No worries. Baby girl and I are fine, and she’s still floating in utero. Just got a little wake up call on Monday that I really am in the home stretch.
Was sitting in a meeting at work Monday morning and realized my ring was tight. Didn’t really think much of it. Just yanked it off with a bit of difficulty and switched it to my pinkie. A couple of hours later I’m on the table at the physical therapist, waiting for him to work on my feet, when I realize that my fingers are actually quite a bit swollen and feel stiff. I asked the PT if he had a blood pressure cuff. He did, and checked my bp. 140/82. Throughout my pregnancy, my bp has been steady at about 110/70. Still didn’t really give it too much thought. I had plans after work to go up to the OB’s office for “meet the drs” night. An opportunity to meet the other drs in the practice, so I won’t have a complete stranger delivering baby girl if my OB isn’t on call when the time comes. So, when I got back to my office I called the OB’s secretary, explained that my bp was a bit high and asked if my OB could see me for a few minutes before the “meet the drs” event. The secretary said she would have a nurse call me back.
A nurse called me back pretty quickly. I explained the situation, and she said I should come in to labor and delivery and get checked out. My boss was in a meeting, so I popped my head in to let him know I was heading to the hospital. Hmmm, suddenly I was a bit light headed. Honestly, I think I just got nervous because the nurse said to come in.
When I arrive at the hospital a security guard asks where I’m going. I tell him, and he asks if I’m there to visit someone. I give him a funny look and point to my 8 month belly. “Oh, I didn’t see it.” I know I’m carrying kind of small, but come on! Get up to L&D, which is VERY busy. The receptionist said that Monday’s are the busiest days. Waited nearly an hour for a room. Peed in a cup, had the bp cuff and the belly monitor strapped on. Soon I’m listening to the reassuring thump thump of my daughter’s heartbeat. I’m told there’s some protein (+1) in my urine and that my bp is close to normal. Hang out for over an hour an a half on the monitor. (Thank goodness for wifi in the hospital. I read blogs on my iTouch. No cell phone reception, but wifi.) Intern takes my info. She’s confused and curious after looking at my chart about why I was on lovenox until week 8. Well, sweetie, you obviously haven’t done your hematology rotation yet or studied much reproductive endocrinology. It was a “let’s try adding this and see if it makes a difference” kind of thing.
Then the resident comes in and does a quick abdominal u/s. Everything looks good. I’m told everything is basically fine and that I’m having some mild contractions, which, BTW, I’m not feeling. I’m told this is to be expected at 35 weeks. Resident then says he wants to check my cervix. I tell him NO! I was given strict instructions from my OB when discussing the placenta issues at 28 weeks that if I came in for anything, I was absolutely not to let anyone do an internal exam. The u/s wand was fine, but nothing else up the vag. “Oh,” said the resident. “You’re right. Thanks.” Sure, kid, but you should have known that from my chart. He told me the attending would be by and then I could go home. He said the attending might want to order some bloodwork and/or a 24 hour urine collection. I got dressed and waited. And waited. Meanwhile, without the monitor thumping away loudly, I can now hear women moaning in labor. YIKES!
Finally, the attending arrives. So at least I got to meet one other dr in my OB’s practice. He’s very personable. Grimaces at the sound of the woman in the next room moaning and says, “You shouldn’t have to hear that yet.” I joke, “Yeah, if I have to listen to that, I want the epidural NOW!” He gets bonus points when he says it breaks his heart to hear the moaning and excuses himself briefly to check on her. When he returns I tell him I have a NST and u/s scheduled for next Monday, and ask if he wants to run any other tests or if I should get in to see my OB before then. He says no, Monday is soon enough, that I’m healthy and should just go home and relax. He suggested I get a home blood pressure monitor and keep an eye on my bp.
I go home and order in a meatball hero. Probably not the best choice considering the bp spike, but I was HUNGRY!
So there you have it. My little labor and delivery adventure. I took the day off work Tuesday and am taking off tomorrow. Next week I will try to just push through, as my boss leaves for a 2 week vacation as of next Thursday. I will have more info on the placenta after Monday’s u/s, but it could be any time now! I MUST FINISH DECLUTTERING MY APARTMENT! I have arranged for someone (a struggling young actress who need the money) to come over for 3 hours on Sunday to help. Since I really can’t pick things up off the floor anymore. Well, I can, but then I need to rest for 10 minutes. I’ve been putting this off because I hate the idea of just supervising someone dealing with my mess, and thought I could do it myself, but I have to admit that I just can’t anymore.
Oh yeah, in other news, Mushy is sick again. Waiting to hear back from the vet about the $500 worth of tests that were run on Tuesday. Fortunately, he didn’t have to stay at the vet’s. The vet gave him some sub-cutaneous fluids and a cortisone shot, and he seems better. But it’s upsetting knowing that when he was SOOOOO sick six months ago we never figured out what was wrong.
Also wondering when my surprise work shower will be. Yeah, I know, but that’s how they do it in my office. It’s a surprise, but they do it for everyone who gets married or has a baby. And they take up a collection. I’m hoping it will make a dent in the damn vet bill.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The Canadian Surprise!
Surprise is an understatement. Stunned. Flabbergasted. I also rather like the British expression, gobsmacked.
My baby shower was this past Sunday. It was not a surprise shower. Nonetheless, I got an enormous surprise. I walked into my friend’s house to find an unfamiliar, yet somehow familiar, woman standing there expectantly. I attribute my confusion to the fact that we’ve never met face to face, she’s thinner than pictures I’ve seen, her hair is different, and she didn’t have a pair of redheaded four year olds with her.
Have you figured it out? YES!!!! My embryo donor, my friend, my sister by choice, my daughter’s Aunt Kathy!!!!!! She flew down from Canada just for the day to attend my shower. I think the only reason I didn’t cry was that I was so stunned. I did squeal and hug her tightly. There were lots of hugs throughout the afternoon.
My daughter and I are so lucky and so loved!
The shower was wonderful, although my head was spinning all afternoon. I’m planning to send out emails to other guests apologizing for not talking to them that much, I just couldn’t get enough of Kathy! And as if she hasn’t already given me the ultimate gift, she is an incredibly talented knitter and quilter, and knitted a gorgeous baby blanket and hat, and made a stunning quilt. Oh, and she shopped. Among (MANY) other things, baby girl has an adorable sleeper emblazened with “Canada” across the front. Because that’s where she was carefully placed into mommy’s uterus.
So gorgeous!!!
I received so many lovingly chosen gifts. This is going to be one well dressed little girl. It was a wonderful celebration for my little miracle.
After the shower we loaded up the loot and gave Kathy a ride to the airport. I was really glad for this extra time for us to talk. We discussed when we would get together again with all the kids. I can’t wait to meet her twins, and I’m looking forward to seeing Kathy cuddle this girl I’m carrying.
There’s so much more to this, but words really are inadequate. I will just say again how loved I feel.
BTW, another blogger helped Kathy facilitate the surprise. She asked Kristin to surreptitiously get the email address of the friend who hosted the shower well before the invites were sent. I didn’t suspect a thing!
My niece trying on the breastfeeding pillow. She's actually starting to get little bitty breasts! YIKES!
My baby shower was this past Sunday. It was not a surprise shower. Nonetheless, I got an enormous surprise. I walked into my friend’s house to find an unfamiliar, yet somehow familiar, woman standing there expectantly. I attribute my confusion to the fact that we’ve never met face to face, she’s thinner than pictures I’ve seen, her hair is different, and she didn’t have a pair of redheaded four year olds with her.
Have you figured it out? YES!!!! My embryo donor, my friend, my sister by choice, my daughter’s Aunt Kathy!!!!!! She flew down from Canada just for the day to attend my shower. I think the only reason I didn’t cry was that I was so stunned. I did squeal and hug her tightly. There were lots of hugs throughout the afternoon.
My daughter and I are so lucky and so loved!
The shower was wonderful, although my head was spinning all afternoon. I’m planning to send out emails to other guests apologizing for not talking to them that much, I just couldn’t get enough of Kathy! And as if she hasn’t already given me the ultimate gift, she is an incredibly talented knitter and quilter, and knitted a gorgeous baby blanket and hat, and made a stunning quilt. Oh, and she shopped. Among (MANY) other things, baby girl has an adorable sleeper emblazened with “Canada” across the front. Because that’s where she was carefully placed into mommy’s uterus.
So gorgeous!!!After the shower we loaded up the loot and gave Kathy a ride to the airport. I was really glad for this extra time for us to talk. We discussed when we would get together again with all the kids. I can’t wait to meet her twins, and I’m looking forward to seeing Kathy cuddle this girl I’m carrying.
There’s so much more to this, but words really are inadequate. I will just say again how loved I feel.
BTW, another blogger helped Kathy facilitate the surprise. She asked Kristin to surreptitiously get the email address of the friend who hosted the shower well before the invites were sent. I didn’t suspect a thing!
My niece trying on the breastfeeding pillow. She's actually starting to get little bitty breasts! YIKES!Thursday, October 29, 2009
Mel’s Show and Tell — The Kindness of Strangers
I haven’t participated in Show and Tell for a while, but I’ve been meaning to post about this.
I have been very blessed on this journey. Of course it’s been hard. Physically and emotionally. But had I not had gone down this difficult road to motherhood, I would not have known all of YOU! A woman who started out as stranger who read my blog, gave me the ultimate gift of life and has become family. I had thousands of dollars worth of gonal-f donated to me that enabled me to have my “closure” cycle with my eggs. I’ve received thoughtful gifts from other bloggers. (YAY for lucky socks!) And, oh my! Let’s not forget the massage therapist who came to my hotel room the night before my first donor FET courtesy of a blogger. Oh, I know I’m forgetting things, but those are not the focus of the story I want to tell today.
I talk to strangers. On checkout lines, on the subway, elevators, etc. While on the subway on my way to my little vacation in August, I struck up a conversation with a sweet 8 year old girl and her father. We started chatting on the platform and continued talking on the train. During the conversation I mentioned that I most of the big things for baby girl have been hand me downs. Which I am quite happy about. Infant things get outgrown so quickly, they often show no wear at all. (Not to mention the environmental benefit of not getting everything new.) I mentioned a neighbor I became friends with at the local Starbux who passed on the infant car seat and stroller frame, and a bouncy seat that her daughter has outgrown. (She’ll be at my shower this weekend, and next weekend I’ll attend her daughter’s first birthday party.) The father said, “You know, we have a stroller that we never used. We took it out of the box, but my wife preferred to carry her. I’d be happy to give it to you.” I was kind of stunned, but took his email address. After I got back from my trip I kept meaning to email him, but usually thought about it when I was not at the computer. Eventually I did email him, and about two weeks ago he brought the stroller over. He wasn’t kidding when he said they NEVER used it. It still has plastic wrapped around the handle.
I don’t have a picture of the actual stroller, as I wrapped it in plastic and put it in my basement storage room for now. But with a quick google images search, I found a photo.
This lovely former stranger simply requested that I email him a picture of the baby once she arrives. No problem!!
The world is a good place!
Don’t forget to check what the rest of the class is showing.
I have been very blessed on this journey. Of course it’s been hard. Physically and emotionally. But had I not had gone down this difficult road to motherhood, I would not have known all of YOU! A woman who started out as stranger who read my blog, gave me the ultimate gift of life and has become family. I had thousands of dollars worth of gonal-f donated to me that enabled me to have my “closure” cycle with my eggs. I’ve received thoughtful gifts from other bloggers. (YAY for lucky socks!) And, oh my! Let’s not forget the massage therapist who came to my hotel room the night before my first donor FET courtesy of a blogger. Oh, I know I’m forgetting things, but those are not the focus of the story I want to tell today.
I talk to strangers. On checkout lines, on the subway, elevators, etc. While on the subway on my way to my little vacation in August, I struck up a conversation with a sweet 8 year old girl and her father. We started chatting on the platform and continued talking on the train. During the conversation I mentioned that I most of the big things for baby girl have been hand me downs. Which I am quite happy about. Infant things get outgrown so quickly, they often show no wear at all. (Not to mention the environmental benefit of not getting everything new.) I mentioned a neighbor I became friends with at the local Starbux who passed on the infant car seat and stroller frame, and a bouncy seat that her daughter has outgrown. (She’ll be at my shower this weekend, and next weekend I’ll attend her daughter’s first birthday party.) The father said, “You know, we have a stroller that we never used. We took it out of the box, but my wife preferred to carry her. I’d be happy to give it to you.” I was kind of stunned, but took his email address. After I got back from my trip I kept meaning to email him, but usually thought about it when I was not at the computer. Eventually I did email him, and about two weeks ago he brought the stroller over. He wasn’t kidding when he said they NEVER used it. It still has plastic wrapped around the handle.
I don’t have a picture of the actual stroller, as I wrapped it in plastic and put it in my basement storage room for now. But with a quick google images search, I found a photo.
This lovely former stranger simply requested that I email him a picture of the baby once she arrives. No problem!!
The world is a good place!
Don’t forget to check what the rest of the class is showing.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
What A Difference A Year Makes
One year ago today I wrote this post. I’d just gotten word that a possible embryo donation situation was not meant to be. I was still trying to complete one IVF cycle with my poor old eggs, even though I knew my chances of success were well under 5%. I felt rejected and dejected.
So I wrote about how I was feeling. I asked how people would feel about donating embryos to a single woman. As you can see, I received thoughtful, caring comments. One of those commenters has changed my life completely. (This is such an understatement! When I first read the comment I felt heartened, but I truly had no expectations that it would lead anywhere. Three days later I received an email from her basically saying, “Let’s talk.” Did we ever!
Today I am merely weeks from meeting this gift. Today this gift is doing a dance routine in my uterus. There is so much more to say, but words simply can’t do justice to my overwhelming feelings.
WHAT A YEAR!!!!
So I wrote about how I was feeling. I asked how people would feel about donating embryos to a single woman. As you can see, I received thoughtful, caring comments. One of those commenters has changed my life completely. (This is such an understatement! When I first read the comment I felt heartened, but I truly had no expectations that it would lead anywhere. Three days later I received an email from her basically saying, “Let’s talk.” Did we ever!
Today I am merely weeks from meeting this gift. Today this gift is doing a dance routine in my uterus. There is so much more to say, but words simply can’t do justice to my overwhelming feelings.
WHAT A YEAR!!!!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Darling daughter, would you please stop kicking mommy in the stomach?
Sorry, this is kind of gross.
First time barfing during this pregnancy, and it's in the third trimester! Baby girl is head down and likes to stretch out. I'm short, so her feet have been right up against my stomach and diaphragm. My reflux had been under control until recently (thank you, nexium), but no more. Particularly when I lie down. Once I lay down, I've been regurgitating. Even when it's been quite a while since I ate. I've raised the head of the bed a bit, which was helping somewhat. But for some reason, last night was bad. I kept having to sit up quickly as I felt the gorge rise. Then at one point it was too much ... mad dash for the porcelain.
Is this what I get for dodging morning sickness?
First time barfing during this pregnancy, and it's in the third trimester! Baby girl is head down and likes to stretch out. I'm short, so her feet have been right up against my stomach and diaphragm. My reflux had been under control until recently (thank you, nexium), but no more. Particularly when I lie down. Once I lay down, I've been regurgitating. Even when it's been quite a while since I ate. I've raised the head of the bed a bit, which was helping somewhat. But for some reason, last night was bad. I kept having to sit up quickly as I felt the gorge rise. Then at one point it was too much ... mad dash for the porcelain.
Is this what I get for dodging morning sickness?
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
32 Week Update — A Personal Milestone
Sorry I haven’t updated or kept up much with commenting. Been busy at work, then either crashing when I get home or decluttering/cleaning. Boy, do I have a lot of crap I don’t need or use. I’m not a hoarder by nature, but stuff just accumulates so quickly.
So, 32 week appt and u/s yesterday. I really don’t look 32 weeks pregnant. I’m not a skinny girl, and never expected to be carrying small, but I guess you never know. Even my OB said I don’t look like I’m 32 weeks. I still have no idea what I weigh (I don’t want to know what I gained from treatments and stress while TTC), but I have gained 19 lbs since my first OB appt. (I get on the scale backwards and have the nurse just tell me the difference since the last appt.)
Ultrasound was after OB appt. Even thought the belly is small, baby girl is measuring perfectly. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this, but I was a preemie. I was born at 32 weeks and weighed 4 lbs. The u/s tech estimated my daughter at about 4 lbs, 4 oz yesterday. 60th percentile. I know it’s just an estimate, but it feels good to think that she’s already a little bigger than I was when I entered the world. Even though I know it doesn't correlate that a preemie would have a preemie, I'm relieved to get this far and have her looking so good.
Placenta has moved up a little bit. Tech said she would call it “low lying” rather than previa. But she’s not the dr. I put in a call this morning to have my OB call me to discuss the u/s results. Haven’t heard back yet. Next u/s and first NST scheduled for 4 weeks from now.
OMG!!! I’M GOING TO HAVE A BAYBEEEEE!!!! I suppose I should realize that from the way she’s rockin’ and rollin’ in there, but it still feels surreal. Watching my belly move is really strange (and wonderful).
I’m getting excited about my shower. It’s less than 2 weeks away. I’m looking forward to celebrating this miracle. My BFF (since we were 14) is hosting, but I designed the invite (and printed them on the color laser printer at work). I’m rather proud of how they came out, so here it is with pertinent info blurred out.
My feet are AWFUL!! So bad yesterday that I used a cane to go to work today. Don’t really think the cane helps much, but it might help me get that seat on the subway. Come on … ya gotta get up for the preggo with a cane!!!
So that’s the deal on Dora’s Bump Watch, etc. What’s up with you? BTW, I got a really cute (BRAND NEW) maternity coat on ebay. (Bought it in August, so it would be cheaper.) If anyone thinks they’ll be just about ready for a maternity coat in January, let me know. I should be able to fit into my regular Winter coat fairly quickly and would be happy to pass it on to someone who can use it for the rest of the season.
So, 32 week appt and u/s yesterday. I really don’t look 32 weeks pregnant. I’m not a skinny girl, and never expected to be carrying small, but I guess you never know. Even my OB said I don’t look like I’m 32 weeks. I still have no idea what I weigh (I don’t want to know what I gained from treatments and stress while TTC), but I have gained 19 lbs since my first OB appt. (I get on the scale backwards and have the nurse just tell me the difference since the last appt.)
Ultrasound was after OB appt. Even thought the belly is small, baby girl is measuring perfectly. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this, but I was a preemie. I was born at 32 weeks and weighed 4 lbs. The u/s tech estimated my daughter at about 4 lbs, 4 oz yesterday. 60th percentile. I know it’s just an estimate, but it feels good to think that she’s already a little bigger than I was when I entered the world. Even though I know it doesn't correlate that a preemie would have a preemie, I'm relieved to get this far and have her looking so good.
Placenta has moved up a little bit. Tech said she would call it “low lying” rather than previa. But she’s not the dr. I put in a call this morning to have my OB call me to discuss the u/s results. Haven’t heard back yet. Next u/s and first NST scheduled for 4 weeks from now.
OMG!!! I’M GOING TO HAVE A BAYBEEEEE!!!! I suppose I should realize that from the way she’s rockin’ and rollin’ in there, but it still feels surreal. Watching my belly move is really strange (and wonderful).
I’m getting excited about my shower. It’s less than 2 weeks away. I’m looking forward to celebrating this miracle. My BFF (since we were 14) is hosting, but I designed the invite (and printed them on the color laser printer at work). I’m rather proud of how they came out, so here it is with pertinent info blurred out.
My feet are AWFUL!! So bad yesterday that I used a cane to go to work today. Don’t really think the cane helps much, but it might help me get that seat on the subway. Come on … ya gotta get up for the preggo with a cane!!!
So that’s the deal on Dora’s Bump Watch, etc. What’s up with you? BTW, I got a really cute (BRAND NEW) maternity coat on ebay. (Bought it in August, so it would be cheaper.) If anyone thinks they’ll be just about ready for a maternity coat in January, let me know. I should be able to fit into my regular Winter coat fairly quickly and would be happy to pass it on to someone who can use it for the rest of the season.
Friday, October 9, 2009
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