Special Report

Here's a special treat for ya. A mid-week-middle-of-the-night update.

I can't sleep. My body feels worn out and tired, but I can't sleep.

I have no desire to eat. I get hungry, but I do not want to eat anything. Nothing sounds even remotely appealing. (Although, I have been dreaming about fresh, hand-squeezed lemonade. I'm supposing that doesn't count as food though.)

Water just gave me heartburn.


And my parting gift...

I got a message yesterday from a midwife who told me "they found something in my urine culture that I need to be treated for. You have a prescription waiting at your pharmacy." WHAT? Way to be vague.

A call to my beloved nurse, Patti, revealed that I am Group B Strep positive*, and need to take penicillin for 10 days, and be treated with antibiotics via IV during labor. I felt pools forming in my eyes. Before the waterworks could gush out, I squeezed out the one question pounding through my head "Can I still do a waterbirth?"

Yes. Phew.


*The group B streptococcus (GBS) bacteria is usually harmless in healthy adults, but it can cause a relatively rare but very serious infection in newborns, such as sepsis (an infection in the blood), pneumonia or meningitis. Between 10 and 30 percent of pregnant women carry GBS bacteria and may pass it to their babies during labor or birth. With proper treatment during labor, though, the risk is small (1 in 4,000).
(Babycenter.com)

26 Weeks: Cucumber

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. (Babycenter.com)

Bagels. Toasted, with a little butter. Mmmm. I can't get enough of them this week. I would seriously eat them for every meal, and snack time, if I could. For some reason, my inner mom voice tells me that would not provide enough nutrients for little Poppsters.

I have been feeling a little sick this week, which could possibly be something I picked up in Mexico. My tummy was extremely queasy for a full day accompanied by a throbbing headache. The following few days have been comprised of occasional sharp abdominal cramping. I cannot tell if the cramping is in my uterus or stomach though. It stretches right across the middle of my belly. I have been trying to take it easy and not overdo it until I feel restored.

I have also been completely exhausted lately. When I sleep, I sleep hard. I nap almost every time Sophia does, and still fall into bed at night, worn out. I think my ideal day would be: eat a bagel, take a nap, eat 2 bagels, take a nap, eat a bagel and yogurt, play outside, go to bed. But that is definitely not how it goes! Sophia keeps me so busy and running all day, which is good for me and baby. We also try to get out on a walk everyday when possible.

Poppy is such a mover! I know I talk about this every week, but it such a huge part of the pregnancy that I can't neglect it. I feel Poppy moving, thrusting, kicking, poking, punching, wiggling and flip-flopping around at least once an hour, generally more than that. There has even been the occasional kick that is painful, and always in the same spot (lower, right abdomen). Sometimes I stop in my tracks, clutch my belly and yelp. Even Jared recognizes what that means now. Yesterday when that happened, Jared looked at me and asked, "Poppy kicking you again?"

(9 Weeks) 12 Weeks: Lime

Poppy's biggest development this week is reflexes. Baby will be able to wiggle fingers and toes. Sucking motions will start now too. If mommy's abdomen is prodded, baby will squirm in response. Poppy is just over 2 inches from head to butt now. (babycenter.com)

As for me this week... I have been sick as a dog-- but not from the pregnancy. Jared brought home some horrible form of influenza and we were both pitiful invalids all week. We finally went to the doctor after being sick for four days, and got some medication. Unfortunately, this medication had no pain reliever in it, and I was not allowed to take Tylenol as it can interfere with the prescription. So I had one horrible night, but by the following day I was feeling much better. I have just about made a full recovery at this point. Praise the Lord!

My stomach has been fairly sensitive lately. I can never predict was is going to send me into a fit of overwhelming naseau. Tonight, for example, I made parmesan red potatoes thinking they sounded good with meatballs! Um, wrong. One bite of potatoes later, my stomach was in upheaval and my bowl was handed imediately to Jared. Ah, the joys of pregnancy. This is really the only "symptom" I have had this week. I feel really great in all other areas.

Just starting to get a little fuller in the waist now. My pants are fitting a little tighter and I can see my belly beginning to show a little, though I'm not sure anyone else would notice yet.

Favorite pregnancy treat this week: Creamy Coconut Fruit Bars from Edy's (OH MY GOSH, to die for!!)