I am crazy excited about our little trip to the mountains this weekend! It's only a 3.5 hour drive, so we'll be sure to stop at least once along the way, but it won't be too bad for this preggo. This will officially be our last little trip away before baby. It's so crazy to think that from now on, we'll be a family of three. Taking trips with just the two of us will mean finding someone to watch Andrew, and I imagine I won't be ready to do that for several years. So this is it!
While technically Andrew will be there with us (ha!), since he's still in my tummy, it doesn't really count. He's a lot easier to take care of where he is now than he will be once he is born. I can't believe I'm really coming up on 29 weeks already. Where has all the time gone? Only 11 weeks left!!
George and I are really going to just relax this weekend and spend some quality time together. We have a couples massage lined up for Saturday morning, but other than that, we don't really have any set plans. I really wanted to go on this hike to see a waterfall, but George talked me out of it, haha. He made me realize that a 3 mile hike on uneven trails probably isn't the safest thing for me to be doing at 29 weeks pregnant. Especially since I'm already a little clumsy these days. I'll be sad to miss the waterfall, but maybe we can find some shorter, easier trails to go down.
There are some cute antique stores and shops near the resort, so that will be fun. I love that I have a husband I know I can count on having a good time with. Even with no plans and nothing special going on, we always have fun just talking and hanging out. I'm looking forward to being alone with him this weekend and enjoying our last trip alone. <3
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Quick Update - Dr. Appointment
I had a doctor's appointment today (moving to every 2 weeks now since I have gestational diabetes), and everything looks perfect! I am measuring exactly right at just under 29 weeks, so despite the GD, my baby is not measuring big at all. Whew! What a relief! My bloodsugar is being very well controlled, so hopefully Andrew's growth will stay normal from here on out.
She also checked his presentation. It's early, but I was curious, hehe. The little guy seems to be head down already! Good boy! He's very active and his heartbeat was great, indicating a healthy baby in there. I'm so happy that he's doing good. I feel so grateful that I was tested early for gestational diabetes and was able to get it all under control early before there could be any negative side effects from it.
The doctor did, however, say that she didn't want me to go past my due date. Yikes. I hate hearing this. I know that it will still be my decision, but I really don't want to be pushed into interventions like pitocin. I want Andrew to come when he is ready, but that might not be an option. I already have an appointment scheduled with my acupuncturist for 2 days after my due date to naturally induce if he can, but I contacted him today to see if he would push that up to the week before my due date. I haven't heard back yet, but I have my fingers crossed.
Does anyone out there have any other natural ways/ideas for inducing labor? I've heard evening primrose oil and red raspberry leaf tea. What else? Spicy foods? Long walks. I'm going to start trying anything and everything around week 38, I think. No pitocin or c-section for me, please!
For now, it's really too early to get worried about anything. The important news is that Andrew is measuring on target and everything looks good. I just scheduled a 3D/4D ultrasound for next week so we'll have some good pics to share after that I hope!!! Then, we'll have one final ultrasound around 36 just to check his growth at the doctor's office. After that, the next time we actually see him will be when he's born! Only 11 1/2 more weeks!!!
She also checked his presentation. It's early, but I was curious, hehe. The little guy seems to be head down already! Good boy! He's very active and his heartbeat was great, indicating a healthy baby in there. I'm so happy that he's doing good. I feel so grateful that I was tested early for gestational diabetes and was able to get it all under control early before there could be any negative side effects from it.
The doctor did, however, say that she didn't want me to go past my due date. Yikes. I hate hearing this. I know that it will still be my decision, but I really don't want to be pushed into interventions like pitocin. I want Andrew to come when he is ready, but that might not be an option. I already have an appointment scheduled with my acupuncturist for 2 days after my due date to naturally induce if he can, but I contacted him today to see if he would push that up to the week before my due date. I haven't heard back yet, but I have my fingers crossed.
Does anyone out there have any other natural ways/ideas for inducing labor? I've heard evening primrose oil and red raspberry leaf tea. What else? Spicy foods? Long walks. I'm going to start trying anything and everything around week 38, I think. No pitocin or c-section for me, please!
For now, it's really too early to get worried about anything. The important news is that Andrew is measuring on target and everything looks good. I just scheduled a 3D/4D ultrasound for next week so we'll have some good pics to share after that I hope!!! Then, we'll have one final ultrasound around 36 just to check his growth at the doctor's office. After that, the next time we actually see him will be when he's born! Only 11 1/2 more weeks!!!
Monday, March 26, 2012
28 Weeks!
Wow, time is flying! I can't believe I'm already 28 weeks and into my third trimester. As of today, I only have 82 days until my due date. Unbelievable. In one way, I am so anxious to meet my little man and to hold him and nurse him and get to know him. In another way, though, I am determined to enjoy this very precious time with him still growing inside me. Every time I feel him move or kick or squirm, it makes me smile. :) He's such an active little guy!
How far along: 28 Weeks
Weight Gain: 15 pounds. This is a little bit more than I should have gained by now, but I'm not doing too bad overall.
Baby Bump: Ah! No new pic! I promise I'll have a new one soon!
Sleep: Yikes. Sleep is a struggle these days. I seriously have to get up to go to the bathroom almost every hour on the hour! And with my huge nest of pillows surrounding me, it's quite the production to get in and out of bed. It's a small price to pay though. I just hope I'm not waking George up every single time I get up, lol.
Best Moment of the Week: When I got home from my weekend with friends in Charlotte, George got on his knees and put his head against my belly. He said, "Hi little baby, did you miss me?" and Andrew gave him a big kick right against the cheek, hehe. I guess that was a YES! I love that he recognizes his daddy's voice already. So sweet!
Movement: He's moving around all the time these days, and I love it! Sometimes it's kicks and sometimes it's a rolling movement. He seems to be most active at night when I'm trying to sleep. :)
Symptoms: Carpal tunnel. Boo! I didn't even know this was a possible symptom, but apparently it's rather common for pregnant women. My fingers on my right hand are numb, which makes typing awkward, but at least there's not much pain yet. I am just hoping it doesn't get any worse. I'm also having the worst allergies of my life! There is literally a carpet of pollen all over the world outside right now, and I'm feeling it in ways I never have. Other than that, though, I feel great!
Food Cravings: Everything I can't have - I want! :P We went to Zaxby's today for lunch and as I was eating my salad, I kept staring at their ad for the new Brownie Batter Milkshake. OMG. Torture! Hehe, really it's not that bad. I'm just trying to eat healthy and ignore anything else.
What I Miss: Sugar and Apple Sake
What I'm Looking Forward To: Renovations on the house and getting things just right for when Andrew arrives!
Weekly Wisdom: Try not to get overwhelmed. Stress isn't good for momma or for baby!
Milestones: Third Trimester! (Technically, I think I hit it last week, but I'm still excited about it.)
Emotions: Joy. Terror. Everything in between. :) Mostly happiness, though.
How far along: 28 Weeks
Weight Gain: 15 pounds. This is a little bit more than I should have gained by now, but I'm not doing too bad overall.
Baby Bump: Ah! No new pic! I promise I'll have a new one soon!
Sleep: Yikes. Sleep is a struggle these days. I seriously have to get up to go to the bathroom almost every hour on the hour! And with my huge nest of pillows surrounding me, it's quite the production to get in and out of bed. It's a small price to pay though. I just hope I'm not waking George up every single time I get up, lol.
Best Moment of the Week: When I got home from my weekend with friends in Charlotte, George got on his knees and put his head against my belly. He said, "Hi little baby, did you miss me?" and Andrew gave him a big kick right against the cheek, hehe. I guess that was a YES! I love that he recognizes his daddy's voice already. So sweet!
Movement: He's moving around all the time these days, and I love it! Sometimes it's kicks and sometimes it's a rolling movement. He seems to be most active at night when I'm trying to sleep. :)
Symptoms: Carpal tunnel. Boo! I didn't even know this was a possible symptom, but apparently it's rather common for pregnant women. My fingers on my right hand are numb, which makes typing awkward, but at least there's not much pain yet. I am just hoping it doesn't get any worse. I'm also having the worst allergies of my life! There is literally a carpet of pollen all over the world outside right now, and I'm feeling it in ways I never have. Other than that, though, I feel great!
Food Cravings: Everything I can't have - I want! :P We went to Zaxby's today for lunch and as I was eating my salad, I kept staring at their ad for the new Brownie Batter Milkshake. OMG. Torture! Hehe, really it's not that bad. I'm just trying to eat healthy and ignore anything else.
What I Miss: Sugar and Apple Sake
What I'm Looking Forward To: Renovations on the house and getting things just right for when Andrew arrives!
Weekly Wisdom: Try not to get overwhelmed. Stress isn't good for momma or for baby!
Milestones: Third Trimester! (Technically, I think I hit it last week, but I'm still excited about it.)
Emotions: Joy. Terror. Everything in between. :) Mostly happiness, though.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Home After Great Weekend
George and I had an amazing weekend in Myrtle Beach! I surpassed my word count goal of 12,000 words and we got in some great together time. We had a chance to walk on the beach and float in the pool, talking mostly about how our lives are going to change with the baby. It was amazing! We ate at this great seafood restaurant called Duffy Street Seafood Shack, and it was some of the best seafood I've ever had. Of course, my eating habits have changed because of the gestational diabetes (no fries allowed!), but it was still great. I just love spending time with my husband!
The pool was awesome, btw. After weeks of just feeling so big and unbalanced (I'm pretty sure I've actually started waddling :P), it was great to be weightless for a little while. George got in the hot tub, but of course, it was way too hot for me to use. I did put my feet in for a short time, but that was all. The beach was a little bit cold, but we were able to get in a few great relaxing walks in between writing sprints here and there, which was nice.
It's so hard to believe there will be a tiny baby in our lives in less than 100 days! 96 days now until my due date, which is just insane. Things are going to change so much, and right now I just feel like we're hovering on the edge of it. It's exciting, but terrifying both. Mostly exciting though!!
Oh, and guess what? I had originally picked out a Ju Ju Be BFF diaper bag in Cobalt Blossoms. I do love this bag, here's a pic:
However, when we were getting lunch on our way out of town, we stopped near an Outlet Mall. I just happened to see that they had a Kate Spade outlet store. I had never seen one of these before!! And I LOVE Kate Spade bags. Even though I adore purses and have always wanted to own a designer handbag, they have always been just out of my price range. Kate Spade bags are reasonably affordable compared to the really big designers, but still! $400 for a bag? Just not in my budget!
But for fun, we stopped in since it was an outlet store. Guess what? They had diaper bags!!! I never dreamed! They all come with matching changing pads inside, which is so cute. The sales lady showed me several options (all on sale) and I finally picked out the one I loved the most! Bye bye Ju Ju Be, I bought myself a Kate Spade Serena Baby Bag!!!! George said "You earned it". Hehe, I heart him! The bag was 30% off an already outlet priced bag, and I couldn't be happier. I ended up getting for about the same price as the Ju Ju Be bag, which was a steal. Here are some pics. The pics really don't do the bag justice, but I know it's going to be perfect. The outside is black nylon and will go with anything, but also be super easy to just wipe off and clean. The inside is the most amazing green color. There are tons of great pockets for all the little things and the matching changing pad. Here are some pics (I posted one of my own first, but it didn't look as good as it looks in person, so I found a better pic online, haha):
Love, love love! Okay, I know that's a lot about the bag, but I'm super excited to have bought my first designer bag and that it's a baby bag!! I know I'll use it for years as Andrew grows.
Meanwhile, I am now 26 weeks pregnant! Here's my most recent baby bump pic:
George took this out on the balcony of our hotel room :). The ocean is in the background, haha. Trust me, it's there somewhere :P. Nothing much else to report except that things are going well. Almost to my third trimester, eek!! So much happiness and exciting things going on.
The pool was awesome, btw. After weeks of just feeling so big and unbalanced (I'm pretty sure I've actually started waddling :P), it was great to be weightless for a little while. George got in the hot tub, but of course, it was way too hot for me to use. I did put my feet in for a short time, but that was all. The beach was a little bit cold, but we were able to get in a few great relaxing walks in between writing sprints here and there, which was nice.
It's so hard to believe there will be a tiny baby in our lives in less than 100 days! 96 days now until my due date, which is just insane. Things are going to change so much, and right now I just feel like we're hovering on the edge of it. It's exciting, but terrifying both. Mostly exciting though!!
Oh, and guess what? I had originally picked out a Ju Ju Be BFF diaper bag in Cobalt Blossoms. I do love this bag, here's a pic:
But for fun, we stopped in since it was an outlet store. Guess what? They had diaper bags!!! I never dreamed! They all come with matching changing pads inside, which is so cute. The sales lady showed me several options (all on sale) and I finally picked out the one I loved the most! Bye bye Ju Ju Be, I bought myself a Kate Spade Serena Baby Bag!!!! George said "You earned it". Hehe, I heart him! The bag was 30% off an already outlet priced bag, and I couldn't be happier. I ended up getting for about the same price as the Ju Ju Be bag, which was a steal. Here are some pics. The pics really don't do the bag justice, but I know it's going to be perfect. The outside is black nylon and will go with anything, but also be super easy to just wipe off and clean. The inside is the most amazing green color. There are tons of great pockets for all the little things and the matching changing pad. Here are some pics (I posted one of my own first, but it didn't look as good as it looks in person, so I found a better pic online, haha):
Love, love love! Okay, I know that's a lot about the bag, but I'm super excited to have bought my first designer bag and that it's a baby bag!! I know I'll use it for years as Andrew grows.
Meanwhile, I am now 26 weeks pregnant! Here's my most recent baby bump pic:
Friday, March 9, 2012
Beach Weekend!
Life has been a bit overwhelming lately, to say the least. It's so hard to run your own business and be creative while going through pregnancy. I'm not complaining. Trust me, I'm a very happy Sarra these days. I'm just not getting enough done writing-wise. I need something to help focus my mind on my book, so George and I are heading to Myrtle Beach for the weekend for a little mini-writing retreat. This has worked for me in the past, so I'm praying it works again. I'm setting a huge word count goal of 12,000 words, so wish me luck!
The resort we're going to has an indoor pool, and I'm so excited about it! After some good writing, I can go be weightless in the pool for a little bit. It's going to feel so good! Too bad I can't get in the hot tub, but maybe I can dip a toe in while George enjoys the heat. And let me tell you - shaving my legs for the new maternity bathing suit I just bought was like a freaking Olympic sport this morning, LOL. Oh well, the joys of pregnancy, haha.
We're just about all packed up and ready to head out, so I'll be unplugging for the weekend and enjoying some time away. I've had some queasy stomach issues since being put back on the Metformin, so I'm hoping to avoid too much nausea over the weekend. Meanwhile, happy 26 weeks to baby Andrew! Can't believe I'm so close to the third trimester! It's really starting to sink in that I have a limited time to get some things done before he comes! So here's to a great weekend of getting some writing done so I can be one step closer to finishing my series.
The resort we're going to has an indoor pool, and I'm so excited about it! After some good writing, I can go be weightless in the pool for a little bit. It's going to feel so good! Too bad I can't get in the hot tub, but maybe I can dip a toe in while George enjoys the heat. And let me tell you - shaving my legs for the new maternity bathing suit I just bought was like a freaking Olympic sport this morning, LOL. Oh well, the joys of pregnancy, haha.
We're just about all packed up and ready to head out, so I'll be unplugging for the weekend and enjoying some time away. I've had some queasy stomach issues since being put back on the Metformin, so I'm hoping to avoid too much nausea over the weekend. Meanwhile, happy 26 weeks to baby Andrew! Can't believe I'm so close to the third trimester! It's really starting to sink in that I have a limited time to get some things done before he comes! So here's to a great weekend of getting some writing done so I can be one step closer to finishing my series.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Renovations Before Baby!
I'm not sure this is what they meant by nesting, but George and I are getting ready to do some pretty major updates to our little townhome! I'm so incredibly excited. I've been daydreaming a lot and on the phone with my brother and my dear friend Cass for advice on what materials to choose. Here are some preview pictures of what we've chosen:
Oak flooring all downstairs. The entire entryway, the half bath, and the living room/dining room area. My brother is going to come up and install it for us. Right now, the area is carpeted and it's old and stained. I can't wait to have something new and beautiful in there!! It's going to open the whole room up for us!
Most of our furniture is dark espresso and dark brown leather, which I think will be beautiful with this light colored flooring. We might pick out a nice big rug to go under the couch area as well. Right now, our walls in the living room are caramel colored and our dining room is cranberry red. I'm so excited to see how the new floors look with the paint colors.
We also hope to find a comfy recliner to put in the living room for me to rock and feed baby Andrew!
This tile here is actually just the vinyl flooring we've chosen for the kitchen floors. Right now, there's an awful white flooring that has some places that have come up or are damaged. I think this darker color will really look amazing! I wish we could afford real tile, but for now, this will be great. A huge improvement for sure.
Below is the picture of the new countertops we have chosen. The color is travertine, which is creamy with a stream of golden color going through it. Douglas, my brother, is going to front the counters with wood to make them look even nicer.
Our cabinets are plain white, and I don't really want to repaint them. I have been thinking of possibly painting the rest of the kitchen though. I just haven't picked a color yet! It will have to be something that looks good with the colors in the flooring and the counters, but that also will be good when we go to sell the house. Any ideas?
Our renovation will also move upstairs, but there won't be as much work to do up there. Mostly, we are just going to have the carpets up there cleaned professionally, then we'll paint the nursery and maybe our bedroom. It seems like an awful lot of work to get done before the baby comes in June!
June seems like it's still a good ways away, but when you really think about it, it's just around the corner. Only 102 days left!! So hard to believe how fast time has flown by. I hope we can get it all done in time! Eek! Apart from the things to do here around the house (and all the things we still need to buy), I also have a book to finish!! I'm not even halfway through the rough draft just yet, so there is tons to do there as well. Definitely a very happy, busy time in the Bittmann household!!
Oak flooring all downstairs. The entire entryway, the half bath, and the living room/dining room area. My brother is going to come up and install it for us. Right now, the area is carpeted and it's old and stained. I can't wait to have something new and beautiful in there!! It's going to open the whole room up for us!
Most of our furniture is dark espresso and dark brown leather, which I think will be beautiful with this light colored flooring. We might pick out a nice big rug to go under the couch area as well. Right now, our walls in the living room are caramel colored and our dining room is cranberry red. I'm so excited to see how the new floors look with the paint colors.
We also hope to find a comfy recliner to put in the living room for me to rock and feed baby Andrew!
Below is the picture of the new countertops we have chosen. The color is travertine, which is creamy with a stream of golden color going through it. Douglas, my brother, is going to front the counters with wood to make them look even nicer.
Our cabinets are plain white, and I don't really want to repaint them. I have been thinking of possibly painting the rest of the kitchen though. I just haven't picked a color yet! It will have to be something that looks good with the colors in the flooring and the counters, but that also will be good when we go to sell the house. Any ideas?Our renovation will also move upstairs, but there won't be as much work to do up there. Mostly, we are just going to have the carpets up there cleaned professionally, then we'll paint the nursery and maybe our bedroom. It seems like an awful lot of work to get done before the baby comes in June!
June seems like it's still a good ways away, but when you really think about it, it's just around the corner. Only 102 days left!! So hard to believe how fast time has flown by. I hope we can get it all done in time! Eek! Apart from the things to do here around the house (and all the things we still need to buy), I also have a book to finish!! I'm not even halfway through the rough draft just yet, so there is tons to do there as well. Definitely a very happy, busy time in the Bittmann household!!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
25 Week Update!
Wow, I have gotten way behind on my blogging! There is so much to talk about. I'm 25 weeks already!! I can't believe I only have about 100 days left before I am a mommy. How cool is that? This is going to be a somewhat long post since I'm covering some major time away. A couple of weeks ago, my sister, sister-in-law, a great family friend, and my mom all threw me a beautiful baby shower, and it was so much fun. I honestly was overwhelmed by all the love and support from friends and family who attended. And we definitely got 'showered' with gifts! Here are a couple of pics from the shower:
I had a great trip home to Georgia, but now it's back to reality, hehe. Oh! I met with my new doctor for the first time this past week, and she is AMAZING! I couldn't be happier that I did the work of finding a new doctor that was going to be an advocate for me instead of someone I was constantly arguing with over my care. As a result of our first appointment, I am now back on Metformin and having some queasiness as I deal with getting readjusted to the meds. I know in the long run it's going to help me get my sugars under control, so I know it's all worth it.
So now for my 25 week update:
My Baby This Week: Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture. (From www.babycenter.com)
Weight Gain: I'm up about 15 pounds now, which is a little over where I should be, but that's okay. I feel healthy and the baby is growing right on schedule!
Baby Bump:
Sleep: Getting tougher! I have to get up a lot at night to go to the bathroom, hehe. And this week was particularly hard with the nausea from the Metformin, ugh. Hopefully it will get better very quickly.
Best Moment of the Week: Meeting with my new doctor. It was like a breath of fresh air! I actually hugged her before I left!
Movement: Andrew is moving around so much now! I LOVE IT!!! He's especially squirmy at night when I lay down. It's the coolest feeling in the world and makes me smile every single time he moves.
Food Cravings: Everything sweet! It's like the second you tell me I can't have it, it's all I want, lol. I'm also craving french fries. As soon as the baby is born, someone better be bringing me french fries in the hospital, haha.
What I Miss: Sleeping through the night without having to get up three times to use the bathroom.
What I'm Looking Forward to: Holding my baby in my arms!! I know I still have several months left, but I am so excited to meet the little guy.
Weekly Wisdom: This is such a happy and unique time in your life. Enjoy the happy moments and don't let stress interfere with your happiness.
Milestones: Even though I hope and pray Andrew will stay put for another 14 or 15 weeks, it's good to know that he's reached a stage where if he were born now, he would have a very good chance of survival.
Emotions: Every time my baby moves or I look down at my growing belly, I feel so happy and truly blessed.
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| The hostesses! |
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| Yummy food! |
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| How cute is this cake?? OMG, I loved it! I really wish I could have eaten it, haha. I just was able to have a small bite. |
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| The beautiful and touching sign my father made for Andrew's room. |
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| Me and my mom after the shower!! |
So now for my 25 week update:
My Baby This Week: Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture. (From www.babycenter.com)
Weight Gain: I'm up about 15 pounds now, which is a little over where I should be, but that's okay. I feel healthy and the baby is growing right on schedule!
Baby Bump:
Best Moment of the Week: Meeting with my new doctor. It was like a breath of fresh air! I actually hugged her before I left!
Movement: Andrew is moving around so much now! I LOVE IT!!! He's especially squirmy at night when I lay down. It's the coolest feeling in the world and makes me smile every single time he moves.
Food Cravings: Everything sweet! It's like the second you tell me I can't have it, it's all I want, lol. I'm also craving french fries. As soon as the baby is born, someone better be bringing me french fries in the hospital, haha.
What I Miss: Sleeping through the night without having to get up three times to use the bathroom.
What I'm Looking Forward to: Holding my baby in my arms!! I know I still have several months left, but I am so excited to meet the little guy.
Weekly Wisdom: This is such a happy and unique time in your life. Enjoy the happy moments and don't let stress interfere with your happiness.
Milestones: Even though I hope and pray Andrew will stay put for another 14 or 15 weeks, it's good to know that he's reached a stage where if he were born now, he would have a very good chance of survival.
Emotions: Every time my baby moves or I look down at my growing belly, I feel so happy and truly blessed.
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