Ankles of an Elephant

Had another chiropractor visit today. Looks as though I get a massage every time. :) Bonus. This time was funny because she had me meet with the therapist to go over some prenatal stretches and exercises to do at home. I already do most of them. I could tell she was trying not to giggle when she was explaining the "pelvic floor" exercise. You ladies already know what's up with that one.

I had a very arduous day at work...my ankles look like those of an elephant. Too much standing - I knew I should have worn my sneakers. I have "moving stuff" to attend to, so it drives me absolutely batty that I have to sit here with my legs elevated while I wait for puffiness to subside. That, and Dave hasn't taken the spring/platform of the crib out yet, so I can't get to the inside of it to paint anyway. I would do it myself...but I am less than graceful. I'd rather have him take on that challenge.

I could really use a nap, but I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep tonight, AGAIN, if I doze off right now.

And...like I said...stuff to be packed for moving.

It is amazing to me how much junk a person can collect. I'm reminded of this every single time I move to a new place. I absolutely HATE it. It makes me never want another knick-knack, CD, candle, skein of yarn, [insert any other item here] again. Blech.

Sheila

24 weeks 3 days

It feels so nice.

Today was my first appointment at Minser Chiropractic. It was awesome. I have never been aligned or anything before (which seems odd these days, especially considering I have fibromyalgia). I was smart and went on their website and printed off their new patient forms ahead of time. That saved some hassle this morning. So we went back to the room, talked for a bit about my issues, and then she had me lay down on her fancy table (with the belly piece that moves out of the way) and checked my spine. Needless to say, I was very locked up and crooked. Haha.

I put a gown on and a massage therapist came in to give me a good rub-down before the alignment happened. It felt AWESOME. I wonder if they will do that every time? Anyway, the chiropractor came back in and did the whole snapping and popping of my spine. When she got to my neck, I was so freaked (not because I thought she would screw up). It was SO LOUD. Oh, it also felt superb when she cracked my hips.

I go back already on Thursday. But after these first few appointments, I get to space them out a lot more until I get closer to delivery. I've read that being aligned helps with labor pain and baby position, too... Not too shabby.

Sheila

24 weeks 1 day

24 Week Appointment

I had my 24 week appointment today. I just LOVE my midwife; she takes her time and gives me an opportunity to ask any questions. She also brings up things that I tend to forget, ie: my sciatic nerve and lower back pain. I now have a referral to Minser Chiropractic tomorrow morning! I'm pretty excited about it because my insurance actually covers chiropractic care AND their clinic. I hope it stays cheap...

Anyway, my weight, blood pressure, and other random things are all good. The only weird thing is that apparently I'm measuring pretty large. (For those who haven't had a pregnancy before, they measure from your pubic bone to the fundus and the centimeters in height usually match up with your "weeks pregnant.") So I'm 24 weeks pregnant, I should have measured at 24 cms... She said not to worry, it could just be the way he's sitting in there or a weird measurement happening...or he's a big ol' butterball. It's just kinda funny because at my ultrasound at 21 weeks, they said everything was to the date! Let's just hope that it's not anything crummy like gestational diabetes.

Another funny little moment was that when she was using the doppler, his heartbeat was at the typical 155 (he's been that pretty much every time). She commented, "Oh, so that doesn't go along with the old wive's tale!" With which I responded that we all thought he was a girl. Haha. I hope he doesn't have a complex.

I'm pumped to go to the chiropractor, and now I'm a little anxious for my gestational diabetes test.

Sheila

24 Weeks

Oh, to find a Renaissance pattern...

I am currently searching for a somewhat accurate overdress pattern that I can use for the Ren Fest this year. It would be a lot easier to make a costume if I didn't have the belly to deal with. I could wear stuff that I have already made from years past, but I have an inkling that I will be incredibly hot in all of those layers. I want a nice lightweight chemise (which I have a pattern already available to make a bigger one) and a not-too-tight overdress. Is it so much to ask? Why does my fabric store of choice have such lame choices?

It would be pretty fun to make a "comfort kirtle"...but the accurate patterns I have seen online are around $30. I could buy some clearance fabric for that!

I can't wait for Tobin to arrive. :) He will be the cutest little monk EVER. Plus, how easy will that be for changing diapers?! We might have to make some sort of cute wagon for the faire too. I feel like such a nerd for thinking about all of that already. Poor guy, he's going to deal with a lot of dorkiness from me.

-Sheila

23 weeks 4 days

The Dark Mark!

It has happened... my very first pregnancy stretch mark.

It's the same color as my crazy dark veins, so I didn't notice it at first. After rubbing lotion on, however, I felt the tell-tale "bumpy" feeling of too-stretched skin. It's on my hip, so I suppose I'm not too weirded out or sad about it. Let me just say that I have plenty of older, faded, adolescent stretch marks...plenty to go around. My hips kind of just exploded when I was younger.

I have a feeling that once I get some on the tummy area, I'll feel VERY self-conscious. eek.

As far as Tobin goes, he's squirming around and giving me a good bump here and there. I am starting to see movement on the outside as well - it's pretty amusing.

Now back to watching 16 and Pregnant...

-Sheila

23 weeks 3 days