And she did a great job too!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
So sweet
Andie picked out a round loom kit and some yarn for her birthday. Her first project? A hat for the baby. I just thought that was so sweet.
And she did a great job too!
And she did a great job too!
Friday, August 17, 2012
13 weeks
Subtitle: The Worst Blogger Ever
So last week, I threw up an ultrasound pic as a placeholder, knowing I would come back to update about our long first trimester screening appointment, etc. At lunch that day, I told M and N I would blog more, since I apparently have quite a following out there in Houston.
The road paved with good intentions...
Friday night I felt awful. There was no way I could sit down and write. Saturday morning, I took Rick and the girls to the train station to start their journey to Chicago, then came home and felt gross for most of the day. Again, no blogging mojo. And then Sunday I left for Chicago (on a direct flight, thank you-- no 1.5 day train rides for me). I brought the iPad with me, but between spotty internet connectivity and just not liking to type on the iPad-- well, you know what happened. Nothin'. So here we are at 13 weeks, and I owe a big fat update.
13 Weeks Pregnant
So last week, I threw up an ultrasound pic as a placeholder, knowing I would come back to update about our long first trimester screening appointment, etc. At lunch that day, I told M and N I would blog more, since I apparently have quite a following out there in Houston.
The road paved with good intentions...
Friday night I felt awful. There was no way I could sit down and write. Saturday morning, I took Rick and the girls to the train station to start their journey to Chicago, then came home and felt gross for most of the day. Again, no blogging mojo. And then Sunday I left for Chicago (on a direct flight, thank you-- no 1.5 day train rides for me). I brought the iPad with me, but between spotty internet connectivity and just not liking to type on the iPad-- well, you know what happened. Nothin'. So here we are at 13 weeks, and I owe a big fat update.
13 Weeks Pregnant
This is the last little anonymous development baby I'll post, as from this point forward, they basically just get a little fatter and a little bigger each week. Ok, maybe that head shape smooths out too, but the point is that the major developmental changes are done. Baby is 3" long and weighs about an ounce. He has fingerprints now, which I love. If he is actually a she, she has all her little eggs already growing in her ovaries, which is mind-boggling.
I'm still not feeling fantastic. I had some pretty rough evenings while in Chicago. Wednesday was Andie's 11th birthday and we took a rush-hour commuter train out of the main part of the city to go to a Polish restaurant. I really thought I might lose it on the train-- I didn't have a seat and it was hot and crowded and evenings just aren't my time of day to begin with. Rick said I looked pretty bad. But I made it, made it through dinner too, and faked my way through a happy birthday. Afterward, Mariela and I went back to the hotel while Rick and Andie went to Navy Pier to ride rides and watch fireworks. Even in bed, I was feeling pretty bad. Alas. I know there isn't much more of this... just a few more weeks at the worst.
Incidentally, this isn't worse than it's been in the weeks before, it's just wearing on me more as time goes on. I really do know it's going to get better.
So, moving backwards and giving up the good news as a spoiler before I talk about last week's appointment, on Monday, I got a message on my phone from the genetic counselor. Transcribed:
Hey Simi, this is Sarah calling from Dr. Berry's office. Good news for you to share with M and N. The first trimester screen came back normal. So the risk of Down's Syndrome came back 1 in 4,053 and the risk for Trisomies 18 and 13 came back 1 in 9,741. That's equivalent for both of those to the risk of a 20 year-old, so good news.
It doesn't get better than that!
The appointment itself consisted of taking an extensive genetic history of M and N, taking a blood sample from me to test levels of beta hCG and PAPP-A, and then doing an ultrasound to measure the baby's nuchal fold (the area at the back of the neck) and some other measurements. Everything is entered into a computer program that then adjusts the age-based risk, which was about 1 in 200 for Down's and some smaller than that for the trisomies (I don't remember exactly).
It was very cool to see the baby-- and to see M, N, and A seeing the baby for the first time!-- but it was seriously the fastest ultrasound ever. The technician was ridiculously efficient and just zoomed through everything. No time for sentimentality. The baby looked great, though, and even as a total non-expert, with the first flash of the image on the screen, I felt pretty sure everything was normal and good. It was. :)
After the appointment, we had a fabulous lunch at Roaring Fork. It's so good to be able to hang out a little with everybody-- we hadn't seen them since transfer! I wish we could have spent more time, but we had a camp thing for Andie to go to, plus last minute trip prep, so it didn't work this time.
We did get to talk about breast milk, which we hadn't talked about before. M and N would like the baby to have milk and I'm happy to pump-- last time around, I pumped and donated to the milk bank for 12 weeks. This time, I'll just freeze it and overnight it to Houston. I may not be able to make everything the baby needs, but even if I can do half, it's a big boost for the baby and one I'm happy to give. So yay for having that figured out. I'm sure anyone who overheard any part of our lunchtime discussion was thoroughly confused.
Anyway, I do plan on being better about updating the blog, even if it's to come on and say that I'm cursing life and only want to eat Lucky Charms (neither is true as of now, at least). Just a week out from the second trimester now and life is easier on the other side. I've usually held on to the yucky symptoms until 14-15 weeks, but even that is doable. No problemo.
Oh-- I did want to tell A that I ate junk food in Chicago that would make her proud. Probably the yummiest was a fresh-baked warm chocolate chip pizza (cookie dough cooked in a 6" deep dish pan) topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. Decadent. Even with my currently ambivalent palate, I knew that was good stuff... We also had a cannoli, which I adore and get in any city with a respectable Italian population (can't get a good one in Austin-- Ferrara's in NYC is my favorite). And lemon pound cake. And cookies. I ate all of that because of her instructions to feed the baby properly and stop making it eat fish and vegetables. :)
Friday, August 10, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
11 weeks
Still not a whole lot to report, which is a good thing. Boring is what you're looking for in a pregnancy. My intense cravings have stopped, as far as I can tell. Fun while it lasted. Still having bouts of nausea, but overall, I'm still astounded by how minimal morning sickness has been this time around. It usually doesn't fully let up for me until 14-15 weeks, so I may not be completely out of the woods yet, but thus far, this has been one kind baby.
Can't quite put the whole "large uterus" thing out of my head. Now that I know that most people's is just over the pubic symphysis at this point, there's no denying that mine has far outgrown that. I'd say it's as high as 2-ish inches below my belly button and when I google that, it says 16 weeks pregnant. I'm still not showing, though, and still wearing my regular clothes (which are, admittedly, very forgiving). I wonder what Dr. Berry will say about it, if anything. Maybe this baby is just tall, like his sister.
I'm definitely looking forward to our appointment next week. Dr. Berry has seen me for all of my pregnancies. He did level II ultrasounds for both of my girls, and then quite a bit of follow-up starting mid-pregnancy with my surrogate pregnancy. I think he's so sharp and I really trust his judgment-- I feel lucky to have the chance to work with him again.
This week, the baby is somewhere between 1.5 and 2 inches long (unless my exceptional height theory is right). All those little organs are fully formed and growing. This next stretch of development is a huge explosion of growth. He's already turning somersaults and kicking/moving his arms, but I can't feel any of that yet.
The star of our show:
Can't quite put the whole "large uterus" thing out of my head. Now that I know that most people's is just over the pubic symphysis at this point, there's no denying that mine has far outgrown that. I'd say it's as high as 2-ish inches below my belly button and when I google that, it says 16 weeks pregnant. I'm still not showing, though, and still wearing my regular clothes (which are, admittedly, very forgiving). I wonder what Dr. Berry will say about it, if anything. Maybe this baby is just tall, like his sister.
I'm definitely looking forward to our appointment next week. Dr. Berry has seen me for all of my pregnancies. He did level II ultrasounds for both of my girls, and then quite a bit of follow-up starting mid-pregnancy with my surrogate pregnancy. I think he's so sharp and I really trust his judgment-- I feel lucky to have the chance to work with him again.
This week, the baby is somewhere between 1.5 and 2 inches long (unless my exceptional height theory is right). All those little organs are fully formed and growing. This next stretch of development is a huge explosion of growth. He's already turning somersaults and kicking/moving his arms, but I can't feel any of that yet.
The star of our show:
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
First prenatal appointment
Yesterday, I had my first prenatal appointment with Monika, one of my midwives. Mary, Debra, and Monika all practice together, so I'll see each of them along the way. It was great to see her-- I haven't seen her since my postpartum checkup nearly 2 years ago. Mary has been my midwife for the longest and I love her, but Monika is closer to my age and we're a good personality fit. It's a good practice to be in. They are all genuinely excited about this pregnancy.
The appointment took quite a long time, because she had to take a comprehensive medical history and talk through any issues surrounding this pregnancy. There was a lot to catch up on! They took blood and urine samples to run the standard OB lab panels, since the ones I did before cycling were just old enough to be outdated.
Then it was on to the fun part-- feeling and listening for the baby. When she was palpating, she said I had excellent muscle tone and asked whether I'd been working out, which is so the opposite of true that I laughed. Turns out that part of the reason she said that is that she was trying to decide is something was part of my abdominal muscle or the top of my uterus, because it was so much higher than she expected. When we listened for the baby, she started low, where she would have expected the uterus to be, and found nothing. It was a little nerve-wracking, and she said something like "Don't worry, I can definitely feel your uterus" (so I knew it was growing like it should be). So she moved up into the questionable area and sure enough, baby was right at the top (video posted yesterday from my home computer, since it is more cooperative).
She said that if I hadn't already had 2 ultrasounds, she'd be referring me for one to rule out twins, since my uterus is measuring at about 12-13 weeks (I am 10w4d)-- and it's both high and wide, so it's not just long and skinny or something. But I did have TWO ultrasounds showing ONE baby, so... I think we're good to go for one baby.
And, for context, I checked my old blog and when I was carrying twins, at 12 weeks, I measured *19* weeks, so a whole 7 weeks ahead. A little 2 week difference is probably just an indication that my uterus is overeager (and had played this game a few times already). Monika said it more nicely-- "the uterus blooms the way it wants to; you can't predict it." I have bloomed.
The appointment took quite a long time, because she had to take a comprehensive medical history and talk through any issues surrounding this pregnancy. There was a lot to catch up on! They took blood and urine samples to run the standard OB lab panels, since the ones I did before cycling were just old enough to be outdated.
Then it was on to the fun part-- feeling and listening for the baby. When she was palpating, she said I had excellent muscle tone and asked whether I'd been working out, which is so the opposite of true that I laughed. Turns out that part of the reason she said that is that she was trying to decide is something was part of my abdominal muscle or the top of my uterus, because it was so much higher than she expected. When we listened for the baby, she started low, where she would have expected the uterus to be, and found nothing. It was a little nerve-wracking, and she said something like "Don't worry, I can definitely feel your uterus" (so I knew it was growing like it should be). So she moved up into the questionable area and sure enough, baby was right at the top (video posted yesterday from my home computer, since it is more cooperative).
She said that if I hadn't already had 2 ultrasounds, she'd be referring me for one to rule out twins, since my uterus is measuring at about 12-13 weeks (I am 10w4d)-- and it's both high and wide, so it's not just long and skinny or something. But I did have TWO ultrasounds showing ONE baby, so... I think we're good to go for one baby.
And, for context, I checked my old blog and when I was carrying twins, at 12 weeks, I measured *19* weeks, so a whole 7 weeks ahead. A little 2 week difference is probably just an indication that my uterus is overeager (and had played this game a few times already). Monika said it more nicely-- "the uterus blooms the way it wants to; you can't predict it." I have bloomed.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
10 weeks
Let's see... this week, babycenter tells me the baby is the size of a kumquat, which is (hello) not helpful. The 3D pregnancy site (where I lift pictures from) says a Brazil nut, which I can picture but won't be satisfying to Mariela, who wants a size update every Friday. Baby is about an inch and a half long, and roughly the weight of a nickel.
Maybe the most significant thing this week is that we transition from embryo to fetus. Basically, that means that all the little parts and systems are in place and now just need to mature and get (much, much) bigger.
It also means that I'm going to start having an iced tea every now and then. I religiously avoid caffeine for the first few weeks, even though everything says a moderate amount is ok, just because it doesn't feel like I should throw another chemical in the mix with all of those organs taking shape. Don't get me wrong-- I still won't go overboard, as I'm never much of a caffeine consumer anyway. But a glass of iced tea every now and again would be lovely.
I'm still feeling pretty good-- so much better than any other pregnancy. I'm about to be done with the Crinone (progesterone) too, so that should only improve things.
Looking forward to my prenatal appointment with Monika on Tuesday. Hopefully we'll get to hear the heartbeat. We're right on the line of when it's possible, so if my uterus is tipped backwards or anything, it may not happen (and would not be a cause to worry). But hopefully!
Maybe the most significant thing this week is that we transition from embryo to fetus. Basically, that means that all the little parts and systems are in place and now just need to mature and get (much, much) bigger.
It also means that I'm going to start having an iced tea every now and then. I religiously avoid caffeine for the first few weeks, even though everything says a moderate amount is ok, just because it doesn't feel like I should throw another chemical in the mix with all of those organs taking shape. Don't get me wrong-- I still won't go overboard, as I'm never much of a caffeine consumer anyway. But a glass of iced tea every now and again would be lovely.
I'm still feeling pretty good-- so much better than any other pregnancy. I'm about to be done with the Crinone (progesterone) too, so that should only improve things.
Looking forward to my prenatal appointment with Monika on Tuesday. Hopefully we'll get to hear the heartbeat. We're right on the line of when it's possible, so if my uterus is tipped backwards or anything, it may not happen (and would not be a cause to worry). But hopefully!
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