So the bed has been my apartment and yesterday I found out that it will be my new apartment for some time until Jessica is a little more "well done" in there. My apartment moves regularly. My bed is no longer the place of choice. I've slept on the floor, in our recliner, and now... I'm sleeping in my stepdaughter's bed. Why? I can't get comfortable anywhere. Our bed has one of those mattresses I was wowed by 6 years ago because it is so fluffy, soft, and luxurious... not! It is so uncomfortable now. I sleep with anywhere from 4-6 pillows including this boppy thing. I need someone to swaddle me I guess.
So I get that I will be sleep deprived when baby comes. The flip side to this is that anybody who really knows Christina Ellington, knows that doesn't mean much. I don't sleep period. I've dealt with insomnia since college. Even before this pregnancy, I would be the one to send 1-2 am work emails or get projects done overnight. This is not because I procrastinated but for some reason I get more work done at night. My mother used to hate seeing me deal with this. When I got married, my husband realized I had a serious problem with it and also hated it. When I competed in pageants, my directors were always on me about it. My mom thought my pageant platform should have been about sleep disorders. So being sleep deprived is a part of who I am and I am not going on any pill for it. I don't know if I took after my mother who has been working nights as a nurse in various capacities for the last 30+ years. My mom would be up all hours of the night vacuuming, doing laundry, watching TV, writing letters, doing work, on the phone and so on. It was like she was in her own little day world. Once I got my freedom in college to sort of manage my own schedule, I just never slept. In college I would average 3-4 hours of sleep a night sporadically. I just learned to function on it.
The problem with this 3rd trimester sleep deprivation nonsense is that is has added luxuries. The main goal of the tossing and turning is to try to get back to sleep (which is a very boring and annoying game I say). So I am in so much pain in my lower half that when I end up sleeping on my back, it becomes nearly impossible to even turn myself to my side. Lifting my leg to get the pillow in between them hurts. Oh wait... I have to potty now! Lifting myself up, turning my body to put my feet on the ground, and standing up is a workout. 99% of the time, I stand completely bent over while holding onto everything in my path to the bathroom. I fell the other day in front of my mom, my dad, and my husband just because I can't seem to get my balance right. I'm just a bag of wobble goo.
I'll do anything for little Jess. Mama's knocked out, but I love you girl.
Baby Pares Counter
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
I'm moody, she's happy, and she will come when she is ready...
Well the specialist said "if the baby comes now, we are not going to stop her". So even though I am having some cervical concerns, everything else is looking good and we are just in waiting mode. I am going to do my best to rest when I can, drink tons of water, and try to stay off my feet when I can. Other than that, the ultrasound shows that she is doing very well a
nd healthy.
I am drained though. Mike and I went to the sporting goods store a few days ago. I remember getting out of the car, walking into the store, and standing by the running shoes section as he tried on sneakers. As I stood there, I got really dizzy and realized that my heart rate had dramatically gone up! I wasn't even breathing hard. Doing what? Walking into the doggone store! Anytime I am still, I can feel the blood pumping through every part of my body. They don't lie when they say that your blood supply increases. Everything exhausts me and it's starting to make me moody :(
On the flip side of my moodiness, little Jessica is in a very good mood. Seeing her smile in this video is amazing. I can't stop watching it. I can only imagine what it is like to see her smile in "real life".
Today I am excited because my stepdaughter, Alexis, comes to stay with us for the next few days. We haven't seen her since early January when I was 15-16 weeks. The baby room which is also her room is close to complete. I left her side unfinished because I am going to have her assist me in how she wants to decorate her side. She's also got to help me organize the room so I've got all the baby stuff out so she can give me some ideas. We've got some work to do!
nd healthy.I am drained though. Mike and I went to the sporting goods store a few days ago. I remember getting out of the car, walking into the store, and standing by the running shoes section as he tried on sneakers. As I stood there, I got really dizzy and realized that my heart rate had dramatically gone up! I wasn't even breathing hard. Doing what? Walking into the doggone store! Anytime I am still, I can feel the blood pumping through every part of my body. They don't lie when they say that your blood supply increases. Everything exhausts me and it's starting to make me moody :(
On the flip side of my moodiness, little Jessica is in a very good mood. Seeing her smile in this video is amazing. I can't stop watching it. I can only imagine what it is like to see her smile in "real life".
Today I am excited because my stepdaughter, Alexis, comes to stay with us for the next few days. We haven't seen her since early January when I was 15-16 weeks. The baby room which is also her room is close to complete. I left her side unfinished because I am going to have her assist me in how she wants to decorate her side. She's also got to help me organize the room so I've got all the baby stuff out so she can give me some ideas. We've got some work to do!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Bedrest, 31 weeks, hands, and Mr. Braxton Hicks
So we are finally a
t 31 weeks which means I am officially in the single digit countdown. 9 weeks to go... if Jessica wants to hold out that long.
I've been on temporary bedrest for this past week due to a short cervix and cramping. One week ago I started getting cramping and definitely said "woah that's not right". I've had a really good pregnancy with no cramping, no aches or pains, no nothing. So Saturday I thought maybe I was just having a "day". On Sunday I took two warm baths because they were bothering me and my back was getting to me as well. I went to work on Monda
y, back on my feet, and it was clear that the cramps were not going anywhere. I went to the doctor that day only to find out that my cervix was quite short and continuing to shorten. So I am on bedrest until I see the specialist next week until we get the more definitive plan for how we are going to deal with it. Long term bedrest would be my worst nightmare as anyone who knows me knows that I am a keep it movin' type of person. Over the last week of bedrest though, it has proven to be that I am not just getting a tiny bit of cramping. SOMETHING is going on in there and it is increasingly getting more and more painful by the day. Jessica is going to just have to wait and cook a little bit longer.
Accompanying the pain are Mr. Braxton Hicks and friends. It was cute when I was getting them starting 1 month ago - distorting my tummy. There is nothing entertaining about it now. It makes me stop everything I am doing (like I just got one 1 minute ago and I stopped typing this), it normally is joined by Ms. Cramping and Mr. Backaches, and requires a little concentration. Ms. Cramping is enjoying the sounds of me typing right now. All I have to say is, "Mr. Braxton Hicks - you and all your little friends can go home for now. I'm finished with this party."
So I've been down in the dumps about all of this as I don't know what I am going to hear next week when I get my next cervical reading. To keep me happy, I got to see my little on
e on 3D today at Stork Studio in Orange, CT. She is a true fat butt! Big chubby cheeks like I had as a kid. She definitely has an obsession with her hands. Her hands were all in her face and in her mouth the whole time. It was ridiculous. We had to keep hitting my stomach to get some type of view of her face! My mom had the chance to come join us.
Hubby who is usually quite reserved and quiet about this whole process came out and said yesterday, "I want her to come out now." (smile)
t 31 weeks which means I am officially in the single digit countdown. 9 weeks to go... if Jessica wants to hold out that long.I've been on temporary bedrest for this past week due to a short cervix and cramping. One week ago I started getting cramping and definitely said "woah that's not right". I've had a really good pregnancy with no cramping, no aches or pains, no nothing. So Saturday I thought maybe I was just having a "day". On Sunday I took two warm baths because they were bothering me and my back was getting to me as well. I went to work on Monda
y, back on my feet, and it was clear that the cramps were not going anywhere. I went to the doctor that day only to find out that my cervix was quite short and continuing to shorten. So I am on bedrest until I see the specialist next week until we get the more definitive plan for how we are going to deal with it. Long term bedrest would be my worst nightmare as anyone who knows me knows that I am a keep it movin' type of person. Over the last week of bedrest though, it has proven to be that I am not just getting a tiny bit of cramping. SOMETHING is going on in there and it is increasingly getting more and more painful by the day. Jessica is going to just have to wait and cook a little bit longer.
Accompanying the pain are Mr. Braxton Hicks and friends. It was cute when I was getting them starting 1 month ago - distorting my tummy. There is nothing entertaining about it now. It makes me stop everything I am doing (like I just got one 1 minute ago and I stopped typing this), it normally is joined by Ms. Cramping and Mr. Backaches, and requires a little concentration. Ms. Cramping is enjoying the sounds of me typing right now. All I have to say is, "Mr. Braxton Hicks - you and all your little friends can go home for now. I'm finished with this party."So I've been down in the dumps about all of this as I don't know what I am going to hear next week when I get my next cervical reading. To keep me happy, I got to see my little on
e on 3D today at Stork Studio in Orange, CT. She is a true fat butt! Big chubby cheeks like I had as a kid. She definitely has an obsession with her hands. Her hands were all in her face and in her mouth the whole time. It was ridiculous. We had to keep hitting my stomach to get some type of view of her face! My mom had the chance to come join us.Hubby who is usually quite reserved and quiet about this whole process came out and said yesterday, "I want her to come out now." (smile)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
30 weeks, Baby Shower, and woah weight gain!
Now look... It was only in February that I was yapping off to my doctor some small concerns around the fact that I had only gained 3-4 lbs total at 20 something weeks. The nurse made fun of me in January and told me wait until you hit February because you weight it just going to shoot up. I went through all of February still at the total mark of about 4 lbs. So March comes marching along and my weight goes up a couple little lbs and I think to myself, "this is not too bad." Well here we are on April 10th. My weight has shot up 14 total lbs. This baby lost her mind. I've also been noticeably a lot more hungry at my main meals. With the demands of my job, I don't eat as often during the day as I should. So I am determined today to go out and get some good snacks to try to eat during the day when I am hungry so I am not stuffing my face at one meal. Good thing is that glucose test was great. No high blood pressure. No issues at all in this pregnancy so far. I could be dealing with worse so I won't complain.
I have my 30 week appointment this week with the doctor and then yay for my 3D appointment this coming Saturday. I am going to check to make sure this baby doesn't magically have a little hotdog we didn't know about.
My mom called me about 4 days ago with that odd voice on the phone. I kept asking her what's wrong mom? She finally blurted out that she was trying to plan my baby shower with her friend to keep it a surprise but she would prefer to have me involved. She said it would be more "fun". Anyone who knows my mom knows that a party is right up her alley and she can put together anything. So I've been assisting in some respects but definitely not picky. I'm excited that is underway. Hopefully baby Jess doesn't decide to hit the streets anytime soon. We are looking at mid may for a party.
A lot has been done with the baby room. The things we have left to do or may not even do are:
Biggest Con right now: My breathing sucks. I go up and down the stairs regularly at work and my breathing isn't cutting it. You would think I ran a few miles by the time I get to the top. I push through it but it is so hard to be so short of breath :(
Biggest Pro right now: My belly is getting SO big! While it is getting big seeing the baby move my belly parts around is incredible. Visibly seeing the kicking and jabbing is crazy but so exciting. I listened to the heartbeat last night with hubby and heard a strong healthy baby.
10 weeks Baby J!
I have my 30 week appointment this week with the doctor and then yay for my 3D appointment this coming Saturday. I am going to check to make sure this baby doesn't magically have a little hotdog we didn't know about.
My mom called me about 4 days ago with that odd voice on the phone. I kept asking her what's wrong mom? She finally blurted out that she was trying to plan my baby shower with her friend to keep it a surprise but she would prefer to have me involved. She said it would be more "fun". Anyone who knows my mom knows that a party is right up her alley and she can put together anything. So I've been assisting in some respects but definitely not picky. I'm excited that is underway. Hopefully baby Jess doesn't decide to hit the streets anytime soon. We are looking at mid may for a party.
A lot has been done with the baby room. The things we have left to do or may not even do are:
- Child Birthing Classes (not sure)
- Newborn Items (waiting for shower because I have no idea what to get right now)
- Baby wardrobe
- Boobie Pumps
- Glider/Recliner (not sure)
- Stroller/Car Seat (mama said she is going to get this)
- Packing delivery bag (later)
- Finalizing registry
- Clean carpets in baby room
- Put together baby swing
- Put newborn napper in my room
- Get birthing plan to hospital
- Meet with pediatrician
- Boobie feeding class
Biggest Con right now: My breathing sucks. I go up and down the stairs regularly at work and my breathing isn't cutting it. You would think I ran a few miles by the time I get to the top. I push through it but it is so hard to be so short of breath :(
Biggest Pro right now: My belly is getting SO big! While it is getting big seeing the baby move my belly parts around is incredible. Visibly seeing the kicking and jabbing is crazy but so exciting. I listened to the heartbeat last night with hubby and heard a strong healthy baby.
10 weeks Baby J!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Baby Room and 29 weeks!
The baby room is coming right along finally. I got the walls done with the
wall decal, got the blinds up, and put together the bassinet/playyard. The playyard will be in our room for when the baby first comes home. We also did a little home gardening today for the 1st time! We're so proud of ourselves!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
28 weeks! 3rd Trimester! Running total: 8 lbs
Oh boy life has been busy. I can't believe it has been 3 weeks since I've blogged!
Anywho, I am officially 28 weeks tomorrow and in the 3rd trimester! Things have been going well. I've definitely put baby decorating to a halt as I've needed to put some focuses into some job related activities over the last few weeks. My hope is that next weekend I will task on baby duties. I received my wall decal in the mail with Baby Jessica's name on it. I need time for that!
So for the weight gain... After I posted about not gaining much weight, I jumped up like a mad woman. My total weight gain at this point is approximately 8-9 lbs at 28 weeks. I'm doing well but that's going to need to hold on a second lol.
I've been ex
periencing lots of kicks and jabs. Michael and I watched her move her way across my belly. How funny! She likes to hang out in the lower part of my belly during the day which puts me in a ton of pain. Other than that, this is a fabulous pregnancy with no major issues. I took my 1 hour glucose test on Friday. That could change things up a bit seeing as I now have a craving for juice regularly.84 days to go little girl! Keep on cookin'! We love you :)
My brother is officially married. Here I am with mi madre at 25 weeks!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
25 weeks tomorrow and Baby Bro gets married!
What a week it has been! I didn't think I was going to make it returning back to work after such a nice break.
Baby Pares is doing well and kicking. She now seems to have a daily schedule I have gradually picked up on. She does some major kicking around 4 am every morning. It drives me nuts because my alarm is set to 1 hour later. When she wakes me up... I'm up.
In addition to that, I haven't been sleeping so well :( I wake up a lot in the middle of the night. I can't seem to find a comfortable position to lay in. When I have to do my 4 runs to the bathroom at night, it is a PAINFUL walk to the toilet.
I got to enjoy waking up at 4 am this morning and watching Baby Jessica move all around my belly! I used to listen to her heartbeat every couple of days but now this new reassurance is exciting.
Weight Gain: So after enjoying JUST gaining 4 lbs in the 1st 6 months, I packed on another 4 in a week!!! AHHH! I got nervous but was told numerous times that my weight would jump. I am currently trying to get back on a more regular water routine now that I am back at work. I am not as good about water when I am at home. I feel it helps tremendously. So total weight gain for 25 weeks is 8 lbs. In general, based on calculators and charts, I am still way below typical weight from where I started, but doing well.
More importantly, today is a special day. My baby brother is getting married. I haven't thought about it much in the last few months of him preparing for the wedding. But I couldn't help crying on my drive home yesterday as I thought about my protective moments of my lil' man
and how he's a big boy now! When I was younger I was always a quiet and shy girl. I didn't say anything. If you, adult or child, messed with my brother, however, that changed in a second. I am proud of the man he has become and know that the future is so bright for him and his new family.
Anywho - I am SOOO excited that I found where the Girl Scouts are going to be in town tomorrow. I've been CRAVING Samoas for weeks now and no one sells them at my job. I will be the 1st person at the table at Stop and Shop tomorrow getting my boxes of cookies.
Baby tasks this weekend: Clean boxes out of baby room, put up blinds, fix mobile, put together Sweetpeace glider, and playyard with newborn napper.
Baby Pares is doing well and kicking. She now seems to have a daily schedule I have gradually picked up on. She does some major kicking around 4 am every morning. It drives me nuts because my alarm is set to 1 hour later. When she wakes me up... I'm up.
In addition to that, I haven't been sleeping so well :( I wake up a lot in the middle of the night. I can't seem to find a comfortable position to lay in. When I have to do my 4 runs to the bathroom at night, it is a PAINFUL walk to the toilet.
I got to enjoy waking up at 4 am this morning and watching Baby Jessica move all around my belly! I used to listen to her heartbeat every couple of days but now this new reassurance is exciting.
Weight Gain: So after enjoying JUST gaining 4 lbs in the 1st 6 months, I packed on another 4 in a week!!! AHHH! I got nervous but was told numerous times that my weight would jump. I am currently trying to get back on a more regular water routine now that I am back at work. I am not as good about water when I am at home. I feel it helps tremendously. So total weight gain for 25 weeks is 8 lbs. In general, based on calculators and charts, I am still way below typical weight from where I started, but doing well.
More importantly, today is a special day. My baby brother is getting married. I haven't thought about it much in the last few months of him preparing for the wedding. But I couldn't help crying on my drive home yesterday as I thought about my protective moments of my lil' man
and how he's a big boy now! When I was younger I was always a quiet and shy girl. I didn't say anything. If you, adult or child, messed with my brother, however, that changed in a second. I am proud of the man he has become and know that the future is so bright for him and his new family.Anywho - I am SOOO excited that I found where the Girl Scouts are going to be in town tomorrow. I've been CRAVING Samoas for weeks now and no one sells them at my job. I will be the 1st person at the table at Stop and Shop tomorrow getting my boxes of cookies.
Baby tasks this weekend: Clean boxes out of baby room, put up blinds, fix mobile, put together Sweetpeace glider, and playyard with newborn napper.
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