Finding a Balance

Something that has proven quite difficult in this short time of being pregnant is how to balance...everything. I'm obviously really excited about having a baby and starting a new chapter in life etcetera, but then again, I just moved to Boise, started making friends and now can't really do a whole lot of the activities I would like to be doing.

For example, I just moved up in my ranking with tennis and won't get a chance to play until probably next fall. It's basketball season which always makes me want to get out and play basketball but being the competitive and aggressive player that I am, well clearly that's out. Even going out for a drink has become something I'm not sure how to handle. I'm totally fine with people having a drink around me, (though I can't wait for my next glass of red wine...whenever that will be) but what isn't as fun is having to turn down going out for drinks with people because it honestly isn't super fun sipping water for three hours. I still go out and enjoy people's company so don't think that I don't want to go out, I'm just saying it's not the same.

I'm also having a hard time accepting the fact that I am 15 1/2 weeks and really just not showing at all. Again, totally a fine thing since that means I I have strong abs, but also means for a harder time with people understanding why I might act the way I do. Hormones anyone? Yeah, just because I'm not looking pregnant, I still act like it and I get embarrassed that things bother me more than they should since I feel like I have nothing to show for it. It's a little frustrating.

Baby Beats

I went to the doctor for my monthly check-up and everything looks great! My doctor is just so nice, too. She said it was easy to find the baby and the heartbeat was 155 beats per minute (excellent) and she just kind of listened to it for a minute and just kind of closed her eyes and said, "it's such a nice sound, isn't it?" It might sound creepy, but it wasn't...haha. It really is so cool to hear the heartbeat. I think she expected me to have more questions but I really didn't have any. I have been reading 3 different mommy-to-be books, talking to some people, and doing some research online. Obviously I'm not going to rely on all of that, but to be honest, a lot of it is common sense. Like, why wouldn't I eat fruits and vegetables? It just seems like some moms-to-be need a lot more hand-holding, I need some of course, but like I said, most of this is common sense. I mean, as I was reminded the other day, my body was made to carry this little one! So, my body knows what it needs and what it needs to do.

I did ask my doctor why I wasn't really showing yet. I have a small bump but it's been the same for weeks now. She said it was because I have such strong stomach muscles. Oh. you should be happier that you have such strong stomach muscles! OH! :) basically I have abs of steel guarding this little baby. She also said it was very easy to find and told me that I am doing and EXCELLENT job. Being a mom is so wonderful :)

Next month, November 7 at 1PM to be exact, I will find out if I will be a mom or a dad! I can't wait!

^^ those are not people I know...just think it's hilarious.

A little piece of mind

So I have a cold. Normally not a big deal, but being pregnant, I have been concerned with what to take, what not to take and how this was going to affect the baby. I had a post on facebook that was about as inconclusive as my research on the interwebs. I apprecited the input, of course, but after staying home yesterday and coming home today, by the advice of my grandmother, "Call your doctor, you are PAYING her to take care of you!" I called my doctor...I spoke to her nurse and she reminded me that in the packet they sent home with me, there was a list of meds that are ok to take. My main concern was actually not as much the medicine at this point but how my cough and mild fever, etc., was affecting the baby. She assured me that the baby isn't even phased by my cold, maybe just jostled by my cough and I feel so much better. My stress and worry has been keeping me from really letting myself relax. It's hard not to think that every little thing could affect this little person and just being reassured that I'm doing the best I can is encouraging.

In case you were wondering, here is the list of acceptable meds after 12 weeks and obviously the non-drug approach is best unless symptoms persist but here you go:

• Never take Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Midol, Naproxen, or Aleve

• Cough: Robitussin, Robistussin DM, Generic cough syrup w/dextramethorphan and guaifenesin, Vicks cough syrup, cough drops-Halls, Cepastat, Chloroseptic lozenges
• Nasal congestion/Sinus pain: Musinex, Sudafed, Afrin nasal spray, Ocean Mist nasal spray, Tylenol cold, Vicks Vaporub, Netipot w/warm saline solution, humidifier
• Sore Throat: Gargle with salt water, Throat lozenges
• Headache: Tylenol (acetominophen)

Not the most exciting of posts, but if you or someone you know is pregnant and is in the same boat I was, this will be helpful to them.