Sunday, October 30, 2011

Weekly Belly Picture - Week 15

How far along? 15 weeks

Total weight gain: Maybe 1 pound since last doctor's appointment.

Body Changes? Nothing different from last week or anything new to report.

Sleep: Sleeping very well. Vivid dreams.

Best moment this week: Seeing and celebrating my friend Lindsay's marriage.

Gender: 50/50 ;)

Food Cravings / Aversions: Craving fruit. Slight aversion to certain veggies and cooked fish.

What I miss: working out. I think I will start exercising again now. Tuna salad, tuna sandwich...anything with tuna :(.

Symptoms: Tired. Emotional. Cranky. Moody. Slight pinching in lower abdomen.

Movement: Too early

What I am looking forward to: Relaxing on the weekends without having to deal with house/construction duties.

Milestones: Getting our nursery cleaned out/unpacked with all our belongings (it's currently a storage area) so I can start to envision an actual nursery :)

Thought of the Week: Rain go away!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Meeting with New Doctor

This week I had my second doctor's visit. It was the last visit in my first trimester, as I now begin the second trimester. I thought we were meeting with Dr. Chi again but I was told the day before my appointment that I would be rotating now so I could meet all the doctor's (7) in their office in case Dr. Chi wasn't available to do my delivery. There are five men and two women doctors at my office. Obviously I could insist I only wanted to see Dr. Chi and that would be fine as well, but given Brad's first impression of Dr. Chi, we figured it might be good to see what other doctor's are out there. So we met with Dr. Horst. Thankfully we didn't have wait long at all even though we were so late. My friend told me Friday's are the best days to go because the office is a bit slower, and I think she was right. It was Friday and I was thankful we didn't have to wait long. I was so anxious. I thought I would have another ultra sound today but it didn't turn out to be the case. Dr. Horst came in and we both instantly liked him. He looked at my chart and said all my blood tests and other tests came back normal. Though he did say I am on the lower side of being close to anemic and should try to eat more iron rich foods. Then he explained to us the first results of the down syndrome test and what the subsequent tests will look like. He was very knowledgeable, nice and funny. I could tell Brad liked him right away. He then used a heart monitor device to hear the baby's heart beat. Our baby's heart beat was strong, and every time I laughed it went up a little, and then it would go down again. Quite fascinating. I asked him if we were going to do an ultra sound today and he said no. We thought we might be able to find out the sex that day but that was a negative. A little disappointed we asked him when we can find out. He said probably at my next doctor's visit though it could probably turn out to be at my sequential screen ultra sound next month. We were laughing at the wives tales about stronger heart beats meaning it's a boy and lower heart beats saying it's a girl. He said he's heard so many different versions of the heart beat tales he doesn't know what to believe anymore.

Later, we asked him about our dog Lucky and the worries we have regarding his behavior once the baby arrives. My friend Justine just had a baby and she has a dog as well and she was telling me she doesn't let her dog sleep on the bed anymore because her baby sleeps with her most of the time. She doesn't have a bassinet so her options are the crib or her bed. She said the bacteria the dog brings inside from the outside could be harmful to the baby. So her dog has been quite jealous and has been acting out by peeing and pooping in her house apartment. This made me worried as Lucky has been sleeping on my bed since the day I got him and he is almost 10 years old. Dr. Horst has children and dogs (he's had dogs his entire life). He was honest by telling us that it won't be easy because we already have a "child", and are now introducing another child into our lives. He wasn't so worried about the bacteria of the dog getting to the baby because bacteria's don't cause viruses and dogs can't get humans sick. He was more worried about Lucky being a small older dog, and possibly unexpectedly biting a newborn. We admitted that is our worry as well so we just have to be extra careful. In terms of Lucky sleeping on our bed he didn't seem to think it was such an issue as long as the baby sleeps in a bassinet. This made us feel better because otherwise I think Brad and Lucky would have to sleep in the guest bedroom for a while ;)

After our visit we both agreed that we liked Dr. Horst very much. Brad even felt more comfortable with him than with Dr. Chi. I liked both but I certainly wouldn't mind having more meetings with Dr. Horst. I guess it's a good thing for us to meet some other doctors so we can decide who we like the most and request them as our primary doctor.

So many things to think about and prepare for. I need to start reading baby books to become more familiar with motherhood and what to expect. There's a lot to do...it sure isn't getting boring in the Colmer house :)



Weekly Belly Picture - Week 14


How far along? 14 weeks

Total weight gain: Lost one pound since my last doctor's visit 4 weeks ago (according to nurse) - now 126.

Body Changes? Itchy dry skin (legs especially). belly becoming more noticeable (pants are tighter).

Sleep: Sleeping very well.

Best moment this week: Hearing baby's heart beat.

Gender: Still not so sure...girl despite most people thinking it's a boy.

Food Cravings / Aversions: Still craving bagels with cream cheese. Need to eat more iron rich foods according to doctor. Red meat, certain veggies and beans or take an iron supplement in addition to prenatal vitamin.

What I miss: Living without constant construction workers in my house. It's driving me crazy. Having my closet back. Wine, sushi, bubble baths.

Symptoms: moody and cranky at times. Tired. A little bit of morning sickness. Sleeping on my side is not that comfortable.

Movement: Too early

What I am looking forward to: Next week being our last week of construction.

Milestones: Getting nursery ready, reading baby books, putting my registry together...one project get's done (house), another one begins :)

Thought of the Week: Loving the cooler weather!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Weekly Belly Picture - Week 13


How far along? 13 weeks

Total weight gain: Not sure, I don't have access to a scale right now.

Body Changes? Breasts not hurting so much anymore. Small little bump slowly noticeable. Nails are strong and hard. My sense of smell is strong.Itchy dry skin (legs especially).

Sleep: Sleeping very well.

Best moment this week: Moving into our house and receiving our new furniture.

Gender: Still not so sure...

Food Cravings / Aversions: Bagel with cream cheese (especially helps when I'm feeling a bit queasy in the mornings).

What I miss: Having my closet so I can wear nice clothes again instead of always my Nike spandex and tank tops lol. Alcoholic beverage, especially when going to Soho House.
Miss getting my hair colored and eating sushi.

Symptoms: Feeling really good so little to no symptoms. Regular discharge more and more now. Thinking and reminiscing about the times my sister, mother and I spent in Sarasota at my grandparents house on vacation. I have so many great vivid memories from that place and time.

Movement: Too early

What I am looking forward to: Our master bedroom/bath/closet to get done.

Milestones: Same as last week...Getting ALL the construction workers out of our house and not having any big bills anymore lol

Thought of the Week: Feeling good!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Sequential Screening Ultra Sound and Blood Test 10/7/11

On Friday I headed to my sequential screening to complete the first step of the down syndrome tests. It was at a different office than my gyno and I was excited for another chance to see my baby on ultra sound. I was also a bit nervous because it was over two weeks since my last ultra sound and I had a stressful couple of weeks of moving behind me. Sadly Brad couldn't come with me because he had an important business meeting and my appointment happened to be in the middle of the day. So I went by myself and it was just fine. I was calm and excited rather than nervous as I waited for the ultra sound technician to call me. When I got to the room, I was ready to strip down and get ready for my vaginal ultra sound. The lady stopped me immediately and told me I'm far along enough to do the belly ultra sound. I said "really? how cool!" My bladder was full of course and I wanted to pee before I entered the room, but she instructed me to hold off as the ultra sound turns out to be much better when your bladder is full. She was right, because I could see my baby so well..and I was in awe in how much he or she had grown in a two week period. It was amazing because my little peanut was doing a dance for me, which made me laugh so much. I wish Brad could have seen it, it was so funny. the ultra sound technician also made him or her move depending on where she pressed down. It was just amazing to watch. She did all her measurements, and in the end the doctor came in. He took a look at the bone and spine structure and said everything looked great as far as he could tell but that we'd have the results of the 1st phase next week. I was soooo happy after we got done and felt so much better about things. It was a huge relief knowing that I'm twelve weeks pregnant now and my baby is doing fine. I just pray and think positive that everything will continue to go well and that I continue to feel as good I have been. I left the office on a high and headed to Chipotle. I ate a delicious lunch and thought about the weeks and months ahead and simply how excited I am to become a mother!



Baby at 12 Weeks

Your Baby: Week 12

As you move into the second trimester, baby shifts into the growth and maturation stage. After weeks in the critical development stage, almost all of baby's systems are fully formed.


Weekly Belly Picture - Week 12

** I'm laughing right now as I noticed I wore the exact same thing the week before when I took my week 11 picture. I promise I washed my clothes in the mean time... but goes to show you I am living in a hotel right now with a select wardrobe wearing the same clothes over and over again...LOL

How far along? 12 weeks

Total weight gain: Not sure, I don't have access to a scale right now.

Body Changes? Skin was bad most of the week but is now much better again..phew! Breasts grew again. My butt is bigger, and I think my belly is getting bigger although
nobody can really notice yet.

Sleep: Sleeping well.

Best moment this week: Seeing my little munchkin dance around in my belly during my sequential screening ultra sound.

Gender: I don't know...

Food Cravings / Aversions: slight aversion to cooked fish and certain veggies. No real cravings, a lot of things taste yummy to me.

What I miss: NOT living in a hotel room. My own space, clothes, home cooking etc.

Symptoms: Spotting completely gone. Just regular discharge now. Peeing a lot, especially more at night now..at least three times during the night. I had a few times of slight abdominal pain. Other than that I am feeling great and have lots of energy. Even started running again. Though at times, I feel tired or cranky and need to lay down a bit.


Movement: Too early

What I am looking forward to: Officially moving into our house on Thursday!

Milestones: Getting ALL the construction workers out of our house and not having any big bills anymore lol

Thought of the Week: RIP Steve Jobs.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Time to take it easy...

I'm not going to lie but I was in desperate need of some R&R after Friday's move. I've been moving since Monday of last week and by the time Friday rolled around for the movers to come, I had managed to move the entire kitchen myself over a period of three days. I also moved all our fragile belongings, one by one, to the house. I didn't want to take the risk in breaking any of our valuables including all our plates, glasses etc. that I decided to carefully transport all those items safely to the house. I was very proud of myself when the kitchen was completely unpacked and decorated before the move even took place. I might have pushed myself a bit too much because there was one day that was particularly grueling and exhausting, that by end of the day my lower back started to hurt. I think I might have lifted a few items I shouldn't have. I called my friend Jamie the next day and he was nice enough to come over and give me a hand with moving the heavier stuff for me. It was a great relief to have all that stuff moved before our big move on Friday. There was still a lot of work going on in the house and I was stressed out all week dealing with various issues (our living area floor for example - it took multiple times until one of the two companies I dealt with got it right. By 8pm the night before the move it was finally resolved.) and not knowing for sure if we'd be ready to move. Luckily it turned out ok and we were able to move on Friday. The movers were great and we were done earlier than anticipated. It was still a very busy day because we had the inspection of our apartment the same day, had to clean out certain things ourself and make the apartment somewhat presentable so we'd pass inspection and get our deposit back. We had the last laugh because the landlord didn't even notice these two chips I had caused on our countertops. Like amateurs we tried to somehow cover it up with some putty and paint but it turned out to be pretty bad. But it seemed to do the trick, although I'm pretty sure they discovered it at this point. The lawyer in my hubby says it doesn't matter now because we signed the final inspection report which doesn't include the broken countertop. Phew is all I can say.

The day in itself was chaotic, we had the painter, pressure cleaner guy, alarm technician, contractor, four workers, window people, garage door installer, comcast installer ALL working on things simultaneously at the house while were moving in. It was anarchy to say the least, but we managed. When 6pm rolled around I was ready to check in at the Raleigh and call it day. The most electrifying thunder storm passed through Miami Beach that evening, flooding Collins Avenue. We stayed at the hotel and enjoyed a wonderful meal outside on the terrace with our good friend and Brad's business partner Adam. It was a wonderful way to end the busy but very exciting day. The day next day Brad and I spent half the day back at the house organizing some of our boxes and setting up our TV and media stand. When we left we were so tired and headed to the Raleigh pool for a nap. I knew the next day I needed to rest and not go do work at the house. I was reaching my limit and had to be careful I wasn't over doing it anymore. I listen to my body and now it was instructing me to chill out. So Sunday, I did go to the house because I had to check on our cats that are staying there (and who managed to set off our alarm twice Friday night because they jumped on our boxes and set off the motion sensor in the living room). It freaked me out, so to solve that problem I am keeping them on the one side of our house). Over the weekend I've been airing out the house due to all the dust and construction toxins in there. Bijou decided to run out at each opportunity and explore the outside world. This makes me very happy because I can't wait to kick her out for good and make her an outdoor cat. Gypsy on the other hand barely emerged from one of the rooms, so timid and afraid to go outside. I wish she were more like Bijou in that regard (but not in any other lol). So when I left to go visit my friend Justine at the hospital who just gave birth to her adorable baby boy Mathieu, Bijou was nowhere to be found and I locked the door and left. When I returned hours later, there was no response after I was calling her name for at least ten minutes. Right when I was about to close the door, she comes running around the house back on the patio. I'm glad she did because Gypsy was feeling lonely I think and I would have been worried keeping her outside over night at a new place she barely knows. But I am glad that she likes the outdoors because she will be experiencing a lot more of it in the future ;).

That's my week in a nutshell. I am waiting for my loving hubby to come down so we can enjoy dinner outside at the Raleigh on this perfect breezy fall evening before we watch the season premiere of Dexter!

Next week I have my down syndrome test/ultrasound which I'm eagerly waiting for because I want to see my baby on ultra sound and make sure everything is ok. After that I will be 12 weeks pregnant and starting the 2nd trimester. Wow!


Weekly Belly Picture - Week 11

How far along? 11 weeks

Total weight gain: Not sure, haven't had a chance to stand on scale due to move. maybe 2-3 pounds.

Body Changes? Bad skin has returned :(. Breaking out and slight rash on cheeks.

Sleep: Sleeping well most of the time.

Best moment this week: Moving out of our apartment into our house (although we're not staying there yet). Getting some relaxation while staying at the Raleigh after a full week of moving.

Gender: Going back to girl.

Food Cravings / Aversions: No real cravings..pretty much anything that tastes good to me. Slight aversion to eggs and spinach. Had a shrimp tempura roll and artificial crab roll which was delicious..the saltiness of the soy sauce tasted so good!

What I miss: Taking a hot bubble bath. Eating burrata cheese and tomatoes, tuna carpaccio...

Symptoms: Spotting pretty much gone. Slight lower back pain at times (I think due to the move and over exhaustion). Re-energized and feeling great. Slight pinching in lower abdomen. Peeing constantly. Crazy dreams.


Movement: Too early

What I am looking forward to: My next ultra sound next Friday to see if everything is ok.

Milestones: Getting master bedroom wrapped up so we can move in!

Thought of the Week: To take it easy!