19 weeks - 21 to go

well, I just typed this all out and somehow it deleted.  I am too tired to redo it.

Baby Girl is doing good.

I am doing good.

I started a part time job on Monday.  It wiped me out today.  I am going to be busy, but I think I will like it.  Until I get used to getting up at 5:45, I am going to be exhausted.  Dinners this week are gonna suck...Trick or treat, yeah well, I gotta go buy the candy tomorrow!

My regular hours are 8-3 but today I worked until after 4 so I didn't get home until 5.  Like I said I think I will enjoy, just gotta get used to no afternoon nap...up early, super early!

Day 26

I missed yesterday.  I went and did one of my registries yesterday.  That wore me out.

We ordered the furniture for Baby Girl's room on Wednesday and even though the description of the product clearly states Free Shipping in the contiguous US they were charging us $100 bucks because a truck had to bring it.  Well, this momma wants the $100 bucks to go buy more pink!  So, I spent quite a bit of time arguing with them about the money.  They wanted me to call the trucking company.  I told them that I most certainly would not.  That the trucking company is sub contracted by them and they needed to argue with them.  She did.  They couldn't take the shipping charge off BUT they could take $110 off the nursery set.  Okay.  It should be delivered in a week or so.  I can't wait.  This took quite a bit of time and REALLY wore me out.

Last night was my mom's group.  I enjoy going every week.  I am learning quite a bit from these knowledgeable women.

Day 24

WOW!  What an exciting day! We had our anatomy scan this afternoon!  Baby is perfect!  We are so excited.  We are having a little girl!  SO, excited.  here we go!  Pink, hairbows, painted toes!  So happy!  She is very clearly a girl!

Now we need to get on the names!!!

We sent our families a poem:
This will make you all go wild,
We know the gender of our soon-to-be child.
The baby is a GIRL, we are just so glad,
That we're almost officially a mom and dad!

Day 23

Wow!  My life is just so not interesting.  I have been researching Baby sleeping, baby fed weaning, breast feeding, baby registry...ugh.  Exhausting.

We are less than 24 hours from finding out whether we are having a boy or girl! 

Things are about to get real.  I have withheld shopping for anything but diapers until now...but as of tomorrow, let the games begin!

I am going on Thursday to register at Babies R Us.  I started a registry online and I am going to finish it up then.  I will wait until mid-November or early January to register at Target.  Although I have a feeling I will have to go earlier than January.  My first shower is Martin Luther King weekend.  I can't wait!

I am trying to live more in the day rather than wishing my days away, but I am just so excited!  In my MOMs group we have been discussing this and enjoying the moment, phase that we are in rather than rush it away.

Week 18 ~ 22 to go!

How Far along?  18 weeks
Baby Size? A bell pepper
Total Weight Gain? 5 pounds
Maternity Clothes?  Still always pants, and regular shirts
Stretch Marks? No
Sleep? Better the past week
Miss anything? Running, Wine, Bacon, Vodka Martini
Movement?  I don't think so.  Not sure.
Food cravings?  SODA!
Exercise?  Well, this week I stalked Columbus Marathon and the Youngstown Peace Race.  Counts Right?
Eating?  Good!  (Dr says weight gain is perfect!)
Labor Signs? No
Symptoms? Tired - off and on
Wedding Ring On or Off? ON
Belly Button in or out? In
Mood?  Good
Looking Forward to?  Anatomy Scan on Wednesday!

Day 20

I have nothing to report today. We are having a low-key day as hubby had to work from 3:00am-6:00 am.  His sleep pattern is going to be messed up.  I predict him to be asleep by 4 tonight.   So far today, I have read a baby magazine and eaten breakfast and peed no less that 10090222000 times.  Seriously, I am going to ask if the baby is right on my bladder.  Tomorrow I want to go to the Columbus Marathon and watch the finish line! I don't know if it will happen or not, but it would be fun.

How is that for a very boring post? 

My favorite charity

I am linking up with Kelly at Kelly's Korner  This week's topic is our favorite charity.  This was super easy for me.  My favorite charity is An Orphan's Wish.

I have volunteered for AOW for a few years now.  It is a wonderful organization.  From the website.

An Orphan’s Wish is a unique project situated in the Guangxi Province of China. We are located just outside of the picturesque city of Guilin. And the home we provide is a very special place for the orphaned children that reside there.


Orphaned children are top priority.
It is our goal to create a loving environment where orphaned children are the top priority. Individualized care, medical attention, therapy and education combine to enrich the lives of these children. Hope and encouragement are part of their daily routine, and your sponsorship and donations allow our efforts to continue.
An Orphan’s Wish specializes in healing and helping children with special needs, medical conditions and cerebral palsy. We provide specialized care for orphaned children in need of:

• Specialized Care – For children with medical needs or requiring specialized care
• Clubfoot Casting Care – For children with uncorrected clubfoot
• Residential/Cerebral Palsy Care – For children with cerebral palsy or other special needs that require long-term care

At An Orphan’s Wish we believe in creating awareness through training and educating our Chinese staff and partners. It is our ultimate goal that this project be completely run by the citizens of China. Currently, we have an amazing and dedicated Australian couple, Brian and Kirsten Trower, who oversee and direct our entire Chinese staff.
We promote and encourage the partnership of the local Guilin community and local businesses. As we strive to increase their awareness of the needs of these children through education, we are seeing a steady increase in this community’s commitment and dedication to helping these children.
Throughout the United States and other countries, we have established a wonderful network of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to helping these orphaned children.
An Orphan’s Wish is an all volunteer foundation, which means our overhead costs are extremely low. Over 98% of every donation we receive goes directly to our programs which aid these children. We are so grateful for every donation we receive. We provide all of our donors with quality and timely reports and value your trust in us to be good stewards of your donation.

These children are just beautiful.  I love giving the time to God's precious gift.

Day 19

Today was my appointment at the regular dr.  Everything is going very well.  Heartbeat was 149 and sounds so strong.  I just love hearing that heart beating.  I go back in a month and have the anatomy scan on Wednesday.  I also had blood drawn for the quad screening.  I should get those results early next week.  So excited for next week!

Day 18

Happy Birthday to my dad!  I am kinda sad I am not there to celebrate with him

My cousin is stable, so that is good.  We are planning to go see her on Saturday.  I think that will make me feel better!

At the consignment store, I got three 'sleeping bras'.  Let me tell you they are so comfy.  They feel soft and wonderful.  The were new with tags, so I don't feel yucky.  I also got a black cardigan all for $25.00.  Pretty darn good.

I have thrown up again this am.  I think it might be the pre-natal vitamins.  I first got sick last Thursday, when I opened the new brand...I have gotten sick about every other day since I have been taking these.  I am going to try taking them in the afternoon.  Hopefully that will work.

It is such a dreary day...I just want to go to sleep!

I bought a set of hot rollers, I think it will help me cut down my 'hair doing time'..maybe!  I need to get a heat protection styling spray.  Anyone have any advice on a product that is just fab?

I didn't really think that this was going to be a 'bullet style' post, but that seems to be what happened.

As I mentioned, I voted yesterday, I wish somehow they would know that and stop the political ads.  UGH.

Dr appt tomorrow am. 

Day 17

Well, today has been a whirlwind of emotions.  I got a phone call this morning my cousin, Liz is in the hospital, ICU.  Apparently, she was running on the treadmill and started getting a headache.  She told her husband she as going to lay down.  She didn't lay down and decided she needed to go to the Emergency Room.  Her husband started driving her.  Before they even got off the street, she said she wasn't going to make it, she needed an ambulance.  (Thankfully she did)  She was diagnosed with a bleed in her brain, one of her veins ruptured.  They had my Aunt and Uncle call my other cousin in from out of town because they weren't sure she was going to make it.  Thankfully, the bleeding stopped on its own, but she has a pool of blood still in her brain.  They 'believe' that she will just absorb this blood.  The doctors said that if she would have driven in, she probably wouldn't have made it.  Going by ambulance was the smartest thing.  She is expected to make a full recovery.  I am going to try to go see her on Saturday.  We have seen miracles happen. 

On a different note....

I went to vote today.  I am not thrilled with any of the candidates.  But I voted my conscience.  I guess we'll see how that works out!

Day 16

Maternity Clothes is my topic today.  I need some.  I have two pair of jeans that fit.  Several tops.  One pair of Yoga pants.  I hate to spend a fortune on clothes that I will wear for 6 months.  I have stopped at a couple Good will stores and I am getting ready to head out to a consignment store now.  Thankfully the consignment store is close by, so I can stalk the  deals and racks.

I would like a couple of cardigans, yoga pants, leggings, and a few tunics.

I will stop back after my Consignment outing...wish me luck!

17 WEEKS - 23 to go!

How Far Along? 17 weeks
Baby Size? Onion, Average size
Total Weight Gain?  A bit scared of this...I go to the dr on Friday.
Maternity Clothes?  Always pants, sometimes tops.
Stretch Marks? No
Sleep?  Well, since I have been sick since Wednesday, I have slept pretty well.  Still tossing and turnings quite a bit.
Miss Anything?  Running, Wine, Bacon, Champagne
Movement?  Still not sure, I think some of the bumps I am feeling are the Baby, but I am not sure.
Food Cravings?  the soda keeps on...What the heck?  It needs to stop, it isn't good for me of Baby.
Exercise?  Ironman was Saturday.  I stalked times for two friends.  I seriously think this should count!
Labor Signs?  No.
Eating? I am eating well, too well the past two weeks, I think.
Symptoms? Tired, constipation.  The acne seems to have cleared, knock wood.
Wedding Ring on or Off?  On
Belly Button in or out?  In
Mood?  Good
Looking forward to?  Dr appointment on  Friday morning and then in eight wake-ups we have the anatomy scan.  I just want a healthy baby...

Day 14

Last night was so much fun.  We had our neighbors over to watch the OSU game.  What a great time!

Today was just church and relaxing together.

I still have this head cold/sinusitis/crud.  It is getting old and can really go away.  I wish I could take a Nyquil so I could go to sleep.

So regular doctor appt on Friday and 10 days until the anatomy scan.  It will be five weeks since we have seen the Baby.

I spoke with my two cousins about a baby shower down there...looks like it will be MLK weekend.  I spoke to my mom about a shower in the YO.  Looking at early February. Exciting stuff coming up!!!

Day 13

Can I just say how much I puffy heart my home doppler.  I have had it a week now and I love that anytime I want I can find the Baby's heartbeat.  It gives me such peace of mind, especially since I had such an awful first trimester.  I am now in the waiting period for feeling Baby kick.  I like having that extra feeling of security of hearing the 'galloping horses'.  For $60 bucks, it was an investment that is WELL worth it in my mind!

Blogtober - I suck

Today should be Day 12, but I got the 'crud'  All I could have written about for the past couple of days of how there is no medicine that will really help while you are pregnant and you have the 'crud'.

Last night I went to bed at 6:30.  I woke up and watched the debate.  Then I went back to bed until 7 this am.  I woke up and felt better.  I hadn't felt that sick in quite awhile.

On the mend today, just in time for the weekend!

I am only 12 days away from finding out the gender of our little one.  I just cant wait!

16 weeks - 24 to go

How far along? 16 weeks
Baby Size? avocado ( just realized I have been spelling this wrong for years!)
Total Weight Gain?  I think 3 pounds
Maternity clothes?  just pants
Stretch marks? No
Sleep?  Much better this week.  I have only woken up 1-2 times this past week
Miss Anything?  Running, wine, bacon
Movement?  Still not sure.  I felt something early this am, very low...almost like hiccups, maybe?
Food Cravings?  Not really.  I am drinking more soda than normal (decaf) not sure what that is about, since I have gone years without soda...
Exercise?  I think about it.  I looked at the results from the Chicago marathon yesterday!
Labor Signs?  No
Eating? I can't seem to eat much at one sitting, would rather have smaller snacks.
Symptoms? Tired, Acne, constipation
Wedding Ring on or Off?  On
Belly Button in or out?  In
Mood?  good
Looking Forward to?  Well, I am enjoying the Doppler.  I like hearing the baby everyday.  We have the gender reveal in 16 days! Not baby related but we get new couches delivered tomorrow!  I am very excited about that!

Day 7 of 31

Today is pretty low key.  I went to church.  I think the 12:15 mass is the one for me.  I found a parking place pretty easily.

When my parents were year Friday night , they brought the baby socks - Bengals, UK and Ohio State.  My teams (except the Reds) are accounted for!

My mom also mentioned that I am starting to show.  I guess, I knew I could tell but I didn't think it was noticeable quite yet!  Then I saw a picture from the zoo last weekend and yes, there is a bump!  HA!  I should have cropped the pic but I am just really too lazy!

Day 6 - another Babies R Us

So, we went to buy new couches for the main living area today. They will be delivered on Tursday!  I am so excited!  While we were there I saw a Babies R Us.  I convinced Jeff to go in.  It was funny to see him pushing a stroller!  Even funnier was watching him struggle to get the car seat off the stroller!  He finally figured it out!  This BRU is much better than the other one.  People were friendlier too.

My Experience at Riverside Methodist Hospital

Please bear with me while I type this up.  I am hoping by writing a review that I might save someone else from a horrible experience at this hospital. Please remember that this is MY EXPERIENCE, based on two visits in three days.

Let me start from the beginning. I am a forty-one year old, pregnant by IUI.  I used a specialist in Cleveland prior to our move to Columbus.  I had miscarried our first child a year prior at 7 weeks 3 days, due to a physician who would not listen to me.  I vowed at that time, not to be intimidated by physicians, I have to speak up for myself and my unborn child and do what I know is right for both of us. Because of these circumstances, I freely admit that I am a nervous first time mother.

I woke up on Monday, August 13 and noticed some spotting.  I was concerned, as I had some spotting on Saturday and had been put on bedrest by my specialist at that time.  I knew based on my blood type I needed to get a Rhogam shot, if I indeed was miscarrying.  So, my husband and I went off to the Emergency Department at Riverside.

We got there and the Physician's Assistant immediately did a pelvic exam and said she saw blood.  They ordered an ultrasound but the technician wouldn't be in until 6:30.  In the meantime, she did an abdominal ultrasound in the ED.  She said that they would want a better one done but at least we could check the heartbeat.  We found a heartbeat which made me feel so much better.

Once the Radiology tech got in I had an ultrasound done and while we waited for the results I got my Rhogam injection.

The ultrasound results showed that I had two cysts, which I knew about but the baby was perfectly fine.  I was told to take it easy, drink lots of fluid and call my doctor.  Okay.

We go get breakfast.  Then home and I napped the afternoon away.

Tuesday, August 14 was non eventful.  I didn't do much, my aunt came and brought me lunch and then hung out with me for the afternoon.

Wednesday, August 15, started out just as our normal days go.  About 11 am, I was sitting at the kitchen table filling out forms for my appt at the new OB.  I stood up to let the dogs out and there was a huge gush of blood.  I freaked out.  I went to the bathroom and put a pad on and started getting dressed.  I had to go back to the bathroom because I felt like I needed to change the pad already.  I passed a clot the size of my fist.  Now, I was beyond freaked out.  Jeff was on his way home.  I was waiting for him on the front porch.

We decide to go back to Riverside, since I was just there they could compare ultrasounds if needed.

We go in, they register me, I do the bloodwork again.  The doctor comes in and says that because I was just here there is no indication to do a repeat ultrasound.  The doctor didn't want to even check for a heartbeat.  I was furious.  I pulled out the cell phone number for the specialist that I was seeing in Cleveland.  I tell him to call the dr.  He leaves the room and comes back a little bit later.  He says that they are going to do another ultrasound, even though they just did one and if I did miscarry there was nothing they could do.  He also stated that he and his wife had been through fertility treatments and sometimes you just need to throw in the towel and realize that you aren't going to have children.  Then he followed up with chastising me on my misuse of the Emergency room.  The ER is for emergencies only, not for routine ultrasounds.  I needed to find a doctor closer so that they can deal with these sorts of problems.

They do an ultrasound,  the technician was wonderful and told me very quietly that everything looked good with the baby.  Amen.

I get back to the ER and the doctor came in and said that the ultrasound looked good.  There was a heartbeat.  I asked what the heartbeat was and he told me that they didn't notate it.  He told me that I had a subchlorionic bleed.

The nurse came in with my discharge papers and to take my blood pressure again.  While she was entering the information into the computer, I asked about the baby's heartbeat.  She looked and said it was 155.

We left Riverside with peace of mind that that the baby was great.

Fast forward to  Saturday, September 29th.  I got a letter in the mail from Riverside Medical Center, telling me that the "Emergency Department Physician has reviewed your US-Pelvis from your last visit and noted LT ovary with atypical features and recommends a follow up ultrasound in 8-11 weeks".  I contacted my now established doctor to see if they had gotten the reports and find out what the issue was.  The nurse requested the reports on Monday and they received them on FRIDAY.

The nurse contacted me this afternoon with the results.  On the ultrasound from Monday it noted two cysts on the left side. There was no issue with the baby.  On the ultrasound on Wednesday, it noted that there was bleeding from most likely a ruptured cyst.  there was only one cyst noted and the baby was perfect.

Let me review the problems I have with the visit on August 15th:

• They never did a pelvic exam to see if the cervix was closed
• Bleeding through a pad an hour is cause to go to the ER.  I went through two pads in 10 minutes.
• The dr should never have told me his issues about his experience with fertility.
• The dr should not have reprimanded me for misuse of the ER, while I was there I heard someone come in to get a sports physical for high school.  In addition, Since I have spent 17 years in the medical field,  I know when it is appropriate to go to the emergency.  I know an emergency and when there isn't.
• I told the doctor that we had just moved here and I was not established yet with a new doctor.  If I were back with my regular doctor, he would have had me come in to his office for an ultrasound ASAP.  
• The doctor didn't even look to see if a heart rate was notated.  He just wanted me out of there.
• Moreover, I thought the goal of a hospital was to make money, you would think that in this day and age, if I wanted an ultrasound, the doctor would be thrilled to bill away my insurance.  (Interestingly, I had more done on Monday and my bill for Wednesday was higher...I am too tired to research that, but I am certain there is fraud somewhere.) 
•  it took 6 weeks for the ED Physiciam to read the ultrasound? 
• There was no subchlorionic hemmorhage.
• My specialist told me that the dr at Riverside was adamant about not doing an ultrasound.  He had to basically tell him to do the ultrasound.  Also, he asked the dr to call him back which he never did.
• It took Riverside five days to get the reports to my doctor.
• Lastly, I am going to copy and paste directly from Riverside's Website (I am going to put my editorial comments in Red)

Our mission

To improve the health of those we serve.

Our vision

Where people want to work, where physicians want to practice and, most importantly, where patients want to go when they need healthcare services. (I certainly don't ever want to go back there, nor do I want anyone I know to go there.)

Our cardinal value

We honor the dignity and worth of each person. (Interesting, I didn't gt that feeling)

Our values

• Compassion (HA)
• Excellence
• Stewardship
• Integrity (HA, HA!)

Our pledge

As a member of the OhioHealth healthcare system, WE honor the dignity and worth of each person.
Our first responsibility is to the patients we serve. We respect the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our patients and find that compassion is essential to fostering healing and wholeness.
Patients and their families deserve the best possible healthcare experience. We are committed to the pursuit of excellence in all that we do. Teaching and learning are fundamental in our efforts.
We are accountable to our communities for our stewardship. We have a special concern for the poor, and are committed to making quality healthcare available to all. Our decisions will serve our communities in the present and preserve our mission into the future.
Our actions and decisions must reflect a faithful balance of our core values. We will act with absolute integrity and expect the same of those who work with us.
Our people are the source of our success. Our organization must reflect the rich diversity of our communities. We will respect, embrace and derive strength from our differences. We are committed to providing a work environment that enables our employees to fulfill their professional, family and community responsibilities.
Spiritual diversity within our organization must be respected and celebrated. Our relationship with the United Methodist Church grounds us in a strong moral and ethical foundation. Throughout the organization, we exist to serve others.
Our every action must advance our mission: To improve the health of those we serve.

(This entire pledge is laughable. )

Day 5

Well, today I am 15 weeks 4 days and I puked my guts out this morning.  Shouldn't morning sickness be over?  I was hoping that was the one symptom I somehow missed.

Thanks for the responses both via comments and texts or e-mails.

Here are some of the items I have picked and why.

This is the BOB IRONMAN stroller.  It is pricey but the reviews I have read from 'runners' both professional and amateur say it really is the best.  I would really like to train for another marathon after baby - either Columbus, October 2013 or Flying Pig May 2014.  If I can't do a full I want to do a half.  Plus, Jeff says he would like to try to run with me, so baby will have to go out with us...I think this is the best ride  I am trying to find one on Craigslist or a consignment store.

This is the Chicco Cortina Travel System.  This stroller claims to be the best for a tall parent, plus gets great ratings.  I like the red.

Those are the big items other than nursery furniture, I think I have a pretty good list going.  I just know how Jeff and I are so if I don't have a clue when we go register, it will be a disaster.  We registered for the wedding in about 45 minutes, because I lost patience and Jeff wanted things like lunchmeat slicers.

I guess I will be having three smaller showers.  One with my mom in the YO.  One with my family and one with Jeff's family.  This is the part that really sucks about not living near any family.  I will have to travel to them.  I am a bit nervous about my mom's and Jeff's mom's showers since they both live in snowy areas.  I hope we will be able to get to them.  I am hoping to space them out from the end of January to mid February. so that gives me time to get anything else necessary before March.  I am hoping to have everything done by March 1.  We think we will register before Christmas, just in case anyone wants to buy Christmas presents for us from our list!

Day 4 - I suck

So, I obviously missed yesterday.  Not sure what happened.  oh well, yeah, I do.  I got my Fetal Doppler in the mail yesterday and had to find baby's heartbeat.  I used it once yesterday and then this am.  I really feel so much better that I know I can hear the heartbeat whenever I want.  I felt like I really needed this at least until the baby starts kicking, then I can obsess with that!

Day 3 - Baby Furniture

I have been researching darn near everything - strollers, cribs, pack and plays, swings, bottles, the list goes on and on...well, I thought, I should go to Babies R Us and do some hands on research.  I am pretty sure I have a nice stroller, jogging stroller, car seat and swing picked out.  My issue is Nursery Furniture.  The cost for the dresser, changing table and crib are ridiculous and the quality is awful on many.  I don't have issues with most of the cribs, but the dressers are awful, they have that horrible cardboard bottoms in many of them.  They won't last very long at all.  So, so I am back to the drawing board.  I really like a set from Penny's but I can't get my hands on a sample.  I like to see and touch what I am buying where furniture is involved, they do deliver and have free shipping...so that is a bonus.  Anyone out there?  what kind of nursery furniture did you get?  Please don't say Pottery Barn.  My husband is against PB, for some reason.  Should we buy a crib from one place and then a dresser from a furniture store?  Ugh...

(Although, really if this is my worst problem, then I really need to look outside my world!)

When I went shopping I had to find a bathroom twice.  I was only gone an hour and a half.

2 of 31 15 weeks, 25 to go!

How far along? 15 weeks, 1 day
Baby size? Orange
Total Weight gain? Not sure, haven't gotten on the scale
Maternity Clothes? Just pants
Stretch Marks? No
Sleep?  Better this past weekend...I think being exhausted helped.
Best Moment of the week? um, Jeff finally ordering me a fetal doppler
Miss Anything? Running, Wine, bacon,
Movement?  Maybe.  I felt something different last week, but haven't felt anything since.  Hopefully the movement will be more reliable soon.
Food Cravings? No
Exercise? Well, I walked all over the zoo on Saturday.  I guess that doesn't count!
Labor Signs?  No
Eating?  I have been the bottomless pit.  I am trying very hard to make good choices and have a bit of protein at each snack
Symptoms? Tired, acne, gassy, constipation
Wedding Ring on or Off? On
Belly button in or Out? In
Mood?  Good
Looking Forward to?  The doppler Jeff ordered for me should be here Thursday or Friday.  My parents are coming on Friday for the night...on their way to Cinci.

Blogtober...1 of 31

So, I missed day 1.  But I wasn't feeling very well and I had to take Sammy to the Vet. That is my excuse and I am sticking to it.  For the month of October, I am going to write each day about my crazy pregnancy.  There really has been nothing normal about my symptoms thus far. 

For example, I spotted again yesterday.  It was dark brown and I am certain it is because I walked all over the zoo on Saturday and didn't drink as much water as normal.  I was also crampy, which I still am today...but I think that is coming from the fact that I am constipated.  The dr said to take Colace, so I had two doses yesterday and one so far today, so I am hoping to get some relief.