Happy Birthday -- You Have Gestational Diabetes!

As of Thursday, I'm officially the big 28. As of Thursday, I was also diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, I went to have m 3-hour Glucose Tolerance Test I mentioned in my last post. With 3GTT, you have your finger pricked when you first arrive at the doctor's office to have your fasting blood sugar reading taken. Mine was 83 -- less than 90 is good. Then, they make you drink twice as much of the thick, sugary drink as you have to with the 1-hour test. An hour later, they prick your finger again for the 1-hour reading. Mine was 222 -- less than 160 is good. Then another hour passes, another finger prick, and my 2 hour reading was 160 -- less than 140 is good. I didn't even have to stay for the last finger prick b/c I'd already failed...again. I was quite upset at first as I'd done very little research on GD prior to the test b/c I just knew that I wouldn't have it; I didn't fit the profile. Well, apparently half of the women who are diagnosed with this (normally) temporary condition do not fit the profile either. GD is one of the more common conditions associated with pregnancy. Basically, your pancreas can't make enough insulin to break down the sugars in your body thus resulting in high blood sugar. I've learned that by my having this condition, my child has a greater likelihood of being overweight and getting Type 2 (Adult-onset) Diabetes later in life. I too now have a greater (20%) chance of becoming diabetic. However, by maintaining an active lifestyle and eating right -- both of which I''ve always pretty much done -- this permanent condition can be avoided.

I met with the doctor on my birthday (after having a small piece of birthday cake with very little icing), and she gave me the news. Basically, I just have to tweak my diet a little bit, quit my coke habit (I was only having one every few days anyway), take my blood sugar 4 times a day -- first thing in the morning and two hours after every meal, and keep a food diary of everything I eat and drink. I also have to incorporate more snacks into my diet, which I was doing on a sporadic basis, but now I have to be more consistent with it -- fruits, peanut butter and crackers, etc.). I started this yesterday and my blood sugar readings have been very good so far. I should only have to do this until the baby arrives, then this condition should go away on its own. However, until then, I'm considered "high-risk" and starting with week 32 of my pregnancy, I'll get to have weekly ultrasounds to monitor the baby's growth to make sure he doesn't get to herculean porportions as having a big baby is one of the potential side effects of GD. :)

Last weekend was Mom's wedding. The church was filled to capacity with well-wishers, family, and friends. Mama and David both seemed very happy and relaxed throughout the whole thing. Rachel, Brad, and I (and our significant others) met David's two boys the night before the ceremony. The apple didn't fall far with either of them as they both seemed every bit as nice and polite as their father. We were able to visit with everyone -- friends, family, people we didn't know -- throughout the afternoon on Saturday, which was nice b/c we rarely get to see a lot of them. We had family come in from Memphis and Houston as well which was nice. Pregnant-brain Sarah forgot the camera, so I didn't take any pictures. As soon as I get my hands on some, though, I'll post them. Jessie, my bff from childhood was there with her baby Olivia, and she posted some pics if you want to see them. We're very happy for Mom and David as they seem to be a pretty good match. Welcome to the family!

That's all for now. I know my posts are long, but since I'll be going to the doctor more often, I'll have more to write about more frequently. For now, I must go get ready for a Southern Living Party at Home at my friend Racheal's house.

I've never liked failing a test...

I can count on one hand the number of times that I've actually failed a test -- any test. So you can imagine my surprise when I went in for my Glucose Tolerance Test this morning and failed. By two points. For those of you who are not familiar with how this works, you go in first thing in the morning after not eating anything for 12 hours or so. They draw your blood and check your blood sugar. My fasting blood sugar was 81 -- pretty good. Then they make you drink this thick, sugary cup of grossness, wait an hour, and test your blood again. As I'm waiting for this second test, I saw my doctor. Everything was fine. Baby appears to be growing appropriately and I'm feeling lots and lots of movement/kicking -- All. The. Time. Even in the middle of the night. The baby's heartbeat was 157. Oh, and I've gained a total of 11 pounds, which is great according to Dr. G. I go back in three weeks and then I'll start going every two weeks. Kind of scary to think that we're in the home stretch. And that in a little over 3 months, I will be shooting a human being out of my hoo-ha. Not literally of course b/c who has that kind of muscle strength. But nothing short of amazing nonetheless. Back to my visit. So I'm done with my doctor when it's time to have my blood sugar tested after drinking the orange goo and waiting an hour. The magic number was 140 or less. My blood sugar was 142. I wanted to ask the lab tech if she could just put me at 139, I was just 2 points over. But I thought better of it and besides, she probably wouldn't do it anyway. So now I have to go back next Tuesday for the 3-hour Glucose Tolerance Test. Yipee (dripping with sarcasm).

My nurse called me later on in the afternoon to give me the news. No newsflash here. The lab tech spilled the beans earlier. Additionally, I'm anemic. Again, no newsflash here since I was anemic the first time they drew my blood several months ago and have been taking an iron pill every other day ever since. She told me to continue taking my iron supplement like I have been since I can't tolerate the side effects of taking it every day. For those of you who've had to take iron, you know the side effect of which I am speaking. For those of you who don't, let's just say that it's why some people have to drink/take Metamucil...

Now to a more pleasant topic, we're just starting to clean out the office which will become the nursery. I think we've pretty much settled on a crib and already have a couple of "antiques/sentimental pieces" (a dresser and cedar-closet-turnded-bookcase) that will coordinate with the crib, now we just have to make room for it all, so we'll be rearranging some things between the current office/future nursery and the guest room and getting rid of a few dust collectors -- the futon and an armoire that are currently just taking up space. It's amazing to me that I grew up in a house with 4 other people (one of whom I grew up sharing a bedroom with) that was about the size of our current abode, and yet, our little family is quickly outgrowing our 3-bedroom, 2 bathroom home. Times have changed, I guess.

We have Mom's wedding this weekend. I hope I can still fit into my dress. I'm 95% sure that I will. I'll be sure to upload a pic of the Human Tootsie Roll (me in my brown dress) including a bonus belly pic since I haven't done one in a few weeks with the next post.

Goodbye Second Trimester...I think

So I'm not sure exactly when the second trimester ends and the third one begins. On Tuesday, I'll be 26 weeks, or just over 6 months along. Logically, it would seem that we're about to begin the home stretch. Anyway, there's not too much going on right now. I had my 10-year high school reunion last weekend. Betsey and I spent most of the day running various errands and shopping for our respective babies. We had a great time together and also at the actual reunion. I was part of the planning "committee," but then I found out we were expecting Baby Rain and got off task a little. Everything ended up being pulled together within about 2 months or so which was what we didn't want to happen, but oh well, we all have other things going on than spending monumental amounts of time planning this thing. We ended up having it at The Warehouse in Monroe (always good!). Anyway, we had about 30 of our classmates attend, which we thought was pretty good. Most of the group went out afterward to a place called "The Hookin Bull." We didn't because there was smoking, booze, and a mechanical bull -- all three of which I didn't need to be around and/or partake in. We went and played putt-putt instead and had a good time with Tyler and his fiance Karla. Scotty won (shocker).

This weekend, we had a co-ed softball tournament for which Scotty's office had a team. He's been the coach all season and everyone was really looking forward to this event due to the success they'd had throughout the regular season (5-1). Unfortunately, more than half the team was suffering from some kind of injury. Scotty was fine...that it, until he made a great hit in the top of the 6th inning. He rounded First, then Second, and on to Third where the Third base coach urged him to go on to Home. He did and ended up trying to make a heroic move to make it safely to Home. One acrobatic move through the air and he landed on his left knee which has always given him trouble. We think he just over-extended it as he landed; he is currently laying up on the couch with an ice pack, and going to take it easy for the rest of the day. Although he'd given it his all, Scotty's team still lost 7-0. His plans are to continue mourning defeat today, but begin planning their strategy and comeback for next year starting tomorrow.

The baby is about a pound and a half or close to two pounds right now, and he's a little over 9 inches from crown to rump. Pretty soon, he should be being measured from head to toe, so that'll be neat to know approximately how big he really is. He is still quite active. Scotty keeps referring to him as a little ninja which I think is an accurate depiction since he seem's pretty agile right now -- still constantly punching, and kicking, and moving around. More and more I'm able to see his punches and kicks on my belly which is cool. I go back to the doctor Wednesday morning to do the glucose test. I'm more worried about making it so long without eating than I am the actual test. Food seems to be constantly on my mind and in fact, that's what I'm about to go do -- pick up lunch for myself and my gimp-kneed hubby.

Funny things...

For the last week or so, in addition to feeling the baby kick more, I've finally started seeing the kicks/movements themselves in my belly. That's pretty cool! Baby Rain's kicks, however, are elusive to Scotty as he always seems to look away right before the baby kicks a big one. Anyway, there's not too much happening right now. Lee has been staying with us for a few days since he returned from his Under Armor internship across the US. We went out for Mexican at Casa Maria last night -- a favorite eating place for Scotty and I as it is located right across the street from our old apt. in BR. Anyway, I ordered a Coke to drink, and when the waiter brought it out, it was in a glass about half the size of a normal glass. Scotty and Lee also noticed it was slightly different in color. Before I had a chance to swig my "coke," Scotty instructed me to let him taste it first. When I gave him the glass, I noticed the color. Scotty took a sip; Lee did too. Yep, the waiter had brought me a rum and coke. #1 -- How many girls do you know that drink rum and coke? #2 -- How many pregnant gals order alcoholic drinks? Now being 23 weeks and a few days into this thing, I realize that I don't look like I'm about to pop. However, I am visibly pregnant -- to the extent that a few strangers have inquired about my status (due date, gender, etc.). The waiter was obviously oblivious to my plight and when Scotty got his attention, he swore I'd asked for it. Uh huh.

A second funny thing happened this morning as I was getting ready for my day. It was time for me to put in a new pair of contacts. For the last month or two I've noticed my vision hadn't been quite as sharp as it should be -- but only by a hair. I mentioned this to my friend Alicia, an optometrist in Shreveport, about a month ago. She confirmed what I already knew, which is that it's not uncommon for your vision to change when you're pregnant. Well, since it wasn't bothering me too much, I didn't take any action in trying to get a stornger pair of contacts. Cut to this morning. I'd put in the first contact and was about to put in the second when I noticed the prescription on the container. Yep, the last time I changed out my contacts I'd put in my old prescription and was about to do it again. What a moron. So I threw out the rest of the pack of old ones, and proceeded to put the correct prescription contacts in my eyes. Again, what a moron -- but imagine my relief that it wasn't my vision that was going bad after all...just my brain. Oh well. I'm sure there's more to follow...

Week 22...

Well, I've got 22 weeks behind me already. It really doesn't seem like I've been pregnant for over 5 months! And it really doesn't seem like I should be having a baby in 4! Time flies, I suppose. Anyway, a lot has happened since my last post. Mama, Rachel, and I did find dresses for Boo and me for the wedding. Amazingly, I found a dress for me at the first store we went to; however, Rachel did not. 9 hours and 20 stores later, we found one that would work for her and then another one for me that would coordinate. Hers is brown with large, cream-ish polka dots. Really cute. Mine is solid brown. Not only did they not have a size that would fit me in the polka-dots dress, I figured it wouldn't be appropriate for Scotty to moo at me as I walked down the aisle. Hers looks great and my solid brown, well it's good enough. :)

Even after the marathon shopping, my tailbone didn't bother me too much. It's been steadily getting better with each day. However, riding in the car for 5+ hours to Destin and back didn't do me any favors this past weekend. Laying on the beach (with sunscreen and an umbrella -- Mom and Deb) was great as was being with some of our friends. Here's a pic of the mom and dad-to-be in Destin:

And I got my hair cut. My hair guy said I could get two inches cut off and add fringe to "soften" the hair around my face. Apparently, I didn't realize how much 2 inches was nor did I realize that "fringe" was code for "bangs." Needless to say, I'm still getting used to the new 'do.

This afternoon I had a doctor's appointment. Everything went well. I've only gained 8 pounds. (YAY!) Baby Rain's hearbeat was 155 -- normal, but kind of on the faster side for a boy. As she had to kind of hold him down by pressing on my belly to get him to sit still long enough to obtain his heartrate, my doctor commented that I had a very active baby. Duh -- for the last week or so he's been kicking, punching, and flipping almost non-stop. Plus, does she know the parents of this kid -- Mr. and Mrs. Rambunctious -- well we used to be when we were kids according to our families. It's no suprise to either of us that our child is already a ball of energy and that we'll definitely have our work cut out for us when he gets here and then when he starts going places on his own. Look out world...

Finally, I gave in and bought my first pair of "fashionable" maternity pants (and a pair of jeans too). You can see them in the picture below. They are not cute, but they are so comfortable. I'm definitely going to buy a few more pairs as these are so much better than my regular pants in that a) there is no button or zipper for me to have to deal with -- or not deal with as has been the case for the last few weeks, and b) well, there is no "b," my reason "a" is the only pro to wearing these hideous things.

And, yes, I know I look tired. My doctor told me so. A client told me so. I get it. But this sleeping with a pillow is really no fun. However, it's one of my "must-haves" in order for this tailbone to get better. Incidentally, I started my PT yesterday. She said that I strained or pulled the ligaments surrounding my tailbone, prescribed me some at-home exercises to do and then I have to go back twice next week for exercising in their gym. Note to anyone going for a PT evaluation: wear proper underwear -- don't assume you get to keep all your clothes on for the whole evaluation. You don't, or at least I didn't. Perhaps it was due to the nature of my complaint (pain in tailbone). At any rate, you don't want to find yourself with the PT poking around your tailbone/lower back area face-to-face with your practically bare behind. Talk about mortifying... Oh well, before this is all said and done, I'm sure there will be much worse stuff going on than a PT seeing my butt in a thong. :)

Week 20...halfway there!

We had the "big" ultrasound this week where they take the baby's measurements and make sure everything is working as it should be. We're very blessed to say that Baby Rain appears to be in perfect working order and has "all of his parts" including his package which the nurse said he was proudly displaying. Naturally, my baby daddy/hubby was very pleased especially the part about his "display." Imagine that...a Rainwater boy who is not shy... :) Anyway, I too was pleased with everything. I didn't think to ask how big he was but according to the many weekly emails I receive from various websites, he's approaching 1 lb in weight and is 9 or so inches long. I'll go back for an exam with my doc in two weeks. However, while I was there, I asked to see anyone who could see me regarding the pain in my tailbone which finally started decreasing after laying on the heating pad for most of the weekend and sleeping with a pillow under my elevated legs.

The NP (Nurse Practicioner) said that they couldn't really do anything for the pain b/c I was doing everything they'd recommend except that I needed to take my Tylenol more frequently than once a day. She also sent orders for me to undergo a PT evalutation as a preventive measure since I was having problems so early when I'm really not carrying that much extra weight -- so that at least I can learn some proper stretching exercises in order to possibly avoid more pain later on in the pregnancy. I'm all about prevention, but the PT can't see me for another week and a half. The pain is subsiding enough that I no longer have to sit on the donut, but rather am able to shift from one side of my butt to the other but still having difficulty sitting down and rising from a chair/sitting position. Oh well, I'll just go on my beach vacay next week and not worry about anything but wearing enough sunscreen and drinking enough water.

AND, in even more exciting news -- one of my bffs (Betsey) is having a baby too! She's due in February about 3 months after Baby Rain is scheduled to arrive. We're both excited to be preggo together -- for a few more months anyway! Congrats, Betsey and Everett! Incidentally, I'm already predicting they're having a boy. Apparently girl babies are not being born to anyone I know with the exception of Jessie.

Mom and Rachel (Boo) are coming to BR this weekend and we're going shopping for Boo and I to have dresses for the wedding (Mom's). I guess she's thinking I'm gonna be hard to fit (read: hard to please), so she's basically planning everyone else's attire around what I get (read: am able to fit into). I thought that was pretty thoughtful. My MIL (Debbie) came to BR last weekend so we got to visit with her for a day or so. After shopping with Alicia two weekends ago, with Deb last weekend, and with my mom and sister this weekend, my bank account is going to need a vacation! That's about all that's going on. I'm waiting on Scotty to get home from work. We're having Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for supper, which is probably not part of his P90X healthy eating plan, but it sounds really good to me right now, so that's what we're going with!

Back Pain

As I was getting ready for work on Wednesday, I sneezed and felt a "pop" at the base of my tailbone. Standing up didn't seem to be too much of a problem. However, sitting down and getting up from sitting down was uncomfortable to say the least. I called my doctor around lunchtime just to make sure nothing sounded out of the ordinary. It wasn't, as the tailbone tends to have a lot of pressure on it at this point during the pregnancy. My options were to take Tylenol or use a heating pad or both. I went for option 3 -- taking a nice, hot bath after work. That helped, but I was still uncomfortable on Thursday. You really don't realize how many times during the day you get up from sitting only to sit down again a couple minutes later.

Then today came. It's been the worst day so far as far as being uncomfortable and in slight pain. I'd been resisting the Tylenol but finally Scotty convinced me to take it. That was a few hours ago and it's not helping much. Standing up and walking around isn't too bad, so now I'm trying to get multi-task more than usual when I stand up so that I'm not getting up and down, up and down all the time. If you experienced this "normal" tailbone pain and found a remedy that either lessened it or got rid of it altogether, please let me know. I'm hoping and praying that this isn't some kind of payback for having such a pleasant first half of pregnancy and that I don't have 5 more months of this...