Regardless of your stance prior to pregnancy about whether or not size matters, you quickly learn during pregnancy, that size does matter.
From your first doctor's appointment, you are keenly aware of your size as revealed by the scale. You are expected to gain weight, of course, but not too much weight.
Then there are clothing sizes. You are the same size you were pre-pregnancy, but now in the maternity section of the store...at least in the beginning. (And yes, as in your pre-pregnancy life, your sizing depends on which brand.) By the end of the pregnancy, maternity section or not, you are a larger size then you were in the beginning.
As your appointments become biweekly, then weekly, your belly is measured and recorded in your file, noting your size progression. The size of your baby is estimated in simple terms - small or big. (As in, 'Elizabeth, you have a small baby in there.')
But the most important size of all, as I am acutely aware of this week, is described in centimeters and followed by the word, 'dilated.' (As in, 'Elizabeth, you are 2 centimeters dilated.')
And although I am very aware of the fact that I could hang out at 2 centimeters for weeks, I am excited because it indicates I am that much closer to labor, which means I am that much closer to meeting my sweet girl.
Behind closed doors, on carnival rides, and fishing trips aside, during pregnancy, size does matter.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
T-Minus
So when should the official countdown begin? From the day you find out you're pregnant? At the start of your third trimester? When you begin your weekly appointments?
Well, I know I am pregnant (ha!), I am in my third trimester and my weekly appointments started this week...so let the countdown begin.
T-Minus 24 days
Well, I know I am pregnant (ha!), I am in my third trimester and my weekly appointments started this week...so let the countdown begin.
T-Minus 24 days
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Random with a Capital "R"
Seat warmers are in my new car - WOW. Toasty buns, specifically, MY toasty buns, are my newest favorite thing.
More than 3 co-workers have commented that I am moving slower down the hall these days...I have no doubt "the waddle" is in my near future.
They could film Seinfeld in my kitchen - I have 8 boxes of various cereals. At what point should I be concerned - 9? 10? 11 boxes? And who knew Cocoa Krispies on top of vanilla ice cream was so delish? Um, yum...
Before I grasped that Halloween was five weeks from my due date, I had thoughts of being Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc. (thanks Nelle!) but, well...really? That would have required, oh I don't know, E-N-E-R-G-Y. Ha!
The Lactation Station at Rex hospital makes me think of Schoolhouse Rocks! Dare I write lyrics? If it's a double dog dare...
For those days after my sweet girl is born when I am doubting every fiber of my being as to whether or not I am a good mom, I have a list of shows to watch to reassure me - any of the "Real Housewives of [INSERT CITY HERE]" series; "16 and pregnant" on MTV; "I'm Pregnant and...[INSERT ANY NUMBER OF ABSURDITIES HERE]" on the Discovery channel; the first half hour of any episode of "Super Nanny;" and reruns of "Married With Children."
I am sleeping much better these days...now that I realize I am simply expected to take naps through the night, not actually sleep through the night, it has been much easier to handle.
At my last appointment, the nurse informed me that the doctor would check to see if I am dilated at my next appointment. Wait - what?!
On a last random note - be kind to every pregnant woman you encounter. At some point during her pregnancy, around week 35, the baby flips and positions her head directly on her mommy's bladder. And when the baby moves, the bladder is headbutted. [I'LL GIVE YOU A MINUTE TO PROCESS THAT FACT.] Ironically, this is about the same time the baby is packing on the pounds, adding to the pressure on mommy's bladder. Did I mention this is week 35 in my pregnancy?
Random with a capital "R,"
E
More than 3 co-workers have commented that I am moving slower down the hall these days...I have no doubt "the waddle" is in my near future.
They could film Seinfeld in my kitchen - I have 8 boxes of various cereals. At what point should I be concerned - 9? 10? 11 boxes? And who knew Cocoa Krispies on top of vanilla ice cream was so delish? Um, yum...
Before I grasped that Halloween was five weeks from my due date, I had thoughts of being Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc. (thanks Nelle!) but, well...really? That would have required, oh I don't know, E-N-E-R-G-Y. Ha!
The Lactation Station at Rex hospital makes me think of Schoolhouse Rocks! Dare I write lyrics? If it's a double dog dare...
For those days after my sweet girl is born when I am doubting every fiber of my being as to whether or not I am a good mom, I have a list of shows to watch to reassure me - any of the "Real Housewives of [INSERT CITY HERE]" series; "16 and pregnant" on MTV; "I'm Pregnant and...[INSERT ANY NUMBER OF ABSURDITIES HERE]" on the Discovery channel; the first half hour of any episode of "Super Nanny;" and reruns of "Married With Children."
I am sleeping much better these days...now that I realize I am simply expected to take naps through the night, not actually sleep through the night, it has been much easier to handle.
At my last appointment, the nurse informed me that the doctor would check to see if I am dilated at my next appointment. Wait - what?!
On a last random note - be kind to every pregnant woman you encounter. At some point during her pregnancy, around week 35, the baby flips and positions her head directly on her mommy's bladder. And when the baby moves, the bladder is headbutted. [I'LL GIVE YOU A MINUTE TO PROCESS THAT FACT.] Ironically, this is about the same time the baby is packing on the pounds, adding to the pressure on mommy's bladder. Did I mention this is week 35 in my pregnancy?
Random with a capital "R,"
E
Monday, October 18, 2010
Swagger Wagon
Because of the car accident (detailed in my previous post) I was provided a rental vehicle. So, I made my way to the insurance company's preferred vendor of choice - Enterprise - and provided the claim number, as well as an explanation that I needed a vehicle comparable to my vehicle that was involved in the accident, a 2005 Toyota Camry.
The twenty-something year old behind the counter furiously pecked at her keyboard while providing a not-so-flattering face to her computer screen. And then this was our dialogue...
Enterprise Girl (EG): "This is crazy, but I only have one car available."
Me: "Ok. Is it in the sedan category?"
EG: "No, but since we partner with Liberty Mutual and this is for a property claim, I will provide the car at the sedan category price."
Me: "Oh, ok, great. Thanks! So what do you have?"
EG: "I have a mini van for you."
[INSERT FLUSH IN EG'S CHEEKS AS EVEN SHE KNEW WHAT SHE HAD JUST SAID TO ME.]
Me: "What - are you serious?"
EG: "Yes, I am really sorry."
Me: "I feel like I am on an episode of Punk'd."
EG: LAUGHTER
Me: "No, really, do you see the irony?"
EG: "So, you aren't planning on buying one?"
Me: "Um, no. This is my first baby."
EG: "Oh."
[INSERT AWKWARD SILENCE AS 20-SOMETHING YEAR OLD CANNOT RELATE AND I AM STILL LOOKING AROUND FOR TV CAMERAS.]
EG: "It's a really nice one. It has satellite radio and everything."
Me: "Great."
It's a practical vehicle, safe and convenient, but no one can rock a swagger wagon. And if you think you can, good for you. That confidence will take you far in life.
The twenty-something year old behind the counter furiously pecked at her keyboard while providing a not-so-flattering face to her computer screen. And then this was our dialogue...
Enterprise Girl (EG): "This is crazy, but I only have one car available."
Me: "Ok. Is it in the sedan category?"
EG: "No, but since we partner with Liberty Mutual and this is for a property claim, I will provide the car at the sedan category price."
Me: "Oh, ok, great. Thanks! So what do you have?"
EG: "I have a mini van for you."
[INSERT FLUSH IN EG'S CHEEKS AS EVEN SHE KNEW WHAT SHE HAD JUST SAID TO ME.]
Me: "What - are you serious?"
EG: "Yes, I am really sorry."
Me: "I feel like I am on an episode of Punk'd."
EG: LAUGHTER
Me: "No, really, do you see the irony?"
EG: "So, you aren't planning on buying one?"
Me: "Um, no. This is my first baby."
EG: "Oh."
[INSERT AWKWARD SILENCE AS 20-SOMETHING YEAR OLD CANNOT RELATE AND I AM STILL LOOKING AROUND FOR TV CAMERAS.]
EG: "It's a really nice one. It has satellite radio and everything."
Me: "Great."
It's a practical vehicle, safe and convenient, but no one can rock a swagger wagon. And if you think you can, good for you. That confidence will take you far in life.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Word of the Day: Grateful
In my first blog entry, I made a rule that I would write about not-so-great things during my pregnancy only if I could do so with humor. Well, since I made that rule, I can break that rule...just this once...
After work on Wednesday, I was involved in a car accident. I was driving straight on a road near work and a guy in a van was at a stop sign to my right. He did not look to his left, thus he did not see me and proceeded across the road. So my Camry t-boned his van and he dragged me across a turn lane and two lanes of oncoming traffic. Surprisingly, no other cars were involved. (Grateful)
The guy driving the van jumped out immediately and came to check on me before calling the police. (Grateful) Three witnesses stopped. (Grateful) An off-duty police officer stopped to help move my car out of the two lanes of oncoming traffic. (Grateful) One of the witnesses is a co-worker whose office is on the same hall as my office. She had to leave before the cops arrived, but in doing so, she contacted another co-worker who called my manager, who was still in her office. (Grateful)
The police officer arrived and the guy driving the van was honest, admitting he did not see me. (Grateful)
As I was being taken by ambulance to the hospital, I watched out the back windows as my manager arrived at the scene and took pictures of both cars. Then she arrived at the ER. (Grateful)
My sister was arriving in town from a business trip and arrived at the ER minutes before the ambulance arrived with me. She stayed by my side from that moment and through the next 12 heart wrenching hours. (Grateful)
I was transferred from the ER to Labor & Delivery so that Baby E could be monitored. Although her heartbeat was heard within moments of arriving in the ER (Grateful), it was low for her and she was not moving, after having been active all day. And I was having contractions, or one lasting contraction since the accident happened. So there I was in a Labor & Delivery room 8 weeks before I was planning.
One of my favorite doctors from my practice was on call. (Grateful) And the nurses on duty were amazing - comforting and accommodating. (Grateful)
My mom arrived early the next morning and stayed by my side for the remaining 12 hours I was in the hospital. (Grateful)
By mid-morning on Thursday, Baby E was moving around and her heartbeat was up to the range typical for her. (GRATEFUL)
Family, friends and co-workers showed their love and support through visits, phone calls and texts. I have not responded to each and every one of you, but it did not go unnoticed. I promise. My cup runneth over.
So 24 hours after the accident, I was discharged and headed to my parents' house to recover, which is where I am now. I am tired, I am sore, but I am grateful.
Word of the day is grateful, brought to you by the letter E.
After work on Wednesday, I was involved in a car accident. I was driving straight on a road near work and a guy in a van was at a stop sign to my right. He did not look to his left, thus he did not see me and proceeded across the road. So my Camry t-boned his van and he dragged me across a turn lane and two lanes of oncoming traffic. Surprisingly, no other cars were involved. (Grateful)
The guy driving the van jumped out immediately and came to check on me before calling the police. (Grateful) Three witnesses stopped. (Grateful) An off-duty police officer stopped to help move my car out of the two lanes of oncoming traffic. (Grateful) One of the witnesses is a co-worker whose office is on the same hall as my office. She had to leave before the cops arrived, but in doing so, she contacted another co-worker who called my manager, who was still in her office. (Grateful)
The police officer arrived and the guy driving the van was honest, admitting he did not see me. (Grateful)
As I was being taken by ambulance to the hospital, I watched out the back windows as my manager arrived at the scene and took pictures of both cars. Then she arrived at the ER. (Grateful)
My sister was arriving in town from a business trip and arrived at the ER minutes before the ambulance arrived with me. She stayed by my side from that moment and through the next 12 heart wrenching hours. (Grateful)
I was transferred from the ER to Labor & Delivery so that Baby E could be monitored. Although her heartbeat was heard within moments of arriving in the ER (Grateful), it was low for her and she was not moving, after having been active all day. And I was having contractions, or one lasting contraction since the accident happened. So there I was in a Labor & Delivery room 8 weeks before I was planning.
One of my favorite doctors from my practice was on call. (Grateful) And the nurses on duty were amazing - comforting and accommodating. (Grateful)
My mom arrived early the next morning and stayed by my side for the remaining 12 hours I was in the hospital. (Grateful)
By mid-morning on Thursday, Baby E was moving around and her heartbeat was up to the range typical for her. (GRATEFUL)
Family, friends and co-workers showed their love and support through visits, phone calls and texts. I have not responded to each and every one of you, but it did not go unnoticed. I promise. My cup runneth over.
So 24 hours after the accident, I was discharged and headed to my parents' house to recover, which is where I am now. I am tired, I am sore, but I am grateful.
Word of the day is grateful, brought to you by the letter E.
Monday, October 4, 2010
The Difference a Letter Makes
One of the following websites I created a baby gift registry on and one of the following websites I did not, but it (unintentionally) appeared on one of my baby shower invites:
giggle.com
giggles.com
(Hilarious, right? I know, I know...I am still laughing!)
And that my friends, is the difference a letter can make...
Cheers!
E
giggle.com
giggles.com
(Hilarious, right? I know, I know...I am still laughing!)
And that my friends, is the difference a letter can make...
Cheers!
E
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Weeks 26-28: Highlights
Highlight 1:
I finished my series of breastfeeding classes at work...and I received a certificate. Not thinking I will frame that one for the office wall...in fact, unsure what to do with it. Will I ever be asked to prove I have been instructed? Will Baby E question me? The public at large? Are there breastfeeding police?
Highlight 2:
If you are pregnant, in a crowded elevator, and need to make more room...turn sideways. It works.
Highlight 3:
Only about half the attendees in my birth class 'got it' when my sister (currently known to me as 'Coach') introduced herself to the group by saying, 'My name is Catherine. With my other partner, I have two daughters.'
Highlight 4:
Sometimes a fabulous, short, sexy, non-maternity dress from Banana Republic can be re-purposed as a maternity tunic...and that's ok. Positive: higher ROI on your purchase. Negative: well, let's just stay focused on the positive, shall we?
Highlight 5:
If the last time you had a pedicure, you fell asleep in the chair and the technician let you stay there instead of waking you up to move you to the dryers; the next time you walk into the same place for another pedicure, you can expect the technician to talk about you in her native language to the other technicians. There will be laughter...at your expense. Just smile and go with it. After all, you got sleep, didn't you?
Highlight 6:
Like tv, your webcam at work will add pounds...especially since you will be sitting down while using it. Consider the angle of the camera very carefully OR consider not using it while pregnant.
Highlight 7:
Although coming in order at number seven, I saved the best highlight for last. I would like to do a shout out to Baby Lommel, 20 weeks, weighing in at 10 ounces and due February 1 to Mama Tiff and Papa Jason. Seeing the ultrasound pics of a close friend's first baby swells your heart and turns you into a big pile of love. Excited to find out if my sweet girl will have a new bff or if we will be arranging a marriage in the future!
A big pile of love,
E
I finished my series of breastfeeding classes at work...and I received a certificate. Not thinking I will frame that one for the office wall...in fact, unsure what to do with it. Will I ever be asked to prove I have been instructed? Will Baby E question me? The public at large? Are there breastfeeding police?
Highlight 2:
If you are pregnant, in a crowded elevator, and need to make more room...turn sideways. It works.
Highlight 3:
Only about half the attendees in my birth class 'got it' when my sister (currently known to me as 'Coach') introduced herself to the group by saying, 'My name is Catherine. With my other partner, I have two daughters.'
Highlight 4:
Sometimes a fabulous, short, sexy, non-maternity dress from Banana Republic can be re-purposed as a maternity tunic...and that's ok. Positive: higher ROI on your purchase. Negative: well, let's just stay focused on the positive, shall we?
Highlight 5:
If the last time you had a pedicure, you fell asleep in the chair and the technician let you stay there instead of waking you up to move you to the dryers; the next time you walk into the same place for another pedicure, you can expect the technician to talk about you in her native language to the other technicians. There will be laughter...at your expense. Just smile and go with it. After all, you got sleep, didn't you?
Highlight 6:
Like tv, your webcam at work will add pounds...especially since you will be sitting down while using it. Consider the angle of the camera very carefully OR consider not using it while pregnant.
Highlight 7:
Although coming in order at number seven, I saved the best highlight for last. I would like to do a shout out to Baby Lommel, 20 weeks, weighing in at 10 ounces and due February 1 to Mama Tiff and Papa Jason. Seeing the ultrasound pics of a close friend's first baby swells your heart and turns you into a big pile of love. Excited to find out if my sweet girl will have a new bff or if we will be arranging a marriage in the future!
A big pile of love,
E
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Little Miss Magic
As my second trimester comes to an end, my energy seems to be waning again as Little Miss Magic's energy is anything but...and I can tell she is growing as what used to feel like a school of fish swimming from one side to the other now feels like a whale migrating. And as my nieces recently said, 'Aunt E - your belly looks bigger.' Yes...yes it does...
Monday, August 9, 2010
Her First Photo Shoot
Embarrassed to admit the above ultrasound pictures were taken more than two weeks ago since I am just now posting them, but let's focus on the important thing here - aren't the pictures amazing?! My sweet girl moved around, but then found her thumb and became quite content. (Note to self - buy pacifiers.)It was surreal to watch her chin move as she sucked her thumb! And yes I am fully aware, this is the first of many photo shoots...but I did show restrain as 26 pictures were actually taken.
Monday, July 19, 2010
13.1 Miles
When I was training for my first marathon last year, I remember thinking on my first 13-ish mile training run, 'For the marathon, I will be doing what I just did...again.' At the time, it was a daunting thought. But as weeks turned to months, and 13-ish mile training runs turned into 16, 18 and 20 mile runs, 26.2 miles soon became a reality. Crossing the finish line in San Francisco last October, I laughed, I cried, I floated on air for days.
As I begin week 20 of my first pregnancy, I am thinking, 'I have 20 more weeks to go.' And it is a daunting thought. But I know as weeks turn into months, week 40 will soon become a reality. Giving birth in Raleigh this December, I know I will laugh, I will cry and I will float on air for days.
Instead of a medal, finishers of the Nike Women's Marathon receive a Tiffany necklace. Appropriately, the mantra for last year's marathon was 'Run Like A Girl,' and is inscribed on the necklace. Today I wear the necklace with pride, but someday I look forward to passing it down to my daughter.
As I begin week 20 of my first pregnancy, I am thinking, 'I have 20 more weeks to go.' And it is a daunting thought. But I know as weeks turn into months, week 40 will soon become a reality. Giving birth in Raleigh this December, I know I will laugh, I will cry and I will float on air for days.
Instead of a medal, finishers of the Nike Women's Marathon receive a Tiffany necklace. Appropriately, the mantra for last year's marathon was 'Run Like A Girl,' and is inscribed on the necklace. Today I wear the necklace with pride, but someday I look forward to passing it down to my daughter.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
What Not To Say
Under no circumstances should the following be said to a pregnant woman...
"Oh. Wow. You really ARE pregnant!"
"Are you sure there isn't another one hiding in there?"
"Wait - you're not due until when?"
"You're already wearing maternity clothes?"
"Do you actually have a cocktail dress that fits?"
"So-and-so is due a week before you and she isn't showing."
And this one is my favorite...
"You look pregnant."
All of the above has been said to me over the past two weeks by family, friends and co-workers (names withheld to protect the less-than-tactful).
And for those who have not seen me recently, I have only gained 1.5 pounds as of my appointment this morning. Most importantly, Baby Elrod is very active with a strong heartbeat and s/he is getting all the nutrients s/he needs.
Bottom line - a pregnant woman is growing a human being. Saying nothing at all about her size is highly recommended. Trust me.
"Oh. Wow. You really ARE pregnant!"
"Are you sure there isn't another one hiding in there?"
"Wait - you're not due until when?"
"You're already wearing maternity clothes?"
"Do you actually have a cocktail dress that fits?"
"So-and-so is due a week before you and she isn't showing."
And this one is my favorite...
"You look pregnant."
All of the above has been said to me over the past two weeks by family, friends and co-workers (names withheld to protect the less-than-tactful).
And for those who have not seen me recently, I have only gained 1.5 pounds as of my appointment this morning. Most importantly, Baby Elrod is very active with a strong heartbeat and s/he is getting all the nutrients s/he needs.
Bottom line - a pregnant woman is growing a human being. Saying nothing at all about her size is highly recommended. Trust me.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Recap: Weeks 1-14
One word: nausea.
For me, morning sickness meant nausea all day every day.Good times. But alas this blog will not be about the not-so-great parts of my pregnancy unless I can do so with humor. And well, there is nothing humorous about nausea.
So let's move on...perhaps a more entertaining way for me to recap my pregnancy to this point is to share some of my insights:
1. You simply look and feel fat. The round, hard bump is neither round nor hard...yet.
2. In the drug store picking up your prenatal vitamins, you debate, for the first time in your life, buying Depends. It would save you the numerous trips to the bathroom throughout the day.
3. At first, you are...well, 'pleased' isn't the right word...let's go with 'impressed' that you could rival any 'adult movie star' with your increased, um, assets...but then comes the back pain...and the knowledge that apparently they will continue to increase over the next nine months.
4. Eating spaghetti at 9:00 a.m. at work will result in strange looks from your colleagues.
5. The 'Be Band' is one of the greatest inventions. Although designed for a pregnant woman, I am convinced a man invented it. I highly recommend purchasing one before Thanksgiving. It allows you to wear your jeans/pants/slacks/trousers unbuttoned and unzipped without falling down. Pure brillance.
6. There is a fake bump in some dressing rooms of maternity stores. There is no warning. If you're not expecting to see a fake bump, it might freak you out...but not nearly as much as when you actually put it on and look in the mirror. (Whoa.)
7. Do not expect anyone under the age of 9 to be concerned about the same things you are concerned about during your pregnancy. Top of mind for my nieces - where the sperm came from and what will the nursery look like.
8. Although your doctor says you are fine to lift anything up to 25 lbs., in your mother's eyes, that translates to not lifting anything more than your toothbrush or hair brush.
9. Even though he has not personally experienced pregnancy, your father suddenly has more advice than ever before...and inevitably, he will say the wrong things. But hey - it builds character. Right, Dad?
10. And the last insight I will share for now is this - you are overwhelmed and astonished at the pure elation that overcomes you when you hear your baby's heartbeat for the first time and see your baby for the first time.
(Oh wait - did I mention I was pregnant?)
For me, morning sickness meant nausea all day every day.Good times. But alas this blog will not be about the not-so-great parts of my pregnancy unless I can do so with humor. And well, there is nothing humorous about nausea.
So let's move on...perhaps a more entertaining way for me to recap my pregnancy to this point is to share some of my insights:
1. You simply look and feel fat. The round, hard bump is neither round nor hard...yet.
2. In the drug store picking up your prenatal vitamins, you debate, for the first time in your life, buying Depends. It would save you the numerous trips to the bathroom throughout the day.
3. At first, you are...well, 'pleased' isn't the right word...let's go with 'impressed' that you could rival any 'adult movie star' with your increased, um, assets...but then comes the back pain...and the knowledge that apparently they will continue to increase over the next nine months.
4. Eating spaghetti at 9:00 a.m. at work will result in strange looks from your colleagues.
5. The 'Be Band' is one of the greatest inventions. Although designed for a pregnant woman, I am convinced a man invented it. I highly recommend purchasing one before Thanksgiving. It allows you to wear your jeans/pants/slacks/trousers unbuttoned and unzipped without falling down. Pure brillance.
6. There is a fake bump in some dressing rooms of maternity stores. There is no warning. If you're not expecting to see a fake bump, it might freak you out...but not nearly as much as when you actually put it on and look in the mirror. (Whoa.)
7. Do not expect anyone under the age of 9 to be concerned about the same things you are concerned about during your pregnancy. Top of mind for my nieces - where the sperm came from and what will the nursery look like.
8. Although your doctor says you are fine to lift anything up to 25 lbs., in your mother's eyes, that translates to not lifting anything more than your toothbrush or hair brush.
9. Even though he has not personally experienced pregnancy, your father suddenly has more advice than ever before...and inevitably, he will say the wrong things. But hey - it builds character. Right, Dad?
10. And the last insight I will share for now is this - you are overwhelmed and astonished at the pure elation that overcomes you when you hear your baby's heartbeat for the first time and see your baby for the first time.
(Oh wait - did I mention I was pregnant?)
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