December 24, 2011
December 20, 2011
Christmas is coming!
We're really looking forward to Christmas and family coming to visit! And we know all those family members would love if Baby Wynne made a Christmas appearance while they're in town!
We are full-term now (37 weeks) , so a delivery at anytime would be OK, but I think Ryan and I are hoping for an early January arrival!
We are full-term now (37 weeks) , so a delivery at anytime would be OK, but I think Ryan and I are hoping for an early January arrival!
(Thanks Aunt Kimmy for the adorable tree ornament!)
December 19, 2011
Baby Bump Week 36
My initial reaction when I saw this week's photos was: "Wow, am I really that big!?!"
I guess that is a good thing, because I don't feel totally huge (most of the time!).
So here are the "normal clothes" and "black dress" photos.
(click on the "bump" label on the right to see photos from week 20 on! Crazy!)
I guess that is a good thing, because I don't feel totally huge (most of the time!).
So here are the "normal clothes" and "black dress" photos.
(click on the "bump" label on the right to see photos from week 20 on! Crazy!)
 |
| Week 36 Baby Bump |
 |
| Week 36 Baby Bump |
 |
| Week 36 Baby Bump |
December 18, 2011
Dr appts Week 36
Two doctor appointments in one day. Sigh.
The early morning appointment was with the perinataologist. These are my favorite! This is when we get to see Baby Wynne (of course, the whole point is to measure size, not have a photo shoot, but we enjoy the viewing much more than the measuring!). Ryan was even able to come with me!
We watched Baby Wynne for a good 20 minutes while the tech took measurements and printed out some photos for us (the best ones are below). Baby Wynne mostly slept during the ultrasound, despite being awake all morning up till that point. As usual, he/she was a bit stubborn and faced away from us (toward my back) for most of our show, but then gave us a glimpse of the face near the end.
The tech was able to get a lot of good measurements and let us guess an estimated weight. At first, I said 20lbs (because I am feeling like poor Baby Wynne is squished in there!) and then I seriously guess 7lbs -- and was right on! Based mainly on measurements of Baby Wynne's belly and head, the tech is pretty confident that she/he weighs 7lbs. This is given with a +/- 1lb differential (meaning the baby could really weigh 6lbs or 8lbs), but the tech tried to convince us that she is usually right with her estimates.
So ... more than 3 weeks of growing left and Baby Wynne weighs 7lbs!!!
Based on these measurements, if Baby Wynne doesn't come on her/his own, it is likely we will be induced before the official due date (of January 11th).
On to the second appointment of the day, this time with my regular OB. As always, it was busy and I waited for a while, then got shoved into a tiny little ultrasound room for the whole appointment. They did the typical measurements (heartrate, blood pressure, my weight, etc) and then had to do a few other tests that are standard at 36 weeks. They did an internal exam to swab for Group B Step bacteria (which will be treated with antibiotics if it comes back positive) and took some blood. The also checked Baby Wynne's position (head down!) and my cervix (good times!). The doctor also confirmed that it is unlikely they will let us go until the official due date since Baby Wynne is measuring so big right now.
I will now be going weekly to the OB to get checked right up until Baby Wynne arrives!
The early morning appointment was with the perinataologist. These are my favorite! This is when we get to see Baby Wynne (of course, the whole point is to measure size, not have a photo shoot, but we enjoy the viewing much more than the measuring!). Ryan was even able to come with me!
We watched Baby Wynne for a good 20 minutes while the tech took measurements and printed out some photos for us (the best ones are below). Baby Wynne mostly slept during the ultrasound, despite being awake all morning up till that point. As usual, he/she was a bit stubborn and faced away from us (toward my back) for most of our show, but then gave us a glimpse of the face near the end.
The tech was able to get a lot of good measurements and let us guess an estimated weight. At first, I said 20lbs (because I am feeling like poor Baby Wynne is squished in there!) and then I seriously guess 7lbs -- and was right on! Based mainly on measurements of Baby Wynne's belly and head, the tech is pretty confident that she/he weighs 7lbs. This is given with a +/- 1lb differential (meaning the baby could really weigh 6lbs or 8lbs), but the tech tried to convince us that she is usually right with her estimates.
So ... more than 3 weeks of growing left and Baby Wynne weighs 7lbs!!!
Based on these measurements, if Baby Wynne doesn't come on her/his own, it is likely we will be induced before the official due date (of January 11th).
On to the second appointment of the day, this time with my regular OB. As always, it was busy and I waited for a while, then got shoved into a tiny little ultrasound room for the whole appointment. They did the typical measurements (heartrate, blood pressure, my weight, etc) and then had to do a few other tests that are standard at 36 weeks. They did an internal exam to swab for Group B Step bacteria (which will be treated with antibiotics if it comes back positive) and took some blood. The also checked Baby Wynne's position (head down!) and my cervix (good times!). The doctor also confirmed that it is unlikely they will let us go until the official due date since Baby Wynne is measuring so big right now.
I will now be going weekly to the OB to get checked right up until Baby Wynne arrives!
MEASUREMENTS:
Mommy's Weight Gain: +2 lbs (6lbs total)
Mommy's Weight Gain: +2 lbs (6lbs total)
Cervix: Not dilate or effaced at all yet!
Baby's Heartrate: 165 bpm (in the morning) and 130bpm (in the afternoon)
Baby's Estimated Weight: 7lbs (82nd percentile)
Baby's Estimated Weight: 7lbs (82nd percentile)
 |
| More weird 4D ultrasounds ... but Baby Wynne is just so cute! Week 36 |
 |
| Week 36, 4D cute little face |
 |
| A more traditional ultrasounds shot of the left side of the face and some little hands! |
 |
| Apparently Baby Wynne has a full head of hair!! |
Little hiccups
Baby Wynne's new favorite activity -- hiccups!
At least 3 times a day (sometimes more!), I feel Baby Wynne hiccuping like crazy!
It happens at all times of day and night and can last for a few seconds or about 5 minutes! So far today, Baby Wynne had hiccups at 4:45am, 11am, 3pm and 4:30pm.
Cute. But totally weird too.
My whole belly moves ... even Ryan could see it! ... and Baby Wynne usually starts shifting around, as if trying to get comfortable.
There's not too much scientific information out there about fetal hiccups, but no one seems to be concerned about it. Like in adults, it is a spasm of the diaphragm. In unborn babies, some doctors think hiccuping is one way babies practice breathing and strengthen the muscle to do so.
I have also read that there is a correlation between hiccups in the womb and newborns that hiccup! So we'll have to see if Baby Wynne is a hiccuping little newborn!
At least 3 times a day (sometimes more!), I feel Baby Wynne hiccuping like crazy!
It happens at all times of day and night and can last for a few seconds or about 5 minutes! So far today, Baby Wynne had hiccups at 4:45am, 11am, 3pm and 4:30pm.
Cute. But totally weird too.
My whole belly moves ... even Ryan could see it! ... and Baby Wynne usually starts shifting around, as if trying to get comfortable.
There's not too much scientific information out there about fetal hiccups, but no one seems to be concerned about it. Like in adults, it is a spasm of the diaphragm. In unborn babies, some doctors think hiccuping is one way babies practice breathing and strengthen the muscle to do so.
I have also read that there is a correlation between hiccups in the womb and newborns that hiccup! So we'll have to see if Baby Wynne is a hiccuping little newborn!
December 14, 2011
Dr appt Week 35 -- virtual edition
Another email/phone call "appointment" with my GD dietitian.
During this 2-week span, I have noticed that my glucose levels have gone up a bit. Not much (still below the "threshold" most of the time), but consistently higher. I haven't changed my diet at all, so I was slightly concerned.
Now that we're getting so much further along, I have found sleeping to be a little more difficult. I do go to the bathroom pretty often, but I also struggle falling asleep because it's just hard to get comfortable. Also, with the last weeks of work, I am still up at 5:30am, regardless of how little sleep I get!
This reduction in sleep apparently may be one reason why my glucose levels went up. Sleep = good! :)
Also, I guess it's not uncommon for insulin resistance (which is what GD is) to increase as the pregnancy goes on. We only have a month left, so the insulin resistance may continue to increase as the baby grows and I put on another couple pounds!
The dietitian was full of assurances that this is all normal and I shouldn't worry. She suggested a bit more walking around and more sleep! Nap time sounds great to me! :)
Two more (real) doctor appointments this week ... and then at least one appointment a week until Baby Wynne arrives! We're really getting close now!
During this 2-week span, I have noticed that my glucose levels have gone up a bit. Not much (still below the "threshold" most of the time), but consistently higher. I haven't changed my diet at all, so I was slightly concerned.
Now that we're getting so much further along, I have found sleeping to be a little more difficult. I do go to the bathroom pretty often, but I also struggle falling asleep because it's just hard to get comfortable. Also, with the last weeks of work, I am still up at 5:30am, regardless of how little sleep I get!
This reduction in sleep apparently may be one reason why my glucose levels went up. Sleep = good! :)
Also, I guess it's not uncommon for insulin resistance (which is what GD is) to increase as the pregnancy goes on. We only have a month left, so the insulin resistance may continue to increase as the baby grows and I put on another couple pounds!
The dietitian was full of assurances that this is all normal and I shouldn't worry. She suggested a bit more walking around and more sleep! Nap time sounds great to me! :)
Two more (real) doctor appointments this week ... and then at least one appointment a week until Baby Wynne arrives! We're really getting close now!
December 11, 2011
December 5, 2011
Baby Bump Week 34
The weeks seem to be getting shorter as Baby Wynne is getting bigger!
Here are this week's baby bump pictures!
As always, a "normal clothes" and some "black dress" photos!
Here are this week's baby bump pictures!
As always, a "normal clothes" and some "black dress" photos!
 |
| Week 34 Baby Bump |
 |
| Week 34 Baby Bump |
 |
| Week 34 Baby Bump |
December 4, 2011
Certified for Birth!
As you probably know, Ryan and I have spent the vast majority of our life in school. Collecting degrees and now helping others collect degrees. So the debate for taking a birthing class came to an end when we found out we got an actual certificate (too bad Ryan's name isn't spelled correctly!)!
In addition to getting a new "diploma", we also learned a bit about the birthing process.
Well, I do want to say that we knew a lot of the stuff already. We've read a lot of pregnancy books. Our friends have all had lots of babies. And we're biologists, so we know a bit about the actual process of it, like the stages and the hormones involved, all the anatomy of it, how the drugs work, etc. That part wasn't as helpful for us as it may have been for others, but there were some terms that we learned to describe things that we didn't know previously. It's good to know the terms used by the nurses.
I think the most valuable portion of the class was the hospital tour and learning how things worked. It made me feel a bit more comfortable for when we actually have to go there for "the big day". I am not someone that feels comfortable at a hospital. All of my hospital visits have been to see friends or family members that were very sick. Hospitals are "bad" places in my mind. They make me anxious ... the smell ... the thought of germs ... yuck.
But our maternity ward is nice! It smelled very clean!! And it was bright and sunny. Nice views of the river! Our own private room (for delivery and recovery)! Lots of nice nurses, everyone is friendly and helpful. We found out where to check-in, where to park, what to do. It made me (and Ryan) feel more prepared and less anxious. Definitely worth taking the class!
On an interesting side note, we were one of two couples that took the Saturday class. The other couple -- a woman with a PhD in physics and her husband who is finishing his PhD in physics at the University of Rochester. She grew up in Ontario (not too far from Buffalo) and he grew up near Ryan's hometown in PA. Seriously ridiculous. It really is a small world!
Now that we're officially certified, I feel like we're ready for the birth of Baby Wynne. Of course, I hope Baby Wynne waits at least 3 more weeks!!
December 2, 2011
Dr appt Week 34
Another (surprisingly quick) appointment with my normal OB. I actually met with the doctor this time and not just the PA. It was especially quiet at the office today, so she wasn't even as rush and frazzled as they usually are at my practice!
Just the same old stuff ... weight, urine, blood pressure, heartrate. Nothing exciting -- which I am happy with!
Next appointments are in 2 weeks (yay!)!
MEASUREMENTS:
Mommy's Weight Gain: 0 lbs (4 lbs total)
Baby's Heartrate: 145 bpm
Just the same old stuff ... weight, urine, blood pressure, heartrate. Nothing exciting -- which I am happy with!
Next appointments are in 2 weeks (yay!)!
MEASUREMENTS:
Mommy's Weight Gain: 0 lbs (4 lbs total)
Baby's Heartrate: 145 bpm
November 30, 2011
Baby Wynne will be here before we know it!
Just 6 weeks until Baby Wynne's due date!!
And it seems like just yesterday that I was peeing on a stick ....
And it seems like just yesterday that I was peeing on a stick ....
November 29, 2011
Dr appt Week 33 -- virtual edition
As part of the GD, I am supposed to meet with a diabetes nurse and dietitian. I met with the dietitian during my Week 31 appointment (for less than 10 minutes) and we agreed that there was no need for me to come in again as long as I emailed my weekly logs of diet and glucose readings (yay!).
This morning I sent off the last 2 weeks of data to the dietitian and nurse for them to check over.
The reply:
"keep up the good work!"
I hope that all continues to go well with the GD over the last weeks of the pregnancy.
I also hope that my insurance company and I were not billed for this "appointment".
This morning I sent off the last 2 weeks of data to the dietitian and nurse for them to check over.
The reply:
"keep up the good work!"
I hope that all continues to go well with the GD over the last weeks of the pregnancy.
I also hope that my insurance company and I were not billed for this "appointment".
If the uterus is rocking ...
I have never been pregnant before, so I am unsure how much babies move around, but let me tell you, Baby Wynne likes to dance.
For the past 3 days, this kid has been dancing like crazy! Which is funny, because all weekend I kept waiting for a dance party so my mother-in-law could feel the baby -- and Baby Wynne was very chill (maybe all the turkey tryptophan?). But since Sunday, it has been non-stop dance party! Like a 3-day rave or something!
Maybe this just happens at this time of the pregnancy (is 33-weeks the start of the dance party phase)? Maybe because the baby is so big now and there's less room to move freely without bumping my abdomen walls or stomach or bladder?
It doesn't hurt (though the bladder hits are fun times!), but I find it very distracting! Mid-lecture on the nervous system today, I get a huge kick to the left side. Then, while sitting at my desk talking to a student, a 15-minute freak-out. It's just weird, because I am very distracted, but obviously the people around me have no idea what is going on. I probably just have a weird look on my face as I lose my train of thought ...
Baby Wynne isn't even born yet, and I find myself thinking (and saying out loud at home) "Not now Baby Wynne, Mommy is busy! Give her a minute to finish!".
For the past 3 days, this kid has been dancing like crazy! Which is funny, because all weekend I kept waiting for a dance party so my mother-in-law could feel the baby -- and Baby Wynne was very chill (maybe all the turkey tryptophan?). But since Sunday, it has been non-stop dance party! Like a 3-day rave or something!
Maybe this just happens at this time of the pregnancy (is 33-weeks the start of the dance party phase)? Maybe because the baby is so big now and there's less room to move freely without bumping my abdomen walls or stomach or bladder?
It doesn't hurt (though the bladder hits are fun times!), but I find it very distracting! Mid-lecture on the nervous system today, I get a huge kick to the left side. Then, while sitting at my desk talking to a student, a 15-minute freak-out. It's just weird, because I am very distracted, but obviously the people around me have no idea what is going on. I probably just have a weird look on my face as I lose my train of thought ...
Baby Wynne isn't even born yet, and I find myself thinking (and saying out loud at home) "Not now Baby Wynne, Mommy is busy! Give her a minute to finish!".
November 27, 2011
Dr appt Week 33
Another visit with the perinatalogist. We go to this specialist to get ultrasound measurements of Baby Wynne to be sure that the Gestational Diabetes (GD) is not affecting growth (some GD babies get too big, which can cause problems).
This is truthfully my favorite doctor to visit because we get to watch Baby Wynne on a big TV screen for 20-30 minutes while the ultrasound technician tries to get measurements of our stubborn baby (who doesn't like to turn at the correct angle for the majority of the measurements needed!).
I was also happy that Ryan was able to make it to this appointment and enjoy the show. The techs always love when Ryan is there to ask questions! And Ryan kept asking for photos so this tech printed out so many for us!
All is great with Baby Wynne! Everything looked good and she/he is not too big yet. The tech predicts that Baby Wynne will be a bit over 8lbs if she/he arrives full-term. This is a bit larger than average, but totally what I expected given family history. The doctor was happy with the measurements and with how I am managing my GD diet.
We go back for another appointment during Week 36 (which may be the last with the specialist before Baby Wynne shows up!).
MEASUREMENTS:
Baby's Heartrate: 150 bpm
Baby's Estimated Weight: 5lbs 4oz (60th percentile)
Baby's Heartrate: 150 bpm
Baby's Estimated Weight: 5lbs 4oz (60th percentile)
 |
| Side view ultrasound of Baby Wynne's face! Week 33 |
 |
| Creepy 4D ultrasound of left eye and part of right hand (and umbilical cord?) |
 |
| Creepy 4D ultrasound of left eye and part of right arm |
 |
| Still a bit creepy, but cutest 4D sonogram of Baby Wynne, with cute left eye and cute little nose! |
Baby Bump Week 32
Baby Wynne is definitely getting bigger!
I am finding that some spaces in our small NYC apartment and my small office are now a tight squeeze for me and the baby bump! :)
I am finding that some spaces in our small NYC apartment and my small office are now a tight squeeze for me and the baby bump! :)
These photos were taken at the end of week 32 (life is so busy) and I had Ryan take them earlier in the day so I looked less tired (I don't want you all thinking that I always look like a zombie!)!
Only 3 or 4 more baby bump photos left to take!
 |
| Week 32 Baby Bump |
 |
| Week 32 Baby Bump |
 |
| Week 32 Baby Bump |
November 24, 2011
November 19, 2011
Commonly Asked Questions #5
Now that we're quickly approaching the arrival of Baby Wynne, the question we get the most (after the one about the sex of the baby and the due date) is:
"Do you have names picked out for the baby?"
Answer: Yes, we do!
As my friend Becky pointed out, we bought the crib bedding before we were married, so of course we have discussed names!
And we will share those names soon (I promise), but first, I wanted to share sort of a secondary name question:
"What will the last name of the baby be?"
Answer: Wynne
For some reason, this surprised me. Some of you might wonder why this question is even asked. Well, I technically haven't changed my name yet since we got married. Yes, I know we got married 11 months ago. At work, I go by Snekser (my maiden name) for academic reasons. I always meant to take Ryan's name too, but just haven't legally done so. Ryan honestly doesn't care whether or not I take his name. He understands why I am hesitant to change my name.
I always just planned to give our child Ryan's last name. I never really thought otherwise. Not Snekser Wynne, like me. Just Wynne. I think it is fine when kids have their mom's last name, but not their dad's -- though this often occurs with young mothers or single mothers and is not as common in our situation. I just think it will be easier if Ryan and Baby Wynne have the same last name. If my name is a little different, I think people will understand.
I guess I just didn't expect other people to think about it! I appreciate it though -- makes me think that people would have been understanding if we had decided on a non-traditional last name!
I promise -- we'll share the first names soon!!!
"Do you have names picked out for the baby?"
Answer: Yes, we do!
As my friend Becky pointed out, we bought the crib bedding before we were married, so of course we have discussed names!
And we will share those names soon (I promise), but first, I wanted to share sort of a secondary name question:
"What will the last name of the baby be?"
Answer: Wynne
For some reason, this surprised me. Some of you might wonder why this question is even asked. Well, I technically haven't changed my name yet since we got married. Yes, I know we got married 11 months ago. At work, I go by Snekser (my maiden name) for academic reasons. I always meant to take Ryan's name too, but just haven't legally done so. Ryan honestly doesn't care whether or not I take his name. He understands why I am hesitant to change my name.
I always just planned to give our child Ryan's last name. I never really thought otherwise. Not Snekser Wynne, like me. Just Wynne. I think it is fine when kids have their mom's last name, but not their dad's -- though this often occurs with young mothers or single mothers and is not as common in our situation. I just think it will be easier if Ryan and Baby Wynne have the same last name. If my name is a little different, I think people will understand.
I guess I just didn't expect other people to think about it! I appreciate it though -- makes me think that people would have been understanding if we had decided on a non-traditional last name!
I promise -- we'll share the first names soon!!!
November 18, 2011
Dr appt Week 32
A surprising doctor's visit -- because I actually got in and out in less than 30 minutes! A first!
Just the typical stuff ... questions, blood pressure, weight, baby's heart rate. A few follow-up questions about the GD. Nothing exciting. They all seemed impressed with the lack of complaints and the lack of issues (no swelling, no contractions, no problems with GD).
I will now be at the doctor's every 2 weeks (plus all of my GD check-ups), so we're getting close to the end!
MEASUREMENTS:
Mommy's Weight Gain: -2 lbs (4 lbs total)
Baby's Heartrate: 150bpm
Just the typical stuff ... questions, blood pressure, weight, baby's heart rate. A few follow-up questions about the GD. Nothing exciting. They all seemed impressed with the lack of complaints and the lack of issues (no swelling, no contractions, no problems with GD).
I will now be at the doctor's every 2 weeks (plus all of my GD check-ups), so we're getting close to the end!
MEASUREMENTS:
Mommy's Weight Gain: -2 lbs (4 lbs total)
Baby's Heartrate: 150bpm
November 17, 2011
Dr appts Week 31
The pregnancy has been great, so I really can't complain. But in Week 29 I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes (GD). I was not surprised, as I had a few risk factors (overweight, runs in my family), but still disappointed. I feel totally fine, but it is a worry and I must now be monitored to make sure Baby Wynne is fine.
This monitoring involves a lot of doctors and in the last week, I have been to two appointments: one with a diabetes nurse and one with a nutritionist. Both are at a hospital about 25 minutes from my house (and over an hour from work).
I met with the nurse first to get started testing the glucose level in my blood. That whole finger pricking thing. I was set-up with a food diary and I now write down everything I eat and test my glucose level an hour after every meal. Easy stuff. She explained it all to me ...very ... slowly. Does she not realize she is asking a scientist to collect data?? Hello! This is actually almost exciting for me! :)
Basically, I need to avoid super sugary foods (cookies, ice cream, chocolate, candy, syrups, etc) and super refined carbs (think white bread and white pasta). Seriously -- not a problem. We don't really eat that stuff anyway. I may be the only pregnant woman that does not crave ice cream.
So all week I wrote everything down and only had one "high" glucose reading. I then emailed my food diary to the dietitian to review before my appointment with her.
I show up for my appointment (after leaving work early and driving through NYC traffic for 1.5 hours) and meet with the dietitian for about 8 minutes. She basically says "good job" and sends me on my way. Sigh.
The good news is that all is well and I can just continue on my current diet and Baby Wynne should be OK. No medications and hopefully no more appointments with the nurse or dietitian (we are going to communicate via email and phone!).
No new Baby Wynne statistics for you, but I do have yet another appointment tomorrow. And then another one next week with the perinatalogist to have another ultrasound and check Baby Wynne's size.
Seeing Baby Wynne will be a very nice Thanksgiving present for Ryan and me!
This monitoring involves a lot of doctors and in the last week, I have been to two appointments: one with a diabetes nurse and one with a nutritionist. Both are at a hospital about 25 minutes from my house (and over an hour from work).
I met with the nurse first to get started testing the glucose level in my blood. That whole finger pricking thing. I was set-up with a food diary and I now write down everything I eat and test my glucose level an hour after every meal. Easy stuff. She explained it all to me ...very ... slowly. Does she not realize she is asking a scientist to collect data?? Hello! This is actually almost exciting for me! :)
Basically, I need to avoid super sugary foods (cookies, ice cream, chocolate, candy, syrups, etc) and super refined carbs (think white bread and white pasta). Seriously -- not a problem. We don't really eat that stuff anyway. I may be the only pregnant woman that does not crave ice cream.
So all week I wrote everything down and only had one "high" glucose reading. I then emailed my food diary to the dietitian to review before my appointment with her.
I show up for my appointment (after leaving work early and driving through NYC traffic for 1.5 hours) and meet with the dietitian for about 8 minutes. She basically says "good job" and sends me on my way. Sigh.
The good news is that all is well and I can just continue on my current diet and Baby Wynne should be OK. No medications and hopefully no more appointments with the nurse or dietitian (we are going to communicate via email and phone!).
No new Baby Wynne statistics for you, but I do have yet another appointment tomorrow. And then another one next week with the perinatalogist to have another ultrasound and check Baby Wynne's size.
Seeing Baby Wynne will be a very nice Thanksgiving present for Ryan and me!
November 13, 2011
A note on Health Insurance, Pre-approvals, Doctor Referrals, and a complete lack of Customer Service
All things listed in the title of this post could really be on a list entitled
"The things that have annoyed me most about being pregnant"
or
"The annoying things about pregnancy that I did not anticipate"
or
"Why the Wynnes might move to Canada someday"
I could write a novel about each, but, for now, I just wanted to let you know that all is great with Baby Wynne despite the new constant run-around for Mommy!
"The things that have annoyed me most about being pregnant"
or
"The annoying things about pregnancy that I did not anticipate"
or
"Why the Wynnes might move to Canada someday"
I could write a novel about each, but, for now, I just wanted to let you know that all is great with Baby Wynne despite the new constant run-around for Mommy!
November 11, 2011
November 6, 2011
Baby Bump Week 30
We are in Week 30!!!
Oh my, 10 weeks or less left until Baby Wynne makes an appearance!
Here are the "normal clothes" and "black dress" photos:
(Note: Ryan needs to stop taking these photos after a long day of work/dr appointments! I feel like I look so tired!!)
Oh my, 10 weeks or less left until Baby Wynne makes an appearance!
Here are the "normal clothes" and "black dress" photos:
(Note: Ryan needs to stop taking these photos after a long day of work/dr appointments! I feel like I look so tired!!)
 |
| Week 30 Baby Bump |
 |
| Week 30 Baby Bump |
 |
| Week 30 Baby Bump |
Baby Wynne loves a good wedding!
Happy Wedding to two of our very favorite people -- Natalia & Luke!
Baby Wynne had a great time, and especially liked the trumpet at church and the music all night long. While I only made it out on the dance floor a few times, Baby Wynne danced all day! Obviously she/he is very excited that our friends are now hitched!
Congratulations Uncle Luke & Aunt Natalia!
 |
| Week 30 Baby Bump Wedding edition! |
November 3, 2011
Dr appt Week 30
The only perk of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes is getting to go for a few extra ultrasounds and seeing Baby Wynne!
Today I got to see Baby Wynne for quite a while as the tech tried to get lots of measurements (she was even nice enough to tell me to close my eyes so I wouldn't see if it was a boy or girl!). It's fun just watching Baby Wynne as she/he dances around.
When it came to a photo, Baby Wynne wasn't really cooperating. Apparently, he/she is head down, back out, and snuggled up tight! (We sort of got an over-the-shoulder shot, below)
The best news is -- Baby Wynne is right on track! Not measuring big at all yet (which is the fear with gestational diabetes and the point of the extra ultrasounds). This is great! And we'll keep on checking Baby Wynne to monitor growth. Next ultrasound -- 3 weeks!
MEASUREMENTS:
Baby's Heartrate: 150 bpm
Baby's Estimated Weight: 3lbs 9oz (60th percentile)
Today I got to see Baby Wynne for quite a while as the tech tried to get lots of measurements (she was even nice enough to tell me to close my eyes so I wouldn't see if it was a boy or girl!). It's fun just watching Baby Wynne as she/he dances around.
When it came to a photo, Baby Wynne wasn't really cooperating. Apparently, he/she is head down, back out, and snuggled up tight! (We sort of got an over-the-shoulder shot, below)
The best news is -- Baby Wynne is right on track! Not measuring big at all yet (which is the fear with gestational diabetes and the point of the extra ultrasounds). This is great! And we'll keep on checking Baby Wynne to monitor growth. Next ultrasound -- 3 weeks!
MEASUREMENTS:
Baby's Heartrate: 150 bpm
Baby's Estimated Weight: 3lbs 9oz (60th percentile)
 |
| A very "artsy" view of Baby Wynne. Essentially, Baby Wynne is turned away and this is the view of the back of the head, looking over the left shoulder. Baby Wynne was just being shy today! |
November 1, 2011
Just a comment on weight gain ...
It's Week 30 and I have gained 6 lbs during the entire pregnancy.
There have been multiple reactions to this, mainly shock and concern.
First, many friends (and random women who ask me about this) are shocked that I have gained so little. Usually I hear "I gained 65 lbs" or "I gained 50 lbs" or "I gained more than that before the end of the first trimester". Yes, you are supposed to gain weight during pregnancy and most women gain quite a bit ... and this is normal for them.
Then, the shock usually turns to concern (or, if the friend has not had a baby, it starts with concern and/or confusion). "Is it safe for the baby to gain so little weight??"
The doctors say it really has to do with the weight Mom starts at. If Mom is very skinny to start, gaining 50 lbs is a good thing. If Mom is very heavy to start, gaining 50 lbs is a bad thing.
To be honest, I was on the very heavy side before I was pregnant. I weighed more pre-pregnancy than many of my friends did at 9-months pregnant! So there is no need for me to gain a lot of weight! I already have it!
My PA/doctor are totally fine with my minimal weight gain. From the beginning, my goal was to only gain a total of 10 lbs and my doctor agreed that 10-15 lbs is a good goal. FOR ME. This is surely a bad goal for "normal" sized Moms. But I am right on track!
Just wanted to (1) assure you that weight gain is good for most Moms during their pregnancy and (2) dispell your concern -- because I am right on track for me!
Fingers crossed that all continues to go well!
There have been multiple reactions to this, mainly shock and concern.
First, many friends (and random women who ask me about this) are shocked that I have gained so little. Usually I hear "I gained 65 lbs" or "I gained 50 lbs" or "I gained more than that before the end of the first trimester". Yes, you are supposed to gain weight during pregnancy and most women gain quite a bit ... and this is normal for them.
Then, the shock usually turns to concern (or, if the friend has not had a baby, it starts with concern and/or confusion). "Is it safe for the baby to gain so little weight??"
The doctors say it really has to do with the weight Mom starts at. If Mom is very skinny to start, gaining 50 lbs is a good thing. If Mom is very heavy to start, gaining 50 lbs is a bad thing.
To be honest, I was on the very heavy side before I was pregnant. I weighed more pre-pregnancy than many of my friends did at 9-months pregnant! So there is no need for me to gain a lot of weight! I already have it!
My PA/doctor are totally fine with my minimal weight gain. From the beginning, my goal was to only gain a total of 10 lbs and my doctor agreed that 10-15 lbs is a good goal. FOR ME. This is surely a bad goal for "normal" sized Moms. But I am right on track!
Just wanted to (1) assure you that weight gain is good for most Moms during their pregnancy and (2) dispell your concern -- because I am right on track for me!
Fingers crossed that all continues to go well!
October 31, 2011
Dr appt Week 29
Another doctor's appointment, another long wait in the waiting room for a quick and rushed meeting with the doctor.
The worst part of the appointment was finding out that I have gestational diabetes. Two weeks prior, I took the 1-hr glucose test, then got called in for a 3-hr glucose test (which are stories in themselves!). Looking at the test results, I am just over the threshold for the level of glucose that should be in my blood.
Why am I not excited about this?
First, this can affect Baby Wynne (because he/she will make too much insulin as a result of the excess sugar in MY blood). Usually this results in babies that grow bigger ... but their organs (specifically, the lungs) still develop at the normal rate. So Baby Wynne might be a big baby that still needs to incubate!
Second, I can deal with the diet changes (less carbs ... I don't really eat sweets as it is), but just the thought of all the EXTRA doctors appointments are killing me already. I hate doctors as it is and now I have to set up multiple appointments with multiple doctors/techs/nurses (and try to fit that all into a full-time work schedule, along with my normal OB appointments). Oh well, I will try not to complain about it, because I love Baby Wynne.
What's the positive of it all?
We get a few more ultrasounds of Baby Wynne! We need to check her/his growth a few more times, so it'll be great to see Baby Wynne! If I get photos, I will be sure to share!
Next appointment is this week ... then probably next week ... then definitely the week after that ...
MEASUREMENTS:
Mommy's Weight Gain: +3.5 lbs (6 lbs total)
Baby's Heartrate: 145bpm
The worst part of the appointment was finding out that I have gestational diabetes. Two weeks prior, I took the 1-hr glucose test, then got called in for a 3-hr glucose test (which are stories in themselves!). Looking at the test results, I am just over the threshold for the level of glucose that should be in my blood.
Why am I not excited about this?
First, this can affect Baby Wynne (because he/she will make too much insulin as a result of the excess sugar in MY blood). Usually this results in babies that grow bigger ... but their organs (specifically, the lungs) still develop at the normal rate. So Baby Wynne might be a big baby that still needs to incubate!
Second, I can deal with the diet changes (less carbs ... I don't really eat sweets as it is), but just the thought of all the EXTRA doctors appointments are killing me already. I hate doctors as it is and now I have to set up multiple appointments with multiple doctors/techs/nurses (and try to fit that all into a full-time work schedule, along with my normal OB appointments). Oh well, I will try not to complain about it, because I love Baby Wynne.
What's the positive of it all?
We get a few more ultrasounds of Baby Wynne! We need to check her/his growth a few more times, so it'll be great to see Baby Wynne! If I get photos, I will be sure to share!
Next appointment is this week ... then probably next week ... then definitely the week after that ...
MEASUREMENTS:
Mommy's Weight Gain: +3.5 lbs (6 lbs total)
Baby's Heartrate: 145bpm
October 26, 2011
Have Baby (in utero), Will Travel!
Baby Wynne hasn't been born yet, but is already traveling!
Baby Wynne's current travel stats:
The first trip for Baby Wynne actually was the DAY after we found out about him/her!
Friday, we get a positive pregnancy test; Saturday, we're on a plane!
Friday, we get a positive pregnancy test; Saturday, we're on a plane!
Baby Wynne's first trip was down south to visit one of my oldest friends Stephanie and her husband Andrew and their 4 kids. Spending the weekend after discovering that you're pregnant with a 4 year-old and triplet-boy-1-year-olds is definitely an experience! :) We also spent 2 days in Orlando visiting all the sites that we plan to bring Baby Wynne to for her/his second birthday (Disney!!)!
There were plenty of roadtrips this summer -- mainly to Buffalo and PA to see family and friends.
The most recent trip was with Grandma (my mom) to Las Vegas and Arizona for a conference and my cousin Ashley's wedding.
Ryan and I are dedicated to continuing with our love of travel, even with a kid! I am sure it is going to be a bit more difficult when the kid isn't in the easy-carrying-case of my womb, but we are determined!
Baby Wynne's current travel stats:
Number of States Visited: 7
(New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona)
Number of Plane Rides (including connecting flights): 6
(By the way -- Pregnant ladies out there -- you can board the flight early. This is especially useful when flying Southwest, which lacks assigned seats!)Here are some photos from Baby Wynne's in utero travels:
 |
| At the Magic Kingdom! (We hope to be back for Baby Wynne's 2nd Birthday!) |
 |
| Baby Wynne takes the Hogwarts Express! |
 |
| Kayaking in Lake Ontario! |
 |
| With Grandma in Arizona (for Cousin Ashley's wedding) (Yes, I am wearing a sequins dress while 6 months pregnant!) |
 |
| Baby Wynne at the Wynn! |
 |
| Enjoying the Vegas Strip! (I am pretty sure it was almost midnight too!) |
October 24, 2011
Bouncing Baby!
Baby Wynne is already an overachiever.
This week, I started doing "kick counts", as suggested by multiple books I have read. Basically, I lay down, relax, and count any movement by Baby Wynne. I time how long it takes Baby Wynne to move 10 times. The goal is to make sure Baby Wynne is moving 10 times within an hour (if it takes longer than that, more than a few times in a row, then this should be discussed with the doctor).
Here are the data so far:
Time it takes Baby Wynne to move around 10 times:
Day 1: 11min22sec
Day 2: 7min37sec
Definitely less than an hour!
No complaints, as Baby Wynne isn't a rough mover. I think he/she is more of a dancer than a soccer star at this point. Maybe a swimmer? Even the "harsh" kicks aren't that bad yet!
I have felt Baby Wynne consistently moving around starting during Week 22 or so (though I felt a random "unsure" movement quite a few times before that). Ryan first felt Baby Wynne around Week 24, but it wasn't a daily occurance until about Week 25/Week 26. Now it's everyday!
As I write this, Baby Wynne is kicking up a storm! I think she/he knows I'm "talking" about her/him!
This week, I started doing "kick counts", as suggested by multiple books I have read. Basically, I lay down, relax, and count any movement by Baby Wynne. I time how long it takes Baby Wynne to move 10 times. The goal is to make sure Baby Wynne is moving 10 times within an hour (if it takes longer than that, more than a few times in a row, then this should be discussed with the doctor).
Here are the data so far:
Time it takes Baby Wynne to move around 10 times:
Day 1: 11min22sec
Day 2: 7min37sec
Definitely less than an hour!
No complaints, as Baby Wynne isn't a rough mover. I think he/she is more of a dancer than a soccer star at this point. Maybe a swimmer? Even the "harsh" kicks aren't that bad yet!
I have felt Baby Wynne consistently moving around starting during Week 22 or so (though I felt a random "unsure" movement quite a few times before that). Ryan first felt Baby Wynne around Week 24, but it wasn't a daily occurance until about Week 25/Week 26. Now it's everyday!
As I write this, Baby Wynne is kicking up a storm! I think she/he knows I'm "talking" about her/him!
Baby Bump Week 28
Week 28 already?? Crazy!
I definitely feel like I am looking more and more pregnant with each passing day. Still feeling GREAT (knock on wood!), but feeling bigger and bigger!
Here are the "normal clothes" and the "black dress" photos:
I definitely feel like I am looking more and more pregnant with each passing day. Still feeling GREAT (knock on wood!), but feeling bigger and bigger!
Here are the "normal clothes" and the "black dress" photos:
 |
| Week 28 Baby Bump |
 |
| Week 28 Baby Bump |
 |
| Week 28 Baby Bump |
October 21, 2011
Stuff I love (Prebaby)
While we have purchased and have generously been given many baby items, we haven't really used many of the items yet!
Of the few things we have actually used, here are a few I love and must share with you:
(1) Body pillow!
My bestest friend Kimmy gave me her body pillow about 3 days after I told her I was pregnant. And it is WONDERFUL! I sleep with it every night. It really helps with back pain and leg pain and getting comfortable with the ever-expanding baby belly.
Now, I want to point out -- this is your basic body pillow. Not one of those fancy "pregnancy pillows" that are super expensive and surely not worth the $50 to $70! You can buy this one at Target for $9.99
http://www.target.com/p/Room-Essentials-Body-Pillow-White/-/A-13614316
There are also lots of cute covers that you can match to your room (if you are crazy like me -- we put a cute gray one on the wonderful gift from Kimmy!)!
(By the way -- Ryan loves this too! As soon as I get out of bed in the morning, the pillow becomes his. A comfort to both of us during pregnancy!)
(2) Dropps Baby Laundry Pacs
My friend Becky mentioned Dropps on her blog a long time ago and I picked some up for us once when I saw them at Target. I immediately fell in love! We stopped buying regular laundry soap and now only buy these.
They are little pacs of laundry soap that you toss in the washing machine with each load. No mess of sticky soap all over the laundry room (which drove me crazy!). LOVE!
That's all I can think of for now, but I am sure there will be more stuff I love that I will post about, just in case you want to check it out too!
Of the few things we have actually used, here are a few I love and must share with you:
(1) Body pillow!
My bestest friend Kimmy gave me her body pillow about 3 days after I told her I was pregnant. And it is WONDERFUL! I sleep with it every night. It really helps with back pain and leg pain and getting comfortable with the ever-expanding baby belly.
Now, I want to point out -- this is your basic body pillow. Not one of those fancy "pregnancy pillows" that are super expensive and surely not worth the $50 to $70! You can buy this one at Target for $9.99
http://www.target.com/p/Room-Essentials-Body-Pillow-White/-/A-13614316
There are also lots of cute covers that you can match to your room (if you are crazy like me -- we put a cute gray one on the wonderful gift from Kimmy!)!
(By the way -- Ryan loves this too! As soon as I get out of bed in the morning, the pillow becomes his. A comfort to both of us during pregnancy!)
(2) Dropps Baby Laundry Pacs
My friend Becky mentioned Dropps on her blog a long time ago and I picked some up for us once when I saw them at Target. I immediately fell in love! We stopped buying regular laundry soap and now only buy these. They are little pacs of laundry soap that you toss in the washing machine with each load. No mess of sticky soap all over the laundry room (which drove me crazy!). LOVE!
Greatest news -- they have a BABY version too! I have already washed up some baby clothes with them.
I get them at Amazon.com now, and with free shipping (yay AmazonMom program), they ship to me every two months. The discounts come to 29 cents per load for Baby Dropps and 23 cents per load for dye-free Dropps for us. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001N447OMThat's all I can think of for now, but I am sure there will be more stuff I love that I will post about, just in case you want to check it out too!
October 15, 2011
Commonly Asked Questions #4
I've been through the most commonly asked questions (#1, #2, and #3), but there are a couple of other questions that have come up too. This 4th one is asked by people that work with one of us or know us well enough to know about our busy jobs:
"Are you going to continue working after the baby is born?"
(Or "Is your wife going to continue working?" if it is asked of Ryan)
Answer: YES!
Because I am an eternal optimist, I am hopeful that all will go well and I will be back at work a few weeks after Baby Wynne arrives, just 2 days a week and then back to full-time after a few months.
For the first 9 months, the plan is that Baby Wynne will be with either Ryan or me. We've worked out our schedules and we think this is possible. We don't live near family, so, come Fall, Baby Wynne will be in daycare (hopefully just 3 days a week). And we hope we get into the daycare that our good friends Bridget and Jonathan have their baby in (so our kids can be friends!).
Why am I surprised/bothered by this question?
I am a college professor and worked really hard for many years to get a PhD in biology. I have a full-time, well-paying job that I really love.
My husband also is a college professor that worked really hard for many years to get a PhD in biology and has a full-time, well-paying job that he really loves. But no one has asked him if he'll be working after the baby is born.
"Are you going to continue working after the baby is born?"
(Or "Is your wife going to continue working?" if it is asked of Ryan)
Answer: YES!
Because I am an eternal optimist, I am hopeful that all will go well and I will be back at work a few weeks after Baby Wynne arrives, just 2 days a week and then back to full-time after a few months.
For the first 9 months, the plan is that Baby Wynne will be with either Ryan or me. We've worked out our schedules and we think this is possible. We don't live near family, so, come Fall, Baby Wynne will be in daycare (hopefully just 3 days a week). And we hope we get into the daycare that our good friends Bridget and Jonathan have their baby in (so our kids can be friends!).
Why am I surprised/bothered by this question?
I am a college professor and worked really hard for many years to get a PhD in biology. I have a full-time, well-paying job that I really love.
My husband also is a college professor that worked really hard for many years to get a PhD in biology and has a full-time, well-paying job that he really loves. But no one has asked him if he'll be working after the baby is born.
October 11, 2011
Just 3 more months ...
... until Baby Wynne is due!
I am equal parts: excited, anxious, scared and happy!
I am equal parts: excited, anxious, scared and happy!
October 9, 2011
Baby Bump Week 26
I meant to take photos every couple of weeks, but I never remember!
Definitely looking more pregnant now and less fat. Strangers even come up and ask about Baby Wynne, so I am pulling off the pregnant look now.
Here are the 2 photos for Week 26 (one in "normal" clothes and one in Ryan's suggestion of "consistent" clothes (black dress)). They were taken at night, so I look exhausted and there is a shadow behind me, so just focus on the baby and not me! :)
Definitely looking more pregnant now and less fat. Strangers even come up and ask about Baby Wynne, so I am pulling off the pregnant look now.
Here are the 2 photos for Week 26 (one in "normal" clothes and one in Ryan's suggestion of "consistent" clothes (black dress)). They were taken at night, so I look exhausted and there is a shadow behind me, so just focus on the baby and not me! :)
 |
| Week 26 Baby Bump |
 |
| Week 26 Baby Bump |
 |
| Week 26 Baby Bump (bonus!) |
Dr appt Week 26
I think I was supposed to go to the doctor's at Week 24, but we were out of town and the Fall semester work schedule is a bit more hectic than summer, so it ended up being Week 26 before I actually got in. Oops.
Nothing exciting to report. Just a quick 10-minute appointment (after an hour wait in the waiting rooms!!!!).
I mainly got yelled at for postponing my Glucose Tolerance Test (calm down people, it will get done next week!) and took some measurements and listened to Baby Wynne's heartbeat. I also got a flu shot, which was good, because I wasn't sure if pregnant women could get a flu shot (and I work with college kids, which is almost worse than working at a day care when it comes to germs!).
Next appointment in 3 weeks!
MEASUREMENTS:
Mommy's Weight Gain: +1.3 lbs (2.5 lbs total)
Baby's Heartrate: 140bpm
Nothing exciting to report. Just a quick 10-minute appointment (after an hour wait in the waiting rooms!!!!).
I mainly got yelled at for postponing my Glucose Tolerance Test (calm down people, it will get done next week!) and took some measurements and listened to Baby Wynne's heartbeat. I also got a flu shot, which was good, because I wasn't sure if pregnant women could get a flu shot (and I work with college kids, which is almost worse than working at a day care when it comes to germs!).
Next appointment in 3 weeks!
MEASUREMENTS:
Mommy's Weight Gain: +1.3 lbs (2.5 lbs total)
Baby's Heartrate: 140bpm
October 6, 2011
Pregnant women are smug
As posted by my friend Sonia (when she announced her pregnancy!)
So many great lines ....
So many great lines ....
September 23, 2011
Mommy loves Baby Wynne ... and Caffeine!
I have never denied it. I am addicted to caffeine. Specifically, I drink Diet Coke.
At its worst, this habit can reach 6 cans of diet coke per day. At its best, this is just one diet coke per day. It definitely hasn't been ZERO diet cokes ... since before I started grad school (8 years ago)!
When I get cranky and snappy and impatient, my husband/friends/labmates/advisor/boss have learned to ask "Did you have your diet coke today?". Caffeine has also been my weapon against migraines and long commutes to work.
But when we started thinking about maybe having a baby, I knew it was time to let this addiction go. And I had a plan. A good plan. I would be totally off caffeine before I got pregnant. I would not let my "drug problem" affect my baby.
And then I was pregnant.
I know there was definitely one or two 6-diet-coke-days during those early days of pregnancy (during which I was ignorant to a growing Baby Wynne!). And I felt so guilty about it. I tried to quit cold-turkey, but the headaches (from withdrawal) combined with the nausea of early pregnancy was too much. I have had only two really bad "pregnancy days" and the first was after 4-days of headache from the lack of caffeine.
So I did what any good scientist would do. I went to the primary literature! Forget those baby books that just say "don't drink this" and "don't eat that". WHY can't I have caffeine? And HOW BAD is it really??
Here is what I found from some very recent papers:
- One study found a slightly increased risk of miscarriage before 20 weeks with high (greater than 200mg per day) caffeine consumption (Weng et al. 2008 Maternal caffeine consumption during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage: a prospective cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol).
- Though a recent review found that moderate or even high amounts of beverages and foods containing caffeine do not increase the risks of congenital malformations, miscarriage or growth retardation (Brent et al. 2011 92(2):152-87 Birth Defects Research (Part B))
- A review of dozens of articles found no risk of pre-term labor associated with caffeine intake (even at high levels) (Maslova, et al. 2010 vol. 92 no. 5 1120-1132 Am J Clin Nutr)
So, overall, it seems like high caffeine intake during early pregnancy slightly (very slightly) increases the risk of miscarriage, though it seems like normal amounts later on are not associated with bad things for Baby Wynne! Yay!
(As for diet drinks, I did find one study that found a slight increase in the risk of preterm delivery with overuse of artificial sweeteners (Halldorson et al. 2010 Sep;92(3):626-33.Am J Clin Nutr.). Which means I might need to cut back on the DIET Coke. )
There you have it. This pregnant scientist plans to continue drinking small amounts of caffeine until delivery! (And then a newborn might push me toward more caffeine again!)
September 20, 2011
Commonly Asked Questions #3
The third question asked after we say "We're having a baby!" is:
It's a very nice question. It's nice that people are concerned. But it just also strikes me as funny that SO many people ask it. I mean, I expect it from family and close friends and maybe even women in general (I have learned that every mother likes to talk about their pregnancy (which I actually enjoy)). But everyone asks. Women and men. Women that were never pregnant, women that have 4 kids. Friends, work colleagues, people I just met. It just strikes me as odd. It's not something I ask a lot of pregnant women (though maybe I will now?). I always asked my close friends, but never acquaintances or work colleagues or pregnant strangers I just met. Again, very nice, just a bit surprising to me!
Common Answer: "Pretty good! Can't complain!"
Truthful Answer: "The first few months were sort of like a perpetual hangover, without the joy of being drunk the night before."
Why have none of my friends ever described "morning sickness" as a hangover??? Because, for me, that is exactly what it was like. Not a really bad hangover. But maybe a 4-beer or half-a-bottle-of-rum hangover. I was tired, and felt sort of like vomiting, but never really did. I wasn't really hungry, but I knew that if I ate food, I would feel better. And the food I wanted was usually french fries or pizza. The smell of certain foods and trash (and preserved animals in the lab that I work in) really bothered me. I could still function and go to work and drive without a problem. I was also dehydrated no matter how much water I drank and I peed a lot.
You know, a hangover.
If someone described those symptoms to me, I would assume that the had a nice drinking binge the night before. Though now I will wonder if they are just in the early stages of pregnancy.
Maybe I have just experienced more hangovers than my friends that have recently had babies? I mean, I did go to grad school for 7 years, and got in plenty of drinking in Buffalo/Canada before that time. Perhaps this is why my mind immediately jumps to hangover.
Luckily, I made it past the "hangover stage" (which will forever be my new name for "first trimester") with only a few really bad days. Now, I feel less hungover, though still tired. I fear the tiredness has more to do with the amount of work and travel I do and the seriously minimal amounts of caffeine I drink. Certain smells still bother me (eww -- bananas!!!) and some food just really grosses me out.
But I am feeling pretty good! Can't complain!
September 19, 2011
Now you can comment!
Oops!
I received a few messages on Facebook saying that non-blogger members were unable to comment on this blog.
Sorry -- my bad.
There was a little box I needed to click in the settings menu to allow everyone to comment. I missed it (baby brain?).
But now all is well!
You can now comment as "Anonymous" and just sign your name to the note (or not, if you want to say something mean!).
So, please, feel free to comment away!!!!!!
I received a few messages on Facebook saying that non-blogger members were unable to comment on this blog.
Sorry -- my bad.
There was a little box I needed to click in the settings menu to allow everyone to comment. I missed it (baby brain?).
But now all is well!
You can now comment as "Anonymous" and just sign your name to the note (or not, if you want to say something mean!).
So, please, feel free to comment away!!!!!!
September 18, 2011
The Nursery!
Here it is! Baby Wynne's nursery!
Surely, no one is surprised by the nursery. I mean:
(1) It's green!
(2) It's ocean creatures!
(3) It's "gender neutral"!
(4) It's cute!
(5) It was on sale!
I will be honest .... and surely I will write more about this later ... Ryan and I like DEALS! And this baby bedding was a great deal. Of course, I bought it last July. No, not July 2011. July 2010. Before we were pregnant. Before we were married!
Honestly, we both really liked this baby bedding. Ryan and I had spent some time at Babies R Us because some friends were having babies (as always!) and I mentioned that I would obviously like fish bedding for whenever we had a baby. After looking at the four ocean themed beddings, we both liked the Ocean Wonders the best. I liked the purple whale and that it didn't look too boy-ish with all the blue and Ryan liked the vibrant colors and the cartoon-like animals. Then ... something terrible happened ... I went in to a Babies R Us again (for yet another baby shower gift) and it was gone! I found out that Fisher Price was discontinuing the bedding and it was all on clearance. I may have then called every Babies R Us in New York State to find one that actually still had it in stock! Luckily, I found one! :) And we got the bedding for $35 (sheet, bedskirt, bumpers and quilt). Anyone who has bought a crib bedding set lately knows they can run from about $100-$250!! To get the one we wanted for a quarter of the price ... How could we say no? :)
The fact that we already knew our nursery theme also contributed to the timing of setting it up. Everyone is impressed that we have the nursery done "early" (some people may be cringing at the thought of having it done so many weeks before the baby is expected). There's lots of reasons we wanted to get it done early. If we waited "till the end" it would be December ... which for us means the craziness of giving finals, ending the semester, Christmas, and snow. None of these sounded like a good time to set up a nursery. Plus, I am already having enough trouble lifting and moving things. What would it be like at 8 1/2 months pregnant? It just seemed to make sense to us to get it mostly organized now. Besides ... we're more than half way along!
OH -- And I want to point out that Ryan put the dresser together all by himself! He is amazing and surprised me with it when I got home from work! He is already the best dad (and an awesome husband in every way!)!
We hope you enjoy the nursery!!!!! And we hope Baby Wynne likes it too!
 |
| Thanks to Nana & Pop-pop Wynne for the crib and Grandma & Grandpa Snekser for the dresser!! (Already the grandparents are spoiling Baby Wynne!) |
 |
| While we live in an apartment near NYC, we're lucky that we have a spare room! We converted this corner into the "nursery" while the rest of the room remains "guest room". You can sort of see the bookshelf of toys and books to the right, and in front of that we still have a double bed for all of you to come and visit! :) |
 |
| It's Fisher Price Ocean Wonders bedding. |
 |
| We painted the walls this green color when we moved in, but Ryan decided we needed an "ocean" to put our sea creature clings on, so we painted a two-tone blue border around the crib corner. (Here, you can see the Octopus' Garden (in the shade)!) |
 |
| And my favorite, purple whale! :) |
Surely, no one is surprised by the nursery. I mean:
(1) It's green!
(2) It's ocean creatures!
(3) It's "gender neutral"!
(4) It's cute!
(5) It was on sale!
I will be honest .... and surely I will write more about this later ... Ryan and I like DEALS! And this baby bedding was a great deal. Of course, I bought it last July. No, not July 2011. July 2010. Before we were pregnant. Before we were married!
Honestly, we both really liked this baby bedding. Ryan and I had spent some time at Babies R Us because some friends were having babies (as always!) and I mentioned that I would obviously like fish bedding for whenever we had a baby. After looking at the four ocean themed beddings, we both liked the Ocean Wonders the best. I liked the purple whale and that it didn't look too boy-ish with all the blue and Ryan liked the vibrant colors and the cartoon-like animals. Then ... something terrible happened ... I went in to a Babies R Us again (for yet another baby shower gift) and it was gone! I found out that Fisher Price was discontinuing the bedding and it was all on clearance. I may have then called every Babies R Us in New York State to find one that actually still had it in stock! Luckily, I found one! :) And we got the bedding for $35 (sheet, bedskirt, bumpers and quilt). Anyone who has bought a crib bedding set lately knows they can run from about $100-$250!! To get the one we wanted for a quarter of the price ... How could we say no? :)
The fact that we already knew our nursery theme also contributed to the timing of setting it up. Everyone is impressed that we have the nursery done "early" (some people may be cringing at the thought of having it done so many weeks before the baby is expected). There's lots of reasons we wanted to get it done early. If we waited "till the end" it would be December ... which for us means the craziness of giving finals, ending the semester, Christmas, and snow. None of these sounded like a good time to set up a nursery. Plus, I am already having enough trouble lifting and moving things. What would it be like at 8 1/2 months pregnant? It just seemed to make sense to us to get it mostly organized now. Besides ... we're more than half way along!
OH -- And I want to point out that Ryan put the dresser together all by himself! He is amazing and surprised me with it when I got home from work! He is already the best dad (and an awesome husband in every way!)!
We hope you enjoy the nursery!!!!! And we hope Baby Wynne likes it too!
September 13, 2011
Commonly Asked Questions #2
The second question we get asked most often after saying "We're having a baby!" is:
"Do you know the sex of the baby?"
Answer: Nope. We're not finding out!
Even before I met Ryan, I always wanted to be surprised when my baby was born. The whole "It's a girl!" or "It's a boy!" just seems like another exciting thing to find out after a long and tiresome delivery. And, luckily, Ryan agreed with me! When are you ever surprised about anything in life anymore?
Besides, everyone knows how much we love green!! I love all things green. Ryan loves green. We hope to have another kid that may be of the other sex -- so all of our baby stuff was going to be green anyway! The nursery/guest room was painted a bright green long before we knew about Baby Wynne! And the nursery was definitely going to be decorated in ocean animals (which is pretty gender-neutral). So ... it doesn't matter what sex the baby is.
Interesting Responses:
The idea of finding out the baby's sex seems to be pretty polarizing. People either love it or hate it.
Love it: We have heard a lot of "good for you" and "oh, that is so fun!" or "I wanted to do that but my wife/husband couldn't wait to find out". I think most people are on board with it (especially if they already know my love of all things green). It's just one more thing to look forward to.
It also seems that people love this because they get to guess! Everyone wants to guess the sex! They look at my belly, ask me questions about heartburn and urination and the baby's heart rate, and stare for a while. More than one person has already told me they want to wait until I am further along to really get a look at my big belly. (Surely more blog posts on this later!)
Hate it: There seem to be 2 different "hate it" camps.
The first are people who found out themselves and think we would be happier if we found out too. I try to assure them it's OK and we can have a baby without knowing its sex (as many billions of people have over the history of human life).
The other people just really, really want to know and it is killing them that we have the opportunity to find out and haven't. The main leader of this camp for us is Ryan's sister Lori. Even before we were pregnant, it came up in conversation that we don't want to know the sex until birth. This was probably aftersome lots of wine and during Lori's adoption processes. When you adopt from China (as Lori did), you get to see a photo of the kid and learn a bit about them. Lori may have even threatened to call my doctor's office and ask so that she could know (but she promised she wouldn't tell us!). I think Lori (and some other friends too) really just want to know more about the baby (like the sex and the name) so they feel like they know Baby Wynne even before he/she arrives. For some friends and family, this is also related to the intense desire to buy pink and blue clothes and toys. Don't worry all -- you can buy pink and blue things come January! :)
Overall, I think Baby Wynne agrees with us on waiting to find out the sex. As I said before, during the 20 week appointment (which is the magical time in which a penis or vulva are searched for via ultrasound), Baby Wynne kept his/her legs firmly crossed (so even Daddy couldn't get the little peak he wanted!)!
"Do you know the sex of the baby?"
Answer: Nope. We're not finding out!
Even before I met Ryan, I always wanted to be surprised when my baby was born. The whole "It's a girl!" or "It's a boy!" just seems like another exciting thing to find out after a long and tiresome delivery. And, luckily, Ryan agreed with me! When are you ever surprised about anything in life anymore?
Besides, everyone knows how much we love green!! I love all things green. Ryan loves green. We hope to have another kid that may be of the other sex -- so all of our baby stuff was going to be green anyway! The nursery/guest room was painted a bright green long before we knew about Baby Wynne! And the nursery was definitely going to be decorated in ocean animals (which is pretty gender-neutral). So ... it doesn't matter what sex the baby is.
Interesting Responses:
The idea of finding out the baby's sex seems to be pretty polarizing. People either love it or hate it.
Love it: We have heard a lot of "good for you" and "oh, that is so fun!" or "I wanted to do that but my wife/husband couldn't wait to find out". I think most people are on board with it (especially if they already know my love of all things green). It's just one more thing to look forward to.
It also seems that people love this because they get to guess! Everyone wants to guess the sex! They look at my belly, ask me questions about heartburn and urination and the baby's heart rate, and stare for a while. More than one person has already told me they want to wait until I am further along to really get a look at my big belly. (Surely more blog posts on this later!)
Hate it: There seem to be 2 different "hate it" camps.
The first are people who found out themselves and think we would be happier if we found out too. I try to assure them it's OK and we can have a baby without knowing its sex (as many billions of people have over the history of human life).
The other people just really, really want to know and it is killing them that we have the opportunity to find out and haven't. The main leader of this camp for us is Ryan's sister Lori. Even before we were pregnant, it came up in conversation that we don't want to know the sex until birth. This was probably after
Overall, I think Baby Wynne agrees with us on waiting to find out the sex. As I said before, during the 20 week appointment (which is the magical time in which a penis or vulva are searched for via ultrasound), Baby Wynne kept his/her legs firmly crossed (so even Daddy couldn't get the little peak he wanted!)!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)