On Wednesday, March 16, Attila and I headed to our 34 week check up. It was right after I got out of work and on the way there, I put my feet up in the car and noticed how incredibly swollen they were; the worse I had ever seen. I was also feeling weak and dizzy. When we got to the office, my blood pressure was pretty high and they decided to check my protein urine count. It was also up. Literally in the time span of half an hour, they admitted me into the hospital fearing it could be pre eclampsia. I was very emotional at that point, of course. We drove over to the hospital (stopping by 40 Days for Life and asking them to pray for us) and I got wheeled up to a room. Right away I was hooked up to blood pressure monitor and had labs taken. They checked my BP every 15 minutes and it was all over the place, reaching into the 180s. By 9 pm, it was decided that I would do a 24 hour urine sample test which would tell us if it really was pre eclampsia. So we geared up to spend the night in the hospital.
The next day, Thursday, was just about waiting and going pee. Our midwife, Sharon, would come in and out and give us results of the blood tests, which were OK but showing early signs of pre eclampsia. At one point we talked about maybe looking at bedrest but at another point, the reality of an emergency c section was laid before us. If my labs continued to get worse, showing my kidneys and liver getting worse, then it would be a c section. The 24 hours were up Thursdsay night, but we waited until Friday morning to hear and discuss the news.
Friday morning came, and I had high levels of protein in my urine. But my lab results were still Ok. And my blood pressure was still high. At that point, it was clear that we would try inducing labor. So now there was a series of tests to determine if baby was strong enough for labor. They had given me steroid shots to help the baby's lungs mature, too. We did an ultrasound and found out that the baby weighed about 5 pounds, which really put our hearts at ease a bit. It was so crazy to think that we could soon be meeting our little man. That night, they also started me on Magnesium Sulfate to protect my body from seizure and stroke during labor. It was intense. First, to realize seizures and stroke were a possibility and second the drug had very strong side effects. I was woozy and dizzy most of the time and it gave me hot flashes. At dinner time, they started a round of prostoglandin on my cervix to soften it and dialate it in preparation for pitocin in the morning.
We woke Saturday and found out I was dialated 1 cm and 50 % effaced. The pitocin was started. Most of the day not much happened in terms of contractions. I was very exhausted and so out of it from the medication I was on. The magnesium is known to relax the uterus, so that was working against what the pitocin should've done. Our families came to visit that day and I think it was very hard for them to see me in the state I was. By dinner Saturday, I had not made any progress in terms of dialation. We waited a little longer, and later that night the doctor let me have a break from the pitocin and cut the magnesium dose in half, so I would start to feel better. And I got to eat a full meal, which I hadn't had since Friday night. They also put me back on the prostoglandin to work on dialating me some more. I got some sleep and I would be checked Sunday morning.
On Sunday morning, I was dialated 2 cm and 80 % effaced. Not too much progress. By Sunday around noon (I think, i've lost track of all the times), we decided to break my waters, hoping that would speed up labor. After my waters were broke, they started me on pitocin again. We were pretty hopeful this time. As exhausted as I was, I still wanted to have a vaginal birth, and the hospital staff was not quick to solve things with a c-section, which I appreciated. The contractions were much stronger this time and I even found myself praying for painful contractions - it would mean labor was progressing! Since my water had been broken, they didn't want to check me that often for risk of infection, so they checked me once late at night and I was 3 cm dialated and. After the whole day of labor
Monday, March 28, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Sacrifices
I just wrote an entire post that got deleted! Aagh! So now I will try my best to remember what I had written the first time around...
I haven't posted in a month! I hate to say that February was "busy" (because that term is used so lightly as an excuse to not do things) but we had a lot going on. Normally, I would've thrived off of all we had planned (youth group functions and retreats, many meetings at Church, a quick trip to South Bend, visits to the doctor, baby shower planning + registering, plus grocery shopping, laundry and cleaning with full time jobs) but being 8 months pregnant takes a toll! There hasn't been many nights at home for the evening to relax. Attila is even gone right now at a meeting in Lafayette and I could've gone to another church function, but I needed to stay home!
In the past month, pregancy has showed up in full force. I will say, and most women agree, the second trimester was AWESOME! It's a special time when you start feeling the baby move. Now that I'm well into the third trimester, I still love being pregnant and experiencing this little life within me. But more and more each day there is the realization that my body is not my own. There is another person growing inside of me, and theres less and less room for both of us to live comfortably everyday. I feel like I am officially apart of the pregnancy experience; I've been initiated now that I am experiencing all the stereotypical symptoms.
Lots of burps! If I move from laying down to sitting up, its a given that I will burp many times in a row! And lots of peeing. I am constantly aware of my bladder. This baby's head is right where it needs to be, meaning its right on top of my bladder and meaning I waddle as fast as I can when I feel like I may explode. It can be painful! It doesn't help that my mother in law told me Attila was born with a big head, and I am convinced this baby will have a big head, too. This head has to be big with how much pain I'm in :) I am also beginning to feel my lungs and ribs smooshed by the top of my growing uterus, hence why I may sound outta breath if you talk to me on the phone or in person. My carpel tunnel is getting worse, but I have a splint which helps a lot. And then there is the swelling! When I weighed in this week at the docs, I had gained 6 pounds in 2 weeks. The doc looked at my legs and knew I am retaining water. My legs look like tree trunks and my toes look like sausages! I am quite fascinated (and a lil disgusted) at what my ankles look like. I have to lay low on the sodium and keep drinking water!
We're also in "preparation for labor" mode. Since we're planning on a natural birth, it's "go time" to really kick exercises and stretches into gear. My cute husband is my "coach" and is taking this role seriously. Today, he was so adament on doing the exercises and stretches. But its good, I really need him to help me prepare my body for labor. We're entering a new phase of this pregnancy and of our marriage, really. He's getting to know my body more, too and I'm only going to rely on him more and more to help me out physically. Sometimes, I do fall into the trap of thinking "you have no idea what I'm going through" or "you won't ever have to experience the pains of labor" mentality and harbor feelings of resentment toward him for still being to live a normal functioning life. But he is taking such an active role in being my "coach" that I really think he WILL experience what I do and labor will be just as demanding on him. He already sacrifices so much to help me be more comfortable everyday and our marriage is becoming more of the reality "two become one". The TWO of us are sacrificing and preparing as if we were one person, in union, working together to bring the fruit of our love into this world!
God is so great and has blessed us beyond measure! I don't think its a coincidence that I'm due right after Easter, and that the most difficult part of pregnancy will be during Lent. God is refining me and my little family and bringing us even closer to the beauty of His Cross and His Glory. Amen, so be it!
I haven't posted in a month! I hate to say that February was "busy" (because that term is used so lightly as an excuse to not do things) but we had a lot going on. Normally, I would've thrived off of all we had planned (youth group functions and retreats, many meetings at Church, a quick trip to South Bend, visits to the doctor, baby shower planning + registering, plus grocery shopping, laundry and cleaning with full time jobs) but being 8 months pregnant takes a toll! There hasn't been many nights at home for the evening to relax. Attila is even gone right now at a meeting in Lafayette and I could've gone to another church function, but I needed to stay home!
In the past month, pregancy has showed up in full force. I will say, and most women agree, the second trimester was AWESOME! It's a special time when you start feeling the baby move. Now that I'm well into the third trimester, I still love being pregnant and experiencing this little life within me. But more and more each day there is the realization that my body is not my own. There is another person growing inside of me, and theres less and less room for both of us to live comfortably everyday. I feel like I am officially apart of the pregnancy experience; I've been initiated now that I am experiencing all the stereotypical symptoms.
Lots of burps! If I move from laying down to sitting up, its a given that I will burp many times in a row! And lots of peeing. I am constantly aware of my bladder. This baby's head is right where it needs to be, meaning its right on top of my bladder and meaning I waddle as fast as I can when I feel like I may explode. It can be painful! It doesn't help that my mother in law told me Attila was born with a big head, and I am convinced this baby will have a big head, too. This head has to be big with how much pain I'm in :) I am also beginning to feel my lungs and ribs smooshed by the top of my growing uterus, hence why I may sound outta breath if you talk to me on the phone or in person. My carpel tunnel is getting worse, but I have a splint which helps a lot. And then there is the swelling! When I weighed in this week at the docs, I had gained 6 pounds in 2 weeks. The doc looked at my legs and knew I am retaining water. My legs look like tree trunks and my toes look like sausages! I am quite fascinated (and a lil disgusted) at what my ankles look like. I have to lay low on the sodium and keep drinking water!
We're also in "preparation for labor" mode. Since we're planning on a natural birth, it's "go time" to really kick exercises and stretches into gear. My cute husband is my "coach" and is taking this role seriously. Today, he was so adament on doing the exercises and stretches. But its good, I really need him to help me prepare my body for labor. We're entering a new phase of this pregnancy and of our marriage, really. He's getting to know my body more, too and I'm only going to rely on him more and more to help me out physically. Sometimes, I do fall into the trap of thinking "you have no idea what I'm going through" or "you won't ever have to experience the pains of labor" mentality and harbor feelings of resentment toward him for still being to live a normal functioning life. But he is taking such an active role in being my "coach" that I really think he WILL experience what I do and labor will be just as demanding on him. He already sacrifices so much to help me be more comfortable everyday and our marriage is becoming more of the reality "two become one". The TWO of us are sacrificing and preparing as if we were one person, in union, working together to bring the fruit of our love into this world!
God is so great and has blessed us beyond measure! I don't think its a coincidence that I'm due right after Easter, and that the most difficult part of pregnancy will be during Lent. God is refining me and my little family and bringing us even closer to the beauty of His Cross and His Glory. Amen, so be it!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Happy Birthday
Yesterday was my dear husband, Attila's, birthday. I love celebrating his birthday because its a time to thank God for the immense blessing he is in my life. This year I wanted it to be a super special birthday because its the last one before children enter the picture. I wanted us to spend quality time together. God knew this desire of my heart, too, because school was cancelled and his car was stuck in the road, so we got to spend the whole day in rest and thanksgiving! I'd like to lift up my beloved and tell you why I love him so!
Attila is a man after God's heart and His will. Marriage is a blessing because we get to know eachother's minds and hearts intimately. After knowing him this long and walking with him to Our Lord, I can say that the desire of his heart is to please God. We both fall in our commitments to God regularly, but he always gets back up, however painful that may be, and perseveres. He gently brings me back up with him or he humbly allows me to help him, too. He is always asking the Lord to help him be more disciplined so that he may be a better servant of His. And he has grown in this! I've known Attila for about 9 years, since late junior high and early high school. I've seen firsthand how he has grown in virtue and it makes me so proud. I must give God glory for his refining fire.
Attila gave his life to the Lord around the time I met him, and for this I am FOREVER grateful. He is the man, husband, father, son, and friend he is today because of his "yes" so early on. He was given the grace to make good decisions and lead a pure, committed life as a teen and young adult. The Lord knew my heart so well and what I needed, and he fashioned this in Attila. He prepared a home and family for me in Attila's heart. How many men at the age of 16 are on the right path in order to be a noble husband and father? Because of my husband's surrender to God, he is now so willing to give himself for me and those in his life whom he is called to serve. He is a protector and a provider. He is faithful and committed. He loves me unconditionally. He treats me with gentleness and mercy. He is strong. He is sacrificial; giving up certain things in his life so that he may follow God better and serve our family better.
I am so excited to fall in love with him even deeper as I see him assume the role of father. There are things about him waiting to come forward and give glory to God. Next year, I will be able to reflect on those! I do know that our family is safe from so many things because of the man Attila is. I am so hopeful to watch our children grow up under the safety and protection of his leadership and example. I am confident that he will continue to lead us to Christ and His eternal peace! Thank you, God, for Attila Joseph!
Attila is a man after God's heart and His will. Marriage is a blessing because we get to know eachother's minds and hearts intimately. After knowing him this long and walking with him to Our Lord, I can say that the desire of his heart is to please God. We both fall in our commitments to God regularly, but he always gets back up, however painful that may be, and perseveres. He gently brings me back up with him or he humbly allows me to help him, too. He is always asking the Lord to help him be more disciplined so that he may be a better servant of His. And he has grown in this! I've known Attila for about 9 years, since late junior high and early high school. I've seen firsthand how he has grown in virtue and it makes me so proud. I must give God glory for his refining fire.
Attila gave his life to the Lord around the time I met him, and for this I am FOREVER grateful. He is the man, husband, father, son, and friend he is today because of his "yes" so early on. He was given the grace to make good decisions and lead a pure, committed life as a teen and young adult. The Lord knew my heart so well and what I needed, and he fashioned this in Attila. He prepared a home and family for me in Attila's heart. How many men at the age of 16 are on the right path in order to be a noble husband and father? Because of my husband's surrender to God, he is now so willing to give himself for me and those in his life whom he is called to serve. He is a protector and a provider. He is faithful and committed. He loves me unconditionally. He treats me with gentleness and mercy. He is strong. He is sacrificial; giving up certain things in his life so that he may follow God better and serve our family better.
I am so excited to fall in love with him even deeper as I see him assume the role of father. There are things about him waiting to come forward and give glory to God. Next year, I will be able to reflect on those! I do know that our family is safe from so many things because of the man Attila is. I am so hopeful to watch our children grow up under the safety and protection of his leadership and example. I am confident that he will continue to lead us to Christ and His eternal peace! Thank you, God, for Attila Joseph!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Prep time
We had our first childbirth preparation class this morning. It was very different from what I imagined, ya know, the prep classes from all the shows, where you learn the "Lamaze" way of breathing. Next week we will learn about breathing techinques and different positions to try, but this week we watched some videos and learned about the labor process in depth, while being able to answer questions. I really enjoyed our nurse who taught us. She offered a lot of insight and wisdom. Attila and I both agreed it was really good to learn about the different stages of labor and what to expect for each one. It brought our minds to ease, especially about when to know the right time of going to the hospital. This week, we learned about what to expect in a natral childbirth and next week we will learn about all the "interventions" that can happen. Our nurse really stressed that if you're choosing a natural childbirth, the critical time is the "transition" phase, when contractactions and pain can be the most intense. She said, honestly, this is when most moms say "I can't do this anymore!" She stressed to talk with your "support person" (aka my hubby) before labor begins so they know if they need to talk you through this time or to listen to what you want in that moment and let the nurses know if pain meds can really be administered. She said some moms who do ask for an epidural at this time will afterward say they wished they wouldn't have gotten one because it wasn't much longer till baby was born. Many moms who do have a natural birth very quickly forget the pain and say "That wasn't so bad!"
We watched a video of a couple's journey in labor and it was really inspiring. The woman was very honest about her pain. They checked her at one point and she was 5 cm dialated and she said, "Oh you have got to be kidding me, I can't do this anymore". Her midwife and husband were great at talking her through it. They also showed the techniques she and her husband used to cope with the pain of contractions, and it was really beautiful to watch them in such harmony. Their communication was great and they worked really well together. It was obvious that it wasn't an easy birth but it was a very positive experience for their whole family in the end. I loved it! At the beginning of the class, I was a little overwhelmed at how much my body is going to go through and how difficult it may be, but by the end, I was at ease and ready to begin the process of mentally, emotionally, and spiritually preparing myself for this labor and birth. I learned that during the really hard times, I need to be dependant on my husband's support and his encouragement. Once I am 7-8 cm dialated, it may be difficult, but I have to remember that it WILL be over soon and the end result is a baby!!
I think we are going to start figuring out what kind of music we want to listen to during labor and I even want to think of ways we can pray throughout it all, too. Ahh, we are so excited for this new adventure!!!
We watched a video of a couple's journey in labor and it was really inspiring. The woman was very honest about her pain. They checked her at one point and she was 5 cm dialated and she said, "Oh you have got to be kidding me, I can't do this anymore". Her midwife and husband were great at talking her through it. They also showed the techniques she and her husband used to cope with the pain of contractions, and it was really beautiful to watch them in such harmony. Their communication was great and they worked really well together. It was obvious that it wasn't an easy birth but it was a very positive experience for their whole family in the end. I loved it! At the beginning of the class, I was a little overwhelmed at how much my body is going to go through and how difficult it may be, but by the end, I was at ease and ready to begin the process of mentally, emotionally, and spiritually preparing myself for this labor and birth. I learned that during the really hard times, I need to be dependant on my husband's support and his encouragement. Once I am 7-8 cm dialated, it may be difficult, but I have to remember that it WILL be over soon and the end result is a baby!!
I think we are going to start figuring out what kind of music we want to listen to during labor and I even want to think of ways we can pray throughout it all, too. Ahh, we are so excited for this new adventure!!!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Growing pains
We have our first childbirth prep class this Saturday, I am so excited! It's going to make things so much more "real", I hope! I'm getting really anxious for this baby to get here, especially as my body is going through such drastic changes. I just read on a website the other day that some moms can experience a type of depression during their pregnancy. I can relate at times. I will be honest that its not always easy to be joyful during pregnancy, especially when you get a quick glimpse in the mirror of what you now look like. I've never put on this much weight in so little a time and I feel the past month I haven't been the best at minding how much I eat or the healthiness of what I'm eating and now all of the sudden I feel poopy. And I've also been experiencing some really crazy growing pains! Its getting harder and harder to be comfortable at night when I'm trying to sleep, and I often feel like my bladder is going to fall out when I walk!
But as I was making one of my many trips to the bathroom (and yes, sitting on the toilet) I realized that this is all happening in order that another human person may be brought into this world. I don't always automatically remember that in times of discomfort and low self-esteem.
Amidst some of the discomfort, there are times of great joy, too. These are mostly when this baby is moving around so much. I just have to laugh out loud sometimes with joy! The movements are getting so big and strong, I can feel it my butt! Gotta be honest, I just have to laugh at this sensation! Another moment of joy and laughter was when I was watching my good friends two little boys after school. I said, "Guys, the babys kicking, wanna feel? And the cute little first grader innocently put his hand on my chest instead of my belly and said "Here?". Then as we watched some PBS show, he just sat there with his hand on my belly, so nonchalantly. He kept asking "How does the baby get in there? Little girls don't have bellies with babies, how do big girls get them?" and I would say "You have to be married and love your husband and wife so much" and he just couldn't take that answer. Not being his parent, I had to leave it at that :) So cute and innocent, little boys must be so fun :)
But as I was making one of my many trips to the bathroom (and yes, sitting on the toilet) I realized that this is all happening in order that another human person may be brought into this world. I don't always automatically remember that in times of discomfort and low self-esteem.
Amidst some of the discomfort, there are times of great joy, too. These are mostly when this baby is moving around so much. I just have to laugh out loud sometimes with joy! The movements are getting so big and strong, I can feel it my butt! Gotta be honest, I just have to laugh at this sensation! Another moment of joy and laughter was when I was watching my good friends two little boys after school. I said, "Guys, the babys kicking, wanna feel? And the cute little first grader innocently put his hand on my chest instead of my belly and said "Here?". Then as we watched some PBS show, he just sat there with his hand on my belly, so nonchalantly. He kept asking "How does the baby get in there? Little girls don't have bellies with babies, how do big girls get them?" and I would say "You have to be married and love your husband and wife so much" and he just couldn't take that answer. Not being his parent, I had to leave it at that :) So cute and innocent, little boys must be so fun :)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The Simple Life
As I hit about the 3 months to go mark, I'm getting very anxious about all that needs to be done before the little one gets here. Our "guest bedroom" is still a "catch all" with not much room in the closet for new baby clothes and gear. We still have our bills and files just randomly sitting on top of one of the dressers. I'd like this room to be the baby's and the status of it right now is a little stressful. There is also the task of registering for things for our showers and of course, I want to register for things I really think I will use and will really need. In both of these things, planning the "nursery" and registering for new things, a big part of me wants to get all this cute, new stuff that matches and looks great. I want a "design" for the baby room. This would also cost a good amount of money to do all this.
Something I feel the Lord has been putting on my heart lately is simplicity. I just desire, and by His grace am able to sometimes, have a simple trust in Him that we will have everything we need for this baby. Is it crucial to my child's rearing that they have all "cute" and "new" things? Will they even know the difference if their crib was bought new or used? 20 years from now, will my child say "I really wish my Mom and Dad (and rest of family) bought me a lot more things" ? I'm thinking the answer is no to all this. In the past couple weeks, the Lord has softened my heart to be so grateful and content with things people are willing to give to us for our baby that are used, free of charge. Someone has offered to give us their old "pack n play" and a used car seat/ stroller. Are they going to match everything else? Probably not. But those are two less things we'll have to buy and I am so grateful for that! I also know that I can be creative and will make our child's room look "cute" and coordinated, even with a modge podge of things. It's pretty exciting actually! The thought of other people helping us out by donating their old stuff to us gives me a great sense of community and am humbled by people's eagerness to help us out.
Today is the anniversary of Roe V. Wade, the case that legalized abortion. As I am carrying my unborn child, I have a new awareness and understanding for women who find themselves in scary and tough situations. And it saddens me that many women choose abortion because they are lacking this sense of a community who are willing to support them. We fail. Let us all make the sacrifices needed to lift up the greater good of our community and those individuals who need our help the most. God grant us the strength to lift up our heads and be compassionate!
Something I feel the Lord has been putting on my heart lately is simplicity. I just desire, and by His grace am able to sometimes, have a simple trust in Him that we will have everything we need for this baby. Is it crucial to my child's rearing that they have all "cute" and "new" things? Will they even know the difference if their crib was bought new or used? 20 years from now, will my child say "I really wish my Mom and Dad (and rest of family) bought me a lot more things" ? I'm thinking the answer is no to all this. In the past couple weeks, the Lord has softened my heart to be so grateful and content with things people are willing to give to us for our baby that are used, free of charge. Someone has offered to give us their old "pack n play" and a used car seat/ stroller. Are they going to match everything else? Probably not. But those are two less things we'll have to buy and I am so grateful for that! I also know that I can be creative and will make our child's room look "cute" and coordinated, even with a modge podge of things. It's pretty exciting actually! The thought of other people helping us out by donating their old stuff to us gives me a great sense of community and am humbled by people's eagerness to help us out.
Today is the anniversary of Roe V. Wade, the case that legalized abortion. As I am carrying my unborn child, I have a new awareness and understanding for women who find themselves in scary and tough situations. And it saddens me that many women choose abortion because they are lacking this sense of a community who are willing to support them. We fail. Let us all make the sacrifices needed to lift up the greater good of our community and those individuals who need our help the most. God grant us the strength to lift up our heads and be compassionate!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
The Home Stretch
So, I haven't posted in like 3 weeks, woops! Going back to work after Christmas break has been an adjustment and I think things are settling down a little bit. I decided I would update about how the pregnany is going!
My baby is growing!! Maybe the next post will be an announcement about the gender, I keep forgetting we haven't put it up here or on Facebook, so many friends from outta town don't know yet! In the past few weeks, I am so surprised every time I look in the mirror at how many new stretch marks I have! I haven't been the best at puttin the cocoa butter on, and I know eventually, as I have more kids, the stretch marks would come anyway. It's something that I myself cannot be worried about and I'm OK with that. This is my new life! With stretch marks come some crazy muscle pains, what is called "round ligament pains". Man oh man, I feel like the muscles in my pelvic area are being pulled like rubber bands. It hurts most when I've been sitting for a while and I get up too quick. This baby, as all babies I think, is also putting a lot of pressure on my bladder. Just walking around can be painful! I am also losing my sense of balance, which is normal, too. We went to the doc this past Thursday and I found out I've gained about 20 pounds total, which I'm a little self-conscious about. I don't FEEL 20 pounds heavier. Obviously the bulk of weight is in the tummy area too,but I know my hips are also a lil bigger, which is no surprise for my body type!
Something else that has been happening is that my right hand has been falling asleep at night and I wake up in pain. I will shake it out, but it goes right back to sleep. Then when I wake up and am getting ready for the day, I notice that its not so much asleep but when I go to grab something, I feel pain and tingling. Our midwife said that I probably have carpel tunnel! I honestly just chalked it up to "poor circulation" but I guess in pregnancy the carpel tunnel nerve that runs down our arm and into our rest, like other things, can become swollen thus causing problems. Crazy! So if it gets worse I may be sleeping with a splint, but we'll see. It's just another of those things that surpises me about my pregnant body.
In a couple weeks we will start our series of Childbirth prep classes. I'm excited and think it will make things more real. I'm really excited to start getting Attila more involved by helping me with learning relaxation methods, as we are going to try for a natural childbirth (i.e. no epidural, pitocin, etc.). Don't worry, if needed we will be in a hospital, so if things need to be induced or an emergency happens, I understand that its ok. But they will try to be avoided and our midwife is trained in natural childbirth. As much as I can be scared about experiencing all that pain, I have a feeling that it will be a very good journey for me and my baby and my husband, one that will strengthen our family a whole lot. If you know me well (like my parents and siblings know this) I don't do well with physical pain and discomfort. I can be whiny and complainy. Already, this pregnancy is forcing me outta that (slowly but surely) and I know this pregnancy and birth is going to sanctify me so that I may go outside of myself and unite myself to Our Lord.
Anyway, I could go on and on, but I am excited and getting more excited to meet our little one after this time of joyful (and somewhat penitential) time of anticipation!
My baby is growing!! Maybe the next post will be an announcement about the gender, I keep forgetting we haven't put it up here or on Facebook, so many friends from outta town don't know yet! In the past few weeks, I am so surprised every time I look in the mirror at how many new stretch marks I have! I haven't been the best at puttin the cocoa butter on, and I know eventually, as I have more kids, the stretch marks would come anyway. It's something that I myself cannot be worried about and I'm OK with that. This is my new life! With stretch marks come some crazy muscle pains, what is called "round ligament pains". Man oh man, I feel like the muscles in my pelvic area are being pulled like rubber bands. It hurts most when I've been sitting for a while and I get up too quick. This baby, as all babies I think, is also putting a lot of pressure on my bladder. Just walking around can be painful! I am also losing my sense of balance, which is normal, too. We went to the doc this past Thursday and I found out I've gained about 20 pounds total, which I'm a little self-conscious about. I don't FEEL 20 pounds heavier. Obviously the bulk of weight is in the tummy area too,but I know my hips are also a lil bigger, which is no surprise for my body type!
Something else that has been happening is that my right hand has been falling asleep at night and I wake up in pain. I will shake it out, but it goes right back to sleep. Then when I wake up and am getting ready for the day, I notice that its not so much asleep but when I go to grab something, I feel pain and tingling. Our midwife said that I probably have carpel tunnel! I honestly just chalked it up to "poor circulation" but I guess in pregnancy the carpel tunnel nerve that runs down our arm and into our rest, like other things, can become swollen thus causing problems. Crazy! So if it gets worse I may be sleeping with a splint, but we'll see. It's just another of those things that surpises me about my pregnant body.
In a couple weeks we will start our series of Childbirth prep classes. I'm excited and think it will make things more real. I'm really excited to start getting Attila more involved by helping me with learning relaxation methods, as we are going to try for a natural childbirth (i.e. no epidural, pitocin, etc.). Don't worry, if needed we will be in a hospital, so if things need to be induced or an emergency happens, I understand that its ok. But they will try to be avoided and our midwife is trained in natural childbirth. As much as I can be scared about experiencing all that pain, I have a feeling that it will be a very good journey for me and my baby and my husband, one that will strengthen our family a whole lot. If you know me well (like my parents and siblings know this) I don't do well with physical pain and discomfort. I can be whiny and complainy. Already, this pregnancy is forcing me outta that (slowly but surely) and I know this pregnancy and birth is going to sanctify me so that I may go outside of myself and unite myself to Our Lord.
Anyway, I could go on and on, but I am excited and getting more excited to meet our little one after this time of joyful (and somewhat penitential) time of anticipation!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)