Pregnancy gives me a headache

Literally.

Hi friends.... just thought I'd give you a quick (or long winded.....) update on where we are ..... a couple of days shy of 35 weeks pregnant, and been battling high blood pressure..... yes, you've been here with me before.... twice, actually -- but who's counting?

The first time it kind of caught us off guard, we weren't really clear on how serious my condition was or would become -- it all happened so suddenly.... and left us in a tailspin.

The second time was different -- they watched me so closely -- and as they were unwilling to risk a repeat performance -- once my readings started to rise, they delivered me at 37+ weeks.

This time..... well, the BP's been rising steadily for a month or so now -- but it seemed to have plateaued -- so, we were all content to hang on a few more weeks and then probably deliver around 38 weeks again.

On Monday, while sitting at my desk..... my vision got kind of blurry. I'd been staring at spreadsheets all morning -- so, I chalked it up to typical accountant-in-poor-office-lighting eye fatigue. I took my blood pressure (yeah, I'm one of those wicked awesome cool people that has my very own blood pressure cuff.... c'mon you know you want us to be friends) and it was high..... too high.... higher than it has been this time 'round..... (Insert four-lettered and probably vulgar word here)

I decided it was probably a fluke and that I should just go get some air, something to eat will probably help too...... a lot can be solved by getting away from the desk for a bit. Well, air is always good -- but the food? yeah, that made me all kinds of nauseous. Checked the BP a few more times -- still unacceptably high, but the vision was back to normal. The Big Dubya was working Monday night, so I knew I had the rascals on my own -- but, I also knew that I should, at a minimum, take it easy -- so I did the unthinkable...... yes, I got them McDonald's drive-thru for dinner. I normally try to avoid fast-food, but...... given the choice..... it seemed like a great idea to me. To add insult to injury -- after dinner and a quick bath..... I sat them in front of a Disney movie.... the three of us cuddled up on the couch and watched Nemo 'til they fell asleep. In some strange way it was really sweet -- I just laid there with them asleep on either side of me ..... I listened to them breath and wondered if this was the night..... would this be the night the two of them would become three? Relax, it wasn't......

By the time the Big Dubya got home, they were both out cold and my BP was back to merely elevated -- crisis averted, right?

At the beginning of this, I promised him that I'd be honest about what's going on with me -- rather than try to sugar-coat these things to keep him from worrying -- so, the Big Dubya suggested I check in with the doctor in the morning -- I half-heatedly agreed with my token "well, let's see what happens in the morning"

When I woke up yesterday morning, I had a headache that I could barely lift off the pillow. I lumbered downstairs and took some Motrin and checked the BP..... Ugh!

When I got back to our room, I woke the big guy and let him know that we might be at the start of something..... Once the Motrin kicked in, I decided that Dubya and the kids should start their day as usual and that I'd call the doctor at 8 when the office opened. The Big Dubya begrudgingly went to work..... as long as I promised to call as soon as I knew more. The receptionist was sweet and said she'd have the doctor call when he/she got in --

The doctor (there are four in the practice and of course I get the one that I don't really like much) was actually quite nice and said that because of my history I should go to the hospital and get hooked up to a monitor -- let's be sure we know what's going on. So, off I went.......

Where are we now?

Good Question

After 3 hours of monitoring, they agree -- the BP is too high. The baby's heart rate was also high, but that settled down with some rest. For obvious reasons, we'd like to delay delivering the baby at least a couple more weeks, but...... for now, I'm on bed rest 'til tomorrow when we get to go back and do it all again.

Let's hope the rest works....

How are you?

I guess that's what you get for asking an almost-three-year-old

Mrs Big Dubya: What do you think we should name the new baby?

'Lil Dubya: DRAGON (complete with his loudest roar!)

Mrs Big Dubya: Are you sure? that's kind of a funny name for a baby -- have any other choices?

'Lil Dubay: Yeah

Mrs Big Dubya: What?

'Lil Dubya: DINOSAUR (with an equally fierce roar)

Mrs Big Dubya: Yeah, okay

Things that I find comforting..... and things that I don't

Comforting:

I find it comforting that when I walk by people..... they don't ask each other "fat or pregnant"? there's no doubt..... I'm pregnant -- maybe a little fat too, but ..... there's no question -- I am pregnant.

Not-so Comforting:

People making the following remarks:
-- Wow, you really are getting big this time, huh?
-- Looks like you've got another big baby there, huh?
-- Are you sure there's only one?

So, you basically have to tell your boss... and the world... that you had sex

One of the parts of pregnancy that I never really thought about until the time came was the fact that I had to walk into my bosses office and tell him that I was indeed expecting. This is in no way a slam on any of my bosses, they were all nothing short of wonderful and supportive...... but it's still odd to discuss the results of something very private with someone that you have a somewhat formal relationship with.

When I was expecting the 'lil man, I was working for a terrific guy -- he's young, handsome -- not sure he's somebody I'd date, but I'd definitely be friends with him..... he'd be a great guy to go have beers with -- so, I had to go into his office and tell him that yes, I did indeed have sex.... it's just odd discussing something so personal.

When I was expecting the 'lil lady, I was working for another terrific guy -- he's older, divorced with no kids -- but from a large family with a bunch of sisters. He too would be a great guy to go drinking with and he was unbelievably understanding and supportive -- but, uhm yeah -- had to walk into his office and tell him that yes, we did the deed.

My current boss -- once again -- awesome guy -- but the first word that always comes to mind when I think of him is "proper". He's perfectly pressed, never uses a foul word -- he's married with two kids but you just know that they were immaculate conceptions -- he's just too reserved for it to have happened any other way. So, this one was tough.... but, yeah I had to tell him too.

I suppose pregnancy is odd that way -- it takes something that is typically rather private and puts it on the billboard that is your mid-section for 9 months. The Dads.... they can walk down the street and nobody knows..... but the mothers -- yeah, everybody they encounter knows just what they've been up to.

As we approach the birth of #3

I kind of thought pregnancy #3 would provide lots of blogging fodder…..

I first launched this site shortly after the birth of the ‘lil Dubya. I was the new mother of a preemie with vicious case of colic. The blog was as much a coping mechanism as anything else. It was a vehicle to get some of my frustrations, insecurities (and discoveries) off my chest.

Then…. before I knew it we were expecting #2. I think I posted some about my pregnancy…. but I spent a lot of the time worrying that I’d have a repeat of the complications I had with #1 and stressing about all the “usual” things that I’d missed out on the first time.

See, #1 was born a little over 5 weeks early – so, my water never broke, I never went into labor, my belly button never popped (really wanted to know if it hurts???)…. I never had hemorrhoids or varicose vein troubles….. I just got very sick one evening and had an emergency c-section. I missed out on a lot – I didn’t have that “moment” where you are presented with your new bundle of joy – instead I was as high as a kite – hopped up on morphine and God-knows what else – I had an incubator wheeled up next to my bed so I could reach out and touch my son before they took him to a hospital that had a NICU – it was almost a week before I got to hold him, and the first time I did he turned purple and had to be resuscitated.

At the time I felt very sorry for myself – I used to cry every time I thought about those first days and weeks. And now? Now, I don’t at all. I’m so grateful for the experience because although it wasn’t “perfect” or what you dream of when you think about the birth of your first child – it deepened my faith, it made me a more compassionate and understanding parent – it made me grateful for how fortunate I really am.... my baby came home with me after a few weeks and is perfect today..... many other mothers don't get the "happy ending"

When the ‘lil Dubyette (#2) was born and everything went relatively smoothly – I wanted to relish all of it. The nurses wanted to take her to the nursery so that I could get some sleep – but I kept her with me – just because I could (I probably should have let them take her for a little while, but….). I still didn’t get to experience labor, broken water, belly button popping (seriously, does it hurt??)….. but I got to take my baby home with me and that was “perfect” enough.

Now, I’m getting ready to deliver my third and (probably) final baby. I’m still plagued a little by memories of #1, but hoping that the experience is more like #2.

But with only a few weeks to go, I realize I haven’t been writing about all the funny things, well….the things I find funny……… so that’s what I’m going to start doing.

Stay tuned

Haven't posted in a while

You may have noticed..... I haven't posted in a while.

Not for lack of desire.... nor for lack of material.... not sure what it is really.... too tired? (maybe) too busy? (sure, I am pretty busy) just not feeling inspired (that could be it)

Well, let's see if I can get you all up to speed.

For those keeping track of #3's progress, we are at the 33 week mark -- except for feeling freaking enormous and constantly exhausted, things are going well.

I'm on the frequent flier plan at the doctor's office because of my pesky blood-pressure issue.... I'm convinced that my body just doesn't like the end of pregnancy -- and I've been plagued by this odd shooting pain. The pain starts on my left side and shoots across my lower abdomen and down to my knees whenever I put any weight on my left leg (how often do you really need to use your left leg anyway? I mean really?).

The doctor (yes, it was bad enough that I actually went to the doctor) said that it's very common -- basically, the baby's sitting low and resting on a nerve -- similar to the sciatic nerve, but this nerve is in the front (I can't remember the name of it). He suggested I try a maternity support belt (attractive, isn't it?) to help alleviate the pressure, stay off my feet (cause with a 1 and a 2 year old at home..... that's gonna happen) or I can try to coax the baby to change positions -- but beyond that..... there's not a whole lot I can do. Awesome! He/she is head down, so -- I suppose that's a good start.

As if being 8+ months pregnant with high blood pressure and an inability to put weight on my left leg wasn't enough, I've got a miserable head cold. It started off with just an annoying runny nose, but after several sleepless nights due to my insomniac kids and some obnoxious leg cramps -- it has developed into a full blown chest cold complete with a deep dry cough that has me terrified I'm going to pee myself every time I have a coughing fit. Having a cold sucks..... being pregnant and unable to take anything-worth-taking sucks big time. I would love to go home and go to bed, but with my maternity leave looming.... I'm not sure that's very fair to my already extremely generous boss.

We still don't have baby names selected for what I've come to expect to be another 'lil Dubyette. I'm not sure why I'm convinced this baby's a girl.... I have nothing to base it on -- just a hunch.... I'll be just as happy with either, but I have to admit -- I'll be more than a little surprised if it's a boy. I'm not sure why we have such a hard time with names..... we just can't seem to get on the same page and settle on one.....

Completely unrelated...... I saw this headline and instead of feeling sorry for her.... I thought, geez.... some girls have all the luck.

Dear Miss Stiletto

Dear Miss Stiletto --

I personally have never been accused of being fashion-forward.... so, I'm sure my little thoughts will make no sense to you, but this is my blog and I'll whine if I want to.

If you opt to wear shoes you can barely walk in to the office, may I ask that you do your teetering wobble off to the side of the corridor?

You see, some of us base our travel time on our ability to walk to meetings at a somewhat brisk pace.... and we wear appropriate shoes to accomplish this travel.

Getting stuck behind a middle-aged Barbie-doll attempting to walk in shoes that are clearly designed for hookers can really hamper my ability to get to meetings on time.

I have no problem with your new-born-Bambi learning to walk impression -- but, scoot over -- let us serious people pass you please, okay?

Dear Orlando International Airport

An open letter to Orlando International Airport from Mrs Big Dubya:

Dear MCO,

You suck!

Get your act together.

Regards,
Mrs Big Dubya

**************************************

An airport that is in such close proximity to Walt Disney World should be better equipped to handle families with small children...... MCO is not.

On Friday morning, we left our Walt Disney Resort on the 8:50am Magical Express. For those who travel to Disney, the Magical Express is a fabulous service that I highly recommend. We grumbled a bit because our flight wasn't until noon..... 8:50 seemed a bit early, but -- we stuck with the resorts recommendation -- and thank God we did.

Shortly before arriving at the airport, the 'lil Dubyette let out a small cough -- which was followed by a bout of projectile vomit that jettisoned her entire breakfast which consisted of yogurt and fruit. The Big Dubya acted fast and managed to clean up the mess -- but her outfit and my shirt were casualties that were beyond the power of mere baby wipes.

Once off the Magical Express, we found a bench and pulled whatever outfit we could out of the luggage -- she didn't match, but she was clean.... sorta.

We got in line to check our bags and waited 45 minutes...... 45 minutes is absurd especially when you've already got your boarding passes. This is a domestic flight....... UGH

We then proceeded to the security check point where we waited close to an hour..... an hour? are you kidding me? And, let's be honest -- this is Orlando -- everyone has at least one child with them. Fortunately, our kids were unbelievably cooperative -- but that's not the point. Every time we fly through MCO it's the same story -- if they are going to deal with this high passenger volume they ought to configure and staff accordingly.

If anyone knows a time of day that's better at MCO -- please let me know. We've got another trip planned in August/September and I'd like to avoid a repeat of this disaster.