I have said it before and I will say it again, I really couldn't have asked for a better pregnancy. However, I recently found out I have an inherited blood clotting disorder. The thing is, I have know there is a possibility of me having this for a good number of years since my grandfather had it and my dad has it. It just never crossed my mind to get tested for it prior to getting pregnant since I have never had blood clotting issues.
It was until a couple weeks ago when I was reading an article about how pregnant women are already more susceptible to having blood clots and then it mentioned Factor Five Leiden. This brought up a red flag for me because I knew my dad has it. At my 30 week appointment I asked my doctor about it and she said I needed to get tested for it immediately.
Well, my test came back positive for having one of the genes. If I am going to have it, this is the best way to have it because it isn't as serious. She explained to me that really having one of the genes isn't that big of a deal. It becomes more serious if a woman becomes pregnant (CHECK) or experiences trauma. From here on out, I just need to take an aspirin a day until the baby is born.
I am trying to look at this as positively as possible because it could be a lot worse. After doing some research (which I should have never done), I found that most women who have the disorder have a series of miscarriages and that is how they find out they have it. Fortunately, I have made it this far with no complications in which I am very grateful for. But now, I can't help but worry about the next eight weeks I have ahead of me and if something else could potentially happen to me or the baby.
Some 32 Week Updates:
-I don't even know how this is possible but I have gained 5 lbs since my last appointment two weeks ago. My eating habits really haven't changed but I absolutely cannot continue gaining 5 lbs every two weeks until this baby is born! This puts my total weight gain at 13 lbs. Overall, I am fine with a 13 lb weight gain at 32 weeks-I am not happy with how much I have gained in two weeks.
-This baby has been moving A LOT lately. I actually think that is the one thing I will miss after she is born. It is a constant reminder that she is doing well!
-I am going to Kansas City in a couple days for work and am staying for the weekend. One of my good friends recently had her baby and I get to meet her for the first time! Adam will be meeting me and this will be the last time I get to see him before he moves back permanently in a month!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Our Decision to Cloth Diaper...Happy 31 Weeks!
Ok, I know what you are thinking because it is probably the same thing I thought when I heard of "cloth diapers." And, I will be the first to admit that I had a pretty negative attitude towards cloth diapering before I really looked into it.
So this is what I first thought of.
So this is what I first thought of.
You know, a piece of cloth held together by a couple of safety pins. I was definitely wrong.
What really drove me to start researching cloth diapers was hearing how awesome they were from people I knew who used them. I have a couple of co-workers who use them and my step-sister uses them as well.
Fortunately, for Adam and I, there is a great store called Time for Baby here in Kearney that has a good range of types. I won't go into all the details about the variety of cloth diapers there are but if you want to know more, I would recommend checking out The Diaper Jungle. The owners of the store are amazing and so knowledgeable and helpful. They showed me all of the different types, what they recommend, and the biggest difference between disposables and cloth. Besides the obvious (much more environmentally-friendly) the other big difference is cost and that is what really made me interested.
I would really love to be one of those people that is doing it for the environment, but for me, that is an added perk to the amount of money we are saving. You see, with cloth diapers, you buy the amount you need, your baby uses them from essentially birth through potty-training, and that's it. You don't have to buy diapers every week or every month-you pretty much use what you started out with at birth. Yes, it is an up-front investment, but if you look at the long-term, it is estimated you are saving about $2500.
Getting Adam on board was a little bit harder. Luckily, Time for Baby was having a cloth diaper workshop in which they discussed the different options they have and we could hear from real families about their experiences. Adam kept an open mind going into it and when he started to hear about how easy they were to use and the money we would be saving, he was sold. Especially since we can use these with future kids also.
Going to that workshop made me hear about all of the other benefits that go along with cloth diapering. Not only do they save you money, are good for the environment, but they are also great for preventing diaper rashes. I have read, and heard this time and time again. Because they material that is being used is so much more absorbent and chemicals aren't being used, they rarely give babies diaper rashes. This means a less fussy baby!
I definitely don't think it is for everyone and I do think you need to be committed to using them. Again, I didn't have the best attitude when I would hear about people using them, but I have had a change of heart and Adam and I are excited to use them.
Like I said, there are lots of different kinds, but Adam and I have decided to use the Best Bottoms brand. We like these a lot because of the ease of use, the reviews we heard from friends, and you don't need as many of them based off the material they are made out of.
Here are what they look like.
The material of the shell (the part that is colorful with the snaps) is water and stain resistant. Unless the baby makes a huge mess, you keep the same shell on, and just change the liner (the part that goes inside the shell that absorbs everything). The shells are the most expensive piece so if we don't need as many of those, that is great. There are some diapers out there that you have to wash the shell and the liners after every use which means you need a lot more of the shells.
Some 31 Week updates...
-Baby is about 3.5 lbs and is approx. 16 inches long. Apparently she is heading into a growth spurt. This must explain me needing to eat about every two hours and never feeling full...
-More recently, I have started to feel nauseous in the morning. I never had morning sickness in my first trimester but the past few mornings, even after I eat breakfast, I have a really intense wave of nausea. Not fun!
-Our little baby girl is starting to run out of room and has started to find a place for her little feet under my ribs. It isn't super uncomfortable, yet. Just feels weird.
Stay tuned the next couple weeks because I will be featuring our nursery reveal!
Monday, July 1, 2013
Woah...30 Weeks!!!
I seriously cannot believe we just have ten weeks left! Where has the time gone? I am just hoping the last ten weeks fly by as quickly as the first 30 weeks.
It seemed like as soon as I hit the third trimester, the symptoms associated with it were right there as well! So far I have started experiencing some lower back pain, a little more fatigue, and, most recently, the wonderful Braxton Hicks contractions!
I have also started having some nesting bouts. Over the weekend I was doing dishes. This led to me cleaning out and organizing the refrigerator. And then I decided to clean the stove, sweep, and mop. I have also started washing, organizing, and putting away the baby clothes I know we will use. I am not at the point of just deciding to completely deep clean the apartment but I can see that happening.
It seemed like as soon as I hit the third trimester, the symptoms associated with it were right there as well! So far I have started experiencing some lower back pain, a little more fatigue, and, most recently, the wonderful Braxton Hicks contractions!
I have also started having some nesting bouts. Over the weekend I was doing dishes. This led to me cleaning out and organizing the refrigerator. And then I decided to clean the stove, sweep, and mop. I have also started washing, organizing, and putting away the baby clothes I know we will use. I am not at the point of just deciding to completely deep clean the apartment but I can see that happening.
- How far along? 30 Weeks
- Total weight gain/loss: I have gained a total of 8 lbs! Woohoo! My doctor seemed surprised that I haven't gained more since I am looking bigger but each person carries their baby differently. I think also because I have short torso, the only room for the baby to grow is out! Overall, I am happy with my weight gain. When I first got pregnant she told me to expect to gain between 22-25 lbs. I cannot imagine gaining 14 pounds in the last two months but we will see!
- Maternity clothes? Oh yes!
- Stretch marks: Thankfully, no more than before!
- Sleep: Hit or miss-some nights I sleep really well and other nights I find it incredibly hard to get comfortable.
- Best moment this week: I unexpectedly was able to see my family this past week!
- Miss Anything? Being out in the sun more. I am so pale this summer! I do get outside but I miss laying out and swimming. I am trying to avoid getting what is called the "Mask of Pregnancy" which you have higher chances of getting if you are in the sun a lot. It basically gives a woman dark splotches on her skin-especially face!
- Movement: Yup! She has really been kicking by my ribs more. Sometimes she is moving in such a way that it feels like she is doing somersaults Still, one of my favorite things to do is to lay in bed before I go to bed and after I wake up to feel her move all around!
- Food cravings: Not really anything
- Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
- Gender: GIRL!!!
- Labor Signs: Not yet!
- Symptoms: Some lower back pain, acid reflux (hopefully she will have a full head of hair!), and some mild muscle cramping. Joys of the third trimester!
- Belly Button in or out? Still in
- Wedding rings on or off? On!
- Happy or Moody most of the time: Pretty happy most of the time!
- Looking forward to: I get to see Adam in two days for a four day weekend over the 4th!!! Our crib also came in and Adam has been persistent that it is a "Dad's job" when putting it together so I have been patiently waiting to open the box.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
The Name Game...29 Weeks
I unexpectedly had to go to Wisconsin for a few days due to a death in the family. While I would have loved to see my family under better circumstances, it was still great seeing them. Many of them I haven't seen since at least our wedding which was three years ago so this was obviously the first time they saw me since becoming pregnant. Not seeing them brought lots of questions. The main one was "Have you thought of names?"And of course, we received SEVERAL suggestions-Roxanne (a favorite of my grandmother's) to Jade (a favorite of my nine year old cousin) and a lot in between.
Adam and I have made the decision to not tell people what we are naming the baby or tell people what we are seriously considering naming the baby. When the baby is born, that is when we will decide what to name her. We have found that if we tell people what we are thinking, we don't always get the best reactions-"Really?!? (with a look) You're thinking of THAT name?"Once she is born, no one will really focus on the name but instead of the excitement of having her here. If they aren't a fan of the name, they will learn to like it because it is HER name.
I will tell you that we like traditional, classic names. Even before we found out we were having a girl, we were already discussing names for both a boy and a girl. I also would like to have at least the first or middle name to be a saint name or a biblical name.
So, that is all I have as far as names go. I guess you will have to tune in early to mid-September to see what we are naming her!
Adam and I have made the decision to not tell people what we are naming the baby or tell people what we are seriously considering naming the baby. When the baby is born, that is when we will decide what to name her. We have found that if we tell people what we are thinking, we don't always get the best reactions-"Really?!? (with a look) You're thinking of THAT name?"Once she is born, no one will really focus on the name but instead of the excitement of having her here. If they aren't a fan of the name, they will learn to like it because it is HER name.
I will tell you that we like traditional, classic names. Even before we found out we were having a girl, we were already discussing names for both a boy and a girl. I also would like to have at least the first or middle name to be a saint name or a biblical name.
So, that is all I have as far as names go. I guess you will have to tune in early to mid-September to see what we are naming her!
Monday, June 17, 2013
The Vaccination Conversation
So this topic may be a bit controversial. It may may spark some comments. And it may upset people, but, since I have blogged about every other aspect of this pregnancy, I feel an obligation to throw this one out there as well.
I would like to preface this by saying, I am clearly not a medical expert. I am not a parenting expert (if those even exist) and I am not an infant development specialist. I am, however, a woman who has a responsibility to this child and owes her the small amount of time that goes into researching this topic to make as much of an informed decision as possible. Fortunately, I am a nerd and like to research, read, and explore every possibility. I am also fortunate that I am married to someone who has an open mind and is willing to listen.
Adam and I have learned that there are a lot decisions that need to be made regarding this little human. We are no longer responsible for ourselves but for this baby. As one who asks a lot of questions and researches, the topic of vaccination was right up my alley.
When I initially started research, I made the decision to purchase The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for your Child. What I like most about this book is that it doesn't tell you what you should and shouldn't do, but lays out all of your options-options I didn't even know existed. Initially, it outlines each of the vaccines included in the current vaccination schedule by discussing the purpose of that vaccination, the risk of the child catching that disease based off of a variety of factors, and how that vaccination is made up. Again, it lays out the facts without opinion.
It then goes on to discuss the purpose of multiple rounds of certain vaccinations and then discusses the different schedules and how schedules have evolved.
What I find most fascinating is how the vaccination schedule has changed from when I was baby to now. There are so many more vaccinations that a child receives now opposed to 27 years ago. The question I have always had was "Why? I think I turned out perfectly fine." It isn't because I think vaccinations are evil. In fact, I am grateful for how far our medical community has come to prevent such diseases. I just wonder if it is necessary for the schedule to be so crowded. Is there a way the schedule can be formatted so my baby isn't receiving six shots at one time? I am not concerned about the pain this would bring as that goes away almost instantly, but the side effects this can have one someone so tiny and young.
If you read Dr. Sears' book, he provides several different schedules based on what you think is necessary for your child. So, here it is: Adam and I have decided to follow the alternative schedule. The only difference between this schedule and what the CDC recommends is that our baby won't receive the Hep B shot once she is born (like literally the day of) but instead receive it when she is older. The other difference is that the shots are more spread out. This will mean more visits to the doctor, but won't be as taxing on her developing immune system. That's it.
One thing that will be easy for people to jump to conclusions with is I am doing this because I believe there is a link between vaccinations and autism. I would be lying if I said this didn't cross my mind. While there was a lot of buzz about a possible link between the two, the research that was initially conducted has been "debunked." The problem with autism is that no one knows how it is caused and no one knows how to treat it. If I listened to everything that people say I should or shouldn't do while pregnant or raising a baby to prevent autism, I would go crazy. The most recent things I have heard that cause autism are: Taking too much acetaminophen, having too many ultrasounds, drinking too much caffeine, eating read meat, and the list goes on. Anyway, I am rambling, what I am trying to say is that while autism was something I initially thought about regarding vaccinations, there is no way of knowing. I am not about to put our baby's life at risk over something that may or may not be true.
So, that is where I am with vaccinations. I appreciate all opinions and welcome any comments or feedback and am interested in hearing the thought process that went into other's decision.
I would like to preface this by saying, I am clearly not a medical expert. I am not a parenting expert (if those even exist) and I am not an infant development specialist. I am, however, a woman who has a responsibility to this child and owes her the small amount of time that goes into researching this topic to make as much of an informed decision as possible. Fortunately, I am a nerd and like to research, read, and explore every possibility. I am also fortunate that I am married to someone who has an open mind and is willing to listen.
Adam and I have learned that there are a lot decisions that need to be made regarding this little human. We are no longer responsible for ourselves but for this baby. As one who asks a lot of questions and researches, the topic of vaccination was right up my alley.
When I initially started research, I made the decision to purchase The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for your Child. What I like most about this book is that it doesn't tell you what you should and shouldn't do, but lays out all of your options-options I didn't even know existed. Initially, it outlines each of the vaccines included in the current vaccination schedule by discussing the purpose of that vaccination, the risk of the child catching that disease based off of a variety of factors, and how that vaccination is made up. Again, it lays out the facts without opinion.
It then goes on to discuss the purpose of multiple rounds of certain vaccinations and then discusses the different schedules and how schedules have evolved.
What I find most fascinating is how the vaccination schedule has changed from when I was baby to now. There are so many more vaccinations that a child receives now opposed to 27 years ago. The question I have always had was "Why? I think I turned out perfectly fine." It isn't because I think vaccinations are evil. In fact, I am grateful for how far our medical community has come to prevent such diseases. I just wonder if it is necessary for the schedule to be so crowded. Is there a way the schedule can be formatted so my baby isn't receiving six shots at one time? I am not concerned about the pain this would bring as that goes away almost instantly, but the side effects this can have one someone so tiny and young.
If you read Dr. Sears' book, he provides several different schedules based on what you think is necessary for your child. So, here it is: Adam and I have decided to follow the alternative schedule. The only difference between this schedule and what the CDC recommends is that our baby won't receive the Hep B shot once she is born (like literally the day of) but instead receive it when she is older. The other difference is that the shots are more spread out. This will mean more visits to the doctor, but won't be as taxing on her developing immune system. That's it.
One thing that will be easy for people to jump to conclusions with is I am doing this because I believe there is a link between vaccinations and autism. I would be lying if I said this didn't cross my mind. While there was a lot of buzz about a possible link between the two, the research that was initially conducted has been "debunked." The problem with autism is that no one knows how it is caused and no one knows how to treat it. If I listened to everything that people say I should or shouldn't do while pregnant or raising a baby to prevent autism, I would go crazy. The most recent things I have heard that cause autism are: Taking too much acetaminophen, having too many ultrasounds, drinking too much caffeine, eating read meat, and the list goes on. Anyway, I am rambling, what I am trying to say is that while autism was something I initially thought about regarding vaccinations, there is no way of knowing. I am not about to put our baby's life at risk over something that may or may not be true.
So, that is where I am with vaccinations. I appreciate all opinions and welcome any comments or feedback and am interested in hearing the thought process that went into other's decision.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Happy Father's Day! 28 Weeks...Almost
I truly believe I have the best parents a girl could ask for. On Mother's Day, I wrote about the qualities I admire and hope to have from my mother. Today is about my dad.
You can describe me as a "daddy's girl" if you will. I do and I am fine with that. I have always been close to my dad and as I prepare to become a parent, there are several qualities about my father that I hope I can possess when this baby is born. My dad is one of the most patient and caring people I have had the privilege of knowing. He also has a creativity and imagination that most five year olds would be jealous of. This made my childhood exciting and never boring!
Often times I hear, "Girls tend to marry men like their father." When I first married Adam, I would have never agreed with that statement. As Adam and I continue to settle into our marriage more and I can see him become more paternal as he prepares for fatherhood, there are qualities about Adam that are very similar to my dad. What I admire most about my father are some of the qualities that made me fall in love with Adam. As I mentioned in a previous post, Adam is one of the most caring and patient men I have had the privilege of knowing. His overall demeanor is laid-back and carefree which is a great balance for me. These same qualities are what, I believe, made my father such a great father! Again, seeing these qualities in Adam re-confirms he will be a great dad-just like mine is.
You can describe me as a "daddy's girl" if you will. I do and I am fine with that. I have always been close to my dad and as I prepare to become a parent, there are several qualities about my father that I hope I can possess when this baby is born. My dad is one of the most patient and caring people I have had the privilege of knowing. He also has a creativity and imagination that most five year olds would be jealous of. This made my childhood exciting and never boring!
Often times I hear, "Girls tend to marry men like their father." When I first married Adam, I would have never agreed with that statement. As Adam and I continue to settle into our marriage more and I can see him become more paternal as he prepares for fatherhood, there are qualities about Adam that are very similar to my dad. What I admire most about my father are some of the qualities that made me fall in love with Adam. As I mentioned in a previous post, Adam is one of the most caring and patient men I have had the privilege of knowing. His overall demeanor is laid-back and carefree which is a great balance for me. These same qualities are what, I believe, made my father such a great father! Again, seeing these qualities in Adam re-confirms he will be a great dad-just like mine is.
 |
| My Daddy and Me. I am pretty small in this picture and would venture to guess a few weeks to a month old. |
 |
| Since I never added a photo for Mother's Day-here is a picture of mini-Erin and my mom! Isn't she beautiful? |
28 WEEK UPDATE
- How far along? 27 Weeks and 6 days-So 28 weeks! This officially puts me in my 3RD TRIMESER!!!!
- Total weight gain/loss: Not sure...I haven't been weighing myself at home but I don't think it is more than a couple pounds. Since I had only gained seven pounds at my 25 week appointment I am going to venture in saying I have gained between 8-9 lbs.
- Maternity clothes? Pretty much all I wear. I wear a lot of dresses to work-some maternity, some pre-pregnancy. I can get by wearing the belly band with a some pre-pregnancy pants and shorts.
- Stretch marks? Fortunately, no more than my last post. I have been putting Palmers on my belly religiously twice a day. This isn't really to prevent them because I don't think that is possibly, but to start fading the current ones I have gotten.
- Sleep: Ugh!!! I just one last night of good sleep before the baby comes. It isn't necessarily about having to go the bathroom but I find it hard to get comfortable. Blah!
- Best moment this week: Spending the weekend, and kind of my birthday with Adam.
- Miss Anything? Not really
- Movement: Oh yes! I wouldn't expect anything less of our future gymnast! Earlier in the week she was moving so much I could actually see it through my shirt. Crazy!!!
- Food cravings: WATERMELON-cannot get enough. At least it is healthy right?
- Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!
- Gender: GIRL
- Labor Signs: NO WAY!!!
- Symptoms: Still some round ligament pain. I have also had some pain in my pelvis area. My doctor said this is just those muscles and ligaments relaxing and preparing for labor. It still seems so far away...
- Belly Button in or out? In and I don't think it will ever pop out.
- Wedding rings on or off? On!
- Happy or Moody most of the time: In a pretty good mood!
- Looking forward to: Working on nursery projects!
Friday, June 14, 2013
27 Weeks on my 27th Birthday!
I have always loved my birthday and I have always said that Flag Day is my favorite holiday. Everyone keeps asking me if I am doing anything exciting for my birthday.Well, not really which is fine. Adam will be getting home later and I am pregnant (so have a drink for me)! I had a little work celebration earlier today but that's about it.
I remember how I would stretch my birthday celebration out as much as possible so instead of having a birthDAY, I was celebrating a birthMONTH. As I have gotten older, I have gotten less selfish which is probably a good thing since becoming a parent is probably going to be the most selfless role I play to date.
So here I am 27 years ago today! Wasn't I presh? Thanks to my mom for her 18 hours of being in labor, this little gem entered the world! Hopefully our little baby will have a head full of hair as well! (Remember when I said I was becoming less selfish? Clearly I need to work on being less conceited!)
I remember how I would stretch my birthday celebration out as much as possible so instead of having a birthDAY, I was celebrating a birthMONTH. As I have gotten older, I have gotten less selfish which is probably a good thing since becoming a parent is probably going to be the most selfless role I play to date.
So here I am 27 years ago today! Wasn't I presh? Thanks to my mom for her 18 hours of being in labor, this little gem entered the world! Hopefully our little baby will have a head full of hair as well! (Remember when I said I was becoming less selfish? Clearly I need to work on being less conceited!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)