After lunch on Wednesday (August 29, 2007) I started feeling a little "off". My belly started feeling a bit achey, not really painful, but uncomfortable. I got nervous and called the nurse from my ob's office to describe what I was feeling. She recommended I got to the hospital because I'm pregnant with twins, and it was possible that I was having some contractions.
They checked me in quickly when I got there, and I sat in the "Early Labor Lounge" while they tried to assess me. I thought this was a misnomer, since there really wasn't any "lounging" going on. During the time I sat there, I'm pretty sure I heard at least 2 women in full blown labor and one (who sounded like she'd had a few too many drinks) talking about having blackouts. I was not in too much pain, but all the background noise and discussions going on in the room were stressful in and of themselves.
They hooked me up to the contractions monitor and ran a couple of tests. The monitor indicated I was contracting about every 3 minutes, but I was surprisingly comfortable. After discussing my situation with my doctor, the nurse returned and gave me a shot of terbutaline (sp?) to stop the contractions. They also conducted another test which I believe they called a fetal fibronectin test. They explained to me that they were looking for a negative result, which would indicate to them that I was unlikely to deliver within the next few weeks. While waiting on these results, my doctor sent orders to keep me overnight for observation.
I was wheeled to the Perinatal Intensive Care Unit where I was to stay for further observation. Later that evening, my doctor stopped in to check-up on me and update me on how we would move forward. We were still waiting for the results of the fetal fibronectin, but based on what I was feeling when I came in and the nurse's assessment he thought I could have gone into pre-term labor. He wanted to confirm his suspicion with an ultrasound the next morning, and he was still waiting to see the fetal fibronectin results. He told me that worst case scenario I would be sent home on a t-pump so that I could inject myself every few days to stave off future contractions. He also said I would be on bedrest from here forward. He told me he wanted to see the ultrasound results to see if my cervix was changing, and we would move forward from there.
The next morning I had my ultrasound, and the results were all positives. The babies were fine, continuing to grow as expected. As of the day of the ultrasound, the girl weighed 1 lb. 8 oz. and the boy weighed 1 lb. 9 oz. The ultrasound also indicated that my cervix was unchanged by the contractions I had experienced. I was encouraged, so now I just had to wait on my doctor to review the results. The on-call doctor showed up later that morning and had them remove me from everything (IV & contractions monitor). He had reviewed my ultrasound, and he said it was highly unlikely that I would deliver anytime soon due to the length and condition of the cervix. He also said I did not need the t-pump as he felt that he would rather not use it unless it was absolutely necessary. He released me to go home, and he had me schedule a follow-up to check my progress. I was, to say the least, completely relieved.
One important development that happened as a result of my visit was that he had them check my blood sugar while I was in the hospital. The nurse took a fasting blood sugar and found that I was marginally high (100 mg/dl). He said the terbutaline could cause a temporary increase in blood sugar but that I should schedule for a glucose screening in about a week. The idea of developing high blood sugar scared me a bit since I had not read much about gestational diabetes, so I did not know what the risks were to me or to the babies.
I started doing my research, and I was encouraged to find that gestational diabetes (GD) can usually be controlled by diet and exercise. It can necesitate insulin, but most patients are successfully treated without it. I did find that uncontrolled GD can cause complications, mostly during delivery and following for the babies. My own body could also suffer if I failed to control my blood sugar.
I went out later that week and bought a glucose meter. I started monitoring my blood sugar several times during the day to see how my body was responding to different foods. I read what I could about GD & diabetic diets, and I tried to cut the obvious "no-no's" (pop, candy, desserts, etc.). Amazingly, I found that in 3 days I lost 6 lbs. of water weight, so I knew this realization was an important part of making the rest of my pregnancy as healthy as possible.
I scheduled my 1-hour glucose test a week after leaving the hospital, and I was showing elevated blood sugar. They asked me to schedule a 3-hour glucose test, so they could confirm the validity of the 1-hour test. Sure enough, my test was positive. I failed by a point, but it was probably for the better since that will force me to eat better.
I have since met with a dietician to discuss my meal plan. I continue to be amazed that these changes have almost completely changed my outlook for the pregnancy. I have been able to have almost complete control over my swelling. I have lots of energy. I don't feel heavy (even though I am). I don't have the feeling of fullness I used to have, and I feel confident that I will make it to 30-something weeks. My only real concern is that I have lost 9 lbs. since I changed my diet, and I am at times concerned that the babies are getting what they need. My doctor has reassured me that the babies are fine, so I am just focusing on trying to eat well and take care of myself.
In retrospect, my trip to the hospital was probably one of the best things that could have happened to me. I think it opened my eyes to the seriousness of my physical well-being and how I have the power to change it.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Read at your own risk
I need to vent, so I mean it when I say "Read at your own risk".
I was reading some news today when I should have been napping, and I came across this story.
I was pretty angry and saddened after reading it. Some people really should not be allowed to be parents. Obviously, I don't know the reasons why this woman left her baby in the car for 8 hours, but I don't care. There simply is no good reason to leave your baby in the car in 100 degree weather. I hate the thought of thinking what this poor baby's last hours of life were like.
An appropriate story that illustrates how "We Don't Choose", and how sad it really is sometimes. This woman is an excellent example of why some children are just better off with someone else other than their birth parents. I feel guilty when I lose my temper with Jameson, but I would protect him with my life. This woman was obviously too consumed by other unimportant concerns that she didn't realize her baby was going to die in that car. . . or maybe she did realize that - even worse.
Sometimes life really is just cruel and unfair. Why bring a life into this world if you are not going to care for it? I just don't understand it.
I was reading some news today when I should have been napping, and I came across this story.
I was pretty angry and saddened after reading it. Some people really should not be allowed to be parents. Obviously, I don't know the reasons why this woman left her baby in the car for 8 hours, but I don't care. There simply is no good reason to leave your baby in the car in 100 degree weather. I hate the thought of thinking what this poor baby's last hours of life were like.
An appropriate story that illustrates how "We Don't Choose", and how sad it really is sometimes. This woman is an excellent example of why some children are just better off with someone else other than their birth parents. I feel guilty when I lose my temper with Jameson, but I would protect him with my life. This woman was obviously too consumed by other unimportant concerns that she didn't realize her baby was going to die in that car. . . or maybe she did realize that - even worse.
Sometimes life really is just cruel and unfair. Why bring a life into this world if you are not going to care for it? I just don't understand it.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
My JJ
I'm working on my 6th post, and I have yet to tell anyone other than those who found out through others that I have been blogging. I'm really bad at this whole communication thing - especially right now. Pregnancy can be a great excuse for being lazy! Seriously, I think I've been afraid to tell my family for fear they might read it and pressure me to blog more often or find I've written something that offends or embarrasses them. Maybe this will be the week I tell them.
Jameson had another rough night last night, but his dad bore the brunt of it. To make a long story short, he got completely out of his nighttime routine (see James's blog for the full story), and went to bed without a bath or a bedtime snack. I warned James that he would probably wake up and be hungry, and he said he would take care of it if he did. Sure enough, at around 2:30, Jameson wakes up and James can't get him back to sleep. I get up and go downstairs to get him some cereal. He eats a few bites and then throws a tantrum because he wants to play with James's email. He's tired, hungry, and 2, so everything he's not allowed to do is a crisis. After a series of angry grunts and groans, James takes him downstairs to feed him and calm him down.
Ordinarily, I would help, but the stress and lack of sleep is making me sore so I go lay down instead. Thank God for "Dad" because I am not much help these days at night. From what I am told though, Jameson finally went back to sleep at around 4:30, and I don't remember another thing until waking up today at 9.
Everyday is a new challenge with JJ. These last few weeks he's been really into hiding or "escondid" ("esconder" is "to hide" in Spanish) as he calls it. He's likes to wrap himself up in the curtains and yell for you to come find him. Usually he's too anxious to stay hidden, and just comes out screaming and laughing once you start looking for him. Once he gets into something, his energy is incessant. When he wants your attention or he wants you to do something, he knows that if he repeats it over and over you will eventually get annoyed and oblige. I am a bit frightened of where this road will lead.
He is growing up to be quite the chatter box. I think he is only quiet during the day while he is sleeping or eating. He is opinionated, and he is already bossing around other kids - younger and older. We were at Cracker Barrel yesterday waiting on a carry out order. I took him over to the toys section to keep him entertained while we waited. A little girl that appeared to be around 7 or 8 years old was playing with a toy that apparently JJ wanted. He told her "No, nena" ("Nena" means "little girl") and batted at the toy. I told him he could play with something else, but he seemed determined that the little girl should not be playing with that toy. He is obviously not shy, but I am not yet convinced whether that is a good or bad thing.
The days pass so quickly that it often makes me sad to think I can never get those past moments back. I remember what I can, but I know so many precious moments have passed that I may not remember years from now. I will be content if I live long enough to watch my children grow up and start their own families.
Jameson had another rough night last night, but his dad bore the brunt of it. To make a long story short, he got completely out of his nighttime routine (see James's blog for the full story), and went to bed without a bath or a bedtime snack. I warned James that he would probably wake up and be hungry, and he said he would take care of it if he did. Sure enough, at around 2:30, Jameson wakes up and James can't get him back to sleep. I get up and go downstairs to get him some cereal. He eats a few bites and then throws a tantrum because he wants to play with James's email. He's tired, hungry, and 2, so everything he's not allowed to do is a crisis. After a series of angry grunts and groans, James takes him downstairs to feed him and calm him down.
Ordinarily, I would help, but the stress and lack of sleep is making me sore so I go lay down instead. Thank God for "Dad" because I am not much help these days at night. From what I am told though, Jameson finally went back to sleep at around 4:30, and I don't remember another thing until waking up today at 9.
Everyday is a new challenge with JJ. These last few weeks he's been really into hiding or "escondid" ("esconder" is "to hide" in Spanish) as he calls it. He's likes to wrap himself up in the curtains and yell for you to come find him. Usually he's too anxious to stay hidden, and just comes out screaming and laughing once you start looking for him. Once he gets into something, his energy is incessant. When he wants your attention or he wants you to do something, he knows that if he repeats it over and over you will eventually get annoyed and oblige. I am a bit frightened of where this road will lead.
He is growing up to be quite the chatter box. I think he is only quiet during the day while he is sleeping or eating. He is opinionated, and he is already bossing around other kids - younger and older. We were at Cracker Barrel yesterday waiting on a carry out order. I took him over to the toys section to keep him entertained while we waited. A little girl that appeared to be around 7 or 8 years old was playing with a toy that apparently JJ wanted. He told her "No, nena" ("Nena" means "little girl") and batted at the toy. I told him he could play with something else, but he seemed determined that the little girl should not be playing with that toy. He is obviously not shy, but I am not yet convinced whether that is a good or bad thing.
The days pass so quickly that it often makes me sad to think I can never get those past moments back. I remember what I can, but I know so many precious moments have passed that I may not remember years from now. I will be content if I live long enough to watch my children grow up and start their own families.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Babies at Week 21
Well, here they are finally! After what seemed like an eternity, we finally got to see the babies again. If James is clever enough, we might post some ultrasound video later. As always, it's amazing to see the little babies living inside of me, but my endurance is definitely wearing thin. I thought the pregnancy would go much faster since I have plenty to keep me busy, but I still have a long road ahead. Nonetheless, we are very blessed to even have any children. Physically, I'm hanging in there, but another 19 weeks seems like such a long time considering how big I am already.
Baby A is the boy, and Baby B is the girl, but we still have no names. We just had the ultrasound on Tuesday, but my lack of energy has kept me from posting until today (I'm sure I'll regret it tomorrow morning). Unfortunately, James didn't get to enjoy the ultrasound since Jameson was not at all cooperative. They waited in the car; however, the technician did manage to record most of it for him. The recorded version somehow just is not as exciting as the "live" one. We're having another one in 4 weeks though, so at least he'll get another chance to see them in utero before they are born.
We are still very excited, but overwhelmed at the idea of not knowing what to expect. In usual Davis style, we have made no preparations for these two, but we'll get around to it eventually . . . even if it means we're scrambling after they're born. I'm excited at the thought of finally meeting these 2 little people and seeing how they change our lives.
Baby A is the boy, and Baby B is the girl, but we still have no names. We just had the ultrasound on Tuesday, but my lack of energy has kept me from posting until today (I'm sure I'll regret it tomorrow morning). Unfortunately, James didn't get to enjoy the ultrasound since Jameson was not at all cooperative. They waited in the car; however, the technician did manage to record most of it for him. The recorded version somehow just is not as exciting as the "live" one. We're having another one in 4 weeks though, so at least he'll get another chance to see them in utero before they are born.
We are still very excited, but overwhelmed at the idea of not knowing what to expect. In usual Davis style, we have made no preparations for these two, but we'll get around to it eventually . . . even if it means we're scrambling after they're born. I'm excited at the thought of finally meeting these 2 little people and seeing how they change our lives.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
The Joys (and lesser joys) of Pregnancy
It's been some time since my last post, and although I always have JJ stories, I think it's time to pay some attention to the other two kids. I'm somewhere in the middle of week 21, and next week we have an ultrasound scheduled. Apparently, ultrasounds for "high-risk" pregnancies (as all multiple births are considered) are more detailed than those for low-risk pregnancies. In our upcoming scan, they are supposed to check all major organ systems and do the usual 20-week ultrasound stuff. I'm just excited to see the babies again and see how they are growing. I always worry a bit since I am not the pillar of pregnancy health.
I don't do prenatal vitamins (I think they just tax my kidneys). I take children's chewables. I drink caffeine. I am certain I must overeat. I don't avoid everything under the sun like many books and websites will tell you. I do my research and do what feels right to me. I try to make sure I get my fruits, vegetables, and proteins, and I try not to overexert myself. I do wish I would exercise more, but I am bad at doing things in moderation. All things considered, I am probably like many pregnant women who are trying to have a healthy pregnancy but find it difficult to change their lifestyles in one fell swoop. Seeing the babies on the ultrasound hopefully will help to reassure me that I'm at least doing some things right.
I'm beginning to feel the babies' movements more and more, and they are starting to get stronger. I always like the feeling of being completely distracted by something and all of a sudden feeling a little baby kick. It reminds me that I have 2 little people inside of me. I'm sure all pregnant women know what I'm talking about, but having 2 adds another dimension. The patterns of movement are definitely different. If my memory serves me at all, I believe the technician at our last ultrasound told me that the boy was up higher and the girl was down lower in the uterus. It's kind of neat to know that because now when I feel movement, I tend to associate with a specific baby. We still haven't named them, but we probably will not settle on names until after they are born. I believe in meeting this new little person before we give them a name.
Physically, not much has changed for me. Obviously, I am bigger, but my level of comfort has not changed much. I have my good days and my bad ones, but I try to focus on the babies which seems to make the bad days a bit easier. Sleeping was a challenge over the last few nights since my carpal tunnel seemed to flare up, but I think it's starting to improve. If I can make it to a healthy 36 or 37 weeks, I will be happy.
Not much else to report at this point, but once I locate the most recent ultrasound pictures, I will post those along with our pictures from next week. At least if I post them, I won't worry about it when I'm not sure where I put them a few months down the road. For now, the babies (and their momma) need their sleep.
I don't do prenatal vitamins (I think they just tax my kidneys). I take children's chewables. I drink caffeine. I am certain I must overeat. I don't avoid everything under the sun like many books and websites will tell you. I do my research and do what feels right to me. I try to make sure I get my fruits, vegetables, and proteins, and I try not to overexert myself. I do wish I would exercise more, but I am bad at doing things in moderation. All things considered, I am probably like many pregnant women who are trying to have a healthy pregnancy but find it difficult to change their lifestyles in one fell swoop. Seeing the babies on the ultrasound hopefully will help to reassure me that I'm at least doing some things right.
I'm beginning to feel the babies' movements more and more, and they are starting to get stronger. I always like the feeling of being completely distracted by something and all of a sudden feeling a little baby kick. It reminds me that I have 2 little people inside of me. I'm sure all pregnant women know what I'm talking about, but having 2 adds another dimension. The patterns of movement are definitely different. If my memory serves me at all, I believe the technician at our last ultrasound told me that the boy was up higher and the girl was down lower in the uterus. It's kind of neat to know that because now when I feel movement, I tend to associate with a specific baby. We still haven't named them, but we probably will not settle on names until after they are born. I believe in meeting this new little person before we give them a name.
Physically, not much has changed for me. Obviously, I am bigger, but my level of comfort has not changed much. I have my good days and my bad ones, but I try to focus on the babies which seems to make the bad days a bit easier. Sleeping was a challenge over the last few nights since my carpal tunnel seemed to flare up, but I think it's starting to improve. If I can make it to a healthy 36 or 37 weeks, I will be happy.
Not much else to report at this point, but once I locate the most recent ultrasound pictures, I will post those along with our pictures from next week. At least if I post them, I won't worry about it when I'm not sure where I put them a few months down the road. For now, the babies (and their momma) need their sleep.
Monday, July 30, 2007
2 Hours of Quiet
I always have trouble deciding what to do with my 2 hours of quiet everytime Jameson takes a nap. I don't usually get to choose during the week since I am normally working, but today is an exception. Normally, I am deciding between cleaning, cooking, napping, or just doing something I don't get a chance to do when he's awake. Today, I chose to catch up the blog.
I'm coming off an exhausting weekend with JJ, and I should probably be napping but I always hate the groggy feeling of waking up from a nap. I only nap when I'm pregnant. When I'm not, I have pretty much boundless energy, so I never really feel a need. Last Wednesday, my parents left for vacation (Thank God they get home tonight), so I was on my own with JJ during the day. Ordinarily, no problem, but, as I said, I am a bit low on energy right now. On Thursday, my friend, Beth, who has a 1 year old and a 3 year old asked if I wanted to get together and let the kids play since I normally work during the week. I thought it was a good idea since I figured I would have an easier time keeping JJ entertained. I was wrong.
Beth came over at around 11:30, and I was working on lunch. Jameson is normally really good with other kids, so I never figured he would have any trouble. We introduced the kids since they have only seen each other a few times, and they were all a bit timid at first. Liam, Beth's 3 year old, finally gained some confidence and found a green bouncy ball he wanted to kick. Beth told him he couldn't kick it in the house, and I said it was fine since I always let JJ kick it in the house; however, I forgot Liam is a bit bigger and has even more energy than Jameson. He starts to kick the ball somewhat calmly, but his enthusiasm quickly grows and my family room now resembles a racquetball court. Of course, to make things worse, JJ is now in a full-blown panic because HE wants to kick his ball. There are 5 other balls sitting in his toy bin, but he's not interested in those. I try to reason with the 22-month-old that he can share and play with the ball after Liam is finished, but I soon realize that what I say doesn't matter. Liam is now doing full volley's throughout the family room, and to restore some order/sanity I take the ball and say no one can play with it now.
Liam moves on to some of JJ's other toys, and a new tantrum ensues for each new toy. Jameson is now doing what any possessive toddler does, and is going about the room trying to hoard all of his toys. He soon realizes though that he has more toys than he can carry, so he just cries. I try to continue with making lunch while taking breaks to calm Jameson. Beth is pretty calm through the entire ordeal since she says she went through it with Liam when Gavin, her 1 year old, was born. I am about 19 weeks pregnant, so my stress level is already up. A screaming toddler and a green ball whizzing through my house only add to my stress. Thankfully, I finish lunch quickly, and I offer then some soup and watermelon. They are all hungry, so we enjoyed about 15 minutes of peace while they ate. Now, it's my turn to eat, and we return to Jameson throwing tantrums and Liam throwing plastic donuts throughout the family room and kitchen. Beth, of couse, tries to settle Liam, but if it's not one thing it's another. Gavin, of couse, is a little angel the entire afternoon. Liam or Jameson take toys from him or rough house with him, but he just takes it and moves on to the next thing.
While I'm eating lunch and watching the madness continuing in the house, I realize that Beth and Liam both have a cough, and Liam's nose is running all over the place. I ask if she's been sick, and she says that they were sick and are now on antibiotics for the cough. I cringe a bit since I know what's in store. I don't have too much time to think about it though since my eyes are on Jameson & Liam. I am finishing up my sandwich, and Liam decides to start jumping on my ottomans. I wouldn't normally mind, but I know it will just give Jameson another idea of how he can best hurt himself. No sooner am I thinking this, and JJ starts to make his way up the ottoman. I tell him no jumping, so he just sits on it. Luckily, he sits down on the edge of the ottoman right in front of me with his back to me. He sees Liam bring one of his books to Beth to read, and he leaps toward them without thinking - he's headed for a head-first fall off the ottoman. He's within arm's reach of me, so I catch him luckily. I saved myself another outburst.
I decide that the best place to keep them all active and prevent anymore fights is at the park. We head to the park and have a great time. It was the least stressful part of the day. I can only pick up Jameson so many times though before I start to get tired, so I tell them that we need to head back to the house. The walk to the park from our house is about a 1/2 mile, so I am more than worn out after this morning's activities and the trip to the park. Liam starts to act up when we return to the house, so she says it's time for them to leave. I have to admit that I was a bit relieved since I was dying for a nap.
Jameson and I head out for a drive since I don't have the energy to rock or walk him to sleep, and he falls asleep on the way home. I lay him down in his crib and crash in my bed.
The rest of our night was uneventful, and I got a much-needed break when his dad came home. Jameson slept pretty soundly that night after all that activity, so I guess the craziness of the day was good for something.
Friday was the complete opposite of Thursday in terms of my stress level and Jameson's activity. I had to run a bunch of errands, and I dragged him everywhere across town. The poor guy spent most of the day in the car (or the "big carro" as he affectionately calls it). We met some friends out for dinner, then just went home and went to bed. I had noticed that Jameson had started sneezing quite a bit earlier in the day, so I suspected he was getting sick. James had troubled getting him to sleep, and I figured that the lack of activity during the day had made him restless. When he woke up the first time at around midnight, I was still awake, so I gave him a little massage to help him sleep. He slept soundly until about 3 or 4. I sent James in to get him back to sleep, and he slept relatively soundly the rest of the night.
Saturday James and I had been offered tickets to the Air Show through a business contact, so we all got ready quickly and headed to James's parents to drop off JJ before heading to the Air Show. We told them we would be gone until about 2:30 since I did not plan on staying for the entire show. I'm about halfway through my pregnancy, and I have a tendency to swell. I knew that being out in the sun exacerbates the problem, but I had not been to the Air Show for many years so we went anyway. Plus, the tickets included free lunch and the best seats in the venue. The show was pretty impressive even for someone like me who is not at all into airplanes, but I did start to get uncomfortable in the sun at about 2. We left the show at about 2:30, and headed to pick up JJ. By the time we got him into the car, he was ready to pass out. During his nap, I got a call from James's mom to 'see if I had heard the news'. I had not. Apparently, we had left the Air Show just in time to miss the first pilot death in the Air Show's history - something I am glad not to have witnessed. According to local new reports, the accident happened at about 2:40 pm, and they believe the pilot died instantly. My thoughts and prayers are with the pilot's family; nonetheless, I am glad I did not witness it.
Saturday evening seemed to go pretty smoothly, but I should have known that JJ would be up all night when I realized that his nose was stuffy. It's been months since he was sick, so I wasn't sure how he would respond this time. Sure enough, he was up about every hour. James got tired of trying to console him, and brought him into our bed at about 2 a.m. At about 3 a.m., I woke up with excruciating pain in my hand. I would say that I have pretty average pregnancies were it not for the carpal tunnel syndrome I develop as a result of the accumulation of fluid (and swelling) in my body. With Jameson, it set in pretty badly at about 5 or 6 months. My right hand was perpetually swollen, and my middle and ring fingers gradually lost feeling. During the night, I had to remember to lie on my left side so that my right hand would not go completely numb. Some nights I would wake up from the pain in my hands, but there isn't much I can do once the pain sets in. I was hoping that I would be lucky and not have this same problem with this pregnancy, but I'm not that lucky. This time, the CTS set in at about 3 months, and my right middle and ring fingers are completely numb at the tips. At night, my entire hand normally goes numb. Most nights it's tolerable. Some nights it's painful. Few nights it's excruciating.
Saturday was one of the few excruciating nights. At 3 a.m. I woke up because I felt like my fingers might explode. I got up and walked around to see if they would improve, but they didn't. I was also starving, so I went downstairs for a bowl of cereal, hoping that the activity would reduce the pain in my hand. My hand improves slightly and I am exhausted, so I lay back down to try to sleep. For about the next hour, I get up about every 10 to 15 minutes to get more pillows thinking that they will improve my comfort. I think I ended up with about 5 pillows. None of them do, and I keep waking up every half hour to massage my painful hands (on bad nights both hands swell and hurt). Finally, at 5:30 a.m. I decide to try the recliner because I have slept little since 3 a.m. The recliner doesn't help either, so I just sit up and try to sleep. James and JJ come downstairs at about 7:30, and I am pretty sure that I have just had the worst night of sleep in my life. I am halfway comforting myself thinking that James will pick up the slack, but he comes downstairs telling me how tired he is since Jameson kept waking up during the night. I fear I might have a breakdown at this point, so we get into some type of argument about who is more tired. It amounts to nothing, and I go upstairs to get dressed and straighten up a bit. We spend most of the day between naps while the other takes care of JJ. I am ecstatic when it's time to get Jameson to sleep because that means I can rest again. I am dreading though the idea of another night like Saturday. Sunday turns out to be a better night for me but a worse night for JJ. He spends most of the night in our bed, but I am so tired that I barely notice his hourly outbursts. James was able to console him thoughout the night, and I regained my sanity today.
I'm coming off an exhausting weekend with JJ, and I should probably be napping but I always hate the groggy feeling of waking up from a nap. I only nap when I'm pregnant. When I'm not, I have pretty much boundless energy, so I never really feel a need. Last Wednesday, my parents left for vacation (Thank God they get home tonight), so I was on my own with JJ during the day. Ordinarily, no problem, but, as I said, I am a bit low on energy right now. On Thursday, my friend, Beth, who has a 1 year old and a 3 year old asked if I wanted to get together and let the kids play since I normally work during the week. I thought it was a good idea since I figured I would have an easier time keeping JJ entertained. I was wrong.
Beth came over at around 11:30, and I was working on lunch. Jameson is normally really good with other kids, so I never figured he would have any trouble. We introduced the kids since they have only seen each other a few times, and they were all a bit timid at first. Liam, Beth's 3 year old, finally gained some confidence and found a green bouncy ball he wanted to kick. Beth told him he couldn't kick it in the house, and I said it was fine since I always let JJ kick it in the house; however, I forgot Liam is a bit bigger and has even more energy than Jameson. He starts to kick the ball somewhat calmly, but his enthusiasm quickly grows and my family room now resembles a racquetball court. Of course, to make things worse, JJ is now in a full-blown panic because HE wants to kick his ball. There are 5 other balls sitting in his toy bin, but he's not interested in those. I try to reason with the 22-month-old that he can share and play with the ball after Liam is finished, but I soon realize that what I say doesn't matter. Liam is now doing full volley's throughout the family room, and to restore some order/sanity I take the ball and say no one can play with it now.
Liam moves on to some of JJ's other toys, and a new tantrum ensues for each new toy. Jameson is now doing what any possessive toddler does, and is going about the room trying to hoard all of his toys. He soon realizes though that he has more toys than he can carry, so he just cries. I try to continue with making lunch while taking breaks to calm Jameson. Beth is pretty calm through the entire ordeal since she says she went through it with Liam when Gavin, her 1 year old, was born. I am about 19 weeks pregnant, so my stress level is already up. A screaming toddler and a green ball whizzing through my house only add to my stress. Thankfully, I finish lunch quickly, and I offer then some soup and watermelon. They are all hungry, so we enjoyed about 15 minutes of peace while they ate. Now, it's my turn to eat, and we return to Jameson throwing tantrums and Liam throwing plastic donuts throughout the family room and kitchen. Beth, of couse, tries to settle Liam, but if it's not one thing it's another. Gavin, of couse, is a little angel the entire afternoon. Liam or Jameson take toys from him or rough house with him, but he just takes it and moves on to the next thing.
While I'm eating lunch and watching the madness continuing in the house, I realize that Beth and Liam both have a cough, and Liam's nose is running all over the place. I ask if she's been sick, and she says that they were sick and are now on antibiotics for the cough. I cringe a bit since I know what's in store. I don't have too much time to think about it though since my eyes are on Jameson & Liam. I am finishing up my sandwich, and Liam decides to start jumping on my ottomans. I wouldn't normally mind, but I know it will just give Jameson another idea of how he can best hurt himself. No sooner am I thinking this, and JJ starts to make his way up the ottoman. I tell him no jumping, so he just sits on it. Luckily, he sits down on the edge of the ottoman right in front of me with his back to me. He sees Liam bring one of his books to Beth to read, and he leaps toward them without thinking - he's headed for a head-first fall off the ottoman. He's within arm's reach of me, so I catch him luckily. I saved myself another outburst.
I decide that the best place to keep them all active and prevent anymore fights is at the park. We head to the park and have a great time. It was the least stressful part of the day. I can only pick up Jameson so many times though before I start to get tired, so I tell them that we need to head back to the house. The walk to the park from our house is about a 1/2 mile, so I am more than worn out after this morning's activities and the trip to the park. Liam starts to act up when we return to the house, so she says it's time for them to leave. I have to admit that I was a bit relieved since I was dying for a nap.
Jameson and I head out for a drive since I don't have the energy to rock or walk him to sleep, and he falls asleep on the way home. I lay him down in his crib and crash in my bed.
The rest of our night was uneventful, and I got a much-needed break when his dad came home. Jameson slept pretty soundly that night after all that activity, so I guess the craziness of the day was good for something.
Friday was the complete opposite of Thursday in terms of my stress level and Jameson's activity. I had to run a bunch of errands, and I dragged him everywhere across town. The poor guy spent most of the day in the car (or the "big carro" as he affectionately calls it). We met some friends out for dinner, then just went home and went to bed. I had noticed that Jameson had started sneezing quite a bit earlier in the day, so I suspected he was getting sick. James had troubled getting him to sleep, and I figured that the lack of activity during the day had made him restless. When he woke up the first time at around midnight, I was still awake, so I gave him a little massage to help him sleep. He slept soundly until about 3 or 4. I sent James in to get him back to sleep, and he slept relatively soundly the rest of the night.
Saturday James and I had been offered tickets to the Air Show through a business contact, so we all got ready quickly and headed to James's parents to drop off JJ before heading to the Air Show. We told them we would be gone until about 2:30 since I did not plan on staying for the entire show. I'm about halfway through my pregnancy, and I have a tendency to swell. I knew that being out in the sun exacerbates the problem, but I had not been to the Air Show for many years so we went anyway. Plus, the tickets included free lunch and the best seats in the venue. The show was pretty impressive even for someone like me who is not at all into airplanes, but I did start to get uncomfortable in the sun at about 2. We left the show at about 2:30, and headed to pick up JJ. By the time we got him into the car, he was ready to pass out. During his nap, I got a call from James's mom to 'see if I had heard the news'. I had not. Apparently, we had left the Air Show just in time to miss the first pilot death in the Air Show's history - something I am glad not to have witnessed. According to local new reports, the accident happened at about 2:40 pm, and they believe the pilot died instantly. My thoughts and prayers are with the pilot's family; nonetheless, I am glad I did not witness it.
Saturday evening seemed to go pretty smoothly, but I should have known that JJ would be up all night when I realized that his nose was stuffy. It's been months since he was sick, so I wasn't sure how he would respond this time. Sure enough, he was up about every hour. James got tired of trying to console him, and brought him into our bed at about 2 a.m. At about 3 a.m., I woke up with excruciating pain in my hand. I would say that I have pretty average pregnancies were it not for the carpal tunnel syndrome I develop as a result of the accumulation of fluid (and swelling) in my body. With Jameson, it set in pretty badly at about 5 or 6 months. My right hand was perpetually swollen, and my middle and ring fingers gradually lost feeling. During the night, I had to remember to lie on my left side so that my right hand would not go completely numb. Some nights I would wake up from the pain in my hands, but there isn't much I can do once the pain sets in. I was hoping that I would be lucky and not have this same problem with this pregnancy, but I'm not that lucky. This time, the CTS set in at about 3 months, and my right middle and ring fingers are completely numb at the tips. At night, my entire hand normally goes numb. Most nights it's tolerable. Some nights it's painful. Few nights it's excruciating.
Saturday was one of the few excruciating nights. At 3 a.m. I woke up because I felt like my fingers might explode. I got up and walked around to see if they would improve, but they didn't. I was also starving, so I went downstairs for a bowl of cereal, hoping that the activity would reduce the pain in my hand. My hand improves slightly and I am exhausted, so I lay back down to try to sleep. For about the next hour, I get up about every 10 to 15 minutes to get more pillows thinking that they will improve my comfort. I think I ended up with about 5 pillows. None of them do, and I keep waking up every half hour to massage my painful hands (on bad nights both hands swell and hurt). Finally, at 5:30 a.m. I decide to try the recliner because I have slept little since 3 a.m. The recliner doesn't help either, so I just sit up and try to sleep. James and JJ come downstairs at about 7:30, and I am pretty sure that I have just had the worst night of sleep in my life. I am halfway comforting myself thinking that James will pick up the slack, but he comes downstairs telling me how tired he is since Jameson kept waking up during the night. I fear I might have a breakdown at this point, so we get into some type of argument about who is more tired. It amounts to nothing, and I go upstairs to get dressed and straighten up a bit. We spend most of the day between naps while the other takes care of JJ. I am ecstatic when it's time to get Jameson to sleep because that means I can rest again. I am dreading though the idea of another night like Saturday. Sunday turns out to be a better night for me but a worse night for JJ. He spends most of the night in our bed, but I am so tired that I barely notice his hourly outbursts. James was able to console him thoughout the night, and I regained my sanity today.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Part-time Mom
Wow! What a night with JJ . . . he was in one of his moods. I work most days from 10:30 (or so) until 5, so as much as I hate it sometimes, I am a part-time mom. Thankfully, my mother watches him during the day, so at least I know he's with family. Today, I picked him up early since my parents were going out of town to visit my sister, and he fell asleep on the way home. He's very routine-oriented, so changing his schedule or routine on him makes him a bit grumpy. He's used to waking up from his nap and seeing his grandma (who he affectionately calls "Ba"), but today, heaven forbid, he woke up to see "mama". Ba was nowhere in sight. He woke up and immediately started crying and calling for Ba, and I patted his back since he still looked half asleep. It didn't help. He just kept call for Ba, so I finally picked him up once he stood up (I'm about 19 weeks pregnant with twins and only 4' 11", so reaching into a crib to pick up a 26 pound baby is somewhat of a challenge.).
It was time for his dinner, but I knew he would not get into his high chair in his current mood. Instead, I rocked him in the recliner, and we sat and watched cartoons for a minute. He finally settled, and his mood perked up a bit so I figured he was ready. He wasn't. He starts asking me for some Care Bear gummies, and I oblige in an effort to keep him quiet while I heat up his food. I warmed up some lentil stew I had and sliced an orange. He was happy to eat the orange, and I figured it was a good sign that he would cooperate through dinner. I told him I had his lentils, and I give him a spoonful. He starts crying and asks for "thopa kibby", which I know means spaghetti soup. He's used to speaking Spanlish since he spends half a day with my mother who speaks only Spanish to him and half a day with his dad and I who speak mostly English to him. Luckily, I have some pasta soup, and I heat that up for him. He starts to eat it, and after about 6 spoonfuls says "No mama" and turns his head when I try to feed him. He hasn't eaten anything since lunch, and it's now 5:30 pm, so I know he must be hungry. I try again, and he still refuses. I offer him a turkey sandwich, and he nods his head. I make his sandwich hopeful that he will finally eat, and he looks at it and says "no burger mama". At this point, I'm pretty frustrated, so I ask him if he's hungry. He says he's not, so I figure I will just let him play for a bit and try again later.
We played ball for a while and waited for dad to come home. Dad finally comes him around 7, and offers to take him to the store to get milk. I could use the time to straighten up, so I say 'yes'. I tell JJ he's going to the store with his dad, and I start to change his outfit . . . another tantrum ensues (not sure why this time). I quickly change his clothes, and he's off to the store. As much as I'm dreading it, I know I have to try to get him to eat some more when he returns. They come home at about 8, and I heat up some fried rice and wash some blueberries and an apple. This time he eats the rice with little struggle, and has a couple apple slices. He starts eating the blueberries with no problem at first. He must have found a sour one in the bunch though because a few minutes later, I catch him spitting out smashed up blueberry on his chair. I quickly clean it up and tell him not to spit the blueberries out anymore. He's quiet for a minute and heads back to the plate for more blueberries. I'm watching him the entire time, and he knows it. He starts to chew it up, and kneels down in front of his chair with a grimace on his face. He starts to open his mouth, and I say, "JJ no! If you spit that out, you're not getting anymore blueberries.". He spits out the blueberry, and quickly puts it back in his mouth. I'm aggravated that he's not listening, but I have to turn my head to keep from laughing at his boldness in front of him. As he gets up to reach for more blueberries, I take the other blueberries away, and his 3rd tantrum of the night starts. He goes up to the TV screen and smudges it with the blueberry remnants he has in his hands. He then drops onto his butt and flings his head back smacking on it on the floor, and he realizes it doesn't feel good. He starts to fake cry, and I tell him to get up and come give mom a hug. After rolling around for a moment, he comes for his hug. I know he's just having a bad night, so I'm just trying to get through it and hope he's in a better mood in the morning. He's obviously tired, so we take a shower, and his dad puts him to bed.
He can be a real stinker, but even on his bad nights, it's funny how he still melts my heart. It strikes me sometimes how he can be so little and already know so much. He knows how to push my buttons, and he knows how to make it better when he's made me mad. He knows what he wants, and he knows how to ask for it. He knows his routines, and his memory is better than mine. I don't think anyone ever knows what they're getting into when they think about becoming parents. It's not what you expect it to be. It's so much more.
It was time for his dinner, but I knew he would not get into his high chair in his current mood. Instead, I rocked him in the recliner, and we sat and watched cartoons for a minute. He finally settled, and his mood perked up a bit so I figured he was ready. He wasn't. He starts asking me for some Care Bear gummies, and I oblige in an effort to keep him quiet while I heat up his food. I warmed up some lentil stew I had and sliced an orange. He was happy to eat the orange, and I figured it was a good sign that he would cooperate through dinner. I told him I had his lentils, and I give him a spoonful. He starts crying and asks for "thopa kibby", which I know means spaghetti soup. He's used to speaking Spanlish since he spends half a day with my mother who speaks only Spanish to him and half a day with his dad and I who speak mostly English to him. Luckily, I have some pasta soup, and I heat that up for him. He starts to eat it, and after about 6 spoonfuls says "No mama" and turns his head when I try to feed him. He hasn't eaten anything since lunch, and it's now 5:30 pm, so I know he must be hungry. I try again, and he still refuses. I offer him a turkey sandwich, and he nods his head. I make his sandwich hopeful that he will finally eat, and he looks at it and says "no burger mama". At this point, I'm pretty frustrated, so I ask him if he's hungry. He says he's not, so I figure I will just let him play for a bit and try again later.
We played ball for a while and waited for dad to come home. Dad finally comes him around 7, and offers to take him to the store to get milk. I could use the time to straighten up, so I say 'yes'. I tell JJ he's going to the store with his dad, and I start to change his outfit . . . another tantrum ensues (not sure why this time). I quickly change his clothes, and he's off to the store. As much as I'm dreading it, I know I have to try to get him to eat some more when he returns. They come home at about 8, and I heat up some fried rice and wash some blueberries and an apple. This time he eats the rice with little struggle, and has a couple apple slices. He starts eating the blueberries with no problem at first. He must have found a sour one in the bunch though because a few minutes later, I catch him spitting out smashed up blueberry on his chair. I quickly clean it up and tell him not to spit the blueberries out anymore. He's quiet for a minute and heads back to the plate for more blueberries. I'm watching him the entire time, and he knows it. He starts to chew it up, and kneels down in front of his chair with a grimace on his face. He starts to open his mouth, and I say, "JJ no! If you spit that out, you're not getting anymore blueberries.". He spits out the blueberry, and quickly puts it back in his mouth. I'm aggravated that he's not listening, but I have to turn my head to keep from laughing at his boldness in front of him. As he gets up to reach for more blueberries, I take the other blueberries away, and his 3rd tantrum of the night starts. He goes up to the TV screen and smudges it with the blueberry remnants he has in his hands. He then drops onto his butt and flings his head back smacking on it on the floor, and he realizes it doesn't feel good. He starts to fake cry, and I tell him to get up and come give mom a hug. After rolling around for a moment, he comes for his hug. I know he's just having a bad night, so I'm just trying to get through it and hope he's in a better mood in the morning. He's obviously tired, so we take a shower, and his dad puts him to bed.
He can be a real stinker, but even on his bad nights, it's funny how he still melts my heart. It strikes me sometimes how he can be so little and already know so much. He knows how to push my buttons, and he knows how to make it better when he's made me mad. He knows what he wants, and he knows how to ask for it. He knows his routines, and his memory is better than mine. I don't think anyone ever knows what they're getting into when they think about becoming parents. It's not what you expect it to be. It's so much more.
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