Sunday, November 30, 2008

31 Weeks: Happy Thanksgiving and NO Contractions

Happy Thanksgiving to all! The #1 thing that we're thankful for this year is that everything (knock wood) continues to go well with my pregnancy and that at every appointment, the doctor says how well our little one is doing. She's kicking up a storm, she's super strong, she's amazing.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with our friends Diane and John and company and have enjoyed a relaxing long weekend together.

I have to relay a funny conversation from last night, though. Last week, the doctor asked if I have experienced any Braxton-Hicks contractions and explained that I would feel a tightening across my abdomen (but no pain) and that my belly would feel hard all over. Last night, I think I *may* have had two of these and came in to the living room to keep Papa Bear in the loop. Hilarity ensued:

H: "I think I may have just had some Braxton-Hicks."
E: "No, you DIDN'T, Girl! Sit down. You need to relax."
H: "I am relaxed."
E: "You need to relax more!"
H: "Honey, Braxton-Hicks contractions aren't anything to worry about at all. They don't bring on labor and they don't even hurt."
E: "YOU ARE NOT HAVING ANY CONTRACTIONS OF ANY KIND!"

I can't wait to see the audience reaction when we take this act on the road... to say, the hospital, in a couple of months. LOL

Monday, November 24, 2008

30 Weeks: What an amazing baby shower!!

What a wonderful weekend!! Thank you to everyone who made my shower such a terrific experience - I can't wait to post some pictures!!

Today, it was all capped off when Grams got to hear Chloe's heartbeat at the doctor's office.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

29 Weeks: I can't remember what my feet look like


This weekend, my little Phi Sig legacy and I went to my alumnae chapter's Founders' Day. It was a beautiful event and a good time was had by all. At some point, though, I caught my profile in a full length mirror and didn't recognize myself! It's all for the little one, but still caught me off guard. Earlier in the weekend, I realized that I can't remember the last time I could look down and see my feet. LOL

In any case, the event raised lots of money for the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, brought collegiates together from 6 chapters, hosted a bunch of alumnae, and featured Foundation Executive Director, Nancy "Nash" Hay (below left). It was a terrific day.

Monday, November 10, 2008

28 Weeks: Good Health Update

I was at my OB appointment this morning and I'm pleased to report that all is well (knock wood). I passed that awful glucose test (!) and my blood pressure and weight are both on target. We listened to the baby's heart and the heartbeat was very strong and steady... and when the doctor was trying to get the heartbeat monitor in the right spot, baby girl kicked her! It was very funny.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

27 Weeks: The Dental Battle Continues and an OBAMA Victory!

I have to tell you that yesterday was a really weird day. First, I'm thrilled that we have an Obama victory... and that Liddy Dole lost... but, I'm really dismayed that the social ballots all went down. I simply don't understand the notion of denying rights to others and while the thrill of Obama's historical win is really amazing, part of me feels really disappointed in the country.

I look at the gay marriage issue and simply don't get why someone would feel that their own marriage is cheapened by gay people they don't know having the same marriage license. If people really feel that way, maybe it's time for couples counseling and they can just leave the gays out of it. Part of me also looks at it through the lens of my marriage. If Ed and I lived, met, and fell in love 50 or 60 years ago, we'd be allowed to get married, but we would also live in fear that ignorant people so assured of their own destiny in heaven would find it appropriate to physically attack us.

But, I'm spinning off topic. Obama has done what no one thought he could do 2 years ago and I'm absolutely thrilled. I really believe that he is the best leader for our country and an incredible role model for our little one.

I had a great time watching some early returns with the crew from Shorr, Johnson, Magnus (my old firm). Although I don't miss the field as a career, it was great to catch up with so many friends and colleagues and to live in their world for an evening.

Yesterday was a bit challenging, though, because I had my next round of oral surgery. Many of you know that I was the victim of a car accident last December when a driver hit me as I was crossing the street (in the crosswalk, with the light). Knock wood, but I was largely fine - the main damages were a destroyed tooth and a chipped one. The bad tooth was removed in April in a horrific, three-hour ordeal (in which I was wide awake and crying). Thankfully, yesterday was not nearly as bad. It was about an hour, but it was still invasive and still difficult (especially since I can't take pain meds stronger than Tylenol). However, during the procedure, all of a sudden, I became very scared for no real reason. It was an irrational burst of panic and I felt alone and petrified and didn't know if I could withstand it. There was no reason for this as I wasn't in pain and I got to thinking how when I'm in labor, Ed and Diane will be there to help me or hold my hand or talk to me. But, in yesterday's situation, everyone in the room was using both hands to work. Plus, I was so wrapped in with all the drapings that I couldn't have reached a hand out to someone anyway. When I thought that I really couldn't take it any more, I felt a soft kick.

Believe me, it wasn't the kick of which she's capable. This little girl is getting really strong and can wallop me if she wants to do so. It was gentle and she repeated it throughout the surgery and it was more than enough to help me calm down and not feel so alone. I was so thankful that she was with me and for the first time, felt like she was just as capable at caring for me as I am for her.