40 Weeks & Beyond - The Birth Story

 Hi everyone!  This post is a compilation of my postpartum experiences thus far and the birth story.

How far along? 40 Weeks and 4 Weeks Postpartum - Labor and Delivery

1 Day Postpartum

Total weight gain/loss: I gained a total of 32 lbs during pregnancy.  Two days after birth I was down 17 lbs of those 32.  4 Weeks postpartum I am down 18 lbs.
 

Maternity clothes? Hang onto those maternity clothes!  You will still wear them for a couple weeks.  I'm still wearing the maternity capris, shorts and jeans.  However, the dresses I bought at the end of the pregnancy are way too big now.  I've been able to get into some of my pre-pregnancy clothes, which is awesome, it's like finding a whole new wardrobe without spending any money.

Stretch marks? No stretch marks!  Phew!  But I have a more defined linea nigra now that my belly is shrinking.

Sleep: Anthony so far has been a great sleeper, eater, pooper and pee-er.  :)  He has given me 2 to 31/2 hour stretches at night between feedings.  I've been finding the longer I can keep him alert during the day, the longer stretches he gives me at night between feedings.

Miss Anything? I don't miss being pregnant, but it's all very surreal that within a day, boom, it's over.  No longer pregnant, no more tiny feet kicking my ribs, the urge to pee every 5 minutes is gone.  I do miss sleeping through the night, but I haven't done that while I was pregnant either because I was getting up to pee so frequently.

Food cravings: I cannot believe the amount  of food I am consuming, but no true cravings.  It's true what they say about breastfeeding burning a ton of calories.  I'm eating a lot, and losing weight which is AWESOME! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: No I've been feeling really great, other than pangs of extreme thirst while breastfeeding.  While he drinks, I drink lots of water, almost 10oz. every feeding.

Special things I'm focusing on: Eating healthy, fueling my body for both myself, my milk production and feeding Anthony as healthy as possible through my daily choices. 

Belly Button in or out? It has started to go back in!  Hooray!!

Wedding rings on or off? The wedding rings have been off since 38 weeks, I've been more swollen postpartum in the fingers than I have been my entire pregnancy, but within in the last week, they are fitting better and I've started wearing my wedding band.  I've been skipping the engagement ring to avoid scratching Anthony with it.

Happy or Moody most of the time:  I had some days of  the "baby blues" following Anthony's birth around day 4 postpartum.  The placenta encapsulator I hired, had come to the rescue with that.  As soon as I started taking the placenta capsules, within an hour I started feeling myself again.  Having an infant for the first time has been a bit overwhelming and your mind can take a downward spiral rather quickly with the change of hormones after birth.  Day 4 postpartum was the most extreme hormonal dump I've ever experienced.  Whether eating my placenta is a placebo effect or not...it works for me.  I have restored energy, my mood lifts and overall I feel really great.  I highly recommend the placenta encapsulation to anyone considering it. 

 

39 Weeks

4 weeks postpartum

 Anthony Edward's - Birth Story

This is the birth story how I remember it...

6.23.2014 ~ 11:45pm

I woke up with cramping and diarrhea then went back to bed.  At 12:45am, again, cramping and diarrhea, went back to bed.  At 1:45am, cramping and still feeling sick to my stomach, I decided to get up...is this it, I wondered??  All this cramping and feeling sick? I went downstairs to avoid waking Eddie just yet in case it was a false alarm.

I started pacing and walking in the living room, sitting on the exercise ball to stretch out my hips in between having the urge to go to the bathroom with a few more episodes of diarrhea which eventually stopped, but the feeling I had to go continued, so I started drinking water to avoid becoming dehydrated.  When I got off the toilet and started gripping the sides of the sink from the discomfort while I washed my hands, I realized those cramps, weren't cramps, they were contractions.  I decided to start timing them.  I used an app on my phone that I downloaded rather quickly...I can't even remember what it's called, but it showed that my contractions were very sporadic.  Every 7 minutes, then it switched to every 3 minutes.  They were not terrible, only lasting about 30 seconds at the most and I'm pretty sure I'd had period cramps worse than this.  I remember thinking...I've got this...this isn't that bad!  :) 

By 3am I continued my pacing in the living room and trips to the bathroom and sitting on the exercise ball, then Buddy started barking randomly, which woke Eddie.  He came downstairs and said, "What are you doing?  Why is Buddy barking?"  I replied, "I don't know why Buddy is barking, but I think I'm having contractions!"  "You are?  What should I do?", he asked.  "Just go back to bed, there really is no consistency yet, so it might be a false alarm, I'll holler for you if I need you."  So Eddie went back to bed for probably about half an hour, then my mind started racing....what do I know?  This could be it, after all, 6/23/2014 was my due date... so I called for Eddie and asked him to call the doctor.  Since in the middle of the night called the emergency number, where he was directed to an answering service to take a message and the doctor would call us right back.  Within 3 minutes the doctor called right back.  We told her the contractions were kind of sporadic still but the contractions were lasting 30 to 60 seconds.  She told us we could probably wait a little bit longer before coming in or to come in and they would see where I was at in dilation.  We hung up with the doctor and decided that waiting to go may not be the best option considering the travel to downtown Baltimore and rush hour would soon be approaching.  We were at the hospital no later than I think, 4:15am.

6.24.2014 ~ Hospital Registration and Admittance

The car ride to the hospital was uneventful, but I quickly came to the conclusion that sitting during contractions was extremely uncomfortable.  We registered into the Labor and Delivery Ward  and were shown into a small room with a bed and bathroom where they took my blood pressure and made me give a urine sample.  They hooked me up to the fetal monitor to monitor baby's heart rate and measure my contractions.  The midwife on duty came in to check my progress on dilation.  That was extremely painful!!  More painful than any of the contractions I had had thus far.  It made me cry.  I was 4 1/2 cm dilated, so they decided to admit me since my contractions were pretty consistent and close together.  Upon admittance, I was given a hep-lock, but requested that I not be hooked up to an IV or the monitors.  So they agreed to intermittent monitoring.  So every hour for 20 minutes they would hook me up to the fetal monitor and track contractions which required me to be still and not walking around so I had the option of either lie in the bed or sit on an exercise, I eventually stuck to the exercise ball during the monitoring, because lying or sitting was still extremely uncomfortable from all the pressure.  The IV they agreed to wait on as well, as long as they saw that I kept hydrated, which Eddie was very good about making me drink some water just about after every contraction. 

Contractions and Labor

Now I know for me, prior to experiencing labor I googled and asked everyone who ever had a baby before what do contractions feel like?  How painful is child birth really?  Although I received some great answers, it still didn't put it in perspective til I was actually going through it.  I'll be honest, the pain was indescribable.  Yes, a contraction felt like a period cramp...a very, very, strong, long cramp.  Some of my contractions lasted over two minutes.  After reading Ina May's book, and pretty dedicated to experience childbirth naturally without any drugs, I knew that after every contraction I'd have a break.  Which was true.  The pain subsided after each and every one... my head could clear and I could actually focus on the conversations that were happening around me.  But during the contractions, I found a focal point (which happened to be a church bell tower in the Baltimore skyline that I could see from our awesome delivery room), I had Eddie and my friend Kristin coaching me on breathing while they alternated doing hip squeezes while I stood beside the bed leaning over it a majority of the time through the labor. 

Eddie reading to me during one of my contractions while being monitored.

Around 9am my doctor came in to check on me.  I couldn't believe it was already 9am!  (I had imagined labor feeling like time was standing still)  I was afraid to be checked on how much further I had dilated.  After all, this baby was coming out one way or another and I figured, why go through that pain again, so I opted out of being checked for quite some time.  The doctor told me no problem...keep on doing what I am doing and call them if I need them.  I didn't want to know where I was...I was afraid it would only be one more centimeter...or worse, I had back tracked and closed up since the last cervix check.  Fortunately, my contractions started getting stronger and longer.  These were the two minute ones....with only about a 15-20 seconds break before another one started.  The doctor revisited about 11:45am and suggested this time that I should be checked with the contractions being so close.  I was scared, exhausted and feeling like I couldn't do this.  Pain medication at this point did enter my mind.  Eddie helped me get on the bed in between at least two contractions.  I am completely grateful for the patience of these doctors and my nurse...they were incredible.  Once I was on the bed I remember how uncomfortable I was, and the doctor inserted what felt like her whole hand to check my progress.  It was still very painful, but the outcome was great.  I was 9 1/2 cm dilated!!  OMG!  That made me feel like a million bucks!  The doctor said that last 1/2 cm she could probably stretch out herself but instead she said, "Lets try pushing!"  I remember feeling shocked to hear her say this.  My water was still unbroken, and pushing is for the end of labor I thought...."Already?" I questioned.  She explained that by pushing during the contraction would force the baby down  on the cervix a little further to open that last 1/2 cm.  "We can have this baby within the next hour!" she said.

So on the next contraction, I pushed.  Or, so I thought I did.  For the last 9 hours I had been coached on breathing to manage the pain of every contraction.  But now I was suppose to hold my breath during those contractions and push like I was pooping.  Needless to say it took me many tries to figure out exactly just how to do that with the pain when all I wanted to do was stand back up, look at my church bell tower and breath. 

Probably by the third real push that I was able to manage...(I felt like I had pushed like ten times) my water broke.  It was the most relief I had had in hours.  Over the next 10 minutes I zoned out.  I think I might have actually slept some.  I did not have one contraction during that time, and I remember feeling concerned and asked the nurse why the contractions had stopped.  She said, "Because your body is preparing for the hardest part.  It's allowing you to rest to push his head out."  Within moments the contractions started again and the pressure below intensified.  The doctor told me again that I need to push like I was pooping and to not breath during the contractions but hold my breath to push. 

I was in my own world at this point.  I was aware of the conversations around me, but not focused on them.  I moaned meditatively on each rest that I had and kept my eyes closed.  Again, I may have napped during some of those breaks.  Every time I felt a contraction approaching, I would say "Uh Oh!"  which my audience found comical and they could then see on the monitor that a contraction was approaching.  I also remember everyone cheering me on to "push! push! push!" which ended up annoying me and I told them all to stop telling me to push!  "I know I have to push!" I barked, but all their cheering made me lose focus on how to push and I needed the silence.

By this point I just remember feeling a lot of pain, pressure and burning sensations.  I have read that is called the "ring of fire" when the baby's head is crowning, however I didn't realize that was happening and I didn't think I was progressing that quickly at all until everyone said that his hair was showing and I just needed a few more good pushes to get him out...hence all the cheering that I shushed.   HA!

With that news, I was determined and extremely motivated knowing this would all soon be over.  I must have pushed another 8-10 times before I got anywhere all the while my eyes closed and taking a breaks from pushing and using the breathing techniques during a few contractions again and moaning a lot.  I kept saying "It hurts, I can't push, I can't do it!"  But everyone kept positive and encouraged me to keep going and the next thing I know during my next ambitious push I felt a painful burning sensation that felt like it was coming out of my urethra.  The pain was so intense, my legs flailed out straight as arrows and I screamed out in agony...I felt a thud beside me and finally opened my eyes to see two nurses I didn't recognize on the sides of the bed with me, pushing the monitors off my belly to the side of me, shoving my legs into my armpits and pressing down on my belly very forcefully.  It was a terrifying moment but the baby was out immediately after.  Eddie cut the umbilical cord and they placed him on my chest.  I always envisioned myself losing it emotionally and crying, but I was in such shock after what had just happened and my legs would not stop trembling I couldn't even believe this crying baby in front of me just came out of me. 

6/24/2014 1:09 pm

The baby's shoulder got stuck on my pelvic bone, which is known as shoulder dystocia.    The maneuver they performed to free the baby's shoulder from the pelvic bone is shown in the picture.  However, the doctor said she was not convinced 100% that the baby actually got stuck.  Because of the way my legs went out straight like arrows could have prevented him from coming out, because it's nearly impossible for the baby to pass through the birth canal with your legs straight.  Thankfully, neither of us suffered any injury from this maneuver.





I had pushed for about an hour and a half.  I suffered a 2nd degree tear.  The nurses asked me if they could take the baby from me to get him cleaned up weighed and measured and I agreed and Eddie went over with them to the little baby table where Anthony peed on him and the nurse. 

 I barely remember delivering the placenta, I was too busy looking at the crying baby on my chest even though I was still having contractions...  I was still in shock that it was all over.  They gave me pitocin to speed up the process of the placenta delivery, but I can't imagine it was more than 10 minutes after Anthony was born...everything happened so fast once he was out.

First family photo

Holding Dad's hand

The day was an incredible experience...surreal.  Total active labor time was 10 hours.  The pain was gone as soon as he was out.  I remember asking the doctor how soon would I be able to walk.  More so, because she was still hanging out down by my lady parts with bright lights.  She laughed and said, "As soon as we stitch you up!"  Which by the way I felt every initial stitch til they numbed me up so more with a local.

So friends, that's our story.  It was a wonderful day.  I feel so empowered to have done it naturally, and even one month later, I can't believe it's already over.  I spent 9 months prepping for one day reading books, watching documentaries, and researching online.  10 hard hours later that flew right by... I just have no words.  It was extraordinary...primal in every way.  Exactly how I wanted it.

 

This photo was taken about an hour after delivery right before we were shown to our recovery room where we stayed for two nights.


 

 

 

Welcome to the world Baby Anthony!

 

 

 

38 Weeks

Hi everyone! 

How far along? 38 weeks 




Total weight gain/loss: I am down 2 lbs, ha ha, so a total gain of 30 lbs now.  The doctor thinks the "loss" might just be that my last appointment was in the afternoon and this one was in the morning.  But I'll take it.  Ha ha!  A little shocked no gain...but I guess this clean eating is really helping stabilize.  That will show ya how whole foods and good nutrition play a big part for the body.



Stretch marks? No stretch marks.

Sleep: It aches to get up at night, the belly, my back and especially my hips.  I'm going to the bathroom every 1 1/2 to 2 hours on the dot.  I've heard a lot of the "you look so tired" this week, even though I've been hitting the hay by 8:30pm almost every night this week.  Although I don't feel that tired...at least not until late in the afternoon.

Movement: This week Baby C is an active boy in the mornings.  By after lunch, he seems to settle down and nap til dinner time.  I'm thinking he just loves my choice of breakfast this week.  It's so delicious, but not exactly paleo with the eggos.  But I'll get my carbs in early in the morning.
 

Food cravings: Hello peaches!  Trader Joe's had boxes of peaches on special this week.  I'm eating like 2-3 per day.  Can't get enough of them!!  Delish!!  Oh and I've been craving Key Lime Pie, also.  Which I picked up the tart size from Wegmans today.  :)


 

Special things I'm focusing on:  Cleaning...or I guess everyone else tells me it's nesting....but to me it's still just cleaning like I normally do, I just want it all done before I leave for the hospital so when we come home the house is clean.



Eating clean as much as possible with the fun frills of the occasional bites of key lime pie, fig newton, or something sweet.

I met with a pediatrician today that was referred to us by one of our crossfit buddies.  I loved him!  So glad he was able to take the time to meet with me, answer all my questions, and he even had some questions for me.  Although he isn't affiliated with the hospital we are delivering at, they make it a point to have you call upon discharge of the hospital and schedule you an appointment within a day or two of leaving.  

Labor Signs: Still cramping daily, and been have a lot of strange pressure as far below the belly as you can go.  I describe it Baby C sitting on top of my lady parts.  It's rather uncomfortable, and honestly the only thing helping with the discomfort is to get up and walk around.  At least until my back hurts!  The braxton hicks seem to have left me the past couple of days, unless I'm just getting used to their discomfort. 

Wedding rings on or off? Still wearing the rings.  But have been taking them off as soon as I get home.  Definitely have some hand swelling going on, but not so much in the feet or ankles.

Happy or Moody most of the time:   I've been very anxious this week with all these weird sensations and feelings I have been having.  Eddie had a work trip and was gone all week, so that really kept me on my toes on paying attention to everything and how I was feeling, just in case Baby C wanted to make an early debut.

I'm very exciting though, at my doctor appointment this week, the doctor and I were pleasantly surprised to find that I am already 2 1/2 cm dilated and very "soft" she said.  She  said she didn't think I'd make it to my due date, and maybe not even my next weekly appointment!  WHOA!  This is happening folks!  EEEEEEEEEK!!!

Looking forward to: The end is VERY near.  I'm a little terrified.  A little relieved.  A week from now, YOU might just be meeting Baby C!!!

But in the meantime, I'll enjoy being a mama to just my fur babies a little longer.

 

37 Weeks

Happy Thursday!  I hope you've been having a great week.  Baby C and I have been having some interesting sensations this week!

 Lots of aches, lots of cramping, and some swolleness.

 

How far along? 37 weeks;  Baby is the size of a watermelon (19-22 in., 6.5 lbs). 

The doctor did a measurement this week and guess-timated that Baby C is 6 lbs 10 oz right now and predicts he'll be an average size baby and not huge like I keep imagining.  She did ask me what size shoe I wore...but it wasn't because she was interested in my shoes!  She said small feet tend to mean small pelvic openings.  Ugh!  At a size 6 1/2 shoe (which has not changed during pregnancy, thank goodness) and sizing up Eddie she had a talk with us about shoulder dystocia.  I read about it in Ina May Gaskins book.  I think I would be more worried about shoulder dystocia if I was going to be unable to move around and change positions. 


37 Weeks large! :)

Total weight gain/loss: Up 32 lbs. No more, no loss from last week.  Now that I am on weekly doctor appointments, I've begun eating much cleaner and more paleo again.  I figure a nice detox before labor and delivery is exactly what Baby C and I need. 




Stretch marks? No stretch marks.

Sleep: I had a rough night of sleeping the other night.  I felt as though I couldn't breathe and was having alot of Braxton Hicks.  I think Baby C is moving on down...I am feeling much more pressure on my bladder and hips.  My side sleep training was a good thing I thought, my now my hips ache to lie on them at night.  I've start out sleeping on my left side, then alternate to the other side every time I get up to pee.   By then my hip aches so bad it takes me a good 30-45 seconds to even stand up out of bed to get to the bathroom.






Movement: Baby C is still an active boy.  The doctor's smile and laugh when trying to get his heart rate with the doppler and always say, "he's an active one!"  Baby C has also been pretty consistent with daily hiccups the past week.  Sometimes two to three times per day.  I asked the Doctor about that too and she said that is a wonderful sign, that means he's practicing using his lungs. 

Food cravings: Craving sweets again, pretty sure it's because I'm being more strict on my diet again eating cleaner, but fruit is helping, blueberries, strawberries and bananas.  Sometimes even the frozen chocolate covered bananas from Trader's Joe's hits the spot.  I also have been craving coffee in the afternoons again.  I have not indulged and trying to stick to one cup of caffeine per day, sometimes two if it's a rough morning.




27 Weeks

37 Weeks

What a difference 10 weeks makes!!!


 


Special things I'm focusing on:  Moving around as much as possible.  I'm working on taking walks daily and doing some dips to keep my arms toned ha ha!  Over the next week my goal is take a walk every day. 

Like I mentioned earlier, eating cleaner.  Fueling my body and my baby for his birthday.

I'm in the process of going through a list of pediatricians to call and "interview".  I actually have two that I'm really interested in based on referrals from friends.  I guess we should have done this a few weeks ago, but I'm not too worried about it, just need to have someone picked by the time we get to the hospital. 

Labor Signs: Cramping daily and sporadically throughout the day.  Yesterday it lasted all morning and even made me felt nauseous.  I took a stroll around the  yard at lunch with the dogs which seemed to help with the discomfort. 

Wedding rings on or off? Still wearing the rings.  We had a real hot day the other day and one of the AC units broke at work so it was like a sauna which I then did swell in both the hands and feet.  But it was almost 90 degrees in the office.  Thankfully I have a little fan in my office.

Happy or Moody most of the time:   I'm happy, a little anxious and tired.

Looking forward to: The end is near.  I'll try not to complain and enjoy the rest of this experience.
 

18 Weeks

Happy Friday!  Is anyone else enjoying this blast of cold and snow? I sure am.  Work let us out early, I got out my ski gear, (was thrilled that the ski pants fit) and jumped in the snow with the dogs.  It was awesome!  Snow angels all around!  It was also nice to have tired pups at night from running around crazy while the snow fell.  It's so peaceful to just lay in the snow while the snow falls on you.  I also did some shoveling to get a workout in. ;) 

How far along? 18 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 12lbs gained (haven't weighed in, still)  Come on...I don't really wanna know anyway. 

Maternity clothes?  Maternity clothes for the most part, I'm finding are not pretty.  I have bought a majority from Old Navy because they are inexpensive, comfortable and for the most part, versatile and stylish.  I did get a couple sweaters from the GAP, and Target's maternity line, Liz Lange had a few spring/summer dresses on clearance.  Any cute stuff I have found is online and outrageously priced.  "This is temporary!" I keep telling myself.  I don't want to spend all this money where I'll just be outgrowing it, or never wearing it again.  I wish there was a consignment shop for mothers to be for maternity clothes.  Maybe there is, and I just haven't found it.  Anyone know of any in the Maryland area?

Stretch marks? None so far.

Sleep: By 3pm everyday, I'm ready for a nap.  But on workdays, obviously that's impossible.  I'm still sleeping good every night, and going to bed before 9:30.

Best moment this week: Feeling baby Casinover move!  More on that in the "Movement" recap.

Miss Anything?   Beer.  I miss beer. 

Movement: Finally felt baby Casinover move!  Eddie and I were in the car, and all of a sudden it was like a giant wave went across my entire belly from the inside. My first reaction was, "EWWWWW!!!!  OMG, that was so weird!"  It felt so strange.  Since that day, I've felt him move a few times a day.  More so when I'm in the car.  I guess the baby likes car rides!

Food cravings:  I haven't noticed any different cravings.  Been focusing on eating more veggies, fruit and trying to keep up on Paleo as much as possible.  I have noticed that I have been eating more.  My appetite has definitely increased.

Anything making you queasy or sick: No, I have been feeling great!  Energized for the most part, no nausea, no more yucky "pregnancy" symptoms.  Let's hope it stays that way.

Have you started to show yet:  Got the Buddha belly going on.
 

Gender: I don't want to beat a dead horse, but I still think it's a boy.  If it's a girl that will tell me how great my mother's intuition is.  HA!

Special things I'm focusing on: Staying healthy, strong, fit and getting enough rest. 
Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Very happy. 

Looking forward to:  Settling down and figuring out the nursery.  Couple more weeks til we know what baby Casinover is!!

17 Weeks

How far along? 17 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 12lbs gained (haven't weighed in)

Maternity clothes? In the pants department, maternity pants are by far the most comfortable.  I have been getting away occasionally, wearing my pre-pregnancy jeans using a hair band around the button and loop.  This hair band maternity trick is very clever!  Althought it's not my favorite because it shows a lump from the button and hair tie.  I also have been waiting for a belly band to show up that I ordered off of Zulily, but holy crap, it's been a month since I ordered it...how long am I suppose to wait with them to recieve the product?  Everytime I check the order status it still says "shipping to Zulily."

I receieved my new bras!!  Praise Jesus, I'm comfortable again.  I'm up 1 cup size, but gave myself more room around the torso. Soooo much better!  I think all my weight gain was in my chest.  Just call me, "Big Boob Betty." ;) 

Stretch marks? None so far.

Sleep: My sleeping habits have been good.  Been going to bed at 9 or 9:30, getting up to use the bathroom about 2-3 times per night.  I'm averaging 8 to 8 1/2 hours per sleep each night according to the Jawbone UP.  Have you tried the Jawbone?  It's pretty cool.  It also tells me how active I'm being during the day which since my job is pretty sedentary, is a nice reminder to get up and take a walk around the building, or take a lap or two up and down the stairs.

Best moment this week:  While at crossfit, I was trying to perform a clean and while trying to get the bar up, I kept hitting the baby bump.  Baby bump is starting to get in the way of things!!!!  HA HA!

Eddie laughed and said, "Toughen that baby up, show him who's boss."  Although our coach was like, "Yeah, let's do some sumo deadlift high pulls instead."  Ha ha, so that workout I modified the cleans to the sumo deadlift high pulls.  I guess bumping the bump is frowned upon.   

Miss Anything?  I've been missing beer lately.  It just sounds so good. 

Movement: I don't believe I have felt any movement still.  Still thinking what I do feel, might just be gas.

Food cravings: I still am loving fresh fruit.  I've been eating pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, oranges and cantaloupe.  I've also been eating salads again!  HOOORAY!!!  Veggies for snacks, like carrots and cucumbers are my favorite lately.  I also have been eating cereal!  Rice Chex or Corn Chex (both gluten free) with a banana or some blueberries thrown in the mix.  Delish!  I've eaten that for dinner twice this past week, it's so yummy.  It's been the perfect go to meal after work and crossfit.  So I may not be totally back on Paleo, but I'm on the road to a more Paleo-ish style. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: No, I'm happy to say that I haven't been feeling bad at all.  I've been feeling great!

Have you started to show yet:  HELLOOOOOO baby bump.  This baby I feel has had a huge growth spurt in there.  It feels weird to bend over to put on my shoes, which is annoying, although I'm still capable of doing sit ups.  Yippee~!

Gender: A majority of you think it's going to be a girl, or wish a little girl on Eddie.  ;)  But I'm still convinced it's a boy.  I don't know why.  I keep calling him, he, and him without hesitation.  We've had someone who has guessed 9 for 9 babies with 100% accuracy tell us that it is, in fact, a boy.  Oooooohhhhh, this is so fun!!  I can't wait to find out.

Special things I'm focusing on:  Staying strong, building my endurance and staying active with crossfit.  Drinking lots of water (4-5 20 ounce bottles of water per day).    Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, happy, happy!

Looking forward to:  Finding out who is right, is it a boy or a girl?

 

 

14 Weeks

How far along? 14 Weeks

14 Weeks Preggers

Total weight gain/loss: 8lbs gained (haven't weighed myself...maybe more)

Maternity clothes? I ordered a new bra, a belly band and a maternity camisole to help wear under some of my regular clothes.  My regular clothes are really becoming uncomfortable, especially the pants.  I'm hoping the belly band will give me some more time in my regular pants since it's Christmas time, and I don't want to spend money on maternity pants right now.  I asked my boss today if it would be OK if i started wearing sweat pants to work...he laughed at me....but I was serious.  :)

Stretch marks? None so far.

Sleep: Sleeping is still going good.  I can barely make it to 9pm in the evenings though, unless it's a weekend and I get a nap in.  I'm usually in bed by 8:30 and sleep til about 7am or 7:15am, with two to three trips to the bathroom throughout the night breaking up my sleep. 

Best moment this week:  Not baby related, but I finished Christmas shopping and mailed out the packages and they will be there before Christmas.  I feel stress free now.  :)  Christmas is less than a week away! Yippeee!!

Miss Anything?  I haven't really felt like I've been missing much in the food department.  I've been eating what I want.  I mean compared to how I was eating with Paleo pre-pregnancy...Now, I'm eating bagels, English muffins, potato chips, grilled cheese, and dairy...lots of yogurt, milk and cottage cheese.   So I'm not really feeling deprived with food.

I am missing my energy, though.  Last week I made it to the gym 4 days, this week....I haven't gone yet.  But its on the agenda for this evening.  I feel more tired now in my second trimester than I did in the first.

Movement: I haven't felt any movement yet.

Food cravings: Weekly cheeseburger still.  Oooh and salad...I crave salads again...but they need to have egg in them with ranch dressing.  Other things I'll crave on the fly.  For example, I'll want a grilled cheese for lunch, so I'll make one.  Or for dinner I'll crave pasta with red sauce, so I'll have that.  But in case you were wondering, and I'm sure it's pretty obvious... going to the grocery store while pregnant and hungry is not recommended.  I did that the other day and picked up 4 cans of spaghettio's with meatballs, pepperoni with cheese and crackers, potato  chips and a watermelon.  Eddie could not believe I bought the spaghettios!  It's been years since I've had them, but they looked good at the time.  Haven't cracked them open yet.  :)

Anything making you queasy or sick: This week I experienced my first pregnancy migraine.  It was terrible.  I was nauseous, saw flashing lights, it hurt to so bad I cried.  Then I became emotional and cried harder asking Eddie how in the heck would I be able to handle childbirth if I can't even handle a migraine.  He reminded me that there were drugs for that.  But unfortunately, all I got was Tylenol for the migraine, drank lots of water, sat in a dark room, tried to sleep and used a neck massager all over my head and neck.  Now that I think back, it may have been self induced.  We had the fireplace going all weekend, I baked three different kinds of cookies, was cleaning the house, wrapping presents and not paying attention to how much water I was taking in.  I didn't rest enough, and I clearly didn't drink enough water.  That was a hard lesson to learn. 

Have you started to show yet:  Yes, I've got the baby bump going on.

Gender:  This week I think it's a boy again.

Special things I'm focusing on:  Paying attention to my water intake and resting when I feel tired.  I've noticed my back starting to get sore if I'm on my feet too long, especially on the weekends, and I'm sort of using that as my cue to sit down and try to relax for a bit or nap.Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time:  This week I've been happy but tired.  Since the migraine I haven't really gotten my swing of energy back.  I hope I didn't lose it.

Looking forward to: Getting to the gym.