Missing that former life

It's amazing how things in your life can change in an instant. Other than the occasional boredom, I have been content with being a stay at home mom to Layla. Today I visited my former school, and I realized just how much I miss everyone and teaching. It was bitter sweet seeing my classroom inhabited by another teacher. On one hand it's nice to see the room where you spent so much time and grew so much as a teacher, but on the other hand you feel territorial because you still feel like it is your room, and someone else is there with your things.
It was bittersweet seeing my old students. My heart swelled with pride when they squealed my name in excitement as soon as I walked into the building--wanting to jump out of their seats--but their allegiance to their new teacher kept them seated. It is nice to be remembered. It is amazing to be remembered, especially in young minds. Since I have been home, I have seen a student here and there, and they always come to say hi, but being in a school with many students shouting your name makes you feel like a celebrity for a day. :-) It was so nice to catch up with my former coworkers too. I really needed this today because I have been feeling...blah.
This pregnancy has been so much different than when I was pregnant with Layla. I already feel as if I am falling apart. Pubic symphysis disorder has already kicked in, my hips give out, my elbows ache, my knees ache, and my tailbone has to be soaked nightly. I am also "showing" a lot earlier than last time. I don't look pregnant yet, but my weight has started to redistribute itself to my stomach already, making it necessary for me to wear maternity shirts. I get nauseous a lot, but don't vomit as much.
I go back to the doctor on Feb 18, and may possibly be able to find out the gender of this baby. Tim and I are both hoping for another little girl, but since this child will complete our family, a boy will be fine.

First u/s

I'd like to discuss the most important element of yesterday's u/s first. I GAINED TWO POUNDS!! After I gave my urine sample, the MA said the dreaded words, "I need you to go ahead and step on the scale." I take off my shoes in a misguided attempt to make myself weigh less and step on the scale. The numbers tallied, then flashed the total across the small screen, and I instantly remember why I don't like going to the doctor's. Jimminy Crickets!!
Even though I was five minutes late (which I hate), gained two pounds, and had a blood pressure slightly higher than normal, I had a good appointment.

My doctor found the heartbeat right away at 122 bpm. We weren't able to hear it because it was too early, but we saw it beating strongly. I was also measuring one week behind where I thought I was. This was slighly disheartening, but ultimately we must go by the doctor's measurements. My doctor assured me that this was normal and that some people are off on dates and their own estimates. She gave us five pictures and pointed out where the arm buds were. I couldn't tell where on the shapeshifter she saw arms, but we took her word for it.

I also want to note that this pregnancy is different from when I was pregnant with Layla. The most noticeable difference is that the fatigue is worse. I nap daily and go to bed between 8:30-9, and that's still not enough. I don't know how I chased kindergarteners around all day when I was pregnant with Layla.

Another noticeable difference is that my belly is bigger already and my tailbone is already killing me. I can't even sit down comfortably most days. I didn't get this ailment until late second trimester with Layla.

My boobs are also less sore. With Layla, I had to take one boob at a time out of my bra when I undressed.

Finally, I have less nausea. Don't get me wrong, it's there, but I have only vomited once, and this was before I even knew I was pregnant. I dry heave a lot and gag, especially in the mornings when we are brushing our teeth. Layla thinks it's funny and likes to imitate me. I just look at her and promise myself that one day when she becomes a mom, I will not hesitate to remind her of this.

First Appointment

It's starting to feel more real and less like someone painted two pink lines on my pregnancy test.
Today we went for our first appointment. Everything was routine and as expected: pee in a cup, blood work, checking my weight and blood pressure. The doctor said that I will be monitored closely for preterm labor so that means good and bad news. The good news is that I will get plenty of ultrasounds. The bad news is that I will have to start weekly progesterone shots in the hip. Of course I consulted Dr. Google and found that those shots are supposed to be super painful. I guess it will be worth it though if they help me go full term. This is my sincerest hope and prayer, to deliver full term. I would stand on my head once a week for two hours if my doctor told me it would increase my chances of delivering a full term baby.

My first ultrasound is December 23. I can't wait to see the baby and to make sure everything is ok and progressing normally!

Overjoyed

I am in shock, but we did it again.







Last Saturday I woke up in the middle of the night vomiting after eating beef. That tipped me off, as I couldn't tolerate red meat when pregnant with Layla. I took a series of tests, and they were all negative until yesterday.

I think I'm four weeks and due the first week of August, but I can't be sure until I see my doctor.

Tim and I are thrilled, but scratching temples.
They do come true when you believe.

Hurricane Layla

Houston, we have a walker.
Amid all of the destruction, I am still thrilled.





This is her work on a daily basis. I have yet to come completely out of my neat-freak-structured-everythingmustbe-orderly mode. I'm working on it because I am exhausted.

Here she is singing "Ditzy Ditzy Bah Bah", her attempt to sing "Itsy Bitsy Spider".

ONE YEAR!!!

It's been forever, well five months, and I haven't updated. It's amazing how time gets away from you.
Layla is one now! I still can not believe how fast this year has flown by. In a year's time, she has evolved into her own little person and sometimes it is NOT good. :-) She is still a sweety, but she will not hesitate to let the world know when she is mad. A week ago, I told her Nana that she is now Queen of the Temper Tantrums. Her Nana said, "Oh no. Not with me she won't." At the time, I was thinking "Yes, with YOU she will." And like any other good, faithful daughter, she didn't let me down. The first time she visited Nana after that conversation, she let her have it. I mean ROYALLY. Apparently she was upset that bath time was over, so she threw herself backwards--classic fit fashion-- and proceeded to kick her way into oblivion. Really. She hit her head on the tub. All was well, but Nana called Tim at work, flustered, and eager to report the action. All I was thinking was, "I told you so."
She yells "STOP!" for two reasons. When you're doing something to her that she doesn't approve of (ie dressing, diapering, nose cleanings), and when SHE is doing something she knows we won't approve of (ie banging on the tv, throwing food on the floor).


There is never a dull day.

She loves to mock people, pretending she is rubbing lotion on her arms and hands, drinking coffee, typing on the laptop, or talking on the phone. She LOVES to read, and it fills me with joy to watch her read, play, and explore.

She had her one year appointment on the 26th of July, and I'm happy to report that she is 21 lbs (50th percentile) and the 90th percentile for height. Her devlopment is normal, and her pedi says "You wouldn't even know she was a preemie!"

We spent her birthday in Galveston and celebrated with family. It was definitely a great weekend, and she was phenomenal on the road trip!