I went to the doctor today for my 28-week checkup. All is well. My glucose test came back normal, so no gestational diabetes. I'm gaining plenty of weight--like we thought that would be a problem! My blood pressure is good. The baby's heartbeat is strong. She's kicking like crazy! So all is well--just heartburn, leg cramps and sleep issues. I'll take 'em over worse stuff anyday!
Here's this week's update from www.babycenter.com:
How your baby's growing: By this week, your baby weighs a little over 2 pounds and measures about 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can open her eyes — which now sport lashes — and she'll turn her head toward a continuous, bright light from the outside. Her fat layers are beginning to form, too, as she gets ready for life outside the womb.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Songs for Spike, Part VII
28. Trouble Me by 10,000 Maniacs. When this song came out, I thought it would be appropriate for my grandmother, Bubby, who always keeps her emotions inside and never wants to burden anyone with them. (If you watch the video by clicking here, this thought is even more poignant. I'd never seen the video until a few minutes ago.) As I listen to the song now, I realize that it is really about my job as a mother.
Trouble me, disturb me with all your cares and your worries
Trouble me on the days when you feel spent
Why let your shoulders bend underneath this burden when my back is sturdy and strong?
I'll tell you something, Spike: Your grandmother, Poppy, has always been this person for me. I only hope I can do as good a job with you.
29. The Waiting by Tom Petty. Tom Petty says he wrote this in response to seeing Janis Joplin on television, talking about performing onstage, and how the waiting to go on was the hardest part. For me, the chorus is about my journey to find you, baby girl. (click here to watch the video).
The waiting is the hardest part
Every day you see one more card
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart
The waiting is the hardest part
Plus, you can never go wrong with a Tom Petty song, right? You'll have to wait until number 31 for the third (and final) one.
Trouble me, disturb me with all your cares and your worries
Trouble me on the days when you feel spent
Why let your shoulders bend underneath this burden when my back is sturdy and strong?
I'll tell you something, Spike: Your grandmother, Poppy, has always been this person for me. I only hope I can do as good a job with you.
29. The Waiting by Tom Petty. Tom Petty says he wrote this in response to seeing Janis Joplin on television, talking about performing onstage, and how the waiting to go on was the hardest part. For me, the chorus is about my journey to find you, baby girl. (click here to watch the video).
The waiting is the hardest part
Every day you see one more card
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart
The waiting is the hardest part
Plus, you can never go wrong with a Tom Petty song, right? You'll have to wait until number 31 for the third (and final) one.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Babycenter.com update: Week 27
I can't believe I'm getting ready to enter the third trimester--only 13 weeks to go and nine weeks before my last day of driving into the office! (Speaking of that, I really need to set time aside to clean out my office so people can actually find things while I'm out.)
This morning I looked at my reflection in the mirror and felt such joy. I just never thought I'd get to experience pregnancy, and now I'm nice and round and feeling kicks and I'm so thrilled. This is truly a miracle. With some help from science, of course...
Here's this week's update from www.babycenter.com. I have to say that I'm relieved to read that the baby's lungs would be capable of functioning (with assistance) if she were to be born prematurely. Of course, I am not advocating that, but it does give me some relief. And while I'm not feeling hiccups, I am feeling a lot of kicking!
As you'll read below, leg cramps are common, and they are definitely a part of my days and nights. And, predictably, my back aches. I made an appointment for a pregnancy massage on Friday after my glucose test at the hospital. Heck, I might as well pamper myself while I can, right? As much as I'm looking forward to Spike's arrival, I'm also cherishing days without diapers, the ability to just run into a store without it being a whole production, and naps on weekends.
How your baby's growing: This week your baby weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended. He can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if he were to be born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and isn't bothersome to him, so enjoy the tickle. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Wonder what he's thinking?
How your life's changing:
Your body is gearing up for the final lap, so you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all. They may also be aggravated by sluggish circulation and compressed nerves caused by your growing uterus. (As your uterus expands, it puts pressure on the blood vessels that return blood from your legs to your heart and on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs.) Unfortunately, the cramps are likely to get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. When a cramp strikes, stretching the calf muscle (by straightening your leg and then gently flexing your toes back toward your shins) should give you some relief. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.
This morning I looked at my reflection in the mirror and felt such joy. I just never thought I'd get to experience pregnancy, and now I'm nice and round and feeling kicks and I'm so thrilled. This is truly a miracle. With some help from science, of course...
Here's this week's update from www.babycenter.com. I have to say that I'm relieved to read that the baby's lungs would be capable of functioning (with assistance) if she were to be born prematurely. Of course, I am not advocating that, but it does give me some relief. And while I'm not feeling hiccups, I am feeling a lot of kicking!
As you'll read below, leg cramps are common, and they are definitely a part of my days and nights. And, predictably, my back aches. I made an appointment for a pregnancy massage on Friday after my glucose test at the hospital. Heck, I might as well pamper myself while I can, right? As much as I'm looking forward to Spike's arrival, I'm also cherishing days without diapers, the ability to just run into a store without it being a whole production, and naps on weekends.
How your baby's growing: This week your baby weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended. He can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if he were to be born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and isn't bothersome to him, so enjoy the tickle. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Wonder what he's thinking?
How your life's changing:
Your body is gearing up for the final lap, so you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all. They may also be aggravated by sluggish circulation and compressed nerves caused by your growing uterus. (As your uterus expands, it puts pressure on the blood vessels that return blood from your legs to your heart and on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs.) Unfortunately, the cramps are likely to get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. When a cramp strikes, stretching the calf muscle (by straightening your leg and then gently flexing your toes back toward your shins) should give you some relief. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Songs for Spike, Part VI
Here are songs 22-27:
22. Shadows of the Night by Pat Benatar. Spike, Pat Benatar is probably one of the strongest females in rock music. She was a female solo artist at a time when female artists were just pretty girls, not tough rock chicks. Pat Benatar was the first tough rock chick. She didn't compromise herself. A very, very good role model.
I chose this song becasue it reminded me of a trip I took to Florida with your Grandpa Harvey many years ago. We stayed with family friends and the kids put on a "show" for the adults, and I danced around Jody Perris' bedroom to this song. It reminds me of a really happy time.
We're running with the shadows of the night
So baby take my hand, you'll be all right
Surrender all your dreams to me tonight
They'll come true in the end
23. Shining Star by Earth, Wind and Fire. A terrific anthem for you, baby girl.
When you wish upon a star
Dreams will take you very far, yeah
When you wish upon a dream
Life ain't always what it seems, oh yeah
Once you see your light so clear
In the sky so very dear
You're a shining star, no matter who you are
Shining bright to see what you can truly be
24. Sometimes It's A Bitch, by Stevie Nicks. (For the video of this song, click here.)
This song was actually written by Jon Bon Jovi for Stevie Nicks, and is about the ups and downs of her life. More life lessons here, kid.
Well I've run through rainbows and castles of candy
I cried a river of tears from the pain
I try to dance with what life has to hand me
My partner's been pleasure...my partner's been pain
There are days when I swear I could fly like an eagle
And dark desperate hours that nobody sees
My arms stretched triumphant on top of the mountain
My head in my hands...down on my knees
Sometimes it's a bitch...sometimes it's a breeze
Sometimes love's blind...and sometimes it sees
Sometimes it's roses...and, sometimes it's weeds
Sometimes it's a bitch...sometimes it's a breeze
25. Spike by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Click here for an earlier post about the origin of Spike's nickname.
26. Thank God I'm A Country Boy by John Denver. This song is on here for one reason only: it is the song played during the seventh-inning stretch at Camden Yards in Baltimore. (You need to know these things, Spike.) I have no idea why that tradition started, but it's a favorite childhood memory of mine. You should have seen the look on your daddy's face when that song came on the first time I took him to an Orioles' game. (I always think it's a commentary on how Marylanders are rednecks, but I try to block that out. :-))
Click here to see John Denver singing this song.
27. Think About It by Stevie Nicks. There is one verse from this song that I love:
Step into the velvet of the morning
Let yourself lay back within your dreams
Take on the situation but not the torment
Now you know its not as bad as it seems
When I was undergoing fertility treatments, I had to give myself two injections each night. It was really difficult, because the future was all so uncertain--and the shots hurt, too! I played this song most nights while I gave myself the shots and tried to keep my emotions out of it so I wouldn't make myself crazy. "Take on the situation but not the torment." That song gave me great strength. And now we're waiting for you to make your debut!
22. Shadows of the Night by Pat Benatar. Spike, Pat Benatar is probably one of the strongest females in rock music. She was a female solo artist at a time when female artists were just pretty girls, not tough rock chicks. Pat Benatar was the first tough rock chick. She didn't compromise herself. A very, very good role model.
I chose this song becasue it reminded me of a trip I took to Florida with your Grandpa Harvey many years ago. We stayed with family friends and the kids put on a "show" for the adults, and I danced around Jody Perris' bedroom to this song. It reminds me of a really happy time.
We're running with the shadows of the night
So baby take my hand, you'll be all right
Surrender all your dreams to me tonight
They'll come true in the end
23. Shining Star by Earth, Wind and Fire. A terrific anthem for you, baby girl.
When you wish upon a star
Dreams will take you very far, yeah
When you wish upon a dream
Life ain't always what it seems, oh yeah
Once you see your light so clear
In the sky so very dear
You're a shining star, no matter who you are
Shining bright to see what you can truly be
24. Sometimes It's A Bitch, by Stevie Nicks. (For the video of this song, click here.)
This song was actually written by Jon Bon Jovi for Stevie Nicks, and is about the ups and downs of her life. More life lessons here, kid.
Well I've run through rainbows and castles of candy
I cried a river of tears from the pain
I try to dance with what life has to hand me
My partner's been pleasure...my partner's been pain
There are days when I swear I could fly like an eagle
And dark desperate hours that nobody sees
My arms stretched triumphant on top of the mountain
My head in my hands...down on my knees
Sometimes it's a bitch...sometimes it's a breeze
Sometimes love's blind...and sometimes it sees
Sometimes it's roses...and, sometimes it's weeds
Sometimes it's a bitch...sometimes it's a breeze
25. Spike by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Click here for an earlier post about the origin of Spike's nickname.
26. Thank God I'm A Country Boy by John Denver. This song is on here for one reason only: it is the song played during the seventh-inning stretch at Camden Yards in Baltimore. (You need to know these things, Spike.) I have no idea why that tradition started, but it's a favorite childhood memory of mine. You should have seen the look on your daddy's face when that song came on the first time I took him to an Orioles' game. (I always think it's a commentary on how Marylanders are rednecks, but I try to block that out. :-))
Click here to see John Denver singing this song.
27. Think About It by Stevie Nicks. There is one verse from this song that I love:
Step into the velvet of the morning
Let yourself lay back within your dreams
Take on the situation but not the torment
Now you know its not as bad as it seems
When I was undergoing fertility treatments, I had to give myself two injections each night. It was really difficult, because the future was all so uncertain--and the shots hurt, too! I played this song most nights while I gave myself the shots and tried to keep my emotions out of it so I wouldn't make myself crazy. "Take on the situation but not the torment." That song gave me great strength. And now we're waiting for you to make your debut!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Oh, Isn't There a Bubble I Can Crawl Into for the Next 14 Weeks?
This week, I've been feeling very vulnerable. I've been feeling teary, weary and cranky. I think the reasons for this are many:
1. I'm pregnant. Those hormones are in a crazy state of flux. Up until now, I've been feeling very calm. Now, the crazy hormones are kicking in!
2. Baseball season is drawing to a close. It's about this time each year that I begin to grow weary of P.C.'s schedule. As much as I love baseball and I love that he has a job that he adores, I get very, very tired of his work schedule by late May.
3. I'm tired. I get up at least six times a night to go to the bathroom. And no matter where I try to sleep--in bed or on the couch--it is hard to get comfortable. And taking the dog out for a 20-minute walk totally exhausts me.
4. I'm nervous. As much as I've always wanted to have a baby, that's about how much childbirth terrifies me. I know it will all be fine, but I am looking forward to our childbirth classes where a professional will tell me that very few people die during childbirth nowadays. And I'm also worried that something will be wrong with the baby--I won't feel satisfied with that until I can see her and hold her in my arms.
5. I'm busy. May is a very hectic time at work, and it is followed by more busyness before I leave at the end of July.
6. I'm loaded with tasks. This whole baby registry thing is important. I know that. It's also another item on my list that is pushing its way to the top--along with doctor's appointments, getting my car serviced, and getting a haircut.
7. Season finale of The Office tonight. I want more episodes, dammit! Thank goodness Project Runway should be starting in a couple of months. :-)
Okay, enough whining. There are many things to be grateful for:
1. So far, my pregnancy is progressing normally and I don't have anything unusual going on.
2. While my husband isn't home a lot, when he is home he is attentive and terrific.
3. I have a wonderful support system--both in L.A. and in Baltimore--that keeps me sane.
4. My dog loves to cuddle.
5. The feeling of my baby kicking (yes, even when she kicks me right in the bladder) is still the most magical thing I've ever felt.
6. This has been such a long journey--so what's a couple of months longer? I still wouldn't trade this time for anything in the whole world. Onward!!!!
1. I'm pregnant. Those hormones are in a crazy state of flux. Up until now, I've been feeling very calm. Now, the crazy hormones are kicking in!
2. Baseball season is drawing to a close. It's about this time each year that I begin to grow weary of P.C.'s schedule. As much as I love baseball and I love that he has a job that he adores, I get very, very tired of his work schedule by late May.
3. I'm tired. I get up at least six times a night to go to the bathroom. And no matter where I try to sleep--in bed or on the couch--it is hard to get comfortable. And taking the dog out for a 20-minute walk totally exhausts me.
4. I'm nervous. As much as I've always wanted to have a baby, that's about how much childbirth terrifies me. I know it will all be fine, but I am looking forward to our childbirth classes where a professional will tell me that very few people die during childbirth nowadays. And I'm also worried that something will be wrong with the baby--I won't feel satisfied with that until I can see her and hold her in my arms.
5. I'm busy. May is a very hectic time at work, and it is followed by more busyness before I leave at the end of July.
6. I'm loaded with tasks. This whole baby registry thing is important. I know that. It's also another item on my list that is pushing its way to the top--along with doctor's appointments, getting my car serviced, and getting a haircut.
7. Season finale of The Office tonight. I want more episodes, dammit! Thank goodness Project Runway should be starting in a couple of months. :-)
Okay, enough whining. There are many things to be grateful for:
1. So far, my pregnancy is progressing normally and I don't have anything unusual going on.
2. While my husband isn't home a lot, when he is home he is attentive and terrific.
3. I have a wonderful support system--both in L.A. and in Baltimore--that keeps me sane.
4. My dog loves to cuddle.
5. The feeling of my baby kicking (yes, even when she kicks me right in the bladder) is still the most magical thing I've ever felt.
6. This has been such a long journey--so what's a couple of months longer? I still wouldn't trade this time for anything in the whole world. Onward!!!!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Babycenter.com update: Week 26
I realized this week that I’ll only be in the office for 10 more weeks, and I’m due in 14! Time flies…at least, some days it does!
Here's the latest update from www.babycenter.com:
How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs a little under 2 pounds and measures about 14 inches, from head to heel. The nerve pathways in her ears are developing, which means her response to sounds is growing more consistent. Her lungs are developing now, too, as she continues to take small breaths of amniotic fluid — good practice for when she's born and takes that first breath of air.
Here's the latest update from www.babycenter.com:
How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs a little under 2 pounds and measures about 14 inches, from head to heel. The nerve pathways in her ears are developing, which means her response to sounds is growing more consistent. Her lungs are developing now, too, as she continues to take small breaths of amniotic fluid — good practice for when she's born and takes that first breath of air.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Songs for Spike, Part V
Song #21 is an interesting one: Rock and Roll, originally written and performed by Led Zeppelin, arguably one of the greatest bands ever in rock and roll. The version I put on your CD, Spike, is by Heart, possibly one of the most significant bands to be led by women--singer Ann Wilson and her sister, guitarist Nancy Wilson.
I chose the Heart version of this song because it's important for you to remember that women can rock just as well as men. Ann Wilson rips through this song with her incredible voice, while Nancy Wilson plays the guitar with sheer ferociousness.
Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do everything that boys can do. Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did--only she did it backwards and in high heels.
I chose the Heart version of this song because it's important for you to remember that women can rock just as well as men. Ann Wilson rips through this song with her incredible voice, while Nancy Wilson plays the guitar with sheer ferociousness.
Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do everything that boys can do. Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did--only she did it backwards and in high heels.
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