28 week appointment

Well today I went in for my dreaded Glucola test. It is the test for Gestational Diabetes. Forty-five minutes before my appointment, I had to drink this lovely fruit punch (see photos). It actually was not as bad as I thought it would be.... tastes kind of like slightly expired Hawaiian Punch with 2 sugar packets added. Unfortunately...... I failed the test :-(  Now this does not mean that I have Gestational Diabetes. I have to go to the lab next week and take a 3 hour glucose tolerance test. Yes, I have to sit in the lab for the full 3 hours while they test my blood 4 different times. Not the end of the world, but a pretty big inconvenience! If I pass the test, then I am perfectly fine and do not have to undergo any more blood work. If I fail the test, then I have what is called "glucose intolerance." And yes, this is technically Gestational Diabetes.  However, I would most likely just be managed with diet. Gestational Diabetes is not like regular type 2 diabetes which is usually brought on by obesity and poor diet. In Gestational Diabetes, the baby's placenta produces a hormone that puts my body in a state where I cannot break down sugars like I should be able to (ie: glucose intolerance). It is not caused by poor diet or excessive weight gain. I will keep you updated. Hopefully, I'll pass and I won't have to worry about it anymore.

On a happier note, both the baby and I are doing great! He is measuring appropriately for his gestational age and he has a nice strong heart beat. The books say that he probably weighs about 2 1/2 lbs now. He is still moving around.... A LOT! He is my little wiggle worm.  I am still feeling good. It seems like I have more energy now then I did.  I'm still able to exercise regularly and am enjoying the pregnancy.

We are also starting to make headway in preparing for our new arrival. We are getting new carpet in the next week, and then we will be able to start putting the nursery together! I can't wait! I have been in major nesting mode these past couple of weeks. My wonderful father-in-law and his handy man A.V. came over this weekend and fixed all of our little repairs around the house that had accumulated. They also put up some shelves in one of the baby's closets in preparation for his gifts that will be coming soon ;-) Then Sid and Griffin put together the changing table. We are going to wait until after the carpet is installed to put together the crib (I say we... I mean they).

I also got my diaper bag this weekend!!  Griffin didn't think this was very exciting, but he doesn't quite understand that this is actually a big deal for a new mom.  I love it!! It is bright and fun and I can't wait to start putting stuff in it.  It came with a matching bottle insulator and pouch for wipes.  Then I bought a matching pacifier holder.  You can see for yourself, it is too cute.... well I think so at least.

So my next appointment is on April 13th. That is when I will find out the results of my glocose tolerance test. I'll write again then.......

24 week appointment

Today I went in for my 24 week appointment.  We had another ultrasound to get a better look at his lips and nose (he wasn't too cooperative at the last appointment).  The ultrasound tech said that everything looked perfect.  It was so much fun to see our little boy again.  He now weighs 1 lb. and 11 oz, which puts him in the 56th percentile.  It is amazing how fast he is growing.  However, he will grow the most during my 3rd trimester.  His heart rate today was 156, which is normal.  Grandma Lynne accompanied me to this appointment so she got to see our little one again as well.  At my next appointment (28 weeks), I have my glucola test (the test for gestational diabetes).  This appointment also marks my entry into my 3rd trimester! After that appointment, I will start seeing the doctor every 2 weeks.

So far I am still feeling great.  I'm trying to eat healthy (well as healthy as I can with the constant cravings for sweet stuff) and exercise (usually about 5 times a week).  Our little boy has turned out to be quite the "mover and shaker."  There are very few periods during the day when I don't feel him moving around.  Last night Griffin finally got to feel him kick.  He was so excited! It was also a special night because we were celebrating our 3 year anniversary.  It's so crazy how time flies.  Griffin has been such a great husband throughout this pregnancy.  He is always there when I need him and has been very supportive.  I feel so blessed to have him in my life and know that he is going to make a wonderful father.

In nursery news, we have purchased our crib and changing table as well as the bedding and accessories for the room.  We still have a couple more furniture items to buy, however. After we get new carpet and put everything together, I will post pictures.  I think it is going to be too cute!  Our little one has also acquired more camouflage clothing (carpenter shorts and pants and a fleece shirt), so I think he is good to go for now (hint hint Griffin) :-).  Well I will continue to post my weekly belly pics and will write again when something exciting happens or after my next appointment.