I am feeling it. Moving around is harder. Getting up and sitting down is harder. Sleeping is harder. At seven and a half months, I am trying not to imagine what my body will be complaining about over the next two and half. I'm at about 150 lbs now, but fortunately it all seems to be in my belly. Maybe in my thighs a bit too.
I took the regular glucose test at 26 weeks and failed by one point. So I had to take the three-hour fasting glucose test and passed all of the hours, but my fasting number was again 1 point higher than the cutoff. I tested my glucose for one week with a finger prick four times a day and came back with good results. They determined I do not have gestational diabetes. Yay! Which was good because I was on a plane to NJ when I got the voicemail. Finding low carb meals in South Jersey is difficult. Brown rice was not to be found and many items only come deep-fried. But that's a different issue.
With the glucose screening behind me, I was feeling great until the week of Thanksgiving. No aches or pains out of the blue and then one day I woke up and it hit me. I started to feel more sluggish, my back felt achy after standing too long washing dishes, picking up stuff off the floor is difficult, and getting in and out of the car is a pain in the butt, nevermind reaching out for the handle once I am in.
My next dilemma is the flu vaccine. I have an OB appointment today and I am going to get the shot most likely. I am not 100% sure of how the vaccine is transmitted to the baby too. Will the baby be protected by my breastmilk? That's my big question I guess.
Nov 28, 2011
Nov 3, 2011
Counting Carbs
On October 24 I took the 1 hour glucose screening test and failed by a measly 6 points (cutoff is 140 and I had 146). Could have been because my breakfast took place within the hour of the testing and then I drank the orange syrup. The syrup wasn't bad; it tasted like the syrup they put on snow cones. It gave me a slight upset stomach about 15 minutes in but after that, no problems.
For the 4-hour test, I had to fast and my baseline number was 95. The cutoff is 94. All of the other numbers were fine and within range for the three hours after I drank the syrup. Had no stomach problems despite nothing else in my tummy. The night before I had a "I am Whole" bowl at Cafe Gratitude and a piece of hazelnut mousse cake. That may have contributed to the high number, plus back to back wedding weekends before the tests. :-( Wedding cakes were not my friend, but they tasted so good going down.
Now I am counting carbs for a week. I am testing my blood sugar four times a day (once fasting in the morning and then after every meal). It's a pain but has made me realize after one day that I was overeating the carbs and portions in general. We'll see if fruit is a trigger for high sugar too. I had fruit salad as a snack before lunch yesterday and my numbers ended up on the higher end of the range, but for dinner I had three small mandarin oranges and ended up below the target range.
For the 4-hour test, I had to fast and my baseline number was 95. The cutoff is 94. All of the other numbers were fine and within range for the three hours after I drank the syrup. Had no stomach problems despite nothing else in my tummy. The night before I had a "I am Whole" bowl at Cafe Gratitude and a piece of hazelnut mousse cake. That may have contributed to the high number, plus back to back wedding weekends before the tests. :-( Wedding cakes were not my friend, but they tasted so good going down.
Now I am counting carbs for a week. I am testing my blood sugar four times a day (once fasting in the morning and then after every meal). It's a pain but has made me realize after one day that I was overeating the carbs and portions in general. We'll see if fruit is a trigger for high sugar too. I had fruit salad as a snack before lunch yesterday and my numbers ended up on the higher end of the range, but for dinner I had three small mandarin oranges and ended up below the target range.
Oct 14, 2011
At 24 weeks/6 Months
So far the issues I seem to be having are typical. No cholestasis, yay!! Tossing and turning to get comfortable in the middle of the night, booo! Gas overload, random itchiness and dry skin but not too bad, slightly swollen feet at the end of the day, and I'm walking slower than usual and more hungry.
Oct 4, 2011
Flippity-Flops and Other Pregnant Health Issues
We're at 22 weeks incubation now and I'm more consistently getting the flippity-flop feeling after I eat or when I am lying in bed on my side. Not so much when I just sitting on the couch though. I'm about 144.5 lbs, and I guess on target for being almost 5 mo 3 weeks pregnant.
I ended up calling my doctor about the itching two Fridays ago. Last Monday I went in for bloodwork but haven't heard back either way if the itchy palms and soles are being caused by cholestasis. I still get it occasionally (last night my outer palms were slightly itchy and Sunday night my soles were a little) but nothing like the intensity that I had the few days before I made the call.
I did experience some random hive-like welts on my back and hips last Friday night. We had eaten Japanese noodles (soba with mushrooms and carrots). I got the itchy welts about two hours later when we got back home. They lasted a few hours and the next day they were gone. I looked up PUPPS and other skin rashes but nothing really showed as being some come and go. Hopefully they won't return.
Because...this past weekend I think I began a path toward pregnancy carpal tunnel in my right arm. All day Saturday I was sitting on the ground for 20 minutes and getting up to move to another stage at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park. After a long day, my hand started hurting like it was bruised almost. Then my forearm started aching like it does after bowling with a ball that is too heavy. This is all after we got home. Then in the middle of the night my right shoulder ached and was kinda numb feeling but not like it was falling asleep. Just weak. Like I had bruised my bone or had arthritis (which is also a possibility as it rained yesterday). Sunday I wore my magnet bracelet for CT at work and that night it was less painful but still sort of present. Monday my arm still ached (but no longer up to my shoulder). Last night I slept with my bracelet on and my arm feels better today. I'm trying not to sleep on my wrists at all but since I am supposed to sleep on my left side and not my back it is hard NOT sleeping on a part of my arm. I hope to get another massage soon!
I ended up calling my doctor about the itching two Fridays ago. Last Monday I went in for bloodwork but haven't heard back either way if the itchy palms and soles are being caused by cholestasis. I still get it occasionally (last night my outer palms were slightly itchy and Sunday night my soles were a little) but nothing like the intensity that I had the few days before I made the call.
I did experience some random hive-like welts on my back and hips last Friday night. We had eaten Japanese noodles (soba with mushrooms and carrots). I got the itchy welts about two hours later when we got back home. They lasted a few hours and the next day they were gone. I looked up PUPPS and other skin rashes but nothing really showed as being some come and go. Hopefully they won't return.
Because...this past weekend I think I began a path toward pregnancy carpal tunnel in my right arm. All day Saturday I was sitting on the ground for 20 minutes and getting up to move to another stage at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park. After a long day, my hand started hurting like it was bruised almost. Then my forearm started aching like it does after bowling with a ball that is too heavy. This is all after we got home. Then in the middle of the night my right shoulder ached and was kinda numb feeling but not like it was falling asleep. Just weak. Like I had bruised my bone or had arthritis (which is also a possibility as it rained yesterday). Sunday I wore my magnet bracelet for CT at work and that night it was less painful but still sort of present. Monday my arm still ached (but no longer up to my shoulder). Last night I slept with my bracelet on and my arm feels better today. I'm trying not to sleep on my wrists at all but since I am supposed to sleep on my left side and not my back it is hard NOT sleeping on a part of my arm. I hope to get another massage soon!
Sep 23, 2011
Got an Itch (or Two)
For the last week, off and on and not daily, I've had itchy palms and the occasional itchy foot. Yesterday it was intense on my feet. I was wearing dress shoes without hose or anything so I am thinking that didn't help. I have read that pregnant women can get itchiness without rashes on their palms of their hands and soles of the feet, and that it may mean obstetric cholestasis. I haven't reported it to my OB but if I am still having it in October when my next appointment is I will bring it up most definitely. I am hoping that the itching I have right now is an flux of hormones because I am only in the middle of my second trimester and everything I've read about cholestasis occurs in late pregnancy. Fingers crossed (when they aren't scratching) that it is nothing. I also have dry skin on my legs and arms, but right now my belly is fine. Been drinking lots of water but I'm only finding that I've been visiting the restroom a lot more frequently.
My second itch may be related to the first if it does have to do liver function. Today is the first day of autumn (not related) but it has been about 4 months since I've had a sip of anything alcoholic. Before pregnancy it would have taken will power not to drink at gatherings but I haven't had the urge. At first I was queasy so it was easy. Now it feels more like habit not to drink. But today, while I am at work, I had the craving for a nice glass of wine. Maybe not even to drink but to smell and hold and swirl. Oh well. I wonder if the itchiness is related to drinking before pregnancy...
My second itch may be related to the first if it does have to do liver function. Today is the first day of autumn (not related) but it has been about 4 months since I've had a sip of anything alcoholic. Before pregnancy it would have taken will power not to drink at gatherings but I haven't had the urge. At first I was queasy so it was easy. Now it feels more like habit not to drink. But today, while I am at work, I had the craving for a nice glass of wine. Maybe not even to drink but to smell and hold and swirl. Oh well. I wonder if the itchiness is related to drinking before pregnancy...
Sep 20, 2011
Things New Parents Don't Need
shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/688/10-things-new-parents-dont-need
This is a great piece and great timing. We're starting our registry and on some things we have no clue as to what we actually will need.
The changing table was one item we were debating about. It seemed unsafe to have a baby just on the dresser top with the pad and no rails, but $150 is a bit steep for a one-use table. If we find one for cheap we may still get one, as a friend did mention she used hers a lot (it had a drawer and shelves for storage access).
Car seats are another item we are scratching our heads on. We know we need one (maybe even two) but didn't realize we might only need one model for a year before we need to reinvest in a new one as the baby outgrows the original. Some of them say infant to 60 lbs! That's a HUGE range.
Diaper bags: I think we may have decided to just use a messenger bag we have lying around but if someone wants to buy us a cute fancy bag I won't say no. Just don't ask me what kind of bells and whistles it should have for a properly prepared for outing.
We were thinking co-sleeper for the first six months or so but those are also pricey new. Now that I read about the pack and play, is that really an option for a newborn to sleep the night in at home? Fine for confinement while dinner is being made and useful for travel, but I'm still skeptical. Sounds like we may need both.
This is a great piece and great timing. We're starting our registry and on some things we have no clue as to what we actually will need.
The changing table was one item we were debating about. It seemed unsafe to have a baby just on the dresser top with the pad and no rails, but $150 is a bit steep for a one-use table. If we find one for cheap we may still get one, as a friend did mention she used hers a lot (it had a drawer and shelves for storage access).
Car seats are another item we are scratching our heads on. We know we need one (maybe even two) but didn't realize we might only need one model for a year before we need to reinvest in a new one as the baby outgrows the original. Some of them say infant to 60 lbs! That's a HUGE range.
Diaper bags: I think we may have decided to just use a messenger bag we have lying around but if someone wants to buy us a cute fancy bag I won't say no. Just don't ask me what kind of bells and whistles it should have for a properly prepared for outing.
We were thinking co-sleeper for the first six months or so but those are also pricey new. Now that I read about the pack and play, is that really an option for a newborn to sleep the night in at home? Fine for confinement while dinner is being made and useful for travel, but I'm still skeptical. Sounds like we may need both.
Sep 19, 2011
Sep 15, 2011
Going Bananas!
:-) Well after several months of sitting around wondering when to say anything on the Internet, I decided today was the day. We are having a baby in February! Today marks my 20-week mark, the halfway period in the pregnancy. Hooray! Fingers crossed that everything in the second half goes as smoothly as the first.
According to Babycenter.com, at 20 weeks the baby is 6.5 inches crown to rump, about the length of a banana. We only have one banana.
The journey so far: We went on my birthday vacation to Wisconsin and Chicago in May. Soon after we conceived. Turns out that beer and bratwursts make for good babymaking. Who knew?
About a week or so after conception I got a fever. Looking back, I think it was the implantation period. Didn't feel a twinge or anything, just was feverish one day. Drank lots of water and it passed.
We had our first appointment at 8.5 weeks, the day funnily enough of the rescheduled Cubs/Giants game in Chicago. The Giants scored 13 runs that game and won by 6.
Had blood drawn on Bastille Day for my First Trimester Screening Test, and the NT ultrasound for Down Syndrome on July 27. Our risk levels for genetic disorders looked good but not great.
After that we spilled the beans to some family and friends. I was at 14 weeks then and my first trimester was coming to a close.
Another doc appt confirmed that my cervix length hadn't changed that much if at all (apparently readings can be difficult in an ultrasound) and I was safe to travel to Hawaii for our one-year anniversary. That was a great trip. Relaxing, some walking, some snorkeling. Technically it was the babymoon too. We had another u/s and the anatomy scan the morning after our return.
All continues to look normal, although the Second Trimester Blood Screening Tests show elevated Inhibin-A, but I am screen-negative for Down Syndrome. That means the hormone elevation may be a precursor to hypertension, preemclampsia, or pre-term birth later on in the pregnancy. And there isn't anything to do about it really so worrying will get you nowhere. >sigh<. So I need to continue to relax, do some prenatal yoga with my friend Jen, and maybe get more prenatal massages to help keep my blood pressure steady, too. (Last visit it was 100/70 and hadn't changed that much from the previous appt which I think was a bit low actually.)
According to Babycenter.com, at 20 weeks the baby is 6.5 inches crown to rump, about the length of a banana. We only have one banana.
The journey so far: We went on my birthday vacation to Wisconsin and Chicago in May. Soon after we conceived. Turns out that beer and bratwursts make for good babymaking. Who knew?
About a week or so after conception I got a fever. Looking back, I think it was the implantation period. Didn't feel a twinge or anything, just was feverish one day. Drank lots of water and it passed.
We had our first appointment at 8.5 weeks, the day funnily enough of the rescheduled Cubs/Giants game in Chicago. The Giants scored 13 runs that game and won by 6.
Had blood drawn on Bastille Day for my First Trimester Screening Test, and the NT ultrasound for Down Syndrome on July 27. Our risk levels for genetic disorders looked good but not great.
After that we spilled the beans to some family and friends. I was at 14 weeks then and my first trimester was coming to a close.
Another doc appt confirmed that my cervix length hadn't changed that much if at all (apparently readings can be difficult in an ultrasound) and I was safe to travel to Hawaii for our one-year anniversary. That was a great trip. Relaxing, some walking, some snorkeling. Technically it was the babymoon too. We had another u/s and the anatomy scan the morning after our return.
All continues to look normal, although the Second Trimester Blood Screening Tests show elevated Inhibin-A, but I am screen-negative for Down Syndrome. That means the hormone elevation may be a precursor to hypertension, preemclampsia, or pre-term birth later on in the pregnancy. And there isn't anything to do about it really so worrying will get you nowhere. >sigh<. So I need to continue to relax, do some prenatal yoga with my friend Jen, and maybe get more prenatal massages to help keep my blood pressure steady, too. (Last visit it was 100/70 and hadn't changed that much from the previous appt which I think was a bit low actually.)
Aug 2, 2011
Skin Issues and more
Ever since I went off birth control, my skin has broken out like I was in high school again. Especially near my chin (where I admittedly lean on my hand a lot at work to read) and my hairline (near and/or under where my hair crosses my forehead). Not sure if it is hormones getting readjusted, sugar intake too high, my shampoo is causing a reaction (different shampoo and facial cleanser), or a combination, but it is annoying.
An update on the vitamins: I am continuing with my regular multivitamin and folic acid supplement instead switching completely to the chewables. The chewables have less vitamins and minerals, but choline and DHA which my regular ones do not. The One a Day prenatals are actually two vitamins, one regular multivitamin with a different balance, I guess, and a huge honking DHA pill. I haven't bought them. Also after awhile the taste of the chewables started to make me gag and would come back to haunt me.
An update on the vitamins: I am continuing with my regular multivitamin and folic acid supplement instead switching completely to the chewables. The chewables have less vitamins and minerals, but choline and DHA which my regular ones do not. The One a Day prenatals are actually two vitamins, one regular multivitamin with a different balance, I guess, and a huge honking DHA pill. I haven't bought them. Also after awhile the taste of the chewables started to make me gag and would come back to haunt me.
Jun 8, 2011
New Vitamins
After reading about the differences in multivitamins and prenatals, even when you are just TTC, I decided to try a different vitamin to ready my self. I've taken Women's One a Day since 2000, I think. They seem to work okay, in terms of my gag reflex and any nausea from taking them on an empty or near empty stomach. I would occasionally get the nausea if I didn't eat enough or waited too long after dinner. (I switched from morning to night, because I tend to eat more for dinner than for breakfast and sometimes I wouldn't eat until I got to work and I'd forget to take the vitamin.)
Anyhoo, back when I had my annual exam and decided that we'd start trying, I bought folic acid supplements and continued with my One a Day. I also had bought a more expensive prenatal vitamin that had similarities to my vitamin but some big differences that I didn't really know much about.
Lately I have been reading about the differences in vitamin A and other minerals we need. This morning I decided that I would test-drive this new prenatal from Belly Bar. They are round chewable tablets that are mixed fruit flavored. Only the mixed fruit flavoring is very minimal and it reminded me a lot of Flintstones vitamins. I can taste the iron or something, like I did when I used to take Flintstones. The directions say to chew a tablet twice daily. We'll see how long this version of vitamins lasts (I think when these 30 are done I'll be testing another brand). Maybe gummy versions?
Anyhoo, back when I had my annual exam and decided that we'd start trying, I bought folic acid supplements and continued with my One a Day. I also had bought a more expensive prenatal vitamin that had similarities to my vitamin but some big differences that I didn't really know much about.
Lately I have been reading about the differences in vitamin A and other minerals we need. This morning I decided that I would test-drive this new prenatal from Belly Bar. They are round chewable tablets that are mixed fruit flavored. Only the mixed fruit flavoring is very minimal and it reminded me a lot of Flintstones vitamins. I can taste the iron or something, like I did when I used to take Flintstones. The directions say to chew a tablet twice daily. We'll see how long this version of vitamins lasts (I think when these 30 are done I'll be testing another brand). Maybe gummy versions?
May 29, 2011
Day 32 cycle 4
I have long cycles, which makes the waiting the last two weeks difficult. I don't even know if I am ovulating at all. This cycle has been tricky; last cycle was over 50 days and I assume if I did ov I did it around this time. It is different this cycle because I did feel my nipple sensitivity around my normal (as it is) time. Bloating started too.
The big things to note are that J and I went on a vacation to the land of brats, beer, and cheese in the Midwest. After indulging (and TTC occasionally), a few days after returning home I felt a little woozy. I would get lightheaded walking down the street. It could have been post-ovulation I read. Or it could be related to the GI issues that began a day or two after the wooziness
I was choosing to believe it is very early pregnancy/conception until in the early morning hours Monday I was awoken by a sharp cramp in my abdomen. It lasted about a minute. We had corn on the cob and my mom has Crohn's disease so I think this may be rated to the onset of IBS for me. I don't know if it is related to TTC yet.
I realized looking back at my calendar and journal that six days before my period two cycles ago I had a similar cramp. But that lasted only the one night whereas this round has been ongoing for almost a week.
The newest addition to this medical dilemma is that yesterday morning I started to get a little feverish. My temps have been about 98.3 or 98.4 but it shot up to 99.2 and even 99.8 briefly.
The big things to note are that J and I went on a vacation to the land of brats, beer, and cheese in the Midwest. After indulging (and TTC occasionally), a few days after returning home I felt a little woozy. I would get lightheaded walking down the street. It could have been post-ovulation I read. Or it could be related to the GI issues that began a day or two after the wooziness
I was choosing to believe it is very early pregnancy/conception until in the early morning hours Monday I was awoken by a sharp cramp in my abdomen. It lasted about a minute. We had corn on the cob and my mom has Crohn's disease so I think this may be rated to the onset of IBS for me. I don't know if it is related to TTC yet.
I realized looking back at my calendar and journal that six days before my period two cycles ago I had a similar cramp. But that lasted only the one night whereas this round has been ongoing for almost a week.
The newest addition to this medical dilemma is that yesterday morning I started to get a little feverish. My temps have been about 98.3 or 98.4 but it shot up to 99.2 and even 99.8 briefly.
May 5, 2011
Signed up for a 5K...
So, I know you aren't supposed to start some bad-ass fitness regimen when you are trying to conceive. But luckily, I am not bad-ass. I can barely jog the 5k setting at the gym and even then I walk a lot of it. I do think I need to lower my BMI (my scale at home says 29% so my goal is 26%, which is still higher than the recommended 24% but something might be wonky with that scale) and having an exercise goal is necessary. So while come August 27 I may not be running or even jogging those 3+ miles, I can at least "train" my body to be fit enough to walk briskly. And hopefully I'll have reached my goal.
If I get pregnant before then, I will be walking the 5k. If not, I will at least be fitter than I am now which might be ideal for pregnancy, but ideal for a non-pregnant me.
If I get pregnant before then, I will be walking the 5k. If not, I will at least be fitter than I am now which might be ideal for pregnancy, but ideal for a non-pregnant me.
Apr 29, 2011
Day 2, Cycle 4
Late Wednesday night I got my period. Earlier in the day I had spotty discharge. Yesterday was my first full day of it and it has been heavy, but mostly clots when I use the bathroom. I expect this to last for three days, have a day break, and then the dredges for another day. That is if I am basing it on the past.
This cycle I am going back to tracking temperature and monitoring bodily fluids, even if it is difficult to predict the ovulation before it occurs. I think most of the symptoms I get means it is already too late. J will be really happy because we'll be trying more often and later into the cycle.
I spoke with my friend Jen who is also TTC. She is disppointed that it hasn't happened yet for them. She and her husband have a beautiful little girl (who is turning three today) and wish for her to have a sibling soon. I'm trying not to think about how much I want a child because I am trying to keep myself from stressing out (either way--if I do get pregnant there is a whole boatload of other stresses that will come into play) and trying to keep the mindset that maybe we'll be lucky enough to have a baby.
This cycle I am going back to tracking temperature and monitoring bodily fluids, even if it is difficult to predict the ovulation before it occurs. I think most of the symptoms I get means it is already too late. J will be really happy because we'll be trying more often and later into the cycle.
I spoke with my friend Jen who is also TTC. She is disppointed that it hasn't happened yet for them. She and her husband have a beautiful little girl (who is turning three today) and wish for her to have a sibling soon. I'm trying not to think about how much I want a child because I am trying to keep myself from stressing out (either way--if I do get pregnant there is a whole boatload of other stresses that will come into play) and trying to keep the mindset that maybe we'll be lucky enough to have a baby.
Apr 25, 2011
Day 50
This is the longest I've gone without a period not on purpose. I used to manipulate the Pill to make my period occur when I wanted it, sometimes having a 6 or 7 week cycle. I still feel bloated, cranky, and tired, but my breast sensitivity is gone. My temperature hasn't dropped yet either, but I suspect that it will happen tonight or within the next few days. It's two weeks today since I thought maybe I ovulated on day 36.
This past weekend I was reading more on PCOS and the symptoms and causes. They don't know what really brings it on, and not everyone diagnosed with it has symptoms. But caffeine may play a part and excessive exercise. I was drinking more coffee this cycle, as well as tea, but as for the exercise, I was gaining weight so I don't think that was an issue. I am hoping that this month is a fluke and I'll go back to the 35-37 day cycle with temperature and fluid changes.
I'm also putting off contacting my obgyn. I feel as if it will happen any day now, and my insurance only covers 50% of infertility testing services. And I also read in my coverage that I have to wait for a full year of no contraceptive use before they diagnose you as infertile. Something to think about before I invest in the ultrasound.
This past weekend I was reading more on PCOS and the symptoms and causes. They don't know what really brings it on, and not everyone diagnosed with it has symptoms. But caffeine may play a part and excessive exercise. I was drinking more coffee this cycle, as well as tea, but as for the exercise, I was gaining weight so I don't think that was an issue. I am hoping that this month is a fluke and I'll go back to the 35-37 day cycle with temperature and fluid changes.
I'm also putting off contacting my obgyn. I feel as if it will happen any day now, and my insurance only covers 50% of infertility testing services. And I also read in my coverage that I have to wait for a full year of no contraceptive use before they diagnose you as infertile. Something to think about before I invest in the ultrasound.
Apr 18, 2011
Day 43
So this month's experiment of not watching ovulation was a bust. Around day 37, when I was expecting my period to begin, I began getting sensitivity in my breasts. I've gotten more facial acne as well this month, which I was attributing to my facial wash and hormonal changes. Now, I'm leaning to possibly having polycystic ovary syndrome as the cause. I haven't been diagnosed but the symptoms seem to lean in that direction.
What does that mean? Well, I am going to have a harder time getting pregnant because I won't ovulate regularly or at all. For example, my temperature didn't rise all month to a constant level, but around day 37 as mentioned above, it finally did. That means I may have ovulated then. And that means a 54-day cycle, which is not normal at all. My endometrium will be old, my egg will be old, and prediction will be hard if it continues to be this way in the future.
I went to the gym twice this weekend and plan on continuing with the regular exercise until I lose some weight. Maybe I can trick my body into ovulating properly. Not being able to convert the sugars properly is a cause/symptom of PCOS and I was drinking more beer this month, plus eating more potatoes and starches recently. Diet changes are also in order. Goal: to be 125 with a lower BMI. If I don't get pregnant within the next year, at least I will be fit.
What does that mean? Well, I am going to have a harder time getting pregnant because I won't ovulate regularly or at all. For example, my temperature didn't rise all month to a constant level, but around day 37 as mentioned above, it finally did. That means I may have ovulated then. And that means a 54-day cycle, which is not normal at all. My endometrium will be old, my egg will be old, and prediction will be hard if it continues to be this way in the future.
I went to the gym twice this weekend and plan on continuing with the regular exercise until I lose some weight. Maybe I can trick my body into ovulating properly. Not being able to convert the sugars properly is a cause/symptom of PCOS and I was drinking more beer this month, plus eating more potatoes and starches recently. Diet changes are also in order. Goal: to be 125 with a lower BMI. If I don't get pregnant within the next year, at least I will be fit.
Mar 8, 2011
'Bout Time Even If It Is Disppointing
Got AF this morning (day 37). Not sure if this means I didn't OV this month or if in fact it was around the 22nd. I guess it is more or less on time, but it felt like forever since my last period. I noticed that for the past two days my temp dropped below 98 degrees in the morning so I was expecting it to begin at any moment.
I've decided to try not taking my temp this month and just go with what my body feels. We'll see how that works out.
I've decided to try not taking my temp this month and just go with what my body feels. We'll see how that works out.
Mar 7, 2011
Waiting for the World to Change
Today is two weeks since the date that I think I may have ovulated, if I ovulated late. Last Wednesday I had a really bad cramp in the middle of the night. Like woke me up bad. And then some color and minimal spotting Friday, Saturday and Sunday when I would use the bathroom. And basically only then. I'm not sure what is going on. I feel cramps but I have had felt cramps for a few days now. My face is breaking out too. Good thing I got my passport pic taken when I only had one zit. :-)
I'm waiting for a sign or 40 days before I take a test. I was reading about low HCG levels and how that isn't uncommon, but many times it will lead to a miscarriage. Low HCG levels also cause the spotting. Waiting is the hardest part I think. I'm technically in my fifth week already.
I'm waiting for a sign or 40 days before I take a test. I was reading about low HCG levels and how that isn't uncommon, but many times it will lead to a miscarriage. Low HCG levels also cause the spotting. Waiting is the hardest part I think. I'm technically in my fifth week already.
Feb 24, 2011
No Rise in Temp
So this month I noticed as I charted my temps on a calendar that I never had a spike during the time I should have been ovulating. The last week though I've felt a little feverish and had soreness but that began on Day 23 or so. Not that my cycles are regular, but I don't know if I should expect this month to be a 37 day cycle or not. And if I ovulated at all since my temp never really spiked and held steady. (It went up a few points but that could have been from lack of sleep and Prince the night before, and then dropped down again. It only has been 98 degrees the last two days.)
Feb 16, 2011
Be Part Bear
I found this funny blog entry on the rotation on the Yahoo! home page:
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/the-10-most-irritating-least-helpful-parenting-tips-ever-2448391/
The first tip is to sleep now because when the baby comes you'll never sleep again. The response made me laugh. There are other useless tips too.
On a different note, I bought the materials for the blocks in my baby quilt that I am making before conceiving a baby. Just need to wash them and iron them and then I can begin my to-do project while I watch some TV.
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/the-10-most-irritating-least-helpful-parenting-tips-ever-2448391/
The first tip is to sleep now because when the baby comes you'll never sleep again. The response made me laugh. There are other useless tips too.
On a different note, I bought the materials for the blocks in my baby quilt that I am making before conceiving a baby. Just need to wash them and iron them and then I can begin my to-do project while I watch some TV.
Jan 31, 2011
Baby Quilt Project
I decided on the way to work today that even though we haven't conceived, I would like to make a baby quilt. Even if we never conceive, I would like a memento of this time when we tried. I haven't finished the big quilt I started in 2002, but maybe I can handle a smaller 2 x 2 one! Maybe.
I was thinking I would stick with the same pattern I am doing for the big quilt. Nine block pattern. So it will be four 9 x 9 inch blocks each created from nine 1 x 1 inch blocks, and a strip in between each set of nine and a border. I was thinking primary colors and black & white (probably a black & white backing).
J gave me a Michaels gift card for Christmas so let the new project begin!
I was thinking I would stick with the same pattern I am doing for the big quilt. Nine block pattern. So it will be four 9 x 9 inch blocks each created from nine 1 x 1 inch blocks, and a strip in between each set of nine and a border. I was thinking primary colors and black & white (probably a black & white backing).
J gave me a Michaels gift card for Christmas so let the new project begin!
First Attempt Failure
Well, yesterday I got a visit from AF so no baby on our first attempt. However, I did seem to calculate and recognize my ovulation (OV) time correctly. Hopefully I can use that for this month. I predicted a 34 day cycle with when I noticed changes that would have signaled OV (15-16-day long luteal phase, which is about right).
For the next few weeks I can go to the gym and work on losing some weight and toning up a bit. Also I can work on eating better. Not drinking for two weeks was easier than I expected, but I think that was because I had a goal in mind (however, I gained weight not lost it). I drank lots of water and very little sugary drinks. I would like to cut out even more refined sugars and simple carbs as well as eat more fiber. When I was on the antibiotics, it messed up my digestive tract and I was constipated. I had cramps for ten days and I couldn't tell where they were coming from. Now, I think they were intestinal. I need to get more probiotic yogurt. :-{
For the next few weeks I can go to the gym and work on losing some weight and toning up a bit. Also I can work on eating better. Not drinking for two weeks was easier than I expected, but I think that was because I had a goal in mind (however, I gained weight not lost it). I drank lots of water and very little sugary drinks. I would like to cut out even more refined sugars and simple carbs as well as eat more fiber. When I was on the antibiotics, it messed up my digestive tract and I was constipated. I had cramps for ten days and I couldn't tell where they were coming from. Now, I think they were intestinal. I need to get more probiotic yogurt. :-{
Jan 26, 2011
Taxes for the Newly Wed
J and I are beginning to get our finances in order in terms of accounts and taxes. Do we file jointly this year? And separately when he makes more money? It is confusing. I think we should file the 1040A jointly, but different websites say to fill out both forms (1040 and 1040A) and then submit the one that gets the most back. Yeah, but that means you have to do two tax forms anyway. Booooo.
And if we do file jointly but don't have a common bank account (yet), will that mess stuff up? One of our accumulated interests might be a lot while the other is skimpy. And I'm putting money post-tax into an IRA. How will that affect the bottom line?
I would go to H&R Block this year just so I can understand what we need to be on the lookout for next year, but I have an issue with handing over money to someone to do our taxes and taking some of the paltry return we will probably get back.
We don't have children yet so maybe this year we will wing it, so to speak. Thoughts? Experience?
And if we do file jointly but don't have a common bank account (yet), will that mess stuff up? One of our accumulated interests might be a lot while the other is skimpy. And I'm putting money post-tax into an IRA. How will that affect the bottom line?
I would go to H&R Block this year just so I can understand what we need to be on the lookout for next year, but I have an issue with handing over money to someone to do our taxes and taking some of the paltry return we will probably get back.
We don't have children yet so maybe this year we will wing it, so to speak. Thoughts? Experience?
Jan 25, 2011
Long Two Weeks
So this month is our first attempt at TTC, and last week was incredibly long even though it started with a day off! I've been keeping track (sort of) of my temperature when I get up in the morning and other signs of ovulation. Ever since I "predicted" my ovulation, I have been feeling a little crampy in the abdominal area. It is probably all psychosomatic but I never had this feeling for so long when I was waiting for my period while on the pill. And if my predictions are correct and my luteal phase is 14 days or so, I still have another week or so to go. Waiting. Wondering.
Jan 14, 2011
Interesting Article on the Toxins Found in Pregnant Women
From the SF Gate:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/01/14/MNN41GL1NQ.DTL
Now that we are trying to have a baby these articles bear more importance to my everyday life. Do I get rid of my non-stick cookware? We need new pans anyway because I do know they are scratched and that is not good for anyone. For years I've been reheating items in a ceramic cup at work for lunch and we just bought several glass containers for leftovers. We still keep items like half-chopped onions and cheese in plastic containers. Do we get rid of these things too? As soon as we come home, do we put food that comes in metal or styrofoam in new glass? I try to make soups now from "scratch" but the broth is usually made from a carton (which probably still contains these chemicals in more inviting looking packaging) and tomatoes from cans. :-(
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/01/14/MNN41GL1NQ.DTL
Now that we are trying to have a baby these articles bear more importance to my everyday life. Do I get rid of my non-stick cookware? We need new pans anyway because I do know they are scratched and that is not good for anyone. For years I've been reheating items in a ceramic cup at work for lunch and we just bought several glass containers for leftovers. We still keep items like half-chopped onions and cheese in plastic containers. Do we get rid of these things too? As soon as we come home, do we put food that comes in metal or styrofoam in new glass? I try to make soups now from "scratch" but the broth is usually made from a carton (which probably still contains these chemicals in more inviting looking packaging) and tomatoes from cans. :-(
Jan 12, 2011
Temporarily Derailed
I've had a bad cold and cough for the last two weeks and I finally went to the doctor on Monday. I'm sure I was on the upswing of things when I went but you know if I didn't, this cold would continue to drag on. I was prescribed an antibiotic and given Nasonex for the sinus drip and infection. So far so good. I had tried an over-the-counter cough medicine the Sunday before my appointment and felt horrible all Monday morning, which I think is what prompted me to call the doctor.
This is a new doctor and I don't know how long I will stick with her. I have a follow up in two weeks and in the meantime I scheduled lab work for my physical. I am going to get a lipid panel, thyroid test and some other things as I prepare for maybe having that baby one day.
This is a new doctor and I don't know how long I will stick with her. I have a follow up in two weeks and in the meantime I scheduled lab work for my physical. I am going to get a lipid panel, thyroid test and some other things as I prepare for maybe having that baby one day.
Jan 7, 2011
Green Tea Nemesis
I am an avid green tea drinker. I'll drink it decaf, flavored, or traditional. Only now along with the glass of wine, I will be phasing out the tea drinking since it may be linked to reducing the absorption of the folic acid that I am taking. It's a sad day.
Jan 5, 2011
The In-Between
My friend Marianne gave us a handmade and bound notebook with our wedding colors and a Japanese-themed cover as a wedding gift. It was simple, nice, and truly heartfelt. She said to use it for whatever--first-year journey into marriage, travels, etc., as we build our life together. Well, the first three plus months have come and gone and I didn't record anything about them. I have photographs from some occasions, but it seems a little odd to write about them in retrospect here. It was whirlwind, yet nothing monumental happened.
We seem to be in an in-between phase; the wedding planning is over finally, and we can begin to think about our marriage. Do we want to start the joint checking account? And if so, where? What kind of coffee table do we want? Should it be casual or match a new entertainment center? What bedroom furniture do we want? Will it signify the grownup aspect of us (getting rid of my Ikea stuff)? Do we want to start our family traditions now, or wait until our family grows? Will our family grow?
Sure, we've only been married three months, but I ain't no spring chicken and my next birthday is coming up in less than half a year (so I'll be a year older before a baby conceived now will even be born). This thought has been on my mind for over a year and partially the goal I set for when I did get married. But as the months have passed since I made the decision, we've both been a little slack on getting with the program.
First of all, if we seriously want to begin a family, we need to cut back on some indulgent behavior. Beyond spending on things and places, we need to keep better track of the food we eat and drink. Like maybe our wine club shipment might need to get a little dusty and the dude at the corner store can forget where he knows us from. In addition to the cutback on alcohol consumption, soy products need to be monitored and maybe noticing that the cheese-covered spinach dish might contain iron and calcium but one may cancel the other out in vitamin absorption. And I need to stop eating refined sugars and try to lower my cholesterol. Better finish those brownies soon, I guess.
With the holidays finally over, I can begin to focus on the phase out of those indulgences in honest. It was hard when parties and libations abound in December. I even bought and took my first supplement toward prenatal care: the folic acid tablet. I bought 400mg tablets to take with my regular Women's One a Day. When my regular vitamins end, I will start the special (and expensive for the doses) prenatal BellyBar chewables. I worry that new vitamins will make me sick, which I read being the case.
So as I record my daily temp and weight and going-ons in the paper journal, I'll try to remember to post some updates on this blog. Hope you join us on this next chapter of our lives.
--signed a 36-year-old newlywed
We seem to be in an in-between phase; the wedding planning is over finally, and we can begin to think about our marriage. Do we want to start the joint checking account? And if so, where? What kind of coffee table do we want? Should it be casual or match a new entertainment center? What bedroom furniture do we want? Will it signify the grownup aspect of us (getting rid of my Ikea stuff)? Do we want to start our family traditions now, or wait until our family grows? Will our family grow?
Sure, we've only been married three months, but I ain't no spring chicken and my next birthday is coming up in less than half a year (so I'll be a year older before a baby conceived now will even be born). This thought has been on my mind for over a year and partially the goal I set for when I did get married. But as the months have passed since I made the decision, we've both been a little slack on getting with the program.
First of all, if we seriously want to begin a family, we need to cut back on some indulgent behavior. Beyond spending on things and places, we need to keep better track of the food we eat and drink. Like maybe our wine club shipment might need to get a little dusty and the dude at the corner store can forget where he knows us from. In addition to the cutback on alcohol consumption, soy products need to be monitored and maybe noticing that the cheese-covered spinach dish might contain iron and calcium but one may cancel the other out in vitamin absorption. And I need to stop eating refined sugars and try to lower my cholesterol. Better finish those brownies soon, I guess.
With the holidays finally over, I can begin to focus on the phase out of those indulgences in honest. It was hard when parties and libations abound in December. I even bought and took my first supplement toward prenatal care: the folic acid tablet. I bought 400mg tablets to take with my regular Women's One a Day. When my regular vitamins end, I will start the special (and expensive for the doses) prenatal BellyBar chewables. I worry that new vitamins will make me sick, which I read being the case.
So as I record my daily temp and weight and going-ons in the paper journal, I'll try to remember to post some updates on this blog. Hope you join us on this next chapter of our lives.
--signed a 36-year-old newlywed
Jan 4, 2011
New Jersey Reception and Philadelphia sights
On November 13, 2010, J and I had another reception in NJ to celebrate our marriage with family and friends that could not make it to CA. It was a whirlwind long weekend, leaving for PA on Veterans Day and staying in Philly on Thursday and Friday nights. The Club Quarters hotel near Rittenhouse Square was our home base when we arrived late Thursday. We had just enough time to check-in and grab a drink at a few watering holes in the neighborhood, settling at the Good Dog Bar. The hotel was noisy with the students from across the river making their way home after closing time. The sound echoed up the side of the building. I didn't sleep very well that night.
The next day we grabbed a pastry and coffee and walked to the City Hall area to explore the city. We visited "Love Park" and the art on the plaza across from City Hall (the art is based on childhood game pieces, like the wheelbarrow from Monopoly or the pieces from Sorry!). Pretty cool. From there we admired the architecture of City Hall and William Penn atop of it. We walked to the Reading Terminal and browsed the Amish faire. Had we not just eaten a pastry from Au Bon Pain, we would have partaked in the breakfast. Alas, we continued to Market Street, heading "downtown to the Gallery Mall" (passing underneath a walkway but not actually going in, but I had "Parents Just Don't Understand" in my head the whole time). We then walked to Independence Mall Park and got tickets for a big red open air bus tour and a tour of Independence Hall. The bus tour began within minutes and we were on our way, map in hand. Saw the sights we just went to, and then continued to Logan Circle and beyond, where on the way back from the Please Touch Museum our big red bus broke down in Fairmount Park. It was a nice, but chilly day. Unfortunately, we had a timed tour to get to and hadn't eaten lunch yet. Once we were rescued and we got back to the Mall, we grabbed another fast bite and got in line to see the rooms where the history took place. We walked around the Olde City some more (had a cheesesteak) and tried some bars in the area before heading back to Rittenhouse Square and walking around the actual square. I really like Philly.
The next day we got up and headed with our wedding gear to South Jersey for the ceremony and reception. My mother and her friends did an amazing job of reusing the cranes we had at our CA wedding and reception as well as having a nice spread of food--including Italian hoagies that I requested. No pizza though. The ceremony was brief but nice I think. I didn't want it to be just gathering at the church to eat. My bridesmaid Jeannie gave the toast, we cut the sheet cake from Century Bakery, smashed a little in each other's face, and did an abbreviated first dance to Foo Fighters' "Everlong". It ended at 3 pm and the day was clear, cool, and sunny.
Sunday we had breakfast at the hotel next door to where we stayed in Vineland with family and local friends. I got to hang out even more with my friend Marianne who flew in from MN to be a part of my NJ ceremony. She was the maid of honor that day which was great. :-)
Afterwards we went back to Philly with my cousin Denise. We visited the Eastern State Pen and had dinner at the City Tavern in Olde City. We went for a walk along the river and then went to a bar where we had to wait for Denise to come back to Philly because she had left an important item by mistake in our hotel room at Independence Park. All turned out well, but it was a long day and night. Monday we caught our flight home.
The next day we grabbed a pastry and coffee and walked to the City Hall area to explore the city. We visited "Love Park" and the art on the plaza across from City Hall (the art is based on childhood game pieces, like the wheelbarrow from Monopoly or the pieces from Sorry!). Pretty cool. From there we admired the architecture of City Hall and William Penn atop of it. We walked to the Reading Terminal and browsed the Amish faire. Had we not just eaten a pastry from Au Bon Pain, we would have partaked in the breakfast. Alas, we continued to Market Street, heading "downtown to the Gallery Mall" (passing underneath a walkway but not actually going in, but I had "Parents Just Don't Understand" in my head the whole time). We then walked to Independence Mall Park and got tickets for a big red open air bus tour and a tour of Independence Hall. The bus tour began within minutes and we were on our way, map in hand. Saw the sights we just went to, and then continued to Logan Circle and beyond, where on the way back from the Please Touch Museum our big red bus broke down in Fairmount Park. It was a nice, but chilly day. Unfortunately, we had a timed tour to get to and hadn't eaten lunch yet. Once we were rescued and we got back to the Mall, we grabbed another fast bite and got in line to see the rooms where the history took place. We walked around the Olde City some more (had a cheesesteak) and tried some bars in the area before heading back to Rittenhouse Square and walking around the actual square. I really like Philly.
The next day we got up and headed with our wedding gear to South Jersey for the ceremony and reception. My mother and her friends did an amazing job of reusing the cranes we had at our CA wedding and reception as well as having a nice spread of food--including Italian hoagies that I requested. No pizza though. The ceremony was brief but nice I think. I didn't want it to be just gathering at the church to eat. My bridesmaid Jeannie gave the toast, we cut the sheet cake from Century Bakery, smashed a little in each other's face, and did an abbreviated first dance to Foo Fighters' "Everlong". It ended at 3 pm and the day was clear, cool, and sunny.
Sunday we had breakfast at the hotel next door to where we stayed in Vineland with family and local friends. I got to hang out even more with my friend Marianne who flew in from MN to be a part of my NJ ceremony. She was the maid of honor that day which was great. :-)
Afterwards we went back to Philly with my cousin Denise. We visited the Eastern State Pen and had dinner at the City Tavern in Olde City. We went for a walk along the river and then went to a bar where we had to wait for Denise to come back to Philly because she had left an important item by mistake in our hotel room at Independence Park. All turned out well, but it was a long day and night. Monday we caught our flight home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
