13 Weeks: Moving Forward

Hey Humble Readers...

First up, I want to apologize for the tone of yesterday's post.  I was frustrated and angry at myself for what really felt like a waste of a day (my Beloved took half a day off work, the long drive, dealing with crazy city traffic, bad weather, etc). 

I was angry at myself because when we got to the hospital, before we found our way through the maze that is the Foothills Hospital, I had to go to the bathroom.  I thought I was being smart and didn't drink the required water untl an hour before my appointment, but I just couldn't hold it any longer. I was in agony (hello kidneys!).  Oh, and did I mention that I was having an IBS flare at the same time?  My body was fighting me at every turn.

So, because I went pee when I did, my bladder wasn't full enough, and they couldn't get the measurement.  The nurse made it pretty clear that I was an idiot for going to the bathroom before an u/s.  She tried every way possible, including internally to get the angle she needed, but it just didn't happen. 

The Halfling 2.0 looked great.  It was very reassuring to see him/her move around, and to get a great heartbeat.  And I know that this is just a diagnostic test... it doesn't change anything about how much I love this little one.  I just felt so stupid and angry when we left the hospital, and unfortunately that came out in what I posted yesterday. 

Anyway, onto the update...

How far along? 13w0d

Maternity clothes? Not yet

Body Oddities? dry skin, periods of extreme fatigue (getting better), alternating constipation and IBS flares, constant hunger, acne, bruises from insulin injections, back ache, cracking joints, back ache, super sore boobs, increased earwax (happened last time too), dry/itchy eyes, little bit of weight gain this week

Sleep?  Better.  The only real issue is that I tend to fall asleep between 7:30 and 8pm, and then at 11 I'm wide awake. 

Best moment this week? Drama not withstanding, seeing our wee Halfling 2.0 waving around.  It was such a relief (I know I shouldn't expect the worst, but I do) and he/she even made me laugh a couple of times as the nurse was trying to get him/her into a better position.

Worst moment? Yesterday morning, when the recently repaired hot water tap in our bathtub came off in my hand while trying to shut off the water.  That was a blast!

Movement? Maybe, but I'm not convinced that it's not just my stupid insides grumbling around.

Food cravings/aversions? Spicy, lemony, tangy, flavours.  I'm making lemony rice tonight and I'm practically drooling thinking about it right now.  Cottage cheese is still a no go, but other than that, I think I might be past the worst of the aversions. 

Rings? Still on, but they are feeling a bit tighter the couple of days

Gender? Not going to find out, but I'm leaning toward 'girl' this time around. (which, of course, means that it will be a boy)

Intense Dreams? Had a very strange dream where I was in some war torn desert country, running from building to building, trying to hide. 

Medical Concerns? Gestational Diabetes (insulin 5 times a day... levels almost settled for now), High blood pressure (on 100mg of lobetalol 3x daily), continued heartburn (on 150mg of zan.tac 2x daily), kidney stones.

What I miss? Nothing too much... today I would give my right arm for a Krispee Kreme donut.

What I look forward to? Ginny's birthday party, getting things done on my pre-Christmas to do list.

Emotional State? Mostly improved, but yesterday was no fun.

A New View - 13wk0d

Good Evening Humble Readers...

Oy!  Where has the last week gone?  Vacation time always seems to slip away quickly like that, don't you think? 

Today was my first day back at work in more than a week, and it kicked my ass.  Literally.  My back and hips are killing me right now.  I was okay until the last hour or so at work, but by the time I got home I was ready to cry.  I am really hoping that the chiropractor will be able to help me.  Otherwise this is going to be a long four months until I'm done working. 

But more than being my first day back at work, more than it being a holiday here in the not-so-frozen north country (Happy Victoria Day All!  especially to Callista! ;) ), today is officially the first day of the second trimester. 

This is my undiscovered country, my new frontier. 

And things look a fair bit different from this spot on the road.  Like I'm standing at the top of a hill that I've never climbed before, and there is an amazingly beautiful view in front of me that I had been told was there, but have never seen until this moment.  And while it's still a long way off, I can see my destination.  I know that there will still be some bumps in the road, but from where I stand right now, it looks pretty darn good.

I think the biggest change in my perceptions is that I am allowing myself to accept that the changes I am feeling in my body are really because there is a person growing inside me.  It's not all in my head. 

I'm still not ready to say that I feel 100% confident in this pregnancy. I probably never will be, but, I'm getting closer.  Hopefully, getting to see the Halfling this Friday at our nuchal translucency screening will help.  In the next two weeks I have doctor appointments coming out the wazoo.  Chiropractor, OB, GP, and the scan in Edmonton.  My GP mentioned something about a genetic counsellor soon too... who knows? 

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How far along? 13w0d

Maternity clothes? Just did some maternity clothes shopping this past week.  I think I'm going to have to start wearing them sooner rather than later.  I'm really happy with the clothes I got, even if they aren't officially dress code (for work).  I think between the 2 pairs of pants, 3 dressy shirts, and 2 t-shirts (plus a couple of elastic waist skirts I already own) I should be ok for work. 

Body Oddities? TMI alert!  I know I have mentioned the crazy dry skin I have had on my face, but I'm now finding it in other places... like 'the girls'.  Freaky!  And let's not forget the incessant stuffed nose at night (and requisite chapped lips), the madly growing hair (of all types), and the bizarre full feeling in my lower abdomen.
Sleep? Still a little iffy.  I can at least sleep until 6am most days now.  I'm only up to pee once or twice a night now.  I do tend to want to crash after dinner, and if I let myself sleep then, I'm not going to be getting to sleep again until 2am. 

Best moment this week? when I realized that the second trimester wasn't an impossibility, and trying the fake baby bump thing at the maternity store. 

Worst moment? a couple of panicky stretches when I became aware that I hadn't been pukey for more than a couple of days

Movement? Far too early.  But when I lay on my back, I can feel what I think is the top of my uterus.

Food cravings? chocolate milk, and just today I started craving egg salad

Rings?  Still on, but I won't count on that lasting.

Gender? Not going to find out...

What I miss? my allergy meds!  Seasonal allergies have kicked in big time

What I look forward to: Nuchal translucency screen on Friday

Milestones: Second Trimester!!  Woohoo!

Emotions: Kind of all over the place, but I did just watch a sappy movie last night, so that could explain a lot.