Another Duh Moment

Last night, I had another pregnancy goof. Nothing serious, but it was just another incident to remind me of how the baby is stealing all my precious resources...first my iron, then my blood pressure and weight, and now all my brain cells--- sheesh!

Well I was at the gym and before I began working out, I realized my iPod battery was out. I thought I'd better put it in the locker until after my workout was complete.

And that would have been a fine plan except I forgot my Masterlock combination. This was a 3-code thing...not anything fancy or difficult and I'd had the lock for at least 4 years and used it regularly. Somehow I randomly forgot all 3 numbers and felt like a complete idiot. Pregnancy Brain!

I asked the guys at the Gym's front desk if they could cut it off with some bolt cutters and they suggested I finish my workout and they'd find the cutters afterwards (I think they secretly thought I'd just remember the code while sweating...yeah right!). In the meantime, they offered to hold my iPod at the front desk until I was finished working out.

I ran what I could (a measly 1/2 mile) and worked out a little on the Elliptical ("a little" as in only 15 minutes) and then did my arms and shoulders on the weight machines. A decent little workout considering I'd slacked the week of Christmas and was now carrying 45 lbs extra.

So off to the desk for my front desk Buddies to bail me out of this mess I'd caused. Unfortunately, they had banked on me remembering my combo while working out and during that time they realized that the bolt cutters were at another gym location. But I wasn't in any hurry so I sat down at the front and just waited for them to return with the delivery of my own Bail Out.

Buddy drove off. Buddy returned. Buddy had the bolt cutters and was deemed a hero.

I was happy to have access to my things (keys, wallet, phone, bag...everything) and walked out of there very appreciative of everyone's kindness and helpful attitudes. The upside to things was I learned the gym's childcare is only an additional $10 a month and that's with unlimited access (so I could workout all 30-31 days a month and bring Mason in each time), and they begin childcare at 6 weeks old. Also, they will freeze my gym membership for 2 months while I'm recovering from the delivery so that I'm not charged during that time...NICE!

So I felt very Edumacated about the gym-childcare-policy, and was so pleased to have my stuff back. But have you caught what else it was that I forgot?

My iPod.

Yes, the DUHminess cycle continues on!

Nomenclature

The name "MASON" was ranked #41 on the most popular Baby Boy Names of 2008; for 2007 it was ranked #37 nationally.

For me, my first name "Amanda" was #3 the year I was born, so it was no wonder there were 8 other "Amanda Smith"s in my freshman class at Alabama. Hopefully there's nothing of this sort in store for Mason!

And at the very least, "Tinsley" is uncommon. Most people think it's a family name, but I just simply liked the naming "Mason Tinsley"

By now, I've said his name a million times, now I'm just ready to actually get to call him by his name =)

Holiday Update 3 of 3

32.5 Weeks

Think it's odd that I'm looking up, up, and away? Well I'm so stubborn, that I refused to look straight at the camera for my "Growing Bump" picture today; particularly since it highlights my facial puffiness.

This morning I had a Dr. check-up. As you may be able to tell from my picture, the bump is growing considerably fast. I'm measuring at 33 weeks, in addition to some major swelling!

Today my blood pressure was back up again at 138/90 and I'd gained 10 lbs from my last visit which was only 20 days ago (December 10th). I'd forgotten to weigh the past few days (with celebrating, traveling, and spending time with family), but this is a ridiculous weight gain: a total of 45 lbs.... YES FORTY FIVE POUNDS overall!

While there was no protein found in my urine, Dr. F mentioned my swelling face a couple of times to my dismay. Seriously, who wants to hear that they look swollen and puffy =) Dr. F is concerned about the weight gain and blood pressure. He wants me to make sure and weigh-in each day and I go back in a week rather than 2 weeks so he can monitor everything again. He went over signs of labor and when to call his office. I'm still not sure yet if Toxemia often causes pre-term labor, or if it's just that Dr. F wanted me to be aware in-case of it. Either way: MASON, PLEASE WAIT FOR MOMMY UNTIL YOU'RE FULL TERM

Here are 3 interesting labor facts Dr. F shared today:

1. It is uncommon for your water to break before you go into labor; often this is broken right before delivery at the hospital. Previously, I thought it was something almost every woman experienced as a precursor to labor...hmmmm.
2. The "bloody show" (which is similar to a menstrual period) happens 30-40% of the time and about 70% of those women will go into labor within 24 hours. I was actually hoping for this so that I can "warn" Mom and Dad and they can be on their way to Birmingham for the delivery.
3. I'm supposed to call and come into the Hospital once my contractions are regularly 5 minutes apart for an hour straight. In my books, they all mention how first-timers often rush to the hospital only to be sent home. From non-medical advice I've heard, once my contractions begin I should plan to take it easy and shower, get pretty, apply makeup, dress-up, and make sure I'm fully packed for the hospital. There will be pictures taken post-delivery...I'd like to look decent (haha!).

So Dr's orders: I'm supposed to take it easy although, I'm not prescribed bedrest (thank goodness). And Dr. F also said I need to find a Pediatrician for Mason and gave me a list of recommended practices...anyone have one they'd recommend???

Holiday Update 2 of 3

Much celebrating in Oklahoma!

I had my first Baby Shower and it was extremely special. Mom and Dad's church threw a shower for me on Sunday, December 28th, and Baby Mason and I were showered with many gifts and blessings. I could hardly believe that these wonderful ladies did this for me- and many didn't even know me before my visit. Mom and Dad have some precious friends in Enid!

I didn't get many pictures with my camera, but here are some to give you an idea of how much fun we had and how incredible these ladies were to me:

The table was so cute with baby blue accents; Mom and I had blue and white ribbon corsages to match the decor. I'm hoping someone took a picture of the table spread...it was adorable!

Mayson and Hannah reading through the Baby Book.

We played two games:

1. Dirty Diaper Game- guess what kind of "poop" is in the diaper (melted chocolate candy bars in diapers)
2. Name the Food- guess what food was in the unlabeled baby food jars

Both received many, many laughs. I think this picture was Michelle lamenting over how sorry she was for the baby that passed this "poop" (I thought the Heath Bar one would hurt too!)

Here is my gift from Mammie Kay (Mom's mom in OKC)


And then here's a picture of all my "loot" from the Shower...seriously well-gifted! And remember those New Balance baby shoes? They're in there too (good job Momma!).

It's also amazing to me that these women have been praying for me and Mason, that they're continuing to send up prayers for a healthy pregnancy, delivery, and for the little guy to be healthy too.

THANK Y'ALL & GOD BLESS Y'ALL

Holiday Update 1 of 3

I have lots of updates to share:

First of all, Christmas was awesome! Getting the family together can be a little overwhelming (we do have a large Smithbunch) but our crew has always been full of life and no one could ever accuse us of being boring. It was special thinking about how next year we'll have a tiny little guy to add to our crew and he'll get to experience celebrating with everyone too. Mason will be ~10 months Christamastime 2009. But even for Christmas 2008, Mason received more gifts than anyone else; and I'm guessing that since he's still in the womb and already getting spoiled, that he'll be spoiled rotten once he's out!

Oh and guess what Santa brought me this year...

The BOB Sport Utility Stroller This jogging stroller has the works {sun canopy; BOB suspension; safety harness; rear foot brake; seat recline, etc.}...I'm not supposed to say this, but it's my favorite Christmas gift =)

2 Month Countdown

He'll Be Stylin'

I have learned...

-that although one would normally pre-shrink fabrics prior to sewing, baby clothes are a different thing entirely. This is supposed to be a 3-6 month onesie, but right now, it's almost tiny enough for a preemie! {note to self: line dry OR tumble dry low}

-that sewing on jersey fabrics requires a tissue backing, or the stitches tend to go haywire on a machine (unless you're lucky enough to have a fancy schmancy serger).

-that even though there aren't as many cute baby boy clothes out there as there are baby girl clothes, that's okay. I'm still going to have a "heyday" putting together sweet outfits for the little Mister.

Omigosh Cravings

...for Malley's Bordeaux Toffee! Our Company VP sent these out last Christmas (if he sent them again this year, they may be sitting alone at my front door for a few weeks...) and they're all I can think about lately. Sheesh, these things are so good. So during the second trimester it was cupcakes...and now it seems like all I dream of is toffee. Even non-preggers, I've been known to eat a pound of these chocolates in one (1) day!

Hmmm, perhaps it's good that I can't get ahold of these yet...

WooHoo!

Well, I can't get too excited (at least not so much that it'd raise my BP again), but my blood pressure was 125/73 today. It went back down. Dr. F advised me to begin weighing myself each morning to check to see if I gain more than 5 lbs within a 2 day period. He said this would be a cause for alarm (major Preeclampsia symptom) and should call him immediately. But other than that, my Hypertension will still be checked at my regular checkups, but it definitely went down!

YEA!

I know, I know... Just because this time my systolic was back in the "normal" range doesn't mean I'm off the hook with the Gestational Hypertension or potential Preeclampsia, but it was a blessing to know it's not as high as it had been.

WOOHOO!

I just have to remember the daily weigh-ins...

_______________________________

Oh and Mason is measuring at 30 weeks, which is a 2 week jump in size just from 1 week ago. The little guy's not so little now. By the way, I'm attributing that rapid growth to be the source of these unsightly stretch marks. Yep, they're finally revealed...faint reddish marks about 4 inches below my belly button. I've been checking for them every day so I can pinpoint that they visibly began showing (and itching) on Tuesday, December 9th. A sad day indeed!

I'm seriously hoping they're not nearly as visible as I think they are. Well, I know my little sis BeeBee will be honest with me over Christmas =)

Prepare to Drool

Oh and I'm not talking about burp cloths, bibs, or feeding sets. This is the stuff mommy dreams are made of...

Storksak Julie Diaper Bag

Storksak Gigi Diaper Bag

Storksak Elizabeth Diaper Bag

Dante Beatrix Pewter Diaper Bag

Marc Jacobs Diaper Bag

JP Lizzy Ditzy Kiwi Leisure Tote

JP Lizzy Espresso Blue Cate Tote

Gucci Diaper Bag

Coach Stripe Baby Bag (worth mentioning again!)

Bumblebag Queen Bee Bag

Amy Michelle Gladiola Red Diaper Bag

God Heal Us

I took my Glucose Screening Test today; I'd been concerned as there is a higher incidence of Gestational Diabetes in Asians. Thankfully I don't have it...yea!

However, I did find out that I'm slightly Anemic. This was almost a sigh of relief because I'd been wondering about my fatigue and lack of energy. An iron supplement will easily fix that one.

The scariest news today is that I've developed Gestational Hypertension (high blood pressure). This visit and the last, my blood pressure was 140/80. I asked my Dr. what the concerns were and he advised I will need to be monitored at each visit hereafter because if it's sustained, that could be signs of me developing Toxemia, or the more commonly used term Preeclampsia.

Prior to the pregnancy, my blood pressure was healthy, my BMI was great, and I was not overweight or unhealthy in general; nor did I fit into any of the risk categories. It only occurs in 5-8% of all pregnancies.

The hypertension has developed since getting pregnant and the frightening thing is high blood pressure can mean restricted blood flow to Mason and he could have low birthweight, could be born prematurely with cerebral palsy, or worse yet could be stillborn. With Preeclampsia, it's scary for me as it could severely damage my kidneys, liver, and/or brain, can cause seizures, and in severe cases cause death.

The only "cure" for Preeclampsia is delivery of the baby. Mason may be born prematurely (Preeclampsia is responsible for 15% of premature births in the US each year) or induced preterm.

{Please keep us in your prayers}

28.5 Weeks

Happier Things

In lieu of my complaining post below, I decided I wanted to post something a bit more positive to lighten the mood =)

Here is the much anticipated bassinet!

I've had it for a while now, and have still not ironed the skirt (nor have I ironed my bed linens). The top part is removable and can be used as a Moses basket, the bottom has a great shelf for storage, and of course my favorite feature is that the linens look like they were made to coordinate with my Master Bedroom perfectly!

I'm Going to Pop

I don't know exactly what happened...but in 1.5 weeks, I feel like I've really ballooned. And I can't blame it on the Thanksgiving feast because it began a few days before that.

WARNING: gripe session below

Yuck!

This must be the not-so-fun part of pregnancy now. I'm sooooooo big! The belly is no longer cute and fun; it's annoying and it hurts. I feel debilitated and blah 16 hours out of the day and I still have 2.5 months to go!

Oh and I think I'm going to pop. It's either Mason or my belly in general that feels like pushing upwards towards my ribs is a way to expand, but let me assure you that it's not. I have a very short torso and simply don't see how growth will happen any other way other than outwards.

I can still see my toes, but that's probably only because I have huge feet.

The week before Thanksgiving, I accidentally dropped my work Crackberry beneath my car seat. I sat outside of Starbucks for 30 minutes trying to maneuver my massive body to a position in order to fish it out from under my seat.

My limbs fall asleep if I stay in one position for too long. Weird.

I'm starting to wake up again in the middle of the night and have to reposition because this body is uncomfortable in general.

Also, last night at dinner, I had to lay down in order to carry on a conversation with my Supper Club girls. Sorry y'all!

Oh and after taking a picture of us, I realized just how whale-like I've become. I'm so sad it's no longer a cute preggos belly...it's a behemoth of a belly and it's swollen and not-so-cute.