Glucose Test #2

I survived glucose test #2 and all test results came back normal.  I was SO thankful that there were no complications in this department.  I had never had trouble with this before, so I was so surprised when my numbers came back elevated the first time.  Thank you for all the prayers and concern as I made my way through the three hour test.  Being a teacher and all, I had plenty of things to keep me busy for three hours while I sat in the waiting room.  It really wasn't so bad.  Not only was I kept busy by my own work, but the comedy show I got from all of the elderly folks coming in to have their blood drawn was wonderful.  They would chat me up in a heartbeat asking about the baby and the weather.  I hadn't been so entertained in a long time in a waiting room!  It was a joy to talk to some of them and just observe while they spoke to others as well.  Many couples taking care of one another in their fragile states too...reminded me of what love really means.  So beautiful.

The Drink

It's been awhile since my last post, but my days have been jammed packed with school, tutoring, and Juan and I thinking about baby!  I try to get to bed at a reasonable time, too, so I'm not a zombie when I wake up in the mornings.  I can't complain too much, though, because things have continued to go well.  Elena is growing just fine according to the doctor and she's moving around all the time.  Sometimes her acrobatics freak me out a bit, but then she calms down and just gives me a poke to remind me she just needed to change positions.  Love her so much!
So, onto "the drink".  I went to the doctor on September 6th for my monthly checkup and had to have my blood drawn after drinking the glucose drink.  I was thinking it was going to be this nasty, terrible liquid that I was going to have to hold my nose to get down.  But, I just put a straw into the bottle and got going fast.  It wasn't that bad tasting at all...just SUPER sweet.  It tasted like flat Sprite as I had lemon-lime flavor.  I got it down easily and headed to the doctor's office.  They took my blood and checked everything else that is baby and then off to school I went.  I didn't have any worries.
Two days later I got a call from my doctor's office that I needed to come back to do another glucose test...a 3 HOUR glucose test because my numbers were elevated a bit.  Needless to say, I was not a happy person to hear that I was going to have to do this.  I think I just wanted to keep this clean slate that I've had all pregnancy of no major issues and now I have to go back for more glucose testing.  The doctor reassured me this happens quite often and I shouldn't get myself too alarmed.  She made me feel better about having to come back...now my only issue is that I have to take a half day off school to go do this!  I'm trying to save up as many days as possible right now, people!!
Anyway, that's where we are right now.  I'll be going back this coming week to do this test.  Please pray that all numbers come back the way they're supposed to.  Baby girl has been doing so good so far, I want to keep this going!  September belly picture will be coming soon among others, I'm sure.  We're about 2 1/2 months away from meeting this precious girl and I am getting more and more excited by the day.  Week 30 here we come!

August Belly-Part 2

I've been taking a photo every month of me in my stretchy white tank top...looks like this shirt is getting a little too small for me now, but I will continue to take a photo in it every month just to see the progress we've made since the beginning!  It really is amazing how much she continues to grow.  This past week I got an e-mail update that she is the size of a head of cauliflower and about 2 pounds.  I think I'm starting to feel those 2 pounds just hanging out in my stomach...I can only imagine how I'll feel in another month or two when I'm really packing on the lbs!!  

Everything continues to go well and I have another doctor's appointment on Tuesday which is when I'll "drink the drink".  I'm sure another blog will follow on that whole experience.  Stay tuned...

Elena is really starting to pack a punch too.  She moves around A LOT.  I sit a lot now teaching students and if I sit for too long, boy does she let me know that I need to get up.  She sits very low in my belly so it seems as though her movements are exponentially harder and "squirmier".  Yes, I just made up that word, but it's the best word I could think of to describe the feeling!  She lets me know when I should eat something and gives me the "thank you" kicks after I eat too.  She's one active little critter.

Now onto our long Labor Day weekend together...looking forward to getting some things done and still having an extra day to relax! 

More Vacation 2011

Here are just a few more of the great pictures we got on vacation a few weeks ago...Thanks, mom, for sharing them with us!

First Day of School!

Today was the first day of school for both Juan and I.  I began another year at Thorpe Gordon Elementary as a Reading Specialist and Juan began his new career as a Social Studies teacher right here in Columbia.  He is thrilled to be working with high school students everyday now.  What a blessing to have him in a classroom of his own.  I did not take a photo of us today, but not much has changed in our looks since a few weeks ago on vacation.  I figured I'd take a school picture one of these mornings when we're not running late!  All in all, it was a fantastic day for both of us and even better that it is already Friday tomorrow.  I'll be ready for the weekend and to start fresh next week.  For now, it's time to just relax after a crazy first day!!

August Belly

Earlier this week I went to my monthly doctor's appointment and my doctor told me again that all is looking great.  She measured my stomach and told me it was just the right size.  I felt so much better knowing my size is on point.  I only gained 2 pounds since my last appointment, which is much better than the 10 I gained last time!  Ha!  I definitely have a much bigger appetite these days, but I try hard to eat frequently throughout the day and pick good stuff to eat.  Water is also a necessity!  I keep a bottle or cup with me all the time.  The only downside=frequent bathroom trips...annoying for somebody like me who stays busy all the time!

The doctor also found Elena's heartbeat quickly right below my bellybutton and it was super loud!  It was at 163 this time.  She's been busy throughout each day kicking and poking me.  Sometimes I can see my stomach move up and down when she does this.  It's really the neatest thing.

I'm also OFFICIALLY done with regular pants/shorts.  I have totally moved into the maternity, which really helps me flex that stomach.  I feel so much better being able to just let it all "hang out".  I think Elena appreciates the roomier pant choices too.  I can still wear several regular shirts, but I know those days will soon be dwindling too...

Next month, I'll begin my bi-monthly doctors appointments.  I have to do the good ol' glucose test when I go at the beginning of September.  I have already been prepared for this event and even brought home my drink for the appointment.  I'll keep you posted next month on how easily I end up getting the drink down.  I've heard it can taste pretty bad.  We'll see...

Vacation 2011

We took a trip with mom, dad, and Erin to the beautiful city of Orange Beach, Alabama last week.  Juan and I met the family in Alabama on Tuesday as Juan had some beginning of the year school meetings.  Once we were on our way down south, Juan and I decided it would be great to stop in Memphis, TN at a BBQ place that was on one of our favorite shows, Diner's, Drive-In's, and Dives.  The 1st picture is of Juan with his book after we ate at Marlows, which just so happens to be across the street from Graceland.  Needless to say, Elvis was everywhere!!  We were even entertained at dinner by a singer, who happened to be excellent.  The BBQ was some of the best we ever had and would love to get back to eat more someday!

  It was a wonderful getaway to the beach spending time doing nothing but getting some sun, eating great food, and relaxing in the white sand.  It couldn't have been a better time.  Well, I suppose if I could have had a frozen margarita it would have been a TINY bit better, but what a memory to be pregnant on vacation this year and being able to show off my 23 week belly!  Above are just a few pictures of our trip.  There are SO many more, but I just chose a few for the blog.  August belly picture to come soon!