Mrs. Mullenix

Week 35 - Growth Scan

2011-12-08T09:00:00.001-06:00

I feel like the last couple of months have just flow by...I guess in my position that is a blessing but man, where did the year go? And Christmas...holy crow it's only 17 days away. I've only bought one gift so far - and I ordered it online so I don't even have it yet! I feel so behind!

But on a more positive note (and more along the lines of the purpose of this post), I am 35 weeks now! And I can honestly say that I feel every bit of that 35 weeks! I wish I had a picture to share with you of my feet...they are so swollen that they ache and I'm sad to say my ankles have completely disappeared. I am also fairly certain that I am starting to have Braxton Hicks contractions occasionally. They don't feel exactly like what my doc described but I'll get this real sharp pain "down low" that only lasts a couple seconds to a minute or two then it goes away. I haven't really had the belly tightening or anything like that but the cramp/tightening down there gets pretty uncomfortable so I wouldn't be surprised if really was braxton hicks.

All last week (and of course the week before that) this girl had been so active but I noticed a change in how often she moved and noticed that the kicks/punches weren't as strong as they'd been being so I was really looking forward to my appt on Monday, I guess more or less for peace of mind that everything was still ok. Monday was the growth scan, the first U/S since the week 19 anatomy scan, so I was really excited about getting to see how much she'd grown. Turns out that the reason her movements seem less intense and not quite as noticable is b/c she is already head down and facing backwards...so I'm not feeling her punches or kicks (unless she gets a foot up into my ribs) and really the only movement that I am feeling is from her moving around and repositioning (basically her rubbing her butt up against me). She's a very active baby and I've gotten used to her movements and kicks/punches, so it was a major adjustment to accept that these less intense movements were still ok and it's been even harder to accept that some days I might not feel very much at all.

At this point in the pregnancy the belly is pretty darn sensitive...I knew that but didn't realize how sensitive until the U/S tech began doing the scan. She had to push down pretty hard on my lower belly in order to measure her head and that was pretty uncomfortable! I didn't think to ask what her head, belly or thigh bone were measuring but at 35 weeks she's measuring approximately 6lbs 2oz and they estimate her to be about 8lbs at birth...of course they tell you that it can be a pound over or under so we are looking at a range from 7lbs - 9lbs. I knew she was big - I could tell just by the shape of my belly and by the way her movements felt (which seems weird to me since I don't really have anything to go by). She is still measuring ahead too, now by 2 weeks.

I really don't think I'll make it to the Jan. 9th due date, I imagine it will be sometime before the 1st (for some reason Dec. 30th is sticking out to me like crazy) and my mom seems to think that I will deliver before Christmas, or right at it. Even my doc hinted that it would be by the 1st...his opinion was based on the fact that she is measuring so big already and that I'm so short...I wonder what that means in terms of C-Section vs Vaginal birth in his mind. I think he knows that I want a vaginal birth but we haven't really discussed it.

I've been thinking about a birth plan and I haven't really set one until lately...I don't know if you could really even call it a birth plan or more or less just a list of things that I know that I want:

Vaginal birth - I don't want c-section unless it's medically necessary.
Epidural over IV meds - at first I considered the unmedicated route but I've since decided that I have nothing against getting the meds...I just don't want to be loopy and unware during the first hours of my daughters life...which is why I've decided against the IV meds.
I want to wait at least 2 minutes once she's out before cutting the cord - from what I've read, the benefits that the baby gets from this is phenomenal (waiting lets the baby get whatever blood is still in the cord and helps prevent jaundice and anemia).
I definitely want to do the skin to skin with her. I haven't decided yet if I want them to clean her up first or her give her to me immediately but I want to be able to bond with her as quickly as possible to help develope a sense of familiartiy between me and her and also to help promote breastfeeding.
I want to exclusively breastfeed...and I want the opportunity to do so as quickly as possible after she born so that it becomes natural to her.

I think thats it for now, I can't think of anything else that I really have a strong opinion on like those above...but I guess I still have time to figure it all out. I've been waiting to do a few last minute things (such as wash her clothes, install the car seat/bases, pack the hospital bag, get insurance and STD forms, find a pediatrician, etc) but I've finally taken care of almost everything (just need to decide on a pediatrician, which I think we've done, and then fill out and turn in the forms to add her to our insurance). I feel like we're ready, well...I feel like I'm ready at least. I think it's becoming very real for D and I'm not sure if he's really ready or not...he's just more or less going with the flow I think.

I am on a weekly schedule now so it will only be a few more days before I'm back again to give my report...until then though, here are some more belly pics:

Weeks 31 - 33

Weeks 34 and 35

*I really liked how my belly looked from the front in my week 34 pic so thats why I included it too!

Allison's Nursery

2011-11-21T09:23:00.001-06:00

I finally took some time to take some pictures of the nursery. I've been trying to wait as long as I could so that I could make sure I was happy with everything and now I'm ready to share it. I'll go ahead and just say that it's fairly simple...we didn't really do anything "over-the-top" b/c we wanted the room to grow with her. Anyway, without further ado, be prepared for picture overload:

Okay, for some details:
Crib: Target - Delta Eclipse 4 in 1
Bedding: Target - Bananafish Lily Collection
Wall Letters: Handpainted each on 8x10 canvas
Mobile: Target - Bananafish Nantucket Mobile (we added ribbon to change the colors)
Dresser: mine from when I was little, painted white
Cordy the Alligator: Amazon
Lamp: Walmart (we just picked it up while there)
Print above dresser: Etsy
Curtain: Land of Nod
Glider: used - painted white, belonged to his mom
Blankets on glider: all gifts
Alligator pillow on glider: Target - Bananafish Nantucket Collection
Bookcase: Walmart (again, I just picked this up while there)

Well, that's about it...so, what do you think?

Week 31 - Baby Shower (#1)

2011-11-08T15:42:00.000-06:00

I'll start off with another belly pic collage:

Weeks 23 & 24

Weeks 25 &26

Weeks 27 & 28

Yes I am wearing the EXACT outfit two weeks in a row...the only difference is that my hair was straight for week 27!

Weeks 29 & 30

Man is she out there on week 30 (looks like I have a basketball stuffed in my shirt!) And yes, I realized that I wear practically the same thing over and over again...a girls got to work with what she's got!

One day last week I thought I might have been experiencing Braxton Hick's contractions but now that I've read some about Braxton's Hicks I know that it wasn't that. I actually think that this girl got herself turned around (possibly turned head down) and was beating up on my lower abdomen...it was the strangest feeling. At yesterday's doc appt, Dr. B. told me to start getting prepared for contractions as they can start any time - though that doesn't necessarily mean I'm in labor. I knew it was a silly question and it really sounded silly when I asked him, but I asked him how I would know it was a contraction. I half expect him to laugh at me but he got very serious and he told me that there was no way I wouldn't know b/c I wouldn't be able to breathe through them. So that made me realize even more that I definitely wasn't experiencing any kind of contraction last week b/c the feeling wasn't nearly anything like what he was describing.

Besides that the last two weeks have been fairly uneventful. I have noticed a lot more movement within the past couple of weeks and I've also started having major leg cramps (mainly in my knees but occasionally in my thighs too) and more recently my back has been aching too...but not any kind of alarming kind of ache, it just aches.

-Baby Shower Time-
My first babyshower, given by friends and family (the BIG shower), was this past Sunday. It was a big hit. I think I invited close to 45-50 people and nearly that many came! I was so surprised as people kept walking in. I honestly think that more than anything I really enjoyed just getting to see everyone.

The girls did such a good job putting everything together...here are a few pics:

Based on the pic of me above and the overall way I looked (I guess), my mom is predicting that Allison is going to be tall like her deddy...I really hope so!

I think Allison is going to be blessed with having many people who love her. The amount of support and love that this group (espeically those doing the shower) have given us and given her (even before she graces us with her precence) is unreal. I can't begin to express how much I appreciate everyone who came to the shower or most of all who has been there for us through all of this! Having had the shower just makes me that more anxious to meet her...and to be able to share her with the people who are going to love her the most. Whew...better stop now, making myself teary eyed!

I am still on a two week schedule, so I'll check back in on week 33 (unless something note worthy happens).

Week 29 - 4D Ultrasound

2011-10-24T15:33:00.001-05:00

Today was my 29th week appointment; the first on my two week schedule. Thisappointment wasn't much different than the others: weight, pee on the stick,listen to heart beat and belly measured. But I also scheduled my 4D ultrasoundfor today too...which took more than 45 minutes but it was so awesome!

Before I go into the 4D stuff, I thought I'd mention the two interestingthings from last week. The first was that I actually had to make my firstunscheduled pit stop on the way home on Friday. I had just left my mom's houseand it hit me like a ton of bricks. It was so intense that it was nearpainful...and it came out of nowhere! I was only 3-4 minutes from my mom'shouse so I thought about turning around but instead I just stopped at theJack's near the interstate and ran in to do my business - and no, I didn't buyanything while I was there either. For shame I know, using them solely fortheir restroom, but what's a pregnant girl to do? The second thing to note isthat I spent most of the day Saturday at Whit's mom and dad's house and we madethese:

These are Diaper Motorcycles! Whit found DIY instructions on Pinterest and we made them for theshower...so much cuter and original than diaper cakes! I love them...especiallywhen Cordy rides them:

Ok, now 4D stuff! I knew going into it that there is a chance that you won'tget any good pictures and that you could possibly have to have it done multipletimes in order to get some shots that you could see anything from. But I haddecided that I would give it try this one time and if it didn't turn out, thenthat was that. It cost $185 to have the ultrasound done ($175 for theultrasound and then $5 each for the DVD and CD) so there was no way I was goingto pay that again if it didn't work out this time.

Let me just tell you, this girl is not a camera friendly girl and shedefinitely doesn't like to be messed with! In almost every picture she had herhand up in front of her face trying to hide. And then after a while she beganto hide behind the placenta, both hands and then finally, b/c we kept trying tomess with her (I wish you could have seen her getting mad at us...she wouldcrinkle her little nose and frown - she was visibly upset), she even pulled upher feet and was hiding behind one foot. It was so funny to see her hold herfoot up against her face to get away from us. I felt bad for invading her spacebut I was completely enthralled to see her! At one point she completely facepalmed and it was as if she was saying, "Geez guys...I'm just trying to getsome peace and quiet in here." So funny!!

We also checked out her girl parts to make sure that she was in fact a she...Ididn't request a picture of this but there is no question! She is definitely agirl! I also asked about an approximate weight, which I was told that theyreally aren't supposed to make any estimates on the weight this early b/c it isgoing to change so quickly but my ultrasound tech did it anyway for me...as oftoday she is weighing approximately 3lbs 2oz...and based on the pics you'll seebelow, she has some chubby cheeks. So I think she's going to be a good ol' 8lbbaby (or more).

That's really all I have to report. I was told to drink water like a fish,so I'm sure I'll be making more of those unscheduled pit stops. I go back theMonday after the baby shower (which is next Saturday) and I am still measuringa week ahead. 4D photos are below:

The last two aren't that great, but I like that they show a pretty decentprofile of her mouth, nose and chin (and you can sort of tell where she was upset in the 1st of the last two). My favorite of all of them is the 4th onewhere you can definitely tell that she has her hand up in front of her face!And you can tell from the first two that she is going to be a chunky monkey!!!I love it!

Week 28 - Glucose Tolerance Test(s)

2011-10-18T11:49:00.002-05:00

I feel like I haven't been doing a good enough job accurately documenting the things happening in the pregnancy. There honestly isn't much to report but the kicks/jabs, etc. are so distinct now that I feel like I should have written and dedicated a post to it alone. It makes me smile every time she moves, especially now that her movements are showing.

I noticed a few weeks ago while in the bathtub that she was moving around quite a bit. I laid there and watched her for several minutes and before I knew it my belly was rolling from one end to the other. It was fascinating! I tried to holler for D to come look - I was even banging on walls but he couldn't hear me so he missed it. It would be an understatement for me to say that this girl cracks me up. Her movements have become so predictable now and I just wish there was some way to let you see how she reacts when someone touches my belly (words just don't do it justice).

One of the things that's had me frustrated was that she will be going 90 to nothing in there as long as she is left to her own devices...but as soon as someone (even me) puts their hand on my belly to feel it, she stops cold turkey. I can't figure out if she can sense the change (maybe the heat from the hand or extra darkness from where the hand is sitting) or what it is, but she just stops. A couple weeks ago I got to experience something that really cracks me up. I have a suspicion that this girl doesn't exactly like to be touched...which could explain why she stops moving when you are trying to feel her. But lately she's been making it pretty obvious that she doesn't want the interruption!

A couple weeks ago I was reading a book and I had it propped up on my belly. I'll admit that that spine of the book was bearing into my stomach a little more than I should have let it but after a few short minutes of the book resting there, I felt this massive kick and the book went flying. Well I took it as she just happened to be turned in the position to kick in that area so I moved it and propped it up in another area. After a few short seconds for her to realize where I moved it to, she kicked that too. That's when I realized that she was intentionally kicking it. So I moved it again and waited. Again, a few short seconds later and there came the kick. All I could do was laugh. I told D about it but I after she heard me talking she stopped (she must have either been distracted by my voice and laugh or realized that I was on to her and stopped). Up until that point that was the only instance like that but then last week while at the doc's office (for my week 27 appt) it happened again...this time while Dr. B was trying to hear her heartbeat. It was so funny. She had been moving around just a little while I was in the waiting room but nothing too major. When he came in and placed that Doppler on my belly, as soon as he put it on (and bore down a little to hear good), she kicked it out of the way. He smiled...apparently that's normal, so he moved it to a totally different spot. Just as quickly as he had moved it and was starting to get a good reading, she kicked it again. Of course each kick was dealt with force so it moved it each time. At that point Dr. B just started laughing and I told him that I didn't think she liked to be touched. He agreed b/c she obviously had to do a major flip or punch in order to hit it the second time (he placed it on the complete opposite end as where he was the first time). It was hilarious!

My week 27 appt was also the day of my one hour glucose tolerance test (which actually took about two in a half to three hours, go figure!). That didn't go so well unfortunately. I failed the one hour test and had to go back that Wednesday for the 3 hour test, which I found out today that I passed (thank goodness!). I am still measuring about a week ahead (so the hubs is really hoping for a New Year's Eve or New Year's baby). I've had many people tell me and I've also read that the "orange stuff" that you have to drink for your glucose test is super sugary. I don't know what I was really expecting but Whit described it as similar to a Sunkist, only sweeter...and that is exactly what it tasted like to me - but like 3 times sweeter! The first go 'round wasn't so bad. Six ounces of orange tasting syrup went down fairly easy...though I did try to just down it as quickly as possible. The 12 ounce bottle that I had to drink for the 3 hour test, however, was rough! I got it down but it was nearly a struggle and after that I felt like I was on the verge of throwing it back up for the next two hours.

I am now on a two week schedule, so my next appointment is actually nextMonday. For some reason it didn't register with me when Dr. B said "Ok,I'll see you in two weeks" so when I went up to the desk to schedule mynext appointment and she told me the day, I was completely caught off guard. Iam also scheduled to have the 4D ultrasound then too...I hope it turns outgood! I'll be back then to let you know!

Week 23 - Expansion of living quarters

2011-09-16T09:35:00.001-05:00

It feels like it's been such a long time since I've blogged anything...which is b/c I am only going to the doctor every four weeks and there isn't much to say, but still! I have all sorts of things that I want to share here, but I'm going to make myself wait (such as the nursery photos, etc.).

This four weeks has been probably the most uncomfortable part of this pregnancy so far (which honestly just started these last couple of weeks). But I think Little Miss Mullenix is expanding her living space b/c my stomach feels so extended.

BTW - Little Miss Mullenix finally has a name, it's.......Allison Jean Mullenix!!!We plan on calling her Allie. I was surprised but D came up with Allison. I don't think I'd have ever chosen it myself but when he suggested it, it just kind of stuck (I think the main reason I was so on board with it was b/c I could tell he'd really been thinking about names and I was excited that he was putting that much thought into it).

I guess really the only news worth mentioning this month is that I've begun to feel her move. I started feeling definite kicks and jabs near the end of week 21 and it's been pretty constant throughout weeks 22 and 23. I actually wonder if I had been feeling it earlier than that though. Most commonly at night while I was laying down I would sometimes think I would feel a "flutter" but then change my mind b/c it wasn't pronounced so that I could say definitely that that's what it was. I knew for a fact that I had been kicked (or jabbed...it's definitely was too hard to be a hiccup) when I felt her at the end of week 21. She does still have a lot of room to flip and flop around in there so the kicks and jabs aren't crazy yet...everyone keeps telling to just wait, they will be.

One thing that I'm excited about it that we've nearly got her nursery complete. The furniture is in place (except a bookcase, which I'm still on the lookout for), the bedding is on the bed and we have a few small things to decorate the room that are in place...I'm still working on the wall decor (which I just came up with something to hang over her crib and will start working on that soon). I'm very proud of what we've done so far but I'm not going to post the pictures until it is completely finished.

But don't think I came her empty handed! Oh no, I do have something for you.... Due to pressure from my cousin, I've been taking belly pictures since week 16 (with the exception of week 18). There's not a lot to see but I figured of all places this is where I think I'm most comfortable sharing them. So they are...for your enjoyment (or judgement, whatever):

Weeks 16 and 17

Weeks 19 and 20

*Week 19 I was pretty uncomfortable...that was the first week she actually started poking out!

Weeks 21 and 22

*That is not my belly button sticking out there...it's just to stupid pants don't lay flat.

So there you have it. It's not huge but I can tell the difference...I think I'm going to be as big as a house when it's all said and done though. Guess we'll have to see. I go for my glucose test on Oct. 10th (wish me luck)...so you should hear from me around then! Oh, and I'm still debating having the 4D Ultrasound done, luckily I still have a few weeks to consider it.

Week 19 - The BIG Ultrasound

2011-08-16T15:36:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was the big U/S...the one where they examine every examinable part of the baby - everything from the brain and different lobes, spinal cord, tail bone, legs/thighs, feet/hands, stomach, bladder, kidneys, heart (it was so amazing to see all four chambers of the heart!!) and finally...the sex organ!

We have a DVD recording of it, which is awesome by the way, but it's a little too personal for me to share with the world wide web so you'll just have to trust me when I say...it was amazing. Throughout this whole experience I've been pretty calm and just took it as it came. Since I'm not an overly emotional person, there haven't been any tears during the appts or U/S and honestly I was beginning to think there was something wrong with me. I was starting to think that the U/S techs were probably 100% sure that I was not very happy regarding being pregnant and it almost felt like they were being cautious around me. Guess I should cry more...or at least walk around smiling like an idiot all the time. :) I did cry a little this time, it's hard not to when you see all that movement and you can make out every tiny little detail. It was the smallest things that made me lose my ability to speak. Things like the belly button (which is actually the umbilical cord right now but it looked like a little belly button), and the round little butt cheeks. And then the face shot really got me b/c you could see everything! Two of the most notable features of my kid's face are the nose and lips. You can definately see an exact replica of my nose and D's mouth. It was so sweet!!

I can't really explain the level of excitement in me. I've been consumed with baby stuff from the beginning and now, as cheesy as this sounds, I can feel my heart swell every time I think of her and every time I start fantasizing about having her.

Did you catch what I did just then? Yeah, I said her. Because Fred is actually a Bernadette!!!! I know, I can't believe it either! No one can. One of my best friends was the only person out of 100 people who thought we'd have a girl...and I'm not sure she actually thought it would happen or if she really just wanted it (she sent me a text and said that she was excited to finally have a reason to buy a Tu-Tu)!! Even the Chinese gender predictor was wrong!
So now that we know that our he is a she (this still cracks me up), the new things we have to look forward to are: decorating her room...which we painted last night [go us!] and then we each have our own hopes...D's is that we have a New Years baby (we are due 1/9/12) and mine is that we have a redhead.

Well I guess that's all. Next appt is mid Sept. so you'll hear from me again around that time...unless there is something note worthy to report in between.

Week 16 - Waiting Sucks

2011-07-26T10:49:00.002-05:00

So I've come to the conclusion that most women must get really irriated with the wait in between appointments. At the beginning of the pregnancy I was going to the doctor every week for blood work and up until my 12th week, I had had 4 ultrasounds done (I know that one of those was due to my freak out on week 11 but we'll just move right along). I had pretty much a constant idea of what was going on in there...up until after my 12th week.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about being on a "normal" schedule...but I realize now how anxious women can get during these weeks between appointments. I can't feel movements yet (though I keep making myself try) and so I don't know how little Fred is managing in there. All week last week I was anticipating my doc appointment. I haven't experienced any problems so I don't doubt that he's having a really good time while he still has space in there. I guess it's just the uncerrainty of it...that and not really knowing what to expect.

Yesterday was the 16th week appointment, my first "normal" appointment (with the exception of the 12 week appointment, which I'm not counting as a "normal" appointment b/c there was an U/S involved even though I had just had one the week before). I don't really know what I was expecting since I have no real experience to even guess what would happen, but it was a very short appt.

I was weighed (no weight gain so far so it wasn't bad, but it's never great), I layed on the table and Dr. B used a fabric measuring tape to measure my belly (I didn't ask about that...considering there is very minor showing/growth at this point and any number that he read off would have just been what my belly already was...I didn't care to know it), and my neice and I got to hear the heartbeat...which was 150 beats per minute - makes me think he really is going to be a 'he'!

I scheduled the U/S with the anatomy scan while I was there, August 11th! I was expecting it to be closer to the 22nd b/c I had read that they normally do them around the 20th week or so but Dr. B wanted me to go ahead and schedule it for either 2-3 weeks from yesterday...so I went with the 11th. I figured that since it was a Thursday and near the end of the week it would be a good 'in between' date of that 2-3 weeks. Does the fact that in half a seconds time I came up with that theory make me a weirdo? Maybe it does but I don't care...it made sense to me!

I am so ready to start getting the room ready. I am trying my best to not jump in head first (for now anyway) so I've been trying to pace myself as far as that room is concerned. I am trying to sell the entertainment center that is current in there ($75 if anyone is interested) and so Sunday morning I started moving the CD's and movies that clutter it. It might be harder than I realized to find a new home for some of the stuff that is in that room...the room has been a 'catch-all' ever since we moved in so there is quite a bit to go through before decorating can begin.

Well I guess that's all she wrote for this week...you'll hear from me again in roughly 2 weeks (August 11th...or actually 12th b/c I won't have access to a computer on the 11th)!!

Circumsision vs. Non Circumsision

2011-07-07T11:16:00.011-05:00

D and I have had some lengthy conversations lately...all revolving around circumcision. We honestly don't know what we are having yet but we both like to be prepared and if it is a boy then the decision on whether to circumcise or not is not something we plan to take lightly. I guess for most American families the choice is a no-brainer; Americans tend to lean towards it without much thought simply b/c that's what everyone else does. It's not a no-brainer for us though b/c we have very different opinions on the matter: I'm for it, he's not.

I have an advantage that most women don't have...I know the difference between a circumcised penis and an uncircumcised one. Because of how common circumcision is in the US most women have only ever seen a circumcised penis and don't know (and really don't care to know) much about the difference of the two. I worked in a hospital for over a year as a PCA (best year of my life...and would have kept doing it if it paid better) and I worked on a stroke unit where the majority of my patients were elderly. One of my responsibilities as a PCA was to help with overall hygiene and bathing patients who couldn't do it themselves so I've had quite a bit of experience with both circumcised and uncircumcised penises. And it was b/c of this experience that I've based my opinion on circumcision and why I am for it.

D, however, is dead set against it...for the sole reason that he wished he wasn't circumcised and that he feels like it is an unnecessary procedure that "scars you for life". He doesn't have any other argument besides that and he doesn't think he needs one but I'm not going to easily give in on something such as this considering I have such a strong opinion on it myself. I guess some people could argue that since I don't have that kind of equipment that maybe I shouldn't be so bull headed about it, but the way I see it is shouldn't a decision like this be made based on facts and not just our personal opinions?

Since neither of us are willing to budge on our opinions, I told him that I would do some research and find some pros vs. cons. Here's what I've got from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

Reasons to consider Circumcising

Circumcised penises are easier to keep clean.
A circumcised boy has a 1 in 1,000 chance of getting a UTI, whereas an uncircumcised boy has a 1 in 100 chance of getting a UTI.
STD's (like syphilis, HPV and HIV) are more common in uncircumcised men. (However, teaching your son about proper hygiene and condoms can significantly reduce this risk[that actually goes for with or without the foreskin]).
Lower risk of getting Penile cancer (though this type of cancer is extremely rare).
Prevention of foreskin infections.
Prevention of phimosis (a condition in uncircumcised men that makes foreskin retraction impossible).

Reasons to consider Not Circumcising

Fear of risks. Complications are rare and usually minor but can include: bleeding, infection, cutting the foreskin too short/long, and improper healing.
Belief that foreskin is needed.
Belief that it affects sex. Some feel that circumcision makes the tip of the penis less sensitive, causing a decrease in sexual pleasure.
Belief that proper hygiene can lower risks.

I know there is more out there to research but when I read the above things I was so convinced that I was going to win this argument and that the pros far out weighted the cons...it's easy to just let yourself believe that if you rely solely on the above. But I'm a fair person so I did a little more digging and I came across a couple videos.

WARNING: VIEWER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED!!!!

Video 1 (click here) This first video seems much more humane than others I've watched but it's still pretty terrifying! This particular hospital uses anesthetics instead of just a topical cream, etc. If I were to go the circumcision route I would require this anesthetic.

Video 2 (click here) However, this second video is unbelievably horrible. The screams coming from this child will haunt you forever! The video doesn't start from the beginning but considering the difference between video 1 and video 2, I'd be willing to bet that anesthetics weren't used at this facility.

I have to say, and I never thought I'd give in on this, but after watching both of those videos...I'm leaning more towards not doing it now. I mean after all, it isn't medically necessary and it seems to me that it just causes unnecessary pain for the baby--all for vanity. And who's vanity is it? He isn't even old enough to let someone know that he's hungry so I guarantee he isn't concerned with whether or not he gets circumcised or not. What are your thoughts? Would you still have gone through with it even after seeing those videos?

I'm not 100% either way yet (though my scale has definitely altered which way it is swaying) but at this point all I know is this...

I really hope I have a girl and I don't have to worry about making that kind of decision!

Week 12 - Growing an athlete

2011-07-07T10:57:00.004-05:00

I'm a little behind...so sue me! At least I did finally come back to report on week 12 (even though it's week 13).

So anyway, after week 11's freak out I was a little surprised that they still did an U/S, considering they had just done one the week before, but I did get one and this was actually the first one I've had on the tummy (the others have been vaginal). While the view is only slightly different, what amazed me this time was that you can see the baby moving. And I'll just throw this out there...but man I think I'm carrying an athlete. This child was jumping, flipping, swimming, kicking...you name it. It was so funny. The U/S tech was trying to get measurements of the back of the baby's neck (Nucal Translucency Screening - tests for Downs Syndrome and Trisomy 18) and every time she would move, he would move. She was trying to get him to roll over so we could get a good shot of his face and each time he would either swim out of the way of roll too far and just wind up doing flips.

We finally managed to get a shot of his head and as soon as we did he threw up an arm block...but in the end it just looks like he was sucking his thumb (but I promise...he wasn't still enough to just be sitting there doing that)!

Can you see it? What looks like he is sucking his thumb?

Well, that's really all that happened that week. I no longer have to take the Progesterone (yay!) and am now on a regular schedule...no more weekly blood work (yay!)...so I don't go back for 4 weeks (well, 3 weeks now). Anyway, stay tuned. I do have another post hopefully to post today...but it's regarding a certain topic and not weekly growth. Check it out if you want.

Week 11 - My first official freak out

2011-06-23T08:29:00.005-05:00

Originally I didn't think I would have much to say this week and had intended on not really saying anything until next week when I got another U/S...but life is quirky and things happen I guess.

Don't freak out, baby's fine.........I just didn't know that yesterday morning though.

Yesterday started as a normal day. I felt good, got up in plenty of time, and started my morning off good. After I got out of the shower, I was standing in the middle of my bedroom turning my nightgown right side out and all of a sudden I felt this incredibly sharp pain in my lower abdomen. It hurt. It hurt enough that reflectively I bent over with it trying to ease it. It finally went away after a minute or so but immediately afterwards I started cramping in the worst kind of way. It was aweful. I then ran to the bathroom to make sure I wasn't bleeding...I wasn't but the thought alone was enough to really work me over. Since everything appeared to be fine I continued to get ready for work.

The cramping continued all the way to my mom's house...and in the time it took to finish getting ready and then the 20 minutes to drive to her house, I was really starting to get worried. Dr. B had told me at my last appt. to expect some cramping (b/c things were stretching, etc.) and I kept trying to tell myself that but I just couldn't understand the sharp pain that seemed to have started it. When my mom and I got in the car to head to work, she could tell something was wrong with me so she asked me if I was feeling ok. I started telling her that I was cramping and about the sharp pain and that's when I broke. I couldn't control my emotions anymore and I just started crying. Me crying is a pretty rare thing so the fact that I was just openly crying scared my mom and then she started crying too. It wasn't very pretty! We sat in the middle of the street for a full 2 minutes before pulling off and sitting there to decide what to do.

The problem was that I didn't want to go to the doctor and it be nothing but at the same time I didn't not want to go and it be something bad. My mom suggested that I call my doc's on-call service and see what they suggest. Of course their on-call service wasn't working that morning b/c their phone lines had gotten messed up, so the operator who answered routed my call to the emergency room. The emergency room tech said that if I was experiencing servere cramps like I was describing then I definately needed to be checked out but as long as there was no bleeding then I could wait until my doc's office opened or come to the ER. I really didn't want to go to the ER so my mom and I waited for the doc's office to open.

The staff at my doc's office were really nice about me showing up without an appointment and worked me in fairly quickly. They did an U/S to verify that the baby was ok, which he was, and since my mom was there with me she got to see him on the screen and hear his heart beat. Then we talked with Dr. B and he said that the cramping is normal and the serverity of them varies from each person and considering I never had normal periods/cramps, they probably seem horrible for my body. I asked him about the sharp pain and if that was also associated the "normal" cramping and he said that it's not typical but he's not saying that it couldn't be. But then he said that b/c of where I was describing the sharp pain and the cramps, it could have been the Corpus Leteum Cyst rupturing (this is a cyst on the ovaries developed during pregnancy and it usually ruptures between the 10th - 12th weeks). Dr. B told me to continue looking out for any bleeding (and to call immediately if there is any) and just take note of the cramps until he sees me for my next scheduled appt. on Monday.

I'm glad it wasn't anything, but all this stuff is foreign to me and I have nothing to base anything on...so as you can imagine I FREAKED out! My hold on my emotions was very thin all day but I only actually broke down that one time in the car (before we went to the doc). I had called D to let him know that I was going up there to get checked out and then again to let him know what Dr. B said and I could tell that he was freaking out too. When I talked to him last night about it he said that he felt so helpless and that he almost left work but then decided to wait b/c he didn't know what he would be able to do...or even know what he should do.

It scared the living daylights out of me. I'm still cramping but I haven't had anymore of those sharp pains, so I guess I'm ok with that. My mom doesn't think that the baby is a he anymore...she is leaning towards a she now considering yesterday's heartbeat was 164. I guess it really is 50/50 so we'll just have to wait and see.

Week 10 - (hope no one notices I skipped 2 weeks)

2011-06-15T09:38:00.009-05:00

I've been a little slack in updating weekly about the pregnancy and such...but there really hasn't been much change. I didn't feel the need to just write a post letting you know that I felt exactly the same as I felt all along, etc. So I've kind of been waiting for something to happen, or feel different...I don't know exactly know what I was waiting on.

Anyway, I am now in my 10 week and so far there hasn't been much change (as I mentioned above) except now any nauseous feelings I was having occasionally has stopped almost completely and my boobs don't hurt anymore (thank goodness!).

I guess the only real problem I am experiencing is not being able to sleep. I don't know what it is but I'll fall asleep just fine but then I wake up a few hours later and remain awake for longer than I was able to sleep. I lay there with my eyes closed trying to will myself back to sleep but nothing happens. Its aweful! I just want a full night's rest!!! But I'm not going to complain too much...it could be worse.

I had another U/S on Monday...see:

In case you can't tell, that is his head to rump (head facing down) and little arm buds. His little arm buds nearly made the flood come b/c they look like balled up fists (dang emotions are out of control this week but so far I've managed to keep them at bay). I don't know if an U/S at 10 weeks is normal or not, I'm thinking not since I just had one at 7 weeks also, but I think I get another one at 12 weeks too. I'm not entirely sure about that though.

My genetic sampling test is scheduled during my 12th week...I'm a little nervous about that (not real sure why) but I'd rather have it done as opposed to not have it done. I got the pregnancy books from Whit and believe it or not, I've read through the 'what to expect...' one pretty good...not the entire thing, of course, I just check it to see what it says is going on week by week. It's a crazy imformative book!

Dr. B says everything looks good and is on track, heck I even lost some weight since I saw them last (go me!) and he intends to stop the Progesterone supplements in a couple more weeks. D has been unbelievable throughout this whole process and continues to amaze me. I think he is genuinely excited...he already asked me about the 4D U/S (which we haven't discussed) and he said that he really wanted to do that! Makes me feel good knowing that he's handling this well.

I've pretty much told practically everyone now (with the exception of making the annoucement on Facebook). Just to warn anyone reading, I probably won't post anything next week...I imagine week 11 will be much like weeks 8 and 9...nothing to report. I should be back around week 12 though! See ya then....

Week 7 - Reality is finally settin in

2011-05-26T11:11:00.004-05:00

Today of all days is probably not the best day to attempt to write this post, I’m not feeling great today so my whole mood seems to be affected…but just bare with me if you will.

I had my first ultrasound this week (Monday). It was so amazing to see what’s going on inside me and to see his little heart flicker and then get to hear it…just, amazing!

They said I was measuring 6 weeks and 4 days (so I’m at exactly 7 weeks 0 days today). I was given my mandatory list of things not to do/eat and I talked to the doc, Dr. B, a good bit. I am still going to the doc once a week to test my progesterone and will continue until week 12. Dr. B also said that I can stop taking my insulin resistance meds (Metformin) on or around the 20th week. I was also ordered another U/S in two weeks just to see how much he’s grown.

Side note: I am fairly sure it’s going to be a boy, that is why I refer to him as “him”…also I don’t want to refer to my child, unborn or not, as “it”.

So, how am I feeling this week?
Pretty much the same as last week, with only a few minor changes. I’ve had a couple bloated days where I just felt miserable all day. And apparently my emotions are all screwed up too b/c 1.) I almost cried over a video of a dog getting reunited with its owner who had been in Afghanistan for a year, and 2.) I almost didn’t get out of bed and go to work on two different occasions b/c the bloated feeling just made me feel like I was fat and I wound up hurting my own feelings! Who does that?

So far still no morning sickness and even that queasy feeling that I mentioned last week has gone down some…I still feel it occasionally but not as much. It’s crazy how some days will be great days and I eat when I’m supposed to and even get weird hunger pangs at weird times and then there are others, like today, that I just can’t stomach the thought of putting anything in my mouth.

Been having a few crazy dreams lately too…and they are always so vivid and I wake up feeling like I was living another life. Last night I had a dream that I was working in a shoe store (hello 2003!!) and I was asked to straighten up the stock room. As I was putting all the merchandise where it was supposed to go I got a phone call from my doc’s office reminding me not be lifting anything over 20lbs and the nurse asked me if I had had any contact with any kind of poison b/c small traces of it were coming up in my blood. My only reply was, “Not that I’m aware of!” and then I started going back to cleaning. When I woke up it really seemed like I had received that call…it was just so real.

Is the hubs starting to come around?
More than I ever expected. He did say a few days ago that it still seems unreal to him (even as he was looking at the U/S photo). It was for me too until I got to hear the heartbeat…he didn’t get to go to that so he doesn’t know how much that can affect you, but he’ll get there. It’s apparently on his mind a lot lately though, he’s been the one to bring up all sorts of different baby topics (i.e. names, daycares) and he’s been very adamant about me getting some baby books. A friend of mine gave me a couple of them and we went through bits of them last night…he told me to not be surprised if he took those books to work with him to read on his break. That totally blew my mind!

This is defiantly a learning experience for both of us…learning about being pregnant and having babies…and really there’s a lot to learn about each other as well. It should be interesting!

So who knows?
My parents, his dad, the 10 friends I mentioned last week, the same 3 co-workers from last week plus two more, about 5 of his co-workers, and my mom’s whole office (b/c she couldn’t control herself). We are telling his mom and grandmother this weekend and then after that I guess the flood gates will be opened…I know it’s killing my deddy to keep it a secret and he is so ready to tell his mom and grandmother (my grandmother and great grandmother)…he’s already asked my mom 3 different times how long I planned on waiting before telling anyone…which is a pretty obvious sign that he is busting at the seams to tell someone.

Week 6 - The 1st signs of pregnancy

2011-05-26T09:44:00.005-05:00

I've decided that as a little memento for myself, I am going to try to keep a sort of journal of my experiences while being pregnant. I hear woman refer to "pregnancy brain" all the time and how it causes you to forget the slightest things...and considering my memory is usually mush anyway, it might not be a bad idea to leave myself some kind of reminder!

First and foremost, how am I feeling?
Right now I just starting to have small bouts of queasiness. I am fortunate that I haven't already started puking my brains out (from what I hear) and will take minor queasiness over vomit any day. Someone told me recently that sometimes you tend to lose weight during your first trimester rather than gain it b/c you really have no desire for food...I think they were spot on with that one. I go back and forth between one day being so hungry I feel like it I don't eat right then and there that I might pass out...and others I really don't have any desire to drink even a glass of water.

For me coming to terms with the notion that I'm pregnant hasn't exactly been something that I've naturally accepted. Just allowing myself to believe it hasn't been easy especially since I haven't had any real symptoms yet. Parts of me, my super paranoia part, are trying to convince me that it's just all in my head and that I couldn't possibly be pregnant...I was able to put that paranoia at bay when my sense of smell kicked up. All day long I have been smelling something (I thought it might be paint fumes since they are remodeling in my building) but I couldn't figure out why the smell would never leave me...even when I was outside. I could smell it on my hands, while sitting at my desk or outside walking, just everywhere. I finally figured it out when I was talking to my mom on the phone...my silicone cell phone case is reeking havoc on my senses! Oh and fresh garlic...go on and hand me the puke bag! How crazy is that?

I've slightly started noticing that I am more tired lately but nothing too extreme. I have occasional, yet very minor cramps but they never last more than a few minutes - Paranoia kicks in again when this happens but I've since learned why I'm cramping so I'm ok. And lastly I've gotten minor heartburn once or twice, usually only at night and nothing to major. I guess I've got it easy so far so I can't really complain about anything!

Secondly, how's the hubs dealing?
It was strange for him at first. I think he was either in shock or disbelief (maybe both) and has (and still is) slowly come to terms with it. It's a new thing for him...I think he's nervous. He has really surprised me these past couple of days though. He's been unbelievably affectionate and loving when I'm not feeling my best. He may be a little excited too - he went ahead and told his guys at work, which really surprised me. I didn't think he would even bring it up but I guess I have a lot of surprises to look forward too with him!

Doctor visits/experiences?
Right now, due to my progesterone being lower than they like, I am/will be going to the doc once a week to have blood work done and will continue doing that until my 12th week. My first ultrasound is Monday and I can't wait!!

Who we've told:
My parents, his guys at work (I think 4 of them), my co-worker/friend Emily, my best friend and her family, and two of my other co-workers that I work fairly closely with (they needed to know since I'm going to be going to the doc so much). We haven't decided when I'm going to tell the rest of my office...that remains TBD!!

A little secret....

2011-05-26T09:37:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since I've been here, quickly frankly I just gave up on this place almost altogether (though I do still read blogs from my reader). But if there is anyone still here, and even if not this is more for my benefit than anything else, I'm going to let you in on a little secret.............

Can you believe it? Most everyone I've shown this pic to hasn't...my friend Whitney (and her mom) asked, "Whose is this?" even though they were viewing the pic from my phone! Such silly girls!

Writers Workshop: Stickman Comics

2010-05-20T09:50:00.007-05:00

This has a been a product of Mama Kat's writing prompts, head over to her blog to see other prompts and to find others who wrote this week too!