22 Weeks & 4 Days

  For some reason, I thought I was 23 weeks this week, which was a bit of a disappointment. BUT, 22 weeks is still pretty far. This little nugget is already 11 inches and I believe a pound. A real big guy 🙂

How far along: 22 Weeks, 4 Days

Total weight gain: I haven’t gotten on the scale since last week. I ate like crap this weekend, so I don’t anticipate loving the number. I’ll check next week!

Maternity clothes: Yes, yes, yes!

Stretch marks: Nope!

Sleep: Sleep has been pretty good… EXCEPT, my pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel is back. GRR. Needless to say, I wake up with a lot of pain in my hands. Hopefully it doesn’t get much worse.

Best moment of this week: We had a GREAT time with my cousin and uncle who were in town from Cali. I’ll do a separate post, but it was a lot of fun and Charlotte had a blast. Definitely the highlight of my month. If only they lived closer.

Miss anything: Not too bad this week!

Movement: I know I said this last week, but the little one is such a wiggler. He squirms all day every day. If I wake up in the middle of the night, there he goes, flip flopping around. And actually, he’s definitely a bit quieter during the day. PLEASE, LITTLE GUY, GET YOUR DAYS AND NIGHTS FIGURED OUT NOW… oy. That’s a scary thought. 

Food cravings: I’m ready to get back to home-cooked healthy meals.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet: Bump, bump, bummmmmp.

Gender: Can’t wait to meet our little man.

Labor signs: I feel like I’ve had Braxton Hicks lately. Typically when I have to pee or when I’m doing something strenuous. I can’t remember when they started last time. Regardless, they’re super mild.

Belly button in or out: The gaping pregnancy belly hole. That sucker isn’t going anywhere.

Wedding rings on or off: On! But they’re tight in the morning.

Happy or moody most of the time: Hmmm. I’ve been pretty split this week. I’m still really on edge. We’re moving office locations at work, which I think is lending to the mood. My parents (who I work with) are stressed, I’m stressed and together, it’s a bit tense. But at home, I feel like I’ve been great. Very happy. Charlie has been a little muffin face and I’ve been loving every minute of this silly toddler age. Except those moments where I want to bang my head against the wall. That’s normal, right?

Looking forward to: We finish off the move this weekend, so I’m excited for that to be over and done. I’m also still looking forward to getting things going on the two kiddie rooms. I’d love to get the new light fixture installed in the nursery and the chandelier moved to C’s new room. Progress, progress, progress.

50 Days, Magical Cheesecake & a Great Appointment

I’d like to start off by warning you that I’m obnoxiously chipper right now. Why you ask? Well, a lot of reasons, but mainly, I had a really great appointment with my doctor today. Here’s the update…

Blood pressure: GOOD (98/66… I think?)

Belly Bump Measurement: 32-33 cm (measuring right on track or maybe even a little small… my lady parts like the sound of small)

Baby’s Heart Rate: Great! (I forgot to ask specifics, but she said it was perfect)

Baby’s Position: Still head down! She’s such a good girl.

Weight Gain: Dan da daaaaan… 1 lb! Yes, this made me very happy! My doc said it was great, too! So, now at 33 weeks (tomorrow), I’ve gained 27 lbs. That feels way better than 26 lbs at 31 weeks. I’ve just got to keep up the good work… ie: exercising and eating well. AKA… I will not be going home and eating all the leftover cheesecake. Damn.

I also asked my doc quite a few questions…

1) Can we pre-register for the hospital? No need to! Everything is electronic, so they’ll get you right in a room and any questions needing answers will be asked there.

2) In order to get my breast pump paid for by insurance, I need a prescription… can I get one from you today? Yep!

*NOTE: I had heard great things about the Hygeia Enjoye breast pump and am attempting to go through www.abreastpumpandmore.com to order mine (the website was recommended to me by the rep at Hygeia). I’ll let you know if my insurance accepts it and it works.

3)  Do you apply oil / do perineal massage when the baby is crowning? I’ve heard it helps prevent tearing. I do sometimes, but it depends on the patient and how she’s feeling. Sometimes it is too sensitive down there and the massage doesn’t help. If you would like me to, just let me know and I will. And, if you’d like me to apply oil, feel free to bring the oil with you and I’ll be happy to use it.

4) If I have any tearing, will I receive local pain meds before I’m stitched up? Yes. We use lidocaine, which sometimes hurts a touch when administered (it’s a shot), but sometimes it doesn’t. That should relieve any pain from the stitches.

5) When do you cut the cord? I’ve read that it is beneficial to wait a few minutes after birth to cut the cord so extra blood flows from the placenta to the baby. Supposedly it lowers risk of newborn anemia and iron deficiency. I have been trying to adjust my practice to wait a few minutes before cutting the cord. Just remind us [or put it in your birth plan] and we will do that.

**So, here is where I handed the doc my package of mini cheesecakes (see recipe in yesterday’s blog post) and said, “Here’s a little bribe before I ask my next question…” Mark made sure to add in, “You can have the cheesecakes no matter what” haha… I love him.

Classic Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust Garnished with Mixed Berry Preserves and Lemon Zest & Whipped Cream, Fresh Blueberry and Lemon Zest... AND, Oreo Cheesecake on an Oreo Crust topped with Whipped Cream and a Mini Oreo. Mmm....

Classic Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust Garnished with Mixed Berry Preserves and Lemon Zest & Whipped Cream, Fresh Blueberry and Lemon Zest… AND, Oreo Cheesecake on an Oreo Crust topped with Whipped Cream and a Mini Oreo. Mmm….

6) My company requires a doctor’s note for my maternity leave. I am requesting 12 weeks and was hoping you could write a note saying that I need 12 weeks. Definitely! The more time the better! What I’m not able to do is fill out a disability form because medically, it is pre-determined that a vaginal birth receives 6 weeks and a c-section birth receives 8 weeks.

SUCCESS!!! YES! How amazing, huh??? I love my doc. Hopefully the damn note will be enough and I can finally get the maternity leave thing checked off my list.

One more reason for smiling… as of today, there are exactly 50 days until my due date! I love round numbers.