Passed!

I had my glucose screening test last Wednesday, Jan.13th and had not heard anything back from my practitioner. Yes, I kinda knew that that meant I'd passed but I just wanted to hear them say it. So I called yesterday afternoon and left a message for the phone nurse and she called back today informing me that I'd passed the 1-hr screening and that my iron levels were within the normal range. I PASSED!!! Not that I didn't expect I would, I suppose I just got so caught up in other pregnant women's stories about not passing and having to suffer through the 3-hr test. Honestly, I was never really concerned b/c I drink an insane amount of water daily (3-4 liters) in addition to juice and milk so I figured that alone was good. Granted, I have allowed myself certain indulgences that shall remain nameless...., but I guess I've really kept it all in moderation.

For example, I was never concerned that my iron would be too low b/c I know I eat at least one hamburger a week! That alone is a good source of iron. LOL. And since being pregnant I have not been able to stomach the idea of turkey bacon although I've eaten it for years! Now, it's the real thing or no bacon at all. There are no substitutes for the real thing these days. If I want something I want it in its full-fledged caloric, sugary, fatty, sauteed, marinated....you get the idea.

The other great thing is that the Antarctic type weather we'd been experiencing here in Atlanta has finally let up and I was able to get back outside during lunch and go for a nice, long 2 mile walk. It was both refreshing, relaxing and sooo much needed. My body needed some sort of exercise b/c I've honestly not been doing much with my prenatal DVD. It was a good idea in theory, but much like the gym, I haven't seen much of it lately. So sad. My intent is really good though...sigh. As long as I get a few miles in a week I think I'm good. My weight is being managed well so I really have no concerns, but I do want to have the strength to push my baby girl out when its time. At my 28wk appt I learned that I'd gained a whopping 4lbs since December (which I think is amazing considering Christmas fell in that window) for a total pregnancy weight gain-to-date of 12lbs! I'm amazed, really, but I'll take that b/c honestly I don't need to gain more than 20-25lbs for the entire pregnancy, so I'm on the right track.

My next appointment is scheduled for Jan. 27th and I'll be 30wks2days. I expect this to be a rather quick appointment since we did the blood work thing at the last one. Leave a urine sample, weigh in, blood pressure, listen to Olivia's heartbeat, measure my stomach, any questions? See you in 2-wks. I love it! I can't believe I'm almost 10 weeks (or so) from holding my precious daughter. I'm so excited!!! I look forward to meeting this little personality that's forming in my womb. Lord, if she's like me....she's going to be sooo much fun! A joy!

I'm going to be a MAMA!!!! **church scoot**

28 weeks!

how far along? 28 weeks
weight gain? maybe 12lbs...not sure, will find out at Wednesdays appt.
maternity clothes? yes and I love them!
how big is baby? about 15" and 2-3lbs
stretch marks? yes, but they're light
sleep? yes but waking early in the a.m
best moment this week? the arrival of the crib and dresser
movement? all the time. This is how she wakes me in the mornings
labor signs? none. Thank God
cravings? nothing in particular. Still kinda finicky w/food
belly button in or out? in
what i miss? nothing. I love being pregnant!
what i am looking forward to? completing the nursery...finally
weekly wisdom? people will rarely do things like/when you want them done, so do it yourself, hire someone to do it, or accept their attempt.
milestones? I have my glucose screening (test for gestational diabetes) on Weds (1/13) and I begin bi-weekly doctor appts until 36 weeks and then its weekly appts w/the doctor.

More on baby:
By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8" from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through the womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

More on mama-to-be:
At this point, you'll likely visit your doctor every two weeks. Then, at 36 weeks, you'll switch to weekly visits. Depending on your risk factors, your practitioner may recommend repeating blood tests for HIV and syphilis now, as well as doing cultures for chlamydia and gonorrhea, to be certain of your status before delivery. Also, if your glucose screening test result was high and you haven't yet had a follow-up testing, you'll soon be given the 3-hour glucose tolerance test. And if the blood work done at your first prenatal visit showed that you're Rh negative, you'll get an injection of Rh immunoglobulin to prevent your body from developing antibodies that could attack your baby's blood. (If your baby is Rh positive, you'll receive another shot of Rh immunoglobulin after you give birth)

Around this time, some women fee an unpleasant "creepy-crawly" sensation in their lower legs and an irresistible urge to move them while trying to relax or sleep. If this sensation is at least temporarily relieved when you move, you have what's known as restless legs syndrome (RLS). No one knows for sure what causes RLS, but it's relatively common among expectant mothers. Try stretching or massaging your legs, and cut down on caffeine, which can make the symptoms worse. Ask your caregiver if you should try iron supplements, which can sometimes relieve RLS.

24 weeks-Happy V-Day!!!

Today marks yet another milestone on my pregnancy journey. Today is my viability day. Meaning, if for some unforeseen reason, baby girl was born this week, the doctors could probably keep her alive and going until she reached her full gestational age. I know, no one wants to think of going into pre-term labor, especially me, but I'm glad to have successfully reached this threshold.

So, I had my 24 week Dr's appt today and learned that I've gained 4lbs since my 20 wk appt. I'm good with that b/c it's apart of pregnancy, that and the fact that I was fat even before pregnancy. Stretch marks and all that other stuff that some moms-to-be fret over are the furthest things from my mind. As long as my baby is getting everything that she needs, I can deal with and overcome the rest. My blood pressure was a little elevated today, something to the tune of 132/82 which that bottom number is way high for me. I normally trail in the mid 60's to low 70's. However, I'm not all that surprised b/c I was upset most of the morning trying to get it together in time for my appt. I need to stop allowing things to upset me, but that's so much easier said than done.

That incident plus the stress of ensuring that everything is in place and everyone is paid for my line sisters and I as we prepare to head to Pigeon Forge, TN to celebrate our Delta Sigma Theta Anniversary. I'm meticulous to a fault, but I really want things to go as I've planned them. I know shit happens, but I don't need it to happen this weekend. I've been working on this trip since March and now its time for implementation. The older I get the less I'm able to deal with things deviating from plan....or maybe that's just the anal Sagittarius in me. I don't know, but I'm looking forward to the bonding time with my line sisters and the fun memories we'll create the whole weekend long.

Christmas is around the corner and I haven't purchased gift the first. I just have too much going on right now. Trying to have my nursery complete by year end, this trip this weekend and the following weekend is Christmas. My plans are to drive home on Wednesday after work. We'll see how this all plays out. I'll definitely be home for Christmas. It's probably the one time a year that I can stand being with my family for 3-4 days w/o thinking, "why did I come here?" I'm honestly not even pressed about gifts. I want to get my godchildren their gifts and the adults, well, if they get anything at all, it may be after Christmas. Besides, the deals are better then anyway. Christmas is for the kids!!!

Back to baby.....excuse the scatterbrains...it's time for us to schedule our childbirth classes, hospital tour and pre-register. I mean, really, I am only 16 weeks from delivery! Where does the time go? 3rd tri starts at the end of this month and that's the home stretch. I still haven't found a dresser that we both can agree on, and I need to order my glider and the carpet in the entire house needs to be cleaned. Stuff to do!

Finally, I did have my ultrasound at the doctor's office on Dec. 2nd (22wks) and they said that everything looked good. I'm happy, and yes, she reconfirmed that she's a SHE! I was a little worried, but not really. My next appt, at 28wks is scheduled for Jan 13th which is my 97th Founder's Day!!! How awesome is that. I'll have my glucose screening at this appt, so I'm going to have to remember to eat eggs and toast w/no jelly that morning. Ugh! I better pass. I don't want to have to do the next stage of this horrid test, which is the 3-hr test which from what I've read requires fasting. Now what pregnant woman wants to fast? LOL.

I'm gone.