I walked into the doctor's office at 1:42pm and signed in. I pulled out my "Countdown" pregnancy book, and prepared to read for the next 18 minutes until I was called back for my 2pm appointment. I had my list of questions ready, and prayers said throughout the day. I was nervous, and meeting my doctor for the first time.
Maybe three minutes later I was called back. Alex knew my appointment wasn't until 2pm, and was going to leave work at 2pm to drive the few minutes to my appointment. I told the nurse that I hadn't expected them to take me back this quickly, and she said something about being "on top of things" or something like that. She weighed me (no weight gain yet), took my blood pressure (something like 92/60) and took me to another room.
Of course when I tried to text Alex to tell him that I was already back in a room my phone decided to freeze. After a panicked moment my phone unfroze and I sent him a text message. The nurse said that we could wait to hear the heartbeat until he arrived. Moments later, he did.
It was amazing. The nurse said it was easy to pick up the heartbeat, and announced that it was 172. I was so relieved! I was worried that we would not be able to hear it, as it can sometimes be difficult to hear at 10 weeks. After the nurse left, Alex said something about there being "another soul." How incredible!
The doctor came in and I am pleased to say that she was easy to talk to and I like her. She answered my questions well:
1)No, I should not have the protein powder because of the artificial sweetener (saccarin and sucralose) in it.
2) I should continue to take the Prometrium for the next 2 or 2/12 weeks. She said I can stop three weekends from now. Calendar Marked.
3) For a natural birth, I should look into taking a class, consider a doula (she said she would ask the nurse midwife about that), and have a plan before going into the delivery room.
The rest of my check up went well. I didn't have to have a PAP smear (YAY! Won't need one until after the baby is born!), and the doctor said everything else looks great! I'm due back in four weeks: May 21 at 3pm. Now it is written down here, on a piece of paper, on my Google calendar, and on a business card from the doctors' office. No way I'm forgetting. Also, that's the day before Alex's and my second anniversary!
Good day. Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
E is for....
EXERCISE! ENERGY!
Today I exercised for real.
I did lunges down my hallway. I can do exactly five per leg all the way down. So I went down and back.
I did squats, stretches, "couch" pushups, calf raises, and some lower back/core exercises. No crunches.
Then I got on my elliptical for 20 minutes and watched an episode of Cake Boss. Then I felt great but was craving rice crispy treats and red velvet cake. On the elliptical, I kept thinking, "I am helping my baby get more oxygen!" What a motivating factor.
Since finding out about being pregnant, I've done very little in the way of exercise. I've felt tired every day, and thought that exercising would make me even more tired.
I'd been reading in books and online how important exercise is for my health and the health of my child. I was starting to feel guilty about not exercising.
After finishing, I wondered why I hadn't done it sooner! I felt more awake than I have in days, plus I felt motivated to get other things done, like vacuuming, laundry, and lunch.
No pictures of lunch. We ate it all before I thought to take a picture. It was yummy!
Alex and our pastor came over for lunch, and it was tasty. We had venison burgers with some shredded cheese sprinkled on top and "no nitrate" bacon. I made the wheat buns yesterday. I had some purple/red potatoes that I cut up like fries and baked in the oven. We also had raw broccoli. And ranch. We ate all of the above with ranch. Also no-bakes for dessert. Water to drink. Delish.
I also sat down and practiced the piano for an hour after lunch! Since getting the keyboard from my parents, I have played maybe a couple of times since setting it up. I played through some of my old books. I plan to work my way up to the "level 5" books that I never started, and then play through some of my rags and nocturnes from books I bought in college. Playing on a keyboard is definitely not the same as a real piano. I missed the pedal, the dynamics, and the key range, but I am thankful for something on which to practice. Maybe if I keep it up someday we'll advance to the real thing....or even a weighted key board.
And finally....a "nine weeks" picture. Note that I am lined up with the edge of the door. This make for an easy comparison to the next picture...which will come in about a month or six weeks...
So yay for exercise resulting in energy and accomplishments!
And thank my Heavenly Father for the ability to do any of it.
Today I exercised for real.
I did lunges down my hallway. I can do exactly five per leg all the way down. So I went down and back.
I did squats, stretches, "couch" pushups, calf raises, and some lower back/core exercises. No crunches.
Then I got on my elliptical for 20 minutes and watched an episode of Cake Boss. Then I felt great but was craving rice crispy treats and red velvet cake. On the elliptical, I kept thinking, "I am helping my baby get more oxygen!" What a motivating factor.
Since finding out about being pregnant, I've done very little in the way of exercise. I've felt tired every day, and thought that exercising would make me even more tired.
I'd been reading in books and online how important exercise is for my health and the health of my child. I was starting to feel guilty about not exercising.
After finishing, I wondered why I hadn't done it sooner! I felt more awake than I have in days, plus I felt motivated to get other things done, like vacuuming, laundry, and lunch.
No pictures of lunch. We ate it all before I thought to take a picture. It was yummy!
Alex and our pastor came over for lunch, and it was tasty. We had venison burgers with some shredded cheese sprinkled on top and "no nitrate" bacon. I made the wheat buns yesterday. I had some purple/red potatoes that I cut up like fries and baked in the oven. We also had raw broccoli. And ranch. We ate all of the above with ranch. Also no-bakes for dessert. Water to drink. Delish.
I also sat down and practiced the piano for an hour after lunch! Since getting the keyboard from my parents, I have played maybe a couple of times since setting it up. I played through some of my old books. I plan to work my way up to the "level 5" books that I never started, and then play through some of my rags and nocturnes from books I bought in college. Playing on a keyboard is definitely not the same as a real piano. I missed the pedal, the dynamics, and the key range, but I am thankful for something on which to practice. Maybe if I keep it up someday we'll advance to the real thing....or even a weighted key board.
So yay for exercise resulting in energy and accomplishments!
And thank my Heavenly Father for the ability to do any of it.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Nine Weeks
We've reached nine weeks, according to my online pregnancy reminders. I think I'm supposed to be taking pictures, but I haven't yet. The "this is me when you can't really tell" pictures, to compare to the impending "this is me looking like I'm about to pop" picture.
I feel a lot of mixed emotions at this state. I don't feel pregnant plenty of times. I feel fine, and then I worry about not feeling sick. I tried to get a different doctor (one that I had heard a lot of good things about) only to find out that she is not accepting new patients at this time. The nurse who called me was very nice and reassuring, but I started to feel like I had to figure everything out on my own.
Then my wonderful husband told me that perhaps God is telling us that we already have a good doctor. He also reminded me that God is in control of everything, including our baby. He told me that everything is fine. I needed to hear that.
I've been doing research about midwives, natural births, having meds during labor, having a doula, etc. While is is all fascinating, it is also terrifying. I kept thinking, what if I make the wrong decision? What if I think I'm doing something wrong, and our precious child is born with a giant bruise on its head, or a broken bone, or isn't breathing because of the birthing choice that I made?
Deep breath. Remember, God is in control. He told us not to worry. Worrying does not help.
So I'm going to keep praying. I'm going to keep researching. I'm going to remember that I cannot do this on my own, and I need God's grace live the way He has called me to live.
I feel a lot of mixed emotions at this state. I don't feel pregnant plenty of times. I feel fine, and then I worry about not feeling sick. I tried to get a different doctor (one that I had heard a lot of good things about) only to find out that she is not accepting new patients at this time. The nurse who called me was very nice and reassuring, but I started to feel like I had to figure everything out on my own.
Then my wonderful husband told me that perhaps God is telling us that we already have a good doctor. He also reminded me that God is in control of everything, including our baby. He told me that everything is fine. I needed to hear that.
I've been doing research about midwives, natural births, having meds during labor, having a doula, etc. While is is all fascinating, it is also terrifying. I kept thinking, what if I make the wrong decision? What if I think I'm doing something wrong, and our precious child is born with a giant bruise on its head, or a broken bone, or isn't breathing because of the birthing choice that I made?
Deep breath. Remember, God is in control. He told us not to worry. Worrying does not help.
So I'm going to keep praying. I'm going to keep researching. I'm going to remember that I cannot do this on my own, and I need God's grace live the way He has called me to live.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Video Blog: what I ate today
First ever video blog. I thought it might be fun to record what I ate today in video form :)
Monday, April 9, 2012
Working in the Sun
Today I spent almost all day working outside with groups of teachers. They were at camp for in-service, and I was one of the low ropes facilitators.
We worked at Horton Haven Christian Camp.
What was first wonderful was the congratulations from the other workers at camp. They've seen my facebook status/heard from family and friends. These are people who have known me since I was born, and their excitement means a lot to me.
Today was also BEAUTIFUL! My only regret was that I didn't take a picture. Camp is always pretty, but the weather was also perfect!
I was a little worried that I would be too tired/hungry/emotional/etc and not do well. I'm thankful for God's grace and plenty of sleep last night! I had a very filling spinach-protein smoothie for breakfast, and was able to wait until lunch without feeling to bad-but I was definitely hungry again by lunchtime!
The groups were great, and participated well. I wish more groups came during the week, because I really enjoy seeing groups coming together, and going over practical applications when it is done!
Also, I feel rejuvenated. Being in the sun, soaking it up, being outside and sharing time with others in a beautiful environment breathed life into me. It was a nice change from staying inside and reading.
We worked at Horton Haven Christian Camp.
What was first wonderful was the congratulations from the other workers at camp. They've seen my facebook status/heard from family and friends. These are people who have known me since I was born, and their excitement means a lot to me.
Today was also BEAUTIFUL! My only regret was that I didn't take a picture. Camp is always pretty, but the weather was also perfect!
I was a little worried that I would be too tired/hungry/emotional/etc and not do well. I'm thankful for God's grace and plenty of sleep last night! I had a very filling spinach-protein smoothie for breakfast, and was able to wait until lunch without feeling to bad-but I was definitely hungry again by lunchtime!
The groups were great, and participated well. I wish more groups came during the week, because I really enjoy seeing groups coming together, and going over practical applications when it is done!
Also, I feel rejuvenated. Being in the sun, soaking it up, being outside and sharing time with others in a beautiful environment breathed life into me. It was a nice change from staying inside and reading.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Peanut butter
Happy Friday!
Right now, I have a love/hate relationship with food. When I eat the right ones, I feel pretty good. When I eat the wrong kinds, I feel pretty bad within the hour.
Apples and peanut butter this afternoon did not make me feel better-I'm getting the "pregnant upset stomach feeling"....but a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast was just the ticket....maybe I just had too much peanut butter in one day...
I had Smucker's this morning, but ate the rest of it. I bought this kind with the flax seeds in it.
Right now, I have a love/hate relationship with food. When I eat the right ones, I feel pretty good. When I eat the wrong kinds, I feel pretty bad within the hour.
Apples and peanut butter this afternoon did not make me feel better-I'm getting the "pregnant upset stomach feeling"....but a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast was just the ticket....maybe I just had too much peanut butter in one day...
I had Smucker's this morning, but ate the rest of it. I bought this kind with the flax seeds in it.
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| Source from here |
I was CRAVING a chicken salad sandwich from Chick-fil-a (or anywhere, really), but we're trying to save money so I just went home and had my apple and pb-which didn't help :(
Tonight we're having leftover pizza from Papa Murphy's. Yesterday's experience was yummy with a taste of heartburn afterwards, so I hope tonight won't be too dramatic.
Yesterday I ate four eggs, but not all at the same time. I had two fried eggs, and then two more later on because I didn't feel sick after eating them! This will probably become a staple in my diet. Hopefully I can find more foods like this!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
sleeping in
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| credit here |
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Blessings
Alex and I got to make our amazing, life-changing announcement yesterday! We're having a baby!
We went to the doctor yesterday to find out our due date. We met with a billing person, who explained what insurance does and does not cover. Thankfully, the billing person had called a week earlier, so we knew how much to pay today.
We also did a lot of waiting in the front lobby. "The View" and "The Doctors" were two shows that came on while we were in the lobby. Mostly famous people that I don't really know, and some people yelling at each other.
The doctor I was supposed to see had fallen and broken her hand, so she was out. I met with a nurse, who asked me a bunch of questions about family history and all that. Also, I got a copy of What to Expect When You're Expecting and another baby magazine. I can already tell this book is going to be super helpful!
Then the ultrasound.
We got to see our tiny baby! The ultrasound lady measured it, and said that I'm about seven weeks along, which is less that what they thought at first. The baby looks kind of like a blob right now, but in a couple of weeks, he/she will be forming little limbs! The ultrasound machine calculated my due date to be 11/19, so we still have plenty of time for prep and planning.
I've decided to use this blog to regularly document my pregnancy. Since I still have a looooong way to go, I have a great opportunity to reflect on feelings and progress.
We are so excited about our new, tiny life! God has blessed us so much!
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| Us knowing but not telling yet |
We went to the doctor yesterday to find out our due date. We met with a billing person, who explained what insurance does and does not cover. Thankfully, the billing person had called a week earlier, so we knew how much to pay today.
We also did a lot of waiting in the front lobby. "The View" and "The Doctors" were two shows that came on while we were in the lobby. Mostly famous people that I don't really know, and some people yelling at each other.
The doctor I was supposed to see had fallen and broken her hand, so she was out. I met with a nurse, who asked me a bunch of questions about family history and all that. Also, I got a copy of What to Expect When You're Expecting and another baby magazine. I can already tell this book is going to be super helpful!
Then the ultrasound.
We got to see our tiny baby! The ultrasound lady measured it, and said that I'm about seven weeks along, which is less that what they thought at first. The baby looks kind of like a blob right now, but in a couple of weeks, he/she will be forming little limbs! The ultrasound machine calculated my due date to be 11/19, so we still have plenty of time for prep and planning.
We are so excited about our new, tiny life! God has blessed us so much!
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