Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Climbing Up The Hill
Tuesday, 29 May 2007
Had my NST at the hospital at 1:30 pm, with a doctor's checkup following, and so I had to climb up the hill today. Jay and Shelly were still working on cutting wood and I didn't see them around (because they were up on the driveway), so I slowly made my way up the dirt hill. When I got to the top, they asked, "How did you get up here?!" I said, "CLIMB! I have to go to doctor's appointments."
My NST went well, no contractions and the baby's heartbeat looks good, and my amniotic fluid level is at a more normal level now. My doctor said everything looks fine. I had my iron level checked, and that looked fine as well. I asked if I could go to work, but not work. But, he said this is a critical time, these next two weeks, and I really need to take it easy, so no.
I picked up the cute invitations that Miya made for my baby shower, dropped off some things at school, talked to my principal and secretary, picked up my pre-dinner for my 4:30 pm feeding, then headed home. Since Jay and his friends were still working on the stairs, sawing, measuring, etc. I hung out at Auntie Stevie's house (the middle house on our hill) for a few hours. She showed me pictures from my cousin Geoff's graduation ceremony and I watched TV and hung out. After the sun went down, my brother called to see if I was coming home. I told him I had been right next door the whole time! He didn't realize that, but warned me about the few stairs that were not done, and that I'd have to climb over a boulder to get to the flight of stairs.
I waited for Chris to get home, and he and Jay helped me down. The stairs look good. Jay still has to figure out what to do with the boulder in the way, and has to fix the rest of the stairs. So, there's at least one or two more days of work.
Hopefully I won't have to go anywhere tomorrow, but at least I don't have to CLIMB a mountain anymore!
Had my NST at the hospital at 1:30 pm, with a doctor's checkup following, and so I had to climb up the hill today. Jay and Shelly were still working on cutting wood and I didn't see them around (because they were up on the driveway), so I slowly made my way up the dirt hill. When I got to the top, they asked, "How did you get up here?!" I said, "CLIMB! I have to go to doctor's appointments."
My NST went well, no contractions and the baby's heartbeat looks good, and my amniotic fluid level is at a more normal level now. My doctor said everything looks fine. I had my iron level checked, and that looked fine as well. I asked if I could go to work, but not work. But, he said this is a critical time, these next two weeks, and I really need to take it easy, so no.
I picked up the cute invitations that Miya made for my baby shower, dropped off some things at school, talked to my principal and secretary, picked up my pre-dinner for my 4:30 pm feeding, then headed home. Since Jay and his friends were still working on the stairs, sawing, measuring, etc. I hung out at Auntie Stevie's house (the middle house on our hill) for a few hours. She showed me pictures from my cousin Geoff's graduation ceremony and I watched TV and hung out. After the sun went down, my brother called to see if I was coming home. I told him I had been right next door the whole time! He didn't realize that, but warned me about the few stairs that were not done, and that I'd have to climb over a boulder to get to the flight of stairs.
I waited for Chris to get home, and he and Jay helped me down. The stairs look good. Jay still has to figure out what to do with the boulder in the way, and has to fix the rest of the stairs. So, there's at least one or two more days of work.
Hopefully I won't have to go anywhere tomorrow, but at least I don't have to CLIMB a mountain anymore!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Bedridden...and With No Way Out
Sunday, 27 May 2007
So, today, both Chris and I were bedridden all day. After his mountain biking accident yesterday afternoon, which ended him up in the ER and a bamboo stake up through his shoe and sock and foot, he was crippled all day today, limping around the house, and I was lying on the couch all day still on bedrest. Plus, to make us even more confined to the house, my brother and his friends tore up one set up wooden stairs in the morning to try and redo the stairs. Well, about ten hours later, with the blind leading the blind (none of them are carpenters after all), trying to cut rebar and digging into the slope, they finally got the foundation laid, and one stair done after 9 pm.
Chris and I missed my cousin Geoff's high school graduation ceremony, as neither one of us, call us "Limpy" and "Bedrest Girl", were gonna start hiking with our kleets up the mountain in the dark.
We spent most of the day watching movies on TV, eating, sleeping, me working on report cards, and Chris helping to dismantle my desk to (eventually) bring up to my auntie and uncle's house....that is, once we have stairs again.
Jay has to go to work tomorrow, so we're bedridden for at least one more day. Hopefully he finishes the stairs on Tuesday. It's only one section of the stairs (about 10-15 stairs), but it's right in the middle of the hill, and there's only one way up and down to the house. I do have doctors' appointments to go to!
So, today, both Chris and I were bedridden all day. After his mountain biking accident yesterday afternoon, which ended him up in the ER and a bamboo stake up through his shoe and sock and foot, he was crippled all day today, limping around the house, and I was lying on the couch all day still on bedrest. Plus, to make us even more confined to the house, my brother and his friends tore up one set up wooden stairs in the morning to try and redo the stairs. Well, about ten hours later, with the blind leading the blind (none of them are carpenters after all), trying to cut rebar and digging into the slope, they finally got the foundation laid, and one stair done after 9 pm.
Chris and I missed my cousin Geoff's high school graduation ceremony, as neither one of us, call us "Limpy" and "Bedrest Girl", were gonna start hiking with our kleets up the mountain in the dark.
We spent most of the day watching movies on TV, eating, sleeping, me working on report cards, and Chris helping to dismantle my desk to (eventually) bring up to my auntie and uncle's house....that is, once we have stairs again.
Jay has to go to work tomorrow, so we're bedridden for at least one more day. Hopefully he finishes the stairs on Tuesday. It's only one section of the stairs (about 10-15 stairs), but it's right in the middle of the hill, and there's only one way up and down to the house. I do have doctors' appointments to go to!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Celebrating Birthdays
Thursday, 24 May 2007
Tonight, we met Uncle Steve and Auntie Coralie at Makino Chaya, a Japanese food buffet restaurant at Aloha Tower Marketplace. It was Uncle Steve's 60th birthday. And, yesterday was Dad's 60th birthday. Steve and Dad were high school classmates and athletes and friends. They treated about 13 of us to dinner, just close family and friends. Only my stepmom did not show up for dinner.
We enjoyed dinner, filling ourselves up with crab legs, shrimp, tempura, sushi, etc. I was stuffed, even after only two plates (at this stage in the pregnancy, my stomach is shrinking, so it's harder for me to consume at my normal buffet pace!). They gave us a lei to enjoy for my dad, and I put it over his box of ashes when I got home.
Tonight, we met Uncle Steve and Auntie Coralie at Makino Chaya, a Japanese food buffet restaurant at Aloha Tower Marketplace. It was Uncle Steve's 60th birthday. And, yesterday was Dad's 60th birthday. Steve and Dad were high school classmates and athletes and friends. They treated about 13 of us to dinner, just close family and friends. Only my stepmom did not show up for dinner.
We enjoyed dinner, filling ourselves up with crab legs, shrimp, tempura, sushi, etc. I was stuffed, even after only two plates (at this stage in the pregnancy, my stomach is shrinking, so it's harder for me to consume at my normal buffet pace!). They gave us a lei to enjoy for my dad, and I put it over his box of ashes when I got home.
Hungry Mama
Thursday, 24 May 2007
As if I wasn't already dealing with being tired, itchy, hot, and doing a balancing act when I put on my pants each day, now I have a fat lip and numb tongue. All this is from my own doing though, mainly being too hungry and thinking that my tongue and my lip were food instead of the actual food. The other night, I nearly chewed the end of my tongue off. Then, yesterday, I bit my lower lip when I was eating. I bit it so bad that my lip is now fat and pouty and all black and blue. Very attractive.
I don't know how Angelina Jolie eats and drinks with a pouty lip.
My part-time teacher Nicole called today to check in and say that the performance for the end of the school year went fine today for our English Language Learner parents. I had left it in her and the sub's hands, so good to hear everything went well while I was watching TV and being lethargic with my pouty lip.
As if I wasn't already dealing with being tired, itchy, hot, and doing a balancing act when I put on my pants each day, now I have a fat lip and numb tongue. All this is from my own doing though, mainly being too hungry and thinking that my tongue and my lip were food instead of the actual food. The other night, I nearly chewed the end of my tongue off. Then, yesterday, I bit my lower lip when I was eating. I bit it so bad that my lip is now fat and pouty and all black and blue. Very attractive.
I don't know how Angelina Jolie eats and drinks with a pouty lip.
My part-time teacher Nicole called today to check in and say that the performance for the end of the school year went fine today for our English Language Learner parents. I had left it in her and the sub's hands, so good to hear everything went well while I was watching TV and being lethargic with my pouty lip.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
"Who's Handsome?"
When Steph and Jake were visiting from Seattle, Steph showed us Jake's latest "trick". When you ask him, "Who's handsome?", he points to himself. My brother Jay was trying to ask him, "Who ELSE is handsome?"....He eventually bribed Jake with an animal cookie to get him to point to Jay as well.
Bundle of Gifts
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
Today would have been Dad's 60th birthday. I wished Dad a 'Happy Birthday' and slept most of the day in the heat of the living room. I left in the late afternoon to run errands and to meet Chris at work to pick up baby gifts, as his coworkers had a baby shower for him today. Since he loves skulls, they did a pirate theme with a pirates chest full of goodies and skull paraphenalia. I brought home food, half a sheet cake, as well as a diaper cake and a trunk full of gifts. Chris took me to Sam's Club to get snacks for my parent meeting, my contribution since I won't be able to attend and facilitate the meeting at school. I dropped them off at school then headed home and had my cousins help me unload the car and carry everything down.
Cousin Steph (in town for her grandmother's funeral) came by tonight to give me a baby gift bag of clothes, swaddle blanket, and her mom's creation of a nasal aspirator which has worked wonders for her own little boy.
It's been fun to open gifts. Unfortunately, Chris loves all the little toys and hooded towels. I can see I'll have two kids on my hands!
Monday, May 21, 2007
The Mysterious Rash
Monday, 21 May 2007
Went to see my doctor about my mysterious rash. He's not sure it is indeed PUPPP, as it's kind of early for that in this stage of my pregnancy. He told me to try hydrocortisone cream to control the itching and see if it goes away. It could just be that my skin is changing and is more sensitive to things now, perhaps soap, sheets, dust, etc. My doctor gave me a hard time, saying that if it's not one problem, it's another with me and this pregnancy. No kidding! Spent lunchtime visiting with Miya and Taiga and went grocery shopping and hung out at home. While in the checkout line, this old lady in front of me looked at me and said, "Well, it looked like you were doing a good job there, as everything went together, except for that last thing." She was referring to my bag of beef jerky, not the fresh vegetables and tofu I had on the conveyer belt. My response, "Yeah, well, must be a craving. Don't tell my husband! He'll scold me for eating junk food." He he he!
Although my belly and arms are still itchy, I have been trying not to scratch. Whenever I put the gel cold pack on my belly, Junior does not like it one bit! Just like his mommy, he gets cold really easily. I'll move it on my left side, and he'll kick and kick, and then I'll move it on my right, and he'll kick on that side. It's kind of funny.
Hopefully the itching goes away soon, or else there will be lots of kicking and jabbing going on in my tummy...which is not such a bad thing!
Went to see my doctor about my mysterious rash. He's not sure it is indeed PUPPP, as it's kind of early for that in this stage of my pregnancy. He told me to try hydrocortisone cream to control the itching and see if it goes away. It could just be that my skin is changing and is more sensitive to things now, perhaps soap, sheets, dust, etc. My doctor gave me a hard time, saying that if it's not one problem, it's another with me and this pregnancy. No kidding! Spent lunchtime visiting with Miya and Taiga and went grocery shopping and hung out at home. While in the checkout line, this old lady in front of me looked at me and said, "Well, it looked like you were doing a good job there, as everything went together, except for that last thing." She was referring to my bag of beef jerky, not the fresh vegetables and tofu I had on the conveyer belt. My response, "Yeah, well, must be a craving. Don't tell my husband! He'll scold me for eating junk food." He he he!
Although my belly and arms are still itchy, I have been trying not to scratch. Whenever I put the gel cold pack on my belly, Junior does not like it one bit! Just like his mommy, he gets cold really easily. I'll move it on my left side, and he'll kick and kick, and then I'll move it on my right, and he'll kick on that side. It's kind of funny.
Hopefully the itching goes away soon, or else there will be lots of kicking and jabbing going on in my tummy...which is not such a bad thing!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Pregnancy Rash
Saturday, 19 May 2007
So, after waking up in the middle of the night and scratching my belly like crazy, then icing it with ice packs and having Chris hold my hands away so I wouldn't scratch some more, I woke up this morning and there are now itchy bumps on my forearms. Called the physician's exchange doctor, and she thinks it is PUPPP too, which happens to 1 percent of pregnant women. So, of course, woo hoo!...I'm the winner! I'm the lucky one! In fact, she had them when she was pregnant, and says that they will only get worse. The itchy bumps will spread to my arms, legs, butt, etc. for the rest of the pregnancy. If it gets really bad, at the end, they'll have to put me on steroids. But, they typically go away after delivery. She said if it gets progressively worse this weekend, I should see my doctor on Monday.
For now, I have to rely on Caladryl lotion, Benadryl (which should help me sleep through the night), and using ice cold gel packs and cold showers for temporary relief of itching.
So, on top of being on bedrest, I'm now turning into "rash girl". It brought back vivid memories of when I suffered from sun poisoning in Seattle one summer and had these itchy bumps all over my body for weeks. It was horrible, and I did all of the above for remedies. Just had to let it run its course. Guess this is Round Two. Oh, what fun!
Spending the afternoon at the Halsall's today to rest in a cooler house, sleep, and work on report cards, while Chris is mountain biking with his friends and my in-laws are working a craft fair. Trying not to scratch.
So, after waking up in the middle of the night and scratching my belly like crazy, then icing it with ice packs and having Chris hold my hands away so I wouldn't scratch some more, I woke up this morning and there are now itchy bumps on my forearms. Called the physician's exchange doctor, and she thinks it is PUPPP too, which happens to 1 percent of pregnant women. So, of course, woo hoo!...I'm the winner! I'm the lucky one! In fact, she had them when she was pregnant, and says that they will only get worse. The itchy bumps will spread to my arms, legs, butt, etc. for the rest of the pregnancy. If it gets really bad, at the end, they'll have to put me on steroids. But, they typically go away after delivery. She said if it gets progressively worse this weekend, I should see my doctor on Monday.
For now, I have to rely on Caladryl lotion, Benadryl (which should help me sleep through the night), and using ice cold gel packs and cold showers for temporary relief of itching.
So, on top of being on bedrest, I'm now turning into "rash girl". It brought back vivid memories of when I suffered from sun poisoning in Seattle one summer and had these itchy bumps all over my body for weeks. It was horrible, and I did all of the above for remedies. Just had to let it run its course. Guess this is Round Two. Oh, what fun!
Spending the afternoon at the Halsall's today to rest in a cooler house, sleep, and work on report cards, while Chris is mountain biking with his friends and my in-laws are working a craft fair. Trying not to scratch.
Friday, May 18, 2007
NST update
Friday, 18 May 2007
Okay, so I did go into work today, but next week I'm following my bedrest prescription for sure.
Went to do the NST again today, and it went fine. There were no contractions today, my blood pressure is fine, amniotic fluid level is normal, and the baby looks fine. I'll be back on Tuesday....I'll really get to know the staff there.
The only thing bugging me now are these itchy bumps on my belly. Could be this PUPPP thing I'm reading about online, or perhaps a heat rash? But, it's only on my belly. It's extremely itchy though!
Thanks to my mommy friends for baby must-have shopping tips! We'll start mass-cleaning this weekend in preparation.
Got together for dinner with my old high school/elementary school gang at The Old Spaghetti Factory tonight. The reason was to celebrate Suzette's upcoming baby girl, due next month. They surprised me with gifts as well. Nina's mom, the awesome seamstress she is, sewed diaper bags for each of us in appropriate boy/girl colors and prints. Nina's cousin Noe made us diaper baskets full of goodies. It was fun to see Kristin and Lara and catch up on their growing kids as well. The last time we were all together was at Nina's wedding last fall. And, boy, have a lot of things happened since then!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Bedrest
Thursday, 17 May 2007
After taking care of some property insurance stuff of Dad's this afternoon, I went for my checkup at the OB doctor's. After coming to the conclusion that there are more than two things in my body that can cause preterm labor, he officially put me on bedrest for the rest of the school year. When I asked about teaching summer school, he said I probably won't finish the session out, as he sees me giving birth more than a few weeks early, probably a month, which means July, and hopefully not June, as long as I rest and stay off my feet these next few weeks. I will go into work tomorrow just to tidy things up and finish off the week, then try to find a sub to fill in these last couple weeks of school.
When I told him I climb up and down 85 stairs daily to get from my car door to my front door of the house, he told me that's all I better be doing! Can't really avoid that one I guess. It's good that I keep going into the hospital to get the NST's twice a week. Soon enough, I'll have the "system" of contractions figured out and I'll be able to really know my body and the baby's movements. So, everyone's keeping on top of things. Just hope I can stay away from school, especially when I'm supposed to lead a Spring parent meeting and final presentation of the kids' work next week. Need to keep Junior in for at least 6 more weeks! Called Miya to tell her she better move up that baby shower she's planning on throwing for me. Geez, guess we really need to start cleaning the house now! And perhaps get some baby furniture?!
After taking care of some property insurance stuff of Dad's this afternoon, I went for my checkup at the OB doctor's. After coming to the conclusion that there are more than two things in my body that can cause preterm labor, he officially put me on bedrest for the rest of the school year. When I asked about teaching summer school, he said I probably won't finish the session out, as he sees me giving birth more than a few weeks early, probably a month, which means July, and hopefully not June, as long as I rest and stay off my feet these next few weeks. I will go into work tomorrow just to tidy things up and finish off the week, then try to find a sub to fill in these last couple weeks of school.
When I told him I climb up and down 85 stairs daily to get from my car door to my front door of the house, he told me that's all I better be doing! Can't really avoid that one I guess. It's good that I keep going into the hospital to get the NST's twice a week. Soon enough, I'll have the "system" of contractions figured out and I'll be able to really know my body and the baby's movements. So, everyone's keeping on top of things. Just hope I can stay away from school, especially when I'm supposed to lead a Spring parent meeting and final presentation of the kids' work next week. Need to keep Junior in for at least 6 more weeks! Called Miya to tell her she better move up that baby shower she's planning on throwing for me. Geez, guess we really need to start cleaning the house now! And perhaps get some baby furniture?!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mother's Day
Sunday, 13 May 2007
We spent Mother's Day eating lunch with Chris' parents at the Top of Waikiki revolving restaurant. Although the food wasn't too impressive, the revolving made me a little queasy at first, and I had to make long treks to the bathroom several times (making sure I was "revolved" near the hallway to the bathroom), it was a nice view of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the city buildings below, and we even pointed out our house on the hill.
Hope all you mothers and mommies-to-be had a wonderful day!
We spent Mother's Day eating lunch with Chris' parents at the Top of Waikiki revolving restaurant. Although the food wasn't too impressive, the revolving made me a little queasy at first, and I had to make long treks to the bathroom several times (making sure I was "revolved" near the hallway to the bathroom), it was a nice view of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the city buildings below, and we even pointed out our house on the hill.
Hope all you mothers and mommies-to-be had a wonderful day!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Me...The Armchair Triathlete
Saturday, 12 May 2007
I am beginning to feel like I should be wearing the "Armchair Triathlete" t-shirt I got my dad last year. All I do these days is eat, sit (and watch TV) and sleep. For most of the pregnancy, I've been limited to light to moderate exercise (walking and swimming). Now, I've been limited to no exercise (though I still have to climb my 85 stairs daily, which works for me), although trying to put on my pants has become more of a daily balancing act since I can't see my toes.
I've been taking 2-3 hour naps daily, even after going to sleep at a decent hour. I joked with Chris that I'm now sleeping like Dad used to, all propped up into position, with my legs elevated on pillows; and when I want to stay on my side, I have to prop a wall of pillows all around me so that I won't move. In reply, Chris joked, "Does that mean I have to feed you too?" All the while, Junior still kicks and kicks and moves around my belly. He's been making some powerful jabs lately, sometimes waking me up or making me reposition myself because I feel like he's going to kick through the mattress!
Woke up early this morning and went with Miya to the Farmer's Market. It was nice to see the fresh flowers, buy some vegetables, and eat some fried green tomatoes, but boy was it hot out at 8 o'clock in the morning.
Uncle Ralf, my dad's good friend and fishing buddy who emceed a variety of our special events (including my dad's retirement party, doing a prayer at the wedding reception, and my dad's recent memorial), called to check in on us and see how we're doing.
Chris went bike riding this afternoon, and I'll be working on report cards (in between napping and eating) and then will head out to celebrate my friend Joel's birthday this evening.
I am beginning to feel like I should be wearing the "Armchair Triathlete" t-shirt I got my dad last year. All I do these days is eat, sit (and watch TV) and sleep. For most of the pregnancy, I've been limited to light to moderate exercise (walking and swimming). Now, I've been limited to no exercise (though I still have to climb my 85 stairs daily, which works for me), although trying to put on my pants has become more of a daily balancing act since I can't see my toes.
I've been taking 2-3 hour naps daily, even after going to sleep at a decent hour. I joked with Chris that I'm now sleeping like Dad used to, all propped up into position, with my legs elevated on pillows; and when I want to stay on my side, I have to prop a wall of pillows all around me so that I won't move. In reply, Chris joked, "Does that mean I have to feed you too?" All the while, Junior still kicks and kicks and moves around my belly. He's been making some powerful jabs lately, sometimes waking me up or making me reposition myself because I feel like he's going to kick through the mattress!
Woke up early this morning and went with Miya to the Farmer's Market. It was nice to see the fresh flowers, buy some vegetables, and eat some fried green tomatoes, but boy was it hot out at 8 o'clock in the morning.
Uncle Ralf, my dad's good friend and fishing buddy who emceed a variety of our special events (including my dad's retirement party, doing a prayer at the wedding reception, and my dad's recent memorial), called to check in on us and see how we're doing.
Chris went bike riding this afternoon, and I'll be working on report cards (in between napping and eating) and then will head out to celebrate my friend Joel's birthday this evening.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Hitting The Course
Thursday, 10 May 2007
Today, my OB called to verify my ultrasound results and to discuss how important it is that I rest, do no exercise, and count my contractions. I need to keep this baby in until at least 34 weeks, so that's more than a month to go. (After that, he said I can exercise...like I'll even want to at that point! Ha!)
After sleeping most of the afternoon after work, Chris and I went to get Mexican food for dinner, go grocery shopping at Costco, and then eat some birthday cake with at his parents' to celebrate his mom's birthday.
Earlier tonight, Auntie Cori (good friends of my dad's) called to remind me of dinner reservations in a couple of weeks to celebrate her husband, my Uncle Steve's birthday. It's also to celebrate Dad's birthday, as he would have turned 60 on the 23rd. I told her how we are still looking for something to put Dad's ashes in, and she said she might be able to get Uncle Steve to get another ipu to put them in. I recounted the story of how Jason took some ashes to the golf course yesterday (as he participated in a golf tournament with some City & County friends of Dad's)and scattered them on the 18th hole. We laughed because he took them in a ziploc plastic container (which Auntie Cori said is actually what Dad would probably have suggested anyway!), and Jay also said the strong winds took some over to the Ala Wai Canal. We'll be keeping some for ourselves, but Jay intends on hitting a few more golf courses to spread Dad around.
Today, my OB called to verify my ultrasound results and to discuss how important it is that I rest, do no exercise, and count my contractions. I need to keep this baby in until at least 34 weeks, so that's more than a month to go. (After that, he said I can exercise...like I'll even want to at that point! Ha!)
After sleeping most of the afternoon after work, Chris and I went to get Mexican food for dinner, go grocery shopping at Costco, and then eat some birthday cake with at his parents' to celebrate his mom's birthday.
Earlier tonight, Auntie Cori (good friends of my dad's) called to remind me of dinner reservations in a couple of weeks to celebrate her husband, my Uncle Steve's birthday. It's also to celebrate Dad's birthday, as he would have turned 60 on the 23rd. I told her how we are still looking for something to put Dad's ashes in, and she said she might be able to get Uncle Steve to get another ipu to put them in. I recounted the story of how Jason took some ashes to the golf course yesterday (as he participated in a golf tournament with some City & County friends of Dad's)and scattered them on the 18th hole. We laughed because he took them in a ziploc plastic container (which Auntie Cori said is actually what Dad would probably have suggested anyway!), and Jay also said the strong winds took some over to the Ala Wai Canal. We'll be keeping some for ourselves, but Jay intends on hitting a few more golf courses to spread Dad around.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
More Doctor's Appointments
Wednesday, 9 May 2007
I might as well own my own parking space already at Kapi'olani Women and Children's Medical Center. Monday, Chris and I were there for 5 hours, after an interview screening with a pediatrician and then immediately following, a 3 1/2 hour birthing class. Getting used to the cafeteria food already.
Today, after my 3 week ultrasound checkup (which we found out that baby is doing fine, within the normal range of growth), I discovered that my cervix has gotten thinner again in its measurements. Now, starting next week, the doctors have ordered that I go in twice a week for the rest of the pregnancy, in addition to my regular 4 week checkups for ultrasound and my OB, to get a NST so they can measure any contractions. (I've got a whole two page reminder list of my appointments!) They have been saying I am prone to pre-term labor all along because of my possible incompetent cervix and uterine septum, but now they that are worried I may go into pre-term labor, and it's way too soon, since I'm only 28 weeks. I feel okay, although I've been extremely tired so I've been taking 2-3 hour naps daily. Not sure if this means I should not work summer school now. I was told to watch for contractions, and at the lowest threshold, if I feel something, to come into the hospital.
We really have to work on purging and cleaning the house now, make room for baby, and perhaps get rid of those brazen male wild boars that are going through people's garbage and our front yard like they are domesticated pets?
I got this from the www.americanpregnancy.org website: "The Fetal Non-Stress test is a simple, non-invasive test performed in pregnancies over 28 weeks gestation. The test is named “non-stress” because no stress is placed on the fetus during the test.
How is a NST Performed?
The test involves attaching one belt to the mother’s abdomen to measure fetal heart rate and another belt to measure contractions. Movement, heart rate and “reactivity” of heart rate to movement is measured for 20-30 minutes. If the baby does not move, it does not necessarily indicate that there is a problem; the baby could just be asleep. A nurse may use a small “buzzer” to wake the baby for the remainder of the test.
Why would a NST be performed?
A NST may be performed if:
You sense that the baby is not moving as frequently as usual
You are overdue
There is any reason to suspect that the placenta is not functioning adequately
You are high risk for any other reason
The test can indicate if the baby is not receiving enough oxygen because of placental or umbilical cord problems; it can also indicate other types of fetal distress.
What are the risks and side effects to the mother or baby?
A NST is a noninvasive test that poses no known risks or side effects to mother or baby.
When is a NST performed?
NSTs are generally performed after 28 weeks of gestation. Before 28 weeks, the fetus is not developed enough to respond to the test protocol.
What does the NST look for?
The primary goal of the test is to measure the heart rate of the fetus in response to its own movements. Healthy babies will respond with an increased heart rate during times of movement, and the heart rate will decrease at rest. The concept behind a non-stress test is that adequate oxygen is required for fetal activity and heart rate to be within normal ranges. When oxygen levels are low, the fetus may not respond normally. Low oxygen levels can often be caused by problems with the placenta or umbilical cord.
What do the NST results mean and what are the reasons for further testing?
A reactive non-stress result indicates that blood flow (and oxygen) to the fetus is adequate. A nonreactive non-stress result requires additional testing to determine whether the result is truly due to poor oxygenation, or whether there are other reasons for fetal nonreactivity (i.e. sleep patterns, certain maternal prescription or nonprescription drugs)."
Wish me luck! Does this mean I'll be on bedrest? My cramping in the legs are terrible, so bad that I could barely walk out of the doctor's office today and had to have Chris massage my leg before I got into the car. We'll see what my OB says next week. On a positive note, Junior is still busy kicking and moving all the time. And, yes, I'll get those belly pictures posted soon!
I might as well own my own parking space already at Kapi'olani Women and Children's Medical Center. Monday, Chris and I were there for 5 hours, after an interview screening with a pediatrician and then immediately following, a 3 1/2 hour birthing class. Getting used to the cafeteria food already.
Today, after my 3 week ultrasound checkup (which we found out that baby is doing fine, within the normal range of growth), I discovered that my cervix has gotten thinner again in its measurements. Now, starting next week, the doctors have ordered that I go in twice a week for the rest of the pregnancy, in addition to my regular 4 week checkups for ultrasound and my OB, to get a NST so they can measure any contractions. (I've got a whole two page reminder list of my appointments!) They have been saying I am prone to pre-term labor all along because of my possible incompetent cervix and uterine septum, but now they that are worried I may go into pre-term labor, and it's way too soon, since I'm only 28 weeks. I feel okay, although I've been extremely tired so I've been taking 2-3 hour naps daily. Not sure if this means I should not work summer school now. I was told to watch for contractions, and at the lowest threshold, if I feel something, to come into the hospital.
We really have to work on purging and cleaning the house now, make room for baby, and perhaps get rid of those brazen male wild boars that are going through people's garbage and our front yard like they are domesticated pets?
I got this from the www.americanpregnancy.org website: "The Fetal Non-Stress test is a simple, non-invasive test performed in pregnancies over 28 weeks gestation. The test is named “non-stress” because no stress is placed on the fetus during the test.
How is a NST Performed?
The test involves attaching one belt to the mother’s abdomen to measure fetal heart rate and another belt to measure contractions. Movement, heart rate and “reactivity” of heart rate to movement is measured for 20-30 minutes. If the baby does not move, it does not necessarily indicate that there is a problem; the baby could just be asleep. A nurse may use a small “buzzer” to wake the baby for the remainder of the test.
Why would a NST be performed?
A NST may be performed if:
You sense that the baby is not moving as frequently as usual
You are overdue
There is any reason to suspect that the placenta is not functioning adequately
You are high risk for any other reason
The test can indicate if the baby is not receiving enough oxygen because of placental or umbilical cord problems; it can also indicate other types of fetal distress.
What are the risks and side effects to the mother or baby?
A NST is a noninvasive test that poses no known risks or side effects to mother or baby.
When is a NST performed?
NSTs are generally performed after 28 weeks of gestation. Before 28 weeks, the fetus is not developed enough to respond to the test protocol.
What does the NST look for?
The primary goal of the test is to measure the heart rate of the fetus in response to its own movements. Healthy babies will respond with an increased heart rate during times of movement, and the heart rate will decrease at rest. The concept behind a non-stress test is that adequate oxygen is required for fetal activity and heart rate to be within normal ranges. When oxygen levels are low, the fetus may not respond normally. Low oxygen levels can often be caused by problems with the placenta or umbilical cord.
What do the NST results mean and what are the reasons for further testing?
A reactive non-stress result indicates that blood flow (and oxygen) to the fetus is adequate. A nonreactive non-stress result requires additional testing to determine whether the result is truly due to poor oxygenation, or whether there are other reasons for fetal nonreactivity (i.e. sleep patterns, certain maternal prescription or nonprescription drugs)."
Wish me luck! Does this mean I'll be on bedrest? My cramping in the legs are terrible, so bad that I could barely walk out of the doctor's office today and had to have Chris massage my leg before I got into the car. We'll see what my OB says next week. On a positive note, Junior is still busy kicking and moving all the time. And, yes, I'll get those belly pictures posted soon!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Baby Stuff
Saturday, 5 May 2007
This morning, Chris and I went to interview a pediatrician. Turns out he's the father of my brother's classmate/friend, and so he knew who I was and gave me his condolences about Dad's passing. He gave us information about breastfeeding and informed us of his availability. So, when it came time to ask questions, I didn't even have to refer to my list of questions I had prepared. We have several more appointments this month with other pediatricians, those who came highly recommended by friends. So, we'll see how it goes.
Other than that, we're getting back into the swing of things and focusing on baby now. Everyone at work is having fun asking me about the pregnancy, and I'm trying to figure out how much time I'm going to take off after the baby is born and preparing to teach summer school for 4 weeks to get a little more cash for the time I may need to take off. We're halfway done with our birthing classes and my glucose test this week was normal. I will have my ultrasound checkup and OB checkup in coming weeks. We're still working on names, but am leaning toward the first name Chase. I want to honor my dad by finding a Hawaiian name that will incorporate the meaning of "John" ('God is Gracious' according to one book) and will be keeping Mau as a middle name as well. I submitted papers this week to have my last name changed to Mau-Halsall. After Dad's passing, although I had still retained Mau as my middle name, I really wanted it to be my last name again. So, in about a month, I'll have it changed.
Going to spend the afternoon with the Keane's out near Pokai Bay in Waianae. They're good family friends of the Halsalls whom I haven't met yet. Although we were invited to my friend's son's 2nd year birthday party, family stuff takes precendence. So, we'll be heading to the beach with some beer and edamame for the Irish couple in a few hours.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
He's Watching Over Me
Wednesday, 2 May 2007
Tonight, I went to Joel's (a good high school friend who I turn to for all car maintenance issues and brake replacement on my cars) in Kailua so that he could fix my rear brakes on the Ford Explorer that my Uncle Ray gave me. A few hours later, after some help from his brother, while I held a flood light over his head, he still wasn't done due to the complicated construction of drum brakes and then some hesitation about the slave/wheel cylinder being loose and needing replacement. I was late to meeting dinner at Chris' parents. They had friends in town, and we were to go over tonight. Chris went anyway, and I told him that when we finished I would give him a call.
Well, at about 8:30 pm Joel took the truck for a couple of test drives, pumping the brakes. Then, he told me to try. But warned me that the brakes are soft.
I got in the car, went down the steep driveway, and was pressing on the brake, but it didn't seem to be working very well. I was nervous, but not panicky, until I spun the car around and stomped on the parking brake. I thought for sure we were going to crash into something! It was pitch black....and when we got out of the car to see where the car had stopped, I noticed that I had hopped the curb of the neighbor's driveway, had avoided parked cars in and near the driveway, as well as a pole, and the rear bumper was only a few feet away from a cinderblock wall. My heart was racing for sure!
When Joel asked what happened (he was sitting in the passenger seat), I told him that the car just wouldn't stop. He took the wheel, and parked it back up the driveway, convinced that now I need to change the slave cylinders in the wheels because the brakes are just way too soft. I had forgotten to pump the brakes, and all of a sudden was just going down really fast. Still, I'm amazed that we didn't crash into anything, especially because I'm not familiar with the neighborhood, so I was just following my instinct with which way I turned the wheel and the timing by which I stepped on the parking brake.
Joel decided to leave the car at his house, fix it when he has time, and then drive me home. Although I missed dinner with Chris' family and didn't get home until 10 pm, a bit shook up I must admit, I'm so glad that we didn't crash!
Today, Joel called me to tell me that he got the parts and that he'll work on the car. He also told me that if he had been behind the wheel last night, he's not sure if we would have been able to safely avoid all the walls and poles and cars like I did last night...in the dark! He told me he thought we didn't crash because my father is probably watching over me. It's probably true. It's really amazing we didn't hit anything! We're safe and sound.
Thanks, Dad.
Tonight, I went to Joel's (a good high school friend who I turn to for all car maintenance issues and brake replacement on my cars) in Kailua so that he could fix my rear brakes on the Ford Explorer that my Uncle Ray gave me. A few hours later, after some help from his brother, while I held a flood light over his head, he still wasn't done due to the complicated construction of drum brakes and then some hesitation about the slave/wheel cylinder being loose and needing replacement. I was late to meeting dinner at Chris' parents. They had friends in town, and we were to go over tonight. Chris went anyway, and I told him that when we finished I would give him a call.
Well, at about 8:30 pm Joel took the truck for a couple of test drives, pumping the brakes. Then, he told me to try. But warned me that the brakes are soft.
I got in the car, went down the steep driveway, and was pressing on the brake, but it didn't seem to be working very well. I was nervous, but not panicky, until I spun the car around and stomped on the parking brake. I thought for sure we were going to crash into something! It was pitch black....and when we got out of the car to see where the car had stopped, I noticed that I had hopped the curb of the neighbor's driveway, had avoided parked cars in and near the driveway, as well as a pole, and the rear bumper was only a few feet away from a cinderblock wall. My heart was racing for sure!
When Joel asked what happened (he was sitting in the passenger seat), I told him that the car just wouldn't stop. He took the wheel, and parked it back up the driveway, convinced that now I need to change the slave cylinders in the wheels because the brakes are just way too soft. I had forgotten to pump the brakes, and all of a sudden was just going down really fast. Still, I'm amazed that we didn't crash into anything, especially because I'm not familiar with the neighborhood, so I was just following my instinct with which way I turned the wheel and the timing by which I stepped on the parking brake.
Joel decided to leave the car at his house, fix it when he has time, and then drive me home. Although I missed dinner with Chris' family and didn't get home until 10 pm, a bit shook up I must admit, I'm so glad that we didn't crash!
Today, Joel called me to tell me that he got the parts and that he'll work on the car. He also told me that if he had been behind the wheel last night, he's not sure if we would have been able to safely avoid all the walls and poles and cars like I did last night...in the dark! He told me he thought we didn't crash because my father is probably watching over me. It's probably true. It's really amazing we didn't hit anything! We're safe and sound.
Thanks, Dad.
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