FTM Syndrome

Today, I took Hunter to the doctor to check on a few issues. There were only two things I really wanted the doctor to look at, but of course I took the opportunity to make a laundry list of other concerns. My thought is, hey, if I've got to pay a copay, I'm going to get my money's worth!

When the nurse called us back, I had to explain what was going on with Hunter. This is when it happened. As I ran through my laundry list with the nurse, she had this look on her face and that's when I realized what was happening... I was coming down with a bad case of FTM Syndrome - something I promised myself I wouldn't do - EVER. There I sat with my First Time Mom Syndrome flaring up despite my best intentions to avoid it. I had promised myself I wouldn't be THAT mom, you know the annoying one who worries over everything?

The good news is that all of Hunter's ailments were actually symptoms of my FTM Syndrome. He's totally fine. Me, on the other hand, I'm still looking for a cure. Unfortunately, I think the only cure is to have more kids. Oh dear.

What I wish I'd known...

While what you don't know might not always hurt you... there are those things that would have been nice to know in advance.

So, for all those who are ever going to be pregnant, here's some advice. And for those of you who have kids, you'll know what I'm talking about and hopefully laugh a little with me :)

Things they don't tell you before you get pregnant:

In the beginning, morning sickness makes everything difficult, even smiling - just when all you want to do is smile because, duh, you're finally pregnant!

First babies aren't always late, even though every one will tell you they are always late. Actually, they can be a whole week early and throw off your best laid plans, in an instant. Like when your water breaks on the Monday after your biggest work project was due, leaving the tidying up and post-project praise for someone else to enjoy.

Every pregnant woman does not crave pickles and ice cream. In fact, cravings aren't always strange. You can crave completely normal things like marshmallows. But, you can crave weird stuff too - like pickled green beans. ;)

But, it's not always the kind of food you crave that can get you. The quantity can get you, too! Like, whole bags of mini-marshmallows, for instance.

At the time, you will want every cute new maternity outfit you see, but beware of how much you spend. Looking back, you will regret spending so much money on clothes that remind you of how large you were - and you'll want to burn the ones that still fit you 5 weeks later.

When it comes to labor stories, you will hear tons of horror stories and only a few happy ones. Focus on the happy ones and know that every delivery is different. And, it's true, the only thing that matters when you're in the moment, is getting the baby out. You won't really care how it happens.

No matter how close you live to the hospital, it will take entirely too long to get there. And to make matters worse, it will probably be in rush hour. So, bring a towel and a snack.

If you have time, eat a big meal before you go to the hospital. Once you're admitted, it's ice chips only. This will scare the heck out of you if you haven't eaten, trust me.

Shift changes happen every 8-10 hours at the hospital. So, if you don't like your nurse, there's a chance you'll get a different one. The downside is that you may have to endure 8 more hours to get one, or you could suck it up like me and wait for the third nurse... yep, that equates to 24 hours.

You won't use any of those things you learned in Childbirth Class. But you should still go so you at least feel prepared going into it. Honestly though, what class is going to prepare you to push a television through a key hole? I mean, really, come on people.

And last but not least:

Epidurals are better than ice chips. Waaaay better. Get one as soon as possible.


I know there are a ton of other things that you learn after-the-fact, so if anyone has any to share, feel free to comment below. It will be some good-humored therapy for us all!

26 weeks!

How your baby's growing:
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. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches from head to heel.

Here's a new baby bump pic - he's getting so big! As we both continue to grow, I've discovered a few things about being pregnant:

- Yes, people will stare at your belly as you walk down the hall, and never make eye contact with you.
- Everyone has an opinion about your size. You're either too big or too small, never just right.
- Now that it's evident that you're not just getting chubby, everyone will ask the three golden questions: when are you due? do you know what you're having? and... have you picked out a name? But try to have fun with it - you're sure to get a good laugh if you answer: "due? excuse me? for who?" or "May 4th, a cockerspaniel, we're torn between Spot and Ole Yeller"
- Your belly will get in the way when you least expect it, like when you're opening the dryer door, leaning over the sink, getting into the car, sliding your seat up to the table, pretty much all the time, really.
- Slip-on shoes are a gift straight from Heaven.
- Your belly button can morph in ways never thought possible.
- You never know how much you'll miss something until it's gone. Case in point: your abs.

A Tale of Two Weeks

I know. I know. I've been a slacker by ignoring the blog for a couple of weeks now. While last week was one big, stressful blur, here are a few highlights:
- extended job offer #1 to explore options #2 and #3
- ate most of the junk in our jammed-full freezer!
- decided I would not be going with Jamie to DC this time :(
- scheduled more interviews
- rethought my career choice
- got a total of -5 hours of sleep
- vacuumed every room in the house
- celebrated my sister's 21st birthday (in spirit)
- took Jamie to the airport
- finally used our Olive Garden gift card!! yummm

Good news, though. This week is looking much better:
- hoping to get job offer #2
- can't wait for Jamie to come home on Wednesday!
- need to get packed for Costa Rica!
- planning to take in a fireworks extravaganza in UNC's Kenan Stadium!
- leaving Saturday at 11:22am for some much needed pura vida in Costa Rica!!!