7 Weeks and Counting

Today I finally had my appointment with the perinatologist. After two weeks of taking my sugar levels 4 times a day and eating 6 very healthy meals a day, Dr. Dix decided to put me on a small dose of oral medication at bedtime to get my fasting level down, which is the first level I take every morning before eating. This is the only level that I haven't been able to get under control. I'm not very happy about having to take medication, but I'm also kind of tired of fighting...fighting with my diet and anxiety to get that level down. So hopefully this pill will work or they will keep upping the dosage until it does.

She was happy with everything else, including the size and health of the baby. We had another ultrasound, as you can see from the pictures. The technician estimated that Running Bear weighs 4 lbs. 7 oz. which puts her in the 39th percentile for her age, although apparently her head is on the large side!!! She's a Sallie after all! This is very good news (being in the 39th percentile) as one of the main concerns with a diabetic mother is a large baby. So she is just below average which is a good sign that my problems are not affecting her at all. However, because I'm going on medication, I've been put in the "high risk" category and now will have to go in for a stress test every week to make sure baby is thriving. I also will have another ultrasound in four weeks to check her size again. The good part of all of this is that Dr. Dix said I wouldn't be allowed to go past my due date. And while I don't want to be induced, at least we know the latest possible date for the little one's arrival (April 21), which is kind of nice! I'm hoping she'll come before so I don't have to be induced. Despite the fact that I'm planning to have an epidural, I'd like everything else to be as natural as possible.

Not the best picture, but Jay took it with his phone in the ultrasound room today. Me at 33 weeks waiting to see the baby. She was pretty wild today and we put Jay's phone on my belly and watched it roll around. I love her wild days as I don't have to think about "kick counts." Her quiet days are always a little more worrisome, but she always comes back with a vengeance!

Today we got to see what body parts were hitting where. As you can see from the first picture below, her little foot is rather well-developed and was located just on my right side where I often get painfully kicked! It was actually pushing against my side while she was taking the picture! We decided she has her father's foot structure as the technician said it was rather long and thin compared to what she was used to seeing. Short stubby feet run in my family. So that definitely didn't come from me! You can also kind of see her profile on the right. It's harder to see the baby at this stage in the pregnancy because she's bigger and her bone density makes it more difficult for the ultrasound to see through other body parts.



We could also see her little face which is quite a bit more developed than last time we had an ultrasound. She has the cutest little nose and lips! But I'm not biased or anything! We also discovered that the frequent bump that constantly pushes up and misshapes my belly just above and to the left of my belly button is her bottom! So I can start spanking her early as she often gives me a very clear and obvious shot! Her head is down below my belly button and she seems to be properly aligned for birth according to my birthing teacher...if she'll just stay that way for the next 7 weeks!!! It's fun to know where everything is as I was just guessing previously.

Diabetes Days

I went to my diabetes class this morning at the Turner Center. I was nervous, but prepared. I'd been prepping myself all week knowing that I was going to have to face one of my ultimate fears...the finger prick...and that I would have to do it to myself! I prayed hard this morning and kept telling myself all week that I have three tattoos and six holes in my ears. Could this really be any worse than those self-afflicted pains? Surely not! But I gave into my fears once again.

I was annoyed to even have to be there to begin with, which never helps my emotional level. I've been eating really well all week, completely changing my diet to accommodate my sugar levels, and even have lost weight, which of course is not OK during pregnancy. But the point is, I know I can control this on my own without having to stick my finger four times a day, keep a detailed meal plan, and have more doctor's appointments than I would like during the last few weeks of pregnancy. One positive note is that all of this conundrum should make the end go by fairly quickly. And I'm definitely OK with that!

Anyway, the nurse started the class off with some basics of gestational diabetes, what it was, what caused it, etc. She also went over those who were at risk for getting it and the only category I fell under was being over 25. That was the first annoyance. Then she was talking about things that could cause our sugar levels to go up, in light of discussing our scores for the four hour test. Stress was mentioned as one of the causes. And then it hit me...this is all the fault of the guy who attempted to stick me during my second blood draw of the long test! If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have been at that meeting today! You see, only two of the four blood draws failed, and guess which one was the highest? The third one. Do you see the connection? Nameless man made me so nervous and stressed that during the hour between his draw and the next one my levels rose. So when I went back for the third draw, I was beside myself wondering if I was going to have to face him again! It's all his fault!!! (OK, this may be way over my boundaries for drama, but it makes me feel better to have someone to blame. I can curse him while I'm sticking my finger and that will definitely make me feel better!)

I sort of asked the nurse if this was a possibility, but she didn't seem to like the question too much and didn't really answer directly. So we moved on to the not so fun part. She very nonchalantly passed out a starter kit with a fancy mechanism that reads the sugar level almost instantly. Everyone opened there's and started playing with it immediately while I began panicking. I told her I needed help and instantly started crying just looking through the box and seeing the little needles. So she used my kit to explain to everyone how to put everything together and take their levels. No one else seemed to even be paying attention as they were level-headed enough to figure it out. Technology comes fairly easily to me, but I was so nervous that I couldn't think straight and the simple mechanism turned into a looming beast. So she set everything up for me and showed me what to do to work the lancet, but I couldn't do it. I asked her to stick my finger instead, which she did without comment or judgment. It's really no big deal, though it did sting rather more than I thought it would. But again, no big deal. You don't even see the needle and it works super fast and easily. Then she squeezed my finger to get the blood out and set it against the test strip which then read it immediately.

After that the rest of the class went smoothly as I could now put the looming fear behind me and concentrate on the rest. The second part consisted of diet information...not much new there. But on a positive note, I was so happy to see that the meal plan the dietician made for me consisted of a great deal more carbs than I'd been eating in the last week. It's kind of set up like weight watchers where I have to count my carbs but have choices based on sort of a point system. So I can eat yummy things, but if I choose to eat a cinnamon roll, that's all I can have for dinner! Obviously, I wouldn't do that, but if I got desperate...well, who knows what one will do in desperation! So I don't think the dieting part will be difficult at all and I only have to keep a diet diary for one week. I'll meet with the same dietician to go over what I've been eating and how my sugar levels relate. Then it will just be a matter of keeping track of my levels and meeting with the perinatologist. Who knows, maybe if I do really good, they won't make me keep this up the whole time! One can always hope! Only 10 more weeks to go...I can do it!

The fun part will be sticking myself at home alone! But as I told my husband and others, at least I can scream and cry at home to get through it and no one will ever know that I'm a lunatic!

Wrong Presumptions

So it turns out I do have gestational diabetes after all. They called on Monday and left a message saying my levels were "abnormal" again after my long test. I called back to find out what that meant, but never received a return call. Today at my doctor's appointment I asked him more about it and he said if two of the four blood draws were higher than they should be, then the label of gestational diabetes was given. Two of my four were abnormal. However, he did say that since only two of them were abnormal, I would probably be able to control my levels with diet instead of having to be on medication. On the other hand, I will have to check my levels four times a day (yes, that means 4 sticks a day, unless someone knows of a new technology I haven't heard of), and send those levels into a doctor who will monitor them and decide when and if any further action needs to be taken. I'm not very happy right now, but what can I do.

Tuesday I will go in for a class to learn how to take my levels and eat appropriately. Then two weeks after that I'll start going to a perinatologist for check-ups. Thankfully I only have 10 weeks left to go! I'm sure I'll quickly get used to the routine, but at the moment even looking at testing devices on line made me shudder and start feeling slightly queasy. I know I said I was getting over the whole needle thing, and frankly, I am, but this is just a step up in the ranks of things I'm scared of that I'm going to have to fight very hard against. I have always been terrified of "contracting" diabetes, and here I am facing it head on. I should be thankful it's not more severe...I AM thankful it's not more severe, but I have some major fears to face before this is all over.

Despite all of this, I am determined to indulge on both Valentine's Day and my shower! I can't let this bring me all the way down! So if you see me eating cake and cupcakes and all of the other yummy things, don't be surprised. I'm being bad!

Waiting...Waiting...Waiting

Not much new to report. I never heard back about the glucola test, which I'm assuming means either my tests were lost or everything if fine. I imagine the latter is the appropriate assumption.


I'm definitely feeling...and looking bigger! I could tell last week that my body had started shifting in new ways. Friends suggested my hips were "sliding out" to make room. Very exciting (that's sarcasm) since I've never exactly had a stick-figure shape that might appreciate a little extra hippage! But I won't complain since I know the purpose of those hips sliding out! I'm embracing my new shape despite a minor break down after shopping at a maternity store sale last Sunday. Jay was kind enough to hold me tenderly while I sobbed into his chest that I was fat and didn't want to be fat. He tried not to laugh as I dramatically exclaimed that my butt was large and flat. Really, shopping just shouldn't be allowed when you're pregnant. As if we don't have enough complexes to deal with as women! Just give me a large, comfortable moo moo and I'll be just fine! Sweats have recently become my new best friend!


Speaking of best friends, mine was here for a very brief visit this weekend and we had a wonderfully relaxing time together. We celebrated her 30th birthday. Woo hoo for "real" adulthood! My own turn of a decade is not too far off. Kind of looking forward to it...kind of scary. Significant event of the day? I gained a pound and a half in one day...might have had something to do with the three pieces of cake I had!!! Can't turn 30 without some serious partying! Take that, Dr. Stamps! Yikes! I have to see him Thursday! I better be good for the rest of the week!


Well, other than being ready for this child to get here and still going round and round about names for her, there's not much else to report. I'm finished subbing at the English Language Institute and literally have nothing to do this week! HEAVEN IS HERE! Anyone want to do coffee or lunch this week?! Cause I'm FREE...for 10 more weeks!

Beautiful Sunny Day...Inside the Hospital

I had my long gestational diabetes test this morning at Cox South after failing the short test at the doctor's office last week. Is anyone surprised that I failed a test involving intake levels of sugar?! I really wasn't, though I was definitely disappointed knowing what was in store for me this morning. I know several of you have been through this test as well and so will be familiar with the following story.

I woke up at 6:30am this morning already exhausted after returning from a 6 hour trip to and from Kansas City the day before to help bring home Jay's new, but used, company car. I hadn't slept well, probably due to the knowledge of the upcoming test even though I hadn't been nervous all week. Speaking of that, I know that many people were praying for me and they were definitely answered as I had peace all week and throughout the day today...minus one small incident which we'll get to in a minute.

We (Jay and I, who supported me by not eating this morning since I had to fast myself) arrived at the hospital at 7:30am where I checked in. This seemed to take a really long time considering I had made the point of "preregistering" the day before. The lady actually went back over the same questions I had answered on the phone so I'm not exactly sure what the point of that was. After that process, Jay and I left the main lobby, which looked more like a fancy hotel lobby than a hospital lobby, to head to the lab. We arrived at a rather small and already crowded waiting room with a TV on the wall blaring a Strawberry Shortcake show despite the fact that no children were present. It was smelly, dark, and gloomy and we immediately whispered that we couldn't possibly spend the next 4 hours in that room. Luckily we didn't have to.

I checked in and was immediately taken back to be stuck for the first of four times. I was calm and everything went smoothly. We were instructed to come back in 30 minutes. So we headed back out to the main lobby, which we continued to do after every visit to the lab. This was about a 5 minute hike one way, but well worth the extra mileage as it remained quiet throughout the day, and was bright and cheery compared to the cave of a waiting room that made me feel more like I was awaiting my execution instead of simple blood draw.

We returned 30 minutes later at which time I was instructed to drink the sugary substance that would predict how well my body absorbs sugar and then told to come back in hour increments for the next three hours. And so the cycle began. Most of the other women in the waiting room were also pregnant and were sharing the same fate as I. So we smiled at each other as each time I came back they were all still there going through the same process.

Coming back for my second draw, a young man opened the door and called my name. Assuming that everyone with the large tag stating "phlebotomist" would be experienced, I entrusted my arms to this young face, but I immediately knew something was wrong once I sat down. I told him which arm was better and he slipped the rubber band on, but not nearly tight enough. I instantly knew I was in trouble. The other lady in the room asked him if he was OK...another major warning sign that he was most likely new. I immediately started to get nervous and tense up. Jay, who was supportive throughout the whole ordeal, was giving me big eyes as if to say "what is that guy doing?" Not the most helpful, but I was thinking the same thing! Then young man, whose name will remain concealed to protect the innocent, moved to my other arm to check things out over there. With no luck, he came back to the other side. Meanwhile, a young Latino girl came in with her sister and mother to have her blood drawn for the first time in her life. Sensing her nervousness, I tried to be brave for her sake, but I didn't do such a great job. Finally young man decided to go for it, but again, I could just tell he didn't know what was going on. The rubber band still wasn't tight enough and for some reason he took it off just before sticking me...not the way to find my veins...then put it back on again! He pushed the needle in and started pushing on my arm with his other hand...again, not the norm. He kept this up for way too long until I finally started to feel light-headed. I told him immediately before it got out of hand and he stopped shortly thereafter and pulled the needle out...having gotten no blood! For the love! I quickly laid down on the available table in the cramped room and felt sorry for the little girl who hadn't been stuck yet and was watching an adult lose control. I was OK once I laid down, except that young man came over and kept pushing on my arm and then started looking at my hand and wrist, while I'm thinking "if he comes near me with a needle again, I'll deck him!"
After the very confident African American woman took the little girl's blood, she asked young man to take the blood to the lab and she'd have a look at me. She was clearly annoyed with the situation. I remained lying down while she took a look at my arms and decided to go with the one that usually doesn't work, but she did a great job and quickly drew blood on the first try. Though I think they were using bigger needles on me than usual because the "pinch" was quite a bit harsher than normal. Regardless, the draw was a success, and after downing a cup of water, we headed back to the main lobby to wait for another hour.

Luckily that was the only annoyance of the day. The next two times I returned, the same confident lady was there to take my blood. She drew from my "bad" arm every time quickly and successfully making her my new hero! I'm so glad to have that over with! Now we just have to wait for the results. Thanks for the prayers. I know they were heard as again I was mostly at peace, didn't really get hungry, and never got shaky or a headache! The baby also had her first temper tantrum while we were there! I don't know what she was doing, but all of a sudden my belly started twitching and dancing as if she was throwing a huge fit! I actually laughed out loud. She's a wild one!

I was hoping to celebrate the survival of 4 successful + 1 unfortunate blood draws with some cake or apple dumpling from Lola's, but knew the wait would be ridiculous considering what a nice day it is and that it's Saturday. So I settled for some Chick-Fil-A and the promise of some ice cream later this evening. We arrived home around 12:30 to a dog who had apparently rolled herself in poop to the point that it was caked on her neck and ears under her collar! Jay and I gave her a bath even though she just got groomed yesterday! Crazy dog! Then I laid down for a very deep, long, wonderful 2 hour nap! And that concludes my day thus far. What to do now...

Tea Party!

A lovely group of ladies joined me this past Saturday for a tea/brunch and to help me finish a project in the baby's room. I have a tree in the baby's room...a real tree with real branches...and I've been making leaves with scrapbook paper to put on the empty branches. This was taking a ridiculously long time considering I want the tree to be fairly full so it doesn't look like a Tim Burton tree that will keep my daughter awake at night instead of lulling her to sleep! So we ate ourselves silly, made leaves, and chatted away the hours. I had a wonderful time and I think everyone else did too. It would definitely be fun to do this more often...eat, craft, chat! Love the combination!Yesterday, pastor was discussing "authentic community" and how our congregation was so willing to give of their time to help others completely selflessly. I couldn't help but think of my wonderful friends who were willing to give up their Saturday morning to help me make leaves of all things! Of course, I'm sure the lure of yummy food and always-needed girl time was a key factor! Nevertheless, I'm so grateful for my girlfriends who are true and real and authentic in every way!

For those of you who love food as much as me, the menu included: chocolate cake, scones with cream and jam, blueberry muffins, mini quiches, cream wafers, yogurt parfaits, chocolate-covered strawberries, cucumber sandwiches, cookies, cheese ball and crackers, tea, coffee, and juice.
I only mention this because I didn't take nearly enough pictures, but the guests were: Natosha Willhite, Holly Lenz, Bonnie Otwell, Carrie Jordan, Valerie Bogert, Diana Nelson, Jill Shmidt, Kris Butler, Kay Litchy, Tami Close. Those of you who understandably couldn't make it were missed. It was hard, but we managed to have a good time and eat well anyway!


Anyway, thanks so much for all of your help. I'll be posting pics of the actual tree once it's completed. It may take a while to get all of those leaves up!

Leg Cramps!? Or Worst Pain Ever!

I kept hearing about these leg cramps that pregnant women experience, but was just thinking they were like normal sore muscle type pains. Oh no! It's more like the most severe Charley Horse where your muscles tighten up suddenly and you feel like they'll never release. I've had these pains before...I don't know if Charley Horse is the right term...but the pain you feel when you turn your neck just the wrong way and it feels like someone is pinching your muscle, that's the one!Anyway, I rolled over sometime in the middle of the night mostly asleep and stretched my legs out, but I stretched the wrong way. I pointed my toes! Who knew that pointing could produce such extreme results! Apparently I'm supposed to flex when stretching my calves. Believe me, I will from now on! Anyway, my right calf seized up and sat me up out of bed. I actually cried out. Good thing Jay wasn't home or I would have scared him to death! I remembered I was supposed to flex in this situation and attempted to do so. It seemed to relieve the pain a little and it finally subsided. I can still feel the effects of it this morning when I flex my foot. It's like the pain is waiting just below the surface for me to make a wrong move. 3 more months of strange occurrences to go! Have I said yet that I think I'm ready for this to be over with?!