How far along: 34 weeks on Thursday
Total weight gain: 32lbs since the start
Maternity clothes: haven't been able to wear any non-pregnancy purchased clothes anymore... But I have to say I've finally stopped buying any more clothes for the pregnancy. The other day I saw a pretty dress, and had to remind myself I have only a little over a month to go. Isn't it hard to see all the gorgeous regular summer stuff and not be able to buy anything? I wish I could say being pregnant has put a stop to my shopping but it really hasn't- between the new collection of flat shoes and low-heeled wedges, and empire waisted dresses, I've bought as much as I normally do any season... oi! Wasn't expecting that.
Stretch marks: no!!
Sleep: past few days has been hard. I've had a really hard time getting comfortable. And when I try changing sides, I can actually feel the weight of little one shifted in my belly. It's painful. Also have noticed I have to get up to pee more frequently all of a sudden... perhaps she's lowered herself on my bladder again?
Movement: it had been constant for a while there. Especially with all the cold water I've been drinking to combat the heat wave. But past few days I'm also noticing slightly less movement (she has less space to move the OB said) but I'm feeling more Braxton-Hicks contractions... I didn't realise that was what I was feeling because I thought I'd read somewhere B-H were accompanied with cramps? Apparently not... it's this weird sensation that usually happens when I'm walking and all of a sudden my tummy goes rock-hard and I feel this weird tightening...Fun.
Best moment this week: all of our interactions, me and baby girl. I find myself talking to her pretty often. It's hilarious to my husband but I feel like we've bonded so much recently.
Food cravings: cold things... popsicles... cold watermelon... still have the heartburn and odd return of nausea
What I miss: walking normal... not having constant back ache... a good night's sleep
What I'm looking forward to next: finishing up her nursery and getting together the many items we still have left on our to-purchase list. I want to be finished with all of this by the following weekend max, at which point I'll be 35 weeks.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
we have a diva in utero
I am fire. Husband is ice.
I am ever hyper/bothered by small things/impatient. He is eternally calm/thinks things over/doesn't sweat the small stuff.
This is also why we're such a good pair.
Lately when I think of baby girl's personality I was really hoping she'd have more of his personality. My husband's nickname for me is "firecracker" so you can imagine why having a calm daughter may be a better idea. But lately as we've bonded, I'm more and more convinced she's a mini-me.
This happened the other night:
I was dead tired after work. I lay down on the bed with one of the heavy Steig Larsson books, it semi resting on my belly. She gave a fierce kick right to the book. I shifted it thinking I'd bothered her. She proceeded to give another kick and do her squirming dance of displeasure. I commenced to have a verbal argument with her, telling her I'd do with my belly as I pleased (trust me I was tired!). At precisely this point, husband walked into the room and asked who I was talking to. And witnessed our first (and I'm sure not last) mother-daughter fight. I showed him what was going on, and let me tell you the little one did not back down. So I had to concede defeat and read a magazine.
She is this mother's daughter.
I am ever hyper/bothered by small things/impatient. He is eternally calm/thinks things over/doesn't sweat the small stuff.
This is also why we're such a good pair.
Lately when I think of baby girl's personality I was really hoping she'd have more of his personality. My husband's nickname for me is "firecracker" so you can imagine why having a calm daughter may be a better idea. But lately as we've bonded, I'm more and more convinced she's a mini-me.
This happened the other night:
I was dead tired after work. I lay down on the bed with one of the heavy Steig Larsson books, it semi resting on my belly. She gave a fierce kick right to the book. I shifted it thinking I'd bothered her. She proceeded to give another kick and do her squirming dance of displeasure. I commenced to have a verbal argument with her, telling her I'd do with my belly as I pleased (trust me I was tired!). At precisely this point, husband walked into the room and asked who I was talking to. And witnessed our first (and I'm sure not last) mother-daughter fight. I showed him what was going on, and let me tell you the little one did not back down. So I had to concede defeat and read a magazine.
She is this mother's daughter.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
32 weeks and 31 years of age
3-1Earlier this week I turned 31. To celebrate husband and I both took the day off from work- quite a feat for workaholic us.
We went to our favorite brunch spot, and ordered the whole menu it seemed like. In between bits of waffles, chorizo, and fluffy as can be pancakes, we reflected on the past year for me.
A trip down memory lane... we took last July off from fertility treatments. We'd just started seeing the specialist, who had outlined a seemingly overwhelming number of tests and possible treatment plans. July was the month I was turning 30, so we decided we'd enjoy life that month. Drink.. eat... be merry. And tackle it all in August. My 30th year started with a horrid month with the HSG... SIS... and start of harsher medication and it seemed never ending visits to the doctors. September... October... November... December were much the same. Now in retrospect it was 5 months of my life, but those months were the hardest I've ever encountered, taking us both to the lowest levels of despair.
Come end of December, we found ourselves with the good news that maybe our prayers had been answered. The following 3 months were full of anxiety and constant feelings of fear of it all being taken away. It was only once April rolled around that I started relaxing and enjoying my little one. Believing our little miracle was really true.
How much changes in a year. I started 30 on such a low note, not knowing if I had the strength in me to keep hoping. And now I start 31 full of amazement of what my body is capable of... excited for the future... and believing that dreams do come true.
So we left the brunch spot, our bellies full. Deep in conversation with the person who knows me best in the world... with our little daughter kicking wildly in my belly.
You have those rare moments in life, where everything feels exactly as it should be. And this was one of those.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
time... how it's flying
So much has been going on lately and time has just been flying.
Last week, husband and I celebrated 6 years of wedded happiness. Last year we did a grand trip to the Big Sur coastline to celebrate 5 years and as much as we had fun and celebrated us, we'd still both felt the nagging reminder of what was missing. This year, celebrating our anniversary was a poignant moment. Our last as solely the two of us, and we cherished that and also celebrated what was to come.
Last weekend also was my baby shower. My sister organized it and a big group of my girlfriends gathered for a fun afternoon. We played silly games, ate yummy Mediterranean tapas, and topped it off with a yummy chocolate cake with a pram on it. Fun. Lots of neccessary items for baby girl were gifted and it's sinking in... baby girl's on her way :)
We decided to spend this long weekend here in NY with few plans. Work has been absolutely insane for me with a huge deadline next week so some rest has been badly needed. Today, with termperatures threatening to hit 100F, we cancelled plans to attend a July 4th picnic, and instead had our own picnic indoors in the comfort of constant hydration, proximity to the loo and air conditioning. Not to mention, we put the crib together, emptied out alot of stuff from the guest/nursery room and it now looks closer to the room it should be. We still are waiting for the mattress/and need to do the "decor" but atleast the crib is up!
Also finally got around to reading the labor and delivery part of the baby books. So far I'd only gotten so far as following the weekly updates... Next: need to get some books on breast feeding. Any reccomendations?
Last week, husband and I celebrated 6 years of wedded happiness. Last year we did a grand trip to the Big Sur coastline to celebrate 5 years and as much as we had fun and celebrated us, we'd still both felt the nagging reminder of what was missing. This year, celebrating our anniversary was a poignant moment. Our last as solely the two of us, and we cherished that and also celebrated what was to come.
Last weekend also was my baby shower. My sister organized it and a big group of my girlfriends gathered for a fun afternoon. We played silly games, ate yummy Mediterranean tapas, and topped it off with a yummy chocolate cake with a pram on it. Fun. Lots of neccessary items for baby girl were gifted and it's sinking in... baby girl's on her way :)
We decided to spend this long weekend here in NY with few plans. Work has been absolutely insane for me with a huge deadline next week so some rest has been badly needed. Today, with termperatures threatening to hit 100F, we cancelled plans to attend a July 4th picnic, and instead had our own picnic indoors in the comfort of constant hydration, proximity to the loo and air conditioning. Not to mention, we put the crib together, emptied out alot of stuff from the guest/nursery room and it now looks closer to the room it should be. We still are waiting for the mattress/and need to do the "decor" but atleast the crib is up!
Also finally got around to reading the labor and delivery part of the baby books. So far I'd only gotten so far as following the weekly updates... Next: need to get some books on breast feeding. Any reccomendations?
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
30 weeks
almost 31 weeks- wow. In two days, we'll also be exactly two months's from little love's due date. Blows my mind.
So when I last wrote I was still loving pregnancy and enjoying Italy I see... things have slightly changed since.
The day I was to leave Italy, I had the worst back pain. Like nerve pinching pain, which made me really dread the thought of my 12+ hr journey ahead. I got to the airport in pain, not wanting to draw attention to myself which may preclude the airline from letting me fly. Lo and behold I got offered a complimentary upgrade, hallelujah. It was like my prayers were answered. The flight back was slightly more comfortable as a result.
NY since my return has been absolutely scorching. It's been in the 90s every single day with high humidity. To me it feels like I'm living in an oven. It's unbearable. Our office is freezing (for normal people) so it feels like heaven to me, but the walk to/from work has been unbearable and my apartment even with both AC and fan on, feel oppressive. Past two nights, I keep getting up in the night because of the heat. I don't know how I'll deal with this for two more months! Ready to cry right now at the thought.
The heat has affected everything- I feel swollen (even though husband doesn't think so) and am moving so so slow. I feel constantly in a bad mood due to the heat. My back has consistently been acting up and it's been painful getting through a work day.
So much for the loving being pregnant bit... or atleast I should be thankful that lasted 30 full weeks. I have the feeling the next 10 are not going to be so much fun.
So that is this cranky lady's update. :(
Hope the rest of you are faring better.
So when I last wrote I was still loving pregnancy and enjoying Italy I see... things have slightly changed since.
The day I was to leave Italy, I had the worst back pain. Like nerve pinching pain, which made me really dread the thought of my 12+ hr journey ahead. I got to the airport in pain, not wanting to draw attention to myself which may preclude the airline from letting me fly. Lo and behold I got offered a complimentary upgrade, hallelujah. It was like my prayers were answered. The flight back was slightly more comfortable as a result.
NY since my return has been absolutely scorching. It's been in the 90s every single day with high humidity. To me it feels like I'm living in an oven. It's unbearable. Our office is freezing (for normal people) so it feels like heaven to me, but the walk to/from work has been unbearable and my apartment even with both AC and fan on, feel oppressive. Past two nights, I keep getting up in the night because of the heat. I don't know how I'll deal with this for two more months! Ready to cry right now at the thought.
The heat has affected everything- I feel swollen (even though husband doesn't think so) and am moving so so slow. I feel constantly in a bad mood due to the heat. My back has consistently been acting up and it's been painful getting through a work day.
So much for the loving being pregnant bit... or atleast I should be thankful that lasted 30 full weeks. I have the feeling the next 10 are not going to be so much fun.
So that is this cranky lady's update. :(
Hope the rest of you are faring better.
Friday, June 18, 2010
29!
How far along: 29 weeks
Total weight change: no clue! I have no scale here and frankly I don't want to know. I've been eating so well here-last night we were taken for a 7 course dinner, not to mention the amazing gelato and thin crust pizza and cheeses.. I'm in heaven!
Maternity clothes: my attitude remains the same, no thanks. Though I still love the $20 maternity leggings I got from Motherhood Maternity a while back- they've been one of my top two pregnancy purchases.
Stretch marks: no
Sleep: so so lately. But not because of any sleeping issues- just haven't had time. We start meetings at 8am, and go until 6pm. I have been coming to my room and getting on email/conducting work calls until 7-8pm, and then heading out to dinner or sight seeing afterwards with colleagues, and not back in my room until midnight. It's been really hectic, and though I don't feel tired, I realise I should be getting much more rest! Husband's threatened from now on I need to actually take it easy for the next 10 weeks, and I think I may agree.
Movement: little love is still hyper active. I love it! We have our secret interactions, and sometimes even in the midst of a super serious work meeting I feel her kicking and it puts a smile on my face. Lately I can really see her moving in my belly from the outside which is really really amazing. I LOVE it. If the end result of pregnancy wasn't to have my little girl in my arms, I may want to stay pregnant forever :)
Best moment this week: so many to count. My little love is a nomad like her mama I can tell. She seems to love Italy and has given me no trouble. In my 30 years, I've traveled to 30 countries and been a handful of them in Asia and Europe 5 or more times. So I love travel. I can tell my little girl has that same spirit already. I wrote an email to the husband today saying I think she wants to be born Italian.. he didn't respond ;)
Food cravings: nothing really, though I am still really enjoying food. Still having some nausea a few times a week and daily heartburn, but it's nothing a little tums doesn't help.
What I miss: nothing much. I love this much more than anything I could miss.
What I'm looking forward to next: being back in the US over the weekend and seeing my baby daddy. I miss him so much when I travel. Baby girl and I were meant to head to Geneva next for another week of meetings, but I'm heading back to NY instead (despite however well I'm doing, I realise I shouldn't be overdoing it, and travel is tiring). So that's what I'm looking forward to- reuniting our small family and seeing my husband.
ps: I was seriously worried about the glucose test and had this nagging feeling for a long time that I'd fail it given my PCOS and IR- but since the test on Monday the doctor hasn't called back yet. I'm going to call her once I'm back to make certain but she had said she'd call the next day with results if anything showed up...
Total weight change: no clue! I have no scale here and frankly I don't want to know. I've been eating so well here-last night we were taken for a 7 course dinner, not to mention the amazing gelato and thin crust pizza and cheeses.. I'm in heaven!
Maternity clothes: my attitude remains the same, no thanks. Though I still love the $20 maternity leggings I got from Motherhood Maternity a while back- they've been one of my top two pregnancy purchases.
Stretch marks: no
Sleep: so so lately. But not because of any sleeping issues- just haven't had time. We start meetings at 8am, and go until 6pm. I have been coming to my room and getting on email/conducting work calls until 7-8pm, and then heading out to dinner or sight seeing afterwards with colleagues, and not back in my room until midnight. It's been really hectic, and though I don't feel tired, I realise I should be getting much more rest! Husband's threatened from now on I need to actually take it easy for the next 10 weeks, and I think I may agree.
Movement: little love is still hyper active. I love it! We have our secret interactions, and sometimes even in the midst of a super serious work meeting I feel her kicking and it puts a smile on my face. Lately I can really see her moving in my belly from the outside which is really really amazing. I LOVE it. If the end result of pregnancy wasn't to have my little girl in my arms, I may want to stay pregnant forever :)
Best moment this week: so many to count. My little love is a nomad like her mama I can tell. She seems to love Italy and has given me no trouble. In my 30 years, I've traveled to 30 countries and been a handful of them in Asia and Europe 5 or more times. So I love travel. I can tell my little girl has that same spirit already. I wrote an email to the husband today saying I think she wants to be born Italian.. he didn't respond ;)
Food cravings: nothing really, though I am still really enjoying food. Still having some nausea a few times a week and daily heartburn, but it's nothing a little tums doesn't help.
What I miss: nothing much. I love this much more than anything I could miss.
What I'm looking forward to next: being back in the US over the weekend and seeing my baby daddy. I miss him so much when I travel. Baby girl and I were meant to head to Geneva next for another week of meetings, but I'm heading back to NY instead (despite however well I'm doing, I realise I shouldn't be overdoing it, and travel is tiring). So that's what I'm looking forward to- reuniting our small family and seeing my husband.
ps: I was seriously worried about the glucose test and had this nagging feeling for a long time that I'd fail it given my PCOS and IR- but since the test on Monday the doctor hasn't called back yet. I'm going to call her once I'm back to make certain but she had said she'd call the next day with results if anything showed up...
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
hi from Italy!
so baby girl must love Italy, because I've been feeling great.
Tons of energy, no jetlag (despite the 6 hr time difference), and overall just great.
It's interesting to me how different cultures respond so differently to pregnancy. Maybe it's New York, and not the US, but you're treated as if things are just same old same old while pregnant in NY. Yes, people offer you a seat on the train/bus but other than that no fuss is made. My doctor also makes it all seem very normal, and has a very matter of fact approach. Probably because of all of this I've been functioning as I always have- working long hours, eating the same healthy food in the same amount as before, walking everywhere as I always have, seeing friends frequently etc.
But it all changed the moment I stood in line at the Air France counter at the airport on my way here. The staff pulled me to the front of the line, and changed my seat to give me one with extra leg room. They placed a "priority" tag on my luggage so I wouldn't have to wait. I'd also gotten distracted responding to emails on my iPhone, and was waiting in line to board. Several French passengers motioned that I should be boarding priority. I hadn't even thought of that. So off I marched to the front of the line. Where someone was more than eager to help me place my bag in the overhead bin... All without me asking for any of it.
Similarly, in Italy I've been treated like a princess. Every one insists you take it easy, not so much as fetch your own tea... People on the streets make way, the lunch lady insisted I take a complimentary box of milk with my lunch... People seem surprised I'm still flying, working, traveling (although my US doctor said international travel was fine until 34 weeks.. so I technically could still fly until the end of my 8th month).
Which has me feeling all the more pregnant and conscious of my being pregnant. Which I often "forget" back in the US.
I have to say I love the special treatment and the "celebration" of my being with child. As the man sitting in the airplane (who was very hiphop and the comment coming from him was all the more poignant): this is so special. Yes dear stranger on the plane, it is. I wonder if it's the low birth rates in this part of Europe that makes it so, or the non-denial of women being women... but I've found a profound difference in the way being pregnant is treated. And I have to say I love this way far more.
Tons of energy, no jetlag (despite the 6 hr time difference), and overall just great.
It's interesting to me how different cultures respond so differently to pregnancy. Maybe it's New York, and not the US, but you're treated as if things are just same old same old while pregnant in NY. Yes, people offer you a seat on the train/bus but other than that no fuss is made. My doctor also makes it all seem very normal, and has a very matter of fact approach. Probably because of all of this I've been functioning as I always have- working long hours, eating the same healthy food in the same amount as before, walking everywhere as I always have, seeing friends frequently etc.
But it all changed the moment I stood in line at the Air France counter at the airport on my way here. The staff pulled me to the front of the line, and changed my seat to give me one with extra leg room. They placed a "priority" tag on my luggage so I wouldn't have to wait. I'd also gotten distracted responding to emails on my iPhone, and was waiting in line to board. Several French passengers motioned that I should be boarding priority. I hadn't even thought of that. So off I marched to the front of the line. Where someone was more than eager to help me place my bag in the overhead bin... All without me asking for any of it.
Similarly, in Italy I've been treated like a princess. Every one insists you take it easy, not so much as fetch your own tea... People on the streets make way, the lunch lady insisted I take a complimentary box of milk with my lunch... People seem surprised I'm still flying, working, traveling (although my US doctor said international travel was fine until 34 weeks.. so I technically could still fly until the end of my 8th month).
Which has me feeling all the more pregnant and conscious of my being pregnant. Which I often "forget" back in the US.
I have to say I love the special treatment and the "celebration" of my being with child. As the man sitting in the airplane (who was very hiphop and the comment coming from him was all the more poignant): this is so special. Yes dear stranger on the plane, it is. I wonder if it's the low birth rates in this part of Europe that makes it so, or the non-denial of women being women... but I've found a profound difference in the way being pregnant is treated. And I have to say I love this way far more.
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