Holy cow! Can it really have been almost 2 months since my last post? I guess so!
I have to say, I love being pregnant. Sure, the achy muscles at night, the amount of time-strength-energy it takes to turn over to your other side, the back aches at the end of the day are not fun, but the end result is awesome.
Brian and I had a minor scare on Halloween ... ironic. I guess technically, it was the Saturday before Halloween. I was in a lot of pain that morning, more than I've ever been in. My muscles were sore, it was hard for me to walk, and it was the first day of my third trimester. I started thinking that if this is what the third trimester was like, then I didn't like this preganancy thing AT ALL. I had Brian drive me off to the mall so we could purchase a maternity band. I had some relief as I figured it was because Mr. Harrison was sitting so low. I took it easy after that and then had to go to work. My back was aching for most of the work day, so I just took some extra breaks and generally tried to take it easy.
Sunday came and I felt much better. I still felt a little sore, but nothing like I did on Saturday. Brian and I hung out all day, went downtown to a used record store (yes, I said record), and later met up with my family at Cold Stone Creamery to have ice cream with my nephew, Logan. We went home, relaxed, and went to bed.
Then came Monday ... Halloween. I don't have a clock next to my bed as I generally don't really want to know what time I wake up during the night. That's one benefit of working in the later hours. What I can tell you is that, aside from the normal 2-3 nightly pees, I must have woken up sometime close to 4:30 - 5:00am. I just couldn't go back to sleep. My back was KILLING me. I tried my other side - no relief. I tried wedging up one hip so I could try sleeping on my semi-back. No relief. I moved the the "other" other side. No relief. When Brian finally woke up and said that he needed to get up and get his day started, I lost it. I just started crying uncontrollably and asked him to snuggle with me. Poor guy. I don't think he knew initially that I had been awake for a good hour and in pain in bed. He cuddled right up and, through the sobs, I told him how much pain I was in. He immediately said he would stay home and take care of me (it was my normal day off). I told him no, that I needed him to go to work and that I would feel better once I got up and started moving around. I really should have listened to him. I got up and walked awkwardly to the living room and put my feet up in the lazy boy reclining sofa. My back was still aching, and now I started to notice a slight tightening in my belly. I got a large glass of water and started guzzling that down. Since I hadn't yet had anything to eat, I went through my semi-sick dry yack and burp routine. (It's really quite an amazing thing). Brian gave me a hug and I told him that if I started to feel any worse, I would call the doctor. Fifteen minutes after Brian left, I made the phone call. I described everything going on and they wanted to see me as soon as possible. I called my mom to see if she could take me to the doctor and off we went. I sent Brian an text to let him know and told him not to worry, that I would fill him in as soon as I knew what was going on.
At the doctor's office, the nurse practitioner checked me out and, I'm happy to say, I was still all closed up, keeping Harrison locked in tight. She checked Harrison's heartbeat and it was a steady 155 bpm or so. She hooked me up to a monitor next to check the contractions. The whole time, you see, I was thinking I was having Braxton Hicks. NOPE. They were actual contractions. I was given a shot and was told that if I had more than 6-8 contractions in an hour, to call the doctor or to go to the hospital. She said that if I had one or two, it was okay for me to take 3 200mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours. Although everything calmed down after the shot, I had to take some ibuprofen the next day and the day after, but then I was fine. I was under strict orders to take it easy, rest, and drink a lot of water.
Ever since then, I realized what I probably put Brian through. I feel horrible about it. If the tables were reversed and I was the one who went to work while he was in so much pain, I wouldn't have been able to concentrate on anything. Brian is my rock. He is there to care for me and our growing son. I think part of the reason I encouraged him to go to work is because I know how much he worries about us. Outside of his normal morning prayers, I know he prays for my health and the health of Harrison. I know he prays that I stay as stress free as possible so Harrison stays in what I call his "bubble of positivity." I learned several good lessons that day. Relax. Continue to learn how to give yourself to someone else. If you don't take care of YOU, you can't take care of your son or your husband.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
He's a kicker!
Living with Harrison is one of the biggest joys of my life. Being able to share in that joy with Brian IS the biggest joy of my life. Even with all the "stuff" that has come along with this pregnancy, I wouldn't give it up for anything in the world. I know Brian and I were meant to be together...were meant to start our family with the joy of Harrison. All of the emotional ups and downs, getting sick on a regular basis even in the second trimester, on-and-off carpal tunnel syndrome, getting to the point where sneakers are almost a no ... all of that goes away when I feel my son moving around in my belly. He's getting stronger everyday, some days to the point where I let out a little "Oh," when the stronger kicks come. On Thursday morning, Harrison was the most active he's ever been in his almost 6 months of growing. I called Brian into the room and had him put his hand on my belly. Harrison continued his assault on my uterus and Brian felt his son for the first time. Nothing could describe the look on Brian's face. I now take that with me where ever I go.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
I thought I'd introduce myself...
Hi there! I thought I'd take a moment of your time to introduce myself. Since Mommy and Daddy asked so nice, I decided to show them if I was a boy or a girl on Wednesday, September 7th. Well, I'M A BOY!!! Mommy and Daddy finally decided on my first name, too! I'm pretty partial to it because I think it fits with my active personality and sensitive nature. My full name is Harrison Elliot Deacon Husar! I know, it's a long one but Mommy says it's kind of a tradition thing to have four names. Mommy and Daddy will still call me Butterbean sometimes, but they still follow it by Harrison. Oh, I heard my Daddy at a gig the other day! He was on stage and dedicated a song to ME, Harrison! Daddy and Mommy sing the same song to me every night, too, so I know it by heart. It's Blackbird by The Beatles. Mommy and Daddy really seem to like their music as I hear it all the time. Anyway, that's about it from me for today. This is Harrison Elliot Deacon Husar, signing out!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Tap tap tapping on my uterus
Hello there! I just thought I'd send you a message that I'm here. You know, the Bean? I thought I'd kick you a bit right there, on your left side. Did you feel it? Did you know it was me? Well, let me try it again. Okay. How about that? I used both feet this time and it was smack dab in the middle. You did? You felt it! That's so cool! You go back to sleep then, Mom, and I'll continue practicing my skills! I love you...and don't forget to let Daddy know!
What are you?
It's kind of refreshing to know that everything is going so well with this pregnancy. Sure, I've had morning sickness and nausea, my hips and hip muscles ache at night and it's getting more difficult to turn from my left to my right side, and I had to get a better, more ergonomic chair at work. It's all worth it.
I went for my regular OB appointment last week. I was really excited because THIS was the appointment where I would be handed the golden piece of paper. That golden paper gave me the power to make the next ultrasound appointment ... THE ultrasound appointment! I'm surprised I have to wait as long as I do, but September 7th is the day we will find out if our Butterbean is a boy or a girl ... barring any crossing of legs, bad positioning, or just plain old uncooperativeness. "What," you may say, "Why would the Bean be uncooperative?" Well, let me explain.
Let's go back to the first amazing ultrasound where the Bean has it's legs crossed and was in "just that weird position" where we couldn't tell anything. Now skip to last weeks' OB appointment. There I am, lying on the medical table with Dr. Schwartz manuvering the doppler so we can hear the Beans' heartbeat. After a minute or so of searching, Dr. Schwartz says, "Well, this is the third baby today who decided to hide on me. Let's head off to the ultrasound room." Most first time moms would probably be in a panic. Me, nah! Instead, I laid there on the table thinking, "Maybe it's not a boy. All this modesty and hiding must mean this is a girl. I know this is exactly what I would do to my mom ... tease her." And then, the thought of all thoughts. The Bean will be just like me. A teaser. A sense of humor. Sarcastic. Loving. Amazing. Mom, thank you for putting up with me while I was growing up. I'm sorry for not napping when I was younger and having all that energy that wore you down. Yes. This has GOT to be a girl.
But, maybe the baby is like it's Daddy's personality. Quiet when it wants to be, sometimes a bit shy in new situations. And then, when the stage is in front, it will hop on that stage and perform it's little heart out! It will go from being quiet to being the center of attention in 2.3 seconds. It will be sensitive and loving and need reassurance. Yes. This has GOT to be a boy.
Let's hope that on September 7th, Jupiter will align with Mars (the Bean is an Aquarius) and we get the privilege of finding out what the Bean has been keeping secret for almost four and a half months. And if the Bean decides to not cooperate? Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it!
I went for my regular OB appointment last week. I was really excited because THIS was the appointment where I would be handed the golden piece of paper. That golden paper gave me the power to make the next ultrasound appointment ... THE ultrasound appointment! I'm surprised I have to wait as long as I do, but September 7th is the day we will find out if our Butterbean is a boy or a girl ... barring any crossing of legs, bad positioning, or just plain old uncooperativeness. "What," you may say, "Why would the Bean be uncooperative?" Well, let me explain.
Let's go back to the first amazing ultrasound where the Bean has it's legs crossed and was in "just that weird position" where we couldn't tell anything. Now skip to last weeks' OB appointment. There I am, lying on the medical table with Dr. Schwartz manuvering the doppler so we can hear the Beans' heartbeat. After a minute or so of searching, Dr. Schwartz says, "Well, this is the third baby today who decided to hide on me. Let's head off to the ultrasound room." Most first time moms would probably be in a panic. Me, nah! Instead, I laid there on the table thinking, "Maybe it's not a boy. All this modesty and hiding must mean this is a girl. I know this is exactly what I would do to my mom ... tease her." And then, the thought of all thoughts. The Bean will be just like me. A teaser. A sense of humor. Sarcastic. Loving. Amazing. Mom, thank you for putting up with me while I was growing up. I'm sorry for not napping when I was younger and having all that energy that wore you down. Yes. This has GOT to be a girl.
But, maybe the baby is like it's Daddy's personality. Quiet when it wants to be, sometimes a bit shy in new situations. And then, when the stage is in front, it will hop on that stage and perform it's little heart out! It will go from being quiet to being the center of attention in 2.3 seconds. It will be sensitive and loving and need reassurance. Yes. This has GOT to be a boy.
Let's hope that on September 7th, Jupiter will align with Mars (the Bean is an Aquarius) and we get the privilege of finding out what the Bean has been keeping secret for almost four and a half months. And if the Bean decides to not cooperate? Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it!
Monday, August 1, 2011
I got "The Look!" (From July 31, 2011)
I've been wearing maternity clothes now for about the last 3 weeks (wait for me while I go back and check the last blog entry). Yeah. That's about right. Here's some things I've learned so far:
1. Maternity jeans by Duo Maternity, sold through JC Penney, ROCK THE HOUSE!!
2. Maternity tops do more than hide the belly, they also show off "the girls."
3. Maternity cami's are especially helpful in making a sort of modesty panel underneath those low-cut maternity tops, hiding some of the girls.
4. Wearing cami's under maternity tops in Phoenix Arizona at the end of July is wicked hot.
5. Full panel khaki pants sold through Old Navy are uber soft. And, although the reviews say they are true to size, they're actually a bit big. But, stick with it ... you have no idea how big your butt will get in the next 6 months.
So, here I am, rocking the maternity clothes when I realize I have to laundry because I'm running low. "Already," I think? I liken laundry to that song Shari Lewis popularized with Lamb Chop....you know the one ... "This is the song that never ends ... because it goes on and on my friends..." So, 5 days later, I have to do laundry. And, what was I thinking not adding maternity shorts to my order? Oh, yes. I remember now. "I'll just do the hair tie thing and walk around with my shorts unzipped and unbuttoned." Newsflash: if its not comfortable zipped up, it's still not comfortable unzipped.
I go to work the other day and I'm wearing my uber soft kahki's with my brown maternity t-shirt. I'm chatting with one of my manager friends when another manager comes by. I haven't seen this manager in a while and start to think, "You know, I don't think she knows I'm preggo." So, we continue our conversation and that's when I see it. THE LOOK! I got so excited knowing that, out of the three people there, I noticed that I got THE LOOK! Come on, you know the one. The "I'm talking with you and while you're looking at me you attempt to take a quick sneak peak at my belly and start to wonder, 'Hmmm, is she pregnant or has she just gained some weight?'" And then, it happened again! And then again! I kept thinking that I should really put her out of her curiosity but I decided against it. After all, we can slightly blame a fashion industry which put out empire waist tops and called them cool.
A couple of days later, I see a rep I hadn't seen in a while. "OMG! She's pregnant!! Uh, wait...NO...it's that damn fashion top! I can't tell! Maybe she just gained some weight..." A couple of days later, I notice her in another empire-waist top and, when she sat down to help someone, I saw the unmistakeable "this belly is going nowhere but right in front of me because it's hard as a rock and got a kid growing in there," look. A few minute later, I go over to her and start up the nonsense chit chat until I can say, "So, what's new with you?" And guess what? She's pregnant too! Due two weeks before me! And you know what ... I gave her "The Look" too... I love being pregnant.
1. Maternity jeans by Duo Maternity, sold through JC Penney, ROCK THE HOUSE!!
2. Maternity tops do more than hide the belly, they also show off "the girls."
3. Maternity cami's are especially helpful in making a sort of modesty panel underneath those low-cut maternity tops, hiding some of the girls.
4. Wearing cami's under maternity tops in Phoenix Arizona at the end of July is wicked hot.
5. Full panel khaki pants sold through Old Navy are uber soft. And, although the reviews say they are true to size, they're actually a bit big. But, stick with it ... you have no idea how big your butt will get in the next 6 months.
So, here I am, rocking the maternity clothes when I realize I have to laundry because I'm running low. "Already," I think? I liken laundry to that song Shari Lewis popularized with Lamb Chop....you know the one ... "This is the song that never ends ... because it goes on and on my friends..." So, 5 days later, I have to do laundry. And, what was I thinking not adding maternity shorts to my order? Oh, yes. I remember now. "I'll just do the hair tie thing and walk around with my shorts unzipped and unbuttoned." Newsflash: if its not comfortable zipped up, it's still not comfortable unzipped.
I go to work the other day and I'm wearing my uber soft kahki's with my brown maternity t-shirt. I'm chatting with one of my manager friends when another manager comes by. I haven't seen this manager in a while and start to think, "You know, I don't think she knows I'm preggo." So, we continue our conversation and that's when I see it. THE LOOK! I got so excited knowing that, out of the three people there, I noticed that I got THE LOOK! Come on, you know the one. The "I'm talking with you and while you're looking at me you attempt to take a quick sneak peak at my belly and start to wonder, 'Hmmm, is she pregnant or has she just gained some weight?'" And then, it happened again! And then again! I kept thinking that I should really put her out of her curiosity but I decided against it. After all, we can slightly blame a fashion industry which put out empire waist tops and called them cool.
A couple of days later, I see a rep I hadn't seen in a while. "OMG! She's pregnant!! Uh, wait...NO...it's that damn fashion top! I can't tell! Maybe she just gained some weight..." A couple of days later, I notice her in another empire-waist top and, when she sat down to help someone, I saw the unmistakeable "this belly is going nowhere but right in front of me because it's hard as a rock and got a kid growing in there," look. A few minute later, I go over to her and start up the nonsense chit chat until I can say, "So, what's new with you?" And guess what? She's pregnant too! Due two weeks before me! And you know what ... I gave her "The Look" too... I love being pregnant.
Suck it in! Ah, nope, that won't work... (From July 11, 2011)
I am quite proud of myself. Over a year ago, I lost 50 pounds. Then, I gained back 19. Then I found out I was pregnant. Since the news, I have been very tuned into my nutrition and what I've been eating. I want to make sure our Butter Bean has a good, healthy start to it's tiny, amazing little life. In doing this, I actually lost 7 more pounds! I haven't been getting sick every morning (thank you, pregnancy Gods), but I was nauseous quite a bit. For the most part, the nausea has faded with only occasional rearing of it's ugly head. I haven't been depriving myself, either. On Friday's, I have fries. Get it? FRY day? It helps to keep me sane. I've been craving strawberry shakes and have had two in the past two weeks. I hopped on the scale about four days ago and ... gained 3 pounds. I wasn't actually upset. I was excited that I had gained a little weight for my Butter Bean because I know it's healthy. As I was smiling because of my gained weight (a little odd, I know), I went to put on my trusty jeans. Here's a glimpse into the conversation I had with myself: Uh...wait. I could button these last week. SUCK IT IN!! There! All better! Uh... No. That's not going to work. Unbutton, unzip, and let it all hang out! AHHH. I can breathe! Uh oh. What am I going to wear to work? Wait. What was that trick I heard about? WHERE'S MY HAIR TIES? Loop through the loop and attach to the button. There! Perfect! And, my conversation with myself about 9 hours later: Thank God I'm in my car going home! Unbutton the hair tie, unzip...AHHHH. What the heck am I going to do about tomorrow? Needless to say, I got some great deals on maternity clothes. Now, I'm just waiting for them to arrive. What am I doing in the meantime? I'm wearing the pair of "fat pants" I kept from when I weighed 33 pounds more than I do today...and more dresses.
Keep growing healthy, Butter Bean! Mommy and Daddy love you!
Keep growing healthy, Butter Bean! Mommy and Daddy love you!
How are you feeling? (From July 5, 2011)
Since we saw and heard the rapid heartbeat of our Butter Bean, most of our fears were set aside. I was still nauseous off and on all day and, with some quick snacks to help curb the wave, the nausea would subside. We decided it was time to let the cat out of bag ... or at least let people know that we were going to be a family. Most of our closest friends already knew as we wanted to have a support system should something awful occur. But, I hadn't let my team in on the secret yet and Brian still needed to let his team know at work. Brian let his team know on Wednesday and they were all very excited for him. I let my management peers know one by one over the course of Thursday and Friday, and let my team of insurance agents know on Thursday night when we had a team get-together. Everyone was very happy for us and started asked all sorts of questions ... when did you find out? How far along are you? When are you due? Are you going to find out if it's a boy or a girl? Do you have names picked out yet? Since I also told everyone we were getting married on October 8th (oh - I set the date), I didn't get the, "Are you getting married," question which was a bit of a relief.
On Saturday, we made everything "Facebook Official." As they say, it ain't official unless it's on Facebook! Brian and I updated our profile pictures to the ultrasound picture of the Bean and got a lot of congrats from people we've known for years. I have to say, having Facebook is sometimes the easiest way to move information from one person to another!
After about Sunday, the excitement of letting everyone know we were pregnant started to wear down. On Monday at work, I kid you not, I was asked eight times in two hours, "How are you feeling?" And, it was asked with a little side-cocked head and true good intentions. I kept answering that I felt fine, just a little tired. I went to one of my old bosses, a female, and said, "You know, I know that people are genuinely interested and that they care, and that is amazing. But it's quite unnerving to have so many people switch their daily, 'Hey, how're ya doin,' with a huge smile to the cocked head, inquisiting, 'How're you feeling?' I mean, do they really want to know that I've felt nauseaus off and on all week and that I have to get up and walk around because it helps me to stay awake." She just smiled, looked at me, and said, "I forgot about all that!" We had a good laugh over that one ... until I got back to my desk and a friend sent an IM asking, "How are you feeling?" Let the questions begin!
On Saturday, we made everything "Facebook Official." As they say, it ain't official unless it's on Facebook! Brian and I updated our profile pictures to the ultrasound picture of the Bean and got a lot of congrats from people we've known for years. I have to say, having Facebook is sometimes the easiest way to move information from one person to another!
After about Sunday, the excitement of letting everyone know we were pregnant started to wear down. On Monday at work, I kid you not, I was asked eight times in two hours, "How are you feeling?" And, it was asked with a little side-cocked head and true good intentions. I kept answering that I felt fine, just a little tired. I went to one of my old bosses, a female, and said, "You know, I know that people are genuinely interested and that they care, and that is amazing. But it's quite unnerving to have so many people switch their daily, 'Hey, how're ya doin,' with a huge smile to the cocked head, inquisiting, 'How're you feeling?' I mean, do they really want to know that I've felt nauseaus off and on all week and that I have to get up and walk around because it helps me to stay awake." She just smiled, looked at me, and said, "I forgot about all that!" We had a good laugh over that one ... until I got back to my desk and a friend sent an IM asking, "How are you feeling?" Let the questions begin!
Thumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthump (From June 27, 2011)
Since the DC trip, things slowed down a bit. I ended up taking an extra day off work to recover from the visit - something I've never had to do before. The exhaustion hit while we were on that trip, too. Sure, I'd been tired off and on all along, but exhausted? Nah. Until the last couple of days. For a good two weeks, I was a done woman. I would have to take a nap around eleven to even be able to function for the rest of the day. Since I work until 10:30pm at night, an 11:00am nap doesn't really interrupt the work day, which is a good thing.
Aside from the exhaustion, though, was the excitement. June 21st was quickly approaching and that would be the day I would see my gift for the first time. With everything I read, I wasn't expecting much more than to just see my Butter Bean on the screen and maybe see a little heartbeat. What I got was so much better.
My mom came with me to my first appointment. Brian had to work and I couldn't get an appointment time before he had to go in. My mom was excited. As she says, it's different when it's your daughter. Plus, she's never seen the ultrasound in person for any of her grandchildren, so I knew it would be special. I brought my camera which also takes video so I could record the event for Brian. He got more than he bargained for, too!
There we were in the dark ultrasound room, and my OB-Gyn, Dr. Schwartz, says, "There's your baby! And, it's only one!" Whew! I was relieved! "And, here's the heartbeat..." I looked at the screen but was also surprised to hear it! Thumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthump...it sounded like a train going by on the tracks! It was the most beautiful sound I've ever heard! My Butter Bean's heartbeat was a whopping 173 beats per minute! Super fast! Well, the Doc said it was normal, but from everything I've seen, it's pretty fast. I know it's suppose to slow down a bit as our Bean grows, but to hear it for the first time - there's not much I can say.
When I got home that evening, I immediately showed Brian. He teared up and said that he can't wait to see and hear our Butter Bean at the next ultrasound. I called the very next day for my first trimester screening and made sure to get a time that Butter Bean's daddy could make it to. July 19th, Daddy's going to see you for the first time, Butter Bean! Make sure you smile!
Aside from the exhaustion, though, was the excitement. June 21st was quickly approaching and that would be the day I would see my gift for the first time. With everything I read, I wasn't expecting much more than to just see my Butter Bean on the screen and maybe see a little heartbeat. What I got was so much better.
My mom came with me to my first appointment. Brian had to work and I couldn't get an appointment time before he had to go in. My mom was excited. As she says, it's different when it's your daughter. Plus, she's never seen the ultrasound in person for any of her grandchildren, so I knew it would be special. I brought my camera which also takes video so I could record the event for Brian. He got more than he bargained for, too!
There we were in the dark ultrasound room, and my OB-Gyn, Dr. Schwartz, says, "There's your baby! And, it's only one!" Whew! I was relieved! "And, here's the heartbeat..." I looked at the screen but was also surprised to hear it! Thumpthumpthumpthumpthumpthump...it sounded like a train going by on the tracks! It was the most beautiful sound I've ever heard! My Butter Bean's heartbeat was a whopping 173 beats per minute! Super fast! Well, the Doc said it was normal, but from everything I've seen, it's pretty fast. I know it's suppose to slow down a bit as our Bean grows, but to hear it for the first time - there's not much I can say.
When I got home that evening, I immediately showed Brian. He teared up and said that he can't wait to see and hear our Butter Bean at the next ultrasound. I called the very next day for my first trimester screening and made sure to get a time that Butter Bean's daddy could make it to. July 19th, Daddy's going to see you for the first time, Butter Bean! Make sure you smile!
Heat Index and Water (From June 27, 2011)
All went well with my Dad. Brian asked for his blessing to marry me and it was given. About two hours later, we told him I was pregnant. I think the silence was the shock sinking in. He's happy to be a grandfather again and I think just can't believe that his baby girl is preggo.
The visit went well with my brother, too. Brian helped him with painting and putting up crown molding. My non-handy-man is learning a few tricks of the trade! All the better to help when putting together a nursery!
Of course, while we were there, we went into Washington DC and hung out with my good friend, JB. We told him right away that I was pregnant and he was ecstatic! We went to the Museum of American History and saw Old Glory in all of Her glory. I even got to see Dorothy's shoes from the Wizard of Oz! They had a Charlie McCarthy doll which was neat to see since I did puppeteering in the past, and they had the muppets.
We then took a trolley around the town, getting off to visit the White House, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam Wall. We did all of this in a humid city with a heat index that day of ONE HUNDRED SIX DEGREES!! Thank goodness we had plenty of water and refilled at almost every stop! Butter Bean did really well on the trip and the suggestion of taking the Old Town Trolley was superb! It gave me some time to rest and get off my feet.
Once we were done touring the city, we visited the USAA Financial Center at Pentagon Row, then went off to visit another friend who now lives in Bethesda. It was great catching up and we went to an excellent Mexican restaurant called Guapo's. I highly recommend it if you're ever in the area! Needless to say, we got home at about 10:30pm and immediately took showers. There was NO WAY were were going to bed smelling like the day we just had! All in all, it was Butter Bean's first visit to one of my favorite cities. I hope s/he liked it!
The visit went well with my brother, too. Brian helped him with painting and putting up crown molding. My non-handy-man is learning a few tricks of the trade! All the better to help when putting together a nursery!
Of course, while we were there, we went into Washington DC and hung out with my good friend, JB. We told him right away that I was pregnant and he was ecstatic! We went to the Museum of American History and saw Old Glory in all of Her glory. I even got to see Dorothy's shoes from the Wizard of Oz! They had a Charlie McCarthy doll which was neat to see since I did puppeteering in the past, and they had the muppets.
We then took a trolley around the town, getting off to visit the White House, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam Wall. We did all of this in a humid city with a heat index that day of ONE HUNDRED SIX DEGREES!! Thank goodness we had plenty of water and refilled at almost every stop! Butter Bean did really well on the trip and the suggestion of taking the Old Town Trolley was superb! It gave me some time to rest and get off my feet.
Once we were done touring the city, we visited the USAA Financial Center at Pentagon Row, then went off to visit another friend who now lives in Bethesda. It was great catching up and we went to an excellent Mexican restaurant called Guapo's. I highly recommend it if you're ever in the area! Needless to say, we got home at about 10:30pm and immediately took showers. There was NO WAY were were going to bed smelling like the day we just had! All in all, it was Butter Bean's first visit to one of my favorite cities. I hope s/he liked it!
Flying high with Butter Bean and Brian (From June 10, 2011)
My brother, Brandon, got home from Iraq at the first part of May. Brian and I purchased tickets to come out to DC from Arizona to visit with him and his family before he PCS'd to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Brian's never been to DC so it was the perfect time to come out. It wouldn't be too hot, we could help Brandon get some stuff done around the house, and we could spend some time in DC and Brian could see the sights. And ... I would be 6-weeks pregnant.
I made sure I packed some granola bars for the trip since i knew I wouldn't be eating much on the plane. We get ready for take off and I look out the window at Phoenix flying by and ... I get nauseaus. Seriously? I NEVER get nauseaus on a plane! I just put my head back and breathed in through my nose and out through my mouth. Don't they put barf bags on planes anymore? Will this be the first time I actually threw up because of pregnancy? NO!! I made it through! I took some sips of water and kept my head back, kept breathing. I made it! Butter Bean was on its first plane ride!
They came through with crackers ... plain, please ... and drinks ... Sprite, please. I read, Brian snuggled with me and went to the bathroom so many times you would have thought HE was pregnant! Next thing you knew, it was 5-hours later and we were landing. Uh, oh. Here it comes again. In, out ... in, out ... in, out. The girl next to Brian decides to start talking. Five hours of sitting next to someone and she chooses NOW to start talking with us? I look at Brian and try to send him ESP to talk to the chick because if I open my mouth, there's no telling what might come out! I say a couple sentences then close my eyes and start breathing. Touch down! I made it again!
Off the plane, into the bathroom, walking out of the gate area, and there's my dad to greet us. Oh yeah ... Brian needs to ask him for his blessing in marrying me and we have to tell him I'm pregnant. It's going to be a long 16 hours.
I made sure I packed some granola bars for the trip since i knew I wouldn't be eating much on the plane. We get ready for take off and I look out the window at Phoenix flying by and ... I get nauseaus. Seriously? I NEVER get nauseaus on a plane! I just put my head back and breathed in through my nose and out through my mouth. Don't they put barf bags on planes anymore? Will this be the first time I actually threw up because of pregnancy? NO!! I made it through! I took some sips of water and kept my head back, kept breathing. I made it! Butter Bean was on its first plane ride!
They came through with crackers ... plain, please ... and drinks ... Sprite, please. I read, Brian snuggled with me and went to the bathroom so many times you would have thought HE was pregnant! Next thing you knew, it was 5-hours later and we were landing. Uh, oh. Here it comes again. In, out ... in, out ... in, out. The girl next to Brian decides to start talking. Five hours of sitting next to someone and she chooses NOW to start talking with us? I look at Brian and try to send him ESP to talk to the chick because if I open my mouth, there's no telling what might come out! I say a couple sentences then close my eyes and start breathing. Touch down! I made it again!
Off the plane, into the bathroom, walking out of the gate area, and there's my dad to greet us. Oh yeah ... Brian needs to ask him for his blessing in marrying me and we have to tell him I'm pregnant. It's going to be a long 16 hours.
Huh, what? Sorry, I wasn't really paying attention. (From May 31, 2011)
I have to face the fact that I really don't care about some things as much as I used to. My primary focus has been on growing a healthy Butter Bean and having a healthy pregnancy. I pay very close attention to my diet making sure I get in enough fiber, protein, vegetables, fruit, and water. I make sure I have a banana and a granola bar nearby for when I start to feel lightheaded. (And, even though I've been eating mini-meals every two hours, the lightheadedness still happens).
I'll be working through my pregnancy and then go back after the 6- to 8-week piddly maternity leave the US decided was a good time frame. In the meantime, though, I just don't care about workplace drama. I don't care if someone needs more days off because of something happening in their lives. If what's going on attempts to infiltrate my pregnancy "stress-free zone," I just reflect things back and say my mantra ... "Healthy baby, healthy pregnancy." Honestly, I never cared for adults who had childish tantrums in which there's no accountability. Especially when the situation is reversed and then I'm the first to hear about it rather than the last. I just look at that person, put up my pregnancy baby bubble, and hope that the negativity and childishness bounces off my Butter Bean.
Ok, enough of the attempted stress. What about things I have to do? Things I have to pay attention to? Yeah, I'm not really thinking much about those things, either. If I have a meeting and I have heartburn, I just tune into my body and try to relax. What, you want to set up a separate meeting with managers from other parts of the organization to see what we can do to further the leadership of our head of operations? Go ahead. I'll tag along, but don't need the stress.
I don't mean for this to sound like I've checked out. Going back and reading it, though, that's exactly what it sounds like. Let me make one thing very clear. I love my job. I love who I work with and I love who I work for. I love those who work for me. I'm still doing what I do best, leading my team. All my extra effort, however, is no longer about my job or career. It's about the Butter Bean and my family. That's what's important. That's why I really wasn't paying attention.
I'll be working through my pregnancy and then go back after the 6- to 8-week piddly maternity leave the US decided was a good time frame. In the meantime, though, I just don't care about workplace drama. I don't care if someone needs more days off because of something happening in their lives. If what's going on attempts to infiltrate my pregnancy "stress-free zone," I just reflect things back and say my mantra ... "Healthy baby, healthy pregnancy." Honestly, I never cared for adults who had childish tantrums in which there's no accountability. Especially when the situation is reversed and then I'm the first to hear about it rather than the last. I just look at that person, put up my pregnancy baby bubble, and hope that the negativity and childishness bounces off my Butter Bean.
Ok, enough of the attempted stress. What about things I have to do? Things I have to pay attention to? Yeah, I'm not really thinking much about those things, either. If I have a meeting and I have heartburn, I just tune into my body and try to relax. What, you want to set up a separate meeting with managers from other parts of the organization to see what we can do to further the leadership of our head of operations? Go ahead. I'll tag along, but don't need the stress.
I don't mean for this to sound like I've checked out. Going back and reading it, though, that's exactly what it sounds like. Let me make one thing very clear. I love my job. I love who I work with and I love who I work for. I love those who work for me. I'm still doing what I do best, leading my team. All my extra effort, however, is no longer about my job or career. It's about the Butter Bean and my family. That's what's important. That's why I really wasn't paying attention.
Deep breath (From May 26, 2011)
Ok, we've told our families with the exception of my Dad and my middle brother and his wife. We'll be seeing them in a week, so we want to let them know in person, too.
It's funny, though. Well, maybe not funny, but definitely something. Now that we've told our families, I worry more. I'm not the worrier in the family. Brian does enough of that for all of us. I'm usually the solid rock that's hard to break. But, now that the news is out to family, I worry about things like miscarriages and ectopic pregnancy. I try to stay positive and only put positive energy into my body, but that nagging suspicion is there just under the surface. It was pretty bad last night after we told Brian's parents. Although my mom didn't have any trouble during her pregnancies it doesn't always work that way. Both of my sister in-law's have had multiple miscarriages, and the wife of a good friend of Brian's just miscarried 6-months in. Rare, I know. No. I mean that. I KNOW. But, it's still there in the back of my mind.
I just pray for most of the day that the Butter Bean is safe and healthy, and that I have a healthy pregnancy with no complications. I've controlled what I've been eating and am working to put more protein in my diet. I took prenatal vitamins for 4 months before conceiving, along with an extra dose of folic acid. I'm still on extra iron for myself and on vitamin D. But, since I now have to go and see the OB-GYN, I'm pretty much on my own until June 21st: my first appointment. Of course, I'll always have the internet...(that just sent shivers down my spine).
It's funny, though. Well, maybe not funny, but definitely something. Now that we've told our families, I worry more. I'm not the worrier in the family. Brian does enough of that for all of us. I'm usually the solid rock that's hard to break. But, now that the news is out to family, I worry about things like miscarriages and ectopic pregnancy. I try to stay positive and only put positive energy into my body, but that nagging suspicion is there just under the surface. It was pretty bad last night after we told Brian's parents. Although my mom didn't have any trouble during her pregnancies it doesn't always work that way. Both of my sister in-law's have had multiple miscarriages, and the wife of a good friend of Brian's just miscarried 6-months in. Rare, I know. No. I mean that. I KNOW. But, it's still there in the back of my mind.
I just pray for most of the day that the Butter Bean is safe and healthy, and that I have a healthy pregnancy with no complications. I've controlled what I've been eating and am working to put more protein in my diet. I took prenatal vitamins for 4 months before conceiving, along with an extra dose of folic acid. I'm still on extra iron for myself and on vitamin D. But, since I now have to go and see the OB-GYN, I'm pretty much on my own until June 21st: my first appointment. Of course, I'll always have the internet...(that just sent shivers down my spine).
Mom, Dad ... you're going to be grandparents! (From May 26, 2011)
I'm not quite sure what it is, but no matter what age you are, telling your parents you're pregnant is like saying, "Guess what? Brian and I had some really great sex 2 - 3 weeks ago!" I feel the need to tell you Brian and I are not married. We've been together for a year and a half, we live in sin, and we will get married. But, unlike an, "oops, honey, you're going to be a Daddy," moment, he and I discussed having kids before we got married. I know, not very traditional, but we're not getting any younger, either. I'm 33 and will be 34 in a month and a half, and Brian is 38. We didn't watch MTV's 16 and Pregnant and think, "Wow, wouldn't it be cool to have a kid?" We had some very long discussions over long periods of time and we just knew the time was right. Brian's been saving for a ring. I even sent him the website of the actual wedding set I would like. And, I posted the picture of it as his background on his laptop. Subtle, I know. We're also doing a Total Money Makeover (read Dave Ramsey's book of the same title), and this is our first month into it. I guess now I'm going to have to adjust the budget a bit for the butter bean (aka. baby).
Oh, so back to telling the parents. Believe it or not, parents on both sides have been asking when they're going to get a grandbaby. It's not that this will be their first; it will be the fourth on my side and the second on Brian's side. Given that I had a doctor appointment anyway the day after "the faint pink line," I figured I'd have them run a confirmation of pregnancy test ... as Brian put it, "just to make sure." You remember what I told you about him missing health class the day of female reproduction, right? It was kind of like, "the faint pink line" could just mean you're mostly pregnant, but not fully pregnant. I love that man! I got the thumbs up from the doc and went over to Carters to see what I could find. I was looking for anything with "Grandma" and "Grandpa" on it and found some really cute bibs. (Don't worry, Dave Ramsey, I used my blow money. Plus, they were 70% off)! I got four bibs total, one for each grandparent. When Brian got home from work, we had dinner ready for everyone and had my mom and Fitz sit down at the table. I told them that I know it's been stressful for them to live with me for the past year and a half, and since this is one of the last dinners we'd have before they moved into their own place, we wanted to give them a housewarming gift to help make the transition a bit easier. They both opened their gift and my mom just looked at it and said, "Uh, this is a bib. Fitz, what'd you get? Wait. ARE YOU PREGNANT!!! OH MY GOD, YOU'RE PREGNANT!!! OH MY GOD!!!!" Really. I'm not overstating by using caps or multiple exclamation points here. In fact, if I could put the octave reached between the tears of joy and jumping up and down, I would. It was amazing. Fitz, ever so reserved, also got in some, "Oh, my goodness! This is great news! Congratulations, you two! You'll make great parents!" Then, we sat down to a nice dinner where we answered questions like, "So, when are you due? When's the wedding? When did you find out?" It was a great night.
The next night, we took Brian's parents out to dinner at Logan's Steakhouse. I picked Brian up at work and we ran into his sister. Brian decided to go ahead and tell her there in the parking lot. She was so excited, she was crying, saying, "Really!! Oh my God!! Gianna's going to have a playmate! You're pregnant! Wow! Oh my God! I'm so excited for you! Congratulations!" Ok, Brian, practice run is over. Let's tell your parents...
He essentially followed the same scripting as the night before for his parents. His Dad opened the gift first and looked at it, saying, "Oh, I think this is for Gianna," (note: Gianna is three and it was a newborn bib). Then he looked over at his wife as she was opening hers and said, "Oh, wait. I think I get it. You're pregnant?" That's all it took for more tears of joy, more bear hugs, more congratulations, more smiles, you name it. We had a really great dinner and even better conversation. After dinner, Brian called his grandmother and told his brother the news as well. All were very excited for the news and we were elated. Of course, the question of a wedding was brought up again and, although I had thrown around October, the reality of stress started sinking in and I told Brian that I don't know if I could handle the stress of a wedding and being pregnant at the same time. You know what he told me? "Baby, I'll handle everything. You just focus on growing our child." Have I mentioned that I love that man?
Oh, so back to telling the parents. Believe it or not, parents on both sides have been asking when they're going to get a grandbaby. It's not that this will be their first; it will be the fourth on my side and the second on Brian's side. Given that I had a doctor appointment anyway the day after "the faint pink line," I figured I'd have them run a confirmation of pregnancy test ... as Brian put it, "just to make sure." You remember what I told you about him missing health class the day of female reproduction, right? It was kind of like, "the faint pink line" could just mean you're mostly pregnant, but not fully pregnant. I love that man! I got the thumbs up from the doc and went over to Carters to see what I could find. I was looking for anything with "Grandma" and "Grandpa" on it and found some really cute bibs. (Don't worry, Dave Ramsey, I used my blow money. Plus, they were 70% off)! I got four bibs total, one for each grandparent. When Brian got home from work, we had dinner ready for everyone and had my mom and Fitz sit down at the table. I told them that I know it's been stressful for them to live with me for the past year and a half, and since this is one of the last dinners we'd have before they moved into their own place, we wanted to give them a housewarming gift to help make the transition a bit easier. They both opened their gift and my mom just looked at it and said, "Uh, this is a bib. Fitz, what'd you get? Wait. ARE YOU PREGNANT!!! OH MY GOD, YOU'RE PREGNANT!!! OH MY GOD!!!!" Really. I'm not overstating by using caps or multiple exclamation points here. In fact, if I could put the octave reached between the tears of joy and jumping up and down, I would. It was amazing. Fitz, ever so reserved, also got in some, "Oh, my goodness! This is great news! Congratulations, you two! You'll make great parents!" Then, we sat down to a nice dinner where we answered questions like, "So, when are you due? When's the wedding? When did you find out?" It was a great night.
The next night, we took Brian's parents out to dinner at Logan's Steakhouse. I picked Brian up at work and we ran into his sister. Brian decided to go ahead and tell her there in the parking lot. She was so excited, she was crying, saying, "Really!! Oh my God!! Gianna's going to have a playmate! You're pregnant! Wow! Oh my God! I'm so excited for you! Congratulations!" Ok, Brian, practice run is over. Let's tell your parents...
He essentially followed the same scripting as the night before for his parents. His Dad opened the gift first and looked at it, saying, "Oh, I think this is for Gianna," (note: Gianna is three and it was a newborn bib). Then he looked over at his wife as she was opening hers and said, "Oh, wait. I think I get it. You're pregnant?" That's all it took for more tears of joy, more bear hugs, more congratulations, more smiles, you name it. We had a really great dinner and even better conversation. After dinner, Brian called his grandmother and told his brother the news as well. All were very excited for the news and we were elated. Of course, the question of a wedding was brought up again and, although I had thrown around October, the reality of stress started sinking in and I told Brian that I don't know if I could handle the stress of a wedding and being pregnant at the same time. You know what he told me? "Baby, I'll handle everything. You just focus on growing our child." Have I mentioned that I love that man?
A Faint Pink Line (from May 25, 2011)
The date of May 23rd holds meaning in my family. My brother, Brandon, was born on May 23rd, and my cousin, Malcolm, was born exactly one year later on May 23rd. My maternal grandmother passed away on May 23rd. This date is one on which we hold our breath, anxious for what the day will bring. Monday, May 23, 2011 was no different. Three drops on litmus paper and two minutes later, a faint pink line. "Wait," I thought. "Let me check the back of the box. I think it's suppose to be darker." Nope. Tiffany, you and Brian are starting a family! I took a picture of the pregnancy test, knowing from what some friends told me that it doesn't stay "positive" forever. I also took a picture of the back of the box as I wasn't too sure how well Brian paid attention in health class many, many moons ago. Turns out, I was right to take a picture of the box. I think he was absent on the day they went through the female reproductive system. No worries. He'll get his fair share of learning as the months progress.
The Saturday before "the faint pink line," Brian and I spent the day together. We went to the classical radio station where he gave a testimonial as to why he gives money to them every month. I was so proud of him. He spoke from the heart - which he always does - and it makes me love him even more. We stopped for some fast food for breakfast that morning. We don't do that too often, but we had to leave the house in time to make it to the radio station, so Burger King it was. I told Brian I would take him to Ted's Hot Dogs, a "must-go" restaurant in Tempe which always has a line out the door. Later that evening, we were going to Bobby Q's for my friends sons' 13th birthday. It was a day full of eating out. On our way to Bobby Q's, I mentioned to Brian that I felt nauseous and couldn't believe we ate out for every meal that day. Despite the nausea, I ordered light and just had a grilled chicken caesar salad. Why am I telling you this? Because we NEVER eat out that much. EVER. Of course I associated the nausea with eating out. Wouldn't any other person?
Then there was the, "I feel like I should have had my period three days ago," moments. In fact, the Friday before the "faint pink line," I asked a friend at work if I could have a pad or tampon. It felt like I was going to start any minute! Needless to say, it never came.
I don't know if it was after I saw the faint pink line that I started to feel the heartburn, or if it was just that I was naturally tuned into it at that point. Either way, I feel like I've been burping my way throughout the days. I posted my due date somewhere and it told me I had about 242 days to go. Wow. That's a lot of burping...
The Saturday before "the faint pink line," Brian and I spent the day together. We went to the classical radio station where he gave a testimonial as to why he gives money to them every month. I was so proud of him. He spoke from the heart - which he always does - and it makes me love him even more. We stopped for some fast food for breakfast that morning. We don't do that too often, but we had to leave the house in time to make it to the radio station, so Burger King it was. I told Brian I would take him to Ted's Hot Dogs, a "must-go" restaurant in Tempe which always has a line out the door. Later that evening, we were going to Bobby Q's for my friends sons' 13th birthday. It was a day full of eating out. On our way to Bobby Q's, I mentioned to Brian that I felt nauseous and couldn't believe we ate out for every meal that day. Despite the nausea, I ordered light and just had a grilled chicken caesar salad. Why am I telling you this? Because we NEVER eat out that much. EVER. Of course I associated the nausea with eating out. Wouldn't any other person?
Then there was the, "I feel like I should have had my period three days ago," moments. In fact, the Friday before the "faint pink line," I asked a friend at work if I could have a pad or tampon. It felt like I was going to start any minute! Needless to say, it never came.
I don't know if it was after I saw the faint pink line that I started to feel the heartburn, or if it was just that I was naturally tuned into it at that point. Either way, I feel like I've been burping my way throughout the days. I posted my due date somewhere and it told me I had about 242 days to go. Wow. That's a lot of burping...
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