My Favorite Things

At this half way point I thought I would take a few minutes to commemorate those few items that make pregnancy easier...and dare I say - enjoyable.  

So far, in this pregnancy, I noticed only one true food aversion: cow's milk.  When I bring it too close to my nose, my stomach turns.  Along with alcohol, I haven't had milk the entire pregnancy.  Luckily, I don't seem to have the same reaction to ice cream, yogurt, and most cheeses however.  Almond milk is my preferred milk substitute.  It froths beautifully, can be used in place of cow's milk in most sauces, comes in great flavors and sizes, and tastes great.

After almost 10 years as a pescatarian, I decided to eat land animals again when Jason and I began trying to conceive .  Jason joined me as a carnivore while recovering from a back injury a few months later.  We were hesitant carnivores at first, eating meat only one or two meals weekly and typically limiting our intake to fish and fowl.  Then in May, I decided to try a "raw" diet with my sister-in-law, Sara.  We were having a great time devising recipes, trying new foods, reading about the benefits of raw, and planning raw dinners.  About 2 weeks into our raw experiment I HATED all things vegetable and all things raw.  What?  What was going on?  The foods were delicious and loved and fresh.  Then Jason and I started running out at 9 pm for 5 Guys burgers!  We did this 4 times in one week while I was supposedly on a raw diet.  I was feeling awful and guilty but all I could think about was when I would get my next double cheese burger and pile of hand cut french fries.  The Sunday after eating 5 Guys all week, I took a pregnancy test.  It was positive, I stopped eating raw (duh!), and I also stopped eating 5 Guys (for the most part) - to be replaced with grass fed, hormone free steaks from New Leaf (our local co-op).  OMG, I freaking love steaks.  I want filet, NY strip, London broil, sirloin, rib eye and I like them grilled, broiled, with Bearnaise, with mushroom sauce, in stroganoff, ...well you get the point.  (Adam and Jamie: when you visit after the Geneva comes bring oysters and beer!  If this were a blog about things I miss oysters and beer are numbers 1 and 2.)

So, with all the eating and growing and eating and growing some parts are growing faster than others.  My first order of business was to explore the intimates section at Motherhood and Target looking for a bra that would accommodate my expansion.  Of course at that point boobs were the only thing expanding and the sales people looked at me a bit skeptically - maybe I just felt self conscious and unsure of myself.  Either way I needed help.  Thank goodness for girlfriends (Dorian and Camille, thank you) who pointed me immediately to the Bravado website.  Camille almost laughed at the suggestion that I would find anything at Target.  She promptly threw everything she thought I would need into an envelope and got me started on the path toward breast comfort.  She was right.   *Spoiler Alert*  This may be too much information (but whatever, my blog right?)  At this half way point  I comfortably fit into a maternity 38 F/G.  Ummm...Wow.  Investing in a really good maternity bra and support tank was the best advice I received.  

Continuing the discussion about clothing that rocks, I must include compression hose.  I prefer them without the actual hose part - just the shorts and over belly support band (as seen in the picture below).  These smooth all the lumpy parts and keep the belly secure and stable.  This helps during moments of unexpected jostling such as when I crack up laughing in front of my class and my belly shakes like a bowl full of jelly.  I prefer to laugh with dignity thank you.  Therefore, all moving parts must remain secure.  Yes, I love compression.  If I say, I love my "girdle" this is what I'm talking about.

As you all know, I have the best husband on the planet (Matt and Michael, check your rear view!).  I came home one afternoon and the snoogle was waiting for me.  Oh, how I love my snoogle!!!  Sometimes I let Jason touch it - with his hand only.  I considered trying to cram the snoogle into my suitcase to take on a trip.  It didn't work.  This handy dandy pillow supports all things flopping while encouraging the optimal left side propped sleeping position.  If anyone is wondering what to get Jason for Christmas, the snoogle is a good idea.  He sighs longingly as I nest comfortably.  

Literally as soon as we had a positive pregnancy test Jason began reading, "The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips, and Advice for Dads to Be".  For those of you who know Jason well, it will come as no surprise that pregnancy is just one more life stage requiring management.  Good, I'll just relax and eat - he manages.  Every couple of weeks he reads me a chapter or two describing what's going on with the baby, what is (supposedly) going on with me, and finally an exploration about how he feels about this whole process.  He knows me well enough to filter material from the book that I will scoff at or that will scare me or that will require a credit card.  It's nice.  I get all of the good and none of the bad.  When I come across a topic that requires more information (such as birthing, or brain development, or parenting) I, of course, do my own research but honestly, I don't want to know every little detail of every little symptom I could possibly have.  This is just too much pressure.  I don't care that 90% of women, fetuses, fathers, experience whatever.  I also don't care that my developing fetus is slightly above or below normal.  Thank goodness for this happy little book that Jason trusts which supports his urge to manage and allows me to remain blissfully ignorant of what anyone else is going through.  

Finally, as I'm sure is apparent by now my absolute number one favorite thing to have during pregnancy is my awesome husband.  Quick story: Last week I went to Las Vegas for an academic conference.  I had a wonderful whirlwind trip with my friends and colleagues (especially Amanda and Pina!!).  We drove across the state together, flew across the country, walked all over the city, played black jack, saw naked ladies, dancing fountains, tame lions, and movie screens that stretch for blocks.  It was amazing.  Along the way I picked up some swollen ankles, infected blisters, and sheer exhaustion.  Funny thing about pregnancy I can't tell when I've crossed the line until I am waaaaaayyyyy over it.  Amanda and Pina were great.  They found the airport nurse and brought me medicine, bandages and Starbucks.  By the time I got back across the country and the state, I was a mess.  After not seeing me for 4 days and sending me to sin city alone, Jason came home from work excited and enthusiastic to hear about my trip.  Ha! No.  I took one look at him and burst into tears.  My ankles were the size of my knees and my blisters were enraged.  He calmly put me in bed (with my snoogle of course) elevated my feet and packed bags and bags of ice all over my ankles and feet.  He then kissed me through my snot and tears and calmly told me that he loved that I was his wife and let me sleep for the next 4 hours.  When I woke up he brought me Thai food.  

My absolute favorite thing, and what makes pregnancy enjoyable, is knowing Jason on a new level and teaching myself to trust him not only as a husband but also as a father and a nurturer.  

  

The Many Moves of Geneva

Happy Half Way Day!!!

Today, I am exactly 20 weeks pregnant.  If we go by the 40 week gestation calendar (which for some reason Jason and I debate?) then I am half way through the pregnancy.  Ummm...thank goodness.  Yes, this is hard work and I will be very happy to get back to marathon and triathlon training when this is all over which is much much easier.

We came through our diagnostic testing fairly unscathed and typically developing.  The doctor confirmed his earlier prediction that yes, we are having a girl.  We also got some great new photos.

This first shot is a pretty decent picture of her femur, knee, and then foot on the outside left edge of the view.  The developmental difference between the first and second trimesters is the formation of bone material.  Clearly, she is making bones and her legs seem really long to me.  

This next photograph is also a good picture of bones but gives us much more detail about Geneva's facial features.  If you make the picture big you can see the details of her nose and the shape of her eyebrows, cheeks, and chin.  Also note the long strait spine (yippie!).  That giant blob sitting on top of her is the placenta.  It is in a good position above the baby and not between the baby and the cervix.  Whew!

In order to rule out certain genetic abnormalities the doctor had to get a clear look at Geneva's face.  He was specifically looking for the formation of a nasal bone.  Through most of the visit Geneva had her hands in front of her face.  See below.  Quite a tricep and shoulder muscle huh?

So the radiology tech person used her little wand to move Geneva's hands and arms out of the way.  This was not very comfortable for me and I'm sure Geneva was a bit disgruntled too.  Her reaction is captured in the last picture.  Jason and I think this is hilarious.  She seems to be giving us a certain universal symbol.

Geneva is moving A LOT.  When the house is quiet and Luna barks at the air (there is never anything to bark at really) it surprises Geneva and she startles awake, extending arms and legs in all four directions.  I can also feel her moving legs and arms all around, this feels like she's making bubbles in one or another part of my uterus.  The newest and oddest feeling is when I feel like she is the size of a giant potato, laying in the bottom of my gut and is certainly going to fall out of my lower abdomen at any moment.  I have the urge to hold her in with my hands.  I'm pretty sure she is turning over and what I'm feeling is probably her head moving from one part of the uterus to another.  Usually shifting my position or letting my abdomen hang for a little while settles her back down.

Finally according to the measurements we received on Tuesday, Geneva is currently 12 ounces and rapidly growing, exploring herself and her environment.  She also seems to be interacting with us which has been really fun.

So, the next 6-8 weeks will be a quiet time.  We probably won't see her again until her birthday.  I now understand why people get the 4D images.  I'm going to miss watching her grow.

FSU Child Development Center

I don't know what I expected.  I guess I imagined rows and rows of screaming infants, all wanting to be held, stinking like poo, red faced and ignored behind grey bars in a cavernous hall painted white.  Where do I get these images?  I have seen one too many documentaries about the orphanages in the former Soviet Union and Romania.

Last week we put "Geneva the fetus" (I'll add this to the nickname list - the S is silent) on the wait list to get in to the child development center at FSU.  We are having a baby and I still want to complete my degree and one day get a J.O.B. that pays actual money - well, money that I'm worth.  Luckily we have the option of an extraordinarily cheap and pretty excellent childcare facility.  We just have to get in...

Jason, my mom, and I made an appointment to meet with Jennifer, a 14 year employee of the FSU child development center, in the early afternoon on a Monday for our guided tour.  I asked my mom to come with us because she has seen lots and lots of these types of facilities - both good and bad.  I wanted to make sure we were looking at the right things, sweeping our white glove over the right surfaces if you will.

The childcare facility is located in the middle of Alumni Village.  It's an old, externally run down apartment complex just off campus restricted to FSU students.  From what I hear the residence hall is geared toward students with families.  It looks a little sketchy but I think it's just an old facility.  There are sidewalks and lawns and it's college.

Jennifer began the tour by explaining the security door and the sign in policy.  Jason and I will have a punch code and can come and go as we please.  When we arrive in the morning we sign Geneva in and then hand the caregiver our baby.  Then, apparently I cry.  I think I almost cried standing there considering delivering Geneva to someone else to care for while I work.  Jennifer made some noises about how babies adjust quickly and that it's no big deal and how all her kids went here...I think I heard some stuff she was saying.

This was all before we went to the infant room.  The infant room is a short covered walk up a little hill next to a Japanese pear tree.  There is a patio out front with a giant umbrella mounted on a swing arm.  On beautiful afternoons they bring the babies outside to coo in the sun.  When we entered everything was quiet.  One caregiver was feeding a baby in her lap and there was another child lying quietly on the floor.  We were asked to remove our shoes to look around because the infants crawl all over the rugs.  There are three rooms in the little building: a kitchen, a play room, and a quiet room for sleeping.  Each infant has a little cubby box and hook, a crib, and bed linens.  There are no TVs and Enya was playing softly on the speakers piped throughout.  The sleeping room had eight little wooden cribs lined up neatly.  There was a large glass window so the caregivers could see the sleeping infants but otherwise the room was kept quiet and dark.  The kitchen was big and bright and had two refrigerators in it.  I can come nurse any time I want and can store up to 6 months worth of milk in the infant kitchen.

The ceiling, walls, corners, nooks, toys, heck - the entire facility was clean.  There wasn't a speck of dog hair anywhere, which is more than I can say for my house.  There were very few toys on the floor (easier to clean I assume), the room smelled nice and fresh.  The lights were low and all the caretakers were calm, happy, and seemed to enjoy their jobs judging by how long each had been employed there.  They seemed genuinely delighted to meet us and willing to answer all of our questions.  We left feeling confident in our decision and hopeful that we will get in.

So, while I write in my office on campus, less than a mile away, Geneva will take long stroller rides around Alumni Village with 3 of her closest mates, read stories, sing songs, have tummy time, lounge under the umbrella, sip gourmet milk, and take long cozy naps.

I don't think I'll cry...much.

It's a GIRL!!

We're 90% sure it's a girl.  Two weeks ago we went for a test called the "first screen".  This test is a single tailed hypothesis test that determines whether we are in the 95% of women who are at low risk for delivering a fetus with chromosomal abnormalities, specifically down's syndrome and trisomes 13 and 18.  The test is offered to all women and we could have opted out.  We opted to have the information.  The best news is that we are in the low risk 95%.

As part of the test we were given a second ultrasound.  This is a picture of the baby looking right at us.  You can see the cavities in the skull that hold the eyes, the shape of the head, the large abdomen, a little hand and of course the belly button.

This second picture is of the phallus.  Look where the arrow is pointing.  All fetuses start with a phallus that will eventually form either the penis or the vagina.  If the phallus is in line with the body pointing down toward the foot then the fetus is a girl.  If the phallus is running perpendicular to the body pointing toward the hand then the fetus is a boy.  Our phallus points toward the foot and is therefore most likely a girl.  The doctor will confirm the sex when we return for a second screening in about 3 weeks.  However, the doctor was pretty experienced and seemed VERY sure of his theory.  Yes, we have begun buying fun girl things.

In all, the ultrasound technician gave us 6 photos.  I will only put 3 on the blog for now.  The blurry grey photographs can be redundant and require a shadow reading degree to understand.  

This last photo is pretty cool.  The baby is facing away from us and is curled into a fetal position.  Notice that you can clearly see the spine.  It's the dark line running the length of the body from the gigantic head all the way down to the little butt.  Look how strait it is!  I'm so proud.  

So, if you are still with me, I have a couple more pieces of information.  The first is that the baby is actually a week older than originally thought.  They took some measurements and at the time these pictures were taken.  She is either an abnormally large fetus or she was 14 weeks instead of 13 weeks.  The doctor suspects the latter.  The second item you should know is that we have chosen the name: GENEVA PEPPER STAMM.  If for some reason you are unhappy with the name - tell someone other than Jason or myself.  Write your displeasure on a piece of paper and throw it away.  I say that with all sincerity, love and good humor.  Doing so is in the best interest of a happy family.  We love her name and are very excited to know who she becomes.

Finally, we happily accept all enjoyable and funny nicknames you can concoct.  Jason and I, our family, and our friends offer this hopefully growing list, in the spirit of falling in love with a name and ultimately a child.

Gena (Dad)

GeePers (Mom)

GenaPer (Also Mom)

GiGi (so what? I'm good at this)

GenaStammbina (Grandpa)

Gena in the bottle (Meemaw)

GPeppa (Aunt Dori)

GiniP (Aunt Em)

GPS (Cousin Lex)

G-Clef (Also Lex)

G-Unit (nickname prowess runs in the family!)

Gena Ballerina (My fav contribution from Alexis - even if she isn't a dancer we have at least 13 Halloweens to use this nickname.)

Can you think of more?