The Hospital Bag: Reality Check

Here's is a quick account of what was and was not needed during our hospital stay a couple of weeks ago.  It turns out I may have over packed a little...  It's worth noting that we pulled into the hospital at 8pm and Jackson was born at 12:38am (just 4 hours and 38 minutes later)!  I'll argue that I would have used more of the things I packed had my labor lasted longer (not that I would have wanted that, of course).  I highlighted the items that I found useful and crossed off the items that were not...

• copy of my birth plan (I think this was useful to think about ahead of time, but you really have no idea how things are going to go until you're in labor and it's best to just go with the flow.  I never took this out of the bag.)
• ipod & docking station (I listened to my labor playlist for the first couple of hours.  Once things started to get more "intense" I vaguely remember demanding that the music be turned off.) 
• camera & charger
• video camera (We forgot to pack this and ended up just using the video function on our camera.)
• Sex and the City DVDs (I decided not to pack these at the last minute, but I still got my SATC fix...  I caught an episode on E! while nursing.)
• nursing gown & robe
• slippers
• socks
• nursing camis  (I wanted out of my hospital gown immediately, so these were very useful.)
• breast pads 
• sweat pants
• toiletries (shampoo, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, etc...)
• lotion (for massages during labor)
• tennis ball (for massage, not tennis)
• heating pad (I didn't use this in the hospital because things moved so quickly, but I used it all day at home to help me through early labor).
• snacks (power bars, hard candy, mints, crackers)
• baby book
• baby blanket
• going home outfit for Jackson (with hat, mittens)
• Bundle Me

Things to add at the last minute:

• pillows (We forgot to bring our pillows and boy did we regret it!  This is partially to blame for the fact that I hardly slept a wink during my hospital stay.)
• cell phones & charger
• lap top
• make-up, brush, hair dryer
• glasses
• contact lens case & solution
• "Water for Elephants" (No time for reading...)

Other items to bring:

• exercise ball
• car seat
• purse
• boppy
• diaper bag

Packing the hospital bag...

Now that I could go into labor (or be induced) at any moment, I decided it was probably time to start packing the hospital bag...  This turned out to be a much bigger job than expected.  I know I've probably packed much more than I could ever need, but I've never been a light packer (just ask my hubby).  Here's what's in the bag (so far):

• copy of my birth plan
• ipod & docking station
• camera & charger
• video camera (NOT for filming the birth!)
• Sex and the City DVDs (is that wrong?  i figure it will be a good distraction for early labor- before things get too intense...)
• nursing gown & robe
• slippers
• socks
• nursing camis
• breast pads 
• sweat pants
• toiletries (shampoo, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, etc...)
• lotion (for massages during labor)
• tennis ball (for massage, not tennis)
• heating pad
• snacks (power bars, hard candy, mints, crackers)
• baby book
• baby blanket
• going home outfit for Jackson (with hat, mittens)
• Bundle Me

Things to add at the last minute:

• pillows (for John & I)
• cell phones & charger
• lap top
• make-up, brush, hair dryer
• glasses
• contact lens case & solution
• "Water for Elephants" (the book I'm currently reading- maybe another good distraction?)

Other items to bring:

• exercise ball
• car seat (already in car)
• purse
• boppy
• diaper bag

Am I missing anything?

37 Weeks (+1 Day)

Baby's Size and Development:  This week I can be much more specific because we had a growth ultrasound on Wednesday.  Jackson was weighing in at about 5 pounds (smaller than he should be).  Although his head is measuring right on track, his abdomen and femurs are measuring about 3-4 weeks behind.  These type of measurements can mean that he isn't getting enough nutrients (nutrients go to the head first to preserve brain development).  As a result, I will be monitored very closely over the next few weeks.

We had a non-stress test (NST) and biophysical profile (BPP) today, which Jackson and I passed (go team!).  During the NST, I was hooked up to a fetal monitor that measured the response of Jackson's heart rate to his movements.  The BPP was done via ultrasound and evaluated his movement and breathing, as well as the quantity of my amniotic fluid.  The best part of this test was getting to watch Jackson practice his breathing.  We also learned that he already has a full head of hair!

I will have a NST and BPP done twice a week for the rest of my pregnancy.  We also have an appointment with a perinatologist on Monday morning for a much more in depth ultrasound.  We will find out more about what might be the cause of Jackson's small size.  If they find out that he's not getting enough nutrients there is a chance that I'll be induced right away...  I've also been put on bed rest, at least until Monday's appointment.  (It's going to be a looong weekend!!)

Weight Gain: 28 pounds

Sleep:  I've been trying to get as much sleep as possible, which is easier said than done.  The added stress from all these doctor appointments hasn't really helped matters...

Best Moment This Week:  Hearing Jackson's hiccups during the NST and getting to see his cute little face during the BPP.  (I also got my first pedicure in almost a year, which was pretty amazing!)

Worst Moment This Week:  Finding out that the doctors are concerned about Jackson's development.  I have never felt more helpless and worried in my life (welcome to motherhood, right?).  I have so many questions right now as to what is going on and what I can do to make it better.  Unfortunately, it seems like it's going to be a "wait and see" kind-of situation.  In the meantime, I am doing my best to stay calm and positive (I don't want Jackson to sense my distress)!

Appetite/Cravings:  Increased stress and hormones have really killed my appetite, but I've been trying to eat a lot in hopes that Jackson will put on some weight.  I finally caved in and bought some girl scout cookies (lemon chalet cremes and samoas)- that should do the trick! 

Milestones:  Even though my due date is still 3 weeks away, Jackson is now considered full term!!  This means that most babies are mature enough to fully adjust to life outside of the womb... great news given the fact that he might need to come out early!

Pregnancy Thoughts:  I'm trying to enjoy every moment of being pregnant since we could have an "outside" baby any day now...

36 Weeks Pregnant

Baby's Size and Development:  about 6 pounds and 18.5 inches long

Weight Gain:  27 pounds

Sleep:  I've been sleeping better, although I've been waking up much earlier than normal, despite my constant fatigue.  I've always been a night owl, and would usually sleep until well after 10am on the weekends.  Over the past month, I've been starting my weekend days around 7am.  Crazy, I know!!  As soon as I wake up, my mind is racing with things I need to do to prep for baby- running errands, doing laundry, organizing things around the house or in the nursery, etc- and I can't turn it off...  This "nesting" thing is no joke!

Best Moment This Week:  I found out at my doctor appointment today that I have dropped, Jackson is head down, and I'm already 2cm dilated!  I realize that this doesn't necessarily mean that he'll be here early, but my doctor made it sound like it will be sooner, rather than later...  Ahhhh!

Worst Moment This Week:  I'm trying really hard not to worry about this, but my appointment also brought some concerning news...  Baby Jackson is measuring a little on the small side- who would have thought with such larger than average parents!  As a result, my doc ordered a growth ultrasound (which I'll have on Wednesday).  She said that it's probably just because his head has already dropped so low...  She didn't seem too concerned because everything else looked good and his heart beat was strong.  Regardless, it's going to be a long couple of days!

Appetite/Cravings:  Nothing in particular.  This is probably because I've been having some bouts of nausea, reminiscent of my first trimester.  Also, my stomach has become even more squished, so I feel pretty uncomfortable after I eat.

Milestones:  Finishing the nursery- pictures to come!!

Pregnancy Thoughts:  My mind is constantly racing with pregnancy thoughts!  Let's see...
We went to a breastfeeding and baby care basics class last weekend.  I had no idea how much was involved with breastfeeding!  It's literally a full time job (and a painful one at that).  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it goes well for Jackson and I!
My contractions have been happening more and more frequently.  Each time I tell Jackson, "I'm ready, if you are!  Bring it on!"  Apparently, he's not quite ready yet.
Only 12 more days of work!!  (Unless I go into labor sooner, of course...)

35 Weeks Pregnant

Baby's Size and Development:  about 5.25 pounds and 18 inches long

Weight Gain:  My weight has continued to increase by about a pound a week...  They say that at this point it's mostly the baby gaining fat and water retention.  I've definitely noticed this in my face (cute, I know), feet, and fingers (my wedding ring hardly fits anymore).  I've gained a total of 26 pounds.

Sleep:  I still have not been sleeping well and I don't expect that this will change anytime soon...  I continue to have a hard time getting comfortable and have to get up several times throughout the night to pee.  Luckily, I've been able to fall back to sleep more quickly lately.  Maybe it's the 'relax' tea I've been drinking before bed.

Best Moment This Week:  Not going into labor.  I had some pretty consistent contractions (about every 5-10 minutes for almost 2 hours) late Monday night.  Although my doctor said to call if I ever had more than 4 contractions in an hour before week 37, we decided to turn the lights off and try to get some sleep...  Probably not the smartest idea, but they ended up slowing down enough that I was able to fall asleep.  The next morning, John and I both admitted that we had been totally freaked out the night before and in complete denial that I could actually be going into labor.  Thank goodness it was just a false alarm!

Worst Moment This Week:  Annoying comments from random people.  Here are two examples just from today.  I was feeling a little chipper as I was walking into work and said good morning to an older lady I was passing.  How did she respond?  By saying, "Does baby like caffeine?"  (I was holding my travel mug in one hand).  First of all, how do you know what's in my mug?  Second, excuse me, but are you a doctor?  I abstained from coffee for my entire first trimester, but after my doctor assured me that 1-2 cups of coffee a day is perfectly fine, I have started drinking it again (it is my ONE guilty pleasure)!  Plus, I can't tell you how necessary it has become as the amount of sleep I'm getting has greatly diminished.  So, the answer to your question lady, is YES baby and mama do like caffeine, so shove it!
Later this afternoon a male co-worker told me that, based on my profile, he thinks that I'm going to have a 12 pound baby.  Wow!  Thank you for making me feel even huger than I already do!  Needless to say, it was a long day...

Appetite/Cravings:  I continue to have a very strong appetite!  Since baby is getting bigger, though, I get really uncomfortable after eating large meals (ie: Valentine's Day).  As a result, I tend to graze throughout the day.  I had two specific cravings this week- Vic's popcorn and 100 Grand candy bars (I've been allowing myself one fun sized bar a day).  Yum!

Milestones:  We had our shower a couple of weeks ago and received so many nice things for Jackson.  As a result, we were able to make some major progress in the nursery.  The crib now has a mattress pad and sheet on it.  Valences are hung.  Video baby monitor is installed.  Beautiful lamps adorn the dresser and changing table.  His dresser is FILLED with adorable little outfits.  The changing table now has a pad and is stocked with diapers, wipes, and ointments.  I often find myself sitting in the rocking chair in his room, imagining what life is going to be like once he's here.  KG also scratches at the door at least once a day so he can check things out (he definitely knows something is up)!

Pregnancy Thoughts:  Despite all of my current physical complaints, I feel extremely fortunate to be pregnant.  As many of you know, becoming pregnant was a long and stressful road for us.  I am so thankful that our fertility treatments worked and that I have been able to experience the wonder of growing a little human inside of me.  I really can't believe how fast the past 35 weeks have gone!

My Favorite Pregnancy Recipe

I think there must be something in this salad that my pregnant body is in dire need of...  I have made a batch of this semi-tweaked recipe for Rotini & Black Bean Salad about twice a month, for the past 8 months.  Each batch usually lasts me about 4-5 days, since my husband is not a big fan of it.  It's a perfect meal to bring to work for lunch. 

Here is my version of the recipe:

Ingredients:

• whole wheat rotini (13 oz. box)
• 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
• dash of onion powder
• 1 can (19 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 3/4 cup frozen mukimame (shelled edamame), thawed
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 1 ripe avocado
• juice of 1/2 a lemon

Preparation:

• cook pasta according to package directions until al dente
• whisk together garlic, onion powder, and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper
• slowly whisk in oil until dressing thickens and set aside
• drain pasta and rinse under cold water
• place pasta in large bowl
• add beans, tomatoes, mukimame, and corn
• toss gently
• pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss
• cover and refrigerate at least an hour before serving
• peel and slice avocado and toss with lemon juice (use as garnish)

Enjoy!

Spring has sprung!

Well, in my kitchen, at least...  I have MAJOR spring fever.  This is a very normal phenomenon for me, but it usually doesn't strike until March.  I knew I was in trouble when I decided to get my Spring decorations out as soon as I put away the Christmas decorations (in early January).  I think this has a little to do with the crazy amount of snow we've had this winter, but mostly I'm excited for baby Jackson to be here and to celebrate the season of renewal and growth with him as the snow melts away and color returns to our neighborhood.

Here is what I'm most looking forward to...

spending days at home with my first baby
opening the windows and listening to the birds chirping
taking Jackson and KG for long walks
thunderstorms
feeling sunshine on my shoulders
getting back into shape
locking all of my maternity clothes far, far away and bringing color and sundresses back into my wardrobe
feeling like myself again
seeing the first shoots of green rising from the dirt in my garden
sipping a glass of wine on the patio
baby smiles & giggles

I cannot wait for this Spring to arrive!  Today, it feels like an eternity away...

33 Weeks Pregnant

Baby's Size and Development:  about 4.5 pounds and 17.5 inches long

Weight Gain:  I really don't want to talk about this, since my weight has skyrocketed in the past couple of weeks...  I think Jackson must have had one hell of a growth spurt!  Alright, here it is- 24 pounds!

Sleep:  I'm tired all the time!  I've been having a really hard time sleeping, thanks to my aching hips and lower back.  It's very hard to find a comfortable position.  Add that to my frequent trips to the bathroom throughout the night, and you have one tired girl...  I guess I might as well get used to surviving on less sleep.  At least in a couple months my nightly interruptions will involve cuddling with my little baby boy.

Best Moment This Week:  Continuing to feel Jackson move inside my belly!  I could sit and watch my belly morph into different shapes for hours- it's fascinating (and very distracting when I'm trying to work)!

Worst Moment This Week:  Worrying about my friend who went into labor 9 weeks early.

Appetite/Cravings:  I'm constantly hungry!  I continue to crave big, mixed-green salads.  I eat them several times a week.  On a less healthy note, I also had a major craving for gummies and licorice this week (typically my cravings have been of the salty variety). 

Milestones:  We completed our birth classes this week.  I learned more than I thought and feel less anxiety about the whole labor thing...  The most important thing I learned is to go into it with an open mind and that, in the end, all that matters is that you end up with a healthy baby (and mother).  I need to write my birth plan now that all the info is fresh in my mind!

Pregnancy Thoughts:  My dear friend gave birth to her son yesterday morning.  She was only 31 weeks along (her actual due date was ten days after mine).  Throughout our pregnancies we've compared symptoms and complaints.  It has been so wonderful to have someone to talk to about all the lovely and not-so-lovely things about being pregnant.
She went to the hospital in the middle of the night on Sunday with contractions.  They did everything they could to stave off labor, which worked for a couple of days, but he was ready to be born.  Thankfully, both mom and baby are doing well.
This situation made me realize that Jackson is going to come when he's ready (not necessarily when we're ready) and that is OKAY.  At first, that thought made me completely panic.  I have a never-ending list of things that I've been frantically trying to complete over the past several months.  For every thing I cross off, I seem to think of another thing that I want to accomplish.  Now I know that it won't be the end of the world if our baby arrives before every closet in our house is completely organized...

Our (TTC, IF, IUI) Journey

John and I met in September of 1998.  We were only 18.  We dated throughout college and tied the knot in October of 2005.  We like to take things slow, as you can see, so we didn't start trying for a baby until 2008.  After trying NOT to get pregnant for so long, we just assumed that it would happen fairly quickly and boy were we wrong...

At first, "baby making" was an exciting adventure, but after a few months I started to get concerned (have I mentioned that I'm not a very patient person).  By the end of the year we were both frustrated and worried that there was a problem, so I scheduled an appointment with my ob/gyn.  Since stopping birth control pills, my cycle had been completely out of whack.  This made timing "baby making" quite a challenge (I know, doesn't that sound romantic)!  John and I were put through an array of tests, which all came back normal.  However, my doctor thought that I might have borderline PCOS.  She prescribed Metformin to regulate my cycle. 

2009:  We continued "baby making" the old fashion way.  My cycles became much more regular, but after 12 months we still hadn't gotten pregnant...

December 2009:  My ob/gyn finally referred us to a reproductive endocrinologist.

April 2010:  We had our first appointment with the fertility doctor (she was booked out 3 months!).  After another fun battery of tests (including an HSG for me), she diagnosed us with unexplained infertility.  She said that I did NOT have PCOS and was appalled that I had been taking Metformin for so long (apparently it's pretty hard on your body).  She had me stop taking it immediately.  In it's place we would try 3 rounds of clomid + ovidrel + IUI + progesterone.

(This is where the fun really started…  I would stop at the doctor on my way to work, or over my lunch hour, several times a week for ultrasounds and blood draws.  Worst of all, now our "baby making" was happening in a doctor's office and my hubby didn't even have to be in the room!  This wasn’t quite how I had envisioned things…  Not to mention the fact that all of the hormones made me a complete lunatic.  It’s no joke that one of the side effects of clomid is “inability to cope”).

May 2010:  Round 1= FAIL.

(I added weekly, sometimes bi-weekly, acupuncture treatments after our first failed IUI attempt to help ease the side effects of all the meds and to increase my fertility.  My acupuncturist diagnosed me with a kidney yang deficiency.  She recommended that I make some dietary changes and taught me about the importance of slowing down and being mindful).

 

June 2010:  Round 2= FAIL.

(I have to admit that I was completely devastated at this point and not very hopeful that the third round would work.  We even scheduled an appointment to talk with our reproductive endocrinologist about the next step, IVF…).

July 2010:  Round 3= SUCCESS!!!!  (Needless to say, we were over the moon!)

July 30, 2010:  I saw our baby’s heart beat for the first time…  I also officially graduated from the fertility clinic!!

October 29, 2010:  We found out that we’re having a BOY!

March 24, 2011:  Jackson's due date!