This morning, I was very feeling very down about my situation. But this evening, I'm feeling a lot better. My mind was quiet enough this afternoon to take a nap!
I talked to friends, and Stephen, and my mom, and I not only feel a lot more sure about following my instincts, but also a lot more at peace with the situation. I have a plan, and I know how I'm going to get the ball rolling.
I also got an out-of-the-blue message from an old acquaintance that really hit the nail in the head. I couldn't believe how much I needed to hear what she said, and I am very thankful that she took the time.
I was unhappy with certain aspects of my life, and I was feeling overwhelmed and scared about the future, but I feel a lot more confident about meeting the challenges and changing what was making me unhappy.
I really do feel a lot more like it's all going to be okay.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Almost Too Much
I am still fitting into most of my clothes. Most of them. Almost. I am wearing a pair of jeans right now that have always fit like slim skinny jeans. But never before have they fit so snug. Well, perhaps after a Chipotle dinner, but that is an exception. I almost used the old "hairband through the button hole and hooked around the button" trick, but I tried and succeeded with the button itself. I felt pretty accomplished until Stephen joked that he saw the button making a strained face. I still feel pretty good about it- and told him that we should go run our errands before I got to big to fit in these jeans. (they are mostly his errands and I am doing him a favor by coming with him so he's not stuck while his oil gets changed!)
I went to a class about genetic testing on Tuesday, and while I have read about these types of tests in some of my pregnancy books, I was not sure I fully understood. They can do two types of tests: definitive and non-definitive. The definitive tests collect DNA directly from the baby, which usually entails sticking a needle in your belly, one way or another. The non-definitive tests are mostly blood tests or testing from my DNA, which will give you stats but no definite facts about the baby. So basically, you can get facts if your willing to have a needle getting near your baby, or you can get blood tests and have ideas about what might be going on with your baby, but nothing for sure. I wished that Stephen could have gone with me but after taking the class, I decided for myself that I wanted none of the testing. I thought about the blood tests, but then if a warning sign does show up, what would we do with it? I'm not interested in the needle-in-the-belly tests, not even just for my own discomfort, but also they also increase the chance of miscarriage. And on top of that, if I knew something was wrong with my baby, what would I do with that information? What could I do about it? Really, nothing. I would rather take my chances- which, by the way, are very favorable for with my age and health in consideration. Stephen agreed with my after I told him all this after the class. And I called my mom too and she gave me a similar opinion. Apparently they had suggested "counseling" for her when she was pregnant with me, because there were some warning signs, but she had told them that God would have his way, regardless, and I was born (and still am) very healthy. I would rather just not get worked up about things I can't control. Plus, medical professionals consider normal ultrasounds to provide sufficient information, and other tests are just for the parents' consideration. Too much information, if you ask me.
I went to a class about genetic testing on Tuesday, and while I have read about these types of tests in some of my pregnancy books, I was not sure I fully understood. They can do two types of tests: definitive and non-definitive. The definitive tests collect DNA directly from the baby, which usually entails sticking a needle in your belly, one way or another. The non-definitive tests are mostly blood tests or testing from my DNA, which will give you stats but no definite facts about the baby. So basically, you can get facts if your willing to have a needle getting near your baby, or you can get blood tests and have ideas about what might be going on with your baby, but nothing for sure. I wished that Stephen could have gone with me but after taking the class, I decided for myself that I wanted none of the testing. I thought about the blood tests, but then if a warning sign does show up, what would we do with it? I'm not interested in the needle-in-the-belly tests, not even just for my own discomfort, but also they also increase the chance of miscarriage. And on top of that, if I knew something was wrong with my baby, what would I do with that information? What could I do about it? Really, nothing. I would rather take my chances- which, by the way, are very favorable for with my age and health in consideration. Stephen agreed with my after I told him all this after the class. And I called my mom too and she gave me a similar opinion. Apparently they had suggested "counseling" for her when she was pregnant with me, because there were some warning signs, but she had told them that God would have his way, regardless, and I was born (and still am) very healthy. I would rather just not get worked up about things I can't control. Plus, medical professionals consider normal ultrasounds to provide sufficient information, and other tests are just for the parents' consideration. Too much information, if you ask me.
Monday, August 20, 2012
First Sighting
The second picture shows the baby's heartbeat (super fast by grown person standards, but totally normal for a developing baby).
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Lemon Ginger Honey Pregnancy "Tonic"
Lemon Ginger Honey Pregnancy "Tonic"
Feel free to adjust ingredients to taste. This recipe is something I based on a combination of the lemon honey "tea" my mom used to give me when I felt sick (just hot water, lemon juice, honey, and a spoonful of sugar) and this "hangover cure": http://vkreesphotography.com/spicy-ginger-soda-a-hangover-cure/ .
2 cups of water
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup honey
2 TBSP agave syrup
6 inches fresh ginger, chopped and peeled
pinch of chili powder (optional)
lemon juice
soda/seltzer water
Combine water, sugar, honey, agave syrup, ginger, and chili powder in saucepan. Bring to boil then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. Strain mixture and put in refrigerator to cool. Take puppy for to the park for a bit (optional). When ready to drink, mix 1 part syrup with 1 part lemon juice with 2 or 3 parts soda/seltzer water (depending on how strong you want it) over ice.
This is great for a hot day of pregnancy in Texas
Feel free to adjust ingredients to taste. This recipe is something I based on a combination of the lemon honey "tea" my mom used to give me when I felt sick (just hot water, lemon juice, honey, and a spoonful of sugar) and this "hangover cure": http://vkreesphotography.com/spicy-ginger-soda-a-hangover-cure/ .
2 cups of water
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup honey
2 TBSP agave syrup
6 inches fresh ginger, chopped and peeled
pinch of chili powder (optional)
lemon juice
soda/seltzer water
Combine water, sugar, honey, agave syrup, ginger, and chili powder in saucepan. Bring to boil then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. Strain mixture and put in refrigerator to cool. Take puppy for to the park for a bit (optional). When ready to drink, mix 1 part syrup with 1 part lemon juice with 2 or 3 parts soda/seltzer water (depending on how strong you want it) over ice.
This is great for a hot day of pregnancy in Texas
Unsure
I went to bed last night feeling all sorts of yucky. Sore throat, tummy pain, stuffed nose, and general aches were all included. I'm not sure it's something I should go to the hospital about, but then again, I do have military health care, so maybe I should just go. I'm not sure what I'm allowed to take, being pregnant and all, but it is their job to know. I'm going to start with making a lemon/ginger/ honey drink that I got the inspiration for online. My throat hurt a bit when I woke up yesterday morning, and I had a cup of mint tea and felt much better. It's really a strange feeling when you don't know what to do about your own body.
I had my first really rough day of pregnancy two days ago. I woke up feeling especially nauseous and the trend only continued throughout the day. It culminated in me being 10 minutes late for work because of trying to prevent myself from feeling especially sick. Gladly, I work with mostly women, whom most of have had children or are at least interested and understanding.
I have nothing medical to report otherwise. My appointment is drawing close, and I am not counting down the days yet, but I am excited for it. I would really like some official answers. When is my official due date? What teas am I really allowed to drink? How do I get one of those baby of board parking passes?
My online class starts in two weeks and I am very excited about it. I have been able to take some time off and I now feel more ready to finish my degree. I only have five classes left! The one I'm taking now called professional seminar, about resumes and cover letters and how to interview and such. Next semester I hope to be able to do my internship. There is lots of places to do a fashion internship in Austin, so that should be fun. And after I complete those, I'll only have 3 classes left, and I'll have to come back to Ohio for a semester and finish those. How do I plan to do that, with a baby, and a husband, and where will I stay, how will I pay for it, and how will I get there? I have no idea yet. I have decided that situation will be a bridge I cross when I come to it. But the end goal is a degree, which I have every intent on earning. I'd like to have it and be able to go out into the workforce around the same time the baby can go to military day care (a fabulous system, apparently). I'd like to be able to contribute more in our family, make some headway towards a career, and make some bigger chunks in my school/car loans!
I had my first really rough day of pregnancy two days ago. I woke up feeling especially nauseous and the trend only continued throughout the day. It culminated in me being 10 minutes late for work because of trying to prevent myself from feeling especially sick. Gladly, I work with mostly women, whom most of have had children or are at least interested and understanding.
I have nothing medical to report otherwise. My appointment is drawing close, and I am not counting down the days yet, but I am excited for it. I would really like some official answers. When is my official due date? What teas am I really allowed to drink? How do I get one of those baby of board parking passes?
My online class starts in two weeks and I am very excited about it. I have been able to take some time off and I now feel more ready to finish my degree. I only have five classes left! The one I'm taking now called professional seminar, about resumes and cover letters and how to interview and such. Next semester I hope to be able to do my internship. There is lots of places to do a fashion internship in Austin, so that should be fun. And after I complete those, I'll only have 3 classes left, and I'll have to come back to Ohio for a semester and finish those. How do I plan to do that, with a baby, and a husband, and where will I stay, how will I pay for it, and how will I get there? I have no idea yet. I have decided that situation will be a bridge I cross when I come to it. But the end goal is a degree, which I have every intent on earning. I'd like to have it and be able to go out into the workforce around the same time the baby can go to military day care (a fabulous system, apparently). I'd like to be able to contribute more in our family, make some headway towards a career, and make some bigger chunks in my school/car loans!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
The Tip of the Iceburg
I have a new washer. I am so pleased. I literally have not been this excited to do laundry since my mom told me if I really wanted I could put two dryer sheets in once in a while. (In retrospect, I don't think I ever did put two dryer sheets in. I just wanted to know if I could) The laundry machine is a Samsung and it plays this little tune that sounds like the ice cream man is coming. There have already been jokes about the ice cream man delivering our clean laundry. It is so big too. I used to have to separate a week's worth of Stephen's army uniforms, but now they all fit, with room to spare even. I haven't tried yet, but I'm fairly certain that I can fit our comforter in there without any problems, and that has been an issue with our last two washers. Our washer in Florida was too small and it flood the laundry room when I tried it, and our last one wouldn't even get the whole thing wet. I would eventually like to get the matching dryer, seeing as ours is loud, and old, and I'm not sure how to properly clean it out, but I am so happy with my washer that I really am not concerned right now.
I'm still not exactly sure how far along I am exactly, but in the last few days I think I may be able to feel the baby "taking over my tummy". I wake up in the morning, and while my stomach is still pretty normal, there's a firmness in my lower abdomen that wasn't there before unless I was flexing. Then again, maybe this is all just wishful thinking that I wouldn't feel so round without reason all the time. Usually when I've been eating indulgently, I start feeling it in my hips a bit more than anywhere else. But this is definitely in my stomach. I can still fit into jeans until it comes to buttoning them. Low slung jeans are still ok, but unfortunately I only have one pair that fit that description. Not that I wear jeans frequently, but I when I do, I prefer a higher, vintage-esque rise. I know this is only the tip of the iceburg, and now I see the beauty of those Bella-Band things. I will have to invest, or make one.
I'm still not exactly sure how far along I am exactly, but in the last few days I think I may be able to feel the baby "taking over my tummy". I wake up in the morning, and while my stomach is still pretty normal, there's a firmness in my lower abdomen that wasn't there before unless I was flexing. Then again, maybe this is all just wishful thinking that I wouldn't feel so round without reason all the time. Usually when I've been eating indulgently, I start feeling it in my hips a bit more than anywhere else. But this is definitely in my stomach. I can still fit into jeans until it comes to buttoning them. Low slung jeans are still ok, but unfortunately I only have one pair that fit that description. Not that I wear jeans frequently, but I when I do, I prefer a higher, vintage-esque rise. I know this is only the tip of the iceburg, and now I see the beauty of those Bella-Band things. I will have to invest, or make one.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Time to be Tired
I feel like I'm tired all the time. In high school, I used to sleep from 10pm on a Friday night to 10am on Saturday morning. I loved doing that. And sometimes I would take naps on top of that. Well, I can't sleep in to 10am anymore, but rare is the day that I am up past 10pm. But I suppose that's all part of this grand circus.
Our washing machine has been having problems and yesterday I walked past that part of the hallway and there was water and lint everywhere. I pronounced the washing machine dead. We bought it used, but we decided to go new for our next one. I think I'm developing a phobia of picking out large appliances, so I told Stephen it was his job. Also I had to work, and he didn't. He is much more methodical in his approach, whereas I tend to have my list of criteria and often just go price-efficient. I pretty much wanted a reasonable size tub and energy efficient, but I did end up telling Stephen to forget about the glass door, because it was completely unnecessary and he doesn't watch the laundry go around anyways. Let alone do it. But all is said and done and it's coming tomorrow and I am oddly excited to do laundry.
My next OB-GYN appointment is over a week away and nothing has really changed in the last week. I feel nauseous, tired, and hungry, all the time. All I was craving yesterday was sweet baked goods. Cinnamon buns, brownies, cheesecake, doughnuts, or anything covered or containing caramel. But I made myself some healthy peach yogurt muffins that were just sweet enough to take the edge off. I still want all those crazy sweet things, but we don't have much butter and I can't find the yeast, or anything else I'd need to make any one of those things, so we'll see if I either break down and buy something, or somehow make it through. I'm trying not to gain too much weight here, but at the same time, when else will I have such an excuse for guilt free eating?
Our washing machine has been having problems and yesterday I walked past that part of the hallway and there was water and lint everywhere. I pronounced the washing machine dead. We bought it used, but we decided to go new for our next one. I think I'm developing a phobia of picking out large appliances, so I told Stephen it was his job. Also I had to work, and he didn't. He is much more methodical in his approach, whereas I tend to have my list of criteria and often just go price-efficient. I pretty much wanted a reasonable size tub and energy efficient, but I did end up telling Stephen to forget about the glass door, because it was completely unnecessary and he doesn't watch the laundry go around anyways. Let alone do it. But all is said and done and it's coming tomorrow and I am oddly excited to do laundry.
My next OB-GYN appointment is over a week away and nothing has really changed in the last week. I feel nauseous, tired, and hungry, all the time. All I was craving yesterday was sweet baked goods. Cinnamon buns, brownies, cheesecake, doughnuts, or anything covered or containing caramel. But I made myself some healthy peach yogurt muffins that were just sweet enough to take the edge off. I still want all those crazy sweet things, but we don't have much butter and I can't find the yeast, or anything else I'd need to make any one of those things, so we'll see if I either break down and buy something, or somehow make it through. I'm trying not to gain too much weight here, but at the same time, when else will I have such an excuse for guilt free eating?
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Ice Cream and Pickles?
Ok whoa- let the weird food cravings begin, I guess. I had been wanting fairly normal (for me at least) foods up until I just caught myself greatly enjoying a snack of honey mustard pretzel bites and raspberry keifer (drinkable yogurt).
I have been wanting strawberries (chopped up on cereal/waffles, in smoothies, exc) and hard boiled eggs, but not together.
This is probably a warning sign to brace myself. Here comes the crazy train.
I have been wanting strawberries (chopped up on cereal/waffles, in smoothies, exc) and hard boiled eggs, but not together.
This is probably a warning sign to brace myself. Here comes the crazy train.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)