About 3 Weeks To Go

James went to LA this past weekend and I'm so relieved Lily decided to stay put. I'm already 36 weeks pregnant, and I suppose Lily can come out anytime now. But, I saw Dr. B yesterday and she said I'm progressing nicely. The cervix is soft and it's making room for Lily. She switched me to Heparin, a different type of blood thinner, because it's safer than Lovenox towards the end of pregnancies, meaning the effects of it can be reversed, whereas with Lovenox, it cannot. Although I'm now instructed to give myself 2 injections a day, I'm so relieved as the size of the needle is about half of what the Lovenox was, and it hasn't left me battered and bruised. I've got my non-stress test this Thursday, and on Friday, James and I are taking a babycare/feeding class at the hospital. And, to make matters more exciting, my last day of work is tomorrow. I've never looked forward to Halloween this much. At work today, my colleagues surprised me with a little party. It was very sweet and thoughtful. I have to admit, I'm going to miss working there, but I am looking forward to finally organizing the apartment.

My belly is getting more and more uncomfortable, as you can imagine. And today, Lily had the hiccups three times! What causes that?!?! Walking around is really wearing me out, and I always feel like I just ran 10 miles. My lower back has also been hurting me if I stand or walk for long periods of time. Luckily, (knock on wood), my feet/ankles have not swollen to the point where I had to jump up a size in my shoes. But emotionally, I'm doing just great. My hormones are in check and I'm a pretty happy pregnant person.

35 Weeks and No Date Planned

I saw Dr. B this afternoon and she's decided that she wants me to try to go into labor naturally, and if by the 39th week, I'm not in labor, then she will induce. She's hesitant to induce me because about 10-15% of inductions end up in Caesarean sections and women who have C-sections are more likely to get blood clots and she doesn't want to take that chance because of my medical condition. I really like this decision. I'd prefer to go into labor naturally anyway. But, this means that Lily will definitely be born before November 19th. That's less than a month away!

No Induction Date Yet

No news yet on when Lily will be induced. Everything looked good at my doctor's appt yesterday. I saw a different doctor this time and he said that when I see Dr. B on Monday, we'll most likely choose a date. He said he agrees with Dr. B in that I should definitely be induced at 38-39 weeks. He even asked me if I would consider a C-section (after he read my medical history) and I said whatever it takes to ensure Lily will be here safely.

Lately, I've been feeling Braxton Hicks contractions. These are sporadic contractions that begin really early in the pregnancy, but aren't usually felt until later in the pregnancy. Sometimes it's a sharp pain, then other times, it feels like bad period cramps. I've also noticed that my appetite hasn't been as big lately and I haven't been as enthusiastic to eat anymore. I'm never really sure what I want to eat these days. Nothing is that appealing. It's like I'm just eating because I know I have to feed Lily. This is so unlike me. Maybe it's because I haven't been feeling well lately. There's some kind of a cold going around that I've definitely caught. I plan on resting and recovering all weekend. I LIVE for the weekends lately.

34 Weeks

I had a really bad night of sleep last night. I went to bed at 10pm, then woke up at 1:30 to pee. Couldn't go back to sleep because Lily was moving around a lot plus I was hungry. So, I got up and decided to make a couple of hotdogs. I've been really into these organic beef hotdogs, no antibiotics or nitrates added. Slap on some dijon mustard with a heaping pile of sauerkraut and I'm happy. I've also been watching 24, but I started late so I'm currently on Season 4. I threw that in the DVD player and the next thing I know, it's a little past 4am. I forced myself to bed but still couldn't fall asleep 'til about 5:30. Then I got up at 7:30. And tonight, James and I are taking an infant CPR class at the hospital from 5:30-8, so I'm going to be exhausted by the end of the day.

Tomorrow morning I have the nonstress test and a doctor's appt following that. Please, oh please, can we just pick an induction date!!! I only have 2 more weeks of work left...wish it was sooner!

Good-bye for now, Martha

Since February, I've been volunteering for an organization called, The Caring Community. The program I signed up for is called, Friendly Visiting, where you get paired up with a homebound senior citizen and hang out with them in their home for about an hour a week. I chose this program because for some reason, I've always enjoyed the company of seniors. I love hearing their stories (whether they're true or not doesn't really matter - it's how they tell it, how they try to remember it, the look in their eyes - that's what makes it special.) The thought of an older person living alone and growing old alone really makes me sad, so just visiting them a little a week can make a difference in their lives. Plus, I don't have any grandparents in this country, and the ones I do have, I can't even communicate with because of a language barrier, amongst other things. So, The Caring Community made the perfect match for me back in February. They paired me up with an 86 year old lady named Martha. Martha was born in Los Angeles, CA and is of Japanese descent. What really intrigued me in the beginning was the fact that I was talking to an older Asian person who spoke perfect English, without an accent. I rarely meet anyone like that. Martha's father was a film actor back in the 20s and 30s. She mentioned that he had had small parts in films - a rarity back then for Asians. She actually grew up in Hollywood, CA. Imagine growing up in Hollywood in the 20s and 30s! (Since I lived in Hollywood, too, we shared familiar landmarks in the neighborhood.) She was in internment camps and spoke very briefly about that. But she did recall stories about hanging out in big production lots, meeting famous actors, and also threw out names like Greta Garbo. She told me that once Miss Garbo allowed the kids in the production lot to hang out in and around her car, while it was being waxed. True? Not sure and who really cares. Martha really enjoyed telling that story. After Hollywood, she moved to Illinois and worked in an advertising agency. She lived there for a few years then eventually made her way to NYC. She lives in the same studio apartment in Greenwich Village since the 1940s. She never married and never had kids. About a year ago, she slipped in her bathtub and injured her back, thereby confining herself to her home. She's been seeing doctors and doing physical therapy, but is still not well and strong enough to venture outside. But we've had such a marvelous time together every week. She would give me old Japanese recipies from the 50s (some of which called for MSG), clip me articles from the NY Times (she's an avid reader and loves doing the crossword puzzle), share her fruit with me, etc. and I would do favors for her like take her trash out, mail letters, or even type up letters for her. This past Friday was my last meeting with Martha, for now. I've been getting really tired after work and need to slow everything down a bit. I bought her a decorative box and she in turn gave me a beautiful plant that she's been growing for over 50 years. (see pic above) She's had it since she moved into her apartment. It's grown so big but she's clipped off a couple of leaves/stems and has been growing them aside for me. Despite the fact that Martha is 86, she seriously looks and acts at least 10 years younger. She is full of energy and is committed to getting well and being independent enough to go outside. I still plan to keep in touch with her via phone and hope that in a few months, she'll be able to meet Lily.

Everything Looks Good

Yesterday, I called in sick as I had a couple of doctor's appts and I also scheduled my prenatal massage in the afternoon. Saw Dr. B and she said all looks really good. She said we'll probably choose an induction date next week. (Crap!) After my appt I had my non-stress test. They attached 2 devices on my belly to measure Lily's heart rate. Apparently, she was falling asleep (I had just eaten lunch) so they had to zap my belly with this device that makes a loud noise internally and boy, did Lily hear it. The test takes about 1/2 an hour. The nurse was so confused as to why I had high blood pressure. Then I explained to her about my bypass surgery and that the doctors were taking every precaution necessary, just in case. At the end of my test, she had mentioned my "gastric bypass surgery" and I was like, HOLD ON! NOT GASTRIC! Oh dear. After the non-stress test, they do an ultrasound of the baby to measure how big she is. She is currently weighing in at 4 lbs, 12 oz. Atta girl! I have to get this same test done every week up until I give birth. That's a good thing though, because then every week, I get to see Lily via ultrasound. :)

There was a monsoon here yesterday afternoon and I was so happy to be able to escape to my massage at the Soho Sanctuary! The lady who handled me was called "Harvest." No joke. She was very good, despite the shady name. It was sooo relaxing. I'm not one to pamper myself at all, so this was quite a treat!

Great Weekend

We had a hectic but great weekend. James finished painting the nursery a color yellow he found at the hardware store called "You Are My Sunshine." See pic - it's not completed yet but almost. A bit weird to see a crib in place of our bed!

Saturday, Heather and her mom threw me a baby shower at her house, around the corner from where my mom lives in Jersey. It was such an amazing time and so nice to see all the moms, too. We caught up with each other, laughed til it hurt, ate lots and opened presents. The girls really hooked me up. I was a bit overwhelmed by their generosity and love. See link for pics.



After the shower, I went straight to Chieun's apartment because James was babysitting Luca. He had already gone to bed by the time I got there (it was 8pm) but at 2am, Luca started crying so I got up, fed him and played with him for about 1.5 hours. I didn't get much sleep that night, but that was expected. Sunday morning, James had to do some work so I hung out with Luca all by myself. I found out that babies need constant entertainment, but it wasn't as bad as I thought. (Then again, I only babysat for a few hours...) When Chieun and Brian came home, we borrowed their station wagon and headed to Ikea to find a crib and some other things. Everything was going very smoothly. We even hit the Babies 'R Us next to Ikea to pick up a mattress for the crib. We left the store, got on the turnpike, then got a flat tire. Ugh. I was pretty scared because cars were whipping by us at 70-80 mph. Though we were on the shoulder of the road, I've seen too many episodes of Cops when a traveling car would not see the car pulled over and ram right into them. Scary. But I was buckled in and we waited for help to arrive. It wasn't that bad of a wait, either. That night, we assembled some furniture. I was beat, but we got a lot accomplished so that felt really good.

The pic above is me at 33 weeks. I've got a bruise because I injected myself with Lovenox there since my legs were getting a bit bruised up. My doctor recommended to ice the area before I inject to prevent bruising, but sometimes I can't be bothered because it hurts to ice it, too. But, the icing does help lessen the bruising.

Tomorrow I see Dr. B and I'm also getting that non-stress test done. I'm hoping to pick a day that I'll be induced. I'd like to know when I'll go to the hospital so I can plan accordingly, though I know that a lot of times, plans don't go accordingly. Afterwards, I've booked a prenatal massage that my co-workers got me for my birthday. I'm REALLY looking forward to that. My back has been hurting me more and more these days. I've been resisting sneakers but I see myself caving in soon.

The Big H

I knew it was going to come and I was fully expecting it: hemmorhoids. Luckily, they're not too bad. I've heard of worse cases so, let's knock on wood, shall we?

Work was a bit hectic this week so I'm really looking forward to the weekend. I've become very exhausted these days. All I want to do is go home after work and sleep, but I try to stay up until at least 10. The girls I grew up with are throwing me a baby shower tomorrow. Moms & daughters, which I'm really looking forward to because it's like these moms were my 2nd moms. Carpooling, vacations, we all grew up together. I'll make sure to bring my camera. (James and I are really bad about taking pictures, but I'm making a vow to be good, especially once Lily is here.) After the shower, I'll be returning back to Brooklyn, as James and I will be babysitting Luca...overnight. This should be good. James will be hanging out with Luca by himself from 2:30 onward. I secretly hope Luca makes a nice big poo for him.

Sunday we're taking a trip to Ikea for some baby furniture. Oh, forgot to mention that James will start painting Lily's room this afternoon and tomorrow. A pale yellow. Sunday, we'll be moving our stuff into the "TV room" as we get the nursery ready (as long as Ikea has the furniture we're looking for). This will definitely make everything seem a bit more real.

Everything went well at my doctor's appointment. He wants me to monitor my blood pressure morning and night as towards the end of pregnancy, it is normal for blood pressure to rise slightly. And, it has, just a little bit. I've also scheduled a nonstress test next Thursday, which monitors the baby's heartbeat. This is routine procedure for a high-risk pregnancy.

Well, I suppose I should get back to work.

32 Weeks

I've decided to stop watching A Baby Story on TLC because it's influencing me in a bad way. I used to be pretty relaxed about delivery but seeing some of these women and their experience in the hospital is kinda freaking me out a bit. So, I'm going to stick to reading my Ina May book and maybe I'll pick up a prenatal yoga DVD or breathing exercise book or something. Some people are a bit alarmed that I'm not taking any classes like lamaze, but I personally don't think it's necessary for me. Perhaps I'm being a bit too overconfident but I truly believe (and hope and trust) that instinct will be my savior. If not, I'll do things differently with baby #2.

I see the doctor tomorrow but it's not my Dr. B. She said I don't need to see her this time around, but in 2 weeks. It's a routine check-up. I'm not sure if it's "pick a delivery date" day. I've extended my last day of work until October 31st. I figured I could use the money and I want to help my boss out as much as possible.

The last 2 nights have been incredibly restless for me. I tend to get up more to pee (like 5-6 times) and I've been staying awake from about 3-4:30, then passing out for a hour, then up for good. It really sucks. But it's all prep work for motherhood, I'm sure of it. James has been amazing support, cooking for me and making sure I'm well. I feel really lucky to have him as my partner.