Saw the doctor today and she gave me the green light to run in the Illinois half marathon tomorrow. We saw Dr. Sam because Dr. George is on vacation (and we were advised to meet at least one other doctor in the practice in case I end up in labor after regular hours). Dr. Sam was a bit skeptical at first when I told her about the race, but when I explained that Dr. George has known about it for months she came around. I think she misunderstood when I said I'd be "running" the race... even though I've been running most of the distance during training, my pace is only slightly faster than someone could walk it! So I had no trouble complying when she advised that I not go too fast in the event :)
Other than that, the doctor said everything looks good with the baby. She examined the ultrasound pics and agreed that there were no red flags. And much to Brian's chagrin she did not slip up and tell us the baby's sex! (She said it might not even be noted in our file since we told the ultrasound tech we didn't want to find out... so it's truly a surprise!)
I weighed in at +14 pounds, which the doctor said is normal and fine. She said I'm making up for not gaining much weight at the beginning of the pregnancy.
Oh, and the baby's heartbeat was right around 142. It sounded beautiful, again!
That's it for now. Will post more this weekend after the big race!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Belly seesaw
While my waistline continues to expand, I have to give props to Brian for his recent success in shrinking his own.
Brian has been trying to eat healthier and stick with a workout routine since the start of the year. And he's had an easier time at his new job avoiding unhealthy snacks, i.e. stress eating. About a month ago Brian, ever the competitor, got extra motivation when he and friend began a "weight loss challenge."
So at the recent Month 1 weigh-in, Brian was down 9 lbs! And he's lost even more than that since the start of the year. I think something like 15-20 pounds. He's ecstatic!
Another contributor to Brian's success is the disappearance of alcohol from our regular routines. He still has the occasional beer (and one binge!), but for the most part he's tea-totaling like I am.
I've joked that he's going to give me a complex if his waist shrinks to smaller than mine, but really I'm his biggest champion in this effort. I've always loved him no matter what the scale says, but I also have worried about his health at times.
I can already tell that his energy level is up, and he's even more excited about exercise (as it gets a little easier).
Brian's shooting for a PR at the half marathon this weekend. I just know he's gonna do it. And while baby and I are happily lagging behind in the race, we'll be cheering him on!
Brian has been trying to eat healthier and stick with a workout routine since the start of the year. And he's had an easier time at his new job avoiding unhealthy snacks, i.e. stress eating. About a month ago Brian, ever the competitor, got extra motivation when he and friend began a "weight loss challenge."
So at the recent Month 1 weigh-in, Brian was down 9 lbs! And he's lost even more than that since the start of the year. I think something like 15-20 pounds. He's ecstatic!
Another contributor to Brian's success is the disappearance of alcohol from our regular routines. He still has the occasional beer (and one binge!), but for the most part he's tea-totaling like I am.
I've joked that he's going to give me a complex if his waist shrinks to smaller than mine, but really I'm his biggest champion in this effort. I've always loved him no matter what the scale says, but I also have worried about his health at times.
I can already tell that his energy level is up, and he's even more excited about exercise (as it gets a little easier).
Brian's shooting for a PR at the half marathon this weekend. I just know he's gonna do it. And while baby and I are happily lagging behind in the race, we'll be cheering him on!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Papaya!
The banana baby has graduated to papaya status for week 22 — and for the rest of month five. No more new fruit updates until month six :(
The baby is roughly one pound now and is developing sleep cycles. It's also clearly listening to what Brian and I are saying, along with all of the barking and playing the dogs are doing. Depending on how good its hearing is, I wonder what the baby thinks of the police scanner I sit near at work. We may end up with a future cop on our hands since it's no doubt learning what all the 10-50s, 10-55s and other call signals are. Or maybe it's tuning it all out like I too often do!
On a side note (haha), the pain I've been having along my right side is a lot better today. I had no pain during a two mile run this morning, and I think it may have helped loosen everything up. So I'm feeling better now heading into Saturday's race. But I'll still check with the doctor on Friday about everything. I'm so glad to be moving around without all that pain!
The baby is roughly one pound now and is developing sleep cycles. It's also clearly listening to what Brian and I are saying, along with all of the barking and playing the dogs are doing. Depending on how good its hearing is, I wonder what the baby thinks of the police scanner I sit near at work. We may end up with a future cop on our hands since it's no doubt learning what all the 10-50s, 10-55s and other call signals are. Or maybe it's tuning it all out like I too often do!
On a side note (haha), the pain I've been having along my right side is a lot better today. I had no pain during a two mile run this morning, and I think it may have helped loosen everything up. So I'm feeling better now heading into Saturday's race. But I'll still check with the doctor on Friday about everything. I'm so glad to be moving around without all that pain!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
A pain in my... round ligament
I've been in some pain the past couple days. Most of it has been on my right side, in the groin and up my right hip and side.
After doing some online research and then checking with the nurse in my doctor's office, I'm pretty sure it's from round ligament pain. That is pain caused by the ligaments in my pelvis stretching as the baby (and my uterus) grows.
They say it can be a sharp stabbing pain or a dull ache. I'm definitely feeling more of the stabbing variety of the pain. It's all considered normal "growing pains," but it's not fun! I notice it most when I'm getting up or sitting down (which is NOT good given the number of visits I'm making to the bathroom...)
I'm also frustrated because this is the first week I've had such noticeable discomfort, and it's the week leading up to the Illinois half marathon. I've been training for so long that I'd really like to see it through, but I'm not going to push my body too far.
We go to the doctor on Friday for the monthly checkup, so I'll see how I'm feeling and ask her advice.
For now, though, I've been advised to use heat and Tylenol to relieve the pain. We'll see how that goes.
After doing some online research and then checking with the nurse in my doctor's office, I'm pretty sure it's from round ligament pain. That is pain caused by the ligaments in my pelvis stretching as the baby (and my uterus) grows.
They say it can be a sharp stabbing pain or a dull ache. I'm definitely feeling more of the stabbing variety of the pain. It's all considered normal "growing pains," but it's not fun! I notice it most when I'm getting up or sitting down (which is NOT good given the number of visits I'm making to the bathroom...)
I'm also frustrated because this is the first week I've had such noticeable discomfort, and it's the week leading up to the Illinois half marathon. I've been training for so long that I'd really like to see it through, but I'm not going to push my body too far.
We go to the doctor on Friday for the monthly checkup, so I'll see how I'm feeling and ask her advice.
For now, though, I've been advised to use heat and Tylenol to relieve the pain. We'll see how that goes.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Pregnancy perk
It finally happened. I was able to use one of the parking spots reserved for expectant mothers!
Brian and I have been hunting for the spots ever since I qualified, but we haven't seen any in the places we've been running errands.
But I came across one on a quick trip to the grocery store last night. It couldn't have been a better time, either, since it was pouring down rain. I'm not sure if others in the parking lot believed I was really an expectant mother as they watched me jump over puddles on the way into the store — but who cares! I know I fit the bill :)
I returned home triumphant with my parking story, and Brian declared we are only shopping at that grocery store for the remainder of the pregnancy.
After all, besides a slightly closer parking spot at certain stores... what else are we going to get out of these 9 months?
Brian and I have been hunting for the spots ever since I qualified, but we haven't seen any in the places we've been running errands.
But I came across one on a quick trip to the grocery store last night. It couldn't have been a better time, either, since it was pouring down rain. I'm not sure if others in the parking lot believed I was really an expectant mother as they watched me jump over puddles on the way into the store — but who cares! I know I fit the bill :)
I returned home triumphant with my parking story, and Brian declared we are only shopping at that grocery store for the remainder of the pregnancy.
After all, besides a slightly closer parking spot at certain stores... what else are we going to get out of these 9 months?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Banana baby
The baby is banana-sized (but hopefully not shaped) this week! He/she is about 10.5 inches long now and about 12-13 ounces. I've been feeling the baby stretch out those legs and arms all week.
Another cool update this week is that the banana baby's tastebuds are developing. So he or she is able to taste some of the foods I'm eating, and some studies show the baby will retain a taste for things they experience in the womb. I'm already picturing Brian sneaking garlic cloves into my food so he'll have another garlic fanatic in the family!
I'm happy, especially on hearing this week's update, that I'm able to eat normally again. The weeks of nausea and food aversions near the beginning were brutal. Plus, I like that Brian and I eat a pretty diverse menu — and hopefully will pass along those food interests to the little one. And, who am I kidding, I just like to eat these days!!
Another cool update this week is that the banana baby's tastebuds are developing. So he or she is able to taste some of the foods I'm eating, and some studies show the baby will retain a taste for things they experience in the womb. I'm already picturing Brian sneaking garlic cloves into my food so he'll have another garlic fanatic in the family!
I'm happy, especially on hearing this week's update, that I'm able to eat normally again. The weeks of nausea and food aversions near the beginning were brutal. Plus, I like that Brian and I eat a pretty diverse menu — and hopefully will pass along those food interests to the little one. And, who am I kidding, I just like to eat these days!!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Baby, not puppy
Everyone who knows me knows that I'm a total dog fanatic. But I fear my love of dogs has gotten a little out of hand.
Last night I had my second dream of the pregnancy where I envision the birth... sort of.
The actual labor part was fuzzy — apparently it's not something I'm ready to face yet :) But I clearly recall the nurse coming to put the baby in my arms. Except the "baby" was actual a tiny puppy. Very cute, and I was very excited in my dream, but I definitely woke up a little freaked out.
I want a human baby! I wish my subconscious would get the memo.
Last night I had my second dream of the pregnancy where I envision the birth... sort of.
The actual labor part was fuzzy — apparently it's not something I'm ready to face yet :) But I clearly recall the nurse coming to put the baby in my arms. Except the "baby" was actual a tiny puppy. Very cute, and I was very excited in my dream, but I definitely woke up a little freaked out.
I want a human baby! I wish my subconscious would get the memo.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)