Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Stretch Marks. The terrible facts.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

The Markings of Pregnancy


Stretch marks the real deal:

I am a lotion freak now. But it hasn't helped those lovely markings from pregnancy that some people refer to as stretch marks. For some they are blessed with no stretch marks. Others like myself well there is no cure or help. It's hard to predict. At least half of all pregnant women get stretch marks, but no one really knows why some women get them and others don't. (BabyCenter, 2006). I have tried to gain weight at a normal rate of speed for pregnancy and in all reality I have. Doctor says perfect 1 pound a week during the 2nd trimester so far. Yes! So that is one thing on my side. Another possibilty is extra amniotic fluid. Could be numerous things I suppose. If gentics have anything to do with it well then there is no way around it. At this point I have accepted it, I think. I figure if this is the worse thing that has happened so far well then so be it. I lucked out and did not get morning sickness or some of the other weird issues that come up during the first few months. There is some good news in some readings I have done apparently stretch marks can fade a little bit. Maybe not completly disappear but they should fade some. Apparently laser treatments and some ointments can help as well. They may get worse but what can I do?



Reference

BabyCenter.(2006). Stretch marks. Retrieved November 28,2006 from http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/pregnancybeauty/1352276.html

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Picture at 25 going on 26 weeks...

Ok so I have not posted any pictures, mainly because I felt like I just looked fat instead of pregnant. But attached is an actual picture. I have also added my blogs on pregnancy so far from myspace since some of you are not on there. Please enjoy the reading and hopefully I will keep up regularly.

Pregnant

Saturday, November 11, 2006
My little man...
Well Gavin is moving all over all the time. When they say I should be feeling about 50 kicks or movement per day I say no way. It is more like 100 times a day. He is up down all around. I told my husband that he will be our Seahawks kicker. My husband is not too happy with that because he would rather him be the quarterback or something. Pretty funny how we have already started planning his future. We have decided he will take piano lessons, soccer, and swimming and will probably go to a school that has a great technology/computer program. His future is in our hands and we will have to make sure he is happy and making the right decisions. Oh the pressure.
As for me:
My left leg has started to tweak out again. It happened in June and I had an x-ray done. It showed nothing which makes me think that it is my sciatic nerve, which also makes me think this is from the car accident. Never having this debilitating pain before worries me. It hurts so much that I could literally break my finger and it would be nothing compared to my leg. It starts in my butt and sends shocks all down my leg. I woke up at 3am Wednesday or Tuesday night in the most excruciating pain I have ever been in. I thought my god I have to go to the ER. I focused my way through it and tried to massage and stretch through this awful cramp. My calf was literally so tight I thought the only thing to do would be to cut my leg off. What on earth was I thinking? It was no where near anything I have ever experience, ok well there was a time after my MRI that the dye injection hurt. Dang car accidents. Hopefully things will get better. I have to think positive. Well, back to baby. Still feeling good other then the hip issue which happened before I was pregnant maybe the weight it aggravating it but it is not causing it.

Pregnant

November 5, 2006
Wow well over a month, now.
It has been over a month now since I have blogged last. Sorry about that. I thought I would throw a little something together right now before I head out to my hubby's b-day breakfast.
For those of you who may not already know this I just finished my BS degree. About dang time. So, now that I have finished nothing will change except for the fact I have a BS in Finance. Cool beans!
Ok now on to baby stuff:
Things are still going as well as can be excepted. I love every minute of being pregnant. As far as I can tell I am not really cranky anymore and I tend not to let things get to me as they did before. (Another blog)
We are having a baby boy for those of you who did not know. His name will be Gavin Ross. Not that I do not like Gavin Rossdale, but we already had the middle name it is Kenney's Dads. The first name came to us while watching Rescue Me one night. We are going to keep with the Irish/Scottish traditions. Gavin is measuring just about right on maybe a week sooner, but the due date is still March 6, 2007. We are very excited.
My body is still going through some changes. The remenents of my car accident tend to flare up a little causing irritation in my shoulder and I am sure this will get worse once I am lugging a 10 pound baby around. I am considering Physical Therapy/Massage again. My last apt. I had only gained 4 pounds. Yippy! I think I am still just trucking along weight wise which to be honest as long as I am healthy I do not mind one bit only gaining a few. The 2nd trimester most books say women will gain 12-14. My total weight gain goal is 35 pounds max. An unfortunate genetic problem is wiggling its way on to my body. The lovely stretch mark. Genetics tell me that I am in for it. I put cream on every morning and every night to prevent them however I have developed a slightly light colored one near my belly button. Hopefully they will get light when everything is said and done. I honestly can not complain if that is the only negative thing I exprience during these next 4 months.
Alrighty hopefully you enjoy reading and hopefully I can get on and do another soon. Love ya all!

Pregnant

Sunday, September 24, 2006
O' Baby Current mood: cheerful
Yes it has been awhile since I have blogged about baby news. But I didn't really have much to report. So, I figured I would wait a little bit until I had at least some interesting news.
Doctors apt on the 18th. Everything went great. I had only gained 1 pound so far. I really need to start watching that I am not loosing. Like I have every complained about loosing weight the heck. But not good for baby. I am still eating however I get full after a couple bites. 5 months ago this would have been awesome; maybe I can instill these habits when I am done having the baby. That would be great! So, anyhow back to the baby. I finally really got to hear the heart beat loud and clear this was a great moment. I did hear it before but only for a brief second. This time it was like 100 horses running.
The doctors apt other then that was really uneventful. I opted to have the "quad screen" or multi-marker. This screening test measures blood levels of a substance called alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), plus two or three hormones-humans chronionic gonadortrophin (hCG), and unconjugated estriol (uE3), and sometimes inhibin A. It won't tell you if your baby has a problem, but it will give you an estimate of your risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect and a few other malformations, Down Syndrome (the most common chromosomal abnormality), and trisomy 18 (a relatively rare chromosomal abnormality). (Murray, Hennen & Scott, 2005) The test came back NEGATIVE. This is was a very stressful week I tried to ignore the test but it was hard. Many people my age opt out of the test because the test has a high risk of false positives. When the test produces a positive result they usually like to do an amniocentesis. However if my test came back positive I would not have done the amino because of the risks involved. An ultrasound can usually let the doctor know if many of the conditions are present. I do now have a rested mind.
Baby movement:
Pretty sure I felt the baby move about 1 week ago. But I wasn't sure. This morning I had the same feeling. Almost like a butterfly in my tummy. Near the same spot. It wasn't gas. Pretty cool feeling so I am grinning from ear to ear now. That is all the latest.
I will blog some more this week on changes coming...
Murray, L., Hennen, L. & Scott, J. (2005) The Baby Center: Essential Guide to Pregnancy and Birth. Rodale. Holtzbrinck Publishers. United States. (Also online at www.babycenter.com)

Pregnant

Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Been awhile.... Current mood: sleepy
Hey those of you who can read these, sorry it has been awhile.
So far it hasn't been hard to hide to the general public. Which is a really good thing since this is still kinda on the down low which many of you know why.
Body:
Nothing really. By about 1:00pm I get pretty bloated which sucks if I am wearing my smaller clothes that I can finally where. Weight is still the same so that is good. I felt my tummy stretching on Saturday is was a weird, very weird feeling. It felt like someone was stretching my skin above my pubic bone to my belly button. CRAZYY WEIRD! I have probably gone up one bra size. My bra's now look like push-up bras. AWESOME! Beat that with the REAL DEAL! :)
Mind:
Nothing, except my mood is pretty good. I am much happier then usual. I do not let things get me down like they used. Which makes things a little less streassful overall. I still have a few things going on that affect my day to day hormonal balance but I get over them when I think of what that kind of stress is doing to my little jumping bean.
When I mention jumping bean, I am not joking. Every time my midwife found the heart beat he/she moved. This happened several times until I finally got to hear it but only for 4 beats.
I am tired a great percent of the time. If I could sleep 2 hours a day I would in a heart beat. I am going to try and take my lunch breaks for myself to nap. Bekah, I may need to see you more. But during nap time so I can sleep too.
8 weeks until we find out if it is a boy or girl... Maybe I will do a guessing game for the fun of it.....
For those of you I do not talk to, email me I will answer any questions. I am pretty open with that.

Pregnant

Thursday, August 10, 2006
March 6, 2007
March 6, 2006 is the estimated date for my little one to come in to the world. Tuesday was my first ultrasound. I actually got to see him/her bouncing around. The ultrasound tech had a difficult time keeping track of him/her. I may refer to him/her as a him because I have a strong feeling it is boy but if it is girl I won't be surprised at all. I think it just rolls out the whole boy thing. Any how. I can't be happier right now. Well I guess I could if I could illeviate some stresses.
Couple things I found out:
He/she has a heart beat of 162. Incase you do not know that is really good.
He/she actually moves, I mean really bounces around
March 6, 2007 estimated due date
Time will only fly by. I can't wait until October pretty sure that is when I will find out what I am having.
Well not that I am going to be able to sleep right now but Good Night to all.

Pregnant

Saturday, July 29, 2006
Long time...
It has been awhile since I have posted anything. Sorry ya alls. School has been getting the better of me, Monday is my last day of this class. YES!
Ok, baby stuff. Everything is going well I guess that is probably part of my not posting either. I can't complain. I have managed it well. Every now and again depending on how much food I have or haven't had I get a little sicky feeling. But generally I am good, can't complain. One thing I had to change was take 2 prenatals at night instead of 1 in the morning and 1 at night.
I had my first doctors apt. Everything was pretty good, pretty uneventful. They did a basic exam. I met the midwife I would be working with. She is great! They will montior the growth of the baby since Kenney and I were both over 9 pounds, fun for me! The midwife said based on my uterus I am about 8.5 weeks or 9 weeks pregnant. I have my next doctors appointment on the 8th. Fun. Internal ultrasound.

Pregnant

Friday, July 21, 2006
July 20 Current mood: sick
So today was a crappy feeling day. The cramping kinda came back so that is a little worrisome, must be gas. This morning I got up early feeling like the day was a great day! I got ready this rmorning took my pre-natal vitamin, grabbed string cheese and headed out the door. On my drive I turned one of the last corners and this little twinged came across my belly. I turned up my music, rolled the windows down and sang along to Prince. When I got to work I got the office opened up, put some coffee on and there it was again that twinged. Then I made a quick trip to the bathroom and in the toilet below was the two bites of string cheese and water from my vitamin. Lovely huh? Not really because I heaved for a good five minutes then I was ok. My stomach muscles were ripped a bit my neck where my shoulder was a little inflammed from my car accident is burning even now. I chowed down on a couple soda crackers and drank some water. It settled down and everything was a-ok.
Tonight:
I had some more cramping although I am feeling a little bit better. Right now I am just exhausted. Tomorrow hopefully I remain ok since I will be babysitting Peyton. After that I will be confined to my air conditioned bedroom trying to get my homework completed.

Pregnant

Thursday, July 20, 2006
Wednesday July 19 Current mood: exhausted
Personality:
So now that my stupid homework assignment is over I was able to level myself out a bit. I was pretty stressed out Tuesday night. It still hasn't really set in yet. Things are still a little foggy.
Stomach:
This has pretty much been resolved for the most part. Not too bad. Of course some things trigger my likes and dislikes.. I am not a fan of chocolate anymore. Just doesn't sound good. Fruits, Veggies and Steak pretty much sound the best right now.
Vanity:
Face is finally starting to adjust and go back to normal. I thought I was in high school for a couple weeks. Really.
Body affects:
The cramping is starting to subside. Not sure what that was all about. Kind of weird but I guess sometimes that can be normal. My body just adjusting maybe. Acid reflux has been pretty constant no matter what I munch or drink. I have been craving water. My body has kind of kicked in to a health mode. Oddly enough since I have never really been like that. I go get fast food because it sounds o-so good. And then one bite later it is in the garbage. I am physically exhausted and every day I push myself to go work out and just can't. I am so mentally and phyiscally pooped.
Crazy:
Does any one want to buy a Welsh Corgi? She was born in February. I just can't handle the smell of her and our house is just too small for a dog and baby. She loves attention and wants to be with her owner lots. I will give you a good price on her. She has papers and should be to date on shots.

Pregnant

Tuesday, July 18, 2006
First emotional breakdown Current mood: sleepy
So, not much has happened since my last post but I thought I would blog about my first pregnancy/overreation/crazy women breakdown. Kenney got home and I just flipped. School work got the better of me I felt like I really let my group down I could not freaking do the calculations. It was so hard!!!! I prepostitioned everyone in my team and gave them enough time to try and do my math part. What the F#$%# ever right? Well I took it upon myself to put all the burden on myself. Fun huh? Not really because I just started crying, nearly flooding the Skagit River. Kenney kept telling me your ok. Tomorrow will it really matter? It took a good couple hours for me to get to a point where I could say, "Jackie you are going to be ok". So, let me tell ya'alls my emotions are a roller coaster I would consider it similar to mmm can't even think of one that big. Now I sound like some one is plugging my nose.
I have been so bloated today.. If you wish to proceed with this email it will be a bitch fest. :)
Not really. I am pretty excited now. I was looking at Kate Spade diaper bags, new houses and baby bedding. Is it ok to get so excited so early?
One weird tid bit that happend, part of my memory from a couple years back popped in to my head. While working at the mall booth that one Christmas I met a gal who said she was a "psychic", I believe in something I do not think that all the "psychics" out there can predict stuff but some have feelings. Ok so back to the point at hand. She told me I would be a mom by the time I was 25. Which my belief once there is a heart beat there is a baby. Well, technically right now my little grape has a heart beat. I will refer to him/her as a grape for a couple more weeks. So, the premonition has come true. CRAZY huh? I thought that at the time. No way will I be there at 25.
Well here I am my little grape in my belly. Ok so really I am getting more and more excited. Stay tuned for those of you interested future blogs:
Will Jackie have another emotional breakdown? TBA
Bi-daily updates to follow.
What is Jackie's exact due date? June 25
What was Jackie's first doctor's apt like? June 25

Pregnant

Saturday, July 15, 2006
Today's Latest Current mood: happy
Interesting Comments:
Finding out that I am about 8 weeks has made reality set in a little bit more. I am still so unsure what to think of all of this pregnancy stuff. At this point the legs, arms, fingers are developing more. If you would like more information see baby center. July 25, 2006 I will have a better idea of how far along I am. The blood test just gives an average and the doctor judged it from there.
Physical Body Changes:
As for me: I am not sure what the hell to think. At least I know I am not a hyprocondriac which is exactly what I thought I was. So, yeah for me. I still get this weird pain/cramping not terrible just annoying in my lower stomache. I will need to ask the doctor about that. Kind of scares me and maybe that is why I am feeling so unattached. I think to some extent my body is trying to adjust and now my mind is. Some of it could be constipation just a little. (Gross I know but do not read these blogs if you are expecting me to sugar coat all of this.) My boobs are getting huge. I will show you Heather and Cody your new boobs won't even stand a chance. By the way I will be starting a fund for a boob lift if any one would like to contribute. I am sure once I go up to an E or bigger I will need to get a lift.
Mental Condition:
Mentally I am holding true. Not too much of a mental affect if anything I guess it has put me in a better mood. Still not sure how to talk about it all. But blogging will help I am sure.
Vanity:
Holly crap my face is like a pizza. I can hardly keep up with the new additions. I haven't read how long this can continue for. Hopefully not much longer.
Food:
I am always hungry and everything sounds great until I get it near my mouth then all I can think is gross. Attempting to eat a piece of shrimp last night I thought for sure I would not be able to eat any seafood however today my Grandpa went out crabbing and brought fresh crab over. YUM!!! The best part was I was actually able to eat it. Other then that Kix have been wonderful I just carry a bowl of Kix around with me. My nephew Zayne was a big fan of them too.
Planning:
Being that this is an unplanned pregnancy I have a lot of preperations to do and will keep every one posted on it. I am a very open book and not shy about anything. As of right now there isn't too much planning as I am still in denial to some extent. About the only I am really thinking about is, man I need a bigger house.

As this whole thing that people call pregnancy continues I will be more then happy to keep a running blog. Ask questions please it will only help me.

Finding out I was pregnant

Friday, July 14, 2006
Last Night
So, last night I found out some interesting news and it just keeps coming. Hopefully I will no more next week. I had a blood test done today to tell me an estimated time frame. WooHoo. Should I be scared? I don't know what to feel right now. This is all so new to me. Funny as I read along the signs of pregnancy and realize how many of those symptoms I have been expriencing. Those of you that can read this please keep confidential.