July 18, 2008

I'm 31 weeks today. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by and how quickly I've gone from pregnancy glow to pregnancy woe!!! I'm just exhausted and this bump is getting in the way of everything! I haven't gained more than 3-5 lbs, but I feel huge. We have a rental apartment that needs refreshing before re-renting and I just can't seem to get anything done, even with the help of my boy, bf and mom. Its just dragging and its way too hot to work :( At least we'll have Sunday in Maine with friends on the lake... probably my last outing, but its a good one!

July 11, 2008

I'm 30 weeks today. A real milestone! Just nine more weeks to go as I have an induction date of September 15 (although I think she will arrive on her own the day before). I've been working over the yard sales and craigslist to get all that I need. I've been blessed with a few wonderful moms whose daughters are just a few months ahead of me and so I'm getting a good number of hand-me downs... some of which still have the tags on them! We're trying to keep expenses in check, but it's so hard to resist some of the cute, girly things out there :)

July 4, 2008

I'm 29 weeks today. It's been a wonderful week. I took some time off over the holiday and, although I didn't get as much done as I would have liked to, we did go to Maine! Our overnight included a concert by Richard Thompson at the Stone Mountain Arts Center. Fantastic! We met him afterwards, received an autograph signed "To Andi" and he even took the liberty of feeling my bump! Spending time with my bf is always the best!! He has such a wonderful way about him and he makes me feel so loved, so cared for. Oh, and my doctor has taken me off restrictions...YES!!!

June 27, 2008

I'm 28 weeks today. Time is really flying by. We had our 3D ultrasound done on Saturday. It was hit and miss. The DVD recorder stopped recording about 4 minutes into our session, but the tech didn't realize it till 8 or 9 minutes later. Turns out that footage would have been the only good moving recordings... she was semi-asleep, yawning, smiling, with her face front. Once the tech fixed the problem and went back to taking the pics, Andreia had turned her face towards the placenta, hiding behind the umbilical cord and then began her gymnastics routine!! She kept taking her foot and putting it on her forehead... it was funny to watch but made for lousy pics. Still, I did get some stills from the initial footage which I've posted. I haven't had anymore bleeding, but the contractions are still come and go... yesterday they were very intense, but not patterned enough to call the doc. My only real complaint is being so very tired and dealing with the pregnant brain fog!!! I've got so much to do in the next few weeks and this isn't helping.

June 20, 2008

I'm 27 weeks today. Finally went to the doctors for my coughing, turns out I have an ear infection. They put me on antibiotics and I am starting to feel better. My 3D ultrasound got rescheduled for tomorrow morning... hopefully I'll get some great pics that I can post. Just when I think I've got thing figured out, there's always a curve ball... my bf's company just laid off half their staff, including him. Lousy timing, although honestly I've got pretty much all I really need to take care of the baby for the first few months. I'm not that worried, but I'm sure he's rattled. Atleast little Andreia is staying put... a few more weeks and we really won't have to worry if she decides to come early.

June 13, 2008

I'm 26 weeks today. I'm very glad to have had another two weeks pass since being hospitalized for preterm labor. Every week that passes is a blessing for this little one. As for me, I've got a summer cold and I hate being sick. My throat hurts, I'm coughing, I can't breathe (well, I was having a hard time before getting my cold but now its even worse). I missed visiting with by bf's relatives from Germany, which really bummed me out (ah, truthfully, I had a minor melt down - have I mentioned that my bf is the most wonderful person in the world? - even when I'm crying for no good reason, he's there comforting me). The mini heatwave is over, thankfully! I've got company coming this week and my 3D ultrasound scheduled for next Friday... I am so psyched to see my little girl's face!! Hopefully I'll have some good pics to post next week.

June 6, 2008

I'm 25 weeks today. I had a follow-up with my doctor on Monday and everything is looking good. Unfortunately, she's placed me on indefinite "pelvic rest". That means no sex, no exercise, no working on the garden, no fun! I know, I am *very* grateful that this little one has decided to be more patient about her arrival and I will do what the doctor has ordered, but its' going to be *so* hard!!! I'm a very active person with a lot of responsibilities, and frankly, I'm not one of those pregnant ladies that can't even think about being romantic with their husbands/bfs. I'm just the opposite... once my nausea cleared up I couldn't get enough of him :) It's going to be a long, long, hot, frustrating summer! Anyway, next doctor's visit isn't till June 18 unless something happens between now and then. Ladies, thank you again for your well wishes and prayers for little Andreia... I think she's listening :)

May 30, 2008

I'm 24 weeks today. It’s been a rough week. More bleeding and contractions over the weekend. I ended up at the hospital on Wednesday for a labor check. They did an Ffn test and it came back positive which means, well, not much actually... I could deliver in the next few days, at term, or somewhere in between. Basically it means I'm at high risk for preterm labor which isn't good. Had an ultrasound done which was nice... got to see a foot but the baby's face was right behind my bellybutton and she had her hands over her face! She measured 22cm for head circumference and 1lb 7 ounces, perfect for 24 weeks. My cervix is still a good length but its softening. They gave me two shots of steroids to build up the baby's lungs (24 hours apart) just incase she arrives this weekend. It's been so overwhelming not knowing if this baby is really going to make it now. I don't want to go shopping or anything. Anyway, if you are having *any* issues you really should visit your doctor, I had just thought I'd bump up my appointment a few days... I had no idea this was more than just a few Braxton Hicks.

May 23, 2008

I'm 23 weeks today on the 23rd of May, the fifth month and I'm five months along AND I'm celebrating my 5th anniversary... weird?! My bf and I met on the Friday night of Labor Day Weekend at a radio station in 2003. He was there promoting his band and I was stopping by for the pre-party before a night of dancing. We hit it off right away, sparks were flying and oh, those eyes... they just melted me :) *Everything* about this man was off the chart and hit all my buttons! Then, the next morning, I just about fell over when I had a poem in my email inbox from him... all that and he writes poetry?!?! I was hooked and here we are still in love and going out to dance and celebrate tonight!

May 16, 2008

I'm 22 weeks today. Time is flying by! Mother's Day was wonderful. My bf bought a card from the baby to give to me... too cute pic of a little girl with major attitude on the front which says, "You are going to have a great Mother's Day, aren't you?" and inside, "or am I going to have to throw a tantrum!" My cards to the grandmother's went over big time... my bf's mom just couldn't get over the ultrasound pic and to hear the sound of the heartbeat was overwhelming. My mom took hers to work to show everyone :) I bought bedding for the portable crib which will be in our room for the first few months... so cute! This has been such an unexpected, but wonderful gift... a daughter.

May 9, 2008

I'm 21 weeks today. It’s been a rough week at work. I wish I didn't have to go back to work after the baby is born :( Anyway, Sunday is Mother's Day and I bought two cards, one for my mom and one for my bf's mom, that are recordable and have a place for a picture on the front. I'm going to print out the latest ultrasound pic and then record Andreia's heartbeat from my doppler onto their cards. I hope they will enjoy it.

May 2, 2008

I'm 20 weeks today. This little one is moving around quite a bit! I bought my first pink item the other day, well two onesies actually. One has sort of a tattoo type graphic on the front that says "Daddy" and the second is a pink tie-dye with a red heart. They're so cute! I'm keeping the receipts just incase, and will get a confirmation the first week in July as I am treating myself to a 3D ultrasound :) We've been thinking about names. So far Andreia Isabella is the front runner, though I like Airabella, too. My beloved grandmother's name was Bella. She passed away almost two years ago... I think of her nearly every day and miss her so very much.

April 25, 2008

I'm 19 weeks today and completely overwhelmed with joy... it’s a GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!! And she's healthy and apparently so am I (cervix looks good, placenta looks good). My bf was very happy for me... and he's been secretly thinking about names! I don't even want to be a work today, I just want to walk around in the sunshine and smile till it hurts!!

April 18, 2008

I'm 18 weeks today. I've had a couple of bad days with some cramping and pain. Not sure what it is exactly, but it seems to go away on its own. Just one week until our ultrasound... I hate waiting :) Still haven't gained anything. AFP results came back negative, which is great. Spring is here, finally, so I'm sure with work around the house to do, time will pass quickly. Unfortunately, that also mean allergy season and my nose is already stuffy. Here's something to ponder... I'm checking out daycares this month while my bf if checking out colleges for his son!!!

April 11, 2008

I'm 17 weeks today. This week there's been some definite movement. The baby doesn't like the doppler, so I'm using it even less often... hopefully soon feeling regular movement will be enough reassurance. We have our Level II scheduled for April 25, exactly 19 weeks. Had the AFP test done, so hopefully those results will be as good as the NT screen was. Starting to think about names, gave in a bought a few things :) I'm feeling great and haven't gained a pound despite my 40+ inch waistline. My bf told his mom this week about her new grandchild... she's very excited, of course. I think he's doing okay, getting used to the idea, trusting that this will be a positive experience for us, even though we weren't planning on parenting together.

April 4, 2008

I'm 16 weeks today. The April Fools announcement didn't quite work as planned... very few folks got that it might not be true! I honestly thought no one would believe me, but most did and they were surprised but happy for us. I've been able to keep the weight off so far, but its getting harder now that I'm not nearly as nauseous as I had been. I'm feeling more rumblings, but nothing really consistent or hard enough for anyone else to feel. Next week another doc appointment and then hopefully our Level II ultrasound the week after. I can't wait to know if it’s a boy or girl :)

March 28, 2008

I'm 15 weeks today. Last night my bf told his kids (they live with their mom) about their new brother or sister. I was so relieved to hear they took it very well... shocked, like who isn't!... but it sounds like they're more than okay with the idea. I didn't know what to expect from my son who I told a few weeks earlier, but after the shock wore off he was good. Just a few more days and I'll be sending out my announcement... yeah!

One sad note, if you read below one of the moms-to-be who I met through this site lost her daughter at 19 weeks... have your tissues ready if you visit her page... its heart wrenching. It also makes me concerned as I have been suffering from similar symptoms since the beginning of this pregnancy. The doc has a reasonable explanation, but now I'm wondering if there's more to worry about. I hope at our next ultrasound (mid-April) they check around to make sure that everything is as it should be and that this is just an annoyance to be temporarily lived with.

March 21, 2008

I'm 14 weeks today and it feels much better to officially be in my second trimester. I finally told the boss and my coworkers all of whom were as surprised as I was...LOL! This was the first week I've been feeling more good than bad, a real corner turned. Plus I can't seem to get enough of my bf (hee, hee, hee)...poor guy. He seems to be okay with everything... at least I hope he is. You know how some guys are about internalizing their thoughts/feelings. He's an awesome person and is already a great dad, so I have no doubts he'll come through.

Spring is on its way here in New England and so far I haven't gained a pound. I'm hoping I'll keep my weight in check for a few more months as I was already 40+ lbs overweight to begin with. I don't think I've felt the baby move (although there is an occasional slight flutter that seems somewhat familiar). I bought a fetal heart monitor which I use sparingly, but it is a comfort to know its little heart is beating away (I recommend this to anyone who finds themselves ruminating over a possible missed miscarriage).

My blood work for the NT screen came back normal and negative and our ultrasound was perfect, thank god. We have an in depth ultrasound scheduled for 19 weeks just to be sure (and so we can find out if its a girl or boy). I'll be happy either way. I can't wait to finally relax and enjoy this pregnancy... I know the time is going to fly by.

Thanks to everyone that has sent their well wishes and shared their stories. I hope to have a more humorous update after April 1 as I'm sending an official announcement to family and more distant friends on April Fools Day... cause honestly, no one would be believe me anyway! Can't wait for the reaction...

March 14, 2008

I'm 13 weeks today and as mentioned previously, I'm still getting over the shock of being pregnant.

Back in January I thought I was dying, literally. By February I had had enough and called my doc... she was talking about things like ovarian cancer or maybe gallbladder disease. "Are you sitting down honey?" she asked when she called with my first blood work results. "Everything came back normal except for your hcg... from the numbers I'd say you're about 7 weeks pregnant." Honestly, at the time, I thought gallbladder disease would have been better... and then the panic set in, how am I going to tell my bf?

We had just moved in together (we've been together for several years). Having more kids wasn't in our plans... travel to Europe was in the plan, spending time indulging in each other was in the plan, music and wine and all things decadent were in the plan! Starting a second family wasn't in the plan. Yet, despite all this and the fact we both have nearly grown and grown kids, I just couldn't imagine not keeping this child. Once I saw that little heart beating on the ultrasound monitor (on Valentine's Day no less), I knew there wasn't anything I could do but hope that we could work this all out. He or she had defied all odds, and the Nuvaring (apparently not worth the $47 a month) and my "advanced maternal age" and my hypothyroidism (both should have reduced my fertility to nil).

So, here I am, pregnant again at 40. I've been floundering between thinking everything will be alright and being down-right terrified. After our NT ultrasound I felt a slight shift towards being happier about all this... My son is thrilled and looking forward to being a big brother, my mom is excited about this miracle grandchild. I hope my bf and I will be able to share those same positive feelings (he means the world to me). It’s just been so overwhelming, so stressful and so unexpected.