Eluned G. Sharron Bethea » June 2007 Journal Entries » AboutMyBaby - online baby scrapbooks, photo albums, videos, birth and pregnancy announcements

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Fri, Jun 29, 2007 8:00 PM
I bought my first maternity clothes last weekend, and I wore my first piece today.

I know it's early still for maternity clothes, but Old Navy had a tunic/blouse I just love on clearance. The store had one left, in my size. While we were there I got a hoodie that I can't wear yet, and the tshirt I wore today. I also tried on a linen/cotton tank top that might be my favorite piece yet, but they were out of my size (I'll order it online). And I tried on maternity jeans, but it's definitely too early for those.

So today I wore my new, extra-long tshirt over my old jeans with a rubber band holding them together, MUCH more comfortable.

It really really helps that the current fashion (at least here in L.A.) is what I call maternity chic. Seriously, everyone here is wearing maternity clothes. Well, I'm sure not really, but they're cut a lot like maternity clothes.

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Thu, Jun 28, 2007 11:00 AM
Results of our screening: our risk for Down's Syndrome is 1 in 678, and our risk for Trisomy 13 or 18 is 1 in 10,000. So, no need for more testing right now.

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Mon, Jun 25, 2007 5:00 PM
Last Monday we had our first trimester screening(*). I want no part of CVS or amniocentesis or anything with a risk of miscarriage unless there's a very good reason for it, so we opted for the screening.

The ultrasound went well; the baby has a 1mm nuchal fold, which is perfect.

The doctor who did the ultrasound was a hoot. He called the baby "the kid." He needed the baby to get into a specific position for the measurement and the baby was not cooperating, so he kept thumping on my abdomen with the ultrasound wand, and he called the baby a couch potato. Will brought up that Capricorns are supposed to be athletic, so I said, "Well, maybe he's going to be a good right fielder," and the doctor said "that's the kiss of death." Turns out all three of us played right field.

Later the office left a message that our blood tests were back, with "good news," and we've been playing phone tag with them.

(*) This is a detailed ultrasound and series of blood tests to look for signs of genetic abnormalities. The screening doesn't tell you if there's a problem -- just the likelihood that there might be. I've already been tested for cystic fibrosis and Tay Sachs (and I'm not a carrier), but the counselor was all ready with her pamphlets for those, too. She also gave me a pamphlet on Fragile X Syndrome, which I've never heard of, and I have to call our insurance and see if they'll pay for the test.

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Thu, Jun 14, 2007 5:00 PM
So, ancient Chinese secrets aside, there's some anecdotal evidence that I might be carrying a boy. I don't have any sense either way yet myself.

1. As my cousin Marsha points out, a strong fast heartbeat like we're hearing often means a boy.

2. I've had morning sickness, yes, but it's been bearable.
Somewhere there's a list of "signs you'll be prone to morning sickness," and I have maybe 8 out of 10. But the last one is "you're carrying a girl" -- girl babies are associated with worse morning sickness.
Will's mom Carmen says she had morning sickness with Will's sister Nicky but not with him.

3. I'll skip the details, but in 3 years of infertility I learned a LOT about conception, and there are actually things you can do to increase your odds of having a boy or a girl. Now, Will and I weren't trying for anything, really, but in hindsight the timing favors a boy.

And then there's always the idea that a girl steals her mom's beauty, while a boy enhances it. Anyone care to weigh in on that one? Will? ;)

Comments:
Rachel: Kate, there's always the gold ring test too. You hang a pure gold ring on a chain over your belly, and the way it moves around your tummy is supposed to be indicative of the babies gender. Either way you'll find out eventually.

Virginia: Ha! I love that last anecdote - never heard it before. All I know is that I had a girl and I looked awful once I hit about 28 weeks. It definitely held true for me! I had the chubbiest face imaginable. Kate, surely you remember that, seeing me every day at work! ;)

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Sun, Jun 10, 2007 11:00 AM
I got up at 3:30 this morning to eat. The cats got up and ate with me. I left Will alone to sleep; he took very good care of me all day yesterday.

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Thu, Jun 7, 2007 7:00 PM
I had an unexpected doctor's visit today, but everything looks ok.

I found some spotting this morning, so I called Dr. Sikking. The nurse said it was probably fine but she'd have Dr. Sikking call me back. Dr. Sikking said I didn't need to come in, but "peace of mind is worth it." I had calmed down a lot by then, but as it's a week and a half until my next appointment ... So they snuck me in this afternoon.

The baby is growing, moving, and has a good heartbeat.

Dr. Sikking says I should always call them if I have any concerns, and it's no problem to come in and check on things.

I love Dr. Sikking and her staff -- in a completely professional way.

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Sun, Jun 3, 2007 10:00 AM
T-shirts we like:

For me: we're hungry

Who (cosmically speaking) thought it was funny for me to be hungry and nauseous at the same time?!

For Will: Without me there would be no bump.

True in more than the obvious sense -- I seriously don't think I could do this without Will.

Some of our favorite baby t-shirts are up at T-Shirt Hell's Baby Hell section. NSFW! And really, not safe for anyone who doesn't share Will's and my sick & twisted sense of humor.

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Fri, Jun 1, 2007 4:00 PM
My food choices have taken a turn to the odd. I've had french fries for lunch or dinner 3 times in the past week. And the other day I had tapioca pudding for lunch. But right now, anything I can eat is a small victory.

Hi Marsha! I'm fine with coffee -- I'm even still drinking a little bit some mornings, mostly out of habit I suspect. Good thing for Will, because he *really* loves his morning coffee and I don't know what we'd do if I couldn't stand the smell anymore.

I'm also doing well with pizza and ice cream. Friday night I was stuck in that hungry-but-nothing-appeals mode, and Will went into the kitchen and came out with a frozen pizza that actually did sound good. And that was the most successful dinner I've had all week -- I felt fine after I ate it and I didn't wake up hungry in the middle of the night! So Will's new nickname is "man-doula."

Comments:
Nicky Martinez: And what a wonderful man-doula he will make!

MARSHA: On the pizza and beer craving, I substituted imported non-alcoholic beer.

Marsha: With Mike I craved oranges and sucked the juice out of them over the sink until my face broke out. Also, broccoli beef (worked in S.F.). With Matt I craved pizza and beer. Also, I had
Baskin-Robbins jamoca almond fudge for lunch every day for 2-3 weeks. Still only gained 17 lbs. 1 more lb than I gained with Mike.

Do you like the smell of coffee now? That seems to be a common one. Oh, while sitting in traffic, I could smell a cigarette miles away.

Good luck, Kate. We, in the midwest, are thinking about you!

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