20 weeks
Well, we've made it to the halfway point!! It feels like it's gone so fast and at the same time, it feels like so long ago since we found out about our little bundle!! After we found out what we were having last week, I hit Baby Gap the next day and stocked him up on some super cute stuff for next winter!! Fearing he might be a big boy, I bought them with hopefully some room to grow!
Christmas was wonderful! Judy spoiled him already and got him tons of little outfits! He also got his first pair of Nike Jordan tennis shoes, just like his daddy used to wear! I felt a little overwhelmed Sunday morning after Christmas. The baby's stuff was everywhere, our stuff was everywhere, and I just felt like I wanted everything clean!! I took down all our Christmas stuff on Monday, which was early for me, being only 2 days after Christmas. But it felt great to get it down so we can start organizing it and the storage room.
This week has been a little more rough than others. I'm starting to feel the pregnancy a lot more. My bump is definitely there now and I feel like it makes me walk slower and my back hurt. It's probably just going to take some getting used to. I went to the gym Monday night and it was so hard! The walking wasn't bad at all, but the light weights and leg lunges were hard. I used to be totally confident in the weight room and now I just feel out of place. There are so many things I used to be able to do that now I can't do so I spend a lot of time just trying to figure out my next move. The worst may be the bathroom visits!! It's ramped back up again and I feel like I'm in there all the time. What doesn't help is that I'm so thirsty that I drink tons of water, but I feel like just lookng at a glass of water makes me have to pee!! I'm getting up 2-3 times a night which doesn't help! With all the cleaning and organizing and everything on my mind, sometimes if I wake up to go to the bathroom, I have a hard time getting my mind to shut off so I can go back to sleep.
Little man is starting to get on a little bit of a schedule it seems like. I'll usually feel him move in the morning - 8am-9am is when he starts and then at night usually right around 9 or a little after. The rest of his movements are a little sporadic, so it makes me nervous if I haven't felt him for awhile. We started talking showers today!! Judy is throwing one and my sister and my mom wants to also! It's so exciting to think about! I feel so grateful that so many people want to do these for us. We had a bunch for our wedding and we felt so loved.
We're hoping to get the crib ordered in the next couple of weeks and maybe the dresser. We decided to buy a new dresser to match his crib so we can have the old dresser in the room now for storage for our clothes. I feel like there are a million things left to do to get the house ready and luckily we have plenty of time. I just tend to get so far ahead of myself and just go from Point A to Point ZZZ and get overwhelmed by how much needs to be done. We just need to take it a step at a time.
I've been having a weird feeling this past couple of days in my stomach. It almost feels like pressure and sometimes a pulled muscle. Down in the lower part near my pelvis I feel little flutters every once in awhile, but not like 'baby kicking' flutters. I'm trying to document as much as possible b/c I have some friends who are also pregnant or trying and I want to be sure to tell them the things I went through or compare notes!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
It's a BOY!!!
19 weeks
We got the best news yesterday!! We are having a little boy!! We had a few issues with the appointment and some scheduling issues, but someone was totally watching out for us and we were still able to get in and see our little man yesterday.
He was a perfect little model! He looked at us straight on, he gave us his profile and he even rolled on his stomach and we have a picture of his whole spine. He was moving around like crazy and had his sweet little hands up by his face, but never covering it. We got a picture full on of his little 'man parts' so according to the sonogram tech, there's no question!!
Our sonogram tech was so wonderful. She let us look at him for a good 20 minutes and pointed out his organs - we saw his heart, his bladder, his brain and his stomach. We also got to see his little spine and femur.
She took measurements and he looks about right for his age. The due date was moved up just a little bit to May 15th from May 21st, but they aren't officially changing it. He weighs about 11oz and is so cute!
My mom and I think he's going to look like me. From the ultrasound pictures, it looks like he has my face shape, my mom's nose and my mouth. Granted, it's so hard to tell right now, but that's what we're saying!
Nick and I went out to dinner last night to celebrate at Salty Iguana and realized it was the same place we decided on the boy name months ago! So, we came up with a 'fake' name to call him now - Carlos. Being at a KU place, we went over some basketball player options - Kief, Sherron, Selby, but decided on Carlos. We are going to call him that even at home so we don't slip and say his real name to anyone before he gets here!
Our families are so excited! We called all the parents and Mia right away. I sent a text to a bunch of our friends and everyone is so excited!! We are going to tell the rest of Nick's family at Christmas in a couple of days. We showed Nick's mom and my mom the pictures last night!!
I have to say, that was hands down the most amazing experience so far in my life. To see him moving and his full little body in there was wonderful and made it all so real. It was also so cool to see where I've been feeling the most movement is right where his little feet are so that's what I've been feeling! I love looking at all his little pictures and have showed them off to everyone at work today!!
We got the best news yesterday!! We are having a little boy!! We had a few issues with the appointment and some scheduling issues, but someone was totally watching out for us and we were still able to get in and see our little man yesterday.
He was a perfect little model! He looked at us straight on, he gave us his profile and he even rolled on his stomach and we have a picture of his whole spine. He was moving around like crazy and had his sweet little hands up by his face, but never covering it. We got a picture full on of his little 'man parts' so according to the sonogram tech, there's no question!!
Our sonogram tech was so wonderful. She let us look at him for a good 20 minutes and pointed out his organs - we saw his heart, his bladder, his brain and his stomach. We also got to see his little spine and femur.
She took measurements and he looks about right for his age. The due date was moved up just a little bit to May 15th from May 21st, but they aren't officially changing it. He weighs about 11oz and is so cute!
My mom and I think he's going to look like me. From the ultrasound pictures, it looks like he has my face shape, my mom's nose and my mouth. Granted, it's so hard to tell right now, but that's what we're saying!
Nick and I went out to dinner last night to celebrate at Salty Iguana and realized it was the same place we decided on the boy name months ago! So, we came up with a 'fake' name to call him now - Carlos. Being at a KU place, we went over some basketball player options - Kief, Sherron, Selby, but decided on Carlos. We are going to call him that even at home so we don't slip and say his real name to anyone before he gets here!
Our families are so excited! We called all the parents and Mia right away. I sent a text to a bunch of our friends and everyone is so excited!! We are going to tell the rest of Nick's family at Christmas in a couple of days. We showed Nick's mom and my mom the pictures last night!!
I have to say, that was hands down the most amazing experience so far in my life. To see him moving and his full little body in there was wonderful and made it all so real. It was also so cool to see where I've been feeling the most movement is right where his little feet are so that's what I've been feeling! I love looking at all his little pictures and have showed them off to everyone at work today!!
Monday, December 13, 2010
How I knew I was pregnant
I feel like I hear people all the time say, 'I knew I was pregant because...'. Well, just so I don't forget how I knew, here's my story, which is more of how I didn't know!
Late August was the first month we were going to officially 'try' to have a baby. We were planning on September, but it just happened that 'prime time' would fall the last week of August. So we gave it a shot, did the few things you're supposed to do when you're trying and just hoped for the best. Being it was our first month to try, we weren't expecting it to happen and were prepared to keep trying as long as we needed.
A couple of weeks went by and for some reason, I just felt like it didn't work. No big deal, we'd try again the next month. Aunt Rose was due mid-September so when at the first KU game over Labor Day a couple of beers made me feel a little queasy, I looked at Nick and half jokingly said 'well, maybe it worked after all.' I didn't really think it did, so when the next night I had crazy heartburn, I didn't really think much of it. We had a housewarming party with some of Nick's friends and I decided not to drink because of the heartburn and the fact that the day before it had made me feel a little off.
The next weekend, we had another housewarming party, with the same group of friends and the heartburn was back. This time I thought it was from something I had eaten so I just ignored it. I was having some slight cramps and Aunt Rose was due that next week. I had taken a pregnancy test the Friday before just for the heck of it and it was negative. Or so I thought - there was a 'faint' plus sign but I thought it was just how the test was supposed to look and took it as a negative. Somehow, a few girls at the party seemed suspicious and were asking me if I was pregnant since I wasn't drinking. I said no, honestly believing I wasn't.
That Monday (the day Aunt Rose was due) was the Chiefs Monday Night Football game. We were going to the game and to tailgate with a huge group of friends. I took a pregnancy test that day at lunch to be sure I was ok to drink and it was negative. As we were tailgating, we found out that a bunch of friends from the party that weekend had all thought we were pregnant and were talking about it after we left. Nick and I were cracking up and in fact, we were all joking about it! I told everyone that I wasn't pregnant, as I had just taken a test that day.
Well, the week went on and still no sign of Aunt Rose other than normal cramps. I started looking online and sure enough, a lot of women said they had cramps during the first few weeks of pregnancy. I didn't want to get my hopes up, as we had a false alarm just a couple months before that felt very similar to this one. I waited as long as I possibly could to be sure we'd get the most accurate test reading. That Friday morning I woke up so early, knowing I was going to take the test. I decided to use the 'pee in a cup' method rather than directly on the strip to try and get more accuracy. I did the deed, set the test down and went to throw everything else out in the garage. That took maybe a total of 15 seconds and by the time I got back, here's what the t
est said:
est said:I was so in shock, I almost didn't believe it. I went to wake up Nick and showed it to him and couldn't even get the words out! I was crying and laughing and speechless! Luckily he's the calm one and just stayed calm and said how exciting it was. I took another test just to be sure later that morning, same reading. So I made an appointment with my general family doctor and around lunch time that day, she was able to confirm the great news!!
So, that's my long, drawn out story for how I knew (or didn't) that I was pregnant!
Unexpected pain
18 weeks
I knew that getting pregnant was going to cause my body to go through a ton of changes. I knew I would gain weight, maybe get sick, maybe be more tired, etc. What I did NOT expect was how much pain I would be in so soon!
I've been dealing with headaches on and off pretty much all of the 2nd trimester. Most of the time, caffeine takes it away - but I don't want to drink pop so I'm trying to slowing stop using that remedy.
Well, in the last few weeks, everything from the waist down has started to hurt. From lower back (what I think is Sciatica) pain that sends sharp shooting pains down my leg, to hip pain that makes it impossible to sleep, to now sore calf muslces! I don't know if it's the extra weight or what, but it's not comfortable! Luckily, I have an amazing husband who is always there to try and work out the kinks when I'm in pain!
On a much happier note, baby has started moving a lot now. I feel it all the time. Some days more than others, but it's crazy and wonderful. Sometimes it's weird because it just reminds me that there is a living thing in there. But it's always just wonderful and makes me feel so connected to the baby. I can't wait for Nick to be able to feel it also.
I knew that getting pregnant was going to cause my body to go through a ton of changes. I knew I would gain weight, maybe get sick, maybe be more tired, etc. What I did NOT expect was how much pain I would be in so soon!
I've been dealing with headaches on and off pretty much all of the 2nd trimester. Most of the time, caffeine takes it away - but I don't want to drink pop so I'm trying to slowing stop using that remedy.
Well, in the last few weeks, everything from the waist down has started to hurt. From lower back (what I think is Sciatica) pain that sends sharp shooting pains down my leg, to hip pain that makes it impossible to sleep, to now sore calf muslces! I don't know if it's the extra weight or what, but it's not comfortable! Luckily, I have an amazing husband who is always there to try and work out the kinks when I'm in pain!
On a much happier note, baby has started moving a lot now. I feel it all the time. Some days more than others, but it's crazy and wonderful. Sometimes it's weird because it just reminds me that there is a living thing in there. But it's always just wonderful and makes me feel so connected to the baby. I can't wait for Nick to be able to feel it also.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
My poor husband
17 weeks
I've heard people talk about how 'emotional' you get during pregnancy. Not being a big 'crier' over little stuff normally, I haven't had any affects of this so far. Until this last weekend...I was mad for no reason and crying at the drop of a hat!! And while all this is happening, I'm totally aware of how irrational and ridiculous it is, but just can't seem to stop myself!
We bought our new fancy 'baby camera' - a Nikon D3000 last night. Thanks to my husband's gift for finding good deals on seriously ANYTHING, we saved $150 on it!! I was so excited and couldn't wait to get home to play with it!! I knew Nick wanted us to have it and he worked hard to find the best deal possible. So as we're messing around with it last night, we find out it doesn't have a 'live view' option where you can see the picture on the screen before you take the picture. Apparently, this is enough to make a pregnant woman start crying - seriously?!! I was so upset because I had done so much research and felt like this was the camera I really wanted...I could have SWORN in my research that it did have a 'live view' option, but that it wasn't as good as just using the little eye view finder. So, I just start crying and saying we need to take it back. (See- irrational).
My wonderful and patient husband starts looking more online and taking pictures of Oscar to show me how great the pictures are. He finally talks me down from my ledge and we have decided we are going to keep the camera and give it a shot. It's a great starter camera that takes amaing pictures! Below is a picture he took of Oscar to show me how great it is!
I've heard people talk about how 'emotional' you get during pregnancy. Not being a big 'crier' over little stuff normally, I haven't had any affects of this so far. Until this last weekend...I was mad for no reason and crying at the drop of a hat!! And while all this is happening, I'm totally aware of how irrational and ridiculous it is, but just can't seem to stop myself!
We bought our new fancy 'baby camera' - a Nikon D3000 last night. Thanks to my husband's gift for finding good deals on seriously ANYTHING, we saved $150 on it!! I was so excited and couldn't wait to get home to play with it!! I knew Nick wanted us to have it and he worked hard to find the best deal possible. So as we're messing around with it last night, we find out it doesn't have a 'live view' option where you can see the picture on the screen before you take the picture. Apparently, this is enough to make a pregnant woman start crying - seriously?!! I was so upset because I had done so much research and felt like this was the camera I really wanted...I could have SWORN in my research that it did have a 'live view' option, but that it wasn't as good as just using the little eye view finder. So, I just start crying and saying we need to take it back. (See- irrational).
My wonderful and patient husband starts looking more online and taking pictures of Oscar to show me how great the pictures are. He finally talks me down from my ledge and we have decided we are going to keep the camera and give it a shot. It's a great starter camera that takes amaing pictures! Below is a picture he took of Oscar to show me how great it is!
Monday, December 6, 2010
We've got a mover!
17 weeks
It's official! As of Friday, I've felt at least a little movement every day from Baby B!! At my appointment last week my doctor told me it would start happening any time and sure enough on Friday, at exactly 16 weeks, I felt a little movement. I felt it again on Saturday. At first, I wasn't totally sure because it was up by my belly button, which seemed so high. The doctor found the heartbeat down really low last Monday, but after talking to my mom, Nick's mom, Tracy and googling like crazy, it seems like the baby's head or feet could be up there and that's what I'm feeling.
Today, I'm feeling it a little more all around. I was getting ready for work this morning and I felt a little kick or movement. I felt like the baby was saying 'Good Morning Mommy, I'm awake too'. LOL! So of course, I told him/her Good Morning. It's so crazy to finally feel it move! And it's confirmed that what I was feeling at 13-14 weeks was in fact the baby moving. This feels so similar, just more often and a little stronger. Even though the doctor said that was too early, I know what I felt.
Another little side effect is my lower back pain! YUCK!! It's like a sharp pain at some points, but almost always at least an intense ache on the lower right side of my back. Last night, if I slept in certain positions, it would send shooting pains from my lower back, to my hip, all the way down my leg. It was like the back, hip and knee would throb the worst. I tried to adjust positions, but it would still catch me!
Nick and I went baby shopping this weekend. I think we picked out a stroller/car seat combo. We tested out the kind of crib we want and really liked it. We will probably register right after the first of the year. Right now, we're focusing on Nick finishing Grad School and the holidays!! A little over 2 weeks until we find out what we've got growing! I hope he/she not only cooperates but that they don't find any issues when they finally do the sonogram. I think I'm almost as excited just to see the baby as I am to find out what it is!!
It's official! As of Friday, I've felt at least a little movement every day from Baby B!! At my appointment last week my doctor told me it would start happening any time and sure enough on Friday, at exactly 16 weeks, I felt a little movement. I felt it again on Saturday. At first, I wasn't totally sure because it was up by my belly button, which seemed so high. The doctor found the heartbeat down really low last Monday, but after talking to my mom, Nick's mom, Tracy and googling like crazy, it seems like the baby's head or feet could be up there and that's what I'm feeling.
Today, I'm feeling it a little more all around. I was getting ready for work this morning and I felt a little kick or movement. I felt like the baby was saying 'Good Morning Mommy, I'm awake too'. LOL! So of course, I told him/her Good Morning. It's so crazy to finally feel it move! And it's confirmed that what I was feeling at 13-14 weeks was in fact the baby moving. This feels so similar, just more often and a little stronger. Even though the doctor said that was too early, I know what I felt.
Another little side effect is my lower back pain! YUCK!! It's like a sharp pain at some points, but almost always at least an intense ache on the lower right side of my back. Last night, if I slept in certain positions, it would send shooting pains from my lower back, to my hip, all the way down my leg. It was like the back, hip and knee would throb the worst. I tried to adjust positions, but it would still catch me!
Nick and I went baby shopping this weekend. I think we picked out a stroller/car seat combo. We tested out the kind of crib we want and really liked it. We will probably register right after the first of the year. Right now, we're focusing on Nick finishing Grad School and the holidays!! A little over 2 weeks until we find out what we've got growing! I hope he/she not only cooperates but that they don't find any issues when they finally do the sonogram. I think I'm almost as excited just to see the baby as I am to find out what it is!!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thanksgiving and beyond!
15 weeks
Thanksgiving was a success. It was a total whirlwind, but it was great to see all our family!
Baby B apparently isn't a huge fan of Thanksgiving food however. I don't know if it was the heaviness of it all or what, but at both major meals, my stomach was upset. The funniest story from the holiday weekend was Thanksgiving night. We ate lunch with my mom and sister at our house, then in the afternoon, went to Gary and Judy's. Judy had spent so much time cooking and then forever cleaning up. The entire time, my stomach was a little rumbly so not only was I still full, I didn't even want to try and eat. Until right about 7:30 pm and then I was STARVING!
I didn't want to make Judy get all the food out again and I didn't want to run the risk of an upset stomach again. And, as has become the norm, all that sounded good was a cheeseburger! Well, being Thanksgiving night, NO fast food places were open. Erin and I even drove all around the area - McDonald's, Wendy's, Sonic, Burger King, Winstead's - NOTHING was open. I had almost given up hope until we were on the way back home and saw that a bar by Gary/Judy's had lights on! I got back to their house and called Saints and ordered a cheeseburger and fries to go!!
While it wasn't the world's best cheeseburger, it sure tasted like it that night. These crazy cravings are pretty funny!!
This week has brought an end to the belly band with my old pants routine. I think I'm finally past the point of that not only being comfortable but being in any way appealing. I'm giving the final pair of pants one last shot today but at lunch I'm heading out for some maternity pants!
We had a doctor's appointment on Monday and all looked good. She checked the heartbeat and said it sounded nice and strong! We also bought our video baby monitor. We found a really nice one for a great deal (gotta love holiday shopping deals) so we decided to get it. Our crib is also on sale so that may be the next purchase. We find out in 3 weeks what we're having and I cannot even wait!
Thanksgiving was a success. It was a total whirlwind, but it was great to see all our family!
Baby B apparently isn't a huge fan of Thanksgiving food however. I don't know if it was the heaviness of it all or what, but at both major meals, my stomach was upset. The funniest story from the holiday weekend was Thanksgiving night. We ate lunch with my mom and sister at our house, then in the afternoon, went to Gary and Judy's. Judy had spent so much time cooking and then forever cleaning up. The entire time, my stomach was a little rumbly so not only was I still full, I didn't even want to try and eat. Until right about 7:30 pm and then I was STARVING!
I didn't want to make Judy get all the food out again and I didn't want to run the risk of an upset stomach again. And, as has become the norm, all that sounded good was a cheeseburger! Well, being Thanksgiving night, NO fast food places were open. Erin and I even drove all around the area - McDonald's, Wendy's, Sonic, Burger King, Winstead's - NOTHING was open. I had almost given up hope until we were on the way back home and saw that a bar by Gary/Judy's had lights on! I got back to their house and called Saints and ordered a cheeseburger and fries to go!!
While it wasn't the world's best cheeseburger, it sure tasted like it that night. These crazy cravings are pretty funny!!
This week has brought an end to the belly band with my old pants routine. I think I'm finally past the point of that not only being comfortable but being in any way appealing. I'm giving the final pair of pants one last shot today but at lunch I'm heading out for some maternity pants!
We had a doctor's appointment on Monday and all looked good. She checked the heartbeat and said it sounded nice and strong! We also bought our video baby monitor. We found a really nice one for a great deal (gotta love holiday shopping deals) so we decided to get it. Our crib is also on sale so that may be the next purchase. We find out in 3 weeks what we're having and I cannot even wait!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Where's my waist??!
14 weeks
While I was very lucky not to have many typical pregnancy symptoms during the first trimester, I did have one that freaked me out. The WEIGHT GAIN! All these books and websites tell you, 'ohhh, you should only gain about 5 pounds during your first trimester'. Well, 10 weeks in and I was already double that mark!
I knew I didn't want to be one of those people that just ate everything in sight. First of all, I want to eat healthy for my baby. Secondly, I don't want to struggle to lose all the weight after. But, I was used to cooking with low/no fat foods and being very careful about how much I ate. My doctor advised me to just embrace this time, start using the 'full fat' ingredients for 2 reasons - 1. There aren't enough studies out to determine if the lower fat options are harmful to the baby and 2. As she said - this is the time to enjoy it! I think that change is initially what packed on the pounds.
I was so concerned I was gaining too fast, I talked with the doctor about it. The doctor said not to worry (music to my ears) and it would go up and then even out as the pregnancy progressed. Well, they were right! I ended up losing 3 pounds after the 2nd trimester started and have evened out on the weight gain now. It's much more of a slow, steady gain instead of a huge rush of pounds.
I think this is much healthier not only for me, but for the baby. I don't want to overwhelm the baby with too many bad foods, however, all this baby wants right now is cheeseburgers! I've had to give up chinese food, Chipotle and even my beloved mexican food as eating all three have cause some serious stomach issues!
Thanksgiving is tomorrow so hopefully Baby B enjoys all the Turkey Day trimmings because I definitely plan on pulling out the maternity jeans to have lots of room!
While I was very lucky not to have many typical pregnancy symptoms during the first trimester, I did have one that freaked me out. The WEIGHT GAIN! All these books and websites tell you, 'ohhh, you should only gain about 5 pounds during your first trimester'. Well, 10 weeks in and I was already double that mark!
I knew I didn't want to be one of those people that just ate everything in sight. First of all, I want to eat healthy for my baby. Secondly, I don't want to struggle to lose all the weight after. But, I was used to cooking with low/no fat foods and being very careful about how much I ate. My doctor advised me to just embrace this time, start using the 'full fat' ingredients for 2 reasons - 1. There aren't enough studies out to determine if the lower fat options are harmful to the baby and 2. As she said - this is the time to enjoy it! I think that change is initially what packed on the pounds.
I was so concerned I was gaining too fast, I talked with the doctor about it. The doctor said not to worry (music to my ears) and it would go up and then even out as the pregnancy progressed. Well, they were right! I ended up losing 3 pounds after the 2nd trimester started and have evened out on the weight gain now. It's much more of a slow, steady gain instead of a huge rush of pounds.
I think this is much healthier not only for me, but for the baby. I don't want to overwhelm the baby with too many bad foods, however, all this baby wants right now is cheeseburgers! I've had to give up chinese food, Chipotle and even my beloved mexican food as eating all three have cause some serious stomach issues!
Thanksgiving is tomorrow so hopefully Baby B enjoys all the Turkey Day trimmings because I definitely plan on pulling out the maternity jeans to have lots of room!
Prenatal Testing
Prenatal Testing - 2 of the scariest words I think I've heard together! Trying to make the decision on whether or not to get these tests was incredibly difficult for me.
Growing up around children with anywhere from mild to severe learning disabilities, birth defects and other issues, I knew that if there was anyway I could prevent a child from going through that, I would consider it. However, I also knew I didn't want to do super invasive prenatal testing that could harm me or the baby.
At our 'heartbeat appointment' we had to decide if we wanted to do any of this testing. While we could change our mind either way on the later tests, there was a test that if done, had to be done between 11-13 weeks. This was a simple blood/ultrasound test to determine your chances of having a child with different birth defects, one being down syndrome. I thought a blood test and ultrasound seemed harmless enough so I called my insurance company. They said they would cover the majority of the testing, so we decided to agree to do this testing.
Now whether it was a sign or God trying to tell us something, when we get to the doctor that day they can't do the tests. Not only that, but the scheduler for making the appointments was gone as well. They said they'd call us on Monday. Ok, no problem. In my mind, I had made up my mind.
Monday rolls around and the patient services rep calls from the doctor telling me our insurance won't cover much of the test after all. Whether intentional or not, there was a hint of doubt in her voice if we should even do the test. This sent me in to a complete TAILSPIN! The decision I was so sure about 3 days before, was now confusing me more than ever! Nick and I talked about it, I talked to my dad, my sister and then called the doctor for her opinion. These tests have a high chance of giving both false positive and false negative results. I wasn't sure I could handle a false positive after the stress I went through worrying about miscarrige (unecessarily) for the first trimester.
I finally realized I had reached my breaking point. If I didn't get control of my constant anxiety and fear over everything being ok, I was going to spend my entire pregnancy worrying about things going wrong, instead of enjoying the ride. I decided right then I was not having the test and I was going to leave the stress behind me. I have to say, once I made that decision, I have truly been able to let go and enjoy the pregnancy.
These tests are there for a reason, and if it were 100% accurate, I would have paid any amount of money for it. Some people know that it will not change their mind no matter what. However, Nick and I both knew the outcome could affect our decision, which is why we wanted to weigh all our options. Not everyone will have as difficult a decision on this, but for me, it was hard but I truly feel we made the right choice for us.
Growing up around children with anywhere from mild to severe learning disabilities, birth defects and other issues, I knew that if there was anyway I could prevent a child from going through that, I would consider it. However, I also knew I didn't want to do super invasive prenatal testing that could harm me or the baby.
At our 'heartbeat appointment' we had to decide if we wanted to do any of this testing. While we could change our mind either way on the later tests, there was a test that if done, had to be done between 11-13 weeks. This was a simple blood/ultrasound test to determine your chances of having a child with different birth defects, one being down syndrome. I thought a blood test and ultrasound seemed harmless enough so I called my insurance company. They said they would cover the majority of the testing, so we decided to agree to do this testing.
Now whether it was a sign or God trying to tell us something, when we get to the doctor that day they can't do the tests. Not only that, but the scheduler for making the appointments was gone as well. They said they'd call us on Monday. Ok, no problem. In my mind, I had made up my mind.
Monday rolls around and the patient services rep calls from the doctor telling me our insurance won't cover much of the test after all. Whether intentional or not, there was a hint of doubt in her voice if we should even do the test. This sent me in to a complete TAILSPIN! The decision I was so sure about 3 days before, was now confusing me more than ever! Nick and I talked about it, I talked to my dad, my sister and then called the doctor for her opinion. These tests have a high chance of giving both false positive and false negative results. I wasn't sure I could handle a false positive after the stress I went through worrying about miscarrige (unecessarily) for the first trimester.
I finally realized I had reached my breaking point. If I didn't get control of my constant anxiety and fear over everything being ok, I was going to spend my entire pregnancy worrying about things going wrong, instead of enjoying the ride. I decided right then I was not having the test and I was going to leave the stress behind me. I have to say, once I made that decision, I have truly been able to let go and enjoy the pregnancy.
These tests are there for a reason, and if it were 100% accurate, I would have paid any amount of money for it. Some people know that it will not change their mind no matter what. However, Nick and I both knew the outcome could affect our decision, which is why we wanted to weigh all our options. Not everyone will have as difficult a decision on this, but for me, it was hard but I truly feel we made the right choice for us.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
1st Trimester
Since I'm a little late starting this, the 1st trimest will just be in one post.
I was SOOOOOO lucky in my first trimester. I had maybe a handful of days where I felt nausea, but never got sick. I had a few days of low energy or being more tired than normal, but never was it to the point where I couldn't still go about my regular life.
The thing that was hardest for me in that first 12 weeks, was keeping it secret and the constant fear of something going wrong. Every doctor, website and book tells you that first 12 weeks is so critical and anything can happen.
At my first doctor's appointment, the doctor just did a physical exam to make sure everything looked good, along with a few blood tests, we didn't get any confirmation that the baby was actually there. We had to wait another 4 weeks to get to hear the heartbeat and that was the longest 4 weeks of my life!! They say once you establish a heartbeat, your chance of miscarriage goes down to almost nothing, so I just wanted to hear that little beat.
Well, being me, I got impatient and we bought an at home heart monitor to try and hear the baby's heartbeat early. We read reviews and all these things about where to listen and what to listen for. We thought FOR SURE we found the heartbeat right away. Now, I look back and laugh because we were WAY off. What I thought was the heartbeat was actually my own heartbeat behind what they call 'fetal movement'. And I couldn't have been more off on the location. I was all the way over to the right side of my pelvis and the baby is actually almost right under my belly button! After discovering that no, that was in fact NOT the heartbeat, I was even more anxious to hear it!!
On Friday, October 29th, we had our next appointment and this was the 'heartbeat' appointment. I was nervous because our doctor wasn't going to be there (thanks to my impatience in wanting to bump the appointment up and having to go on a day she was out). Also, our annual Halloween party was the next day so if they found the heartbeat, GREAT! We could tell anyone that didn't already know because we'd be in the clear. BUT, what if they didn't find it? I was so afraid I'd be so distraught I'd want to cancel the whole party. That Friday was the longest day of my life!! I could NOT wait for our 4 pm appointment!
We got to our doctor's office and I was just so ready. My doctor had already warned me that there was a 50/50 chance they might not find the heartbeat right away so they'd have to do an ultrasound, so I was prepared for that. The doctor that day also said 'I'm right on top of it so it might take me just a minute to find it'....he didn't even finish that sentence when I heard the most wonderful sound in the world! He found it right away, beating strongly and loudly confirming that our little baby was there!! I immediately broke into some of the happiest tears of my life. It was a mix of emotions - happy AND relieved. I had no reason to be nervous, as we have no family history of pregnancy issues, but that first 12 weeks was brutal for this already anxious mama!! We then felt like we were 'in the clear' to tell any one else who didn't already know about our wonderful news!
I was SOOOOOO lucky in my first trimester. I had maybe a handful of days where I felt nausea, but never got sick. I had a few days of low energy or being more tired than normal, but never was it to the point where I couldn't still go about my regular life.
The thing that was hardest for me in that first 12 weeks, was keeping it secret and the constant fear of something going wrong. Every doctor, website and book tells you that first 12 weeks is so critical and anything can happen.
At my first doctor's appointment, the doctor just did a physical exam to make sure everything looked good, along with a few blood tests, we didn't get any confirmation that the baby was actually there. We had to wait another 4 weeks to get to hear the heartbeat and that was the longest 4 weeks of my life!! They say once you establish a heartbeat, your chance of miscarriage goes down to almost nothing, so I just wanted to hear that little beat.
Well, being me, I got impatient and we bought an at home heart monitor to try and hear the baby's heartbeat early. We read reviews and all these things about where to listen and what to listen for. We thought FOR SURE we found the heartbeat right away. Now, I look back and laugh because we were WAY off. What I thought was the heartbeat was actually my own heartbeat behind what they call 'fetal movement'. And I couldn't have been more off on the location. I was all the way over to the right side of my pelvis and the baby is actually almost right under my belly button! After discovering that no, that was in fact NOT the heartbeat, I was even more anxious to hear it!!
On Friday, October 29th, we had our next appointment and this was the 'heartbeat' appointment. I was nervous because our doctor wasn't going to be there (thanks to my impatience in wanting to bump the appointment up and having to go on a day she was out). Also, our annual Halloween party was the next day so if they found the heartbeat, GREAT! We could tell anyone that didn't already know because we'd be in the clear. BUT, what if they didn't find it? I was so afraid I'd be so distraught I'd want to cancel the whole party. That Friday was the longest day of my life!! I could NOT wait for our 4 pm appointment!
We got to our doctor's office and I was just so ready. My doctor had already warned me that there was a 50/50 chance they might not find the heartbeat right away so they'd have to do an ultrasound, so I was prepared for that. The doctor that day also said 'I'm right on top of it so it might take me just a minute to find it'....he didn't even finish that sentence when I heard the most wonderful sound in the world! He found it right away, beating strongly and loudly confirming that our little baby was there!! I immediately broke into some of the happiest tears of my life. It was a mix of emotions - happy AND relieved. I had no reason to be nervous, as we have no family history of pregnancy issues, but that first 12 weeks was brutal for this already anxious mama!! We then felt like we were 'in the clear' to tell any one else who didn't already know about our wonderful news!
Baby B Blog
We are a little over 3 and a half months into our first pregnancy and everyone is telling me to start a journal. They say to keep track of these things because as soon as the baby gets here, you totally forget!
So, here goes from what I can remember so far. We found out on Friday, September 13th that we were expecting and were 5 weeks pregnant! It was such a memorable and happy day. It was also a surprise since it was the first month we'd really be 'trying' to get pregnant and it worked!!
We ended up telling our families that weekend and everyone was so excited!! It's the first grandchild for most of our family so it was extra exciting. We had to wait to tell my dad and step-mom until the following weekend because we wanted to tell them in person. I think telling all our parents has been one of the most memorable times in my life.
But, just so I don't forget, here's how it went down:
We had a Barbosa family gathering on that Saturday and decided that would be the best time to make the announcement since everyone would be in one spot and it was probably the last time we'd see everyone together before the holidays. So we went to Nick's parents house that morning and Nick announced that I was '5 months pregnant' instead of 5 weeks. It was so funny because I think Gary and Judy were so caught off guard by the 5 months that the fact that we were pregnant took a minute to register! But of course, they were so excited!!!
We announced to the Barbosa clan that night and of course came more tears, hugs and total joy from everyone. Elsie announced that night that the baby will call her 'GG'. It was so cute. And this time, Nick got the weeks vs. months part right ;)
We went to my mom's the next day because I had something to drop off at her house. I handed it to her and then said 'I have one more thing to tell you. You're going to be a grandma.'. Everyone told us we should have recorded her reaction and I wish we would have. She burst into tears and was just so happy. She kept telling Nick 'thank you so much'! It was so funny. Then, she ran upstairs and grabbed baby clothes!! She was so ready for a grandbaby, she already had a few little outfits bought!!
Since my dad and Pat would be coming up the following weekend for a KU game, we decided that's when we would tell them. We wanted to stick w/the KU theme, so we bought a little KU sippy cup and some KU pacifiers and put them in a little bag. We got our tailgate set up (on what was a windy and cold day on the hill) and I said I had something for them. I handed my dad the bag and he opened it. At first, he laughed b/c he thought the cup was so cute. And then you could see the minute it registered what the gift meant. I confirmed, that yes, we were pregnant and him and Pat both started crying. We all hugged and cried and it was another wonderful memory.
We had decided to keep the fact that we were trying quiet at first in case there were any complications or issues. We didn't want to get our families hopes up until we knew what we would be dealing with. Everyone so surprised because they thought we were waiting for a couple years to start a family.
That week is one I never want to forget as telling our family and a few of our close friends were some of the best moments of my life. We are lucky to have such a wonderful family and so many great friends that were all just truly happy and excited to share this journey with us!
So, here goes from what I can remember so far. We found out on Friday, September 13th that we were expecting and were 5 weeks pregnant! It was such a memorable and happy day. It was also a surprise since it was the first month we'd really be 'trying' to get pregnant and it worked!!
We ended up telling our families that weekend and everyone was so excited!! It's the first grandchild for most of our family so it was extra exciting. We had to wait to tell my dad and step-mom until the following weekend because we wanted to tell them in person. I think telling all our parents has been one of the most memorable times in my life.
But, just so I don't forget, here's how it went down:
We had a Barbosa family gathering on that Saturday and decided that would be the best time to make the announcement since everyone would be in one spot and it was probably the last time we'd see everyone together before the holidays. So we went to Nick's parents house that morning and Nick announced that I was '5 months pregnant' instead of 5 weeks. It was so funny because I think Gary and Judy were so caught off guard by the 5 months that the fact that we were pregnant took a minute to register! But of course, they were so excited!!!
We announced to the Barbosa clan that night and of course came more tears, hugs and total joy from everyone. Elsie announced that night that the baby will call her 'GG'. It was so cute. And this time, Nick got the weeks vs. months part right ;)
We went to my mom's the next day because I had something to drop off at her house. I handed it to her and then said 'I have one more thing to tell you. You're going to be a grandma.'. Everyone told us we should have recorded her reaction and I wish we would have. She burst into tears and was just so happy. She kept telling Nick 'thank you so much'! It was so funny. Then, she ran upstairs and grabbed baby clothes!! She was so ready for a grandbaby, she already had a few little outfits bought!!
Since my dad and Pat would be coming up the following weekend for a KU game, we decided that's when we would tell them. We wanted to stick w/the KU theme, so we bought a little KU sippy cup and some KU pacifiers and put them in a little bag. We got our tailgate set up (on what was a windy and cold day on the hill) and I said I had something for them. I handed my dad the bag and he opened it. At first, he laughed b/c he thought the cup was so cute. And then you could see the minute it registered what the gift meant. I confirmed, that yes, we were pregnant and him and Pat both started crying. We all hugged and cried and it was another wonderful memory.
We had decided to keep the fact that we were trying quiet at first in case there were any complications or issues. We didn't want to get our families hopes up until we knew what we would be dealing with. Everyone so surprised because they thought we were waiting for a couple years to start a family.
That week is one I never want to forget as telling our family and a few of our close friends were some of the best moments of my life. We are lucky to have such a wonderful family and so many great friends that were all just truly happy and excited to share this journey with us!
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