Our First Days Home

Avonlea was a great baby from the very beginning.  She's been a great sleeper and doesn't fuss much, except for when she's hungry.  She even enjoys having her diaper changed and having her clothes changed!  That makes me happy because I have a ton of outfits to wear on her :).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8ktKObCy5jV2FvbgNl_k-HpkfoyuJTFFspJgbrM9n6CyZogpAS4LUMuZ_zcncAB0Vn7Y_zzDTZL5h5d92hrvVKEga7zId5RApRhUgOvSz2ApBgkTXoN6Ko8W901p0yY0g9ZirhrnH54/s1600/avonlea+4th+of+july+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8ktKObCy5jV2FvbgNl_k-HpkfoyuJTFFspJgbrM9n6CyZogpAS4LUMuZ_zcncAB0Vn7Y_zzDTZL5h5d92hrvVKEga7zId5RApRhUgOvSz2ApBgkTXoN6Ko8W901p0yY0g9ZirhrnH54/s400/avonlea+4th+of+july+045.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn10V5B8bAe_l6GtbwaJLq2E9UT149weTfr7mI-m-NNkNB7Kfd13KcAGBE9Ya5cgyW7emRx3DXs3nFwUxII2nqsQbvAgRgNkhG-5Ujbwtt91Y4vAhazcOxL0I8sr3Hux9uO3HdEk74jYk/s1600/avonlea+4th+of+july+028+second+version.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn10V5B8bAe_l6GtbwaJLq2E9UT149weTfr7mI-m-NNkNB7Kfd13KcAGBE9Ya5cgyW7emRx3DXs3nFwUxII2nqsQbvAgRgNkhG-5Ujbwtt91Y4vAhazcOxL0I8sr3Hux9uO3HdEk74jYk/s400/avonlea+4th+of+july+028+second+version.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br />Feeding has been a whole different challenge, however.  I am doing a combination of breast feeding and formula feeding.  The lactation consultants in the hospital, and some nurses, were very militant about breast feeding and didn't want to provide me with bottles at all.  I was beginning to get very upset with them - my child was nearly 11 lbs - I wasn't making enough via boob to satisfy her and she would cry and cry until we could get her a bottle.  The hospital I delivered at is very pro-breast feeding, and I was lectured on more than one occasion about bottle feeding plus using a pacifier.  Tough!  She's my kid - I'll do what I want.  Those feeding frustrations definitely contributed to my desires to get out of the hospital ASAP.  Once we visited the pediatrician - they made us feel so much better about everything - informing us she needed 3 times as much formula than what she was receiving in the hospital. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj-x3GkSgTdR5N3Uv50ps1RNfHTep1gK5jAOuHD856LoHFLqYLNqLQthZ9UxHTRrlJeva59R4dlwv9i2BR6TSo_n-E1iVeEE4I1MUiK8GuoI2JqesJurvazT2yPvKj-Juo8FAS74GjCw/s1600/avonlea's+first+beauty+day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj-x3GkSgTdR5N3Uv50ps1RNfHTep1gK5jAOuHD856LoHFLqYLNqLQthZ9UxHTRrlJeva59R4dlwv9i2BR6TSo_n-E1iVeEE4I1MUiK8GuoI2JqesJurvazT2yPvKj-Juo8FAS74GjCw/s400/avonlea's+first+beauty+day+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first beauty day at the hospital</td></tr></tbody></table> Like most women do, I struggled with getting her to latch on to the boob right away.  Fortunately, I have a great friend who was the <i>most </i>valuable resource in breast feeding - she gave me some tips to try and spent an hour with me and Avonlea getting her to latch on.  Ever since then, she's done really great switching between breast and bottle.  I've been pumping as much as possible each day, and what I cannot provide her with in breast milk she receives in formula. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kpzD0A383Po0TSu5RM5Ty9VaMcOsqsr4upK9qJ6gWCSvGVTQxIU2er9F8hA8SZ_L6IjktiVXbsqislQD3hw_UpxScxygmwpKxpson-W97EHW9jPJN5hd3CP8H_c72OPstnKwOOaYY7k/s1600/charles+and+avonlea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kpzD0A383Po0TSu5RM5Ty9VaMcOsqsr4upK9qJ6gWCSvGVTQxIU2er9F8hA8SZ_L6IjktiVXbsqislQD3hw_UpxScxygmwpKxpson-W97EHW9jPJN5hd3CP8H_c72OPstnKwOOaYY7k/s400/charles+and+avonlea.jpg" width="347" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles was immediately skeptical</td></tr></tbody></table>Still, our first full day home provided a scary experience for this first-time momma.  I was feeding her via bottle and she started gasping/choking - I completely lost it - and passed her off to my father because I thought her lips were turning blue (my dad is certified in CPR).  Her lips were not turning blue, but it was such a scary moment I couldn't bottle feed her for a week.  I had never experienced that before with a baby, and the pediatrician reassured us she was okay with her lungs and heart.  We were only using slow-flow nipples, but every bottle we used seemed to cause this reaction in her (I own every brand of bottle except Dr. Brown's - so we've tried A LOT!), with the exception of the pre-mixed bottles and those nipples.  We went in search of a bottle that had that similar nipple shape, and ended up with a Parents Choice bottle from Walmart.  These things are 97 cents and have been absolutely incredible bottles!  While she does still gasp every now and then, it's getting better as each day passes and these bottles seem to be the best for her.  As I talked to some other mothers, they shared with me that their child also did the gasping/choking thing in the beginning as well.  Still, it was such a scary moment I was absolutely petrified to feed her.  Poor Joel had to do all the feedings until just this week. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPbJ90pOY6wuxkMWAD8jyvFiQysokwnfYfwJdjP8Vp1xtq1fz1J4HUJH6PXt8VqonZBsI_oqgisFL1bT-jly5tqAdkT88Fst5dcxB67_SfDavTDsMmytqSviBKJuIeoteE2FAARGP6XY/s1600/daddy+post+c+section+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPbJ90pOY6wuxkMWAD8jyvFiQysokwnfYfwJdjP8Vp1xtq1fz1J4HUJH6PXt8VqonZBsI_oqgisFL1bT-jly5tqAdkT88Fst5dcxB67_SfDavTDsMmytqSviBKJuIeoteE2FAARGP6XY/s400/daddy+post+c+section+2.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Aside from the stress of feeding her, which was my biggest challenge and struggle, I was also absolutely exhausted.  There wasn't much sleep in the hospital due to the constant interruption by the nurses checking on us.  From our very first day at home, we had visitors.  If I wasn't so exhausted, this might have been okay.  But, I just had surgery 4 days prior, I hadn't slept more than 2 hours in a row up to that point, and I was feeling absolutely miserable in every way.  I wasn't in pain, I was just exhausted, run-down and weak and had absolutely no appetite.  Plus I was extremely sad given the feeding circumstances and feeling very inadequate because I was terrified to feed her.  The visitors finally subsided by Sunday evening (almost 1 week postpartum) and it wasn't until then that I started to feel like myself again.  I might have suffered a little postpartum depression, or it was just a product of being absolutely exhausted - I'm not sure which.  As I type this, I feel mostly like myself (except moving around is still not 100% yet). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvnWjDbhVKqFZWuWFhyWGrPiIm6uNn2xqAePFrBuqSKQ44K5K7x6ABn2TErmtBhLyim2EYPMvxPkU-G4_SLu1az2LRZcFu9BEiwDLjubfY99JCXHUTOFdPVL8K5QVqfbWh8vT_iHRziY/s1600/first+bath+at+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvnWjDbhVKqFZWuWFhyWGrPiIm6uNn2xqAePFrBuqSKQ44K5K7x6ABn2TErmtBhLyim2EYPMvxPkU-G4_SLu1az2LRZcFu9BEiwDLjubfY99JCXHUTOFdPVL8K5QVqfbWh8vT_iHRziY/s400/first+bath+at+home.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />Being at home with Avonlea has been amazing, and it brings great sadness to think about the fact that this is only going to be temporary.  I know most, if not all, mothers going through that when they go back to work. However, when you dislike your job as much as I do, I know it's going to be that much harder.  Still, I am trying to focus on the time we have together over these next 3 months and enjoy those as much as possible!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SdUvvhXz3CR5_aZHDavqIwk5pUhDp3D9AjHb4oOIcb2044HASsfhipVyQt03rh_l8_7PQVU_CNlwjgt7nWCIXgrTv_dR04zPbkRpXA8mghsJrMFTWwnt6ci3d2kBtlzzUguoZk9Uj5E/s1600/avonlea+grandparent+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SdUvvhXz3CR5_aZHDavqIwk5pUhDp3D9AjHb4oOIcb2044HASsfhipVyQt03rh_l8_7PQVU_CNlwjgt7nWCIXgrTv_dR04zPbkRpXA8mghsJrMFTWwnt6ci3d2kBtlzzUguoZk9Uj5E/s400/avonlea+grandparent+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">What were your favorite moments in the beginning of your newborn's life?</span></b>

Baby Busbee Our First Days Home

Avonlea was a great baby from the very beginning.  She's been a great sleeper and doesn't fuss much, except for when she's hungry.  She even enjoys having her diaper changed and having her clothes changed!  That makes me happy because I have a ton of…

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She's Here!

I am 2 weeks postpartum - it's INSANE that time has already flown by that quickly!  It seems like I was just sitting here being nervous about labor and delivery, and now that is all behind me!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnZhSkuhfdz7_eB0idb9LjLBI52ULeQ_0WTm1-5Y0J3PqzYiLyAsm2Gg87Zgsa2QYF0E54b5SmV2qJ2qCnXmLbC9QK1t81B8eGdngwfjAyRVK71CSup41M6MGMhw5HzsvPGGfzuoBAVQ/s1600/%7B9d35c6ee-22dc-4f1c-9510-4ebbb30408c9%7D_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnZhSkuhfdz7_eB0idb9LjLBI52ULeQ_0WTm1-5Y0J3PqzYiLyAsm2Gg87Zgsa2QYF0E54b5SmV2qJ2qCnXmLbC9QK1t81B8eGdngwfjAyRVK71CSup41M6MGMhw5HzsvPGGfzuoBAVQ/s400/%7B9d35c6ee-22dc-4f1c-9510-4ebbb30408c9%7D_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Avonlea Clara made her appearance on Monday, June 24 at 8:38 AM via c-section.  She actually started to try to come on her own on Sunday evening, which is nice to know that my body was truly recognizing the need to give birth.  I started having back pain, concentrated on just one side, Sunday afternoon.  Based on what others had told me about back labor, I didn't feel like that was what I was experiencing.  I chalked it up to how I was sitting on the couch all day, took some Tylenol and a hot shower, and the pain subsided.  We stayed up to watch Sky Wire (yikes!), and as I was readying myself for bed, the back pain started all over again, this time much more intense.  I laid down anyhow - because I really needed to get some sleep for the surgery the next day.  Needless to say, I woke back up around 2 AM, the back pain just getting worse and worse.  I called the hospital to see if I could come in early to be checked (I wasn't due to the hospital until 7 AM).  Once we got there and I was hooked up to the fetal heart rate monitor, and I quickly learned I was having back labor.  They were able to slow the contractions with an IV drip and ease the pain with some drugs.  By 7:30 AM, we were nearly ready to go for the c-section!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaUFzm5zspp2QJSDCriPUGx3VlM0TInuPGX6_MeDL1R4WDywUnmvQYpYgSL0o3-6E92s5Z0QanAFrjIicv0qJL7C3TBZnmWgvhdVxpRPwoHEsHKsm2mqU3I53Kbyctu9lrZpB_ukMSgQ/s1600/surgery+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaUFzm5zspp2QJSDCriPUGx3VlM0TInuPGX6_MeDL1R4WDywUnmvQYpYgSL0o3-6E92s5Z0QanAFrjIicv0qJL7C3TBZnmWgvhdVxpRPwoHEsHKsm2mqU3I53Kbyctu9lrZpB_ukMSgQ/s400/surgery+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of my favorite pictures!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJorNnvzpRLJskckv5bbc2A_emquhQIsK6bMEKcG5DeRERbe5fOhGF4VcVLFgDicUe6dPYMwZoTipBKVymzVu8PPJAdIe_KGGMJJdrk7-B3YUvdoo1uQ-5jSnAR9CuJlMRAqMQ9Tn9wLw/s1600/avonlea+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJorNnvzpRLJskckv5bbc2A_emquhQIsK6bMEKcG5DeRERbe5fOhGF4VcVLFgDicUe6dPYMwZoTipBKVymzVu8PPJAdIe_KGGMJJdrk7-B3YUvdoo1uQ-5jSnAR9CuJlMRAqMQ9Tn9wLw/s400/avonlea+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />The best advice I received regarding the surgery was that it's not as bad as people make it out to be, and remember to walk, walk, walk.  Well, I concur!  The surgery wasn't bad at all, and I've done really well with recovery.  Sure, there is pain, but it was totally manageable with drugs.  The surgery was surreal! To be operated on while awake is scary and exciting.  Avonlea was out of my body within the first 5 minutes of the surgery, and the remaining 25-30 minutes was spent sewing me back up.  To hear her first cry and see her whisked past my head - it was just unbelievable to me!  I simply could NOT believe she was inside of me!  Joel and I were both in shock, but happily in shock.  Joel stayed in the operating room with me the entire duration of surgery, holding her by my head so I could see her.  Once they were done, they wheeled us back to the room, her on my chest.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSnuLiPWo69ZLaJp5o9KiTMdm0yaBuWU2r1PaeGNL3voOCgrvngqafaY8kSm8zyRt_qkI1jEgAQEvdvsqMdr85n4xCDqnFA39zXsRPnqyda_u3E3tqtbrln3QwTHjjEY7Xj_wjP4clKs/s1600/avonlea+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSnuLiPWo69ZLaJp5o9KiTMdm0yaBuWU2r1PaeGNL3voOCgrvngqafaY8kSm8zyRt_qkI1jEgAQEvdvsqMdr85n4xCDqnFA39zXsRPnqyda_u3E3tqtbrln3QwTHjjEY7Xj_wjP4clKs/s400/avonlea+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />My parents and Joel's mom and her partner were there, anxiously awaiting the news of Avonlea's weight.  The surgeons were taking bets on it in the OR while she was being cleaned up.  This child weighed in at 10 lbs 9 oz and 22 inches long.  She was a big baby, just as we expected!  Everyone was overjoyed to see her and the time spent in recovery was a little under an hour before I was transferred up to my room. I ended up being awake for almost 24 hours that day, and it hardly seemed like it.  The love for her was instant and overwhelming.  We could not stop looking at her all day/night!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JlTUWUCCIsVmxRCHC4rSp1aiuEPcGR6DtzOjvyLoQpr-InEXOWW81qHbb9nqqnYPNh4mbk3BDHqyV9G84xdtFudG243yYtrQTsXab41zkvdWS9KfD7vNphVo5gP1VolKHbYcPwmKN1w/s1600/%257B9d35c6ee-22dc-4f1c-9510-4ebbb30408c9%257D_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JlTUWUCCIsVmxRCHC4rSp1aiuEPcGR6DtzOjvyLoQpr-InEXOWW81qHbb9nqqnYPNh4mbk3BDHqyV9G84xdtFudG243yYtrQTsXab41zkvdWS9KfD7vNphVo5gP1VolKHbYcPwmKN1w/s400/%257B9d35c6ee-22dc-4f1c-9510-4ebbb30408c9%257D_6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />I spent 4 days in the hospital - we sure were ready to come home by the end of that!  The first stop we made on the way home was at Jimmy Johns - I desperately wanted a cold sub!  After 9 months of heating lunch meat - cold lunch meat was glorious - I had JJ's 3 times the first week! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOk2NquBS2fxPqVG_ZmNbhvqc0rbwdfxx2kQ3TkF6ZhbJr7r7yVRK3-T__RQw9Tk-mnXhXtDFxX05pfKy1VV3Ac9BcEmQO8LG1qkh99lN_BpS4Jf31Bv8Nm3zlRmwt3X8uAwsiI1660L8/s1600/avonlea+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOk2NquBS2fxPqVG_ZmNbhvqc0rbwdfxx2kQ3TkF6ZhbJr7r7yVRK3-T__RQw9Tk-mnXhXtDFxX05pfKy1VV3Ac9BcEmQO8LG1qkh99lN_BpS4Jf31Bv8Nm3zlRmwt3X8uAwsiI1660L8/s400/avonlea+002.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">her going home outfit</td></tr></tbody></table>I'm excited to share more about the birth of our daughter - stay tuned!

Baby Busbee Pregnancy She's Here!

I am 2 weeks postpartum - it's INSANE that time has already flown by that quickly!  It seems like I was just sitting here being nervous about labor and delivery, and now that is all behind me!Avonlea Clara made her appearance on Monday, June 24 at 8:…

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Today is My Due Date!

This last week of pregnancy is just really giving it to me.  Since last Monday's appointment, I have been struggling every day with my sore bum. <br /><br />I just couldn't take it anymore yesterday, so I scheduled a last minute appointment at my OBGYN.  I met with a midwife at around 11:30 AM and she confirmed the severity of those painful, protruding veins.  As some other doctors have been saying, they know the baby is going to be big (now they're estimating 10 lbs).  I told the midwife how concerned I was about pushing and how much worse that would make the hemorrhoids.  She shared in my concern, stating that if I am birthing a large baby I'm going to need to push hard.  If I have any anxieties surrounding pushing hard because of the hemorrhoids, I could potentially go through a natural delivery for nothing - causing me to have a c-section anyhow, and then I've <i>really</i> hurt myself.   The thing with hemorrhoids is that they never go away.  They can recede back up inside your colon, but sometimes they don't depending on how severe they are. <br /><br />But, it gets better.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/cat-saturday-231.jpg?w=500&h=1083" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/cat-saturday-231.jpg?w=500&h=1083" width="292" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This will for SURE be Charles!</td></tr></tbody></table>On top of the fact that I went in because of my sort butt, my blood pressure was also slightly elevated (in the 130s).  That's not really a bad reading on average, but for me it is.  Pre-pregnancy by BP was on the low end (in the 90s) and during pregnancy it's hovered between the 100s, never going above 120.  The midwife was concerned I could be suffering from preeclampsia so she sent me to the hospital.  She also told me to be prepared to deliver the baby that day, especially if they found I was starting to have early signs of it. <br /><br />Needless to say, I was in total shock when I left the doctor's office.  I knew my blood pressure was steadily rising as I drove home to grab Joel.  I was so nervous - I could've had a baby later that day!  Of course, I didn't have my hospital bag packed (totally procrastinating on this), so I just grabbed a change of clothes, the camera and we were off.  Once they got me checked in, my blood pressure had risen into the 140s - no surprise there!  I was so nervous and scared - mainly because of the increased blood pressure, and less because of the impending delivery. <br /><br />They monitored me for a few hours and also drew blood.  It turned out I did <i>not</i> have preeclampsia (thank you JESUS!), but I did have a urinary tract infection and didn't even know it.  They attributed the higher BP to the pain I'm dealing with because of the hemorrhoids.  I was also experiencing contractions while I was there (didn't even know it!), and they said they suspected I was contracting because of the UTI - I guess those infections can cause that. <br /><br />Now, I was told when I left my doctor's office not to eat or drink anything else from now until they're done with me at the hospital.  So once my test results came back, I asked the nurse if I could finally have a drink of water because I was parched and so hot!  She said I could while I waited for the doctor to come and discharge me.  I knew I wanted to talk c-section for Monday's induction, so I anxiously awaited the doctor's arrival.  Well, the doctor had just gotten out of surgery so they sent a midwife.  I explained to her why I was there in the first place and she was completely fine with me having a c-section, but she had to go clear it with the doctor.  Dr. Andre came in and she talked to me about my entire situation and agreed it was the best approach.  I had never met Dr. Andre before, but I did like her and she said she would be performing my surgery on Monday morning at 7:30 AM!<br /><br />Yesterday was quite a day, needless to say.  However, I am so happy and relieved to know I won't be making my sore bum any worse and it can hopefully start to heal once the little lady makes an appearance.  Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers!<br /><br /><br />

Baby Busbee Pregnancy Today is My Due Date!

This last week of pregnancy is just really giving it to me.  Since last Monday's appointment, I have been struggling every day with my sore bum. I just couldn't take it anymore yesterday, so I scheduled a last minute appointment at my OBGYN.  I met w…

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Still Pregnant!

I went to the doctor on Monday and was "checked" for progress.  As of then I was 2 cm dilated!  I was so surprised - I fully expected her to say, "Nope, all closed up and no signs of progress".  I guess I assumed this based on my sister's and mom's experience of being well overdue.  I was so pleased to see that my body is actually responding.  This time the doctor confirmed that the baby's head is in position and has dropped into the birth canal.  She also checked for the size of my birth canal, to see how much of a candidate I could be to deliver a large baby naturally.  The doctor said I had a nice size birth canal and so it was still possible to deliver her vaginally.  Still, they would monitor the baby closely so that she wouldn't get stuck there if she has broad shoulders, causing her to suffocate.  Lord, I pray we don't get to that point.<br /><br />I left the appointment feeling good, until I got home and used the bathroom.  Holy cow!  I was bleeding like I had a period.  At first I thought it was my dreadful, dreadful hemorrhoids acting up, which have unfortunately made a last minute, <i>painful</i> appearance once again this week.  I called the doctor's office back and they reassured me that was totally normal.   They said it should taper off in the next 24 hours and turn to brown.  It did do that, but it scared me.  I've already been checked twice early in the third trimester (due to complaints of pain and cramping), and the bleeding never occurred then.   But today I've been in the clear!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ir_iK3H_I9KP-U5Gni7T0WWFvVEP0ky6gIvGNpbsNkv0BCB00S1Rr8i53_6F4Ob8frkpKAx-88I7GJP4y3jn6jiUBN-bIHqtk_xq9mOiCsu75FAp60sSRGiRFJl8HhaLkVaUJHg1_Ko/s1600/352-woman-cartoons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ir_iK3H_I9KP-U5Gni7T0WWFvVEP0ky6gIvGNpbsNkv0BCB00S1Rr8i53_6F4Ob8frkpKAx-88I7GJP4y3jn6jiUBN-bIHqtk_xq9mOiCsu75FAp60sSRGiRFJl8HhaLkVaUJHg1_Ko/s400/352-woman-cartoons.png" width="303" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://everydaypeoplecartoons.com/search/pregnant/352">Via</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>While I am due this Saturday, I am scheduled to be induced on Monday, June 24, unless she comes on her own between now and then.  Part of me really hopes she does decide to make an appearance before Monday.  Sleeping has been incredibly difficult during these last few weeks, not surprisingly.  However, the hemorrhoids have become the WORST yet again!  I pretty much sit on ice all day long and they are still throbbing.  I know I'm painting such a glorious picture here, but pregnancy is not all sunshine and roses for everyone!   If I am able to deliver her vaginally, I am very concerned about how my hemms will respond to the pushing.  From my understanding, most women don't get hemms until after they've delivered.  I got them late in the second trimester and have battled them off and on ever since.  I really don't want to bring home a new baby and have an aching butt, much less the other aches that will be happening.  Time will tell!<br /><br />For now, I'm trying very hard to take this one day at a time.  A lot could happen between now and Monday!  I'm incredibly nervous for the labor and delivery process.  My parents are arriving this weekend, so I will have my mom here with me for l&d along with Joel's mom.  Still, I'm trying hard to just take it one day at a time, and focus on trying to get these hemms under control.   It's funny how a few days ago I felt like I couldn't feel any worse, due to lack of sleep.  Man, was I wrong! <br /><br />I wonder how they'll feel if I ask for the epidural after the first contraction? haha<br /><br />

Baby Busbee Pregnancy Still Pregnant!

I went to the doctor on Monday and was "checked" for progress.  As of then I was 2 cm dilated!  I was so surprised - I fully expected her to say, "Nope, all closed up and no signs of progress".  I guess I assumed this based on my sister's and mom's e…

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Doctor Update & Pregnancy Fashion

<h3><b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Doctor Update</i></span></b></h3>I got to see one of my favorite doctors yesterday for my 38 week appointment. <br /><br />She told me I was looking great, and as of right now she did not see a reason for me to be a candidate for a c-section.  Even though I gained 5 lbs this week, she said she feels it's probably just water-weight - especially judging from my puffy feet and hands.  All vitals are still doing well (i.e. no high pressure = no preeclampsia).  She also told me she saw no reason for me to have another rate-of-growth ultrasound.  So she basically said all of the exact opposite as to what the unkind doctor told me.  Who is right?  I guess we'll find out soon enough.  I just pray that the nice doctor does know what she's talking about and isn't just a bad doctor, ya know?<br /><br />On another note, do you like how easily I glossed over a 5 lbs weight gain in a week?!  Oh how times have changed from the weight loss days!  Now certainly, soon enough I'll be back to being committed to seeing a downward motion in those numbers, but for right now, I honestly don't care.  I just want her out and healthy, and preferably sooner rather than later :). <br /><br /><h3><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Pregnancy Fashion</i></span></h3>This "fashion" thing is kind of a joke.  Well, not "kind of", it <i>is</i>. <br /><br />Thanks to the ability for me to work from home these last several weeks of my pregnancy, I have been able to be super comfortable with the clothing I wear.  In other words, I pretty much wear some type of exercise pant with a t-shirt every single day.  Remarkably, many of my 5K t-shirts still fit me.  Wellllll, I should use "fit" as a relative term.  They go on and cover my torso, but they are tight!<br /><br />Since most of my pregnancy was spent during the winter months (thank you Jesus!), much of my maternity wardrobe was catered to colder temps.  I did try to buy some versatile pieces, but overall much of my clothing was long sleeved and knit material.  I have exactly 1 maternity t-shirt that I bought, and I've been able to get by with that and my 5K tees.<br /><br />But since it is June, and as a pregnant lady I am running much hotter than I normally would be, I finally had Joel dig out some shorts for me today (we use those vacuum seal bags to store seasonal clothes).  Ahhhh the cotton shorts - it's so nice not to have my legs completely covered!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #666666;"><here comes="" fashion="" part="" that=""></here></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You know what else makes for a great maternity t-shirt?  Under Armor shirts!  Actually, I only own one shirt of that brand, but I own many of those silky, breathable t-shirts.  They have been AMAZING for me during these hotter temps.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0yBbZvFPcpyxDat1StIOtq97cNUbu3HG2GdC2BGk7iuIaSfHB4zK5JSLVQUdpKDuPYGNwC5KqhLR9JGkESJEyxJQKCVnQsLDkkuGLwezjnQVBHf-TYpZCbEeGA6BGDCuuCHWH8cza9A/s1600/sept+maternity+tshirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0yBbZvFPcpyxDat1StIOtq97cNUbu3HG2GdC2BGk7iuIaSfHB4zK5JSLVQUdpKDuPYGNwC5KqhLR9JGkESJEyxJQKCVnQsLDkkuGLwezjnQVBHf-TYpZCbEeGA6BGDCuuCHWH8cza9A/s400/sept+maternity+tshirt.JPG" width="262" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They're nice and long to cover the belly, and they help wick away the pregnancy-induced sweating.   The one I'm wearing above is from Joel's brother's annual <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/first-annual-st-marys-county.html" target="_blank">Septathalon Event</a>.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">What was one of your favorite things to wear when pregnant?  If you've never been pregnant, what is one of your favorite, most comfy thing to wear anyhow?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Baby Busbee Pregnancy Pregnancy Fashion Doctor Update & Pregnancy Fashion

Doctor UpdateI got to see one of my favorite doctors yesterday for my 38 week appointment. She told me I was looking great, and as of right now she did not see a reason for me to be a candidate for a c-section.  Even though I gained 5 lbs this week, …

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38 weeks & 2 days Pregnant

Two milestones were reached this past weekend!<br /><br />First, I made it to the 38 week mark in my pregnancy - that is great news!  I know she's still growing because by the day it seems as though my stomach is getting tighter and tighter.  More aches and pains keep occurring in the lady parts.  Sleep is getting harder and harder by the day.  For example, last night I started in a laying down position.  At around 1 AM, I transferred to a sitting up position.  By 3:15 AM, I moved to the couch.  The couch may be my permanent bed from here on out.  I need something to grab onto to help lift myself up and roll over.  I haven't had much exhaustion during this final trimester, but I credit that in large part to working at home.  I'm sure if I was getting up everyday at 4:30 to head downtown, it'd be a much different story.   The exhaustion I've been facing recently is no doubt due to the restless sleep I've been getting.  Nearly everyday I've been taking a nap to help make up for it. <br /><br />This afternoon I have a doctor's appointment, so I hope it fairs good news for us!  I should be learning more about whether or not I'll have another rate-of-growth ultrasound.  If they do decide to do another, then I should also learn after that how quickly I'll have her.  Part of me wants her to arrive on her own time (preferably before the 40 week mark), but part of me hopes they say - "let's schedule you for a c-section" - and that way I may not have to endure the pain of labor.  Right now, I just really want her out!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-U5W5fEewWOHPSD8BuG8ti97dj8GFxoyokQclarkKpS0hOJ_FY6zLehhvw1uR0MMF8NMsTt_I-IYuM6BP9eAl-jyPP0DKvKyutxtsk2FT5NfudXlQzEL1pbwwtYzboTBi2h4GAsKWn8Y/s1600/38+weeks+pregnant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-U5W5fEewWOHPSD8BuG8ti97dj8GFxoyokQclarkKpS0hOJ_FY6zLehhvw1uR0MMF8NMsTt_I-IYuM6BP9eAl-jyPP0DKvKyutxtsk2FT5NfudXlQzEL1pbwwtYzboTBi2h4GAsKWn8Y/s400/38+weeks+pregnant.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br />Also on the milestone marker this weekend was the celebration of our one year wedding anniversary.  It is so hard to believe that it was <i>just </i>one year ago, on June 9, that we were married in Montego Bay, Jamaica.  A lot sure has changed in just 1 year!<br /><br />From wedding dresses...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgex5hG8Xr4a5rctYxEvCafCvA42lsH53hysLekSE6YHUmwPivTIXYncaQWwp9mgYRbr2RldLoVDNJVL6S4_y0SGJZc1o-FyYh0xhpjMLZBiAp1fYwNS7s9_typ0NYAdN3YnwZ-pICpKM/s1600/palm+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgex5hG8Xr4a5rctYxEvCafCvA42lsH53hysLekSE6YHUmwPivTIXYncaQWwp9mgYRbr2RldLoVDNJVL6S4_y0SGJZc1o-FyYh0xhpjMLZBiAp1fYwNS7s9_typ0NYAdN3YnwZ-pICpKM/s400/palm+tree.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROIdxaOlQ3SKvSOyWiEt6J23mAo6L3qJvnU4yv6ZfPYKUPeIu1saURANsvJC7zeLPNVd4nz049UTZMAhMHvB9tRmAd_2tsUKsLC9hVRhVvBqwPaG3uwWvAmf3YZNRVH7n_ctBYyM8yf4/s1600/051_51+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROIdxaOlQ3SKvSOyWiEt6J23mAo6L3qJvnU4yv6ZfPYKUPeIu1saURANsvJC7zeLPNVd4nz049UTZMAhMHvB9tRmAd_2tsUKsLC9hVRhVvBqwPaG3uwWvAmf3YZNRVH7n_ctBYyM8yf4/s400/051_51+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">......to maternity dresses!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuzQ2IEdG_o8HdXpRb9EZJsvPRjC7GXmqf1eMmYdBhsS6_uDm1VFTUNahUi6GUBgKvrzLik3b1x2Nw4ozY2-y2_hLpfZXtsBXE6yBSdfHOKCCstC_1cNMbtJi10N798h7WbQYTyWVHyo/s1600/38+weeks+pregnant+anniversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuzQ2IEdG_o8HdXpRb9EZJsvPRjC7GXmqf1eMmYdBhsS6_uDm1VFTUNahUi6GUBgKvrzLik3b1x2Nw4ozY2-y2_hLpfZXtsBXE6yBSdfHOKCCstC_1cNMbtJi10N798h7WbQYTyWVHyo/s400/38+weeks+pregnant+anniversary.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>For our anniversary meal, we dined at the <a href="http://nationalharbor.com/" target="_blank">National Harbor</a> at <a href="http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/" target="_blank">McCormick & Schmick's</a>.  We chose that restaurant because they offered red snapper, which was part of our main dish for our wedding dinner. It was so incredibly tasty - especially with the added lemon garlic butter crab on top.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrrZMCfpc_QwVHXURtGSdOHS69g4xdFibAJwm94YeGpEXRaV7352yDHZVYKC5sLbziGi7zsgDa0p5zVNgmALeynCBoS5BcB7zEDJGkmFIOZEGcZfDJ3vVJcv-LXbmU5DgBkyRCgqBXk4/s1600/red+snapper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrrZMCfpc_QwVHXURtGSdOHS69g4xdFibAJwm94YeGpEXRaV7352yDHZVYKC5sLbziGi7zsgDa0p5zVNgmALeynCBoS5BcB7zEDJGkmFIOZEGcZfDJ3vVJcv-LXbmU5DgBkyRCgqBXk4/s320/red+snapper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Afterward, we came home and had a very tiny piece of our wedding cake.  It actually tasted just fine, but rest assured the remainder will be going into the trash.  That is far too much cake for either of us to consume!  The flavor was a Jamaican spice cake, which we chose for obvious reasons.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcVbIcQW5VoQPLu8w9XQtEJOGTU58sxguC4_anbbT6HAMCSytrx3yHHECe7tuqtq0NPq7ybmZNd1ylk6abGW0WK8x2DrkWmaae-lTurOI5sH-Ci9rUNRJvVgH8EYVTWB0TgkJtu4_LWo/s1600/wedding+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcVbIcQW5VoQPLu8w9XQtEJOGTU58sxguC4_anbbT6HAMCSytrx3yHHECe7tuqtq0NPq7ybmZNd1ylk6abGW0WK8x2DrkWmaae-lTurOI5sH-Ci9rUNRJvVgH8EYVTWB0TgkJtu4_LWo/s400/wedding+cake.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><br /><br />If you would have asked me a year ago how I thought we would be celebrating our first anniversary, I would have said via a cruise back to the Caribbean.  But as they say, "If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans."  Honestly, our little dinner out at the National Harbor was perfect.<br /><br />The month of June has been fabulous to us so far, and it's only going to get better with the impending arrival of our little lady!

Anniversary Baby Busbee Pregnancy wedding 38 weeks & 2 days Pregnant

Two milestones were reached this past weekend!First, I made it to the 38 week mark in my pregnancy - that is great news!  I know she's still growing because by the day it seems as though my stomach is getting tighter and tighter.  More aches and pain…

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She's Almost Here!

On Monday I had a rate of growth ultrasound to determine just how healthy our little lady is!<br /><br />This appointment went so much better than <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2013/05/35-weeks-to-go.html" target="_blank">last week's</a>! <br /><br />It's always nice and comforting to see the little lady moving around in there on the sonogram screen.  She is currently measuring at 8 pounds and 12 days ahead of her due date.  <i>(For those that may not know, the u/s can be off in either direction by +- 2 lbs)</i>.  As of right now, she is in the 94% for her weight, so if she increases between now and 39 weeks, then they will most definitely want me to have a c-section.  If I do make it to 39 weeks, they will order another ultrasound to determine her weight, and then schedule the c-section accordingly.  They will not be doing a c-section <i>before</i> 39 weeks, unless she chooses to come on her own between now and then!<br /><br />While I was supposed to meet with the doctor on Monday, she unfortunately had to leave due to a family emergency.  Instead I saw one of the fabulous midwives.  Jenna explained everything I shared above in such a caring way - not reprimanding me for my weight (which, <i>thank you Jesus</i>, I did not gain any weight since the prior week's appointment), or trying to make me feel like an inadequate woman who "would have a hard time with labor in my physical condition".  Despite one crappy doctor, I absolutely love my practice, and I know a large part of that is because of the outstanding midwives that work there. <br /><br />Previous to becoming pregnant, I had a total misconception of what a midwife was.  I ignorantly thought of them as hippy nurses who would want to push me into an all natural delivery without medication and possibly giving birth in a birthing pool.  Now listen, if you chose to do that - that's fine! To each their own!  For me, I want <i>drugs</i>.  I want to be in a hospital in case something goes wrong. <br /><br />The midwives at my practice deliver most of the babies, actually.  If you have a vaginal delivery, barring any complications, a midwife will be delivering you.  At my practice, that means the midwife has far more time with you than a doctor would.  I also tend to believe the level of care is much more personal. While I don't know what God has in store for this delivery, I have a strong feeling that this little woman is coming via a c-section, and so I am moderately sad I won't have a midwife to help me along.  They have been absolutely amazing throughout my entire pregnancy.<br /><br />Today I sit at 37.5 weeks pregnant.  Now if you're like me, these week numbers I keep throwing around might not mean much to you.  Trust me, I felt the <i>same way</i> once upon a time.  I remember telling my other pregnant friends, "How do you even keep track of what week it is? I know I couldn't just tell you what week we're in for 2013."  I guess when you're growing a human, the number of weeks start to matter, and you just <i>know</i>. <br /><br />Ideally, a woman will carry a baby to 40 weeks gestation, or 9 months.  <i>(Do the math though... 40/4 is 10, not 9... so it's really like you're 10 months pregnant and not 9!)</i>.  Obviously, that is the ideal.  Still, as we all know, babies come when they want to.. before or after 40 weeks.  Right now, I am considered fullterm, meaning she could be born today and be absolutely fine.  All of her organs are fully developed and all she's doing now is putting on more weight (better her than me, I hope!).<br /><br />So we just go day by day, anxiously awaiting her arrival, however and whenever that might be! <br /><br /><br />

Baby Busbee Pregnancy She's Almost Here!

On Monday I had a rate of growth ultrasound to determine just how healthy our little lady is!This appointment went so much better than last week's! It's always nice and comforting to see the little lady moving around in there on the sonogram screen. …

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Stressed-Less Living

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://melissataylor.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Stressed-Less-Living-Book-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://melissataylor.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Stressed-Less-Living-Book-Cover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>A few weeks ago I began this online bible study through <a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/communities/" target="_blank">Proverbs 31 Ministry</a>.  It's called Stressed-Less Living, and it follows along with <a href="http://www.stressedlessliving.com/" target="_blank">Tracie Miles' book</a> on how to lessen the stress in our lives.<br /><br />This study could not have come at a better time, with the impending changes about to happen in my life!  While having a baby is a happy and joyous occasion, it certainly brings an added element of stress into our daily lives. <br /><br />I think whether you're a parent or not, you can imagine the changes that are involved with having a child: daycare costs, general care for the child and the costs associated with it (diapers, formula, food, clothing, doctor's visits, college education savings, etc), sleepless nights - this list could go on and on.  Joel and I have been blessed in that we are both employed fulltime, and so I am less concerned about the added expenditures of having a baby.  There will be an impact for sure, but at least we have jobs that can afford us the freedom of worry for caring for her!<br /><br />Still, there are other stressors that one might not think about as readily when it comes to having a baby.  For example, I know until I get into a new routine, my life is not going to be my own anymore.  The priority will be caring for her and making sure her needs are met first.  Time will be even more of the essence that it is now.<br /><br />I'm used to my freedom - exercising when I want to, cooking/meal planning and preparation at my convenience, taking college classes toward my nursing degree, reading, swimming, meeting up with friends, making my weight loss journey a priority. This list could <i>also</i> go on and on.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://melissataylor.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/SLL-Ch-8-Pin-Graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://melissataylor.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/SLL-Ch-8-Pin-Graphic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Truth be told, this latter group of things is what I'm most worried about right now.  This is a weight loss blog after all.  My health and my journey toward getting to goal is still very important to me.  I don't want to become that mother who has a baby and never devotes anytime to self-improvement.  Afterall, now I have <i>one</i> more reason to want to better my health - to be around for as long as possible to see my child grow up into a beautiful young lady.<br /><br />One thing that has really resonated with me during this study is a quote the author shared that says:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>If the devil can't hinder our relationship with God by making us immoral, he'll simply make us busy.</b></span></i></blockquote>In essence, what this means is that God no longer becomes the center of our universe - other things do.  I was taught from a very early age, back in my Sunday school days, the importance of having quiet time with our Lord each day.  It is hard to do that when you have a to-do list a mile long, like mine tends to be! <br /><br />Still, another thing that I've learned during this study, via a participant, is that no matter how busy her day appears to be - if she starts her day with quiet time with the Lord, her day always progresses so much more productively.   Sure, she might not get everything done on her to-do list.  But she made the one thing that should always be #1 on her to-do list a priority.  I've started implementing that same idea into my life, and I really see the positive impacts already.  It's hard to explain, but I think what happens is that the other things on my to-do list suddenly become less stressful to accomplish, and also not as important.  I almost take on the mentality of, "If it gets done, it gets done.  If not, there's always tomorrow."  However, many times I am able to knock those things off my list with near ease - I know it's because of how I chose to start my day!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/originals/6f/55/5b/6f555b589c44da52c73a83a55a92ab30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/originals/6f/55/5b/6f555b589c44da52c73a83a55a92ab30.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br />So when the baby comes, I know our lives are going to be turned upside down for awhile until we can get used to this new change.  I also know that it's going to become imperative that I pray for God to reveal to me areas of my life that I have to let go of.   This might be in the form of finding a new job where my commute isn't as long or my schedule is more flexible, electing to work part time, reading less, getting rid of Facebook/Pinterest (i.e. big time suckers/wasters), etc... whatever it is - I know some things are going to have to go to the wayside for now, if not for forever.  <br /><br />And that's okay!<br /><br />Afterall, we are about to be blessed with one of the most precious gifts in life, and it's hard to imagine that I'm going to love her anymore than I already do.

Baby Busbee Bible Study P31 Pregnancy Proverbs 31 Ministry Stressed Less Living Stressed-Less Living

A few weeks ago I began this online bible study through Proverbs 31 Ministry.  It's called Stressed-Less Living, and it follows along with Tracie Miles' book on how to lessen the stress in our lives.This study could not have come at a better time, wi…

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3.5 weeks To Go!

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><i>**all photos on this post, with the exception of the first one, were professionally taken by <a href="http://www.elkinks.com/" target="_blank">Emily at Elkinks Photography</a>. </i> </span></div><br />It's hard for me to imagine that I am <i>this</i> close to the end of my pregnancy.  It truly seems just like yesterday that I found out I was going to have a baby.  I remember laying on my couch in October thinking, "How am I ever going to survive this until June"?  Here we are!   <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_ebA6Sp_0eQjdHrYVixAQrIAMsIfvHkuSB9PTFqoZSNRZOiAW6kyUwJgH8z5H-keuAuNEd4NO8BeTgnaarNt4r-sU_PFGW2pRm5PGtwKLycZvo90l9236iAVx2R3znJ168sUnGmdkho/s1600/36+weeks+pregnant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_ebA6Sp_0eQjdHrYVixAQrIAMsIfvHkuSB9PTFqoZSNRZOiAW6kyUwJgH8z5H-keuAuNEd4NO8BeTgnaarNt4r-sU_PFGW2pRm5PGtwKLycZvo90l9236iAVx2R3znJ168sUnGmdkho/s400/36+weeks+pregnant.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">36 weeks</td></tr></tbody></table>If there is one thing I've learned throughout this entire process, it's that every single person responds to pregnancy differently, both physically and emotionally.   Sure, those who are able to get pregnant and carry a baby fullterm inevitably a) get pregnant and b) deliver a kid in some fashion.  But what goes on in each woman's pregnancy can vary greatly.  This isn't a bad thing!  It's just good to know that what I went through, or your mother went through, or your friend went through, doesn't automatically mean you will go through those same things when you are pregnant.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8kRdQGoSSYcmUDYSlUMpcz8ymPAU0m341SH_g1ygkq-0cUGkOual5lxzuylREoi-phcZSpgFG7OTA7tARhfuWFrHTyb_HoZDbmN3SwoM886PQJacSMe_0q6LQjnJi7T4mKL5oZSz3fw/s1600/facebook+prego+cover+photo+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8kRdQGoSSYcmUDYSlUMpcz8ymPAU0m341SH_g1ygkq-0cUGkOual5lxzuylREoi-phcZSpgFG7OTA7tARhfuWFrHTyb_HoZDbmN3SwoM886PQJacSMe_0q6LQjnJi7T4mKL5oZSz3fw/s400/facebook+prego+cover+photo+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />On top of that, there are so many parallels to draw between a person's weight loss journey and their pregnancy journey.  Both are physically demanding.  Both are emotionally demanding.  Both are unique to the individual.  And both involve receiving a lot of opinions, whether you asked for them or not!   And truth be told, I can say <i>all</i> these things and for some, this will not click until they go through their own journey.  That's fine too!  I am one of those people.  I've read a LOT about weight loss, and I've been around enough pregnant women to know the basics of what goes on.  But when you're not the one enduring the journey, it doesn't quite sink in the same way. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFRBSWLarMmNriaiskiGcDA6kN9uCpEl-k7Nd2Y2VgDLaNOWHFL6Z0403C0Vx-D4b7kEerDehKt-To9NC7j6v_yuwwnacfYlvgy9SVbbVXvqC6KrnuR2ssI4je-bqHLsCAJObKN8NxNE/s1600/facebook+prego+profile+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFRBSWLarMmNriaiskiGcDA6kN9uCpEl-k7Nd2Y2VgDLaNOWHFL6Z0403C0Vx-D4b7kEerDehKt-To9NC7j6v_yuwwnacfYlvgy9SVbbVXvqC6KrnuR2ssI4je-bqHLsCAJObKN8NxNE/s400/facebook+prego+profile+pic.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br />I can now say that I am thankful to God for giving me the ability to make a human.  While I could not have seen myself voluntarily wanting to be pregnant ever in my life, I am so glad I've gone through this experience.  I know it has made me a better person because of it.  Pregnancy truly is a miracle - not only in the conception of the child, which is a miracle all on it's own, but also in how your body begins to respond to a growing human.  The hormones that automatically turn on, the way your bones start to shift, the ability of your heart to start pumping more blood through your system.  It all blows me away. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7U6otWxpGmbjMVZ8kf3VS2zDU-Id1EhPiwStpFLr08tFpJygeMqk9C7WskSt9E1nWuGrZ9hCzBvpLbDc2Z_K99W9ni4sixGx1x19iiDyLU6vCapnY-2mJog_JHFUtK5ZPGWfkXSe2BEE/s1600/joel+fb+photocover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7U6otWxpGmbjMVZ8kf3VS2zDU-Id1EhPiwStpFLr08tFpJygeMqk9C7WskSt9E1nWuGrZ9hCzBvpLbDc2Z_K99W9ni4sixGx1x19iiDyLU6vCapnY-2mJog_JHFUtK5ZPGWfkXSe2BEE/s400/joel+fb+photocover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />What blows me away even more is how <i>my</i> body has responded to pregnancy.  I've talked about this <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2013/04/minor-health-issues.html" target="_blank">before</a>, but it's worth jotting down again for my own sake.  I am most definitely not about to condone being overweight.  However, I feel a lot like my blogger friend <a href="http://www.coffeecakeandcardio.com/" target="_blank">Ashley</a>.  <span style="color: #999999;"><i>{</i></span><i><span style="color: #999999;">Ashley has her own weight loss journey that she talks about on her blog <a href="http://www.coffeecakeandcardio.com/" target="_blank">Coffee Cake and Cardio</a>.}</span></i>  The thing that draws me to Ashley is something I believe we share (or, rather, <i>shared</i> prior to becoming pregnant).  Ashley is very fit - she works out a ton each day, and also plays on a <a href="http://www.coffeecakeandcardio.com/category/dc-divas-football/" target="_blank">professional sports team</a> in the area.  Yet, she's talked about being ridiculed by doctors for being overweight.  Ashley has very clearly proven that the number on the scale is, just in fact, a number. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSDXPdPWznnWyPO7eo0aAUZ4CGB7tdVGHP9vXaiKg7mrVa6oeSOcSrEhpX4E_Y4VPOe5hFZ6ciwlqISm6LVdf4Rf1pe164OkWETQWIhi9PGu-ZHtOEVLWCcgTTFxASVRYKSMm308u4s4/s1600/joel+prego+fb+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSDXPdPWznnWyPO7eo0aAUZ4CGB7tdVGHP9vXaiKg7mrVa6oeSOcSrEhpX4E_Y4VPOe5hFZ6ciwlqISm6LVdf4Rf1pe164OkWETQWIhi9PGu-ZHtOEVLWCcgTTFxASVRYKSMm308u4s4/s400/joel+prego+fb+pic.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br />By no means was I ever as fit as she is right now, but I can relate to this ridicule.  Aside from my weight, I have excellent vitals.  My blood pressure is always normal and tends to even be slightly on the lower side.  My bloodwork is always as it should be (no high cholesterol, etc).  Now, perhaps age is on my side.  However, over the last 2.5 years, I've maintained a regularly active lifestyle.  And going through this pregnancy, my body has amazed me that it has actually been able to do it's normal job, despite my being overweight.  Sure, I have aches and pains, but I know what I experience is no different than what someone half my size is going through either.  I said before, I definitely never wanted to have a baby being as overweight as I was.  It didn't seem fair to my body, and certainly not to the child.  Here I am, 3.5 weeks to go, and all appears as it should be!  I am so grateful to God for this. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODx4LdQ6-f3xi31XQUCeB_OKka-_HcXWXgXG6fxaD8v5NXzHvOogIR9tWIDMUplyF5W2y7QSJscqOORZwjFCK-lHYCWu8jp1o8b4pI9n-I5quvh1NNzQ6TGQXlMMgcFAJpL5c-KmYSdY/s1600/IMG_3487-2510797688-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODx4LdQ6-f3xi31XQUCeB_OKka-_HcXWXgXG6fxaD8v5NXzHvOogIR9tWIDMUplyF5W2y7QSJscqOORZwjFCK-lHYCWu8jp1o8b4pI9n-I5quvh1NNzQ6TGQXlMMgcFAJpL5c-KmYSdY/s400/IMG_3487-2510797688-O.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Having said <i>that</i>, I had <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2013/04/weight-gain-and-pregnancy-son-of-a.html" target="_blank">another</a> bad doctor's appointment today.  I saw that same doctor today, that I saw <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2013/04/weight-gain-and-pregnancy-son-of-a.html" target="_blank">this time around</a>.  I tried to go into this appointment mentally prepared for the weight discussion.  And sure enough it happened.  It was the first thing out of her mouth.  So I asked her what the concern was with my weight gain (I had gained 7 lbs in 2 weeks).  She rattled off a list of medical terms, throwing in "fetal death" and "hardships with recovery postpartum".   These things are all risk factors with an overweight woman.  Now, part of me wants to call b-s on this.  I know that what she's saying is what <i>could</i> happen based on studies and evidence of previous pregnancies gone wrong.  But that doesn't mean that just because I'm overweight it automatically means my child will die, or I will have a hard time healing postpartum, or all of the other medical jargon she threw at me.  And I just got done saying how proud I was of my body for being so resilient.  Yet, it doesn't lessen the sting when a medical professional tells you these things.  The last thing I'd want to happen is for my child to die simply because I was overweight during their delivery. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ6Qt3GETk9dlOOFyDQNMXLMLlfi-xBXw9MPt2MCh42cvy3ok5n-IkhgPijRiKS7LMl7P1ypJ2zsu9faarlC0DcARIrXZmjy_NYvS3xmgF6sw_Z8SZDqRRM-1OQrp10aFyhRoia5Wkd0/s1600/IMG_3516-2496789867-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ6Qt3GETk9dlOOFyDQNMXLMLlfi-xBXw9MPt2MCh42cvy3ok5n-IkhgPijRiKS7LMl7P1ypJ2zsu9faarlC0DcARIrXZmjy_NYvS3xmgF6sw_Z8SZDqRRM-1OQrp10aFyhRoia5Wkd0/s400/IMG_3516-2496789867-O.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />The bottom line is, it hurts.  I know she's just doing her job.  But my being overweight has reared it's ugly head yet again.  Despite that the baby has passed all of her little tests, and I have passed all of mine (gestational diabetes, other bloodwork, etc), I'm still not good enough.  As I've said, I don't condone being overweight - as soon as she is born I cannot WAIT to return to eating normally again and getting back to exercise.  I also know that part of this is my fault for being overweight, then getting pregnant.  Still, the reality of it hurts. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQlkQSYPYDTI_Zjemliioe3WbUHYaEGdOzuYzyF9L4mEwjPKo5CO06YkIe9dpO25NMbOy3KnOQLKClEmYaJvPbVLSeYNIdplXcPRUyQF3E0pvJubuyZYgrH99u1tJJwTN0mXsc1P7zR0/s1600/IMG_3744-2514952436-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQlkQSYPYDTI_Zjemliioe3WbUHYaEGdOzuYzyF9L4mEwjPKo5CO06YkIe9dpO25NMbOy3KnOQLKClEmYaJvPbVLSeYNIdplXcPRUyQF3E0pvJubuyZYgrH99u1tJJwTN0mXsc1P7zR0/s400/IMG_3744-2514952436-O.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The appointment today ended with orders to get a "rate of growth" ultrasound.  If the baby is measuring too large at this point, I will be offered an elective c-section.  How embarrassing, and how awful of a person am I that I might have to have a c-section simply because my child is too big before the 40 week mark... and too big because of me.  How would I even make that kind of decision?  She said they'd offer it to me, but I could also just continue on to see how things go.  So, if I continue on to see how things go, and the baby goes into distress because now she's even bigger because I've waited <i>and</i> because I'm overweight, then what kind of person am I? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64SewLLOVSES8L8axu-mZmVbKimg_MPw12PZNCF1C1qDLU2InmMetgv3nMKX7ZfGhfT9_AVWKdI_x1S5Wa7hPm1dLN_LPZ7JEBHFLSkMyl8TEi4q49LuoHpJGLas9N3stCPlU1zwBo3g/s1600/IMG_3510-2510902412-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64SewLLOVSES8L8axu-mZmVbKimg_MPw12PZNCF1C1qDLU2InmMetgv3nMKX7ZfGhfT9_AVWKdI_x1S5Wa7hPm1dLN_LPZ7JEBHFLSkMyl8TEi4q49LuoHpJGLas9N3stCPlU1zwBo3g/s400/IMG_3510-2510902412-O.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />I pray nothing happens to her or to myself during these next few weeks that remain. <br /><br /><br /><i>**all photos on this post, with the exception of the first one, were professionally taken by <a href="http://www.elkinks.com/" target="_blank">Emily at Elkinks Photography</a>. </i>

Baby Busbee Pregnancy 3.5 weeks To Go!

**all photos on this post, with the exception of the first one, were professionally taken by Emily at Elkinks Photography.  It's hard for me to imagine that I am this close to the end of my pregnancy.  It truly seems just like yesterday that I found …

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7.5 Weeks to Go!

This break from Weight Watchers was exactly what I needed (not that I'd ever recommend becoming pregnant if you're burned out on your healthy eating journey!).  It has been so nice, and such a breath of fresh air, to just relax about food and not worry about every single thing I eat.<br /><br />Having said that, I'm still looking forward to being done with pregnancy and getting back to weight loss.  It's fine whenever you have a legitimate excuse - <i>I'm gaining weight because I'm pregnant</i>.  Not so much when you're <i>not </i>growing a human!<br /><br />I'm trying to take things one day at a time right now.  Over the last few weeks, I've developed heart palpitations along with a lot of cramping.  I've been under the care of a cardiologist who thinks everything is okay, but I'm still awaiting the test results from some blood work and the heart monitor I wore for 24 hrs.  I also go for an echo-cardiogram (a sonogram of the heart) next Tuesday.  Heart palpitations are something that can be normal for pregnant women due to the fact that we're pumping 50% more blood through our bodies, and also because the heart enlarges by about 12% when pregnant.  I pray that all of this checks out okay! Personally, I think much of this is due to stress, and I'm thankful that my doctor recently granted me full time work-from-home status just this week.  That is a huge burden lifted!<br /><br /><i>This is a total sidebar... but this picture below was from our baby moon to Virginia Beach a few weeks back.  Joel thought he could rent this bike and ride me around for an hour or so.  Uhhhh - who thinks he was being a little too optimistic??? He didn't make it 2 hotel lengths on the boardwalk before he was out of breath and saying "I can't do this!"  I was cracking up!  So we rented this thing for 2 hours and returned it in 15 minutes.  I had a hard time pedaling because of my belly and the awkward seating.  God love him...</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlmttDb3C2_QJ7c9lDretfj4DnrhCCL4WCEplSDTgYuwc3obhBfHBbEECiBHjEa9QGg9d9EYYU1jNW3saz98JGP8dSr6X0vEqlLZ6yOwAEWa3vQg-hBT1_qW_a2b-IKq4ELwBW-9VrHw/s1600/baby+shower+and+va+beach+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlmttDb3C2_QJ7c9lDretfj4DnrhCCL4WCEplSDTgYuwc3obhBfHBbEECiBHjEa9QGg9d9EYYU1jNW3saz98JGP8dSr6X0vEqlLZ6yOwAEWa3vQg-hBT1_qW_a2b-IKq4ELwBW-9VrHw/s400/baby+shower+and+va+beach+010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />While that crappy doctor that gave me a hard time about my weight gain insisted that all the cramping I was having was normal, the recent doctor's visit on Monday proved otherwise.  He thought my cervix was too short, and sent me to the hospital for more testing.  Turns out everything <i>is </i>fine, and I am definitely having cramps (proven by the fetal heart rate monitor), but not strong enough to be contractions yet.  That's all great news!  So, the mean doctor might have been right, but I feel much better knowing I've been checked out instead of someone just telling me everything is okay. <br /><br />This weekend we're having maternity pictures taken, and next weekend we will be at a baby shower in Pennsylvania!  The end of pregnancy will be here before I know it, and I'm getting very nervous about it as each day passes.  I fear the pain, and I fear I won't be able to handle it even though I do want drugs.  Some people say not to get the drugs too early. Others tell me they got it and then it wore off by the time delivery came.  Still others tell me the drugs didn't even work for them.  Too much to worry about!

Baby Busbee 7.5 Weeks to Go!

This break from Weight Watchers was exactly what I needed (not that I'd ever recommend becoming pregnant if you're burned out on your healthy eating journey!).  It has been so nice, and such a breath of fresh air, to just relax about food and not wor…

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Weight Gain and Pregnancy... son of a...

I'm not sure there is a truly a polite way to tell an overweight person that they are, in fact, overweight.  All I know is that I know I'm overweight, and I don't want to be reminded that I am, especially whenever I'm in an already vulnerable position.<br /><br />There's nothing like being told you're overweight as you're sitting in the obstetrician's office with no pants on (all for no reason, might I add!). <br /><br />I guess it was only a matter of time before this conversation occurred.  I was so proud up to this point that my baby doctor had yet to address my weight.  I figured I was doing well, not gaining too much, since they never said a word to me about it. <br /><br />It was only just last week after I had an appointment with a surgeon, over those dreadful hemorrhoids, that I learned what my current weight was - 269 lbs.  I was 240 lbs when I got pregnant.  Then I lost about 5 lbs due to the sickness.  So I've gained roughly 30 lbs so far with this pregnancy.  I was also pleasantly surprised at that number, since at my heaviest when starting this journey, I weighed in at 263 lbs. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZl1zULr-ASTjk8C89KNlqT_G3OhWkdVnFFhVUOIu6okt0WxY8-8TKvAVX91VnhbSKRql_7w8oEH8cLCR9zChLLLEzs6jzE4-tNYArpmwfipnOdsUXMEnySv9Ob-kL_1I2oI_WEpeW_I/s1600/30+weeks+pregnant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZl1zULr-ASTjk8C89KNlqT_G3OhWkdVnFFhVUOIu6okt0WxY8-8TKvAVX91VnhbSKRql_7w8oEH8cLCR9zChLLLEzs6jzE4-tNYArpmwfipnOdsUXMEnySv9Ob-kL_1I2oI_WEpeW_I/s400/30+weeks+pregnant.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br />Now, don't get me wrong.  Obviously those numbers mentioned above are nothing to celebrate.  Still, all of my blood work and vitals and tests always come back with flying colors.  My blood pressure and heart rate are always excellent (they say!), and so despite my heftiness, I thought I was doing pretty well.<br /><br />Today I went in to the doctor because I might have a urinary tract infection, though I have to wait a few days for the results.  My practice is made up of many, many doctors and midwives, so I have yet to see the same person twice.   Today, for the first time, I was not happy.  I went in complaining about sharp, shooting pain in my cervical area, along with pain in my bladder every time I stood up.  I've also been having a lot of pressure in my pelvis.  The doctor stood there, and in all of her snarkiness, basically told me that everything I was experiencing was normal.  I have even been having cramps off and on, and so I was getting really worried about what was happening.  She basically said, "You're pregnant, what did you expect?"  Well, gee, I don't know - I've never been pregnant before!<br /><br />But, apparently the more important topic on her agenda was my 4 lbs weight gain in the two weeks since I had last been there.  She said I should not be gaining any more weight between now and the delivery date!  Not that I want to gain weight, but honestly, I'm not trying to gain weight either - it's just happening.<br /><br />Now, none of this is news to me.  I know the recommended weight gain for pregnancy varies depending on your starting weight (the heavier you are, the less it should be).  Still, I can promise you that I don't sit here and gorge myself.  In fact, I have a hard enough time eating everyday as it is.  In all honesty, if it didn't make me so sick, I could go all day and not eat.  I simply do not desire food.  For the first time in my life - I DO NOT DESIRE FOOD!  Now certainly, I'm not eating healthfully either.  Too much stuff initiates heartburn and nausea so I eat whatever I can keep down.  Still, for her to say that to me was like knocking the wind out of me.  It reminded me of times as a pre-teen, going to the pediatrician and him telling me, "All you have to do is eat your fruits and vegetables and not eat junk, and you'll lose the weight."  Easy for a "civilian" to say <i>(sidenote: "civilian" is a term a former Weight Watchers leader used for naturally skinny people who don't worry much about eating and obsessing over food)</i>. <br /><br />The fact is, this doctor rubbed me the wrong way before she even got started on the weight lecture, but that sure was the cherry on top. <br /><br />Sometimes I feel like even though doctors are supposed to be the experts, they just aren't.  They don't know what it's like to be in my shoes (or any other overweight person's shoes), unless they've stood in those shoes before.  I didn't get the impression that she had - given how she bragged about giving birth to triplets despite being the "tiniest person in this entire practice - tehe".  Ugh! <br /><br />I left today's appointment feeling totally blown and defeated.  She almost made me feel like I came in for nothing, even though I'm convinced I have a UTI.  It just doesn't make me feel like I can trust someone and what they say to me, when they make a mockery out of my circumstances. <br /><br /><br />

Baby Busbee Weight Gain and Pregnancy... son of a...

I'm not sure there is a truly a polite way to tell an overweight person that they are, in fact, overweight.  All I know is that I know I'm overweight, and I don't want to be reminded that I am, especially whenever I'm in an already vulnerable positio…

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Minor Health Issues

It's been a rough last few days around these parts.  Just when I felt like this pregnancy thing wasn't so bad afterall, something else comes up that knocks me off of my feet.<br /><br />I hope that I can one day look back and laugh at how upset I am about this issue, but right now it's the only thing on my mind:  <i>I've got hemorrhoids</i>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNVg7WdjEsFX0NiOa0lsyLvxtrgYse88L7SLIjJbvf-iMY7_4f3KYfHMtgTvwzQ7U46VKMGA6Ljd1friS1cEdOQP1_SnZOeApCawaAyIogY7eutT1gBhbie1c3xqy-R1NH9WJ8Hcn3lk/s1600/392968_10104226518420094_782637460_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNVg7WdjEsFX0NiOa0lsyLvxtrgYse88L7SLIjJbvf-iMY7_4f3KYfHMtgTvwzQ7U46VKMGA6Ljd1friS1cEdOQP1_SnZOeApCawaAyIogY7eutT1gBhbie1c3xqy-R1NH9WJ8Hcn3lk/s320/392968_10104226518420094_782637460_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It was late on Wednesday while I was getting ready to go to bed that my butt started hurting.  I've had the hemms in the past so I knew what it was about, and I also knew they were highly likely during/after pregnancy.  I went to bed in a lot of pain - so much so that I could hardly fall asleep and awoke about an hour afterward in need of Tylenol.  They hurt so bad they were inducing a headache!  I've never had them THAT badly.<br /><br />Well, I got up the next day and went into work.  I immediately switched out my usual desk chair for a more comfy one, hoping that would help ease the soreness.  No such luck.  I shared the story with a coworker and she fabricated an ice pack for me to sit on - it was <i>glorious</i> and really helped me to get through the rest of the work day.  That night I went to bed with far less pain. <br /><br />Still, when I awoke on Friday, I just knew that I should try to get to the doctor if possible.  The standard over-the-counter meds weren't helping much.  Fortunately my OBGYN was able to fit me in with a 1 PM appointment.  The midwife told me she had never seen hemms quite that badly in a pregnant lady, and that even women who've already delivered don't typically get them that bad.  Great.  After consulting with the doctor, they both agreed that I should go see a gastroenterologist ASAP for a second opinion on them.  The OB sent me away with 2 prescriptions to help in the meantime, and an order of one week's worth of bedrest.  That's right, I'm pregnant and on bedrest - but not for the typical reasons! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/rmc/lowres/rmcn368l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/rmc/lowres/rmcn368l.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br />I am set to see the doctor on Wednesday, and I'm actually looking forward to it.  My main concern is that they will get worse between now and June.  Also, I am worried about what might happen after the delivery, especially if I do deliver naturally.  I would imagine they would get worse, and if so, then what?  I know that people sometimes have to have surgery on them, and who wants to have surgery on their bottom after they've just delivered a baby?  That does not seem ideal!<br /><br />My doctor insisted that the hemms are a complete result of the weight of my uterus on my colon, but I cannot help but wonder if they are due to me being overweight in general.  I mentioned having them before, and according to my doctor at that time, it was most likely due to my male-like habits at sitting on the toilet for 20 min at a time reading!  <i>(It's because your butt muscles are "at attention" when you're sitting on the toilet.  Sit too long and the muscles get aggravated, hence causing the hemms).  </i><br /><br />I've thought a lot about how being overweight has affected the pregnancy.  In general, I don't think it has much, with the exception of buying maternity clothes.  Despite the number on the scale, my vitals have always pointed toward a perfectly healthy individual - excellent blood pressure, excellent blood work, strong heart rate, etc.  I think I owe a lot of that to my previously active lifestyle. <br /><br />However, when it comes to something like this, that I know can also be as a result of being overweight, I cannot help but wonder if it would've been different had I not been so heavy and pregnant.  It's hard to say.  I know many other women who are my age and are pregnant right now, who are not overweight, and who are experiencing some of the same issues I've had (such as hip pain when sleeping) and the hemms.  Still, I'm sure age is also on my side, and I know that once this baby makes her debut, I cannot wait to start the journey at removing the weight. <br /><br />Pregnancy is a hard enough physical journey as it is - there is no sense in adding anymore unnecessary baggage, if you get my drift!

Baby Busbee Overweight Pregnancy Minor Health Issues

It's been a rough last few days around these parts.  Just when I felt like this pregnancy thing wasn't so bad afterall, something else comes up that knocks me off of my feet.I hope that I can one day look back and laugh at how upset I am about this i…

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Projects Before Baby Arrives

I have a few things that I want to accomplish before the baby arrives. <br /><br /><b>1. Daycare:</b> Many have warned us that we have to start as soon as possible in order to get ourselves on the waiting lists.  Just like I did with wedding planning, I'm procrastinating hardcore on this task.  It just seems complicated - choosing the right childcare for our kid, and hoping that you're getting your money's worth for the care they provide.  We're also in an unusual position where we won't necessarily ever need childcare a full 5 days/week.  I know that daycares don't allow you to pick and choose, so we're also considering a nanny.  Decisions, decisions.<br /><br /><b>2. Knitting:</b> I've always wanted to learn how to knit and what better time than now?  Especially since I'm not currently taking nursing classes, I have much more free time.  My neighbor, Amelia, got me started with the basic knit stitch, and so I've decided to proceed with that - constructing a lavender baby blanket for the little lady.  So far I have just 5 squares done.  It takes me forever!  Amelia has promised to help me stitch the squares together once I'm ready.  I have 35 more squares to go - I hope I can make it in time!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m5AdrV0yqKRTbs3HgYAbBOy1y_ftOcIosA19Bw-b19yePcOZ7xeXxH2d0C3-ftUq8BAjPvns7PG1NNHuiyuI579KfXaT_SEXWqbutsxQaiweEbrGN6E2j0zGU3HB70459cCneRkR2Y0/s1600/knitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0m5AdrV0yqKRTbs3HgYAbBOy1y_ftOcIosA19Bw-b19yePcOZ7xeXxH2d0C3-ftUq8BAjPvns7PG1NNHuiyuI579KfXaT_SEXWqbutsxQaiweEbrGN6E2j0zGU3HB70459cCneRkR2Y0/s400/knitting.jpg" usa="true" width="300" /></a></div><br />I hope to work up to <a href="http://www.nothankstocake.com/" target="_blank">Kelly's</a> level where I can actually read/follow a pattern and do more than just a simple baby blanket.<br /><b>3. Getting rid of stuff:</b>  We've been diligently cleaning out our spare bedroom (and the whole condo!) to convert it into a nursery.  So far we've made great progress, but there are still some big ticket items that need to go.  I've listed our old desk on Craigslist, and I have an entire Rubbermaid tote FILLED with books I've already read.  Those have been <a href="http://shops.half.ebay.com/hilaryjp248_W0QQmZbooks" target="_blank">listed on Half.com</a>. (Most of them are super cheap too - just 75 cents!)<br /><br /><b>4. Nursery Furniture:</b>  We already have the <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Graco-Stanton-4-in-Convertible-Crib-Your-Choice-Finish-and-Kolcraft-Mattress-Set/23133666" target="_blank">crib</a>, but we need to get the remaining furniture.  I'm not big on changing tables - they just don't seem like a practical piece of furniture - so I'd prefer to get a 6-drawer dresser that can serve as both the changing table and dresser.  Still, it's hard to find a 6-drawer dresser that isn't more than $500.  We're not trying to invest too much into this furniture, since we will be moving again sometime in the future, and who knows how many more times, and I don't want to have anything super nice that will just get knocked around in future moves. <br /><br /><b>5. Photography: </b> I've always had an interest in photography, but now that I have a DSLR I really want to take full advantage of all it can do.  I took an online class last summer via a LivingSocial deal (it was so-so), but I want to do more.  I have a photography book I want to get through, as well as tackle some more techniques in both Photoshop and Lightroom.  I like taking pictures of people, not scenes or objects, so it's been kind of tough finding people to practice on.  BUT, soon I will have a great subject to practice on and I can't wait :). <br /><br /><strong>6. Financials:</strong>  My parents set me up with a life insurance policy a long time ago, but it wasn't doing so well and they finally cashed it in and gave me the money.  Now that I'm married, Joel and I really need to get a policy established and I'd like to get an education fund started for the baby.  One of the greatest gifts I've ever been given was having my college education paid in full for me thanks to my generous parents!  I want to be able to do the same for my child.  I do welcome input on this area - do you have an investment company that you work with that works well?<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #674ea7;">Do you have any big things you're trying to check off your to-do list between now and when the summer months start?</span></strong>

Baby Busbee Projects Before Baby Arrives

I have a few things that I want to accomplish before the baby arrives. 1. Daycare: Many have warned us that we have to start as soon as possible in order to get ourselves on the waiting lists.  Just like I did with wedding planning, I'm procrastinati…

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27 Weeks

Here's something unbelievable to me: I'm now 27 weeks pregnant!  This also means I have just 1 trimester left to go before the little girl makes her debut.   People told me this would go by fast, but I really cannot believe how quickly it has!  <br /><br />I've been trying to take a belly picture every other week to capture the growth.  I think in the beginning this was ideal, since it didn't appear that much was really happening at all.  Now, I'm so glad I took the pictures because when I compare a picture from 19 weeks vs. 26 weeks - holy moly!  I've grown!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh820Hv8jx2ufHN-RdoFfZeQ5hpj1EZS3gShs6icu8B4a8uw_HEiNZqTGpg1KNT82Jrn_l96b1jllAQfYP5RuxQwSLDZ5UoWgVi1AmtbkQfhH_zlsRyw3mcFofYdVay9qTj7OtvTRP-oMo/s1600/19+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh820Hv8jx2ufHN-RdoFfZeQ5hpj1EZS3gShs6icu8B4a8uw_HEiNZqTGpg1KNT82Jrn_l96b1jllAQfYP5RuxQwSLDZ5UoWgVi1AmtbkQfhH_zlsRyw3mcFofYdVay9qTj7OtvTRP-oMo/s400/19+weeks.jpg" ssa="true" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakDBSaPCUyqhPRmtPhZXrO6nr02zpPBdFJ1uTVd3BQD4Inn689Xm6PhjgoKYeJGOsi-9v5CwGaKKEW_mIhJZPnzPPJ6WV5kv_Ct2yCIbgXVLMlV8dFp9t7SDY4_cDhJGsbXLEsYrMRA8/s1600/26+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakDBSaPCUyqhPRmtPhZXrO6nr02zpPBdFJ1uTVd3BQD4Inn689Xm6PhjgoKYeJGOsi-9v5CwGaKKEW_mIhJZPnzPPJ6WV5kv_Ct2yCIbgXVLMlV8dFp9t7SDY4_cDhJGsbXLEsYrMRA8/s400/26+weeks.jpg" ssa="true" width="295" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">26 weeks - giving Kim Kardashian a run for her money<br />in the hiney department!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Last weekend we visited one of my favorite parks near Joel's childhood home.  It's a park that sits along an inlet of the Potomac River in Maryland.  I wanted him to take some pictures with the "fancy camera", but then I realized I forgot to put the memory card back in it.   I hate to be that person that blames things on "pregnancy brain", but if I don't say or do something <em>as soon</em> as the thought enters my mind, it is gone just that quickly.  Alas, we had to settle for iPhone pics, which weren't too bad.  <br /><br />I know time is going to continue to fly between now and June.  My goodness, it's already practically the last week of March!   We have many weekends booking up between now and June and that is going to bring the little girl here before we know it.   We're taking a "babymoon" to Virginia Beach in mid-April (though we'd rather be going some place truly warm - like FL!).  I'm also proud to say that I scheduled a maternity photo-shoot with <a href="http://www.elkinks.com/" target="_blank">Emily from Elkinks</a> for the beginning of May.  Yes, I am a plus-size pregnant lady, but I'm not going to let that hold me back from documenting this little girl's journey into the world.   I've done that far too many times with other things in my life.  Emily will also be doing our newborn shots, and those I most definitely cannot wait for!<br /><br />I'm excited for my first baby shower, which is happening April 6.   I have to admit, I am feeling a little down about it though - 20 people were invited and less than half can make it :(.   Still, I have 3 more showers after this one to help prepare us for the little girl!  My office is hosting one during a lunch hour in mid-April, my mom is hosting one in May back in PA, and my mother-in-law is hosting one in MD the following weekend.   I hope we get a lot of the essentials for the little lady.  Our big ticket item is really just the stroller/carseat combo.   Everything else is just going to be "nice to have".  <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #674ea7;">If you are a mom, did you do a formal maternity photo shoot? Why or why not? </span></strong>

Baby Busbee 27 Weeks

Here's something unbelievable to me: I'm now 27 weeks pregnant!  This also means I have just 1 trimester left to go before the little girl makes her debut.   People told me this would go by fast, but I really cannot believe how quickly it has!  I've …

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Did I Tell You?

<br />It's a girl!!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSc05qOvRcY-DyBq1pGKLbZ1yuK39w-FnVoY_HTiaYd1SNXHhdqmwMnpynvdZZrjnFv-rOxY4xV-3X48SzUzOmUDrlFiz2DZjjVOAw_QUVwPw-T4zsPkOSEETDDN4-TNmPUysrIsAShto/s1600/baby+busbee+12+wks+no+PII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSc05qOvRcY-DyBq1pGKLbZ1yuK39w-FnVoY_HTiaYd1SNXHhdqmwMnpynvdZZrjnFv-rOxY4xV-3X48SzUzOmUDrlFiz2DZjjVOAw_QUVwPw-T4zsPkOSEETDDN4-TNmPUysrIsAShto/s400/baby+busbee+12+wks+no+PII.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12 weeks</td></tr></tbody></table> Yes, we are having ourselves a sweet, little lady.  Now, obviously there has to be a story that goes along with this.  As Joel would say, "You can't simply give the facts - you have to tell it as a 'story'".  I like to think of it as a gift!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Cutting to the chase, however, I did want a boy.  We both did.  In fact, I'd always said that should I ever get pregnant one day, I was convinced that I would only make boys.  I like boy things and I love the idea of having a mommy's boy.  I love my little almost-2 year old nephew so much (not that I don't also love my niece, but he is just special to me as a little man!) and felt such a repoire with him - I felt like I would only ever produce boys.  Yes, I know this is crazy-talk.  I know we don't get to pick and choose!  But, I was dreamin'!<br /><br />Even after learning of the pregnancy, I was still convinced it was a boy.  During my last appointment for 2012, the doctor said I could learn the gender on February 4, and the countdown began!  I could not WAIT.  I was so anxious the day of the appointment that Joel had to take a break from holding my hand because of how sweaty it was.  I warned him it would get slick :).<br /><br />The ultrasound tech began to perform the full anatomy scan as we anxiously awaited our fate.  Joel and I both discussed ahead of time that since we didn't want to have a child in the first place, it would probably be a girl since we especially wanted a boy!  Yes, the G-man continues to test us and remind us that this is <b>His </b>plan, not ours!  Sure enough, our lady confirmed the gender as a girl.  Joel said the moisture from my hands was immediately sucked dry and the look on my face was somber.  Yeah, it's true.  I cried during the ultrasound. <br /><br />I had the boy's life already planned for him - the bedding/theme picked out.  His name.  All of his little clothes I couldn't wait to get for him.  I wouldn't even so much as glance at girl stuff in the stores because I just KNEW we were having a boy.  Wrong!<br /><br />After the u/s appt was over, I had my monthly appointment immediately following it, where they confirmed that the baby looked as it should for this timeframe, and that because she was so active they had a hard time accounting for all her fingers and toes.  The tech literally could not count each individual digit because of how active she was.  Still, I'm not worried about her, and if she comes out with a finger or toe missing - then we'll count our blessings!  Worse things could happen.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzBmfKbCH9dQIykYCCIaQ9gxfUE2C0gTcahuiZbUGLPR9F2iyQjZnO-N1Lek4RTJgdWkXkpeUVuJ6fxfS_Gl95qCbX8nvZbUvnrQpiRwENrIbbKfeKcIJkuiyrlgyorEdZ7IO9CjNv4I/s1600/baby+girl+20+weeks+2+no+PII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzBmfKbCH9dQIykYCCIaQ9gxfUE2C0gTcahuiZbUGLPR9F2iyQjZnO-N1Lek4RTJgdWkXkpeUVuJ6fxfS_Gl95qCbX8nvZbUvnrQpiRwENrIbbKfeKcIJkuiyrlgyorEdZ7IO9CjNv4I/s400/baby+girl+20+weeks+2+no+PII.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">20 weeks - I <3 her so much already :)</td></tr></tbody></table>Joel tried his best to cheer me up.  Initially, I said that once we found out that we were, in fact, having a boy, that we would stop by Carter's on the way home so I could pick up some crab-themed outfits <i>(Joel is from Maryland - the blue crab capital of the world! - and hence the baby's to-be theme)</i>.  I just didn't have it in me to go to Carter's to shop for girl clothes, but Joel convinced me we had to.  And as we walked into the store, there on a display table right directly in front of us was a little gift from God: little girl outfits with both crabs and fish all over them<i> (Joel is a HUGE fisherman - he has his own <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/jbusbee83?feature=watch">fishing YouTube channel</a> - and this was part of the fantasy of having a boy - so that he could be his daddy's fishing buddy.  Yes I know girl's can fish too.  But a fantasy is a fantasy.)</i>.  I was SO happy!  You have to realize that I've been in Carter's several times just fantasy shopping since we found out about the pregnancy, and I have NEVER seen these outfits there before.  We literally bought every single thing  that had a fish or crab on it for our daughter.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUi6hteM4zGfjtPoYxgZynAxL3UGi6DEm1vAr2j0oMInt3TVHpsMCQ88N5_Ec9m3ceBz9ZJbZqLG2kr6zkO7tSLpnNfZYFZ0wV3kHkHsOwSdDNpd1toVo4J8JtCH1I6CJ_1t0BQ6mVhY/s1600/baby+buzz+23+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUi6hteM4zGfjtPoYxgZynAxL3UGi6DEm1vAr2j0oMInt3TVHpsMCQ88N5_Ec9m3ceBz9ZJbZqLG2kr6zkO7tSLpnNfZYFZ0wV3kHkHsOwSdDNpd1toVo4J8JtCH1I6CJ_1t0BQ6mVhY/s400/baby+buzz+23+weeks.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">24 weeks</td></tr></tbody></table>Now that more time has passed, and I've had the opportunity to do a little more shopping for the little lady, I'm much more excited about our future with her.  She already has a nicely stocked closet filled with clothes, and I've been slowly buying diapers in all sizes.  Plus, every single day the little lady is hard at work squirming around in there - and it's such a comfort feeling her movements throughout the day.  Joel has not yet been able to feel her (I'm now 24 weeks) but hopefully it won't be long before he can!   <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">What was your favorite part about being pregnant?  What was your reaction when you found out what you were having?</span></b><br />

Baby Busbee Did I Tell You?

It's a girl!!12 weeks Yes, we are having ourselves a sweet, little lady.  Now, obviously there has to be a story that goes along with this.  As Joel would say, "You can't simply give the facts - you have to tell it as a 'story'".  I like to think of …

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The Positive Side to Pregnancy

Now, there have been a few wins.  <br /><br />In terms of food, I went from not being able to stand chocolate of any kind, to eating it like I normally would (binging), and now I've progressed to eating it in moderation.  Though, I'm still not overly crazy about chocolate like I once was.  I would honestly be okay if this food aversion stuck with me post pregnancy - chocolate is a HUGE downfall of mine!  While I'm not eating the best, most nutritious of foods, there are still a ton of foods that I simply cannot eat because they are unappealing, and thus would make me sick (french fries, greek yogurt, mac & cheese, chicken soup, granola bars, the list goes on!).  <br /><br />Another huge win - automatic portion control!  I cannot overeat <em>anything</em>.  I get too full too quickly.  Not only that, but I'm pretty much satisfied once I've had a taste of whatever food I was desiring.  I went through a phase with candy, mainly sour candy.  As much as I love the sour taste of Sour Patch Kids or Sour Gummy Worms in my mouth, if I eat too many of them I'm sick.  I have been on a huge candy/sweetness kick, but my body is definitely letting me know that despite what my tongue is desiring, my belly nor baby does not appreciate it!  <br /><br />Another example is that of Girl Scout Cookies.  Joel brought me a box of Thin Mints, Tag Alongs, and Samoas.  My pre-pregnancy self would have been shaking with anticipation of busting in to those puppies.  <em>But</em>, I had 2 Tag Alongs as soon as I opened the box and that was enough for me.  I even ended up not being able to finish the entire box of Samoas because I grew tired of them, so.... <em>holy crap</em>... I threw them away!!   What a powerful feeling when you gain that kind of control over food - throwing something away that was once so incredibly desirable I couldn't WAIT to eat it! I find that with every single thing I eat I only want a small portion of it, then I'm done.  This must be what it feels like for normal people when eating?  I mean, I didn't have strong desires for the cookies and I didn't even want to binge on them.  I just had a few and that was all I needed.  <br /><br />I truly, <em>truly</em> hope this, almost mindful, way of eating sticks with me post pregnancy.<br /><br />Some other non-food related wins to being pregnant is what many people refer to as "nesting".  I think that word sounds so idiotic.  It's supposed to refer to the feelings you and your partner get when preparing for the baby - having a desire to clean and organize and just ready your home for the new arrival.  When I think of "nesting", I think of the bird's nest that these little barn swallows would build every year on my parents patio - and it would cause a huge mess of both poop and nest debris!  So how is that even related?  Either way, I've been taking full advantage of these feelings to clean and organize our entire condo.  And by clean, I don't mean simply vacuuming and dusting.  I mean tearing every single inch of our belongings upside down and cleaning/reorganzing them!  Goodwill has seen many-a-donation from us these days!  We live in a 2 bedroom/2 bath condo that we rent.  Since the baby is due June 22, and our lease is up June 15, we're just going to renew for another year to alleviate the added stress of moving pre-delivery.  But, we've quickly learned how tight it's going to be to now have a third person with a third person's belongings in this space.  It has forced us to get very creative with our organizational skills. <br /><br />Another pregnancy win has been my desire to get creative and crafty.  Since I've taken a temporary hiatus from nursing school, the amount of time I have available to me is glorious!  I've always wanted to learn how to knit, and so I decided I wanted to make a baby blanket for the little one.  With the help of my very special friend and neighbor, she kindly offered to teach me, and I've been well on my way to creating several squares for the blanket.  Now, right now I've only learned the knit stitch - not purling - so I'm just doing a very basic and simple blanket for now.  As time goes on I'd love to expand on this new craft and learn how to read a pattern, as well as purl, but I wanted to set the bar very low for this initial project :).  <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">What were some positive experiences you had while pregnant?  Also, do you have any must-have recommendations for a baby registry?</span></strong><br />

Baby Busbee The Positive Side to Pregnancy

Now, there have been a few wins.  In terms of food, I went from not being able to stand chocolate of any kind, to eating it like I normally would (binging), and now I've progressed to eating it in moderation.  Though, I'm still not overly crazy about…

Read more »

What I've Been Eating

<br />Today I'm going to talk about my eating habits since getting pregnant.<br /><br />Now, you might think that since I've expressed so much worry about gaining baby weight, that I must be eating super healthy, remaining conscientious of every single thing I put into my mouth.  Noooooooooooo.<br /><br />It's not that I couldn't continue to follow Weight Watchers.  In fact, my midwive encouraged it - saying I would just need to add a few extra Points to my day.  However, this really has never been a possibility at all.<br /><br />Since the very beginning of this pregnancy, I have had more food aversions than food cravings.  At first, I lost a few pounds simply because I had the hardest time eating.  Absolutely nothing appealed to me, and every. single. day. sucked.  Trying to abide by Weight Watchers Points+ was my last concern.  I knew I had to be eating something each day, and so I just ate whatever I could tolerate.  Most of the time, they were not healthy choices I was typically accustomed to.  Oatmeal? Forget it!  Eggs?  No thank you! Yogurt? Gag. Me. Now!  Still, I felt a tremendous amount of guilt for veering so drastically off my WW course.  WW is practically all I've known for the last several years.  To not be worrying about what food I ate next and how many Points+ it was felt foreign to me.  I finally had to accept that the pregnancy was only going to be for 9 months, and not forever, and then I'd resume as normal. <br /><i><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: #666666;">I'm going to make a very obvious statement, but I believe sometimes people don't truly realize what they're saying.  Every pregnant lady's journey is different, just like that of weight loss.  So even if you and I both experienced the DREADFUL "morning sickness" throughout our entire pregnancies, what worked for you might not necessarily work for me and vice versa.  When others have told me to simply "Just eat healthy and you'll be fine" I want to scream.  It's not that simple for me.  It's not that I don't want to eat healthy.  I actually want to eat healthy now more than I did when trying to lose weight.  I want to provide my child with the most optimal of nutrition.  However, I am at the mercy of whatever my body can not puke up at this point, and that my friends, does not leave me with many options!  So with that said, I'll continue...</span></i><br /><br />Honestly, the more I think about it, the more I realize how much I detested food in general those first 3 months.  I just did not want to eat but I knew I had to, not only for the benefit of the baby, but because not eating made the sickness even worse.  I think those were the hardest moments of my life thus far.  As I said before, there was so much change, overnight, that trying to adapt to those changes was really getting the best of me.  I did a lot of crying because I felt so physically awful, and I just wanted it all to go away.  I felt like a helpless child.  In terms of food, I could hardly stand to pour myself a bowl of cereal without gagging, much less trying to cook any type of meal.  Joel was unbelievably supportive, as was my workplace and friends and family.  I am tearing up now just reflecting on those first few months.  It was truly horrible for me.       <br /><br />Now, 5.5 months into this pregnancy, not much has really changed in terms of eating habits.  While the intensity of my sickness has died down considerably, there are still many foods that gag me at the mere sight of them, much less smelling them cooking. Overall, the most consistent food group I've enjoyed while pregnant has been pasta.  The pasta and red sauce just really seemed to soak up the sickness in my belly.   My eating patterns have transitioned from force-feeding myself to finding one food that I currently enjoy, and thus eating it over and over and over again.  Daily.  I've done this with pasta, pizza, sauerkraut, and currently, Boston Market.  <br /><br />Having said all of that, I still struggle daily with every meal.  For example, Joel made these delicious lasagna wraps last week that I devoured for dinner one night.  He packed them for my lunch the next day.  Then, everyday thereafter I toted that same container of lasagna wraps back and forth to the office.  I had no desire for them at all after that.  On Joel's days off, he will text me in the morning asking what I'd like for dinner.  Even if I can manage to come up with something, by the time I get home and he's prepared it, I don't want it.  It truly makes me feel terrible when this happens, and it's happened more times than not.  He's just spent his precious time preparing a meal, and I just don't want it at all.  The bottom line is, I've wasted so much food since being pregnant and I feel awful about it.  I've wasted a ton of Joel's time, him spent preparing a meal that I ultimately cannot tolerate eating.   <br /><br />The bottom line is that food is more of a struggle for me than ever before.  Yes, even pre-pregnancy.  I know that God is going to continue to reveal all the reasons why me being a parent is part of His plan.  I truly believe going through the pregnancy process is going to have many lessons learned in regard to my future weight loss journey.  I thought my battle with food before was difficult.  That was nothing by comparison!   <br /><div><br /></div>

Baby Busbee What I've Been Eating

Today I'm going to talk about my eating habits since getting pregnant.Now, you might think that since I've expressed so much worry about gaining baby weight, that I must be eating super healthy, remaining conscientious of every single thing I put int…

Read more »