I had my first bi-weekly appointment last week. Although the wait was longer than normal, the appointment itself wasn't. It was still pretty routine. The only real difference was this time when the nurse asked how I was feeling. Usually, my response is fine. But this time, I responded by telling her I had beed tired, and I had started to experience some swelling in my feet and ankles. So, when I finally got to see the doctor, she measured and listened (as usual), and then we discussed the swelling.
I had my first bi-weekly appointment last week. Although the wait was longer than normal, the appointment itself wasn't. It was still pretty routine. The only real difference was this time when the nurse asked how I was feeling. Usually, my response is fine. But this time, I responded by telling her I had been tired, and I had started to experience some swelling in my feet and ankles. So, when I finally got to see the doctor, she measured and listened (as usual), and then we discussed the swelling.
One thing I really like about my doctor is that she has been through it before, so she has practical experiences and advice to share. She had one of her sons on October 9, and she experienced the same swelling in her last month or so of her pregnancy. She told me that it's normal, and since my blood pressure was still normal, I didn't have anything to worry about as far as health goes. But she gave me several suggestions to help with the swelling. She mentioned the ones that I had heard several times before (drink lots and lots of water, prop your feet up at night, sleep on your left side, try to move around some during the day instead of sitting all day). But she also mentioned a few new suggestions. Apparently, if you tap your foot and keep your calf muscles moving, it will also keep the fluid moving throughout the body instead of allowing it to pool in the feet. She also said that I needed to wear shoes that would cover the top of my foot... by doing this, the fluid wouldn't be able to settle in my feet. However, it may start to settle in my ankles and calves instead. Hmm, just a thought, but I think I would rather have swollen feet than cankles! Dr. Shelley also warned me that the swelling could come back after the baby is born. So, if it happens, I shouldn't be alarmed, it's normal and will eventually go away. To help easy my worries, she said that she would continue to check it but that it really wasn’t anything to worry about at this point. At least she’s aware!
For the first time since Mother’s Day (and the last time before baby), I got to spend the weekend in Roanoke Rapids with family! It was nice to be “home” again, but it wasn’t what I would have called the most restful weekend. Saturday was a very busy day, but it was both productive and love-filled.
It all started with Dusty and I having some maternity photos taken by my cousin. We had done some research of different poses that we liked, and the night before, we came up with an idea of where to go and what poses to do at each location. With that in mind, we were under the impression it wouldn’t take very long to knock it out. Well, the wardrobe changes and the travel time between locations helped to extend out the time it took to get them done. Thanks to my cousin Warrie for being patient with me in my grumpy spells. I know that being in the heat didn't bring out the best in me. But she did great, and I think that there are some great pictures! Some of our favorites are posted on facebook (you can try this link). After finally getting some lunch and resting a little in the A/C, it was time to get ready for my first baby shower!
My sister was the official hostess (I think), but my mom, grandma, and aunts all pitched in. The room looked great… with the absolute cutest “sweet pea” cake and most useful, beautiful diaper cake I think I’ve ever seen! There was a great turn out too. I had friends and colleagues that I had worked with when I lived in Roanoke Rapids along with family (close and extended) and family friends. We were blessed with everything from a bassinet to a stroller/car seat set and everything in between (bouncy seat, carriers, clothes, diapers, and some toys). This little girl is going to be set! And we felt so loved and cared for by the amount of things people were kind enough to get us. Now, I just have to work on getting out all those thank you notes!
Before wrapping it up, I might as well add a little baby update. I don’t know if I have mentioned this or not, but sweet pea has been hanging out on my right side. I don’t know if that’s something that is normal or not. But that’s what she does. At night, and sometimes during the day, there is a bulge on the right side of my stomach. I often feel boney nudges under the ribs on my right side too. And in the last few days, it’s as though she is pushing herself out as much as possible. I have heard that it’s good that she’s active, but her movements aren’t the most comfortable things to feel all the time. And at times, I notice that I feel short of breath… thanks to sweet pea of course! I am obviously thankful for an active, healthy baby. But I must admit that at this point… if she wanted to come on out, I’d be good with it. :)
8.13.2010
Wedding, Vacation, and Swelling... (not necessarily in that order)
This past weekend, we were honored to be a part of an amazing event! Two Clemson Greek IV alum were married at Pawleys Island. Dusty was asked to read scripture in the wedding, so we got to see part of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. The couple (Robert and Adrienne) met and served on the Greek IV leadership team. So, it was cool to be there as they joined their lives together. But the love that they both share for the Lord and for each other spoke volumes to those in attendance.
The rehearsal was a normal rehearsal... complete with emotions and run throughs for the next days wedding. But the rehearsal dinner was a little different. Since the rehearsal ran over a little, and the rain maybe held a few people up, we started nearly an hour late. They also had an after rehearsal party planned (after the dinner). So, we started dinner and about half way in they started toasting. The cool thing was just about everyone who stood up to speak spoke of the witness that their relationship had been. People spoke of the amount of love they shared, but also the amount of love that they each shared for the Lord. It was really quite moving to be in a room where the Spirit was so clearly there. And it was amazing to see how two young people uniting their lives together had touched the lives of their family and friends so deeply! The wedding the next day was absolutely breath-taking. The service, the dresses, the decor, the reception, the couple... everything was simply stunning. And like I said before, it truly was an honor to have been a part of it.
Since we were traveling about 4 hours to get to Pawleys for the wedding, we decided we might as well make a vacation out of it! Our thoughts were that we haven't had a real vacation this summer (certainly not at the beach) and this will be the last opportunity to really vacation before the baby gets here! So, with that in mind... we headed to the wedding festivities with the "vacation" mindset. We were fortunate to stay at the home of a different Greek IV alum. The Poston family were extremely gracious and made sure we were well fed and provided for the entire time we stayed with them. They even offered to let us stay at their home for the few days we planned on staying after the wedding. But we had already made reservations and paid for a hotel, and we didn't want to impose on them, so we thanked them and spent the remainder of our time alone.
We really enjoyed our time at the beach (even if we did come back with some pretty bad sunburn). And before we left the Postons, we were given a gift certificate for 2 free boat tour passes. So, before we left on Tuesday... we enjoyed a boat tour of some plantations and were then dropped off on the lighthouse island to explore and collect shells. Dusty went out in hopes of finding TONS of sand dollars, but he came back with several big conch shells! I was impressed with his findings! And although it was pretty hot outside... it was a fun (free) way to wrap up our time at the beach.
Finally, as previewed in the title... swelling. I think I mentioned some swelling in the camp post. So, it's not something that is completely new to this pregnancy. However, the swelling that has started happening over the past week has been pretty miserable (to look at mainly). I have had some slight swelling in the afternoons, but usually by the next morning (after sleeping on my left side and propping my feet up) it's gone. Well, since this past wedding weekend... it hasn't really gone away. The swelling is primarily happening in my feet and ankles (and somewhat into my calves -- suddenly cankles comes to mind). And while it goes down some at night... it isn't going away! And it's getting worse as the days go by. I have read that I should drink lots of fluids to help flush out the water my body is retaining, but that hasn't helped. I have also read that propping up my feet when sitting and moving around some should help... but it doesn't. I even called the doctor today because I was worried about it... and the nurse said it's normal but there isn't much you can do. So, I guess I will ask the doctor when I see her on Wednesday. A little swelling is one thing... but I don't think this is normal!
Otherwise, the baby is still moving all the time and other than being tired... I feel fine. Let's just hope with a weekend ahead and rest (hopefully) in my future this too will pass! :)
The rehearsal was a normal rehearsal... complete with emotions and run throughs for the next days wedding. But the rehearsal dinner was a little different. Since the rehearsal ran over a little, and the rain maybe held a few people up, we started nearly an hour late. They also had an after rehearsal party planned (after the dinner). So, we started dinner and about half way in they started toasting. The cool thing was just about everyone who stood up to speak spoke of the witness that their relationship had been. People spoke of the amount of love they shared, but also the amount of love that they each shared for the Lord. It was really quite moving to be in a room where the Spirit was so clearly there. And it was amazing to see how two young people uniting their lives together had touched the lives of their family and friends so deeply! The wedding the next day was absolutely breath-taking. The service, the dresses, the decor, the reception, the couple... everything was simply stunning. And like I said before, it truly was an honor to have been a part of it.
Since we were traveling about 4 hours to get to Pawleys for the wedding, we decided we might as well make a vacation out of it! Our thoughts were that we haven't had a real vacation this summer (certainly not at the beach) and this will be the last opportunity to really vacation before the baby gets here! So, with that in mind... we headed to the wedding festivities with the "vacation" mindset. We were fortunate to stay at the home of a different Greek IV alum. The Poston family were extremely gracious and made sure we were well fed and provided for the entire time we stayed with them. They even offered to let us stay at their home for the few days we planned on staying after the wedding. But we had already made reservations and paid for a hotel, and we didn't want to impose on them, so we thanked them and spent the remainder of our time alone.
We really enjoyed our time at the beach (even if we did come back with some pretty bad sunburn). And before we left the Postons, we were given a gift certificate for 2 free boat tour passes. So, before we left on Tuesday... we enjoyed a boat tour of some plantations and were then dropped off on the lighthouse island to explore and collect shells. Dusty went out in hopes of finding TONS of sand dollars, but he came back with several big conch shells! I was impressed with his findings! And although it was pretty hot outside... it was a fun (free) way to wrap up our time at the beach.
Finally, as previewed in the title... swelling. I think I mentioned some swelling in the camp post. So, it's not something that is completely new to this pregnancy. However, the swelling that has started happening over the past week has been pretty miserable (to look at mainly). I have had some slight swelling in the afternoons, but usually by the next morning (after sleeping on my left side and propping my feet up) it's gone. Well, since this past wedding weekend... it hasn't really gone away. The swelling is primarily happening in my feet and ankles (and somewhat into my calves -- suddenly cankles comes to mind). And while it goes down some at night... it isn't going away! And it's getting worse as the days go by. I have read that I should drink lots of fluids to help flush out the water my body is retaining, but that hasn't helped. I have also read that propping up my feet when sitting and moving around some should help... but it doesn't. I even called the doctor today because I was worried about it... and the nurse said it's normal but there isn't much you can do. So, I guess I will ask the doctor when I see her on Wednesday. A little swelling is one thing... but I don't think this is normal!
Otherwise, the baby is still moving all the time and other than being tired... I feel fine. Let's just hope with a weekend ahead and rest (hopefully) in my future this too will pass! :)
8.04.2010
She's found my rib cage!
That's right -- sweet pea has found a new place to play. And my rib cage is not happy about it! It's been going on for probably 2 or 3 weeks now, but it's not something I expect to "get used to" anytime soon (or ever). And from what the doctor said today... it will only get worse. PERFECT! The cool thing though is that I have started being able to feel her. Not like, I feel her moving, but when she jabs her little heel (I think) into my rib cage, I can push on my belly and feel a hard spot where she is. When we were at camp, I was pretty excited to her her press her entire body against my hands as I rested. So, while it isn't the most comfortable feeling in the world, it's really rather amazing to actually feel her!
So like I said, I had another doctor's appointment this morning. I have decided that it doesn’t really matter how early my appointments are, there will still be a good amount of waiting time regardless of the location. I guess it’s something I should come to expect. But I think the Clemson location seems to move a little faster than the Anderson location -- which was good for me since my appointment was in Clemson this morning. Either way, my appointments are pretty routine at this point.
I got called back on time. And like every other appointment, I gave a urine sample before having my weight and blood pressure checked. According to the nurse, everything seemed fine. She asked if I have been having any problems, and as usual… I answered no. She gave me a few handouts on 3rd trimester and labor & delivery information to read over before taking me to an exam room to wait for Dr. Shelley.
When Dr. Shelley came in, she started by measuring my belly (around 32 centimeters). I guess it doesn’t matter that the baby isn’t in the middle of my stomach during the measuring process, because it was very clear that she was laying on the right side of my stomach. Anyways... next Dr. Shelley got the gel and Doppler ready! Sweet pea’s heartbeat was heard right away (no searching required)… it sounded strong and very steady.
Dr. Shelley briefly mentioned the handouts I had gotten and said that if I had any questions after reading over everything to simply let her know. She also scheduled my next set of appointments for every 2 weeks for the next 6 weeks. At the end of those appointments, I will be 37 weeks along (which is really hard to believe)!
As I said earlier I mentioned that the baby had found my rib cage, and she told me that I would probably start to get sore from the inside out as the baby continues to get bigger and starts running out of space! I told her that my belly button area had been sore from time to time, and she said that was normal, and it would probably get worse before it was over. But she reaffirmed that it was normal, and it’s just one of those things that we get to go through.
That was it – basic and relatively quick. My next appointment has been scheduled for August 18 (my mom’s birthday). Then… we have 2 more in September before going to every week appointments after my birthday! Time is flying by, and thankfully we're still doing well!
So like I said, I had another doctor's appointment this morning. I have decided that it doesn’t really matter how early my appointments are, there will still be a good amount of waiting time regardless of the location. I guess it’s something I should come to expect. But I think the Clemson location seems to move a little faster than the Anderson location -- which was good for me since my appointment was in Clemson this morning. Either way, my appointments are pretty routine at this point.
I got called back on time. And like every other appointment, I gave a urine sample before having my weight and blood pressure checked. According to the nurse, everything seemed fine. She asked if I have been having any problems, and as usual… I answered no. She gave me a few handouts on 3rd trimester and labor & delivery information to read over before taking me to an exam room to wait for Dr. Shelley.
When Dr. Shelley came in, she started by measuring my belly (around 32 centimeters). I guess it doesn’t matter that the baby isn’t in the middle of my stomach during the measuring process, because it was very clear that she was laying on the right side of my stomach. Anyways... next Dr. Shelley got the gel and Doppler ready! Sweet pea’s heartbeat was heard right away (no searching required)… it sounded strong and very steady.
Dr. Shelley briefly mentioned the handouts I had gotten and said that if I had any questions after reading over everything to simply let her know. She also scheduled my next set of appointments for every 2 weeks for the next 6 weeks. At the end of those appointments, I will be 37 weeks along (which is really hard to believe)!
As I said earlier I mentioned that the baby had found my rib cage, and she told me that I would probably start to get sore from the inside out as the baby continues to get bigger and starts running out of space! I told her that my belly button area had been sore from time to time, and she said that was normal, and it would probably get worse before it was over. But she reaffirmed that it was normal, and it’s just one of those things that we get to go through.
That was it – basic and relatively quick. My next appointment has been scheduled for August 18 (my mom’s birthday). Then… we have 2 more in September before going to every week appointments after my birthday! Time is flying by, and thankfully we're still doing well!
8.03.2010
Oh you can't get to heaven cross the Brooklyn Bridge... you've gotta cross the dam at Laurel Ridge!
I thought about waiting to post until tomorrow (since I have a doctor’s appointment in the morning), but I decided I would go ahead and at least update on the past several weeks. And tomorrow, if I have the time, I will update on the doctor’s appointment in a separate post.
Since my last post… Dusty and I went on our annual “vacation” to Laurel Ridge for Sr. High camp. This year was obviously a little different than the past 5 years we’ve been on the mountain… since I’m now 7 months pregnant!
I had been given some great advice before heading up the mountain from a girl who had been there the previous month (who was also 7 months along in her pregnancy). So, I felt pretty prepared. But family and friends telling me I was tough (or crazy) for thinking about it made me a little anxious. The heat factor was something that I was extremely worried about ahead of time too! I mean, it’s typically 10 degrees cooler on the mountain than here in Clemson or in Winston, but even in the 80s… living without air conditioning for a week of your pregnancy isn’t something that most people willingly put themselves through. I was determined to be there though!
I was told ahead of time that I wouldn’t have a small group. Brad was looking out for me, and while I wasn’t exactly excited about that at first… it really ended up being a blessing! I didn’t sleep well – thanks to several factors like snoring cabin mates, constantly being hot, uncomfortable beds, and sweet pea thought it would be fun to play after lights out. So, not having a small group allowed me to have a morning nap time every morning! My campers were pretty quiet during free time too. So, again, there was a little extra time devoted to making up for sleep from the night before. The heat wasn’t THAT bad… until probably Thursday or so. And even then… it was bearable sitting outside in the shade.
It was great to be on the mountain though. The counseling staff got along well together. And it makes my heart happy to see familiar faces and spend time with friends that I miss. Everyone agreed that the campers this year were great. Above all… God was clearly present at Sr. High Camp.
Laurel Ridge is such a significant place to us. Laurel Ridge is the place where we met. It’s the place that we both came to a year later, open to God’s call on our lives and simply ready to serve and ended the summer together. It was on the same mountain that Dusty asked me to marry him. And no matter how crazy a week at camp seems, it’s the place we return every summer to refuel and give back.
Dusty and I joked about how sweet pea will be able to say that she has been coming to camp since she was in the womb! And my prayer as I look back at the time we have shared there – this summer and in the years past – is that it will continue to bring joy and life to our growing family and others that get to experience the mountain top experience of being that much closer to God. As one counselor so clearly puts it… God lives at Laurel Ridge!
Since my last post… Dusty and I went on our annual “vacation” to Laurel Ridge for Sr. High camp. This year was obviously a little different than the past 5 years we’ve been on the mountain… since I’m now 7 months pregnant!
I had been given some great advice before heading up the mountain from a girl who had been there the previous month (who was also 7 months along in her pregnancy). So, I felt pretty prepared. But family and friends telling me I was tough (or crazy) for thinking about it made me a little anxious. The heat factor was something that I was extremely worried about ahead of time too! I mean, it’s typically 10 degrees cooler on the mountain than here in Clemson or in Winston, but even in the 80s… living without air conditioning for a week of your pregnancy isn’t something that most people willingly put themselves through. I was determined to be there though!
I was told ahead of time that I wouldn’t have a small group. Brad was looking out for me, and while I wasn’t exactly excited about that at first… it really ended up being a blessing! I didn’t sleep well – thanks to several factors like snoring cabin mates, constantly being hot, uncomfortable beds, and sweet pea thought it would be fun to play after lights out. So, not having a small group allowed me to have a morning nap time every morning! My campers were pretty quiet during free time too. So, again, there was a little extra time devoted to making up for sleep from the night before. The heat wasn’t THAT bad… until probably Thursday or so. And even then… it was bearable sitting outside in the shade.
It was great to be on the mountain though. The counseling staff got along well together. And it makes my heart happy to see familiar faces and spend time with friends that I miss. Everyone agreed that the campers this year were great. Above all… God was clearly present at Sr. High Camp.
Laurel Ridge is such a significant place to us. Laurel Ridge is the place where we met. It’s the place that we both came to a year later, open to God’s call on our lives and simply ready to serve and ended the summer together. It was on the same mountain that Dusty asked me to marry him. And no matter how crazy a week at camp seems, it’s the place we return every summer to refuel and give back.
Dusty and I joked about how sweet pea will be able to say that she has been coming to camp since she was in the womb! And my prayer as I look back at the time we have shared there – this summer and in the years past – is that it will continue to bring joy and life to our growing family and others that get to experience the mountain top experience of being that much closer to God. As one counselor so clearly puts it… God lives at Laurel Ridge!
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