I had my first doctors appointment at the hospital at our new duty station. It’s a rather unique facility that includes a player piano right there in the center of the building. Monkey likes it and says “The ghost is playing the piano.” Anyway, last Friday I was sitting on the floor playing with Monkey and her alphabet zoo, I stood up to get something and my pants were soaking wet. I changed my clothes and again, more fluid, then the seriously painful contractions started and the ripping pain in my pelvis. I thought, Ok, I’ll just wait it out, I’m sure it’s fine. I realized at this point I had not felt the baby move in some time and that was very unusual. So, I made Monkey and myself some lunch hoping it would kick start Baby K. Nothing. I decided maybe I should call Hubby, so I did, and his response was to call an ambulance. Umm, no thanks, I’ll be alright, I’ll take a shower and call you back if things don’t get better. I shower, there’s still fluid, still having contractions, still no movement. Hubby comes home and finds me in tears. I’m terrified that something has happened to my baby and am afraid that he is mad at me for disrupting his day (he’s not, but I’m hormonal). I called the Labor and Delivery unit at the hospital and in between crying fits explained what was going on. I was told to come in, so we loaded up in the car, drove over there, and spent the next five hours trying to figure out what was happening to me. Don’t ask me how far apart my contractions are I’ve been too busy crying and playing the what if game to time them and how many have I had? Well, I don’t know, again too busy worrying that something horrible has happened to my baby, so I really haven’t been counting them. How about I just say a lot and I’m in a great deal of pain, please fix it! They hook me up to a monitor and Thank God, the baby has a great heart beat (I guess she was just napping, thanks a lot Baby K, you could’ve kicked or turned once in a four hour time period.) They picked up the contractions (well I wasn’t making them up) and then tried to figure out the mystery fluid as I have come to call it. After being poked and prodded they decide it’s not amniotic fluid and it’s not an infection. Ok, what is it? Why are my pants getting soaked on a regular basis? Well, it could be urine. Ok, hold it right there, I am thirty years old, I know when I have to pee, and I am most certainly not peeing on myself throughout the day. Talk about making an already very hormonal woman cry some more. Anyway, eventually they let me come home with instructions to rest and hydrate. Uh huh, the majority of my day is spent sitting anyway, since we have NOTHING to do and if things get worse to come back. Well, alrighty then. Over the weekend I still leaked the mystery fluid, I still had contractions, this time accompanied by some bleeding. Oh joy! Today at the doctor I told my provider all of this (except for the bleeding part, because really I didn’t think it would do any good) and she decided to run the same tests they ran Friday. Nothing. Although this time I was told that the contractions were causing some changes to my cervix. Could be urine she says. Not again, I have told you people (in my head) that I am NOT peeing on myself. Her advice? Yes, you guessed it, rest and hydrate and if the contractions get stronger or I have more problems come in. No thanks, I’ll just wait.
I am concerned about the mystery fluid because, well, it’s a mystery and I had a similar thing happen when I was pregnant with Monkey at about the same point in my pregnancy. I ended up in the hospital with an infection that could have been fatal to both of us had they not treated it as quickly as they did. I really don’t want to go there again!
I was told by the midwife in L and D that if I had pre term labor symptoms with my first pregnancy (which I did, it required shots to keep Monkey in) that I’d probably have them with this baby. Great.
Then there is the issue of my low lying placenta. I was supposed to have an ultrasound at 30 weeks, but we were traveling, so I assumed they would schedule it pretty quickly after we got here, I mean it is written in red ink on my chart. But no, not even a mention of an ultrasound. Hopefully it has corrected itself or someone that looks over the OB charts will notice the bright red instructions or maybe I just need to call and mention it to someone. I have to go in Friday for a glucose test. I pray that it is alright. I am a little irritated, tired of my clothes being soaked by the mystery fluid, tired of having contractions, and just uncomfortable. Only eight more weeks to go. Eight Weeks!
On a high note, Baby K’s heart rate was 153 today, which is excellent and I have gained a pound!
32 Weeks
October 20, 2008 at 2:25 pm (Kendal, Pregnancy)
A Little Less Crazy
October 19, 2008 at 8:44 pm (Dear Hubby, Kendal, Monkey, Pregnancy)
Our unaccompanied baggage arrived early Friday morning! Monkey was so happy to have some of her toys, but a little miffed that she had to leave them so we could go to the hospital for five hours because our baby to be decided to give us a scare. After being released and ordered to rest, I thought I’m going to go even crazier that I already am, but no, things are looking up!
Last summer I kept a friends little girls for a week and they had Nintendo DS systems and they let me play. I’m not big on video games, but I liked the system and it offers a wide variety of games. So, last night during a Wal-Mart run, my DH told me that if I wanted one, I could get one so I’d have something to do while I’m resting and when it’s time to be in the hospital for the birth of Baby K. I picked one out and a crosswords game to play. I love crossword puzzles, really they are the only reason that I’m a committed People buyer. I played it well into the night last night. Of course Monkey wanted to play, and became rather upset when I told her that she had to know how to spell and read before she could play. Today we went to look for a game that she could possibly play, but everything requires reading, so instead we bought her a video game of her own. Actually, it’s a Leap Frog Leapster video learning system. She has played it all afternoon. It has built in software and cartridges to buy with different skills. At least it’s educational! Me, on the other hand got Guitar Hero On Tour! It’s so cool! Hubby and I have been taking turns playing it and if I do say so myself, we totally rock! It’s a super fun game and time goes by a little faster when you have something to do! I am seriously considering buying the system and game for my brother for Christmas, I know he’d love it! Anyway, tomorrow I have a doctors appointment and my new awesome game is going with me! I’m sure everyone in the waiting room will be impressed by my mad rocker skills 
!
Winter Wear
September 20, 2008 at 5:13 pm (Monkey, Moving, Pregnancy)
It’s 86 degrees where I live, and what did Hubby, Monkey, and I do today? We went shopping for winter clothes for our upcoming PCS to Alaska, which is coming up in about a week. I can hardly believe how quickly the date is approaching! Monkey is pretty much set, I shopped for her while we were in Alabama. I found a great store in the brand new mall that had a very knowledgeable person who I’m pretty sure saw dollar signs after we had this conversation:
Nice Salesperson: “Ma’am, can I help you?” (I think I had a dazed look on my face as I looked at all the winter clothing options)
Me: “Yes, we’re moving to Alaska in October and I have no idea what we need.”
Nice Salesperson: “What type of winter clothing do you have now?”
Me: “Well, we live in El Paso and …”
Nice Salesperson: “So, you have nothing.”
Me: “Yeah, that’d be about right.”
Then Nice Salesperson walks Monkey and me all over the store showing us what we will need to survive the frozen tundra. We ended up buying a couple of things. Winter wear is SOOOOO expensive, especially when you have to buy in layers!
Anyway, today we hit a store and found shirts and hoodies for hubby. I couldn’t find anything in that store, so Hubby suggested one of my favorite stores and of course the maternity store since I can’t fit into regular pants anymore. We went to Old Navy and I found a hoodie and a t-shirt. I really liked the t-shirt and I justified buying it because I can wear a long sleeve t-shirt under it, it’s all about layers! Then we went to the maternity store where I purchased a pair of corduroy pants, how I love cords! I wish I could wear them all year! I also got a couple of sweaters. Then, on our way to get a strawberry smoothie, I decided I had to go into American Eagle, I adore American Eagle, a little pricey, yes, but oh, how I love it! I found a sweater and another hoodie, because I think hoodies and cords are the greatest things ever invented! My love of cords and hoodies might make me a prime target for TLC’s What Not to Wear! But really, would that be so bad?
So, we are all set, we have enough winter stuff to get us started in our new state and we’ve even found a store there that will help us find the stuff we need for the coldest parts of the year!
Medical Records, Tricare, and More
September 18, 2008 at 11:43 am (Army Wife, Pregnancy)
I went yesterday to the doctor for my 28 week check up, done actually at 27 weeks. Everything with the baby and I are fine. The doctor told me that she would schedule my glucose test for three weeks from yesterday. I explained that we were pcsing and leaving on the first or second of October. She then asks where we are going, so as I have done for the past four or five visits told her we were moving to Alaska. She told me that I needed to get my records and I acknowledged that I did and then she asked me where I would be getting my pregnancy care. I told her that I assumed I would be getting it at the hospital on base. Then she explained that I had to call or go by the Tricare office and find out if the hospital on base actually did pregnancy care or if they sent women to an outside provider. If they provide care I will be able to pick up my records and carry them with me, if I’m being sent off base I will have to have my records photocopied. We came home and I called the Tricare office. I explained to the woman that answered the phone what I needed to know, and after about five minutes of being told the computer system was shutting down and that she couldn’t get that information for me, I asked if it would be easier for me just to call the hospital and ask them. She agreed and gave me the number. I called the hospital and explained to the person that answered the phone that my baby is due in December, we are pcsing to their base, and I needed to know if they provided pregnancy care or if they sent you to an off base provider. A moment of silence and then the question, “Ma’am, are you pregnant?” Hello…did I not say my baby was due in December???? Anyway, after a minute she says, well I don’t know if we provide that kind of care or not, let me connect you to the women’s clinic. I stayed on the line and the phone at the women’s clinic rang twenty times before I finally hung up. I decided that if they have a women’s clinic, they probably provide pregnancy care, hubby agreed, so now I just have to go to the hospital here and get my records so I can see a doctor in Alaska. Oh, and the doctor that I see here, told me two visits ago that the base we are going to has a brand new hospital, so our baby would be born in a brand new facility. Yesterday she told me she didn’t know anything about the base we are moving to so she didn’t know about the care provided. Can I just scream now??
20 Weeks
August 6, 2008 at 3:05 pm (Monkey, Pregnancy)
A picture of my Monkey and me at 20 weeks! We’re halfway there!
Big Sister
July 30, 2008 at 2:55 pm (Monkey, Pregnancy)
Monkey is absolutely thrilled to be getting a little sister. She’s been asking for a while if it was a girl baby and we’d of course tell her we didn’t know. She let us know in no uncertain terms that she wanted a girl baby. If we mentioned that it could be a boy she would cry and say “No, I want a girl baby.” Today when we got home and told her it was a girl she hugged me and said “Oh, thank you mommy.” Like I had so much to do with it! She thinks we should name it her name and I explain to her that we can’t have two children with the same name, so for now she calls it Baby Sandals. Don’t ask me where that came from, but it’s what she has decided her little sisters name should be for now. Hubby and I have tossed around a few names but keep coming back to two, now we just have to decide which one the three of us agree on. We have plans to go to the big baby store on Friday to buy a travel system and play yard since we are moving to Alaska in October, we have decided it better to buy some things now and have them shipped with our household goods. I know Monkey will voice her opinion on what we should buy (the pink one with the flowers), but no, that is not the one we will be getting. I’m just not that big on pink. I wasn’t when I had Monkey and I won’t be with this one either. So Monkey will have to choose between the two that Hubby and I have picked out! We think it’s important to let her be involved as much as we can, hopefully it will make things a little easier later on!
Baby Pictures Take 2
July 30, 2008 at 1:00 pm (Pregnancy)
We went for our second ultrasound today, they looked at all of the babies organs and we were able to find out the gender. The baby has all of it’s organs, in the right place, and it’s a girl! We’re so excited! She was constantly on the move and kicking like crazy which made it hard for the tech to get a good look at the umbilical cord, but finally the baby cooperated! We got a good picture of her female parts and an adorable picture of her waving to us. I can’t wait to go shopping!
Is it hot in here?
July 21, 2008 at 1:50 pm (Pregnancy)
I got up yesterday around 7 (at least that’s when the alarm went off), I think I made it out of bed about 7:10. I read my Bible passages for the day and my devotion, then took a shower. I woke Monkey up and we all got dressed for church. Hubby and Monkey don’t eat breakfast on Sundays because church starts at 9:00, Monkey’s class has a snack, and there are doughnuts after service. I however, must have something before we leave the house. My usual breakfast of choice is a vanilla Carnation Instant Breakfast. It’s quick, nutritious, and delicious.
We got to church, dropped Monkey off in her class, and settled into our pew for the sermon. We were standing during the praise and worship portion when I began to sweat. I had cramps in my abdomen and my back was driving me insane (which is nothing new, it’s hurt for the past week). Finally, I had to sit down. I didn’t feel any better. I was sweating even more, everything was going dark, everything sounded like it was in a tunnel, and I thought for sure I was going to pass out right there. Hubby asked me if I was OK, to which I replied “No, we need to go home.” He told me to go to the bathroom. So I did. After being in the bathroom for about five minutes I felt a little better. I made my way back into the sanctuary and sat down. Hubby took my pulse, which I found funny. “Do you feel better?” “A little.” “Did you puke?” “No.” “What did you eat for breakfast?” “A carnation.” He just nodded his head. When service was over we went into the fellowship hall and we all ate a doughnut, I felt much better after that. He laughed at me when I told him I had left my pants unbuttoned which seemed to help.
When we got home I asked him why he was taking my pulse, he said he was trying to see how bad off I was because I was pretty green. “Did I scare you?” “A little, I was watching the clock while you were in the bathroom.”
I guess it’s time that I start eating an actual breakfast and wearing pants that don’t have to struggle to button! I keep thinking how embarrassing it would have been if I had passed out in the middle of church! I’m thankful though that I didn’t!
Going Bare
July 17, 2008 at 11:35 am (Army Wife, Pregnancy)
Before I started high school my aunt took my cousin and I to the mall for a free makeover at the Clinique counter. I became a loyal user to all things Clinique. It’s a little pricey, but to me worth every cent since it’s the only make-up I can use that won’t make me break out.
But, then I saw the infomercials for bare Minerals. I decided to order their Get Started kit. The kit has everything, three brushes, two foundations, warmth, mineral veil, skin rev er upper, and a DVD to show you how to use it all. I like the warmth because it makes your skin look sun kissed, the mineral veil absorbs oil (which I have a lot of) and keeps everything looking flawless. The skin rev er upper makes your pores practically invisible. But what really makes me love this make-up? The fact that I can sleep in it! Yes, that’s right. I rarely wash my face at night, sometimes I don’t think about it and sometimes I’m just too lazy! It’s really very sad. I like that I can put my make-up on in five minutes or less and that it looks natural, only better.
However, when I am having pregnancy hormone induced breakouts (which I have more of than I care to admit) I reach for my green bag filled with my trusted Clinique.
I am considering buying two other kits from bare Minerals. The get started eyes and the beyond the basics. I like that everything I need comes in one box for one price.
I never thought I would find a make-up that I like as much as I do Clinique, but this bare Minerals is amazing!
