Saw Doc today for a routine checkup. She was impressed by how tall my uterus has become. "Can you feel that? Wow, that's some good growth!"
Somehow, I was still nervous. It's been a rough week or so. The Mister was out of the country for 5 days, Squeaker has been particularly challenging (omg! the tantrums!), and I haven't felt pregnant (except for that whole thing about my clothes not fitting and my chest threatening to grow out of the enormous bra that was way too big for me a few weeks ago).
Doc whipped out the Doppler and immediately we heard the little drumbeat, a little slower this time, about 150 bpm. Phew! Made it another 2 weeks, yay stowaway! Doc is very proud of "our" accomplishment so far, and I'm proud that my blood pressure is staying at a nice low place. Doc is ready to step up her vigilance when I get to about 24 weeks, because that's when preeclampsia might kick in. My bp has always been borderline too low, though, so I'm hopeful that we'll get to skip that bit of excitement.
I'll feel so much less stressed when I can actually feel some movement from the baby. And when I get to see him/her again. It's been ages ... The big scan is scheduled for just after 19 weeks. Really looking forward to finding out whether this is my girl (hope hope wish wish!) or another sweet boy. Squeaker will get to come to the scan, and we're excited to see his reaction. He's always fascinated by medical stuff, so I think he'll really be into it.
My other fun symptom is insomnia, ugh! I'm having the worst time getting back to sleep once I wake up in the middle of the night. Last night I woke up at 3am to deal with Squeaker (sopping pajamas, had to change his bed, the whole works) and couldn't go back to sleep until just after 5am. And of course the damn cats started howling for breakfast right about then. Miserable! And of course I had stayed up late to spend some quality TV time with the Mister, so I think I managed about 5 hours sleep total. Really hoping this is a passing phase ... Coffee, how I miss you!
I've been going to prenatal yoga classes once a week and am going to try to increase to twice a week. Can I just tell y'all how bizarre it is to sit in a room full of pregnant women and actually be one of them? Then add in the fact that I'm inevitably the oldest woman in the room ... The teachers haven't said anything, but I see them peeking at me. Surreal only begins to describe it.
It's so awesome to be back in yoga, though. I can tell it's going to be really good for me. I desperately need to add something aerobic like walking or swimming, but time is just too limited. I was able to squeeze in a lunchtime walk along the river with some coworkers the other day, but most days I'm just not in the mood to leave the office, and then when I get home -- bang -- I dive right into terrible two-and-a-half tantrum management. Add in dinner and Squeaker's 2-hour bedtime process, and there goes the day. I figure I'm getting my weight-bearing exercise every time I pick him up (kicking and thrashing) and haul him to the time out spot or wrestle him (kicking and thrashing) into the car seat ... Not sure if fending off the hair pulling/hitting/scratching/slapping activity counts as cardio work, but it must, right? I actually broke one of our house rules and gave him a smack on his bare behind the other night when he was purposely trying to kick me in the stomach during a diaper change. He was shocked and burst out wailing, and of course I felt enormous guilt, but -- as my doctor mama friend told me the other day -- you've got to draw the line somewhere. I'm pretty sure that attempted sibling murder is where I'm gonna draw it for now.
I can definitely identify with the toddler tantrums. ours is sweet as pie one minute but it turns into crying and screaming the next. it's just a tough age I think. apparently 3 is worse. yikes!
can also identify with not relating as a pregnant woman. I still see bellies and think of them as "other" even though mine has popped through too. I look in the mirror and think it's a different person.
and isn't it such sweet relief when you hear that precious HB? if I go a few hours now without movement I start to worry. soon that will be you too!
really wish I could do some yoga, but honestly I'm so effing paranoid about everything right now. like stretching the wrong way or too hard or something. part of me just wants to wrap myself in bubbles and hide in a padded house for a few months.
anyway. yes. hope you're feeling well regardless.
Posted by: luna | July 27, 2011 at 03:40 PM
toddlers seem intimidating!!
Posted by: Sara | July 27, 2011 at 06:45 PM
You are doing it (growing a baby, I mean). Many congratulations for yet another uneventful u/s. (I am jealous only in that Squeaker will have a sibling kind of way (something I very much want for my own son)).
Posted by: It Is What It Is | July 27, 2011 at 08:38 PM