So, two weeks ago at my doctors appointment, amid discussions of ribs and pediatricians, I asked him about a birth plan. I asked if it was THAT important to have one, all typed out and copied 27 times, or if I should just have an idea of what I wanted. He tried not to laugh and said that as long as I had a general idea of what I wanted, we could discuss that ahead of time and go from there. He said if it made me feel better that I could write it down, but it wasn't essential.
His mischievous smile made me curious, so I asked him why. He started talking about these women who came in with six page manuals about how to deliver their child, and how that wasn't the most practical thing out there. Then he kind of backtracked, perhaps scared that I was one of those women. He asked if I had thought about it at all, and if I had a lot of provisions that I wanted to include. I laughed and said that no, my birth plan was to have a baby.
He was relieved. He said that that was the best plan, and that most of the longer birth plans included things like 'as few interventions as possible', 'as few checks as possible', etc... and that those types of things were pretty much common knowledge, at least among the doctors he worked with. So I teased him and told him that whatever, he loved waiting until a patient fell asleep and then going in to bug them. He laughed.
He also told me, while discussing something else, that he loved working with pregnant women because we're so much fun. Yeah...uh huh. We're chubby and hormonal, more than likely hungry and sleep-deprived. We're just a barrel of laughs. Uh-huh. Note the sarcasm there, doc.
Anyways, upon thinking about it, here is my modified birth plan so far:
Lynette's Birth Plan
-Have a baby
-In the event of a c-section, allow H to stay with the baby if he is taken out of the room for any reason. No visitors are to see the baby until after I have recovered and spent time with my baby
-Please do not give my baby a pacifier
And that's about it. The rest of the stuff are things that I have decided on, but I feel like I will have already discussed them with my doctor. I am going to have an epidural, etc. I pretty much trust my doctors experience and instincts to do what's best for me and for the baby. I guess my theory on birth plans is that I am not a doctor, and he is. He will do what is necessary and no more. If he says a c-section is needed, then it's needed.
We can handle whatever happens. True story.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Trust Your Instincts....
So, about a week ago, I went in for my 28 (!) week appointment. After the usual song and dance, my doctor took some time to examine my ribs. And by examine, I mean push and prod at them. Ow! But...the good news is...
My rib pain is NOT normal!
Dr. diagnosed me with costochondritis, which is inflammation of the cartilidge around the ribs. It is caused by all the pressure in there and possibly the positioning of the uterus and the baby. Now why is this good news? Because now I know, in my head, that this pain is not how pregnancy is supposed to feel. I am not being a wuss or a sissy, I am suffering a complication.
Now for the bad news... So how do you heal costochondritis? Well, when you're pregnant, you don't. Regular Tylenol doesn't do anything for the pain, so there's nothing I can take for the inflammation. The only thing that he was able to do was prescribe me Vicodin for the pain. And before you question my doctor's judgement, let me ask where you got your medical degree from. I am sick of people saying, "Is he crazy?", "You need a new doctor!", "No way! You can't take that!", blah blah blah...
He is a doctor. He knows what he's doing. Now, I wasn't really all that sure about it and I told him that I didn't think I would take Vicodin while pregnant. I personally don't feel comfortable with it, but that's my decision. When I researched it online, everything was very on the fence about the benefits and dangers of Vicodin while pregnant. So I stand by my original statement that I don't think I'll take it. But I have it just in case, I guess.
So... where does that leave me? In pain, but feeling relieved about it. I know what it is, I know it's not normal, I know that it will go away (doc said probably a couple weeks to a couple months after the baby is born), I know that it's not anything that could harm the baby, etc etc etc...
Other than that, nothing big to report.
My rib pain is NOT normal!
Dr. diagnosed me with costochondritis, which is inflammation of the cartilidge around the ribs. It is caused by all the pressure in there and possibly the positioning of the uterus and the baby. Now why is this good news? Because now I know, in my head, that this pain is not how pregnancy is supposed to feel. I am not being a wuss or a sissy, I am suffering a complication.
Now for the bad news... So how do you heal costochondritis? Well, when you're pregnant, you don't. Regular Tylenol doesn't do anything for the pain, so there's nothing I can take for the inflammation. The only thing that he was able to do was prescribe me Vicodin for the pain. And before you question my doctor's judgement, let me ask where you got your medical degree from. I am sick of people saying, "Is he crazy?", "You need a new doctor!", "No way! You can't take that!", blah blah blah...
He is a doctor. He knows what he's doing. Now, I wasn't really all that sure about it and I told him that I didn't think I would take Vicodin while pregnant. I personally don't feel comfortable with it, but that's my decision. When I researched it online, everything was very on the fence about the benefits and dangers of Vicodin while pregnant. So I stand by my original statement that I don't think I'll take it. But I have it just in case, I guess.
So... where does that leave me? In pain, but feeling relieved about it. I know what it is, I know it's not normal, I know that it will go away (doc said probably a couple weeks to a couple months after the baby is born), I know that it's not anything that could harm the baby, etc etc etc...
Other than that, nothing big to report.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Let the whining commence.
Just haven't felt like blogging. Haven't felt like moving. Haven't felt like doing anything.
Day: 4,327. Alright, really day 196.
Days Left: 84
Feeling: Like a beached whale. I've felt that way for at least three weeks, and I'm not even that big yet. I'm just getting into the third trimester. I am pretty sure that there is something wrong with one or two ribs, but no one believes me.
Mood: Ah, I'd say a 7 out of 10 lately. I've been very whiney lately, partly because of my ribs hurting and just feeling icky in general, and partly because I've been very lonely. My H is out getting his last kicks in before the baby (which I totally support... I have never been one of those wives that won't let my husband out of the house), but for some reason, I really just want him around. It's an odd feeling for me, because I am normally fine with being alone, I don't mind it at all, but I just can't get enough of him lately. Even when he's irritating me.
Recent Cravings: I might cut someone for a ham sandwich. I think that's just because it's that thing that I can't have though... :::drool:::
Just Noticed: I'm hungry, but nervous to eat. Morning sickness has been rearing it's ugly head the last few days. Apparently, it's common for it to come back. Sweet. Just add it to the list.
So, in all honesty, I'm pretty much over being pregnant. I feel really horrible saying that, but it's true. I know how lucky I am (I worked for this!) and I know that I wanted it, but have just had enough. Never in my life have I been more uncomfortable, clothes are just unflattering and gross looking, and I still have no "glow". I'm not saying this is enough to make me not want to do it again; I'm sure that I'll forget all about this when I have my child in my arms, but man, it's just not all it's cracked up to be.
And I know that I've been fairly lucky. I haven't had to go to the hospital for anything, I didn't miscarry my child, everything is progressing normally, I haven't had any huge huge freakouts or horrific side effects... looking at all that, I'd say a busted rib isn't really that bad.
Alright, whining over.
Day: 4,327. Alright, really day 196.
Days Left: 84
Feeling: Like a beached whale. I've felt that way for at least three weeks, and I'm not even that big yet. I'm just getting into the third trimester. I am pretty sure that there is something wrong with one or two ribs, but no one believes me.
Mood: Ah, I'd say a 7 out of 10 lately. I've been very whiney lately, partly because of my ribs hurting and just feeling icky in general, and partly because I've been very lonely. My H is out getting his last kicks in before the baby (which I totally support... I have never been one of those wives that won't let my husband out of the house), but for some reason, I really just want him around. It's an odd feeling for me, because I am normally fine with being alone, I don't mind it at all, but I just can't get enough of him lately. Even when he's irritating me.
Recent Cravings: I might cut someone for a ham sandwich. I think that's just because it's that thing that I can't have though... :::drool:::
Just Noticed: I'm hungry, but nervous to eat. Morning sickness has been rearing it's ugly head the last few days. Apparently, it's common for it to come back. Sweet. Just add it to the list.
So, in all honesty, I'm pretty much over being pregnant. I feel really horrible saying that, but it's true. I know how lucky I am (I worked for this!) and I know that I wanted it, but have just had enough. Never in my life have I been more uncomfortable, clothes are just unflattering and gross looking, and I still have no "glow". I'm not saying this is enough to make me not want to do it again; I'm sure that I'll forget all about this when I have my child in my arms, but man, it's just not all it's cracked up to be.
And I know that I've been fairly lucky. I haven't had to go to the hospital for anything, I didn't miscarry my child, everything is progressing normally, I haven't had any huge huge freakouts or horrific side effects... looking at all that, I'd say a busted rib isn't really that bad.
Alright, whining over.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Dear Sweet, Wonderful, Miracle child inside of me,
PLEASE REMOVE YOUR FOOT/HAND/BUTT/HEAD FROM MY RIBS!
K, thanks.
Day: 162
Days Left: 118
Feeling: Besides for the body part lodged in my upper ribs, I'm doing okay. I've had really severe back pain the past few weeks, which I am going to talk to my doc about next Tuesday at my 24 week appointment.
Mood: Pretty good. I've been a little emotional at times, but hey, that's pregnancy for you.
Recent Cravings: None really. They finally got Shamrock Shakes at McD's, so that made me a happy camper last week. My husband, however, is craving Caramello's, and orange Fanta.
Just Noticed: I have to be allergic to something in this house. I cannot stop sneezing the past three days (like 27 sneezes in a row), but it only happens when I'm at home.
I finally kicked Will out of the nursery this past weekend. We had to order our dresser, so that gave him a little time, but we were able to pick it up last Saturday. Which meant his "office" was moving down to the basement, whether he was ready or not. Surprisingly, he didn't argue much. Although a little pouting was necessary to get him to move the desk. Anyways, we moved it all downstairs and now we have a nursery! I will try to post pictures later if I remember, but it is far from finished. But it's a start...the furniture is in and arranged, the bookshelf is bought and put together, the shelf is up...
I decided to try my hand at some artwork because I thought the wall art that matched our nursery set was cheap looking and too small for the wall I wanted it on. I decided that I was going to sketch out and color some of the designs from the bedding set. I got one almost done, but I'll have to wait until I get the set to do the second one. I can't tell the colors well enough on the computer screen. So that's one project in the works.
I keep thinking that I'm sick of being PG, but really, I'm not. For the most part, I like it. Sure, it's got pains and aches and I can no longer get out of a chair in a lady-like fashion, but hey, in the end, I get a kid. Sounds like a fair trade. I think more than anything, I am sick (to death) of cold weather. I can't wait for it to get hot outside! I am pretty sure that I suffer from seasonal depression on a normal basis, and I have found that tanning once a week really helps my emotional state. But, I am not going to be one of those pregnant nutters that squashes her giant belly into a tanning bed, so I'm suffering through it without the help of artificial sunlight.
In an attempt to prepare for summer, I bought some CUTE stuff from Old Navy yesterday. Sidebar here. Let's talk about Old Navy for a second, because as much as I love them, they bother me. I don't care what people say, I've had nothing but good stuff from that store. Their clothes do not fall apart on me, and they are great for casual pieces. But, it irritates me that the ON closest to me doesn't have a maternity section. At all. Not even one rack. And the one that's furthest away has the most pitiful maternity section I've ever seen. They have about a nine foot area devoted to pregnant women, and most of those items are plus size garments masquerading as maternity gear. I just find that upsetting. Alright. Step down. Sidebar over. Old Navy.com, however, has some super cute stuff. So I did a naughty thing (I never order clothes online), and bought a few shirts and (double naughty) a pair of shoes yesterday. They are summery and make me happy.
Next week, I have my 24 week appointment on Tuesday. I am preparing my list of questions and concerns tonight. Usually I don't make a list, but this time I'm going to make my doctor work for his money.
23 w 1 d
K, thanks.
Day: 162
Days Left: 118
Feeling: Besides for the body part lodged in my upper ribs, I'm doing okay. I've had really severe back pain the past few weeks, which I am going to talk to my doc about next Tuesday at my 24 week appointment.
Mood: Pretty good. I've been a little emotional at times, but hey, that's pregnancy for you.
Recent Cravings: None really. They finally got Shamrock Shakes at McD's, so that made me a happy camper last week. My husband, however, is craving Caramello's, and orange Fanta.
Just Noticed: I have to be allergic to something in this house. I cannot stop sneezing the past three days (like 27 sneezes in a row), but it only happens when I'm at home.
I finally kicked Will out of the nursery this past weekend. We had to order our dresser, so that gave him a little time, but we were able to pick it up last Saturday. Which meant his "office" was moving down to the basement, whether he was ready or not. Surprisingly, he didn't argue much. Although a little pouting was necessary to get him to move the desk. Anyways, we moved it all downstairs and now we have a nursery! I will try to post pictures later if I remember, but it is far from finished. But it's a start...the furniture is in and arranged, the bookshelf is bought and put together, the shelf is up...
I decided to try my hand at some artwork because I thought the wall art that matched our nursery set was cheap looking and too small for the wall I wanted it on. I decided that I was going to sketch out and color some of the designs from the bedding set. I got one almost done, but I'll have to wait until I get the set to do the second one. I can't tell the colors well enough on the computer screen. So that's one project in the works.
I keep thinking that I'm sick of being PG, but really, I'm not. For the most part, I like it. Sure, it's got pains and aches and I can no longer get out of a chair in a lady-like fashion, but hey, in the end, I get a kid. Sounds like a fair trade. I think more than anything, I am sick (to death) of cold weather. I can't wait for it to get hot outside! I am pretty sure that I suffer from seasonal depression on a normal basis, and I have found that tanning once a week really helps my emotional state. But, I am not going to be one of those pregnant nutters that squashes her giant belly into a tanning bed, so I'm suffering through it without the help of artificial sunlight.
In an attempt to prepare for summer, I bought some CUTE stuff from Old Navy yesterday. Sidebar here. Let's talk about Old Navy for a second, because as much as I love them, they bother me. I don't care what people say, I've had nothing but good stuff from that store. Their clothes do not fall apart on me, and they are great for casual pieces. But, it irritates me that the ON closest to me doesn't have a maternity section. At all. Not even one rack. And the one that's furthest away has the most pitiful maternity section I've ever seen. They have about a nine foot area devoted to pregnant women, and most of those items are plus size garments masquerading as maternity gear. I just find that upsetting. Alright. Step down. Sidebar over. Old Navy.com, however, has some super cute stuff. So I did a naughty thing (I never order clothes online), and bought a few shirts and (double naughty) a pair of shoes yesterday. They are summery and make me happy.
Next week, I have my 24 week appointment on Tuesday. I am preparing my list of questions and concerns tonight. Usually I don't make a list, but this time I'm going to make my doctor work for his money.
23 w 1 d
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Just because I am pregnant does not mean my personal space no longer exists...
Or does it?
Just a couple weeks ago, when asked if anyone had touched my stomach yet, I said that "No, I'm pretty sure I give off a 'don't touch me' vibe." Mind you, there had been a little touching. One friend in particular, which honestly didn't bother me because a) she asked first and b) she has always been a touchy-feely person. No biggie.
Last week, however, I got poked. Yes, you read right. POKED. Like make a fist, extend pointed finger, jab into nearest pregnant persons stomach type of poke. And it was by a male customer at work. Mind you that he is a regular and knows my snippy demeanor, so I did not feel the need to regulate my response because I was at work. Here's how it went...
Customer: "Hey Lynette, how's the little guy doing? ::POKE TUMMY::
Me: Gives him very strange look. "Oh, he's fine (BEGIN TO POKE HIM BACK IN SHOULDERS)...and how are you?" ::CONTINUE TO POKE::
Customer: Pulls back and looks at me, confused.
Me: ::STILL POKING:: "What, you don't like to be poked? Neither do we!" ::MAKE DRAMATIC EXIT FROM CONVERSATION::
This week, three people have felt the insatiable need, the magnetism if you will, of THE TUMMY. Three people, at work, all of whom I kind of know. People I wouldn't even classify as acquaintances. UGH...you people drive me to drink. And since that is out of the question... I feel the need to instead, purchase one of these fine items:
UGH!
Monday, February 9, 2009
You drive me crazy...
BAH!
So, for anyone reading who doesn't actually already know this, I do not get along with my parents. We have a very rocky relationship. I don't really have much of a relationship with my dad, and my mom was an unfortunate bystander in that situation. Now that I am PG and she is going to be a grandma (for the first time), she is trying to "be my mom", if you know what I mean.
Well, she's driving me nuts! I am trying to be nice and let her have her grandma fun, but really? Is it necessary to IM my husband and ask him to have me call her (uh...does your phone not dial?), to talk about nothing. Or to discuss the nursery closet and the 4,327 ways that I could organize it. I know you have your ideas, but you also know that I am going to do it how I want, no matter what you say. Please stop calling me to find out when we can go yarn shopping because you want to make the baby a blanket. That's nice of you, but I already told you I want navy with white trim. Navy is not really something that you can get wrong. It's navy.
And is it necessary for you to send me an email EVERY time I update my registry? I feel like I hit the 'save' button and my email is blinking with "Lynette- do you really think you need that? I asked around and so-and-so said they never used it. You won't either. I think you should take it off." or "Why don't you have this on your registry? You need this... add this, but only if you take this off..." Really, lady, it's a registry. It's not the finalized version of everything that my child will ever have.
Ok, here comes the really snotty part. My mom is planning one of my showers, which I think is super generous of her. But, I do have a couple ideas or things that I would really like to avoid, which she is totally blowing off. And she does have some wonderful ideas and things, but I would almost rather not know them all. Keep a few cats in the bag. I feel like this "reconnecting" she's attempting is going to have bad consequences. I feel like I am going to feel smothered again and pull back, which is partly what led to us having a bad relationship to begin with.
I think I need to just take a step back, take a deep breath, and hold my ground. Or go insane.
So, for anyone reading who doesn't actually already know this, I do not get along with my parents. We have a very rocky relationship. I don't really have much of a relationship with my dad, and my mom was an unfortunate bystander in that situation. Now that I am PG and she is going to be a grandma (for the first time), she is trying to "be my mom", if you know what I mean.
Well, she's driving me nuts! I am trying to be nice and let her have her grandma fun, but really? Is it necessary to IM my husband and ask him to have me call her (uh...does your phone not dial?), to talk about nothing. Or to discuss the nursery closet and the 4,327 ways that I could organize it. I know you have your ideas, but you also know that I am going to do it how I want, no matter what you say. Please stop calling me to find out when we can go yarn shopping because you want to make the baby a blanket. That's nice of you, but I already told you I want navy with white trim. Navy is not really something that you can get wrong. It's navy.
And is it necessary for you to send me an email EVERY time I update my registry? I feel like I hit the 'save' button and my email is blinking with "Lynette- do you really think you need that? I asked around and so-and-so said they never used it. You won't either. I think you should take it off." or "Why don't you have this on your registry? You need this... add this, but only if you take this off..." Really, lady, it's a registry. It's not the finalized version of everything that my child will ever have.
Ok, here comes the really snotty part. My mom is planning one of my showers, which I think is super generous of her. But, I do have a couple ideas or things that I would really like to avoid, which she is totally blowing off. And she does have some wonderful ideas and things, but I would almost rather not know them all. Keep a few cats in the bag. I feel like this "reconnecting" she's attempting is going to have bad consequences. I feel like I am going to feel smothered again and pull back, which is partly what led to us having a bad relationship to begin with.
I think I need to just take a step back, take a deep breath, and hold my ground. Or go insane.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
"You must be angry at the baby whenever it steals your food, huh. Ohh that's mine, not yours. But, you know, because you're family you gotta share."
So, somehow Blogger locked me out of my account for a week or so. Strange. Now it works fine.
I have lots of updating to do, so let's just get right to it!
We had our big ultrasound and...
It's a boy!!!
H and I are both super excited. It feels so much more real now that we know what's in there. The baby is no longer an "it". He is a he.
Before I post anything else, I need to post my pictures. Otherwise, Meghan is going to spontaneously combust.
17 weeks:
18 Weeks:
19 Weeks:
I have not put my 20 or 21 week picture on the computer yet. And now I need food before I update any more!
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