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Taken on Christmas day, 36 weeks pregnant. As I said, you can barely see a baby bump! But the baby-grow helps with the whole "Yes! I AM pregnant!" thing. :)
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Knicker Wars
So I've come to the realization that I'm probably not going to get to a proper Knicker Wars like I did Battle of the Nursing Bras. BUT, I will talk about my experience this go around. And to be honest, the pregnancy knickers have won. Although I haven't gained any weight, thus meaning I can TECHNICALLY still wear my old knickers, and I do when desperate, I find the pregnancy pants MUCH more comfortable, especially around the bump. Now, if I HAD gained like I did with Jacob, I'd be in trouble, because I'm not sure the preggy knickers would have fit and I probably would have had to buy some from a speciality shop for the even larger pregnant woman. But thankfully, my Motherhood 3x Maternity Underwear did the trick, so I thank my father for actually going in a buying me new ones and bringing them to his wedding for me!!
The Final Countdown
Ok, so I have been a horrible blogger this pregnancy. I admit it's mostly because I've been living off my iPhone and typing out a long blog on a phone is just not all that appealing to me. But the laptop is up and running today, the internet is smooth, and I'm awaiting a skype call, so I've got a little time.
As of tomorrow I will be 37 weeks!! Happy New Years to me, my baby will be full term! Of course, have we gotten ready at all.... heck no! The changing table, sterilizer, etc, is all still in the shed, waiting to come out and be cleaned up. The moses basket needs to be assembled, and most of all, I need to back my hospital bag! Of course, with GD, you generally know when you'll go in to labor because they tell you!
So far, I haven't gained a single kilo. Yes, I know I'm American and I'm using kilos, but that's what they use at the hospital, so it's what I'll use for now. I'm still the same weight I was at my 8 week initial check up. This pregnancy has definitely been different. I can still wear many of the same pieces of clothing, bar trousers. I've given up my jeans as they have no give, but can still wear my baggy black work pants. I pretty much live in them now. With Jacob, I HAD to wear preggy clothes because even going a size up in normal 'fat lady' clothes didn't fit. I was too big in the boobs and bump. THIS pregnancy, I still just look mainly fat with a big tummy. So I try to wear clothes that emphasize the bump to make it clear that I'm not just a royal fatty, but a very pregnant one to boot!
I also feel more fit this time around. With Jacob, I'd walk across the street to the shop and have to sit down before shopping for my groceries. This time, I can go into the shop, get all my shopping done WITH over active two year old in tow, and MAYBE need a break once going through checkout. The benefit to not gaining tons of weight.
And it's not like I'm not eating. Oh I am. But I suppose this time around I started BEFORE I knew I was pregnant with the healthy-ish eating. Wholemeal bread, very little processed sugar, etc. I suppose that whole eating healthy thing really just works. This Christmas has been tough as I really want to stuff my gob with mince pies, cookies, etc. And I think my couple indulgences have backfired on me. So I'm back to avoiding the 'naughties.'
Babaloo2 (what I'm calling bump) is getting huge I think. My bump is pretty solid and I'm now really starting to feel the weight, especially when I stand up and the baby sinks onto my bladder. This past week has been more difficult sleeping and I've become reacquainted with my dear, dear friends, the pillows. What I would give for a memory foam mattress and a body pillow! But my wedge pillows and fluffy down pillows are a definite help. Not to mention the baby belt the physiotherapist gave me...that I can actually wear! Last pregnancy I was too big to wear it, but it actually fits this time!
So I guess what's the moral of this post? Well, I suppose it is really to eat healthy. It makes a difference! And that I'm VERY ready to meet Babaloo2!
Love to all and Happy New Year!!
As of tomorrow I will be 37 weeks!! Happy New Years to me, my baby will be full term! Of course, have we gotten ready at all.... heck no! The changing table, sterilizer, etc, is all still in the shed, waiting to come out and be cleaned up. The moses basket needs to be assembled, and most of all, I need to back my hospital bag! Of course, with GD, you generally know when you'll go in to labor because they tell you!
So far, I haven't gained a single kilo. Yes, I know I'm American and I'm using kilos, but that's what they use at the hospital, so it's what I'll use for now. I'm still the same weight I was at my 8 week initial check up. This pregnancy has definitely been different. I can still wear many of the same pieces of clothing, bar trousers. I've given up my jeans as they have no give, but can still wear my baggy black work pants. I pretty much live in them now. With Jacob, I HAD to wear preggy clothes because even going a size up in normal 'fat lady' clothes didn't fit. I was too big in the boobs and bump. THIS pregnancy, I still just look mainly fat with a big tummy. So I try to wear clothes that emphasize the bump to make it clear that I'm not just a royal fatty, but a very pregnant one to boot!
I also feel more fit this time around. With Jacob, I'd walk across the street to the shop and have to sit down before shopping for my groceries. This time, I can go into the shop, get all my shopping done WITH over active two year old in tow, and MAYBE need a break once going through checkout. The benefit to not gaining tons of weight.
And it's not like I'm not eating. Oh I am. But I suppose this time around I started BEFORE I knew I was pregnant with the healthy-ish eating. Wholemeal bread, very little processed sugar, etc. I suppose that whole eating healthy thing really just works. This Christmas has been tough as I really want to stuff my gob with mince pies, cookies, etc. And I think my couple indulgences have backfired on me. So I'm back to avoiding the 'naughties.'
Babaloo2 (what I'm calling bump) is getting huge I think. My bump is pretty solid and I'm now really starting to feel the weight, especially when I stand up and the baby sinks onto my bladder. This past week has been more difficult sleeping and I've become reacquainted with my dear, dear friends, the pillows. What I would give for a memory foam mattress and a body pillow! But my wedge pillows and fluffy down pillows are a definite help. Not to mention the baby belt the physiotherapist gave me...that I can actually wear! Last pregnancy I was too big to wear it, but it actually fits this time!
So I guess what's the moral of this post? Well, I suppose it is really to eat healthy. It makes a difference! And that I'm VERY ready to meet Babaloo2!
Love to all and Happy New Year!!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Water, It's Not Just for Fatties
I was thinking of calling this post 'Survivial of the Fattest' but I think I may save that title for later. :) I arrived home yesterday after a week away from my husband and 2 year old. The longest I've been away from Jake ever! My dad is now happily married to a lovely woman in Calgary, Canada and now that I'm out of their hair they can enjoy the beginning of the honeymoon. :)
I ended up surviving the multitude of flights to and from Calgary for the wedding, at 20 weeks pregnant. Starting the diabetic diet at conception or before has actually helped me maintain my weight or lose a healthy amount (for a fat pregnant lady, I do NOT recommend losing weight pregnant unless you are severely obese and have your doctor's blessing).
So I took my baby aspirins, donned my anti-embolism compression socks and hopped aboard. Thank God for small blessings, the pharmacy didn't have the full-leg style socks, and the doctor gave permission for me to wear just the knee-length ones. I wore the full-leg ones when pregnant with Jake and found them very uncomfortable for a 7 hour flight. And this time, on my way over, I had a 7 hour flight, followed by a 2 1/2 and then a 3 1/2 hour. So, yea, little miracle there to only have the knee-highs. Thank you pharmacy!
Travelling fat and pregnant can be pretty difficult. I ended up twice with non-aisle seats. Once a very nice gentleman was willing to swap with me with the promise that I would let HIM out to pee if he needed to (he didn't. I on the other hand went about 4 times on the 7 hour flight). The second time the lovely flight attendant at the gate found me an aisle seat about 5 minutes prior to boarding. Ladies, if you are in this situation, make SURE you get an aisle seat and do NOT be afraid to play the pregnancy card. AND, point out that you WILL have to use the toilet frequently. I think that helped more than anything else.
That being said, the reason I had to pee so much was because of the amount of water I drank. I brought with me a 1.5 litre water bottle I filled at every possible opportunity. And I kept drinking. I honestly think that helped keep me from disintegrating into a pile of dry ash on the floor of the planes. I've never drank more than on these flights, and I highly recommend to all fliers to do so. Water isn't just for fatties!
And on another bright side, my father (gotta love the man), braved the Motherhood in our hometown to bring me my pregnancy underwear! Let the Knicker Wars begin!
I ended up surviving the multitude of flights to and from Calgary for the wedding, at 20 weeks pregnant. Starting the diabetic diet at conception or before has actually helped me maintain my weight or lose a healthy amount (for a fat pregnant lady, I do NOT recommend losing weight pregnant unless you are severely obese and have your doctor's blessing).
So I took my baby aspirins, donned my anti-embolism compression socks and hopped aboard. Thank God for small blessings, the pharmacy didn't have the full-leg style socks, and the doctor gave permission for me to wear just the knee-length ones. I wore the full-leg ones when pregnant with Jake and found them very uncomfortable for a 7 hour flight. And this time, on my way over, I had a 7 hour flight, followed by a 2 1/2 and then a 3 1/2 hour. So, yea, little miracle there to only have the knee-highs. Thank you pharmacy!
Travelling fat and pregnant can be pretty difficult. I ended up twice with non-aisle seats. Once a very nice gentleman was willing to swap with me with the promise that I would let HIM out to pee if he needed to (he didn't. I on the other hand went about 4 times on the 7 hour flight). The second time the lovely flight attendant at the gate found me an aisle seat about 5 minutes prior to boarding. Ladies, if you are in this situation, make SURE you get an aisle seat and do NOT be afraid to play the pregnancy card. AND, point out that you WILL have to use the toilet frequently. I think that helped more than anything else.
That being said, the reason I had to pee so much was because of the amount of water I drank. I brought with me a 1.5 litre water bottle I filled at every possible opportunity. And I kept drinking. I honestly think that helped keep me from disintegrating into a pile of dry ash on the floor of the planes. I've never drank more than on these flights, and I highly recommend to all fliers to do so. Water isn't just for fatties!
And on another bright side, my father (gotta love the man), braved the Motherhood in our hometown to bring me my pregnancy underwear! Let the Knicker Wars begin!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Solidarity, My GD Sisters
Today was a day to dread.... the glucose tolerance test. Now, because I had gestational diabetes (GD) during my first pregnancy, I was 'lucky' enough to get to forgo the evil tasting glucose drink (Lucozade for the Irish) and get my bloods taken every hour for 3 hours. Hurray! I got to go straight to what I've named the 'Tea and Toast Test.' The TaTT consists of fasting for at least 8 hours, getting your blood drawn and getting a green voucher for "breakfast" (toast with butter and tea or coffee). You go eat your toast, drink you tea and come back in an hour.
I found it kind of weird walking into the hospitals canteen for my TaT, surrounded by other women with that same green voucher. It was like a ticket to the TaTT sisterhood...all these women who knew exactly what I was going through. All these women had either failed their Lucozade test or had had GD in a previous pregancy. We were all wondering, 'will I have to start insulin tomorrow?' and 'Have I failed that badly at trying to eat healthy?' We all saw in a solidarity silence and munched our toast, drank our tea, and read our respective choice reading material.
It's funny how we all kept to ourselves though. I really wanted to sit down next to one of them and strike up a conversation. But that probably would have gotten me weird looks... I suppose something I used to, really.
Now, the waiting room for the Diabetic Clinic is a bit different. You're jammed into this smallish area awaiting your charts, your pee-cup and your chance to hear the good or bad news. I've found success in having some pleasant chats with mum's to be in similar situations, which has been really nice. To find someone to bitch about maltitol and insulin about; someone who gets your story. But still, you do feel like cattle waiting for the slaughter.
But today, my success; my light at the end of the 5 and a half hour tunnel. My temporary reprieve. My results. While my body currently doesn't want to process glucose at night properly, it's doing it during the day after eating. The endocrinologist says this is common in GD women (which I'm probably considered as I've had it before) but that since my body is processing the glucose after meals, I won't need insulin... yet. And then I may only need it for a while just at bed time! To some the idea of having to stick oneself ONCE with a needle is just horrendeous, to me it is marvelous! I have 3 weeks of reprieve from insulin! Three more weeks I won't need to stick my fingers 7 times a day! I'll take it! So if Dr. Endo tells me in three weeks that I need insulin at night... that's it? JUST at night? You mean I won't have to give myself two different types of insulin four times a day yet?!? Yippie!
I'm sure as the pregnancy progresses I'll need more, but I'm taking my small victories as exactly what they are...victories.
I found it kind of weird walking into the hospitals canteen for my TaT, surrounded by other women with that same green voucher. It was like a ticket to the TaTT sisterhood...all these women who knew exactly what I was going through. All these women had either failed their Lucozade test or had had GD in a previous pregancy. We were all wondering, 'will I have to start insulin tomorrow?' and 'Have I failed that badly at trying to eat healthy?' We all saw in a solidarity silence and munched our toast, drank our tea, and read our respective choice reading material.
It's funny how we all kept to ourselves though. I really wanted to sit down next to one of them and strike up a conversation. But that probably would have gotten me weird looks... I suppose something I used to, really.
Now, the waiting room for the Diabetic Clinic is a bit different. You're jammed into this smallish area awaiting your charts, your pee-cup and your chance to hear the good or bad news. I've found success in having some pleasant chats with mum's to be in similar situations, which has been really nice. To find someone to bitch about maltitol and insulin about; someone who gets your story. But still, you do feel like cattle waiting for the slaughter.
But today, my success; my light at the end of the 5 and a half hour tunnel. My temporary reprieve. My results. While my body currently doesn't want to process glucose at night properly, it's doing it during the day after eating. The endocrinologist says this is common in GD women (which I'm probably considered as I've had it before) but that since my body is processing the glucose after meals, I won't need insulin... yet. And then I may only need it for a while just at bed time! To some the idea of having to stick oneself ONCE with a needle is just horrendeous, to me it is marvelous! I have 3 weeks of reprieve from insulin! Three more weeks I won't need to stick my fingers 7 times a day! I'll take it! So if Dr. Endo tells me in three weeks that I need insulin at night... that's it? JUST at night? You mean I won't have to give myself two different types of insulin four times a day yet?!? Yippie!
I'm sure as the pregnancy progresses I'll need more, but I'm taking my small victories as exactly what they are...victories.
Knicker Wars
I have decided to continue my cntrats and comparisons into my second pregnany. Last time, nursing bras were put to the test. This time around? Underwear!
The question for the pregnant larger lady is what underwear to don while heavily pregnant. Will I be able to tolerate my granny panties rolling down under bump? Will I be able to find a COMFORTABLE pair of pregnancy knickers in my size? Or should I just buy underwear a few sizes larger and deal?
My goal is to help answer this question for my larger readers (and for those curious). Keep an eye out here because Knicker Wars will begin soon!
The question for the pregnant larger lady is what underwear to don while heavily pregnant. Will I be able to tolerate my granny panties rolling down under bump? Will I be able to find a COMFORTABLE pair of pregnancy knickers in my size? Or should I just buy underwear a few sizes larger and deal?
My goal is to help answer this question for my larger readers (and for those curious). Keep an eye out here because Knicker Wars will begin soon!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Let the search begin!
I saw my doctor today who confirmed my pregnancy! She's saying I'm about 8 weeks pregnant and my due date is around January 21, 2012. So, I'll probably be a little off of my goal of a baby girl by the end of the year... but I'll take a new baby in the new year! Of course, now comes the search for plus sized maternity knickers. The ones at Motherhood were good but not great. But they're about all that's out there unfortunately. I think I may have a "Battle of the Maternity Panties" this time around. Any manufacturers out there...feel free to send me free samples! :) Oh wait, there's NOT anything out there. If I had the capital, I could make a KILLING in super plus size maternity underwear, bump supports and bras. And probably pants too. I have to admit I wasn't enamoured with my pregnancy pants last go around. I found the seam between the elastic and the pant fabric dug under my belly...not so pleasant when you're skin is so hormone-induced sensitive! Maybe I'll just live in leggings this winter. :)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Pitter Patter
Apparently my grandmother has been reading my blog. Because of this, I think she has some incorrect information, which has encouraged me to finally write a new, though quick post. Yes, grandma, I AM pregnant! My best guess is about 6 weeks, which means I'll be due at the end of January. I haven't seen the doctor yet, so I haven't gone public with the news. But seeing as how dad told grandma who then said I wasn't (based on my LAST post), I thought I should set the record straight here. I'll post the story soon!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Not the Next Best Thing
Well, after 15 days of waiting, wondering and peeing on sticks, we finally have an answer. I am NOT pregnant. I FINALLY got my period yesterday morning. Why it took 15 days to arrive when it's usually pretty consistent, who's to say? But at least now I know.... and now I can take proper drugs for my sickness, which came on Wednesday afternoon. I went home early and just went to bed, pretty much for 2 1/2 days. But Thursday night, Friday morning I was having lower back pains/belly cramps and wondered if it was finally coming...and it did.
So no little baby for Jacob.... yet. But at least I've started on my pregnancy vitamins, which I'll continue, and this'll give me a chance to actually go and get the rubella vaccination, which my blood results have been saying I need. So I suppose this was a little wake up call for mama Jen to get her butt in gear so Grundie baba2 can finally come into the world.
I'm finally rounding the bend and my fever is almost gone. I think we'll take Jake to Spraoi where he can run around and play and frolick while I drink a cup of tea.... with caffine. :)
So no little baby for Jacob.... yet. But at least I've started on my pregnancy vitamins, which I'll continue, and this'll give me a chance to actually go and get the rubella vaccination, which my blood results have been saying I need. So I suppose this was a little wake up call for mama Jen to get her butt in gear so Grundie baba2 can finally come into the world.
I'm finally rounding the bend and my fever is almost gone. I think we'll take Jake to Spraoi where he can run around and play and frolick while I drink a cup of tea.... with caffine. :)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
HCG and Fat Pregnancy
So the question arises to me, does it take more HCG (the pregnancy hormone) coursing through a fat person's body to trigger a positive pregnancy result on a home test? When I was pregnant with Jacob, it took 11 days after my missed period to get that freakin' plus sign. And now I'm at 12 days and counting and still no plus sign. It's pretty frustrating, especially since your skinny (who thinks she's fat but is NOWHERE near fat) friend finds out DAYS before missing her period that she's up the duff. I did a search online but noone seems to have an answer. The only thing I could find was people asking the same question, and a few people saying, 'no, it shouldn't make a difference.' But I think it does. And I'm curious who I could ask to find out. Because if the answer REALLY is no, then what's wrong with ME? So at the moment, for those of you out there crossing your fingers for me, it's a big "I dunno." I won't say I'm not until I've started bleeding (crass, I know, but that's just me) and I won't say I am until I get a positive pee stick. Do the limbo!!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Brilliant Article
Hi Everyone, I just wanted to take a moment to share a fantastic article (albeit written by my husband) on our 'brother' blog, Gentastic.
10 Things I Have Learnt About Parenting that the ‘Experts’ Failed to Mention
Please take a moment to check it out. I was very much amused.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Next "Best Thing"?
Well, I'm not counting chickens or anything, but my last period started on Christmas Eve 2010. 28 days later is January 21st. Today is January 23rd. So, I'm still within my possible cycle. This could be nothing... but I'm starting to get hungrier at night, I'm having little (minuscule really) moments of nausea, and yesterday when I stood up after going to the cinema, a little acid reflux went up my esophageous. Oh, and I've been hornier (which could be a sign I'll be getting my period too). So I've got some clues, but I'll wait another week before being certain.
There's no point in me taking a pregnancy test. I don't know if any other very large women have the same issue, but I took a pregnancy test when I was pregnant with Jacob the day my period was due and it was negative. The next week it was still negative. Doctor's urine sample was negative too. It wasn't until a further week that it came up positive. So maybe my hormone levels need to be much higher as I'm that much bigger a woman? Then I have a friend on her 3rd baby who's test came back positive DAYS after conceiving. And she wouldn't be a stick figure, she's a healthy size 12-ish. I WANT to take a test but I don't want to waste the money, you know? Especially since my husband is now without a job, I'd rather save my money for when I've got a chance of having the most accurate result. My GP just has me pee on a stick too, no blood tests for her, so there's no point in dropping €70 for what I can buy at a shop for a tenner.
So I suppose for now, I'll start my precautions- no alcohol, less caffeine, multivitamins with folic acid (good idea anyways as I'd LIKE to have another baby in the near future) and continued focus on healthy eating.
My husband and I both agree that Jacob was the best thing that happened to us. So now, I just wonder if we are awaiting our next best thing?
There's no point in me taking a pregnancy test. I don't know if any other very large women have the same issue, but I took a pregnancy test when I was pregnant with Jacob the day my period was due and it was negative. The next week it was still negative. Doctor's urine sample was negative too. It wasn't until a further week that it came up positive. So maybe my hormone levels need to be much higher as I'm that much bigger a woman? Then I have a friend on her 3rd baby who's test came back positive DAYS after conceiving. And she wouldn't be a stick figure, she's a healthy size 12-ish. I WANT to take a test but I don't want to waste the money, you know? Especially since my husband is now without a job, I'd rather save my money for when I've got a chance of having the most accurate result. My GP just has me pee on a stick too, no blood tests for her, so there's no point in dropping €70 for what I can buy at a shop for a tenner.
So I suppose for now, I'll start my precautions- no alcohol, less caffeine, multivitamins with folic acid (good idea anyways as I'd LIKE to have another baby in the near future) and continued focus on healthy eating.
My husband and I both agree that Jacob was the best thing that happened to us. So now, I just wonder if we are awaiting our next best thing?
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