With Dr. Illegible on an extended vacation and Dr. Ginger on a shorter vacation, for my 32 week checkup, I saw Dr. Young*
So, because of the leg cramps that scared me into thinking I had DVT episode (did I blog that? I should have. I'm fine. Just normal pregnancy leg cramps), Dr. Ginger had ordered some extra blood work. That had come back that my iron was a bit low. Or, my hemoglobin was a bit low, which makes them think my iron is. However it works.
Dr. Young told me I should start taking iron supplements, but basically everything is fine. The hobgoblin is getting enough iron; I would have to be severely anemic before anything would effect the baby. He recommended I pick up some supplements and between them and my prenatals, shoot for 40mg of iron per day.
He also told me there was something wonky with my urine sample and I might have an asymptomatic UTI; that if I do, it could prompt me to go into labour early and that the treatment is antibiotics. I wasn't comfortable with taking antibiotics without confirmation, so they were going to send the sample off to another lab and call me in a couple of days if I needed a prescription.
At the same appointment, I asked him about dietary changes to help with heartburn. He said a lot of people had success from giving up or reducing their alcohol and caffeine intake. I just kind of blinked at him until he realized that I had probably already done that, being 32 weeks pregnant.
Anyway, because I'm an idiot, I bought the iron, but blew off taking it, because I'm horrible at remembering to take medication of any kind, except my thyroid stuff. But I didn't think it was a huge deal because, after all, baby was definitely getting enough.
Dr. Illegible got back from vacation (finally), so I had my 34 week appointment with him. He'd barely gotten through Hi, how are you? before he asked if they'd spoken to me about my hemoglobin, said I'm severely anemic, my iron is extremely low and wrote me a not-quite-prescription (they're OTC, but not out on the shelf with the other supplements) for crazy strong iron supplements. Then I got quite a lecture about how I must take them every day, along with my iron-fortified prenatal vitamins, that I'm going to bleed a lot during delivery, and that I needed to go pick up the tablets now and take them every day, and I have to. He is normally the most laid-back, easy going guy ever, everything is always perfect and wonderful and fine, so for him to be that strict and inflexible kinda wigged me out (did the trick, though, I've been keeping up with my pills).
I should mention as well, that I haven't had any blood work done since the DVT thing, which means that when Dr. Illegible saw my hemoglobin numbers, freaked out and put me on 10x the recommended daily intake for an adult, he was looking at the exact same numbers that made Dr. Young go meh, you might want to take some iron.
I asked about the UTI and he told me the sample had been contaminated. So rather than just call me to come provide another one, Dr. Young (or maybe Dr. Ginger, if he had them send the results to her) decided to let me walk around with a potential infection that can cause early labour for two damn weeks (side note: ever try to pee into a tiny cup when you can't see around your belly, your urine stream has been screwed up since the last time you gave birth and you have a two year old who is not even remotely slowed down by a locked bathroom door? It's not a picnic, let me tell you).
Neither of them ever asked me about any of the specific symptoms of anemia. I looked them up, and I have all of them. Like, I'm basically a walking case study in anemia. And even without asking me, I'm ghosty white. I mentioned lightheadedness and fatigue to Dr. Young. I've been walking around feeling like crap, feeling like I'll pass out at the drop of a hat, and thinking it's all par for the course.
So, I'm annoyed. I don't actually have anything against younger doctors, but it's hard not to blame age when you have one that seems so ragingly incompetent.
Ok. Enough ranting. I need to fight my pukey pass out feeling enough to get at least a little done around here before Mr. Wolfman gets home from work.
*We saw him once back in the summer to get the Monster's sub-dermal hematoma looked at (he's had it since birth, but had recently decided it was a good idea to scratch at his face nipple constantly). I liked that he explained what things were, how they worked - but not the way he pretty much didn't listen to us, and only right at the end of the appointment, when I showed him a picture of how the thing looked non-scratched, did he stop trying to convince us it was something completely different than what Dr. Illegible had originally told us. The stunned, "but it just looks brown in the picture," really rubbed me the wrong way. I'd told him about a thousand times by then that it looked pretty much like a small, light mole and that the redness was from the scratching.
Showing posts with label Dr. Illegible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dr. Illegible. Show all posts
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Halloween
Halloween was fun. Nothing exceptional, but fun. It started snowing around 4:00pm, but that was fine for me, I had no intention of taking the monster trick-or-treating anyway.
I took the monster to a community event for preschoolers in the morning. Basically, it's a big indoor playgroup. It'll happen every week all winter. I kind of hated it, it was very loud, but I was impressed by the monster. Even though he's not very social and doesn't spend a lot of time around kids, he was considerate, didn't knock the smaller kids over (so weird that, at 2, there were a lot of kids smaller than him; he's a big fella), didn't fuss when other kids took the toys he was interested in. So, even though it wasn't my favourite, I plan on taking him once a week.
This one was Halloween themed, so all the kids were dressed up. The monster was a garden gnome (although he refused to wear his beard). I felt pretty smug that he was one of maybe 3 kids with a homemade costume. Don't get me wrong, some of them were really cute, but the sheer commercialism gets to me sometimes. I didn't take him to do any crafts, but he played with the toys they had out, and I was really impressed that they weren't giving out candy.
The highlight was probably when Time Warp came on and I just stood there wondering if the people putting on the event had ever actually listened to it. Then, the moment of truth came and they sang magic dance in place of pelvic thrust. I breathed a huge sigh of relief. The last thing I need is my monster chanting "pelvic thrust" everywhere he goes.*
I did later get the monster to wear his hat and gnome beard, but then he wouldn't sit still for a picture, so boo to that.
And I think that's it. I had a doctor's appointment today and everything is looking good. I'm starting to lose confidence in Dr. Ginger, a bit. She just seems really forgetful and all over the place. Which I get, I'm a bit like that, too, but I'm not a Dr. dealing with someone else's pregnancy, so I think I get a bit of a pass. I don't know, she asked if I'd had my ultrasound results yet (literally the reason for my last appointment with her). Last visit, she asked me if this was my first pregnancy while looking right at the monster - and I'm pretty sure that the she was the reason the lab who didn't run my genetic screening thought my due date was different than it is. Anyway, Dr. Illegible should be back soon, and I think I'm going to switch back for him for the rest of my pregnancy.
Oh, but I did, finally get the genetic screening results, and everything is negative, so yay for that!
*Today at my prenatal appointment, the nurse dropped my (empty) pee sample cup. The monster threw his arms in the air and exclaimed, "Oh, Jesus!" I was too tired to even be that embarrassed.
I took the monster to a community event for preschoolers in the morning. Basically, it's a big indoor playgroup. It'll happen every week all winter. I kind of hated it, it was very loud, but I was impressed by the monster. Even though he's not very social and doesn't spend a lot of time around kids, he was considerate, didn't knock the smaller kids over (so weird that, at 2, there were a lot of kids smaller than him; he's a big fella), didn't fuss when other kids took the toys he was interested in. So, even though it wasn't my favourite, I plan on taking him once a week.
This one was Halloween themed, so all the kids were dressed up. The monster was a garden gnome (although he refused to wear his beard). I felt pretty smug that he was one of maybe 3 kids with a homemade costume. Don't get me wrong, some of them were really cute, but the sheer commercialism gets to me sometimes. I didn't take him to do any crafts, but he played with the toys they had out, and I was really impressed that they weren't giving out candy.
The highlight was probably when Time Warp came on and I just stood there wondering if the people putting on the event had ever actually listened to it. Then, the moment of truth came and they sang magic dance in place of pelvic thrust. I breathed a huge sigh of relief. The last thing I need is my monster chanting "pelvic thrust" everywhere he goes.*
I did later get the monster to wear his hat and gnome beard, but then he wouldn't sit still for a picture, so boo to that.
And I think that's it. I had a doctor's appointment today and everything is looking good. I'm starting to lose confidence in Dr. Ginger, a bit. She just seems really forgetful and all over the place. Which I get, I'm a bit like that, too, but I'm not a Dr. dealing with someone else's pregnancy, so I think I get a bit of a pass. I don't know, she asked if I'd had my ultrasound results yet (literally the reason for my last appointment with her). Last visit, she asked me if this was my first pregnancy while looking right at the monster - and I'm pretty sure that the she was the reason the lab who didn't run my genetic screening thought my due date was different than it is. Anyway, Dr. Illegible should be back soon, and I think I'm going to switch back for him for the rest of my pregnancy.
Oh, but I did, finally get the genetic screening results, and everything is negative, so yay for that!
*Today at my prenatal appointment, the nurse dropped my (empty) pee sample cup. The monster threw his arms in the air and exclaimed, "Oh, Jesus!" I was too tired to even be that embarrassed.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Now That I'm Calmer...
I can write a less explitive-laden post than I would have initially.
I mentioned that we'd been to get the results from my anatomy scan. Everything, apparently, looks good. I was measuring 4 days ahead of where I thought I was (I was one day ahead at 12 weeks. Maybe I'm having a giant?), organs and everything look good, so great.
(Dr. Illegible is on vacation for the next month or so, and has been since the beginning of July, so I've been seeing Dr. Ginger, who was on call in the emergency room when I took the monster in a while back.)
So after telling us that everything with the ultrasound looked good, Dr. Ginger tells us there was something weird with the genetic screening blood work. Of course, my heart jumped into my throat. Then she proceeds to tell us that the weird thing is, they didn't run the labs. Apparently, they lab (not the one in the hospital here, the one they send blood to) somehow got the impression that my due date was a full month earlier than it actually is. The screening has to be done between 16 and 21 weeks. I was 17 weeks when I got my blood drawn, but they thought I was 21. They didn't bother to call my doctor or the lab here to find out why they'd be requesting those tests, or to clarify what was going on. They just didn't do it.
Of course, I didn't find this out until I went back in for the anatomy scan results, so at that point, I was actually 20 weeks + 4 days. On a Friday. They won't even draw the blood here past 20+6, so I had to go straight to the hospital lab to get the blood drawn again. The lab tech was very nice (and annoyed on my behalf) and told me that honestly there's a chance that the lab won't run the tests now, since I actually was so close to the cut off. They will only send the results to Dr. Ginger, not to the lab, so I have no way to know if they did it, or what the results are, until November 1st.
TRIGGER
I'll be 23W1D. Of course it's not something I ever even want to think about, but if there was something severe (I mean like incompatible with life type severe), they basically would have forced me into either a late term abortion, or carrying a baby to term and watching it die in the hospital. Because they can't fucking read paperwork.
END TRIGGER
I also had thyroid blood work done, or it should have been done, at the same time, which I completely forgot to ask the doctor about, 'cause my head was still swimming from the unexpected news that this little goblin is a boy, plus being pissed about the genetic screening. I'm supposed to have my thyroid checked every 3 months, especially since they've recently changed the dose on my medication. So if they didn't bother to run those tests, I'm going to be even more pissed. Actually, I'm going to call the clinic on Monday and find out if they bothered with that or not, because otherwise, I need to get my blood done again.
I kind of suspect that the issue lies with Dr. Ginger, because of a couple of things: one, when she was filling out my paperwork for the second set of tests, she asked if this was my first pregnancy - while my 2 year old played a couple feet away - after we'd discussed my pregnancy with him earlier in the appointment. And two, when I went to get said blood work, I noticed she'd written on the requisition that this isn't a singleton pregnancy, which it definitely is. I like her, she's nice, she actually explains stuff when you ask her, rather than assuming that you couldn't possibly understand without a medical degree. But she is absent minded. I wouldn't be all that surprised if she wrote a date down wrong, somewhere.
So, that's where we are with all that. Just counting down the days, waiting for them to tell me that the goblin is good and healthy and that he's negative for any of the markers that indicate a genetic issue. Fingers and toes crossed.
I mentioned that we'd been to get the results from my anatomy scan. Everything, apparently, looks good. I was measuring 4 days ahead of where I thought I was (I was one day ahead at 12 weeks. Maybe I'm having a giant?), organs and everything look good, so great.
(Dr. Illegible is on vacation for the next month or so, and has been since the beginning of July, so I've been seeing Dr. Ginger, who was on call in the emergency room when I took the monster in a while back.)
So after telling us that everything with the ultrasound looked good, Dr. Ginger tells us there was something weird with the genetic screening blood work. Of course, my heart jumped into my throat. Then she proceeds to tell us that the weird thing is, they didn't run the labs. Apparently, they lab (not the one in the hospital here, the one they send blood to) somehow got the impression that my due date was a full month earlier than it actually is. The screening has to be done between 16 and 21 weeks. I was 17 weeks when I got my blood drawn, but they thought I was 21. They didn't bother to call my doctor or the lab here to find out why they'd be requesting those tests, or to clarify what was going on. They just didn't do it.
Of course, I didn't find this out until I went back in for the anatomy scan results, so at that point, I was actually 20 weeks + 4 days. On a Friday. They won't even draw the blood here past 20+6, so I had to go straight to the hospital lab to get the blood drawn again. The lab tech was very nice (and annoyed on my behalf) and told me that honestly there's a chance that the lab won't run the tests now, since I actually was so close to the cut off. They will only send the results to Dr. Ginger, not to the lab, so I have no way to know if they did it, or what the results are, until November 1st.
TRIGGER
I'll be 23W1D. Of course it's not something I ever even want to think about, but if there was something severe (I mean like incompatible with life type severe), they basically would have forced me into either a late term abortion, or carrying a baby to term and watching it die in the hospital. Because they can't fucking read paperwork.
END TRIGGER
I also had thyroid blood work done, or it should have been done, at the same time, which I completely forgot to ask the doctor about, 'cause my head was still swimming from the unexpected news that this little goblin is a boy, plus being pissed about the genetic screening. I'm supposed to have my thyroid checked every 3 months, especially since they've recently changed the dose on my medication. So if they didn't bother to run those tests, I'm going to be even more pissed. Actually, I'm going to call the clinic on Monday and find out if they bothered with that or not, because otherwise, I need to get my blood done again.
I kind of suspect that the issue lies with Dr. Ginger, because of a couple of things: one, when she was filling out my paperwork for the second set of tests, she asked if this was my first pregnancy - while my 2 year old played a couple feet away - after we'd discussed my pregnancy with him earlier in the appointment. And two, when I went to get said blood work, I noticed she'd written on the requisition that this isn't a singleton pregnancy, which it definitely is. I like her, she's nice, she actually explains stuff when you ask her, rather than assuming that you couldn't possibly understand without a medical degree. But she is absent minded. I wouldn't be all that surprised if she wrote a date down wrong, somewhere.
So, that's where we are with all that. Just counting down the days, waiting for them to tell me that the goblin is good and healthy and that he's negative for any of the markers that indicate a genetic issue. Fingers and toes crossed.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Regarding the Monster
I feel like, with everything, I haven't been a very good Monster Mummy the past few months. I can blame that on morning sickness and fatigue and everything else, but I feel like I could be doing better. We have barely done any drawings, hardly any outings together to anywhere other than the store. I was too sick to take him to the park without another adult to chase him, we haven't drawn pictures or read a story together in like a thousand years...
Despite all that, this monster is amazing. I mentioned in my last post he's speaking in sentences. He's also telling jokes and making plays on words. He repeats and learns the meanings of words after hearing them once, and he keeps telling me the story of his visit to the hospital (it was in mid-July), in past tense.
He is crazy tall. I'm sure he's still in the 90th percentile for height (though a mis-measuring nurse had Dr. Illegible convinced he was in the 98th for a bit); for pants he can still get away with 2 T, but for shirts, he generally needs a 4T for length and for his arms (but he swims it it width-wise, the skinny Minnie). He's just starting to get cramped in size 6 shoes.
His coordination is pretty much dead-on for his age, which looks kind of funny, with a 3yo+ sized kid doing the tiny toddler run :)
I could seriously ramble on endlessly about how smart this kid is. Like, it's mind-blowing. I'm actually a little worried about what will happen if #2 is normal. Apart from knowing most of the alphabet (phonetically and on sight, not just remembering a song), being able to count to 13, knowing all the basic colours (including teal!) and shapes, he just absorbs knowledge. He now speaks his other language better than I do, and I frequently have to ask him to tell me in English. Which he immediately does, with no problem. It's mind boggling to me that he understands that different languages exist and how to apply them.
Aaaand, he's going to be 2 in 10 days. 2. 2! I'm really not sure how I feel about this. I mean, it's exciting, but I think mostly I'm just sad that he's growing up so fast. I know 2 isn't really old, but he's not a baby anymore, for sure. He does keep getting better, and I'm sure that will continue, but I do sort of miss when he was a little squishy face. Ahhh!
Well, that's the update on him. Hopefully I'll have an update for his actual birthday. We're having a party for him this year. Well, we're having the family we have in town and our friends who live next door (once I get around to inviting everyone) over for make-your-own pizza and some sort of desert. It should be fun, anyway.
Despite all that, this monster is amazing. I mentioned in my last post he's speaking in sentences. He's also telling jokes and making plays on words. He repeats and learns the meanings of words after hearing them once, and he keeps telling me the story of his visit to the hospital (it was in mid-July), in past tense.
He is crazy tall. I'm sure he's still in the 90th percentile for height (though a mis-measuring nurse had Dr. Illegible convinced he was in the 98th for a bit); for pants he can still get away with 2 T, but for shirts, he generally needs a 4T for length and for his arms (but he swims it it width-wise, the skinny Minnie). He's just starting to get cramped in size 6 shoes.
His coordination is pretty much dead-on for his age, which looks kind of funny, with a 3yo+ sized kid doing the tiny toddler run :)
I could seriously ramble on endlessly about how smart this kid is. Like, it's mind-blowing. I'm actually a little worried about what will happen if #2 is normal. Apart from knowing most of the alphabet (phonetically and on sight, not just remembering a song), being able to count to 13, knowing all the basic colours (including teal!) and shapes, he just absorbs knowledge. He now speaks his other language better than I do, and I frequently have to ask him to tell me in English. Which he immediately does, with no problem. It's mind boggling to me that he understands that different languages exist and how to apply them.
Aaaand, he's going to be 2 in 10 days. 2. 2! I'm really not sure how I feel about this. I mean, it's exciting, but I think mostly I'm just sad that he's growing up so fast. I know 2 isn't really old, but he's not a baby anymore, for sure. He does keep getting better, and I'm sure that will continue, but I do sort of miss when he was a little squishy face. Ahhh!
Well, that's the update on him. Hopefully I'll have an update for his actual birthday. We're having a party for him this year. Well, we're having the family we have in town and our friends who live next door (once I get around to inviting everyone) over for make-your-own pizza and some sort of desert. It should be fun, anyway.
Friday, January 1, 2016
Happy New Year (resolutions and so forth)
Wow. So it's 2016. The year I turn 30. And the third year the little monster will live in.
I tend to waffle back and forth on the idea of resolutions. In 2009 I made 52, one for every week... I think I've done most of them, now. This year, I went ahead and made some. Only 3, but they're kinda complicated.
I also have some Monster-related resolutions, but they include effort from both Mr. Wolfman and the Monster, so they're not 100% up to me. But what I'd like to see:
*The symptoms I was experiencing were a false alarm (kinda bummed), but obviously something's up, so I need to see the doc and find out what (maybe thyroid?). Dr. Illegible is away, and I got stuck seeing Dr. Condescension (and will have to see him again for the results of my bloodwork).
I tend to waffle back and forth on the idea of resolutions. In 2009 I made 52, one for every week... I think I've done most of them, now. This year, I went ahead and made some. Only 3, but they're kinda complicated.
- Take better care of myself (body and mind)
- Get into and stick with therapy.
- Eat less crap
- Exercise regularly
- Work on my writing
- Finish writing, editing and illustrating 2 children's books & publish both
- Create from scratch at least one additional children's book & publish it
- Edit first draft of existing novel; get it professionally edited & published.
- (Ideally, get at least 3 of these published before my birthday. I want 5 published books before I'm 30)
- Work on my education
- Complete at least one of 2 auxiliary courses and figure out and implement a long term plan to complete my university degree.
I also have some Monster-related resolutions, but they include effort from both Mr. Wolfman and the Monster, so they're not 100% up to me. But what I'd like to see:
- Potty train the monster before the end of the year.
- Wean the monster before the end of the year (or, you know, right now would be good)
- Get the monster in his own room
- Not really a resolution, but I would really love it if the monster would be sleeping through the night before 2017.
So, that's me. Step one, call for a therapy appointment and a regular Dr. appointment* first thing on Monday. I've already finished my last Dr. Pepper (from last night) and only put one of my normal 2 sugars in my latte this morning.
I think I'll go fold up the playpen so I can get going on MonsterResolution #3.
PS, I'll probably post a decent amount about the resolutions in the coming months, just to keep myself accountable.
*The symptoms I was experiencing were a false alarm (kinda bummed), but obviously something's up, so I need to see the doc and find out what (maybe thyroid?). Dr. Illegible is away, and I got stuck seeing Dr. Condescension (and will have to see him again for the results of my bloodwork).
Friday, December 18, 2015
I should be sleeping.
The monster is sleeping.... and I am damn tired. Instead I keep taking those annoyingly unhelpful early pregnancy quizzes online.
A bunch of symptoms that could be otherwise explained (including fatigue and tender breasts), 2 negative HPTs, nausea, lightheadedness, gas, constipation, lemonade cravings, brain fog, 3 weeks late. And a partridge in a pear tree. My appointment (with some rando doctor, as Dr. Illegible is on vacation) is on Xmas eve. It's so far away.
Except nowhere near far enough away, in another sense, because I have yet to finish making DH's present and I'm too queasy to work on it atm. I also have to finish making my niece's present and make something for my nephew. At least the monster is taken care of.
I should be sleeping.
A bunch of symptoms that could be otherwise explained (including fatigue and tender breasts), 2 negative HPTs, nausea, lightheadedness, gas, constipation, lemonade cravings, brain fog, 3 weeks late. And a partridge in a pear tree. My appointment (with some rando doctor, as Dr. Illegible is on vacation) is on Xmas eve. It's so far away.
Except nowhere near far enough away, in another sense, because I have yet to finish making DH's present and I'm too queasy to work on it atm. I also have to finish making my niece's present and make something for my nephew. At least the monster is taken care of.
I should be sleeping.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
And Now a Happy Post
The Little Monster just had his 9 month birthday. He was actually in for 40+5, so he still hasn't quite been out in the world for as long as he was baking, but still. Need to fill out his baby book for this month (have to add that to the long ass list on my fridge).
Anyway, where he is now.
He's 29.5 inches tall, and despite our bathroom scale being a huge liar and saying he's 25lbs, he's actually only 21. He's dropped to the 60th percentile for weight and Doc says that's great, as he was a little overweight while getting ready for his last growth spurt. Still not really eating solids. He has 8 or 9 (or maybe 10) teeth, and given that and his size, looks older than he is.
He's taken a few (I think a total of 7-8 in his whole life) completely unassisted steps, and I suspect the only thing really holding him back now is that he's not confident with walking yet. He can crawl really fast. He also pulls up on everything, and can climb on top of stuff (he recently pushed his push-toy over to the baby gate so he could stand on it in an attempt to climb over). He's also pointing, waving and playing peek-a-boo.
Mostly, this monster is a super bubbly, excitable little monkey. He babbles constantly, laughs easily and has a ridiculous sense of humour, which is so delightful and I hope he will never lose (being hit in the face with a cushion accompanied by the word "Bleb" is hilarious; having his feet sniffed is hilarious; smacking the shit out of the computer keyboard while being told "no" in a stern voice is the funniest, best thing in the entire world; hitting people in the face with water bottles is also highly entertaining)
That's not everything, but I think it's enough of an update for now, without getting overly specific. Anyway, I think I'm in love.
Anyway, where he is now.
He's 29.5 inches tall, and despite our bathroom scale being a huge liar and saying he's 25lbs, he's actually only 21. He's dropped to the 60th percentile for weight and Doc says that's great, as he was a little overweight while getting ready for his last growth spurt. Still not really eating solids. He has 8 or 9 (or maybe 10) teeth, and given that and his size, looks older than he is.
He's taken a few (I think a total of 7-8 in his whole life) completely unassisted steps, and I suspect the only thing really holding him back now is that he's not confident with walking yet. He can crawl really fast. He also pulls up on everything, and can climb on top of stuff (he recently pushed his push-toy over to the baby gate so he could stand on it in an attempt to climb over). He's also pointing, waving and playing peek-a-boo.
Mostly, this monster is a super bubbly, excitable little monkey. He babbles constantly, laughs easily and has a ridiculous sense of humour, which is so delightful and I hope he will never lose (being hit in the face with a cushion accompanied by the word "Bleb" is hilarious; having his feet sniffed is hilarious; smacking the shit out of the computer keyboard while being told "no" in a stern voice is the funniest, best thing in the entire world; hitting people in the face with water bottles is also highly entertaining)
That's not everything, but I think it's enough of an update for now, without getting overly specific. Anyway, I think I'm in love.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Counselor? Therapist? Who Knows?
So, I'm not sure what the professional qualifications of the woman I saw are. But she works out of the mental health office in the hospital, so I'm going to assume she knows what she's talking about. I see her again this week, and then every two weeks going forward - although I'm already getting anxious about this cutting into family time.
She was exactly what you'd expect, down to the leggings and long, flowing shirt, necklace tied in a knot. Like out of a movie. The first thing she asked me was how do you feel about being here.
But, despite initially seeming like a caricature of a therapist, and the strong feeling that she was going to produce healing crystals at some point, on talking to her, she is actually pretty down to earth. She started out very softly, but I think once she realized I'm not scared or overly fragile, she adjusted her approach and we just talked.
So it was all very good, and I think it will be good to see her again. I've had a couple more angry spells, but (I think) I did a good job of not showing my anger to the monster. I didn't yell or say anything mean. Outwardly, it was more like frustration, even though inside, I was raging - though still not as bad as last time.
I still haven't set anything up with Dr. Illegible. I think I'm going to wait until I get my bloodwork done.
Mr. Wolfman is great, but I don't really think he understands any of this. And even though he does a tonne around the house, he seems to feel like I'm not doing enough. - and he really isn't getting it when I tell him I'm doing everything I can. I was hoping that my going to see someone would make him realize how serious this is, but alas.
I think that's it. the monster is back to waking up all the bloody time, and I am TIRED. But, I'm going to walk into town, buy some household stuff, and if I feel like treating myself (I do) a pinwheel for the garden.
She was exactly what you'd expect, down to the leggings and long, flowing shirt, necklace tied in a knot. Like out of a movie. The first thing she asked me was how do you feel about being here.
But, despite initially seeming like a caricature of a therapist, and the strong feeling that she was going to produce healing crystals at some point, on talking to her, she is actually pretty down to earth. She started out very softly, but I think once she realized I'm not scared or overly fragile, she adjusted her approach and we just talked.
So it was all very good, and I think it will be good to see her again. I've had a couple more angry spells, but (I think) I did a good job of not showing my anger to the monster. I didn't yell or say anything mean. Outwardly, it was more like frustration, even though inside, I was raging - though still not as bad as last time.
I still haven't set anything up with Dr. Illegible. I think I'm going to wait until I get my bloodwork done.
Mr. Wolfman is great, but I don't really think he understands any of this. And even though he does a tonne around the house, he seems to feel like I'm not doing enough. - and he really isn't getting it when I tell him I'm doing everything I can. I was hoping that my going to see someone would make him realize how serious this is, but alas.
I think that's it. the monster is back to waking up all the bloody time, and I am TIRED. But, I'm going to walk into town, buy some household stuff, and if I feel like treating myself (I do) a pinwheel for the garden.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
PPD? & Online Support
My birth board isn't a support group - but boy do they know how to act like one.
I posted on there, because I've finally come to the conclusion that I'm probably suffering from PPD or PPA and I need help.
Yesterday, I got incredibly angry at the little monster for no reason. Like, wanting to hit something, fists clenching into balls angry. I shouted at him. He didn't cry. I would have broken down and sobbed if he had, but in a way it made it worse, him being all small and stoic.
This wasn't the first time I'd gotten so angry, and there have been more crying-for-no-reason spells than I can count. A lot of the time I'm great. Happy and in a good mood and loving being at home with the monster. And a lot of the time, I'm this other person, who gets angry and snaps at her baby for no reason, the bitch I give dirty looks to when I see her in Walmart.
So, I posted on my birth board, and driven by their words of support and encouragement, I promised to call today to set up an appointment to deal with this. And I did. My appointment is on Thursday, and I'm hoping it'll be the start of getting me sorted out.
I need to set something up with Dr. Illegible as well, which I don't want to do, because I have this irrational feeling that he'll be disappointed in me and I don't want him to worry about the monster. He seems to genuinely care about the monster, and is always remarking on how beautiful he is and telling me to enjoy him. Small town and a fair number of Docs, so he may not have any other patients who are babies. Anyway, there's a chance this could be related to my thyroid as well, so seeing Illegible is a must.
I think that's it for now. I'm in a pretty good place at the moment. Going to fill up the splash pool for the monster, if the weather holds.
I posted on there, because I've finally come to the conclusion that I'm probably suffering from PPD or PPA and I need help.
Yesterday, I got incredibly angry at the little monster for no reason. Like, wanting to hit something, fists clenching into balls angry. I shouted at him. He didn't cry. I would have broken down and sobbed if he had, but in a way it made it worse, him being all small and stoic.
This wasn't the first time I'd gotten so angry, and there have been more crying-for-no-reason spells than I can count. A lot of the time I'm great. Happy and in a good mood and loving being at home with the monster. And a lot of the time, I'm this other person, who gets angry and snaps at her baby for no reason, the bitch I give dirty looks to when I see her in Walmart.
So, I posted on my birth board, and driven by their words of support and encouragement, I promised to call today to set up an appointment to deal with this. And I did. My appointment is on Thursday, and I'm hoping it'll be the start of getting me sorted out.
I need to set something up with Dr. Illegible as well, which I don't want to do, because I have this irrational feeling that he'll be disappointed in me and I don't want him to worry about the monster. He seems to genuinely care about the monster, and is always remarking on how beautiful he is and telling me to enjoy him. Small town and a fair number of Docs, so he may not have any other patients who are babies. Anyway, there's a chance this could be related to my thyroid as well, so seeing Illegible is a must.
I think that's it for now. I'm in a pretty good place at the moment. Going to fill up the splash pool for the monster, if the weather holds.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Guess I didn't knock hard enough?
So, the monster is back to refusing solids. He's not gagging on them, but he's not keen on eating them either.
The good news is, I saw Dr. Illegible yesterday for something unrelated and asked him about it, and he says it's totally fine. We should, it seems, take the lead from him and let him eat what he wants and not worry about it. So yay.
Also, we did finally get a pool for the monster, which he LOVES. It's just one of the little inflatable ones, but he loves to splash around in it. It's a whole event for him. It has a little sunshade, and we put water that's a bit warm in it, so it's not like icy hose water, but not warm like bathwater either. Of course, after one swim, the weather turned gross, but I think it's going to be a long summer. In the winter, we might deflate it, or I might buy a bunch of ball pit balls and bring it into the living room. I guess we'll see.
I'm in a pretty decent mood, so the post about how my mom decided to Skype me and then invite my cut-off cousin, who'd never seen my LO, to come upstairs and say hi to me - will have to wait for another day.
The good news is, I saw Dr. Illegible yesterday for something unrelated and asked him about it, and he says it's totally fine. We should, it seems, take the lead from him and let him eat what he wants and not worry about it. So yay.
Also, we did finally get a pool for the monster, which he LOVES. It's just one of the little inflatable ones, but he loves to splash around in it. It's a whole event for him. It has a little sunshade, and we put water that's a bit warm in it, so it's not like icy hose water, but not warm like bathwater either. Of course, after one swim, the weather turned gross, but I think it's going to be a long summer. In the winter, we might deflate it, or I might buy a bunch of ball pit balls and bring it into the living room. I guess we'll see.
I'm in a pretty decent mood, so the post about how my mom decided to Skype me and then invite my cut-off cousin, who'd never seen my LO, to come upstairs and say hi to me - will have to wait for another day.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
What?!
The little monster just took his first unassisted step. Just one, but whoa.
Someone please tell this kid he's only 6 months old; he seems to have missed the memo.
Yesterday was a terrible day. Monster was fussy all night the night before and despite actually making a schedule and sticking to it, the day came unhinged pretty early. 10 was to be oatmeal AM, but he turned down solids for the 4th straight day, then got sick. Like, vomitty sick. After calling a hotline for help, he started puking up bile, then he went all limp and for a second, I really felt like I might lose him.
He perked up enough that I just took him to the ER instead of calling for an ambulance. Luckily, Dr. Illegible was the ER doc, so he knows us and the monster put up with being examined.
Today, other than the occasional sicking up, you'd never know there was anything wrong with him. He's just a happy, amazing baby. He's going to be a (wonderful) handful when he's feeling 100%.
Someone please tell this kid he's only 6 months old; he seems to have missed the memo.
Yesterday was a terrible day. Monster was fussy all night the night before and despite actually making a schedule and sticking to it, the day came unhinged pretty early. 10 was to be oatmeal AM, but he turned down solids for the 4th straight day, then got sick. Like, vomitty sick. After calling a hotline for help, he started puking up bile, then he went all limp and for a second, I really felt like I might lose him.
He perked up enough that I just took him to the ER instead of calling for an ambulance. Luckily, Dr. Illegible was the ER doc, so he knows us and the monster put up with being examined.
Today, other than the occasional sicking up, you'd never know there was anything wrong with him. He's just a happy, amazing baby. He's going to be a (wonderful) handful when he's feeling 100%.
Friday, February 6, 2015
4 Month Check-up & Shots
The little monster is doing great and took his shots like a champ. He cried, of course, but he was laughing and smiling by the end of the visit.
Also, he really is a monster; 75th percentile for weight, 90th for height. That explains why he hangs off my lap when nursing. Also, why he eats so damn much.
I was a bit disappointed that the community health nurse seemed to be rushing us toward the door. I had a couple of things I really wanted to talk to her about: starting solids in a couple of months and my complete lack of control over my emotions.
Dr. Illegible had more time for us, but his recommendation re: solids was to talk to the public health nurse, as they have all the literature. I lost my nerve and didn't bring up possible PPD. And since I still have pregnancy brain, I forgot to get a new prescription for my thyroid meds (forgetting to take these might well be a contributing factor to my emotional state and - fun fact - my forgetfulness).
I was going to make this post a bit of a rant against the anti-vax movement, but I just don't have the energy right now. LM has been fussing all day and is finally asleep, and I should at least attempt to tidy some stuff before he wakes up.
Also, he really is a monster; 75th percentile for weight, 90th for height. That explains why he hangs off my lap when nursing. Also, why he eats so damn much.
I was a bit disappointed that the community health nurse seemed to be rushing us toward the door. I had a couple of things I really wanted to talk to her about: starting solids in a couple of months and my complete lack of control over my emotions.
Dr. Illegible had more time for us, but his recommendation re: solids was to talk to the public health nurse, as they have all the literature. I lost my nerve and didn't bring up possible PPD. And since I still have pregnancy brain, I forgot to get a new prescription for my thyroid meds (forgetting to take these might well be a contributing factor to my emotional state and - fun fact - my forgetfulness).
I was going to make this post a bit of a rant against the anti-vax movement, but I just don't have the energy right now. LM has been fussing all day and is finally asleep, and I should at least attempt to tidy some stuff before he wakes up.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
38 Weeks - 14 Days left!
Two posts in two days. The mind reels.
So, I'm 38 weeks today, and I have 14 days left until my EDD. That is effing close.
I feel... I don't know. Right now, I feel lonely.
Mr. Wolfman is wonderful - beyond wonderful - and always here for me, when he's here. But part of his being here for me and for the little monster is as a provider and he's taken on a temporary second job, just to get some extra money in the bank before the little one arrives. He'll be back to just one job before the little one gets here, but right now he's working 80 hours a week, and I'm working 40, so we don't see very much of each other. And since this is really our last time with it being just the two of us, I feel like we're missing out and it makes me sad.
And, through no one's doing but my own, I don't really have friends. I shouldn't say that. I have some wonderful friends, just not very many, and none of them are here, and of course they all have their own stuff going on, and I don't want to be the self-centred pregnant woman and go on and on about baby stuff - but I have nothing else going on right now. I work, and I'm too tired to do anything else, so I feel like I have nothing to contribute to a conversation. I can talk about what I watched on YouTube or an article I read, or about my increasingly unpleasant bodily functions, but not about anything I've actually done or seen recently. And I'm starting to feel like this is going to get worse after the baby, because then everything I do will be baby related, and consequently, that's all I'll have to talk about.
My parents are in their 50s and don't have friends, and growing up I don't remember them having friends, and I don't want that - for myself, but especially for Mr. Wolfman, who is super social and really enjoys being around people - I feel like I'm taking that away from him because I just don't click with people. I get exhausted around them, and feel anxiety at the thought of any social interaction with anyone I don't know really well. I really don't want my son to end up in the 3rd generation of friendless misanthropes when he's an adult. I'm not friendless and my parents aren't misanthropes. I guess I'm just mad at myself because I haven't seen my close friends for so, so long - some for years - and I feel like I'm incapable of making new ones.
I opened up this blog fully intending to write about how close everything is getting and how excited I am - not meant to be misleading, I really felt exactly that, until I typed "I feel" and all this came pouring out. Now I can't stop crying. Stupid pregnancy hormones.
And I feel totally useless. Today I was off work, and after a trip to the Dr.'s (which was also going to be one of the main topics of this post), a visit to the post office and a stop by the grocery store, I came home and did nothing. All fucking day. I checked Facebook, baby boards, watched Dr. Phil on YouTube. That's it. I didn't even do anything fun but pointless. Everything I did was boring and pointless. I ate one meal and a bag of microwave popcorn and now I just don't even know what to do with myself. If I can't even look after the house now, how much worse is it going to be when I am looking after a baby and trying to stay on top of housework.
Well. Good thing I don't have regular readers to get totally depressed by random posts with misleading titles.
Everything went great at the Dr.'s. Dr. Illegible is really happy with my progress and with the little monster. He's going on vacation for 3 weeks, so I won't see him again now until after the baby is born, but he has been really great through this whole thing. I forgot to ask him about the vaccination schedule, but I can ask Dr. Ladyhouse when I see her next week (I have yet to do a post about my OB, who I met last month and who so far seems great)... assuming I don't go into labour before that.
Also, random, but I realized today that Mr. Wolfman is 6'1", his dad is 6'2", his brother is probably 6'4", my dad is 6'2" and all of my Dad's brother's are his height or slightly taller. When I asked Dr. Illegible if there was any indication of how big the little monster is going to be, he said, "not small." I'm just a tad worried now... but as Mr. Wolfman lovingly pointed out, all that really matters is the size of his head 0_0
So, I'm 38 weeks today, and I have 14 days left until my EDD. That is effing close.
I feel... I don't know. Right now, I feel lonely.
Mr. Wolfman is wonderful - beyond wonderful - and always here for me, when he's here. But part of his being here for me and for the little monster is as a provider and he's taken on a temporary second job, just to get some extra money in the bank before the little one arrives. He'll be back to just one job before the little one gets here, but right now he's working 80 hours a week, and I'm working 40, so we don't see very much of each other. And since this is really our last time with it being just the two of us, I feel like we're missing out and it makes me sad.
And, through no one's doing but my own, I don't really have friends. I shouldn't say that. I have some wonderful friends, just not very many, and none of them are here, and of course they all have their own stuff going on, and I don't want to be the self-centred pregnant woman and go on and on about baby stuff - but I have nothing else going on right now. I work, and I'm too tired to do anything else, so I feel like I have nothing to contribute to a conversation. I can talk about what I watched on YouTube or an article I read, or about my increasingly unpleasant bodily functions, but not about anything I've actually done or seen recently. And I'm starting to feel like this is going to get worse after the baby, because then everything I do will be baby related, and consequently, that's all I'll have to talk about.
My parents are in their 50s and don't have friends, and growing up I don't remember them having friends, and I don't want that - for myself, but especially for Mr. Wolfman, who is super social and really enjoys being around people - I feel like I'm taking that away from him because I just don't click with people. I get exhausted around them, and feel anxiety at the thought of any social interaction with anyone I don't know really well. I really don't want my son to end up in the 3rd generation of friendless misanthropes when he's an adult. I'm not friendless and my parents aren't misanthropes. I guess I'm just mad at myself because I haven't seen my close friends for so, so long - some for years - and I feel like I'm incapable of making new ones.
I opened up this blog fully intending to write about how close everything is getting and how excited I am - not meant to be misleading, I really felt exactly that, until I typed "I feel" and all this came pouring out. Now I can't stop crying. Stupid pregnancy hormones.
And I feel totally useless. Today I was off work, and after a trip to the Dr.'s (which was also going to be one of the main topics of this post), a visit to the post office and a stop by the grocery store, I came home and did nothing. All fucking day. I checked Facebook, baby boards, watched Dr. Phil on YouTube. That's it. I didn't even do anything fun but pointless. Everything I did was boring and pointless. I ate one meal and a bag of microwave popcorn and now I just don't even know what to do with myself. If I can't even look after the house now, how much worse is it going to be when I am looking after a baby and trying to stay on top of housework.
Well. Good thing I don't have regular readers to get totally depressed by random posts with misleading titles.
Everything went great at the Dr.'s. Dr. Illegible is really happy with my progress and with the little monster. He's going on vacation for 3 weeks, so I won't see him again now until after the baby is born, but he has been really great through this whole thing. I forgot to ask him about the vaccination schedule, but I can ask Dr. Ladyhouse when I see her next week (I have yet to do a post about my OB, who I met last month and who so far seems great)... assuming I don't go into labour before that.
Also, random, but I realized today that Mr. Wolfman is 6'1", his dad is 6'2", his brother is probably 6'4", my dad is 6'2" and all of my Dad's brother's are his height or slightly taller. When I asked Dr. Illegible if there was any indication of how big the little monster is going to be, he said, "not small." I'm just a tad worried now... but as Mr. Wolfman lovingly pointed out, all that really matters is the size of his head 0_0
Friday, May 23, 2014
23 Weeks and Counting
So!
I've been very lax in keeping this updated and a lot has happened since my last post.
We went for our 18/20 week ultrasound. The ultrasound tech was very excited and very nice. She even offered to change her relaxing background music, if it wasn't to my taste. Much to my surprise, though, she wasn't allowed to tell us anything. Not the gender, not if the little monster was healthy, nothing. She said she could lose her job for telling, so I didn't push it. It was wonderful anyway, seeing it swimming around in there, being all cute, seeing the heartbeat, etc. Then Mr. Wolfman and I went for a nice long drive and took pictures and just had a generally fantastic day.
I eagerly called my clinic the next day to find out that they had received the results, but they weren't allowed to tell me anything either; I needed to book an appointment with the Dr... and the Dr. was going to be away for a week. Then my new work decided to not give me a schedule and just tell me each day when I needed to come in next, so finally, a week after Dr. Illegible got back, I got in for an appointment.
He said everything was good, and looked healthy, but when I asked the gender, he said they hadn't put it on the report. I just about lost it. I did keep very calm, though, when I told him that I was going to be making an angry phone call to the ultrasound tech if it wasn't on there. He looked again, and after playfully negotiating a bribe (which I told him would not be my firstborn), we found out...
It's funny, I kind of always felt like I would want a girl, but by the time we found out, I just felt like he should be a boy. Like, it would be somehow wrong if he turned out to be a girl. The gender-neutral blanket I was knitting is now done (all blue and green and teal) and I'd already bought some variegated blue, yellow, white & teal yarn for a hat, which I only held off on starting until my boy suspicions were confirmed. I'm a little bit nervous because I feel like it'll always be a little bit easier to raise someone the same gender as you, but I'm so effing excited :D
The only thing wrong with the ultrasound was that they hadn't been able to see his left hand, so Dr. Illegible sent us to have another one in the city (400km away). Luckily, we had plans to go there the next day, and the imaging centre was able to squeeze us in that afternoon. Unluckily, they were pretty unprofessional and incompetent and when they couldn't find his left hand either (that, at least, wasn't their fault, it was just the way he was lying) after 45 minutes - and after 2 techs had had an exhaustive argument about whether what they were looking at were his hands or his feet (I could tell the difference, I'm not sure why they couldn't)--they lied and said that they could see his hand, and sent me away thinking that everything was OK.
So when I went to see the Dr. for my next checkup, I found out that they hadn't been able to see his hand again, and now, because I've had 2 anatomy ultrasounds with no left hand visible, they're sending me to a university hospital (again in the city) that specializes in obstetrics. I don't know when, though. Still waiting on a call from the hospital to schedule.
I think Mr. Wolfman is more worried about the hand thing then I am. Dr. Illegible keeps telling me not to worry, and I'm actually really not. That could be because I'm getting kicked and punched so much that I simply can't believe this child has any less than 4 limbs. He may even have five or six.
I'm still very happy about everything. The posts about us having to move (in a week and again at the end of July - and then possibly again in September) will have to wait for another day, because I'm not really in such a ranty mood. Mostly I just wanna go lie down and work on my little man's hat.
I've been very lax in keeping this updated and a lot has happened since my last post.
We went for our 18/20 week ultrasound. The ultrasound tech was very excited and very nice. She even offered to change her relaxing background music, if it wasn't to my taste. Much to my surprise, though, she wasn't allowed to tell us anything. Not the gender, not if the little monster was healthy, nothing. She said she could lose her job for telling, so I didn't push it. It was wonderful anyway, seeing it swimming around in there, being all cute, seeing the heartbeat, etc. Then Mr. Wolfman and I went for a nice long drive and took pictures and just had a generally fantastic day.
I eagerly called my clinic the next day to find out that they had received the results, but they weren't allowed to tell me anything either; I needed to book an appointment with the Dr... and the Dr. was going to be away for a week. Then my new work decided to not give me a schedule and just tell me each day when I needed to come in next, so finally, a week after Dr. Illegible got back, I got in for an appointment.
He said everything was good, and looked healthy, but when I asked the gender, he said they hadn't put it on the report. I just about lost it. I did keep very calm, though, when I told him that I was going to be making an angry phone call to the ultrasound tech if it wasn't on there. He looked again, and after playfully negotiating a bribe (which I told him would not be my firstborn), we found out...
WE'RE HAVING A BOY!
It's funny, I kind of always felt like I would want a girl, but by the time we found out, I just felt like he should be a boy. Like, it would be somehow wrong if he turned out to be a girl. The gender-neutral blanket I was knitting is now done (all blue and green and teal) and I'd already bought some variegated blue, yellow, white & teal yarn for a hat, which I only held off on starting until my boy suspicions were confirmed. I'm a little bit nervous because I feel like it'll always be a little bit easier to raise someone the same gender as you, but I'm so effing excited :D
The only thing wrong with the ultrasound was that they hadn't been able to see his left hand, so Dr. Illegible sent us to have another one in the city (400km away). Luckily, we had plans to go there the next day, and the imaging centre was able to squeeze us in that afternoon. Unluckily, they were pretty unprofessional and incompetent and when they couldn't find his left hand either (that, at least, wasn't their fault, it was just the way he was lying) after 45 minutes - and after 2 techs had had an exhaustive argument about whether what they were looking at were his hands or his feet (I could tell the difference, I'm not sure why they couldn't)--they lied and said that they could see his hand, and sent me away thinking that everything was OK.
So when I went to see the Dr. for my next checkup, I found out that they hadn't been able to see his hand again, and now, because I've had 2 anatomy ultrasounds with no left hand visible, they're sending me to a university hospital (again in the city) that specializes in obstetrics. I don't know when, though. Still waiting on a call from the hospital to schedule.
I think Mr. Wolfman is more worried about the hand thing then I am. Dr. Illegible keeps telling me not to worry, and I'm actually really not. That could be because I'm getting kicked and punched so much that I simply can't believe this child has any less than 4 limbs. He may even have five or six.
I'm still very happy about everything. The posts about us having to move (in a week and again at the end of July - and then possibly again in September) will have to wait for another day, because I'm not really in such a ranty mood. Mostly I just wanna go lie down and work on my little man's hat.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Spring!
It's still pretty cool out over all, but today the sun is shining and there are some buds showing, so everything is nice. I wish Mr. Wolfman weren't working today, but what can you do?
I went to the Dr. a couple weeks ago. Got to hear the little monster's heartbeat, even though it took him a while to find it. Dr. Illegible said not to worry about the fact that I haven't gained weight, that everything's looking good. I did get told off for stopping my prenatal vitamins, though.... but the Dr. said I can take them on a full stomach, so they shouldn't make me as sick. I still haven't got back in the habit of taking them every day, though. I should really do that.
Tomorrow is our 18 week ultrasound (a couple of weeks late) and I will be 20 weeks and therefore actually half way done (according to the last ultrasound) - and, if the little monster cooperates, we should find out the gender. I honestly think I'll be just as happy either way :)
We have first names for a boy and girl picked out and decided to wait on middle names until after we know the sex. But the hardest part of naming is done, we're agreed and happy with what we've chosen. We're not telling anyone the name until after birth, though* I just feel like I don't want to hear anyone else's opinions about it, good or bad.
I start my new job on Thursday (got randomly fired for no reason from my last one**). I'm excited, but a little nervous that I'm going to be easily tired out. But, I have some swanky new office clothes, which should fit me until the baby arrives, so at least I know I'll look good.
Also, my sister gave me a huge bag of maternity clothes in colours she doesn't like, many of which are good for work, and all of which fit me pretty well, with a little extra room to grow. And Mr. Wolfman bought me sandals yesterday (♥). The only thing I need for the summer now is a bathing suit - and for the first time since I was 14, I'm happy enough with my body to wear a bikini. I'm going to need one with ridiculous chest support, but I'm looking forward to being beachy.
That's it for me. The last bit of happy is that the weather should be nice tomorrow, and Mr. Wolfman is off, so if all goes well, we're going to go somewhere nice, just the two of us, after the ultrasound. He's so snuggly and lovely.
*except if we have a girl, I may tell my sister, since her husband really liked a girl name we were considering - which we're using - and I want to remind him where he heard it so they don't steal it by accident.
**I suspect because they found out I'm pregnant, but since my only recourse if that's the case is to go through the human right's commission, I'm not pushing it... but I'm also not being shy about telling people exactly what happened and why I left, if they ask. It's a small town; they'll get theirs.
I went to the Dr. a couple weeks ago. Got to hear the little monster's heartbeat, even though it took him a while to find it. Dr. Illegible said not to worry about the fact that I haven't gained weight, that everything's looking good. I did get told off for stopping my prenatal vitamins, though.... but the Dr. said I can take them on a full stomach, so they shouldn't make me as sick. I still haven't got back in the habit of taking them every day, though. I should really do that.
Tomorrow is our 18 week ultrasound (a couple of weeks late) and I will be 20 weeks and therefore actually half way done (according to the last ultrasound) - and, if the little monster cooperates, we should find out the gender. I honestly think I'll be just as happy either way :)
We have first names for a boy and girl picked out and decided to wait on middle names until after we know the sex. But the hardest part of naming is done, we're agreed and happy with what we've chosen. We're not telling anyone the name until after birth, though* I just feel like I don't want to hear anyone else's opinions about it, good or bad.
I start my new job on Thursday (got randomly fired for no reason from my last one**). I'm excited, but a little nervous that I'm going to be easily tired out. But, I have some swanky new office clothes, which should fit me until the baby arrives, so at least I know I'll look good.
Also, my sister gave me a huge bag of maternity clothes in colours she doesn't like, many of which are good for work, and all of which fit me pretty well, with a little extra room to grow. And Mr. Wolfman bought me sandals yesterday (♥). The only thing I need for the summer now is a bathing suit - and for the first time since I was 14, I'm happy enough with my body to wear a bikini. I'm going to need one with ridiculous chest support, but I'm looking forward to being beachy.
That's it for me. The last bit of happy is that the weather should be nice tomorrow, and Mr. Wolfman is off, so if all goes well, we're going to go somewhere nice, just the two of us, after the ultrasound. He's so snuggly and lovely.
*except if we have a girl, I may tell my sister, since her husband really liked a girl name we were considering - which we're using - and I want to remind him where he heard it so they don't steal it by accident.
**I suspect because they found out I'm pregnant, but since my only recourse if that's the case is to go through the human right's commission, I'm not pushing it... but I'm also not being shy about telling people exactly what happened and why I left, if they ask. It's a small town; they'll get theirs.
Friday, April 11, 2014
17 Weeks
So, it's been a while since I've posted. Mostly because I found a forum for pregnant women and have been going on it almost daily to get my fill of baby related stuff.
But, I'm 17 weeks today, which means 4.5 months next week, which means HALF WAY DONE! That happened fast. And as much as I complain, if things continue as well and uneventfully as they have been, I'll be a happy camper.
Of course, they haven't been entirely uneventful. Last night was amazing; I felt the little monster move for the first time. Not just a little flit that could be a gas bubble or something, but almost a tap, like a kick or punch or back-flip. It moved a few times, so I was able to call Mr. Wolfman into the bedroom in time to feel a couple more little blips before it went to sleep. It was moving again today at lunch. Such a weird feeling, it almost kind of tickled.
Bloodwork for this month has been done, and I'll see Dr. Illegible on Tuesday. Our 18 week ultrasound got moved again, so we won't have it until the 30th, but whatever, I'm super excited for it.
A few things have irked me lately, but after feeling the baby last night, I'm one calm and happy Mummy, so no need to rant about them atm.
But, I'm 17 weeks today, which means 4.5 months next week, which means HALF WAY DONE! That happened fast. And as much as I complain, if things continue as well and uneventfully as they have been, I'll be a happy camper.
Of course, they haven't been entirely uneventful. Last night was amazing; I felt the little monster move for the first time. Not just a little flit that could be a gas bubble or something, but almost a tap, like a kick or punch or back-flip. It moved a few times, so I was able to call Mr. Wolfman into the bedroom in time to feel a couple more little blips before it went to sleep. It was moving again today at lunch. Such a weird feeling, it almost kind of tickled.
Bloodwork for this month has been done, and I'll see Dr. Illegible on Tuesday. Our 18 week ultrasound got moved again, so we won't have it until the 30th, but whatever, I'm super excited for it.
A few things have irked me lately, but after feeling the baby last night, I'm one calm and happy Mummy, so no need to rant about them atm.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Goodbye First Trimester, You Bitter, Hateful 3 Months
Ok, I'm not that bitter about my first trimester - I never could be, it being the time I found out and started to get used to the idea of being a mum - but I am glad that (in theory) my morning sickness is coming to an end, and that the whole pregnancy part of pregnancy (as in looking pregnant and not feeling dumb buying tiny shoes) is about to start.
Actually, the looking pregnant part is well underway. It's not extremely obvious yet; it could easily be a beer belly or a food baby to someone who didn't already know, but I have a fairly pronounced bump. It was as if my body went "Well, first trimester is winding down. The second trimester should have a bump, right? *Boop* there we go. I know it's not just weight gain, because I'm still not back to my pre-pregnancy weight yet, and it's not made of rock or anything, but it's harder than fat. My brother-in-law keeps teasing us that we're having triplets.
I am a little concerned, though, because now I'm supposed to start putting on a pound a week and eating an extra 350 calories a day, and most of the time, the idea of eating anything is completely nauseating. Sometimes I'll get hungry and eat a normal sized meal, but it's definitely not happening 3 times a day.
We didn't make it for the nuchal translucency test because, although we did arrange to borrow a car to save on the $900 train, we didn't count on it snowing non-stop for 24 hours before we had to be there, and we would have to have driven faster than was safe to make it in time. We did reschedule, but that's our last chance, as I'll be at 13 weeks, and they can't do it after that.
I'm convinced that the prenatal vitamins I'm on (which mysteriously cost $7 more than they did last month) are making me way sicker than my morning sickness. I hadn't taken them for a few days because I ran out and was waiting for my paycheque to refill my prescription, and while I did occasionally get sick on the days that I missed them, it was like a mouthful of vomit, or just dry-heaving. Today I took my morning one and ended up getting a lot, lot sicker. I won't go into too full detail, but there was more of it than usual and there were flecks of blood as well. I'm not sure what to do, because I don't want to deprive the little monster of stuff it needs to grow and be healthy, but I also don't want to spend all of my time feeling disgusting and not being able to get anything done.
Also, when I went to the pharmacy to refill my vitamin and thyroid prescriptions, I found out something a little weird. Dr. Illegible had prescribed me different thyroid medication, which although it's the exact same drug and dosage, costs more. The pharmacist very kindly gave me the 'no name' equivalent, which I was already on. And apparently, after all my worrying about them giving me the wrong prenatal vitamins (although I still maintain they're idiots for not listening to me, and telling me to take two a day), another pharmacist told me that only reason the prenatal vitamins I'm on now are prescription and therefore more expensive is that they have 1.1mg of folic acid, instead of 1.0mg, and that instead of spending $40 for one month's supply, I could buy over the counter Materna, and add a calcium supplement and wind up paying $50 for 3 months worth. I didn't do that this time, because I want to double check with Dr. Illegible, but I'm kind of nervous as it seems like both he and Dr. Crazypants are happy to prescribe something that's more expensive, and it makes me wonder if they get kickbacks or something.
Anyway, that's it for my 12 week update. I hope the next 12 are as interesting, if a little less sick-making :)
Actually, the looking pregnant part is well underway. It's not extremely obvious yet; it could easily be a beer belly or a food baby to someone who didn't already know, but I have a fairly pronounced bump. It was as if my body went "Well, first trimester is winding down. The second trimester should have a bump, right? *Boop* there we go. I know it's not just weight gain, because I'm still not back to my pre-pregnancy weight yet, and it's not made of rock or anything, but it's harder than fat. My brother-in-law keeps teasing us that we're having triplets.
I am a little concerned, though, because now I'm supposed to start putting on a pound a week and eating an extra 350 calories a day, and most of the time, the idea of eating anything is completely nauseating. Sometimes I'll get hungry and eat a normal sized meal, but it's definitely not happening 3 times a day.
We didn't make it for the nuchal translucency test because, although we did arrange to borrow a car to save on the $900 train, we didn't count on it snowing non-stop for 24 hours before we had to be there, and we would have to have driven faster than was safe to make it in time. We did reschedule, but that's our last chance, as I'll be at 13 weeks, and they can't do it after that.
I'm convinced that the prenatal vitamins I'm on (which mysteriously cost $7 more than they did last month) are making me way sicker than my morning sickness. I hadn't taken them for a few days because I ran out and was waiting for my paycheque to refill my prescription, and while I did occasionally get sick on the days that I missed them, it was like a mouthful of vomit, or just dry-heaving. Today I took my morning one and ended up getting a lot, lot sicker. I won't go into too full detail, but there was more of it than usual and there were flecks of blood as well. I'm not sure what to do, because I don't want to deprive the little monster of stuff it needs to grow and be healthy, but I also don't want to spend all of my time feeling disgusting and not being able to get anything done.
Also, when I went to the pharmacy to refill my vitamin and thyroid prescriptions, I found out something a little weird. Dr. Illegible had prescribed me different thyroid medication, which although it's the exact same drug and dosage, costs more. The pharmacist very kindly gave me the 'no name' equivalent, which I was already on. And apparently, after all my worrying about them giving me the wrong prenatal vitamins (although I still maintain they're idiots for not listening to me, and telling me to take two a day), another pharmacist told me that only reason the prenatal vitamins I'm on now are prescription and therefore more expensive is that they have 1.1mg of folic acid, instead of 1.0mg, and that instead of spending $40 for one month's supply, I could buy over the counter Materna, and add a calcium supplement and wind up paying $50 for 3 months worth. I didn't do that this time, because I want to double check with Dr. Illegible, but I'm kind of nervous as it seems like both he and Dr. Crazypants are happy to prescribe something that's more expensive, and it makes me wonder if they get kickbacks or something.
Anyway, that's it for my 12 week update. I hope the next 12 are as interesting, if a little less sick-making :)
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