Just 6 weeks until Baby Wynne's due date!!
And it seems like just yesterday that I was peeing on a stick ....
November 30, 2011
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)
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| Side view ultrasound of Baby Wynne's face! Week 33 |
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| Creepy 4D ultrasound of left eye and part of right hand (and umbilical cord?) |
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| Creepy 4D ultrasound of left eye and part of right arm |
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| 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!
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| Week 32 Baby Bump |
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| Week 32 Baby Bump |
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| 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!!)
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| Week 30 Baby Bump |
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| Week 30 Baby Bump |
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| 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!
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| 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)
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| 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!
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