Friday, August 30, 2013

7 Quick Takes: Week 23

Well the dreaded Week 23 of this pregnancy has not disappointed with a roller coaster of emotions.  We are trying to weather this storm with faith and grace, but some days sure are easier than others.  Anyways...here we go with this week's quick takes.

***1***

Last week we were bummed to discover that I unfortunately have gestational diabetes.  :(  Luckily, so far I am able to manage it just by changing my diet.  Well, the first few days were pretty rough.  I had no clue of just how many carbs I ate in a day.  I really am not a big sweet eater, but the little snacky items I consume in a day are just filled with carbs!  Fruit, crackers, meal choices! Carbs, carbs, carbs!On top of it all, I was STARVING!!  Ravenous even...but I was afraid to eat anything wrong that would mess with my blood sugars. Anyways, after talking to some ladies who have been down this road before I have figured out some better meal choices and I am starting to figure out better choices for eating.  I also barely flinch now when I have to poke my finger 4 times a day!  Once again I say Motherhood is not for the weak!

***2***

Finally, we have reaped the fruits of our labor and our tomatoes have started to ripen.  I love fresh tomatoes from the garden. And, I can eat as many of them as I want!! (I think...I better double check that...) :) Score!!

***3***

Being a short haired woman, I go to the beauty salon (and by beauty salon I mean Great Clips) every 4-6 weeks.  Well, I have been on bed rest since June 16...seriously since July 15th, and well let's just say my hair is feeling the pain.  My husband, in true guy style, is grateful it's getting longer, but it is seriously driving me crazy! I have had short hair most of my life so I don't even know what to do when it gets longer.  I have become very creative with headbands and barrettes.  They compliment my constant bed head nicely.  Maybe I will be like the hockey players that don't shave their beards until they win the Stanley Cup Finals!  Let's see just how horrible (and long) my hair can look when I deliver my son.  I guess that's one way to avoid the camera!  Thankfully, I don't go out in public too often these days.

***4***

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year and spending a lot of time on Pinterest these days has really made me want to get all of my fall décor out and decorate our home.  I love pumpkins and apples and all the fun stuff that is fall! I am making myself wait until after Labor Day, which thankfully is just a few days away, but I think it is really going to lift my spirits to have some new fall decorations to look at.  My mom did humor me and put up a couple of things and bought me a mum to look at. 

I also have seen about 100 pumpkin recipes I'd like to try.  If pumpkin fudge and crumble cake are made with a can of real pumpkin that practically makes the dish a vegetable, right? And therefore I can eat them with ease? That's my story and I'm sticking to it....

***5***

Many of the women at our church have started delivering meals to us twice a week which has truly been a God send.  Tom often leaves the house at 8am and doesn't get home until 7 most days.  So it's been a challenge with dinners a lot of days.  We are trying our best to not eat out constantly and maintain somewhat healthy eating (especially since this past week) so that Noah is healthy and mama doesn't gain too much weight.  (So far it's under 10 lbs and with my new diet I think I may have lost another couple pounds) Anyways, back to my point.  These angels I call my friends have truly blessed us.  Dinner arrives made for us and Tom is able to scoop it out when he gets home and we have a nice healthy, hot meal to eat.  There are always leftovers too which works for us.  In fact, my refrigerator is quite full these days.  Yesterday, after our meal was delivered, with my diabetes in mind, I really stopped to thank God for these women.  Many of them have jobs, families, and aren't millionaires and yet they sacrifice time and money to bless us during this time.  I look forward to the day that I can repay them.  For now, I hope all these angels know just how blessed we feel and that their kind deeds do not go unnoticed or under appreciated.

***6***

In just 2 days...I can't believe it...2 days...I will be at our first major goal of 24 weeks!  At that point my little guy has a 50/50 chance of survival! I honestly thought some days I would never make it to this point.  This weekend I will make another trip to the hospital to get some steroids for his lungs to help boost their growth just in case things were to go sour.  This will put my mind at ease.  After that our next long term goal is 28 weeks!  So starting Sunday we will be putting up a countdown...28 days until 28 weeks!!  I can't wait to rip off a piece of paper each day as we get closer to this next goal!  We are believing God that we will make it there.  We are so thankful once again for all of you that have joined us in prayer and faith believing that there will be a good outcome to this story!

***7***

It's Labor Day weekend and it's always a sad time of year for me.  Soon, my mom and dad will be heading back to their winter home in Florida.  My mom is thankfully sticking around a little while longer though because she wanted to throw me a baby shower before she left. So thankfully I have a few more weeks with her, but my daddy-o leaves on the 9th and that stinks! :( Sometimes it's hard being the daughter of snow birds.  Yes, we have a great vacation place to visit, and yes, they will be back shortly for the birth of their grandson and the holidays, but it still stinks. 

Well folks, Happy Labor Day weekend to you all! I hope you all enjoy this last weekend of summer surrounded by those you love the best! The hubster and I will be....our favorite friends at Oakwood Hospital.  ;)  But we hope to sneak in some fun too!  Just this morning we had a competition to see who could type out the Our Father the fastest with the fewest errors.  Don't tell me that's not fun!?!?

Peace out!

Friday, August 16, 2013

7 Quick Takes: Take 21

We were up early for our weekly doctor appointment with my OB so I am ready for my nap before my visitors du jour show up starting at 2pm.  But I know you would all be sad if I didn't publish, so I figured I would shoot these out first.  (Aren't I kind?)

***1***

Speaking of visitors!  This has been the week of visitors.  I have been so blessed to have so many friends and family stop by this week to keep company.  I've hardly had any time to feel sorry for myself or to get bored.  All my visitors have also spoiled me with all sorts of good foods and sweets!  I laughed this morning when I gained 2lbs in the last week.  (Not to worry, I have only gained a total of 9 lbs this pregnancy...which is a very healthy weight gain.  I was probably due for a weight gain anyways.)  I have been really touched by everyone's kindness and generosity.  Noah loves the sweets just like his dad and dances around each time mom indulges.  It's been a really good week for us.  I am feeling so encouraged and feel we can really do this!  Thank you to all my visitors!  :)

***2***

One not so good thing about all the sweets and goodies is I failed my preliminary gestational diabetes test this week. :(  It's probably just a coincidence, and I only failed by 2 measley points, but regardless, I failed.  So I am on to my 3 hour glucose tolerance test in the next few weeks to see if I have gestational diabetes.  Ugh.  Oh well, I guess with my track record it's to be expected and I don't have the best family genes or physical health right now, but I would love prayers to pass this one!  I really don't feel like messing with shots for the rest of this pregnancy!

***3***

On to shots...no, not the Jim Beam kind of shots, the super long needle shots.  Well, I have a stupid urinary tract infection that won't go away!  And as my luck would have it, no oral antibiotics will fight off the strand of bacteria I was lucky enough to contract, so after a fight with our insurance company, trips to multiple pharmacies, my husband and I acquired a new skill this past week.  My poor husband, who isn't a fan of all things medical, had to give me shots twice a day!  He was a real trooper and did a  great job, despite the shots hurting like hell each time the meds went in.  We are waiting for results to see if it's all gone! Next up, daily IV's from a home health aid nurse if it won't go away....the fun never ends here!



***4***

Speaking of fun things going on this house....my son has really gotten active and big enough that mom is enjoying feeling her little guy more and more!!  Nothing gets him moving more than a cup of decaf in the morning, mom's favorite tunes, and as mentioned some good sweets.  I really enjoy feeling him (except when he decided to dance on my bladder last night and I had to pee every 15 minutes.)  I can't wait until he gets a little bigger and his daddy can feel him moving too!  He is a bit of a show off like his mom however, and decided to do a somersault during our ultrasound this morning!  I think I better start saving for him gymnastics classes starting now! This kid's got talent!

***5***

In celebration of good news at the doctors this Monday, we decided to go ahead with starting to put together Noah's room.  My dad and hubby put his crib together and my mom started setting things up and cleaning out any non-baby items from his room.  Every time I get up to use the bathroom I peek in there and it makes my heart sing.  Although everyone assumes that we are going to do a Noah's Ark theme since it's our son's namesake, we decided to go with a robot theme instead.  The hubster is a gadget guy so, we hope Noah will take after his dad in love of all things technology related.  Plus, they really have some super cute baby boy robot accessories!  Here's a sneak preview of some of the preliminary changes to his room!  To celebrate 22 weeks on Sunday I think I may order a few things for his walls and his dresser this week!  It stinks I can't be in there doing it all myself, but I get to enjoy it!

    



***6***

We also have decided to go ahead with my baby shower.  We had always planned to have it early before my mom went back to Florida and with the likelihood of me making it full term it seemed to make most sense.  I will have to sit in my antigravity chair the entire time and it will be a big day for me, but I am excited to celebrate and act like we are having a somewhat normal pregnancy...even if just for a few hours.  My mom has been hitting up Pinterest and is excited to be able to do this for Tom and I. 

custom Robot night light Robot CUSTOM PAINTED. $11.99, via Etsycom from KyrshasCreations.

***7***

I think I might be coming down with a cold!  Boo.  I guess that's more reason to nap and take it easy on the couch.  What else do I have to do??

Ok, I am off to my nap before my next round of guests shows up in a bit!  Have a great weekend everyone!!  Toodle-loo!

Friday, August 9, 2013

7 Quick Takes: 7 Things I wish I was Doing

This is Take 20 and this has been a one heck of a day! I started off cranky and have ended my day flabbergasted at the absurdity of this day and this pregnancy! Before anyone panics mama and baby are doing just fine! Well, baby is just fine and at no risk.  Mama is overwhelmed with doctors, pharmacies, and bed rest!  So today for my 7 Quick Takes, please go with me to 7 happy places I'd like to be right now.

***1***

Let's pretend I am not pregnant for a second. To be honest, I'd like to start at a bar stool.  Beer in my hand, ((cough, cough)) cigarette in the other hand, and some good tunes playing in the background.  (Don't worry, my husband would knock the cigarette out of my hand almost immediately...but I'd like to go back to my college days for just a bit.)  I would love to just chill and relax, maybe dance with my husband, and just laugh over my Labatt Blue.


***2***

My husband and I dreamed tonight about getting in the car and heading to a really nice hotel, one with a great hot tub, room service, and a lush King size bed.  We'd like to jump in the pool and swim a few laps!  We would love breakfast in bed and free HBO! :)

***3***

Next up, on a beach with a great view of the sunset.  I would love to hear the waves of the ocean coming in and watch the beautiful pink sky, snuggled under the blanket with my hubby.

***4***

What I wouldn't give right now to be pushing a red cart around with a pretzel and slushy around my favorite store in the entire world...Target.  I would go up and down every aisle, check out all the clearance end caps, and buy some things I need and somethings I just want.  My Target Debit card isn't getting nearly enough action these days!

***5***

I would go to Mass.  I miss my church family and I miss receiving Jesus in Word and Eucharist.  I can't sit upright for that long, so right now I have to fore go Mass, but I would really love to go.  You don't realize how vital church is to your life until you can't go!  I really miss it!

***6***

I would love to be taking a walk around my neighborhood.  Checking out what everyone is doing with their yard, getting a big breath of fresh air, and getting some exercise.  I would water my flowers and pick my tomatoes.

***7***

Finally, I'd love a nice night at a great restaurant with some of my closest friends!  A bottle of wine (for them of course) some appetizers, some really good bread basket, and maybe a steak or chicken piccata.   We would of course follow it with dessert and a mug of coffee!

Ok, ok...I got that all out.  In reality, I have a lot to be thankful for.  Bed rest is not the greatest thing in life, but I am home, I've had lots of visitors and people caring for me.  My son is squirming and healthy.  I have a great husband who has helped me survive this despite working full time and worrying constantly about us.

Friday, August 2, 2013

7 Quick Takes: Take 19

Ok..so if you are counting, I didn't QT last week, so technically this is 18, but I am trying to keep it lining up with my weeks of pregnancy and since this is the end of week 19 I am going to stick with that!! 

***1***

I am going to start off with the most exciting quick take in my eyes!!  So, as we approach the viability marker (24 weeks) and also the time in which I delivered Jackson (23 weeks) I find myself becoming increasingly more anxious.  I have texted my doctor at least 3 times this week alone.  Every little pain or abnormality in my mind leaves me freaking out and texting her to see if I am ok.  So, I don't feel little Noah move all the time yet, but I usually feel something here and there.  Well, it had been at least a day since I felt him so I immediately freaked out.  I kept praying last night for God to tell my little boy to give me a good swift kick, but he didn't.  So, this morning I once again got out my home fetal heart beat monitor.  Up until now I was unsuccessful at hearing any thing.  I think my extra padding makes it a little more difficult.  But after searching around this morning I finally heard his little heart beat.  It was quick and strong!!  I yelled for Tom to come up so daddy could hear it too! We smiled!  Then once I took it off, Noah kicked me.  I think he was saying "I'm all good in here, now leave me alone!"

***2***

Speaking of pregnancies...Sunday I will be 20 weeks!  That's right the half way point!  And although we only dream of making it to 40 weeks, it's still exciting to make it to this milestone!  4 more weeks until viability...8 weeks until my little guy has one helluva chance of surviving without any major issues! We of course hope to make it into the 30's!  I read a fact online yesterday that 1 day in the womb equals 3 days in the NICU.  So we gotta keep buddy boy cooking for as long as possible.

***3***

So what have I been doing to keep myself busy on bed rest, you ask?  Well let me tell you!  I have been trying to find a craft or something to work on.  I used to cross stitch with my mom when I was a little girl and I happened to mention this to my friend, Katie.  Well she happened to be at Joanns the other day and found the most perfect, most adorable little cross stitch pattern that said "Pray without Ceasing" and had a little boy praying with the hands of his mother.  Perfect, right??  So yesterday, I decided to start it!  Wowsers!!  This isn't one of those simple patterns my mom gave me!  This is the super advanced cross stitcher's patterns.  So once I finally figured it all out, called my mom a few times, and read the directions several times I finally started.  It was slow and tedious, but it's starting to come back to me.  I can't wait to get it finished!

***4***

What else have I been doing?  Besides TV, Facebook, Pinterest, and the internets in general?  Oh, I've been relearning my French.  Both the hubby and I used to be pretty fluent in French and both have traveled there as students, but as the old mantra goes...."If you don't use it, you lose it."  So the great Katie told me about this free app she has Duolingo that you can learn a language on.  So I have begun brushing up on my francais once again.  Tom says once we both get good at it we are going to go back to Paris one day!  That sounds tres bien to me!!

***5***

I know for all of you mothers with young kids out there are really disgusted with this summer weather.  Not great weather for pools, out door play dates, and all that other fun stuff you do in the summer.  But for me it's been kind of great!  Being stuck in the house for 3 weeks strictly, sometimes the walls cave in.  So being able to open the windows and let the fresh air in has really made a big difference.  Plus, all this rain has made my garden grow just beautifully.  My tomatoes are green and getting ready for picking.  I have only had to water my garden 3 or 4 times total this summer.  Thank you mother nature for helping us save on both our water and electric bills this summer!

**6***

This week's cravings...because I know you are dying to know!  Sloppy joes, Doritos, Jolly Ranchers, FRUIT!!!, and Zingerman's Brownie Bites.  Thankfully my dear husband has been a rock star and I have had all of them!  My mom gets the credit for the sloppy joes, however.

***7***

I have to give a special shout out to 2 people who have made my life here on bed rest much more pleasant this week.  First up is my mom.  My mom came in for 3 days this week and kept me company.  While here she did all of our laundry, went grocery shopping for me, and made meals for us so that I only had to heat things up all week.  It was also super nice to have company while Tom was gone each day.  It sure made things a lot less lonely.  My second big shout out goes to my friend, Katie.  She has been my number 1 cheerleader this pregnancy!  She is always there to listen to me whether I am crying, laughing, freaking out, or just bored.  I already mentioned all she's done to help keep me busy, but she also brought me a frozen coffee this week and brought her sweet Josie along, who always brings a smile to Auntie Erin's face.  As she was leaving I was telling her I had no fruit in the house and it was all I was craving.  An hour later she showed up with a box full of fruit for me!  It was so yummy and I was truly touched by her kindness. 

Katie and my mom are just 2 of the people who have touched me this week, however.  My neighbors help out and are constantly asking if we need anything from the store, a friend from church stopped by with his munchkins to make me smile, my Aunt Nancy came by for a visit (with caramel chocolate cupcakes in tow), and countless people have texted or called to check in on me.  Some days I don't know how many more weeks I can survive bed rest, but it's the great people in my life who keep me going!  Tom and I truly are blessed!

Well, we are off to one of our routine doctor's appointments this afternoon.  I am looking forward to getting out of the house and seeing my little guy on the screen.  I am bringing my doctor some treats today! She deserves them this week!