Week 19 - almost half way!

Well this week started off on a sad note for many across Canada.  On August 22nd, Jack Layton, leader of the official opposition party, passed away.  And many (regardless of political leanings) wept for the loss of a great politician, a great leader, a great man, and a great friend.  May you rest in peace Jack, knowing you've inspired Canadians everywhere to come together and make our country a better place.

And in BC a precedent of sorts was set this week - when 55.4% of residents voted to scrap the HST. Many people of BC were not happy with the underhanded way this tax was introduced, and so they made themselves heard.  It should be interesting to see how this plays out over the next 18 months before the switch back is slated to happen.

Ok, I know what you're thinking, this is a pregnancy blog, so let's get on with the pregnancy stuff already!  First and foremost, baby wants to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Grandma Thompson.  Wish we could have been there to celebrate with you Grandma!!

In pregnancy news - what the heck is with all the CRAZY dreams that one gets while pregnant?  I've had some seriously messed up dreams during this pregnancy.  For example:

Patrick and his work buddies were going on a camping trip somewhere "up north", and for some strange reason I drove part way there with him so I could say goodbye.  We stopped for a snack at a donut shop in a strip mall, and then Patrick left really abruptly without saying goodbye, and without giving me the keys to the car!  So there I am, stuck at a random strip mall, with no keys, no cell phone (which didn't seem out of the ordinary for some reason) and no idea where patrick and his buddies went camping.

I wandered around for a bit and finally found a payphone, but since I couldn't figure out how to get in touch with Patrick, I was left trying to explain his general whereabouts (he's at a camping place somewhere around here) to the operator (yep, that's right - the operator). Of course, she had no idea what I was on about, and in the meantime, a long line of people waiting to use the phone was building up behind me.  So I wandered around some more, and made a few more futile phone calls to the operator, until I came up with the brilliant idea to call my parents. Thank goodness my Dad (who you may recall lives in Ontario) was able to drive all the way "up north" to get me! hahaha.  Thanks Dad - I appreciate you saving the day :)   They say it's not uncommon for pregnant woman to have dreams about abandonment - but this was just ridiculous.

Not all of my strange dreams deal with abandonment issues (thank goodness).  Let's see, I've been Bieber's mentor (yes Justin Bieber personally asked me to be his mentor); I've found myself back at my university abode, arranging and rearranging furniture in a ridiculously cluttered room with a grade school friend;  I've watched a man eat a live writhing snake and then pull it back up tail first snapping and biting (first time I've ever thrown up in a dream) and I've run from countless monsters, aliens, vampires and you name its!  I don't know if it's the hormones (when is it not really) or something else - but dag yo...these dreams are crazy!!

Not much new on the movement front.  I was home sick on wednesday and I'm pretty sure I felt a few low kicks while lazing about on the couch, but still nothing definitive.  Wait, I know - it must be my stomach of steel that's dampening the kicks - yeah that's it!  hah.  Oh and I woke up with a lopsided belly the other day, which righted itself when I gave a gentle nudge to the hard little bump!  Such a weird feeling.

Ok, enough about weird dreams and lopsided bellys - let's move on to the weekly update:

Week:  19

Weight Gain: Forgot to check yesterday - whoops!  I'll report back next week - let's say it's still 5 lbs - heh. 

Feeling: Still not feeling 100%, and still trying to figure out the right number of diclectin that will get me through the day.  Regardless, I'm just happy that I have something to get me through the ickyness!

Maternity Clothes: Nothing new to report on the clothing front - ordered some new shoes from Aldo, but none of them fit, so I took them all back.  Not sure if that's a pregnancy thing, or just a wrong size thing.

Cravings: Been having a few food aversions this week again, so no real cravings to speak of.

Milestones: Hmmm....not much to report here either - ummmm...almost half way there?!?

Movement: A few light kicks and a lopsided belly. 

Weekly Wisdom: "My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world!"  Jack Layton

Random Name Ideas: Lots of suggestions this week:  My dad suggested Olivia.  Amy: Ethan, Evan, Weston, Drake, Ryker (little nod to the trekkies out there)  Patrick: Calvin

And BUMP PIC (don't worry - next time I'll wear a shirt that doesn't blend in with the background)!

Signed,
Dreaming Mama!

Week 18 - Negative is a GOOD thing!

Well this week was definitely one of relief.  After hearing about our negative genetic screen results from the midwife, I am feeling more relaxed about this pregnancy!  Although I'd feel even MORE relaxed if this baby would make his/her movements a bit more noticeable already - haha.   I keep thinking I feel "something" but then I don't feel it again, so I figure it's probably gas or stomach rumbles or whatever.  And I've had a few instances where it feels almost as if I'm going over a hill on a rollercoaster - but I haven't really heard it described like that before.  And of course, since I'm paying so much more attention now, I'm noticing every rumble, bubble, nudge and noise!

In the meantime, I've started researching various baby accessories in earnest (yay planner amy is BACK - haha). And can I just say there are a million options for each baby item?!?  But I've always liked a good research challenge :)  So far I've been looking at strollers, pack 'n plays (aka playpens) and cloth diapers.  All of the options for just those items alone should be enough to keep me busy for weeks!   Babies can be pretty darn expensive with all these "must have" accessories, but we're very lucky - we've had so many people offer to help us out, that many of our bases covered already! But don't worry, I'm sure there will be more posts in the future about baby gear as I deliberate over this option versus that.

And now - the weekly check in...

Week:  18

Weight Gain: Up a lb this week to make a total of 5 lbs gained so far. 

Feeling: Slowly getting better.  I'm down to just one diclectin a day.  Tried again to cut it out completely, but the afternoons are still my witching hour.  I find if I take one diclectin at 10am - I'm good for the rest of the day. 

Maternity Clothes: Didn't buy anything new this week (imagine that) but I've been really enjoying wearing all my new clothes.  So very comfortable!

Cravings: Still nothing crazy - I keep waiting for some crazy urge to strike.  I'm sure it will take me by surprise when/if it does.

Milestones: Negative genetic screening results -woooohooo!

Movement: Still nothing definitive - lots of "odd" feelings going on - whether that's because the baby is moving, or because I'm paying closer attention is left to be seen. 

Weekly Wisdom: Make sure you get 8 hours of sleep, or you'll be paying for it the next day!

Random Name Ideas: We've been oddly quiet on the name front this week. I think we're just waiting to find out the sex of the baby - then we can go hog wild coming up with names.  Oh wait - I forgot - Patrick offered up Magenta (for a girl). 

No bump pic this week - but things haven't changed much from last week ;)

Signed,
Negative (in a good way) Mama!

We interupt this weekly broadcast for an exciting interim report!

Just heard from the midwife today, and we were given the "all clear" on our genetic screening tests!!  Which is very exciting news to this genetic counselling gal :)

Our risk for having a child with Down Syndrome went from my maternal age risk of 1 in 287 way down to 1 in 11000 - woohoo!!   And our risk for having a child with Neural Tube Defects went from the population risk of 1 in 600 to 1 in 4700 - woohoo!!

Needless to say we're very relieved and ever so happy!  Next up, the anatomy scan on Sept 6th.  Once we get an all clear on that ultrasound, I'll really be breathing easy.  But I am definitely feeling less concerned as the days go by.

And now back to our regularly scheduled program!

Signed
A Very Relieved Mama!

Week 17

It's been a quiet week of sorts. Gave a blood sample on Monday to finish up the integrated prenatal screening process (genetic screening for certain chromosomal abnormalities and a few other complications of pregnancy).  The results are usually ready in 7-10 days, so by the end of next week we should know if the pregnancy is above or below the screening cut off of 1 in 200.  If our risk is below 1 in 200 we breathe a sigh of relief and move on; if the risk is above 1 in 200 then we're eligible for further diagnostic testing aka the amnio.   We'd obviously prefer the former.  Not too much longer now - keep your fingers crossed! 

In more exciting news, I think I may have felt the baby move this week.  It was only a couple of times, so I'm not really certain, but if felt like a little nudge from the inside, fairly low in the belly, right where my uterus should be.  And yet, when I actually focus on it, I can never feel anything.  Maybe it was just gas - haha.  It's still fairly early, so I'm not worried, just impatient.

And I think the nesting instinct might be setting in too.  While putting away the flour the other day, I just HAD to stop and immeadiately clean up all the shelves in the pantry.   Like I literally could NOT go on with my day unless those pantry shelves were neat and orderly!  haha.  Wacky.  I could see this nesting thing coming in handy - so long as it doesn't get out of control that is.  I've heard stories about woman that get a bit obsessive about needing things C-L-E-A-N clean.  Yeaaaaaaaaaaaah,  I can see all my old housemates laughing now.  For some odd reason, I don't think I have to worry about that.

And now for the weekly update!

Week:  17

Weight Gain: Hasn't changed from last week - still at a respectable 4 lbs. 

Feeling: Still feeling a bit icky if I haven't eaten in a bit, but I definitely have more energy again, and am finding myself contemplating all sorts of home improvement projects. 

Maternity Clothes: I finally splurged and bought a new bra at Change.  I asked the lady for my regular pre pregnancy size and she took one look at me and said, "ummm, I don't think so".  HAH!  Turns out I have moved up a whole cup size.  And we aren't even half way through.  Oh dear.

Cravings: I still haven't experienced true "I MUST HAVE THAT NOW SO PLEASE DRIVE TO THE 24 HOUR GROCERY STORE AND GET IT FOR ME HONEY" cravings.  But I have bought lunch from the same sandwich joint all week long. It seems baby really wants soup and salad this week.

Milestones: Movement (I think)!

Movement: A few nudges that seemed too low for gas.  But not really any of the classis "bubble" or "popcorn" or "fluttery" feelings. 

Weekly Wisdom:  There's no use worrying over things you can not control (hey I didn't say I actually FOLLOW my own words of wisdom).

Random Name Ideas:   Patrick:  Troy, Amy: for once I didn't have any!

And new this week - BABY BUMP PICS!  Look at that facial expression - oh yeah, I'm glowing alright. 

Signed,
Is it gas or is it baby Mama!

Week 16 - mmmm avocados!

Baby's size has reached one of my favorite fruits - Avocado - YUM!  Don't worry baby, I won't eat you....I promise!

Not a whole lot going on this week.  I had my monthly appointment with the midwife, which means hearing the heartbeat - so much fun!  She found it right away, and it was chug a lugging along just as expected.  My blood pressure was great, and all of the blood work that was done in Week 12 came back normal.  She said the ultrasound was normal as well, although they did mention seeing a small posterior fibroid.  Nothing to be concerned about (and I'm not) but they made note of it and will check it again at the 20 week ultrasound to see if it has changed.   Shouldn't pose a problem regardless.

I tried weaning myself off the diclectin (again) - not such a great idea (again).  Ah well, it was worth a try I guess.  Luckily my benefits WILL cover the cost of the prescription, so it's not going to cost us an arm and a leg should I need to get it refilled.  I'm holding out hope that it will get better before I need to the refill.  I'm not worried about taking it, but it would be nice to feel better all on my own.

I finally found a dress for Marc and Francesca's wedding!  It was a bit tricky as the empire waist dress has gone out of style, so most regular dresses won't do, and the maternity stores I've checked haven't had much to offer either.   Interestingly - I ended up with a dress style that I was pretty sure I did NOT want - a maxi (long) dress made of jersey.   I was worried that the maxi would make me look like a tent, and the jersey would be too casual, but the dress I ended up with is a nice shade of green (somewhere between army and forest) with gold beading around the neckline so it's a bit fancier (will be dolled up even more with some nice gold accessories) and it fits quite well according to my husband - heh.   Plus jersey is easy to pack too - bonus!

And on to the weekly update:

Week:  16

Weight Gain: I think I'm still hovering around the 4 lb mark, though I haven't checked in the past couple of days!

Feeling: Unfortunately not feeling good enough to be free of the diclectin - boo. 

Maternity Clothes: Bought a cute top at Winners that I wore to a couple of parties this weekend.  It shows off the new bump quite prominently and as a result, I had my first comment from a stranger - asking me when I'm due!

Cravings: This week it's been fudgsicles!!  Mmmmmm now I want one.

Milestones: See mention of stranger asking me when I'm due!

Movement: I keep trying to focus on feeling movement - but haven't felt anything definitive yet.  It's still early.  But I keep hoping!

Weekly Wisdom:  A watched baby never moves - hah.

Random Name Ideas:   More name suggestions from the peanut gallery: Farcas, Hercules, and Apollo (you'd think we were having a puppy, not a baby - haha)

Signed,
Avocado Mama!

Week 15 - Hello San Francisco!

What a great week!  Patrick won some flight vouchers in a contest at work, so we booked a long weekend trip to San Francisco.  It was really nice for the two of us to get away and spend some time together before the baby arrives.

We ended up doing a lot of walking (so much walking), and shopping and eating as we toured the city.   We visited Alcatraz, shopped around Union Square, ate breakfast in the Haight while watching marathon runners cruise by, took pictures of an albino alligator at the National Acadamy of Science, toured a WWII submarine, had our fortunes told by an olde thyme mechanical parlour game, mistakenly strolled through a sketchy part of town, and laughed at the antics of the seals on Pier 39.

As you can see - we enjoyed ourselves!  And we bought our first gift for the baby too - a stuffed octopus :)
In other baby news - it seems a wee bump has decided to make an appearance!  I've always had a bit extra to squish around my middle, but the squishy has become hard in the past week, and so a true bump has begun!   It seems as though my nausea is getting better too, so I might try and cut back on the diclectin now that we're back from San Francisco!

Onto the weekly update!

Week:  15

Weight Gain: Well it seems I have been feeling better as I'm now up by about 4 lbs!

Feeling: Definitely feeling better this week - might even try to wean off the diclectin!  I have a lot more energy now too. 

Maternity Clothes: Wore a lot of my maternity stuff while in San Francisco - and I bought a bunch more at Pea in the Pod too!  Spent too much money, but the clothes are so nice there, and I made sure to buy stuff that is more fall/winter oriented.

Cravings: No specific cravings, though I did have french toast for 3 out of the 4 mornings we were in San Francisco.

Milestones: I have a real BUMP!

Movement: Nothing yet, but this is the next milestone on the list that I am really excited about - hopefully it will happen soon. 

Weekly Wisdom:  Sometimes my overplanning can be a good thing.  And sometimes it can be too much.  Need to find the happy medium I suppose.

Random Name Ideas:   Amy:  Beckett, Bennett, and Sausalito (not really).  Patrick:  Nothing specific this week - he just keeps shooting down all of my suggestions!


Signed,
San Francisco Mama!