So that's what that is

I kept reading about braxton-hicks contractions, but I assumed that I would be feeling ...what I imagined was labor pains. The other day, I felt pressure on my belly and my belly was hard to the touch. Fortunately, my dad was around to tell me that I was experiencing braxton-hicks contractions. I thought contractions meant pain, but, in this case, it's just a slight pressure and mostly uncomfortable.
I finally got to reading what those actually meant and it's the muscles of the uterus tightening. What causes b-h contractions? The American Pregnancy Association (there's an association for everything...) says:
When you or the baby are very active (that explains a few things)
If someone touches your belly (I haven't had that happen yet, but, I wonder how, exactly, someone would have to touch my belly for my uterus to go "Hey!" and tighten up.)
When your bladder is full (or it could just be a full bladder....)
After sex (now women can know what it's like to be a guy)
Dehydration (Look, it's hard to drink a lot when you know you'll just have to pee in a matter of seconds, OKAY!)
So those times when I thought O was just getting mad at me and pushing on my belly if I was overdoing it in the activity department, it was O's casa that was the culprit and this is a common occurrence in pregnant women. That doesn't make it any less strange when it feels like you can pop your belly with a pin at one moment and it's soft the next.
Also, I'd like to give a shout out to my pregnant twin, Renata. We went shopping today and took full advantage of being pregnant and stopped at Ethel's chocolate cafe and had hot chocolate and s'mores...warm s'mores.
If you can swing it, I would recommend having a friend be as pregnant as you are. It's good to have someone who's going through exactly what you are going through (someone who can remind you that NOW is the time to act on those sweet cravings)...and we pretty much are on the same page.. Well, except I am woefully behind the times on registering and buying baby things. Hopefully that will change tomorrow when I bring in the pros (aka sis and Kata) and we do some damage at babies r us. I am sure I will have a blog about that tomorrow.

My belly can blow kisses, what can yours do?

I guess you'd have to be here. I just did this fast in the mirror and made myself cry laughing. I wonder if the thermometer (aka belly button) will ever pop out. My sister's didn't. Maybe it's genetic. I can handle it staying tucked in....

Daddy as a baby

In an attempt to figure out what Olivia may look like, I have requested photos of John as a baby from his mum. I will try to find some of myself as soon as I can. I have my mom looking. I think we're in for a platinum blond, uber-pale, blue eyed baby so far.

Oh those wacky North shore moms

Yesterday, Sunday, I decided to try this prenatal yoga class in the North shore. As we were introducing ourselves (names, due date's, first child...) one of the students introduced herself as a "wrongful Cesarean advocate". (only in the North shore...and maybe NY and California). Well, another student introduced herself and mentioned she had a breach baby. Well, Ms. Anti-Cesarean mentioned that you could do yoga positions to make the baby move into the correct position. Everyone in the class was like "that's great! how do you do that?!" She said that you could like inverted on an ironing board (feet higher than head) or do the cat-cow position.
That felt, to me, like a bunch of bologna. So, I asked my gyno-dad if that is even possible....and, shocker of all shockers, looked at me like I was high and said "No." Okay, so doctors may be a little biased in this situation, but there are two factors that make his position a little more believable. A - he is against cesareans as a first resort...most doctors nowadays will do cesareans before any alternate means of delivery (or so he says) because they are not trained to do anything else when things get complicated...and the law suit happy society scares them into it. B - people don't sue the holistic, yoga-cures-all believers so they can say what they want as long as it makes some rational sense. (she recommended this website, which already sounds wrong: http://www.spinningbabies.com/ or how to do an inversion: http://spinningbabies.blogspot.com/2007/02/how-to-do-inversion.html) If you want to see what other holistic nonsense goes on.
This morning I had another emotional drive to work. Since Olivia can now hear inside the womb, I had some serious imagery going on about her hearing the music in the car. It really hit me this morning and I got teary. I am thinking of sending out a memo to the Office to tread lightly around the hormonal pregnant woman. I think they may know already...

Emotional? Moi?!

Uh oh. This morning I was reading an article in Fit-Pregnancy magazine regarding what to expect each week of pregnancy. As I got to the end, it started talking about enjoying those last few moments of movements inside you and I started to cry. Yesterday, our admin. asst. sent me an excerpt from her niece's blog about being a parent of a 3 month old and she was talking about waking up to her baby's smile and how that makes all of the sleeplessness seem worth it...and I cried...at work. I think I am getting exponentially more sensitive to baby stuff than I was before. I may need to buy some travel tissues. This is going to be an emotional ride from here on out.
Also, did you know that growing skin itches? Man oh man! And, before you say it...yes, I am lubing up the belly. (No stretch marks here, please).

HOW pregnant do I have to BE, exactly

Okay, so, I know it is a major faux pas to ask a woman if she's pregnant when you're not sure, but at what point is someone clearly pregnant? I was at swimming last night and there were people who were shocked that I was pregnant (and not just swimming slower than last year for the heck of it). If you look at me in a swim suit, or most clothing for that matter, I either am clearly pregnant or I have a tumor in my belly as it is disproportionately larger than the rest of my body. In all honesty, I am not complaining, I just find it entertaining what surprises people these days.







You tell me. Do I look pregnant?

Mam, thank you, mam! May I please have another?

I have found that I thank O a lot for kicking me. I guess it's because each time I get a good 'un, it reassures me that she's doing fine. It is WEIRD that it is also a reminder there is a person inside you. Weird in a good way, that is.
Yesterday I treated myself to another prenatal massage. There was a deal going on at my local spa and I took advantage. Boy, it was so fantastic. I think I am going to have to do this once a month. For the baby... This time there was no hole for the belly, I just lay on my side with pillows. Apparently they HAD that contraption and found that the side position was better. I agree. Rose, my masseuse, was AMAZING. I highly recommend her if you want a prenatal massage. I think, in fact, it was the best massage I have EVER had. Of course, it could be that I just needed to relax so badly...but I would also like to give her a shout out.
Tonight I am going to see Sisters of Mercy. No, this is not my choice of music. I am keeping John company. I am not sure what I am in for, but John tends to like the Gothic death music.
Speaking of music, since O can now hear, I have been trying to blast classical music in my car when I am driving to and fro so Olivia can get some brain stimulation. Hopefully it's doing something. I will let you know in a few years...

The Viable Phase

I am having writers block as far as how to make what happened this week literarily entertaining for you, but I do want to take note of what I did for prosperity. So, bare with me.
Wednesday night, John and I went to the hospital to take one of many upcoming seminars on pregnancy and birth (this one was all about labor and delivery). We learned about contractions, when to call the doctor, when to freak out because whatever's happening ain't good, pain med options and so on. What sticks out most to me is the epidural part. It seems to me like it's the way to go...no pain, no pain, right. But there's this little voice in the back of my head that is telling me to see what natural birth is like. I am sure I won't, in the end. Note, that if one wants to go the epidural route, it's always best to tell them early so they can pump fluids into you ASAP. But the whole not having use of my legs part kinda worries me. Clearly, it's done, but it worries me.
The next morning, it was back to the hospital again, but this time the office building to see my doc for my 24 week visit. Olivia is officially viable this week. That means she can live outside the womb. Way to go O. Anyway, as our fates aligned, my sister had an appointment at the same time. So, I got to see my adorable nephew, Connor "Con-man" AND she got to hear O's heartbeat. Everything is going well so far, heartbeat, my blood pressure, weight and belly are all on track. That's a relief that walking 13.1 miles has not had any adverse affects for me or O.
Now I have to take myself to get a glucose test or see if there are any diabetes potential. And, I got this survey thing from the doctor about donating or saving cord blood. Man, the decisions we have to make today...
Yesterday, or Friday, I spent mostly on my feet cooking. OMG, is it exhausting. I planned an elaborate dinner for my bosses and I just am coming down from the work it entailed. I was standing most of yesterday and, boy, did it make me tired. I don't usually get this worn out, but I certainly needed to take some breaks. Another thumbs down moment was watching everyone drink good wine and having to suck down O'Douls. Wine usually is the carrot at the end of a long day of cooking...but not last night. boo hoo. The good news is that my new favorite boss brought Silver Oak Cab 2002. I am not a Cab fan, but this is good sh*#. We will crack it open for delivery day.
John is having a conundrum. I think he's mostly decided to wait to 2010 to run Boston now that he has qualified, but I think there's still part of him that wants to run this upcoming marathon. I think I can do without him for a few days with a 6 week old, especially that my family is so close, but I won't be able to go with him or cheer him on. But that isn't what's causing his dilemma...it SHOULD be, but he is more worried about the six weeks of lack of sleep that will affect his training, and THEN being away from us. I am sure his priorities will change once he sees the little girl who's been playing wac-a-mole inside my belly for him, but, for now...

Rub my Belly!

So, the story begins pre-conception. I signed up to do a half marathon with John at the Outer Banks almost right before I found out I was pregnant. After I found out, I knew I would have to eat the cost of the race and just cheer on John. Well, plans kinda changed for the both of us. The day before the race, I actually contemplated walking the 13.1 miles. That should be do-able, right? John felt like I could do it, but I was not in shape for it. I wavered between definitely no and "I should take advantage of the opportunity". The thing that sealed the deal was that another girl we were staying with decided to walk it with me. The gauntlet was thrown and I was going to do it. Besides, they offered free transportation to the finish if you decided to finish early. I would definitely take advantage of that if I felt I could not go on or Olivia was getting mad at me. (She tends to push really hard on my belly when I am overdoing it.)
Four and one half hours later...I crossed the finish line. Let me tell you, it was great to do it and not give up, but four and a half hours is too long to walk...period. Parts of my legs are STILL sore. Never will I walk that much again in one go...pregnant or not. I did see way too many port-o-potties for one day too. Ick. But, I got a medal....a participation medal, but a medal.
The other thing that changes was John decided to run the full marathon instead of the half. The full runners started 20 minutes after the half people started and John caught up to me at about mile 21 (mile 8 for me). It was great to be able to participate in the race AND cheer on my hubby. (Who finished 2nd in his age group AND qualified for Boston with a finish time of 3:11:51) Way to go! I think I also deserve some props for doing it 23 weeks pregnant...
So my new thing is to have John rub my belly for luck. I am sure it's not original, but it's funny. That day, it finally paid off. BUT, Olivia is still hiding from John as far as letting him feel her move. I swear she is doing kung fu in my belly and then I have John put his hand on my belly and...nothing. I wish I could will her to perform for daddy, but that doesn't seem to work.
So, we're on our way home from the Outer Banks and after going through security I get stopped by a security person and she wants to feel my belly. In case Olivia was contraband or something. I think she abused her position to cop a feel of the belly, but, I am fine with that. I hear it's common for strangers to want to feel you up. I am still trying to decide if that will freak me out or not. I guess it depends on how crazy they look. ;-) I mean, I could not keep my hands off my friends' and sister's belly when they were pregnant, and, now myself, so, I guess I can sympathise.

Barack Obama Elected 44th US President

Last night was definitely a moment for the history books. Olivia was kicking away all during the pre- and post celebration in Grant Park. Good thing too, because she had been quiet most of the day. (Were tucked snuggly in bed during the festivities, not at the actual rally...)

That's Madam Mama to you...

You would think that the seas would part for pregnant women....well, at least the crowds of people, but I swear I just can't get no respect in some places. I first noticed this in Las Vegas...okay, not a great judge of the character people in general, but still! People will walk right into you, belly or no. Not only that, being in a male dominated career gives you no sympathy either. I mean, I don't need medical attention at this point, but the only person that seems to really speak outwardly about my growing belly is our admin. assistant. Everyone else will talk about football. That's okay...I really don't need people to worship at my altar, but I guess in the back of my mind I thought I'd get more attention than I am.
Well, there is ONE weekly refuge and that is Friday afternoon yoga. I started going there for the male instructor with the voice like buttah (and a face that made me think "Harry Potter as an adult"), but he left for greener pastures and now we have a new instructor, Luna (fitting name for a yoga instructor.) Well, Luna gave birth a year ago and Luna is always calling attention to me (the only prego in the class). She calls me Madam Mama (probably when my name slips out of her head). But I enjoy the attention and how she gives me alternatives to most of the moves I can't do. Harry Potter couldn't do that (but his voice....) Sometimes it makes me feel awkward being singled out, but in the end, I get at least one hour of acknowledgement a week. Even my husband will treat me no different than he did before.
Take last night for example. I waddle over to the couch where he was sitting and watching TV. I sit next to him and try to grab some blanket so we can snuggle (awwwww). As I am grabbing, he looks at me and does not move. I say "you should be getting up and giving me this blanket...and then a foot massage!" Okay, I was only half joking.

It's getting to be like that groundhog game

You know the one at carnivals where they pop up out of the holes and go away once you go for them...you have to guess where they're going to pop up next to get a hit. Well, Olivia was playing that game with me last night. She would kick on one side of my belly and I would put my hand there to see if I could feel it and then she would kick the other side. Sly little one, isn't she?
Well, it was great for a brief shining moment when she actually kicked in the same place more than once and John got to feel her move for the first time. There were no tears a-flowing or anything, but it's hard for the guys to understand what is going on. So, when they can feel it, it is a huge moment in pregnant-hood. I am so proud of Olivia for staying put long enough for the momentous occasion!