Well, the glucose results are in, and I officially have gestational diabetes. After a week of emotional roller coasters, I can honestly tell you that in the big scheme of things, this isn't that big of a deal, so I'll try to keep this short. :o)
Basically it just means that my lovely pregnancy hormones are blocking my insulin from doing its job, and as a result, my blood sugar levels will be higher than they should be in the event that I take in too much sugar (hence, the horrible reaction I had to the oh-so-flavorful orange drink they had me force into my body). The good news is this will most likely disappear after I deliver Baby B (97 percent chance). The bad news is, well, no Reese's PB cups for me. :o(
In sum, I have to watch my sugar intake and take my blood sugar twice a day using this handy-dandy little device. It's not that hard, but I have to admit the food thing has me a little nervous. For those of you who know me, I'm not a big sugar person anyway and since I've been pregnant, I have been my usual anal self as far as what I eat. In fact, my blood sugar levels have been extremely good on my regular diet. BUT, I still have to pay attention, which means I am EXTREMELY aware of what I eat more than ever, which isn't all that fun. Orange juice? Sure, but only a half cup (think of those little juice cups you get at Old Country Buffet). Fruit? Okay, but only half of a banana. And, well, brownies? Forget about it. Even pasta has to be regulated (and we know how I love pasta!!!!).
What does this all mean for Baby B.? Well, it could mean the baby will be larger than most, which has a small chance of making delivery complicated/dangerous, but they will take an ultrasound to make sure of the size a few weeks before we are due (yeah - more pictures!!:o) AND that only tends to happen when the mother has been heavy on the sugar or has to get insulin shots. Thankfully, I have not gone sugar-crazy, so odds are this baby will still be "normal" size, which I presume is 7-8 pounds. If not, they will induce me early, but I'm not convinced this will be an issue. Also, assuming my levels stay where they have been for the last week, there will be no need for insulin shots, which is usually only used in extreme cases. They will check the baby for hypoglycemia when he or she is born, but again, this is just a precaution and is only an issue when the baby is used to being fed large amounts of sugar.
Jeff and I have already seen the gestational diabetes specialist/nurse, but we still have to see a dietitian, who will hopefully give me some idea of what type of meals I can actually eat without worrying. We have another doctor's appt. this week, but I'm not sure if this means we will continue on a weekly or revert back to the bi-weekly schedule (until 36 weeks). I guess we'll wait and see.
So, it isn't really a big deal. I have finally accepted the fact that this is not my fault, and that there is nothing I can do, except continue to be my usual anal self. I admit I am still working on not worrying that something else will go wrong. It's just that it seems a little more real to me now that there are complications that may come up that are out of our control. I already knew this, but gestational diabetes was truly the LAST thing I expected to be an issue... BUT I know God is in control and has formed this baby into exactly who HE wants him or her to be. In fact, I already see God's hand in this. Although many other "experienced" moms probably thought I was an over-worrying "first-timer" when it came to my pregnancy eating habits, I now know this was God's way of protecting me and our baby. In the end, this really just means I can't give in to some of the cravings I was saving for the final weeks of pregnancy. But isn't that what motherhood is all about??? :o)
Other than that, life has been good. My friend Jennifer's (a.k.a. "Chmelar's") wedding was great. She so looked beautiful, and I managed to not cry like a blubbering idiot, although there were still many happy tears shed. And the strapless pink bride's maid dress ended up fitting just fine. It was a little tight after dinner, but I could still manage to dance, dance, dance. Thankfully, Jenny also encouraged us to buy flip-flops for the reception, so my feet and back were quite happy -- although my legs were a little tired on Sunday :o).
Well, tomorrow we are officially 32 weeks (8 months pregnant!!!), so I'll be taking photos and posting them. I'll also post our dr. appt. update and our birthing class knowledge later this week, so stay tuned!
Love you all!!!
Monday, June 27, 2005
Monday, June 20, 2005
We Survived!
Well, Jeff and I survived my 3-hour glucose test, although barely. I have to say I'm not usually a complainer, but this test did not agree with me -- or the baby for that matter. After fasting for 12 hours (and being misinformed that this included no water -- um, wrong!), I was quite anxious to start the testing on Saturday morning. We were the first ones there and things seemed to be going according to plan until I started drinking that lovely sugar concoction. It's not that the drink tastes all that bad -- think flat orange pop with two extra cups of sugar -- but when you have to drink it in 5 minutes on an empty stomach, it isn't as easy to get down -- or keep down -- as you'd think.
Anyway, after sitting in the waiting room for about 10 minutes, it became pretty clear to me that I needed to take the nurse up on her offer to lay down in a separate room. It was either that or yack all over Jeff and/or pass out in the middle of the waiting room. So we got moved, and it then became a game of mind over matter -- and, with my stubborn nature, I'm happy to say my mind won in the end, although it took some major effort. Laying down prevented passing out, but it also made it difficult to keep the drink down, so I'd have to sit up to force it back into my system. Add this little up-and-down game to our VERY active baby's kicking tendencies, and you can imagine what a lovely memory this was. Jeff handled it well, although he was a little frustrated that this was all necessary. We both were wondering what this was doing to the baby if it was making me so miserable???
BUT I did end up making it through, and had a yummy -- and big -- breakfast afterwards, so all is well again. I even got in a 2-hour nap in after we got home, so I was completely back to normal by 2pm.
Any lessons learned? Yes: Assuming this test comes back negative for gestational diabetes, I am no longer going to feel guilty if I give in to any chocolate and/or sugar cravings once in a while. If they can do this to our baby and call it safe, my Reese's peanut butter cups are certainly not going to do much harm! :o)
On a side note, I realized that this blog could use a little info on Baby B's development. So here, courtesy of BabyCenter.com, is a general idea of what is going on with Baby B this past week (pay no attention to the "she" references. I think this is their way of being "PC"):
"Your baby's a bit more than 15 1/2 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds. A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and fills out your uterus. Her eyes open and close, she's able to distinguish between light and dark, and she can even follow a light source back and forth. Once she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have a visual acuity of only 20/400 — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. ("Normal" vision in adults is 20/20.)"
I just love getting these weekly updates! It's amazing what's going on inside my belly. How anyone could ever have a baby and not believe in God is completely beyond me. It is truly a miracle!
Well, that's it for now, but I'll post my glucose results once I get them. We have our next doctor's appt. tomorrow, so I hope to get them then. In the meantime, try to have a happy Monday! :o)
Anyway, after sitting in the waiting room for about 10 minutes, it became pretty clear to me that I needed to take the nurse up on her offer to lay down in a separate room. It was either that or yack all over Jeff and/or pass out in the middle of the waiting room. So we got moved, and it then became a game of mind over matter -- and, with my stubborn nature, I'm happy to say my mind won in the end, although it took some major effort. Laying down prevented passing out, but it also made it difficult to keep the drink down, so I'd have to sit up to force it back into my system. Add this little up-and-down game to our VERY active baby's kicking tendencies, and you can imagine what a lovely memory this was. Jeff handled it well, although he was a little frustrated that this was all necessary. We both were wondering what this was doing to the baby if it was making me so miserable???
BUT I did end up making it through, and had a yummy -- and big -- breakfast afterwards, so all is well again. I even got in a 2-hour nap in after we got home, so I was completely back to normal by 2pm.
Any lessons learned? Yes: Assuming this test comes back negative for gestational diabetes, I am no longer going to feel guilty if I give in to any chocolate and/or sugar cravings once in a while. If they can do this to our baby and call it safe, my Reese's peanut butter cups are certainly not going to do much harm! :o)
On a side note, I realized that this blog could use a little info on Baby B's development. So here, courtesy of BabyCenter.com, is a general idea of what is going on with Baby B this past week (pay no attention to the "she" references. I think this is their way of being "PC"):
"Your baby's a bit more than 15 1/2 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds. A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and fills out your uterus. Her eyes open and close, she's able to distinguish between light and dark, and she can even follow a light source back and forth. Once she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have a visual acuity of only 20/400 — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. ("Normal" vision in adults is 20/20.)"
I just love getting these weekly updates! It's amazing what's going on inside my belly. How anyone could ever have a baby and not believe in God is completely beyond me. It is truly a miracle!
Well, that's it for now, but I'll post my glucose results once I get them. We have our next doctor's appt. tomorrow, so I hope to get them then. In the meantime, try to have a happy Monday! :o)
Monday, June 13, 2005
Up and Running!
Hi there! Just a short note to let everyone know that we have FINALLY finished registering! (I know many of you have been waiting for the go ahead!) It only took us THREE trips to Babies 'R Us! Jeff and I had a lot of fun doing it, but there sure is a lot to think about -- all for someone so little! :o) If it helps, I put a direct link to the registry in the "Links" section of our blog...
Also, a quick update on our last doctor's appointment (which was Thursday): all is well. Heart rate is a healthy 144 beats, and I'm measuring at 30 weeks, which is just where I should be. (Tomorrow is the big 3-0!!) I do have to go for my 3-hr glucose test this Saturday, but my doctor doesn't seem too concerned -- it's just to be sure I don't have gestational diabetes (which is VERY unlikely). Jeff was so cute and totally tried to get me out of it since I got a little dizzy at the last blood draw, but the doctor said we need to at least try to get this done, and if I can 't get through it, we'll go from there. It's funny because everyone I talk to about this test agrees that it sounds more unhealthy than any slightly high sugar levels, but I am certainly not the first pregnant woman to have to take it. And if this is the most annoying part of my pregnancy, I'll take it!
Also want to let everyone that the nursery photos I posted are a little deceiving. Rest assured that room IS built around primary colors, but the walls had to be lighter to complement the bright colors (otherwise it would look like a circus in there -- as the first yellow we painted confirmed!!). There is a lighter green in the bedding, but bring on the royal blue and red! I just have to spice the room up with colorful accessories. The window valence even brings in some orange. I'll post more pictures once the valence is up and the quilt is in so you can see more than just the wall colors.
I know I still have to post my updated belly pix, but I didn't want to post them with the nursery photos so I could space them out a little. I'll do that soon.
Have a good week everyone! :o)
Also, a quick update on our last doctor's appointment (which was Thursday): all is well. Heart rate is a healthy 144 beats, and I'm measuring at 30 weeks, which is just where I should be. (Tomorrow is the big 3-0!!) I do have to go for my 3-hr glucose test this Saturday, but my doctor doesn't seem too concerned -- it's just to be sure I don't have gestational diabetes (which is VERY unlikely). Jeff was so cute and totally tried to get me out of it since I got a little dizzy at the last blood draw, but the doctor said we need to at least try to get this done, and if I can 't get through it, we'll go from there. It's funny because everyone I talk to about this test agrees that it sounds more unhealthy than any slightly high sugar levels, but I am certainly not the first pregnant woman to have to take it. And if this is the most annoying part of my pregnancy, I'll take it!
Also want to let everyone that the nursery photos I posted are a little deceiving. Rest assured that room IS built around primary colors, but the walls had to be lighter to complement the bright colors (otherwise it would look like a circus in there -- as the first yellow we painted confirmed!!). There is a lighter green in the bedding, but bring on the royal blue and red! I just have to spice the room up with colorful accessories. The window valence even brings in some orange. I'll post more pictures once the valence is up and the quilt is in so you can see more than just the wall colors.
I know I still have to post my updated belly pix, but I didn't want to post them with the nursery photos so I could space them out a little. I'll do that soon.
Have a good week everyone! :o)
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Ugh!
I am little frustrated right now... I just found out my glucose level was 1 point above normal so I have to go in for the 3-hour test. 1 point!!! From what I have heard, very few pass the 1-hour test, but I thought for sure I was going to. I have watched everything I eat (except for the occassional splurge), and the last thing I seem to want is sugar, so I can't say I really understand why I didn't pass this test.
We have our doctor's appt. on Thursday, so I'll get the scoop then, but I know that this next test requires me to fast, give lots and lots of blood, and sit in a waiting room for 3 hours. Guess I know what Jeff and I will be doing on Saturday!
We have our doctor's appt. on Thursday, so I'll get the scoop then, but I know that this next test requires me to fast, give lots and lots of blood, and sit in a waiting room for 3 hours. Guess I know what Jeff and I will be doing on Saturday!
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
The Third Trimester is Here!
Hard to believe that we're officially in the last trimester. Seems like just yesterday I was anxiously awaiting that 12-week mark. Now I'm 28 weeks and shocked at how quickly each day passes. This baby will be here before we know it!
Of course, I have reminders every three seconds that a baby's on the way. Our little soccer player is definitely a thumper and nicely lets his mommy know he/she is running out of room every chance he/she gets. The movements are truly amazing (and reassuring!), but I'm afraid they are now going to turn into torture. At my last doctor's appointment, I was told to start counting movements daily at 28 weeks to make sure I feel at least 10 kicks/shoves/pokes, etc. in 2 hours time. This doesn't sound hard, but for those of you who know me well, you might as well ask me to check my child's breathing every two seconds. I understand why I need to check, but I'm not looking forward to it. Part of me knows this baby kicks way more than I have to count, but I still don't want to be worried if I only get 9 kicks in 119 minutes, praying for that final kick in the last 60 seconds. I'm sure once I actually start counting, it won't be a big deal, but I am finally at the point that I'm not worrying about anything and "going with the flow" as my friend Cara would say, and now this. I guess it's all par for the course. God has certainly taught me to rely on Him throughout this pregnancy – a lesson I know will be invaluable once Jeff and I are officially parents.
Other than that, all is well. I'm happy to say our nursery is about 85 percent done. Painting is finished; chair rail is hung; glider, crib, and changer are in place. The only thing left is the armoire (which we can hopefully order soon), hanging the window valence (we're searching out the hardware), and lighting and other accessories. It turned out exactly how I wanted and Jeff seems to be pleased as well. The furniture certainly filled up the room fast, but there's nothing I can do about that, so I'm just accepting the fact that I won't need a whole lot of open space yet. We have a whole house to fill up with toys! I hope to post pictures tonight…
I guess I'm also due to take updated belly shots (it's been 4 weeks already!), and I have to say I feel huge. Last night I tried to find something to wear to my girlfriend Jenny's bachelorette party (to take place this weekend), and I was quite unsuccessful. Thankfully my friend Taco Bell was there to comfort me after two hours of mirror torture. Serves me right for having a pre-conceived idea of what I was going to wear when my options are close to nothing. Why in the world did I think I could still look "sexy" with a 2 ½-lb child inside of me? I even tried to see what I looked like dancing -- BIG mistake! I may just have to offer to be the official coat rack at this point. I have a feeling that Jeff may have to make a late-night stop at TB after Saturday night…
Other Updates: Our next doctor's appointment is next Thursday (6/9), when I'll find out the results of my glucose test. Besides the very strange dream I had last night (I'll spare you all), I don't foresee any problems with that. After Thursday, we'll also start appointments every 2 weeks until we hit 36 weeks. Then we go every week. I can't even fathom getting to that point yet, but I know it will be here before we know. Heck, it's June 1 already. How did that happen??
Well, I hope all of you are doing well and thanks for checking up on us. I plan to post some pictures to share soon, although I'll know I'll be seeing many of you at the family parties and other get-togethers that are filling up our summer calendars! Love ya!
Of course, I have reminders every three seconds that a baby's on the way. Our little soccer player is definitely a thumper and nicely lets his mommy know he/she is running out of room every chance he/she gets. The movements are truly amazing (and reassuring!), but I'm afraid they are now going to turn into torture. At my last doctor's appointment, I was told to start counting movements daily at 28 weeks to make sure I feel at least 10 kicks/shoves/pokes, etc. in 2 hours time. This doesn't sound hard, but for those of you who know me well, you might as well ask me to check my child's breathing every two seconds. I understand why I need to check, but I'm not looking forward to it. Part of me knows this baby kicks way more than I have to count, but I still don't want to be worried if I only get 9 kicks in 119 minutes, praying for that final kick in the last 60 seconds. I'm sure once I actually start counting, it won't be a big deal, but I am finally at the point that I'm not worrying about anything and "going with the flow" as my friend Cara would say, and now this. I guess it's all par for the course. God has certainly taught me to rely on Him throughout this pregnancy – a lesson I know will be invaluable once Jeff and I are officially parents.
Other than that, all is well. I'm happy to say our nursery is about 85 percent done. Painting is finished; chair rail is hung; glider, crib, and changer are in place. The only thing left is the armoire (which we can hopefully order soon), hanging the window valence (we're searching out the hardware), and lighting and other accessories. It turned out exactly how I wanted and Jeff seems to be pleased as well. The furniture certainly filled up the room fast, but there's nothing I can do about that, so I'm just accepting the fact that I won't need a whole lot of open space yet. We have a whole house to fill up with toys! I hope to post pictures tonight…
I guess I'm also due to take updated belly shots (it's been 4 weeks already!), and I have to say I feel huge. Last night I tried to find something to wear to my girlfriend Jenny's bachelorette party (to take place this weekend), and I was quite unsuccessful. Thankfully my friend Taco Bell was there to comfort me after two hours of mirror torture. Serves me right for having a pre-conceived idea of what I was going to wear when my options are close to nothing. Why in the world did I think I could still look "sexy" with a 2 ½-lb child inside of me? I even tried to see what I looked like dancing -- BIG mistake! I may just have to offer to be the official coat rack at this point. I have a feeling that Jeff may have to make a late-night stop at TB after Saturday night…
Other Updates: Our next doctor's appointment is next Thursday (6/9), when I'll find out the results of my glucose test. Besides the very strange dream I had last night (I'll spare you all), I don't foresee any problems with that. After Thursday, we'll also start appointments every 2 weeks until we hit 36 weeks. Then we go every week. I can't even fathom getting to that point yet, but I know it will be here before we know. Heck, it's June 1 already. How did that happen??
Well, I hope all of you are doing well and thanks for checking up on us. I plan to post some pictures to share soon, although I'll know I'll be seeing many of you at the family parties and other get-togethers that are filling up our summer calendars! Love ya!
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