Alien Baby!

Shhh... Don't tell anyone, but I'm supposed to be working on my humanities final (it's due tonight), but I couldn't resist a quick post!

Yesterday, Jeff and I were settling in on the couch for some Seinfeld on the Apple TV, when I felt a series of really hard kicks in my belly. I lifted my shirt to try to see what the commotion was. I was using Jeff's leg for a pillow, so he naturally looked down to see what was going on. Then... it happened. There was a single rapid, but distinct movement at the surface of my belly. We saw something push up against the surface, and then a very subtle jiggle gently erupted around it. Some kind of alien is in there!

We both giggled instantly. Jeff reached down, then just moments later, another appendage made itself known. This time, it hit Jeff. He let out something between a laugh and a "Whoa"! I looked up at him to see his face completely lit up. He's felt the baby move before, but there seemed to be something extra special about this big "hello" that the baby was making.

We watched the baby move for a bit longer, until he/she got a bit settled in. It was Sprout's nap time. All that kicking can really take a lot out of a fetus... even more so than the baby's little episode of hiccups a couple of nights ago (which was a crazy experience in itself).

S

Sugar Woes (25 Weeks)

My concerns about the 1-hour glucola test were not unfounded. I now have to go a lab to take a 3-hour glucola test, which seems significantly less fun than the 1-hour test. When the nurse gave me the news, I was pretty upset. Jeff took sweet care of me last night during the tears… he was so tender. I wouldn’t have been able to fall asleep last night if it wasn’t for his loving arms around me.

So why did I have a feeling I wouldn’t pass it? Call it maternal instincts, but I knew going into this that I fit into every risk factor for gestational diabetes:

*Women older than age 25
*Women with family history of pre- or type II diabetes
*Being overweight before pregnancy
*Being of certain races, including Hispanic or Asian (of which I am both)

Obviously, I can’t control the majority of the risk factors. I can’t snap my fingers and be a different race, or click my heels three times to find myself 24 years old again—and I certainly wouldn’t want to. However, I wouldn’t complain if I woke up one morning to discover that the pre-pregnancy extra weight had disappeared like some glorious magic trick. Poof! Gone! Bravo!

Like much of my family, I’ve struggled with my weight since my teen years. From being too skinny, to being too big… my weight has been my number one foe. For those of you that know what that’s like (or even for those of you that don’t), I recommend the book Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner. Don’t let the title turn you off… it’s not that kind of book! ;)

So we go in for the second test on June 6th, which is also the date for our extra ultrasound. We’ll need everyone’s positive energy that day. There are some yucky potential complications that could come up for both the baby and I if I do in fact have gestational diabetes. In the meantime, I’ll do my very best to lead a healthy lifestyle for me and our little family. 


My precious baby sprout, I will always take care of you....

S

A Busy Day at the Doc's

We had our 24-week checkup today. I took a glucose tolerance test (50 grams of sugar in 10 oz of something that turned my tongue red). It wasn't really all that bad, but it made me feel a little funny after I guzzled it down. When we got to the doc's office, they were running a tad behind (the first time its happened in our experience). I then had the lovely experience of getting a RhoGAM shot (in my bum) since I am Rh Negative (I have a negative blood type). I'll get another shot after I deliver the baby. This will help make sure that my immune system doesn't reject the baby if our bloods mix (though that is not likely). According to Jeff, the needle was super long, but I didn't flinch at all. :)

Then we hopped over to their little lab room, where they drew my blood exactly 60 minutes after I downed the medical fruit punch. (Emily, I would have preferred it if you were our phlebotomist... This guy is always grumpy!) We should get the results back from that before the end of the week. I have had this unpleasant feeling that I will not pass the test. With a family history of diabetes, and being overweight prior to getting pregnant, I am just a bit doubtful that I will pass it. I truly hope that I do, because gestational diabetes would be no bueno.

My blood pressure was a bit high, so they took it a second time. I mentally went into a meditative mode during the second try & it was better. Also, the doc noticed that my feet were starting to swell quite a bit, so said she could write out a prescription for hose (that she said I probably wouldn't want to wear in the summer, but would provide relief if I needed it). What a "lovely" welcome into the 3rd trimester, which begins in about a week and a half.

She measured me then let us listen to the baby's heartbeat (a healthy 148 bpm). I was measuring big (and have been carrying big throughout this pregnancy), she said that she wanted us to go in for another ultrasound in a few weeks. We'll probably schedule it for June 6th. She wants the anatomy measured again just to be sure things look good. I am actually excited to have another ultrasound, though the circumstances may not be ideal. I'm sure things could be worse, so I try not to worry about it. I know that I've been carrying a big (sigh, wait until you all see the a picture), but my mom said that she did too with all four of her pregnancies. Ask a certain co-worker of mine, and I'm sure she'd LOVE to tell you all about how HUGE she thinks I am (UGH--the nerve of some people).

Yes, I know I owe you all a picture... it will be on its way. I don't think I'll have a day where I don't feel ginormous, so I'll have to just get over it and take a darn picture, I know!

S

Dexter vs. Squeaky Toys

Here's one of our first videos using the Flip. There is some slight compression so that it will play smoothly online, but doesn't look too shabby. Looks even better when played locally on the hard drive.

Dexter, our hero, is quite the dashing leading man, and as you can see, Sinister Squeaky Toy has no hope of survival. Danger! Excitement! Dexter!

J

Be Your Own Señor Spielbergo - Flip Video

We recently purchased a Flip Video-Ultra(yep, the orange one you see to the left here). We were looking for something cheap, lightweight and convenient that we could use to take quick videos of Baby 1.o when he/she arrives without worrying about about flying oatmeal dirtying up the lens of a super expensive camcorder. It's about the size of a bulky cell phone, and actually takes pretty good video(640x480). We got the Ultra version($129 on Amazon)that stores up to 60 minutes of video(runs on 2 AA), and the cool thing is that it will break them up into chapters for you. For example, if we take a 3 minute video of the dogs chewing up the furniture, and then later a 2 minute video of us chewing out the dogs, it will save them as separate videos, instead of one 5 minute video. This makes it easy to upload mini-clips. It has a built in USB connector which makes it easy to connect to your Mac or PC. Lastly, the interface on the device is incredibly easy to use. Basically there are about 4 buttons. Play, record, Trash can and then a 4 way track pad that you use to zoom or navigate stored videos. We'll upload some videos soon to show the overall quality!

One last thing, for those of you playing Mario Kart Wii, add us as a friend so we can race! Our code: 3308 5053 2476

J

Happy Mother's Day!

Though I should be doing homework... or sleeping... I wanted to squeeze in a "Happy Mother's Day" post. This was my first Mother's Day as a (soon-to-be-) mom, so I couldn't resist. I've come down with an uncomfortable sore throat/cold, so spent most of the day bundled up on the couch. I really do swear that I'll post an up-to-date belly picture soon. In the meantime, I'll post one from 18-weeks (that's 4 1/2 months, for you non-mathematical people) that some of you have seen already.


Let me tell you--a LOT has changed since this picture was taken. Yesterday, we went to the Seattle Art Museum to see the Roman exhibit on loan from the Louvre. It was awe inspiring to see such beautiful art that has survived the centuries! As we walked through the exhibit, my back started to hurt a bit. I needed to sit down, but it was beyond crowded, and the only bench in my line of sight was packed! I waited patiently, because I wasn't sure when there would be another chance to sit down anytime soon. A very kind woman stood up and made her son and elderly mother make room for me to sit down when she saw the pregnant lady wincing near the bench. I was so grateful! There is definitely no hiding that I'm pregnant (not that I'd want to).

I'm just a couple of weeks away from the official 3rd trimester. My goal will be to take a picture this week to commence the 6-month mark. Many of my co-workers have really started to joyously (and kindly) comment on my growing belly. Despite the woes and discomforts of pregnancy, I still cherish every moment of it!

Well, my mug of tea is about empty, which means that it's either time to ask Jeff for a refill or time to retire to bed with my nose that is both stuffy and runny (the worst of both worlds). I hope you all had a great Mother's Day (especially Mamas Claudia & Carol)!

S

"Call me Pelé!"

Hello, week 23! Our little Pelé has been kicking and squirming more than ever. Daddy-to-be is hoping for a little futbol (soccer) player. The belly is growing quite a bit. In fact, I received my first “Can I touch” request. It came from a coworker that I’ve known for years, so I was comfortable allowing it. I’ll post a belly picture soon, so you can all see the enormity of my belly!

We recently put the baby’s crib together, and the mattress should arrive on Thursday or Friday. Though it looks huge in the tiny room, it is so beautiful. Sometimes I walk near the baby’s room, and can’t help but peek in on the crib. I feel the crib’s wood beneath my hands, and imagine our sweet angel sleeping so softly. I can hear the little wisps for breaths, and those delightful little sleeping sounds that come from the depths of babies’ throats. Though the room is near empty, my imagination lets me see so much more. I can see the soft, comfortable bedding, the dim light from the baby monitor, little baby toys in the corner, folded blankets, stacks of clean diapers, and burp cloths. I can smell the subtly delicious scent created by flawless skin, lavender baby powder, milk, and love.

Sometimes when I'm standing before the crib, little Sprout wakes me from my reverie with a tender poke. It’s as if he or she is saying, “Hello, Mama. I will be there soon. I love you.”

S