Today marks 1 day past my due date and no signs of the baby showing up anytime today. There are loads of fill-ins/survey things/whatever you call them all over the blogosphere that allow you to reflect on your pregnancy on a consistent basis. I clearly never did them. At first it was that I feared I would jinx myself and then it was more of a I didn't want to hurt people's feelings who were struggling with infertility. Now, today, I want to do a little reflecting on my pregnancy, so that I have can come back and recall my thoughts.
The 1st Trimester:
Week 4: I find out I am pregnant and it's amazing. There's not much else to say.
Week 5: Morning sickness sets in. I suddenly am way more understanding of all the women I've ever known who have complained about morning sickness. I honestly had no clue it could be this bad.
Week 6: First u/s, I find out one embryo survived and see the heartbeat.
Week 7: I spend 9 hours in the Seattle USO super sick and trying not to kill people for being noisy.
Week 8: Last appt. with my infertility specialist. I cry saying goodbye to his office, I will miss them all.
Week 9: I am relieved to finally be at this milestone, because I read somewhere that if you make it to 9 weeks, you're 90% likely to have a successful pregnancy.
Week 12: First appt. with my ob/gyn. He's great and makes me feel at ease.
2nd Trimester:
Week 16: Morning sickness is finally letting up. I find out it's a BOY!
Week 17: Just kidding....morning sickness comes back for a few days before finally letting up again. We confirm, it's a boy for sure.
Week 20: Celebrate making it to the halfway point with my Mom in Maui. Another wave of relief sets in, as I have made it to another milestone I set in my head.
Week 23: Anatomy Scan at Kapiolani W.C. Hospital. Baby looks good.
Week 24: I hit a 3rd milestone I have set as baby is now considered viable.
Week 25: Avery returns from deployment.
3rd Trimester:
Week 28: The final trimester begins.
Week 34: Another anatomy u/s at Kapiolani as there are concerns over my lack of weight gain. Baby is fine.
Week 36: I hit the 4th milestone I have set, as baby is now full term.
Week 40: My due date has come. I have one more milestone for myself and that is to deliver a healthy baby.....hopefully that happens soon.
At this point, I am tired & crabby. I miss seeing people other then my Mom & husband. They're great, but I want to have the baby and get into a routine and feel like I am living for real again. I am anxious about our March move. I have it as planned out as possible, yet still feel a lack on control. I wish we could just magically transport ourselves and our stuff to Bangor.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Year 2011 in review
Alright, so I realize that year 2011 ended 8 or 9 days ago, but blogging hasn't been my priority here lately. I did this little year end survey thing to review 2010, but figured it worked out nicely for 2011 too. Enjoy!
(Oh and yes, I am still pregnant...39 weeks and less then a week to my due date.)
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?:
IUI, IVF, and carried a child. Gosh, I wish I had something else not related to infertility. Didn't I do anything else new? I guess not. Man I am boring...remind me to do something else in 2012.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?:
I don't think I made any in 2011. I haven't made any for 2012 as of yet either.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?:
Yep.
4. Did anyone close to you die?:
Not close to me, but people I knew did pass away.
5. What countries did you visit?:
I lived vicariously through my husband who did leave the US...that totally counts, right?
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?:
-A college degree (which I know I will have in 2012. YAY!)
-A new or newer car (plans for this are in the works when we return to the mainland)
-A job I love.
7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?:
May 4th, 2011- The day I found out our IVF had been successful and I was pregnant. It was one of the best days of my life.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?:
Making it through another Westpac deployment, nearly being done with college and of course the obvious: pregnancy.
9. What was your biggest failure?:
I don't think I had a biggest failure.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?:
Yes, but nothing serious.
11. What was the best thing you bought?:
Tricare Standard insurance....lol...totally kidding. I have no idea. Maybe my smartphone? I dig that phone...a lot!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?:
A ton of people. It'd take me forever to name everyone.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled?:
Congress and their inability to work together & comprise to actually help people in this country.
14. Where did most of your money go?:
Bills
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Pregnancy, Avery returning home from deployment, almost being done with college and so much more.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?:
I don't have a song this year.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or more sad?: Happier
ii. thinner or fatter?: Fatter
iii. richer or poorer?: The same.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?:
I wish I'd had more energy to give time to more friends, especially now that we are leaving Hawaii in a few months.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?:
Homework...lol!
20. How will you be spending Christmas?:
I spend Christmas 2011 with the hubster.
21. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2011?:
It's not worth mentioning and isn't really embarrassing....next!
22. Did you fall in love in 2011?:
I stayed in love.
23. How many one-night stands?:
None.
24. What was your favorite TV program?:
Dancing With The Stars
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?:
No
26. What was the best book you read?:
Tie between "The Help" and "The Hunger Games"
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?:
I didn't have one.
28. What did you want and get?:
My drive to finish school back and again pregnancy.
29. What did you want and not get?:
A winning lotto ticket! ;-)
30. What was your favorite film of this year?:
The Descendent's
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?:
I turned 26 and I went to dinner with friends & hung out with my Mom.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?:
Not sure.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?:
Functional.
34. What kept you sane?:
Avery, my family & friends, bible study and my faith.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?:
I'm not a big celebrity person, so I really can't think of anyone.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?:
I didn't pay as much attention to politics in 2011. I just prayed the fighting in congress would stop.
37. Who did you miss?:
My family & friends.
38. Who was the best new person you met?:
Umm...I can't remember if I met anyone new in 2011.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:
There's a reason for everything, even if you can't always see it right away.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"I am exactly where I need to be."
(Oh and yes, I am still pregnant...39 weeks and less then a week to my due date.)
1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?:
IUI, IVF, and carried a child. Gosh, I wish I had something else not related to infertility. Didn't I do anything else new? I guess not. Man I am boring...remind me to do something else in 2012.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?:
I don't think I made any in 2011. I haven't made any for 2012 as of yet either.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?:
Yep.
4. Did anyone close to you die?:
Not close to me, but people I knew did pass away.
5. What countries did you visit?:
I lived vicariously through my husband who did leave the US...that totally counts, right?
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?:
-A college degree (which I know I will have in 2012. YAY!)
-A new or newer car (plans for this are in the works when we return to the mainland)
-A job I love.
7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?:
May 4th, 2011- The day I found out our IVF had been successful and I was pregnant. It was one of the best days of my life.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?:
Making it through another Westpac deployment, nearly being done with college and of course the obvious: pregnancy.
9. What was your biggest failure?:
I don't think I had a biggest failure.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?:
Yes, but nothing serious.
11. What was the best thing you bought?:
Tricare Standard insurance....lol...totally kidding. I have no idea. Maybe my smartphone? I dig that phone...a lot!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?:
A ton of people. It'd take me forever to name everyone.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled?:
Congress and their inability to work together & comprise to actually help people in this country.
14. Where did most of your money go?:
Bills
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Pregnancy, Avery returning home from deployment, almost being done with college and so much more.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?:
I don't have a song this year.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or more sad?: Happier
ii. thinner or fatter?: Fatter
iii. richer or poorer?: The same.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?:
I wish I'd had more energy to give time to more friends, especially now that we are leaving Hawaii in a few months.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?:
Homework...lol!
20. How will you be spending Christmas?:
I spend Christmas 2011 with the hubster.
21. What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in 2011?:
It's not worth mentioning and isn't really embarrassing....next!
22. Did you fall in love in 2011?:
I stayed in love.
23. How many one-night stands?:
None.
24. What was your favorite TV program?:
Dancing With The Stars
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?:
No
26. What was the best book you read?:
Tie between "The Help" and "The Hunger Games"
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?:
I didn't have one.
28. What did you want and get?:
My drive to finish school back and again pregnancy.
29. What did you want and not get?:
A winning lotto ticket! ;-)
30. What was your favorite film of this year?:
The Descendent's
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?:
I turned 26 and I went to dinner with friends & hung out with my Mom.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?:
Not sure.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?:
Functional.
34. What kept you sane?:
Avery, my family & friends, bible study and my faith.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?:
I'm not a big celebrity person, so I really can't think of anyone.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?:
I didn't pay as much attention to politics in 2011. I just prayed the fighting in congress would stop.
37. Who did you miss?:
My family & friends.
38. Who was the best new person you met?:
Umm...I can't remember if I met anyone new in 2011.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:
There's a reason for everything, even if you can't always see it right away.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"I am exactly where I need to be."
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Finally an update on us
It took me awhile, but here I am to save the day (update you all!!)
Right after Thanksgiving, Avery was honorably discharged and then re-enlisted in the US Navy for another 3 years. (It seems so silly that they have to discharge them to re-enlist them, but that's how it works. I sort of laughed when they said congrats you left the Navy and still got paid.) Avery is very nonchalant about the whole thing, but I am filled with pride. In the grand scheme of things, people who serve in the military are a very small part of the population. I really appreciate the fact that my husband is one of those who volunteers to do the work needed to defend not only our nation's freedoms, but also the the freedoms of other nations.
We got our official on paper orders for shore duty. Soo...where are we going?? Despite asking to stay in Hawaii, the detailer gave us our 5th choice and that is Bangor Naval Base! We should be there shortly before Easter. I am slowly getting used to the idea of leaving Hawaii and finding things about Bangor to love.
In case I didn't make it official on here, we did name our son finally. His name is Matthew Orson. He was breech for quite a long time and due to his head smashing my stomach I gained no weight for over a month. This led to concern and had me at Kapiolani (the hospital where I will deliver) for another growth u/s just to check on him. Thankfully there was no need for concern, he was/is fine and at 34 weeks they estimated his weight at over 5 pounds. The perinatologist estimated he will be between 7 and 8 pounds at birth (praying this is true, I have a slight fear of having the biggest baby in the hospital...crazy fear I know.)
Tomorrow is my 37 week appointment. We are almost at the end and ready to meet our little boy. My body is very sore and in much pain, but Avery has been amazing at taking care of me. He's such a good husband. He always tells me that I am the best, but I am the "best" simply because he's my husband.
Hope everyone else is doing well.
Right after Thanksgiving, Avery was honorably discharged and then re-enlisted in the US Navy for another 3 years. (It seems so silly that they have to discharge them to re-enlist them, but that's how it works. I sort of laughed when they said congrats you left the Navy and still got paid.) Avery is very nonchalant about the whole thing, but I am filled with pride. In the grand scheme of things, people who serve in the military are a very small part of the population. I really appreciate the fact that my husband is one of those who volunteers to do the work needed to defend not only our nation's freedoms, but also the the freedoms of other nations.
We got our official on paper orders for shore duty. Soo...where are we going?? Despite asking to stay in Hawaii, the detailer gave us our 5th choice and that is Bangor Naval Base! We should be there shortly before Easter. I am slowly getting used to the idea of leaving Hawaii and finding things about Bangor to love.
In case I didn't make it official on here, we did name our son finally. His name is Matthew Orson. He was breech for quite a long time and due to his head smashing my stomach I gained no weight for over a month. This led to concern and had me at Kapiolani (the hospital where I will deliver) for another growth u/s just to check on him. Thankfully there was no need for concern, he was/is fine and at 34 weeks they estimated his weight at over 5 pounds. The perinatologist estimated he will be between 7 and 8 pounds at birth (praying this is true, I have a slight fear of having the biggest baby in the hospital...crazy fear I know.)
Tomorrow is my 37 week appointment. We are almost at the end and ready to meet our little boy. My body is very sore and in much pain, but Avery has been amazing at taking care of me. He's such a good husband. He always tells me that I am the best, but I am the "best" simply because he's my husband.
Hope everyone else is doing well.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Happy Holidays!
Holiday Fun for Liz while Avery is out Christmas Shopping
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
I love wrapping paper, but I also use gift bags depending on the gift.
2. Real tree or Artificial?
I grew up with real trees, but we have an artificial tree.
3. When do you put up the tree?
Avery put the tree up last week after work and I finally decorated it yesterday.
4. When do you take the tree down?
Usually a week into the new year.
5. Do you like eggnog?
Not particularly, but Avery says next year when I am not pregnant he'll make me the good stuff to try.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Probably my American Girl dolls.
7. Do you have a nativity scene?
We have a small one, but I would love to get a big one some day when we have a bigger home.
8. Hardest person to buy for?
My Godmother (aka Aunt Carol)
9. Easiest person to buy for?
Avery, because he makes a list for me. (Best idea we ever had!)
10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
We mail out our cards. I like it better that way.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Hmm...that's a tough one. There are a few things I can think of, but I feel terrible mentioning them, so let's pass on this one.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
A Charlie Brown Christmas and/or White Christmas
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
I officially started in November this year, which is actually late for me.
14. Ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yes
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Christmas cookies
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
I like both!
17. Favorite Christmas song?
Carol of the Bells
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Both, but whilst living in Hawaii staying home has been the best option. The one time we traveled while we lived here getting home was a nightmare.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Yes, but only because my Mom used to (maybe still does) have a set of place mats with all the names.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
I prefer a star, yet we have an angel and I really want to get a star to replace it this year.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
When I was growing up we did one on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning. Since Avery and I have been married, we have opened gifts depending on his duty schedule.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Crowded Stores and people who become rude because of it.
23. Favorite ornament, theme, or color?
I have tons of favorite ornaments, but this year we got a pair of blue baby booties from my Aunt Sandy. Compared to last year when having a baby seemed far from reality for us, this year is pretty special in that regard.
24. What do you want for Christmas this year?
Tough question...it took me forever to give Avery any ideas. I finally told him some things I like that I wouldn't purchase for myself, so we'll see what we comes up with. He's pretty good at the gift giving thing.
(I know I owe you all a life update. I promise to get on that this coming week!)
Thursday, November 24, 2011
In Thanksgiving.....
A lot of my friends wrote what they were thankful for everyday this month as status messages on Facebook. I didn't participate because I just don't care to update my status that often. Despite that I have a lot to be thankful for today and everyday, so I figured why not write some things I am thankful for in a blog.1. My husband, Avery. He never fails to take care of me in whatever way I need. I am so grateful for such a good man. (Plus, he joined Facebook which is something I never thought I'd see him do.)
2. My family....I am very lucky to have such good people related to me through blood & marriage.
3. My friends. All of them are amazing, from the ones who live far away to the ones here in Hawaii.
4. Pregnancy. I am incredibly fortunate to be pregnant and despite the difficulties that have presented themselves with it, I never forget the people who helped make this possible.
5. Going along with number 4: God, our entire prayer team, the support group & the infertility specialists who worked with us. (Our infertility journey was relatively short compared to many others and I credit that on these people.)
6. My ob/gyn. I switched to Tricare Standard to work with him and he really has been the best doctor for me. I have complete confidence in his care.
7. The United States Navy. While hard to deal with sometimes....the Navy provides my husband with a job & both of us with benefits. Hard to beat that.
8. Furry faces...aka the kitties and doggie. They kind of rock. :-)
9. Food to eat. It sounds cliche' I realize, but I am thankful we do not go hungry when so many in this country do.
10. Nearly being done with my degree. I can apply for graduation and if all goes well with our baby boy, I will finally have a college degree in May or June.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you have a good one.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Questionnaire
What if I were to get pregnant?
Seeing as I am currently pregnant, this question doesn't really apply. However, if I weren't pregnant and I were to get pregnant, I'd probably be happy. What if I could have any job in the world?
Good question, my degree that I am thisclose to finishing is in public health. That allows me an array of options. I'd like to work somewhere in the health care setting. Not a very clear answer, but it's all I have right now. What if I had a day to myself?
Spa day (but only if my Mom could join, because alone at the spa is boring to me!)
Spa day (but only if my Mom could join, because alone at the spa is boring to me!)
What if I could get married all over again?
I'd have the wedding in a more central location so more of our friends and family could've been there. St. Louis to be near my Mom or Chicago, which was my home for many years.
What, if I were to have more children?
What, if I were to have more children?
That'd be great.
What if I could have any talent in the world?
Hmm...not sure.
What if you met me in real life?
Hopefully you'd like me. :-)
What if I went back to school?
I'd finish my nursing degree.
What if money weren't an object?
I'd pay off my student loans and buy a house.
And donate money to all the charities I want to donate to, but never can afford to donate to.
And donate money to all the charities I want to donate to, but never can afford to donate to.
What if I could meet one celebrity?
Again...not sure. What if I could only shop at one store for the rest of my life?
I'm going to say the Navy Exchange, because that still would give me lots of options. ;-) What if I could choose an animal/pet?
No more pets for us at this time. However, if we ever have a new pet: I'd love a golden retriever as smart as my Mom's dog the Famous Flying Franny. What if I could go on a trip right now?
I'd go home to Mom.
Okay, since that's obvious...I'll say my 2nd option would be Kauai.
Okay, since that's obvious...I'll say my 2nd option would be Kauai.
What if I had to choose between a house cleaner and a professional chef?
HOUSE CLEANER! What if I had the option to get plastic surgery?
I'd get lasik. I don't think there's anything else I'd want done at this point in life.
I'd get lasik. I don't think there's anything else I'd want done at this point in life.
Friday, November 4, 2011
What's New?
I haven't blogged in a few weeks again. Mainly because Avery was home and I was busy with school. Well....as it happens in the submarine world, Avery went back out to sea. Not to worry, it's a short one, he'll be back soon.
Our lives in brief:
1. Pregnancy is going well. Our son looks great. I am into the 3rd trimester and getting excited to meet my little guy. We have our maternity tour a week from today.
2. Hormonal overload is in full swing. I've never felt so out of balance as I have lately. I am depressed one minute and happy the next. All I want to see is Avery when he's not here, but when he is here he's driving me up the wall. I am lonely and depressed.....I am told this is prenatal depression, which feels ridiculous to have since I am so lucky to be pregnant after all the hardship we went through.
3. Avery has a re-enlistment date and it is very soon (I honestly can't remember the exact date). He'll soon be committing to serve his country for another 3 years.
4. Shore Duty: Yes, we know where we are most likely going. (No, I am still not posting on the blog where we're going.) We just don't have a clear date of when we're going there. He was told that we would leave in March, but given no date.
The dog is on the bed....where he's not supposed to be. Better go deal with that.....ta ta my friends.....
Our lives in brief:
1. Pregnancy is going well. Our son looks great. I am into the 3rd trimester and getting excited to meet my little guy. We have our maternity tour a week from today.
2. Hormonal overload is in full swing. I've never felt so out of balance as I have lately. I am depressed one minute and happy the next. All I want to see is Avery when he's not here, but when he is here he's driving me up the wall. I am lonely and depressed.....I am told this is prenatal depression, which feels ridiculous to have since I am so lucky to be pregnant after all the hardship we went through.
3. Avery has a re-enlistment date and it is very soon (I honestly can't remember the exact date). He'll soon be committing to serve his country for another 3 years.
4. Shore Duty: Yes, we know where we are most likely going. (No, I am still not posting on the blog where we're going.) We just don't have a clear date of when we're going there. He was told that we would leave in March, but given no date.
The dog is on the bed....where he's not supposed to be. Better go deal with that.....ta ta my friends.....
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