Tuesday 9 September 2014

Baby, it's cold outside

This is me on Sunday, September 7th, at almost 34 weeks. It is 26 C outside (79 F)



24 hours later, our city looked like this. I kid you not. 




But who cares? Because inside everything is good. I mean indoors and, well, inside.

This is the Ember's photo from my U/S at 34 weeks. This is the first photo where she has her head turned to the front so you can see nostrils, eyes, and I think a little mouth. I melt.



The U/S was requisitioned to monitor the fibroid near the cervix. The peek inside still shows that the fibroid is not blocking the birth canal, yay. Baby looked great as well. She had a heartbeat of 140 and did some practice breathing, although we had to wait a few minutes for her to get around to it. She was pretty mellow today although that has not been the case lately. Ember does not usually kick or move very violently but a few times the past few days I've felt as if she is trying to kick and punch her way out. When she rolls to point outwards I also get a lot of belly ripples. The doctor estimated her weight at 4.3 pounds and said she should be a bit over 7 pounds at birth if she continues this rate of growth (more snacks now, please!).

I have been back at work for a couple of weeks and doing well so far.  I have been responsible about eating well throughout the day so that is probably helping. I'm still waffling on how long I should stay at work.

It occurred to me the other day that I think I've actually gotten used to being pregnant. It happened so slowly I didn't quite notice how, but I no longer (usually) feel like my body is some sort of dangerous anomaly that needs to be constantly monitored for unexpected behaviour. In fact, when I try to imagine not being pregnant it seems more strange.  And particularly when I feel Ember wriggling about, I really do love it.  I've never really gotten over my fears and anxieties, but they've faded into the background since we have been hearing nothing but good news. I just hope it stays that way.

What we've been up to:

  • Mr. Turtle has made lots of progress painting the baby's room. We chose a bright orange-melon colour, and figure we'll contrast that with dark furniture (sort of the opposite of my original plan). The furniture has yet to materialize, but once the painting is done we'll have motivation to move on that.
  • I ordered my first baby item (!!): the Halo bassinest. Of course I procrastinated until it was backordered, but it should still be here in time.
  • We start the first "baby class" this Thursday.
Thinking of everyone wherever you are on your journey.

20 comments:

  1. So cute!! Love your bump! Hope your first baby class goes great!

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    1. Thank you! love the positive energy you've sent my way throughout all of this.

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  2. You look great! Congrats on 34 weeks and on ordering your first baby item. How exciting! About that snow... I don't know what to say.

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    1. Thank you! I don't know what to say about the snow either. Changeable weather is pretty normal here (meaning there's no normal) but even so it's thrown people for a loop. I think I'll just forget about it and think about baby!

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  3. I just came across your blog for the first time and am enjoying it. I'm pretty sure we live in the same city; I just posted a similar photo of the Sunday/Monday weather change on Facebook ;) I have a 15 month old son from our first IVF cycle at the RFP and am now 11 weeks pregnant with twins after a second cycle. I always thought it was a shame no one talks to one another at the clinic even though everyone sits on the staircase waiting for the door to open at 7.30 (or did you not get to have that lovely experience?). So I can't believe I actually came across a blog of someone who went through the same clinic!
    I hope you don't mind me reading along here :)
    Romy

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    1. Hi Romy! Yes we definitely share the same geography and climate ;-) Congratulations on your successful cycles at RFP. I didn't really get to experience the 7:30 line-ups because 1) preferred to wait on the comfy chairs in the lower lobby and 2) IVF failed so early on I didn't have that many morning appointments. But I know what you mean about the awkward silence. Reaching out online is much easier in many ways. Feel free to read and if you want to email, I can be reached at torthuil@gmail.com I don't know many young families never mind any who went through infertility or treatments.

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  4. 34 weeks yay! Ember will be here before you know it. Also well done for overcoming the buying baby things hurdle.

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    1. Thanks! On one hand I can't wait for her to be here, on the other it's unnerving to think we are in the homestretch and life is going to change like crazy again. I'm happy that I could get up the nerve to buy at least one baby thing although the hesitation is still there. I can see us freaking out a few days before the due date and going on a huge shopping spree to buy everything we procrastinated lol.

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  5. You are so cute! And that weather is crazy! But all is well with Ember, so you're right, who cares. You're getting so close to meeting her, what a wonderful thing.

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    1. Thank you! Ember does feel so real and baby-like these days, with all her baby gymnastics and boxing!

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  6. Enjoy your baby class, we really enjoyed ours. Not much time left now!

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  7. You look beautiful -- radiant, content, blooming marvellous! And little Ember's face is so sweet, you can totally see her mouth. Lovely full lips she has :)

    I just bought our first few things too! Isn't it exciting? Can't believe our babies are almost here! Xoxo

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    1. Thank you! yup, it's the home stretch, though it's hard to believe sometimes. Just when I (sort of) got used to pregnancy, it's winding down. but so looking forward to the future.

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  8. Such a great update from you and glad things are nice and warm on the inside.

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    1. thank you! the snow just makes things cozier all around.

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  9. Hi there! I'm Heather and I wanted to know if you would be willing to answer a quick question about your blog! My email is Lifesabanquet1 AT gmail DOT com :-) I greatly appreciate it!

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  10. Thought I commented. I guess I didn't! You're looking so great! Coming to the home stretch soon. Congrats on buying your first baby item!

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    1. Thank you! I appreciate all mental comments too, hahaha! It's crazy that we are getting so close, but looking forward to happy outcome to this adventure and new beginnings ahead.

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