From whale to fox

Earlier I wrote about how much of a heifer I feel like lately.

Well, in the interest of making lemonade out of lemons, I thought I'd post this story about how sexy Alicia Keys looked at last night's BET Awards -- belly bump and all.

Here's a taste:

"Instead of looking at the body you used to have, think about the one you have now. The added curves, and defined breasts, can be a blessing instead of a curse. Pregnancy hormones also give you thicker hair, longer nails, and glowing skin. Use those new looks to your advantage!"

OK. I'm getting there mentally.

Ellie's the size of a squash, I feel like a whale

While I've gained the appropriate amount of weight so far for my size, I am feeling tremendously heavy at the moment.

Adding insult to injury is the fact that M and I are taking our maternity pictures Wednesday! Usually before such big events where a camera will be focused mostly me (i.e. my wedding, graduation, etc.) I go on a crash diet and hit the tanning bed. Not options for this upcoming photo shoot, although I will be using bronzing lotion tonight and tomorrow in preparation for my close-up.

Sorry if I sound shallow. You've probably already tuned out, but I just have to add that taking bad pictures isn't my only source of anxiety right now. My house is in ruins (although I do appreciate the amount of work M put into it this past weekend), my ankles are swollen (can you say cankles?), I haven't exercised in weeks and I'm really starting to feel the reality of this baby coming despite my not being prepared for her yet. Will I ever feel prepared? Is it like one of those things that people tell you about it never being a perfect time to conceive?

I have to believe M and I will be amazing parents. In my heart I really do feel that. I guess that's all that matters. Dust and clutter and cankles are fleeting, right?

xoxoL

Oregon shower pictures

Holy swollen ankles!

My ankles are out of control.











Seriously, it looks like I suffered a severe sprain! And yes, my bare foot is propped on my work desk in this picture. Don't judge! I had to put my feet up!

According to babycenter.com, what I'm experiencing is edema - when excess fluid collects in your tissue.

So, I'm retaining more water and my growing uterus is also putting pressure on my pelvic veins and vena cava (the large vein on the right side of the body that carries blood from your lower limbs back to the heart). The pressure slows the return of blood from my legs, causing it to pool, which forces fluid from my veins into the tissues of my feet and ankles.

babycenter.com tells me that I can help relieve the increased pressure on my veins by lying on my side and that since the vena cava is on the right side of your body, left-sided rest works best.

The site also said the swelling will go down after Eleanor is born because I'll shed the excess water weight. Cool. Pregnancy is sweet, right?

Back from vacation

Hi everyone.

Well, M and I have returned from our whirlwind, bi-coastal vacation and I'm happy to report that it was a great time all around.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in both Oregon and Massachusetts for our baby showers. A special "thank you" must be expressed to Carole and Carolyn, my mother-in-law and mom, who put together two amazing parties! Em and Jess also played a major role in making sure things went off without a hitch in Boston so thank you lovely ladies too.

I'll post pictures soon of all the cute onesies, dresses, toys, blankets and quilts we received as well as some shots of M and I exploring and enjoying our surroundings.

Coming up next week I'll have my last 4D ultrasound and M and I are also going to take our maternity pictures.

Have a great Monday!

xoxoL

Note to myself

Dear universe,

Thank you for challenging and testing me every day and forcing me to be patient with the unveiling of what I'm sure are your well thought out processes and plans.

Lily

Let's keep it positive, OK?

Because I'm starting to feel some anxiety about my impending labor and delivery, I am putting out a call to all moms who have some good stories to tell.

They can be about your personal experience or you can borrow a friend's story. Heck, make it up if you want! I don't care. I love fiction and non-fiction equally.

I just need to know that there's a possibility that this isn't going to be as bad as I've heard it is.

In the mean time, here's a list of "birth surprises" I found on a site called Babycenter.com that kind of made me smile.

Braxton Hicks

Braxton Hicks contractions are the body's way of preparing for labor.

At least that's what I've been reading.

Though I haven't had too many of these suckers during my pregnancy (I really only felt my first one about two weeks ago) they have been coming more frequently as of late.

Midwife Julie says if I feel than six of them in an hour I should call her straight away. That hasn't happened, thank goodness.

To me, Braxton Hicks' feel like a mild period pain. My stomach gets rock hard to the touch and there's just a slight discomfort.

Honestly, I kind of like them. Sshh, don't tell M because he gets all worried and cute and sympathetic when I'm having one. My favorite thing about them is they are telling me that I am normal, my body is doing what it should be and that my sweet angel will be making her appearance soon.

While the latter part scares the bajesus out of me (I've developed an anxiety about labor and delivery), I know that beautiful, joyous things await M and I when it's over.

So, I'll let everyone know as soon as my practice contractions turn into the real thing. I'm in week 29 now so it won't be too much longer.

xoxoL

Can new dads get postpartum depression?

According to a recently released study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, new dads might be equally at-risk for what is usually called postpartum depression (PPD) in mothers.

Here's what the National Alliance on Mental Illness released in a recent article:

"According to NPR, the JAMA study reveals that as many 10 percent of men whose partners are pregnant experience an onset of depression anywhere from three months prior to the baby's birth up to the child's first birthday. The incidence of depression in new fathers is twice the typical rate of depression in men and also corresponds with the rate of postpartum depression in women."

If you think about it, there's logic behind this. A new baby comes into the house. Excitement ensues, but so do anxiety and sleepless nights. Sprinkle in some chaos and a touch of fear and you've got yourself a recipe for a freak out don't you think?

Would I go so far as to say dads can develop PPD on a hormonal level like studies suggest most women who suffer from PPD do? Maybe not, but at the very least more research should be done.

Either way, depression is a serious issue that when left untreated can have a dire impact on the health and well-being of the family. I know I've put out the call to my loved ones to be aware of my mental state following Eleanor's birth since PPD runs in my family.

Thoughts on this?

xoxoL

4D ultrasound pictures are in

Morgs and I visited Baby Waves this afternoon to have Ellie's picture taken. Here are the results:























Isn't she precious? Video to follow.

xoxoL