looks up from the changing table.
A scene to bring a smile to any lass or lad.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Back to the midwife
So 1 or 2 days ago I was telling Paul that I've been getting these sharp pains while having Braxton hicks contractions. They didn't last long and only happen maybe once or twice a day, I just told him that it really felt like Brandon was nuzzling his head lower into my pelvis. Well the feeling I was having was correct. My midwife told me today that Brandon's head is already starting to get lower in my pelvis. This obviously means nothing, but it made me feel good that I'm that in tune with my body I can feel these things. Well these days I can feel every little thing he does. Last night I was rubbing my belly and I caught on to what felt like an elbow or knee. It's soo amazing to be able to feel actual body parts. Brandon did not like the nudge so he elbowed/kneed me in the same spot, sooo cute!
Brandon's heart beat was nice and strong. My belly measurements are right on schedule, 34 wks. I was so happy that I asked the doctor at our last appointment to print out our ultrasound data because to no surprise the doctor never faxed or mailed it over to the practice. I'm glad I'm a little overly obsessive about my paperwork. I'm going to make sure at next weeks baby doctor/ultrasound I get another print out. That data was the only proof that Brandon was normal enough for me to go back to the midwife because when you look at me I still look very large for going into week 35. But I honestly think it's because I'm so tall that I look so large, who knows. :-)
It was a rather boring appointment, Paul couldn't come with me because it was in the afternoon, but I don't mind going alone to the midwife, the office is on a beautiful street and it's only a 15 walk from the house. But I told him he must accompany me to all hospital visits, which is where the doctors office is. The only new news is that I have to go to my regular doctor to get checked out for a bladder infection. Since Friday I've been having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions (painless practice contractions) But I did not want to worry about it until I spoke with the midwife, but everyday they continue to increase in frequency but are not consistent. I'll have them for 2-3 hours, at least 6-7 in an hour but then I'll lay down and nap and they'll go away for 1 hour and become less frequent. But the 6-7 in an hour are a mixture of Brandon stretching and actual BH contractions, some are hard to distinguish. My midwife who is so wonderful told me not to worry, that this is all normal, most women get this around the last month, and to just get a check up from my normal doctor.
She also told I can continue my gym routine pretty much until I begin having the real thing contractions. I'm very excited about this because my body is not handling resting so well. I must get a daily walk and hip stretch in or sleeping at night is impossible. AND Yoga has to be one of the most amazing pregnancy exercises in the world, the next best things are the Treadclimber and the hip-flexor machine. I pretty much live on these three. One of the gym trainers told me I look funny being the only pregnant lady at the gym because currently I'm all baby belly, luckily the way he said it was sincere and not rude like the cashiers at the grocery store who tell me I'm huge, or the man who I walked past on the street today who held his belly and said "someone has a much larger belly than me" The other comment I just don't even accept anymore is the "Having twins??" I take it that these people who are around my age have not been around many pregnant women and have not clue as to what a normal vs. twins pregnant belly looks like. I pretty pretend I don't understand them, they do ask me in Dutch, and I walk away.
Next appointment is in 2 weeks, at this one she told us to be prepared to talk about labor and delivery procedures. I can not believe how fast time is flying by. Right now I am taking everything one week at a time, because honestly that is all my mind can handle right now. I've already started to get excited about the idea of singing again once the little man is born, but I'm waiting to start again until he is 6 weeks old and hopefully established a daily schedule, but lets not get ahead of ourselves, I'm still taking it one week at a time.
Today I collected my diaper coupons I've been saving and headed to the store. I felt so funny buying 6 packs of diapers in various sizes, only 2 newborn packs, and mostly 8-16lb for the rest. The savings was amazing, normally 6 packs would have been 60 euro, but it only cost me 35 euro. I figure Paul and I can always go to the store and pick up more tiny diapers if we need them.
Brandon's heart beat was nice and strong. My belly measurements are right on schedule, 34 wks. I was so happy that I asked the doctor at our last appointment to print out our ultrasound data because to no surprise the doctor never faxed or mailed it over to the practice. I'm glad I'm a little overly obsessive about my paperwork. I'm going to make sure at next weeks baby doctor/ultrasound I get another print out. That data was the only proof that Brandon was normal enough for me to go back to the midwife because when you look at me I still look very large for going into week 35. But I honestly think it's because I'm so tall that I look so large, who knows. :-)
It was a rather boring appointment, Paul couldn't come with me because it was in the afternoon, but I don't mind going alone to the midwife, the office is on a beautiful street and it's only a 15 walk from the house. But I told him he must accompany me to all hospital visits, which is where the doctors office is. The only new news is that I have to go to my regular doctor to get checked out for a bladder infection. Since Friday I've been having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions (painless practice contractions) But I did not want to worry about it until I spoke with the midwife, but everyday they continue to increase in frequency but are not consistent. I'll have them for 2-3 hours, at least 6-7 in an hour but then I'll lay down and nap and they'll go away for 1 hour and become less frequent. But the 6-7 in an hour are a mixture of Brandon stretching and actual BH contractions, some are hard to distinguish. My midwife who is so wonderful told me not to worry, that this is all normal, most women get this around the last month, and to just get a check up from my normal doctor.
She also told I can continue my gym routine pretty much until I begin having the real thing contractions. I'm very excited about this because my body is not handling resting so well. I must get a daily walk and hip stretch in or sleeping at night is impossible. AND Yoga has to be one of the most amazing pregnancy exercises in the world, the next best things are the Treadclimber and the hip-flexor machine. I pretty much live on these three. One of the gym trainers told me I look funny being the only pregnant lady at the gym because currently I'm all baby belly, luckily the way he said it was sincere and not rude like the cashiers at the grocery store who tell me I'm huge, or the man who I walked past on the street today who held his belly and said "someone has a much larger belly than me" The other comment I just don't even accept anymore is the "Having twins??" I take it that these people who are around my age have not been around many pregnant women and have not clue as to what a normal vs. twins pregnant belly looks like. I pretty pretend I don't understand them, they do ask me in Dutch, and I walk away.
Next appointment is in 2 weeks, at this one she told us to be prepared to talk about labor and delivery procedures. I can not believe how fast time is flying by. Right now I am taking everything one week at a time, because honestly that is all my mind can handle right now. I've already started to get excited about the idea of singing again once the little man is born, but I'm waiting to start again until he is 6 weeks old and hopefully established a daily schedule, but lets not get ahead of ourselves, I'm still taking it one week at a time.
Today I collected my diaper coupons I've been saving and headed to the store. I felt so funny buying 6 packs of diapers in various sizes, only 2 newborn packs, and mostly 8-16lb for the rest. The savings was amazing, normally 6 packs would have been 60 euro, but it only cost me 35 euro. I figure Paul and I can always go to the store and pick up more tiny diapers if we need them.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Breast feeding class
So Thursday night Paul and I ventured out to The Hague for an English speaking class on preparing for breast feeding. I didn't plan on writing a very long blog about the class, but I've gotten many comments from friend and family asking, what do you learn at a class like that if you don't even have a baby. Well Paul and I thought the same thing, but coming out of the class we were shocked how much we didn't know and how much we know about feeding Brandon.
The class began with a video about feeding and the videos of mothers feeding their newborn babies. It went into detail about how after the baby is placed on you, you're supposed to let baby find it's way to the breast on his own for feeding. We were taught positions to hold baby while feeding (the mom's all got to hold a baby doll for practice) and how to establish good suckling habits by not introducing a pacifier or bottle until breast feeding is both comfortable for mom and baby. The teacher showed us how large our baby's stomach is at 1, 2,& 3 weeks and how many times per day he needs to be fed and for how long. She also explained to us that it's better to keep the baby close to us after he is born, he should stay in our room while we are in the birthing center, so when we go home it's not a shock when we don't get any rest. She explained keeping him with us will help with bonding and set up a feeding schedule faster, but we will see if we'll do this, it's just an option. We learned about the use of pumping and that I can pump so once Brandon is 6 weeks we can introduce 1 bottle per day, we already decided that will be Daddy and Brandon bonding time, since I'll have the first 6 weeks of feedings all to myself.
The class was wonderful. The teacher really put our minds at ease and she even told us that if we have any problems with feeding to contact her and she will drop by our house. I wish we lived closer to The Hague because she runs a Kramzorg service, this is sort of like a baby nurse, but they also take care of the household chores, cook you meals, and help play hostess when you have guests, or turn guests away when you need rest. Paul and I are getting this service when we are at the birthing center, but not at our house. But I'm sure the service we'll get will be just as nice, I just hope they speak English just as well.
Nothing else new going on. I go to the midwife on Tuesday for a check up. It seems like every week there is an appointment until his due date. Paul and I are looking forward to next weekend, it'll be a nice and quiet 4 day holiday.
The class began with a video about feeding and the videos of mothers feeding their newborn babies. It went into detail about how after the baby is placed on you, you're supposed to let baby find it's way to the breast on his own for feeding. We were taught positions to hold baby while feeding (the mom's all got to hold a baby doll for practice) and how to establish good suckling habits by not introducing a pacifier or bottle until breast feeding is both comfortable for mom and baby. The teacher showed us how large our baby's stomach is at 1, 2,& 3 weeks and how many times per day he needs to be fed and for how long. She also explained to us that it's better to keep the baby close to us after he is born, he should stay in our room while we are in the birthing center, so when we go home it's not a shock when we don't get any rest. She explained keeping him with us will help with bonding and set up a feeding schedule faster, but we will see if we'll do this, it's just an option. We learned about the use of pumping and that I can pump so once Brandon is 6 weeks we can introduce 1 bottle per day, we already decided that will be Daddy and Brandon bonding time, since I'll have the first 6 weeks of feedings all to myself.
The class was wonderful. The teacher really put our minds at ease and she even told us that if we have any problems with feeding to contact her and she will drop by our house. I wish we lived closer to The Hague because she runs a Kramzorg service, this is sort of like a baby nurse, but they also take care of the household chores, cook you meals, and help play hostess when you have guests, or turn guests away when you need rest. Paul and I are getting this service when we are at the birthing center, but not at our house. But I'm sure the service we'll get will be just as nice, I just hope they speak English just as well.
Nothing else new going on. I go to the midwife on Tuesday for a check up. It seems like every week there is an appointment until his due date. Paul and I are looking forward to next weekend, it'll be a nice and quiet 4 day holiday.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
I'm tired, anxious, and elated that I'm getting closer to holding this baby in my arms, but this week has been very rough on me so far. I've fallen victim of pregnancy insomnia and I can never seem to find a comfortable position in bed. I woke up a little hungry at 4AM and just ended up staying awake until 5:30AM. I honestly think every part of my body is aching today. I feel like baby Brandon and I have gone through a tiny growth spurt this week. It's the only justification I can come to for being extra sore, tired, and stretched out.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Week 33 bump picture
Last night we took a trip to the baby store after we chowed down on some pizza. Paul was very eager to buy the car seat base *just in case* Brandon decided to come a little earlier than expected. We also ended up getting our silver colored Baby Bjorn travel crib (totally awesome travel crib, weighs less than 11lbs and is smaller than a large suitcase) Paul was content on getting silver, he didn't like the blue model. Even the sales lady who wanted to give us a demonstration said she owned this one and loved it for vacation and her baby did too. Now I know Brandon isn't born yet and we'll just see how much he likes it, but in my personal opinion I think it's amazing and very comfy looking. It takes less than 1 minute to put together and just another minute to take it apart and put it back in the bag.
So back to the car seat base. Today Paul took it out to the car to set up and for some reason our car seat wouldn't click into the base. After a couple of minutes of confusion Paul realized they gave us the wrong base. We needed model #2. I began to worry that since we opened the box they might not let us return it, return policies in stores here are super crazy, most store will not let you return something if it is opened. So I went to the receipt and it said nothing, then I went to the store website and it said that if it was opened and used we could not return it. SO I called and found out they would exchange it no questions asked. Car seat drama is officially over! It's all ready to go!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Baby doctor appointment week 33
So today Paul and I went to the hospital for our second doctor appointment for Brandon. All in all the appointment went well. The doctor thinks that Brandon is growing well (still a little big but he shrunk down to just 2 weeks ahead instead of 3 weeks like the last appointment. I also do not have any problems with my sugar (no gestational diabetes!!) so she is sending us back to the midwife for the remainder of my pregnancy. To me this was excellent news, because I prefer the midwife, they are more personable and friendly than the doctors I've encountered here in Rotterdam. I also hate going to the hospital for doctors appointments and being around sick people. The doctor does want to see us in 3 weeks to check to see if Brandon is growing at the same rate he is now and then we'll start talking about delivery options, but for now we're back to the normal pregnancy check ups with the midwife.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Since I'm almost to 33 weeks I thought I'd share some interesting facts about Brandon's development this week. This maybe to much information for some, so just skip this beginning part and start reading when the text turns blue!
Brandon is using his lungs to practice breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid. He is also drinking about a pint of amniotic fluid a day now and urinating the same amount (maybe that's why I'm in the bathroom every hour it seems!). The early baby fuzz to keep him warm, is disappearing now and being replaced by actual hair. Finger nails are now long enough to reach to the tip of the fingers or beyond and may need trimming as soon as they are born. They may scratch his face even before birth.
They say from this week on I should be gaining 1/2lb a week, but since I began my sugar-free diet I haven't been able to gain anything, which right now for Brandon's case it's okay, because he's a big boy already, lets think happy thoughts that on Fridays baby doctor appointment Brandon is back in the regular percentile of fetal growth(and not 3 weeks ahead like he has been for the past 12 weeks). Just from the way I am physically feeling I feel like he hasn't grown much. I also have no new stretch marks to show he's grown more! I'll be happy with him being only 1-2 weeks ahead, it'll make me feel like this diet change has been worth something.
Tomorrow I am going to try yoga again. It's only been 10 days since the last class I went to. AND only reason I stopped going was because I was getting self conscious because of my size and the stares, I'm the only pregnant lady and refuse to go to prenatal yoga and be surrounded by all pregnant women, plus I think in prenatal yoga the moves are not as fun and they don't get to the spots I want to stretch out, I like a little bit of a challenge, even if I am slightly handicap at the moment.
Brandon is using his lungs to practice breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid. He is also drinking about a pint of amniotic fluid a day now and urinating the same amount (maybe that's why I'm in the bathroom every hour it seems!). The early baby fuzz to keep him warm, is disappearing now and being replaced by actual hair. Finger nails are now long enough to reach to the tip of the fingers or beyond and may need trimming as soon as they are born. They may scratch his face even before birth.
They say from this week on I should be gaining 1/2lb a week, but since I began my sugar-free diet I haven't been able to gain anything, which right now for Brandon's case it's okay, because he's a big boy already, lets think happy thoughts that on Fridays baby doctor appointment Brandon is back in the regular percentile of fetal growth(and not 3 weeks ahead like he has been for the past 12 weeks). Just from the way I am physically feeling I feel like he hasn't grown much. I also have no new stretch marks to show he's grown more! I'll be happy with him being only 1-2 weeks ahead, it'll make me feel like this diet change has been worth something.
Take a look at this. Gisele Bundchen is my new hero.
Supermodel and new mum Gisele Bundchen is such a fitness freak that she was practising kung fu and doing yoga even two weeks before she went into labour.
The Brazilian catwalk queen only gained 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms) during her pregnancy.
And the stunner easily managed to lose her baby weight because she didn't over indulge or give up her fitness regime.
"I did kung fu up until two weeks before Benjamin was born, and yoga three days a week,” the Daily Star quoted her as telling the new issue of Vogue magazine.
"And I think a lot of people get pregnant and decide they can turn into garbage disposals,” she added.
Bundchen and her American footballer husband Tom Brady welcomed their son in December (09).
Tomorrow I am going to try yoga again. It's only been 10 days since the last class I went to. AND only reason I stopped going was because I was getting self conscious because of my size and the stares, I'm the only pregnant lady and refuse to go to prenatal yoga and be surrounded by all pregnant women, plus I think in prenatal yoga the moves are not as fun and they don't get to the spots I want to stretch out, I like a little bit of a challenge, even if I am slightly handicap at the moment.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I have been filling my time with going to the movies a lot. Our theater here has a wonderful monthly movie pass for only 18 euros per month, so if you see at least 2 movies a month the pass pays for itself.
I begun to see just any old thing that is out, and most of the time I am amazed how awful some movies are. Paul thinks I'm funny to go see any old movie, but I tell him it's only because I have to pass, once I cancel it (in 7 weeks) I'll be pickier with the movies I choose to see. But since I can not longer work on my voice or do any sort of training at the gym I've found new ways to fill my time, the movies being one and crocheting being another. I have my knitting needles, but I'm still a little nervous to teach myself how, even though I know it's not very hard. I'm sure next week when I'm finished with Brandon's blanket, hat, and booties I'll start diving into the world of knitting.
This week I was doing some research on classes and was so excited to find a class in English on breast feeding only 20 minutes from our house. It's done by an Expat group called Access, they have classes in Amsterdam and The Hague. I'm also very happy I started my search now because the next class is March 25 (NEXT WEEK!!!) luckily I emailed the group and they still had room, I just could not wait until April 29th, that just might have been to late, Paul joked that I would might have had to bring Brandon with me. But it looks like this will be the only course we can take, all the other classes are for parents to be who are due in June and beyond, oh well. This was really the only class I wanted to take.
I begun to see just any old thing that is out, and most of the time I am amazed how awful some movies are. Paul thinks I'm funny to go see any old movie, but I tell him it's only because I have to pass, once I cancel it (in 7 weeks) I'll be pickier with the movies I choose to see. But since I can not longer work on my voice or do any sort of training at the gym I've found new ways to fill my time, the movies being one and crocheting being another. I have my knitting needles, but I'm still a little nervous to teach myself how, even though I know it's not very hard. I'm sure next week when I'm finished with Brandon's blanket, hat, and booties I'll start diving into the world of knitting.
This week I was doing some research on classes and was so excited to find a class in English on breast feeding only 20 minutes from our house. It's done by an Expat group called Access, they have classes in Amsterdam and The Hague. I'm also very happy I started my search now because the next class is March 25 (NEXT WEEK!!!) luckily I emailed the group and they still had room, I just could not wait until April 29th, that just might have been to late, Paul joked that I would might have had to bring Brandon with me. But it looks like this will be the only course we can take, all the other classes are for parents to be who are due in June and beyond, oh well. This was really the only class I wanted to take.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Amsterdam
We finally took our day trip to Amsterdam yesterday. I was so happy to get to see Madame Tussuad's Wax Museum, the one in Amsterdam was pretty cool. The one thing I have to complain about is the line we waited in, this man who stood behind me had no clue what personal space is, and I caught on very fast that he was a sketchy character, so I stood in front of Paul while the man was looking at Paul's pockets through his digital camera, COME ON!! Aren't pick pockets supposed to me secretive and not to obvious, well anyway we took our tour of the museum with a group he was not in.
They took us on a history of Amsterdam with wax people, then after it was over you could continue the "history" part or go up stairs to the celebrity wax figures. I would have loved to continue the history part, but there was a large sign stating that if you were pregnant it was not a smart idea to continue the history tour. We soon found out, from the entrance you could hear screams from the public. Actual people dressed up like the wax figures and jumped out and grabbed visitors. Paul was happy we chose to go upstairs because he didn't need me going into labor or peeing my pants. It was our first time at a wax museum so it was just fun to see who they had on display, it's amazing how like like most of them look. Here are some pictures below of us with celebrities
They took us on a history of Amsterdam with wax people, then after it was over you could continue the "history" part or go up stairs to the celebrity wax figures. I would have loved to continue the history part, but there was a large sign stating that if you were pregnant it was not a smart idea to continue the history tour. We soon found out, from the entrance you could hear screams from the public. Actual people dressed up like the wax figures and jumped out and grabbed visitors. Paul was happy we chose to go upstairs because he didn't need me going into labor or peeing my pants. It was our first time at a wax museum so it was just fun to see who they had on display, it's amazing how like like most of them look. Here are some pictures below of us with celebrities
After the museum we had lunch at one of my favorite cafe's, which funny enough 4 other pregnant women my size also were having lunch while we were, it was funny to see that many of us in one place besides a baby store or doctors office. After lunch we decided not to walk through the Van Gogh museum but to just go to the oil painting stand and buy our art work since it was getting late. (we'd both been awake since 6:45AM, I could not sleep because of hungry pains and Paul just woke up out of habit)
We were so tired last night we both went to bed at 10PM, I knew going to bed this early was bad for my appetite but exhaustion ruled that out. I woke up at 5AM to get a snack and Paul got up at 7AM for work. He has to go in for a 1/2 day because they are starting up his unit, I'm hoping he'll be home for lunch.
No more plans for this weekend. Yesterday we did about 2 hours of walking, so Brandon and I are tired and need a day, if we do anything maybe it will be renting a movie. My sugar free diet is going very well. I was very happy that when I weighed myself this week I had only gained 1 lb in the last 3 weeks. But I told Paul that this means nothing, Brandon can still be growing large and gaining weight at the same speed and we won't know until Friday, but Paul has more hope than me and thinks it has slowed down. I really hope my obsessive sugar controlling diet brings Brandon back to a normal size. 5 more days to go until we know if it's working and what the results of my glucose test are.
Just for fun here is another belly shot we took in Amsterdam right as the rain began.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Back Bonding
A few days ago I was able to feel Brandon's back as he pushed up against Ashley's stomach. This was the coolest thing so far, Ashley said my face lit up when I felt him. I know that Brandon is in there but physical contact really drives it home. I was able to feel him kick for the past 2 months but that is more like feeling Ashley's tummy move, not necessarily feeling Brandon. Now, I can actually feel his back, his arm or leg, and it is really amazing. More than the kicking or the Sonograms, this really brings Brandon to life for me. Ashley gets more than enough contact with him day in and day out (and I get the full play by play day in and day out). So these little moments between me and Brandon are special. After being able to feel him, the next 2 months can't go fast enough.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
This could only happen to me
Back in November when I was starting to not fit in my normal jeans anymore I was so excited when I found a cheap pair of pregnancy jeans at H&M, they were cheap and comfy and I I didn't really think twice about the quality. Well after nearly 3 1/2 months of wearing them a couple times a week (I only have 2 pairs of jeans that I rotate) today they lived up to their cheap quality.
I was getting dressed to go to the hairdresser and I noticed a small hole on the seam by the fake zipper area (for all of your who don't wear pregnancy jeans most do not have zippers on them, they just slide on and have an adjustable waist band hidden on the hip area.) Well the hole was soo small and unnoticeable I thought I'd get away with at least 3 hours outside the house. I was wrong. Between the 20 minute walk/metro ride to my salon the hole got larger and I did not notice until I took my jacket off and sat down in the chair to get my haircut. I saw the hole and my face turned bright red with embarrassment. Luckily my shirt was long enough to cover it until the smock went around me.
After my haircut I already planned some under garment shopping (well searching) and just decided to include a new pair of jeans on top of that. Shopping for maternity jeans can be a nightmare because it's just like normal clothing stores, they are always out of stock of the popular sizes. I mean how many pregnant women fit into a size 2 maternity jean???? Why stock so many? I was so happy to find 1 pair in my size that were comfy, stretchy, roomy, good quality, and on sale! And I wore them out of the store because I could not take 1 more minute in my ripped jeans.
Never leaving the house in a pair of jeans that has even the tiniest tear or hole, it's just a recipe for humiliation!
I was getting dressed to go to the hairdresser and I noticed a small hole on the seam by the fake zipper area (for all of your who don't wear pregnancy jeans most do not have zippers on them, they just slide on and have an adjustable waist band hidden on the hip area.) Well the hole was soo small and unnoticeable I thought I'd get away with at least 3 hours outside the house. I was wrong. Between the 20 minute walk/metro ride to my salon the hole got larger and I did not notice until I took my jacket off and sat down in the chair to get my haircut. I saw the hole and my face turned bright red with embarrassment. Luckily my shirt was long enough to cover it until the smock went around me.
After my haircut I already planned some under garment shopping (well searching) and just decided to include a new pair of jeans on top of that. Shopping for maternity jeans can be a nightmare because it's just like normal clothing stores, they are always out of stock of the popular sizes. I mean how many pregnant women fit into a size 2 maternity jean???? Why stock so many? I was so happy to find 1 pair in my size that were comfy, stretchy, roomy, good quality, and on sale! And I wore them out of the store because I could not take 1 more minute in my ripped jeans.
Never leaving the house in a pair of jeans that has even the tiniest tear or hole, it's just a recipe for humiliation!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Rolling over while sleeping has become more of a full body heave and flop routine. I feel so bad for Paul because our bed feels so tiny. I now take an afternoon nap to get me through the day because it's getting harder and harder to fall back asleep after I wake up 3-4 times in the night.
Today Paul drove me to the hospital blood lab to get my glucose sugar test. For this test you are not allowed to eat anything for 10-12 hours before the test, this way they can test your fasting blood sugar levels. Then after that they made me drink this sugar syrup which tasted horrible, I almost gagged, luckily they let me chase it with a little cup of water. After I finished my sugar drink, they let me lay down in one of there beds because one I was exhausted and the drink made me queasy, resting in a bed made the 2 hours of waiting until my next needle prick more enjoyable than the horrible waiting room chairs.
After getting home from the hospital I was so happy that Paul helped me clean the entire upstairs, he was such an amazing help, he cleaned the windows, vacuumed under the couches and moved the large furniture around while I mopped. Thank you for Paul being an awesome husband!
Today Paul drove me to the hospital blood lab to get my glucose sugar test. For this test you are not allowed to eat anything for 10-12 hours before the test, this way they can test your fasting blood sugar levels. Then after that they made me drink this sugar syrup which tasted horrible, I almost gagged, luckily they let me chase it with a little cup of water. After I finished my sugar drink, they let me lay down in one of there beds because one I was exhausted and the drink made me queasy, resting in a bed made the 2 hours of waiting until my next needle prick more enjoyable than the horrible waiting room chairs.
After getting home from the hospital I was so happy that Paul helped me clean the entire upstairs, he was such an amazing help, he cleaned the windows, vacuumed under the couches and moved the large furniture around while I mopped. Thank you for Paul being an awesome husband!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Baby doctor appointment
Today Paul and I met with our new doctor at the hospital. She was a very nice and told us what's going to happen in the next couple of weeks. Pretty much I'm going back for more blood tests, the doctor does not believe that I do not have gestational diabetes because my weight gain is very high and Brandon is estimating at 4.5lbs. She showed us a chart that if he continues to progress at this rate he'll be a 10lb baby. So Monday I am going back to the hospital to redo the glucose blood test, but a different type of test from the first one. Then in 2 weeks we have another appointment with the doctor to get an ultrasound and figure out what to do from the results of the blood test. For the time all sugar has been restricted. I'm not even allowed to have a piece of fruit or juice. I feel like the next two weeks are going to be very difficult because I normally can not go 1 day without a piece of fruit or a glass of orange juice. But if giving up these things means it'll slow down Brandon's weight gain I'll survive the next 9 weeks without sugar, the Easter Bunny will not be visiting our house this year.
Great news is that we get to see Brandon's cute little face on the ultrasound, today he was being a ham for the camera, he just looks so cute! This is the one great thing I like about the doctors appointment, it's only about 2-3 minutes long and we don't get any printed pictures, but it's nice to get to see his face. I'm happy we'll get to see his face 2-3 more times before he's born! Our doctor wants to try to avoid inducing labor, but we'll learn more after the blood tests and next appointment to see how much he's grown since today. I really hope he get's back under the 95th percentile.
The next couple of weeks are not going to be easy, but I'll get through them because I can't wait to meet my little man!!!
Great news is that we get to see Brandon's cute little face on the ultrasound, today he was being a ham for the camera, he just looks so cute! This is the one great thing I like about the doctors appointment, it's only about 2-3 minutes long and we don't get any printed pictures, but it's nice to get to see his face. I'm happy we'll get to see his face 2-3 more times before he's born! Our doctor wants to try to avoid inducing labor, but we'll learn more after the blood tests and next appointment to see how much he's grown since today. I really hope he get's back under the 95th percentile.
The next couple of weeks are not going to be easy, but I'll get through them because I can't wait to meet my little man!!!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Shopping!
This week Paul and I have been shopping around for the last couple big items on our list for Brandon. I have been expanding my search to the internet and ebay. Most people think ebay and think used, but I was VERY surprised to find a lot of things we wanted brand new factory sealed and between 50-75% the retail price. For me making sure it was 50-75% the retail price was important because shipping costs to The Netherlands normally cost between $15-$25, so in the end it costs A LOT less than buying it in Europe. Our latest ebay treasure find is a brand new BabyBjorn Synergy: Retail $170. Ebay: $105 including shipping!! We found about 2-3 other great deals, the hardest part is finding ebay sellers that are willing to ship internationally, some don't mind but others are completely against it!
This weekend begins early for Paul, he's taking a vacation day tomorrow so he can get some R&R and take me to the hospital for our first baby doctor appointment. I'm really hopping we can see Brandon on the big screen, I love seeing how much he grows between each ultrasound. I know the doctor needs to measure Brandon's development and size, and the only way to do that is with an ultrasound, but the doctor might want to wait another week or 2. The great thing is that all the machines for the ultrasound are in the doctors office, unlike the midwife's office which has nothing but a Doppler.
This weekend we're going to make a trip to the baby store Prenatal for the final things on our nursery list. I'm getting picky with colors so if they don't have what I like I'm going back to the internet stores! We're also going to take a trip to Amsterdam to visit the Van Gogh museum and Madame Tusssaud's wax museum. We've both never been to a wax museum and have been curious for a while, we figured we'll do a museum, lunch and then another museum. It's going to be so much fun!
This weekend begins early for Paul, he's taking a vacation day tomorrow so he can get some R&R and take me to the hospital for our first baby doctor appointment. I'm really hopping we can see Brandon on the big screen, I love seeing how much he grows between each ultrasound. I know the doctor needs to measure Brandon's development and size, and the only way to do that is with an ultrasound, but the doctor might want to wait another week or 2. The great thing is that all the machines for the ultrasound are in the doctors office, unlike the midwife's office which has nothing but a Doppler.
This weekend we're going to make a trip to the baby store Prenatal for the final things on our nursery list. I'm getting picky with colors so if they don't have what I like I'm going back to the internet stores! We're also going to take a trip to Amsterdam to visit the Van Gogh museum and Madame Tusssaud's wax museum. We've both never been to a wax museum and have been curious for a while, we figured we'll do a museum, lunch and then another museum. It's going to be so much fun!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Paper work
As luck would have it the American consulate changed or reorganized their website and put all the steps online for registering a birth, applying for passport and social security card. They even let you make an appointment on the internet. I feel so much better that they've made this much easier than we expected!
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