GD...in more ways than one

So, last Friday I went in for my latest appointment at 27 weeks (yay!). I had to get my glucose screening done which was a pain. Actually, I didn't mind the drink. It made me think of orange drink from McDonalds...except as if someone accidentally dumped a ton of extra sugar in this particular batch. It made my stomach hurt, but other than that...no worries. Luckily, I made it to the doctor's office with about 5 minutes to spare for them to draw my blood.

Hey! At least I got a room fast! In fact, this was the fastest doctor's appt I've had so far...in and out in 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, today I got the news that my glucose is abnormal so I have to go in for the 3 hour test...wahoo. I've read that only about a third of those needing to do the actual GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test) end up with Gestational Diabetes so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. But, I guess it is what it is...it's probably all that fruit I've been eating:-P Anyway, good to be sure and take care of it. I'm disappointed for sure, but I guess I can't complain much since so far the pregnancy has been a breeze.

Of course when I called the lab to schedule the testing, I had to listen to a LOOOOONG message about hours, phone numbers, directions (from everywhere, apparently), and the fact that you can schedule online (except for GTTs...I already checked) and I finally get someone and she asks me to call back! Not the best thing to tell a pregnant woman who just found out she might have GD. Don't worry...I didn't jump down her throat...just said 'sure' and hung up.

Anyway, I'll keep you all posted on what happens there. Other than that, baby seems fine! She's kicking up a storm in there (especially in the last week or so)! The doctor said she's currently head-down which I'm still amazed they can tell with just a little poking and prodding. And the heartbeat still sounds awesome! So, I'll just have to keep remembering that for now.

Oh! And we 99% decided on a first name: Zoe. Still thinking of a middle name and we're not 100% yet, but we've been calling her that so I think unless she comes out with an unexpected additional appendage, Zoe will be it!

26 Weeks

Well, Stephen's downstairs ripping up particle board...just the next phase of Operation Kitchen Renovation.  I, however, am upstairs in bed with 4 pillows (one of which is a pregnancy pillow), both fans running, ice on my hand, and a Tums melting in my mouth.  In other words, back pain, acid reflux, carpal tunnel, and HOT!  Woohoo!! Bring on that 3rd trimester!

100 Days!

Today marks the '100 days left' mark! Hooray! Still feels like a loooong time, but I know it will be here sooner than I'll probably be ready for it.

'Baby stuff' has been kind of put on hold for the last few weeks while we've been walking through my dad's new cancer diagnosis. We're keeping our fingers crossed and trying to stay positive. I think it will be easier for everyone (including Dad) once we know what the plan is and what to expect. Prognosis is pretty good so that's positive...it's more a question of how changed his quality of life will be. But I know that regardless of the decisions, we'll work through it and support him through the recovery process.

On top of THAT, we're remodeling our kitchen. NOT INTENTIONALLY...well, not exactly. Essentially it went from installing a new cabinet and replacing an old one to redoing the floor and getting new appliances.

Yes, we are that crazy.

I won't go into the details, but I will say that getting all new appliances was NOT my idea (so don't blame the crazy pregnant woman). Stephen just suggested that we could get more of a discount and be able to do it interest free for awhile until we get our refund back next year which will be used to pay that off. Appliances are being delivered on Friday and hopefully we can get a really good start on tiling the floor this weekend and be done...well, who knows when but hopefully soon:-)

So...busy, busy! At least it's been cooling off lately...let's keep that coming!

The Search for the Perfect Nursing Bra

Does anyone remember when I was searching for white shoes in January for Jaime's wedding? To refresh your memory, I went to about 10 different stores trying desperately to find white shoes that wouldn't cost a fortune in time for my dress fitting. I ended up finding something FINALLY...and then the day I was packing for my flight, I was pulling out another pair of shoes and out came my own wedding shoes which I thought I had gotten rid of.

So...now I have TWO pairs of white shoes. And I'm not getting rid of either one. Just in case.

Anyway, trying to find nursing bras that fit but don't cost a fortune feels a lot like looking for those white shoes all over again.

I started my search at Target. I learned back when I went through the apartment fire fiasco and had to buy a complete outfit that DIDN'T smell like smoke that I really like Walmart bras! For real! The problem is when you're used to buying $10 bras, it's hard to imagine ponying up $30 or more for a bra that will only be worn for a few months.

But seriously, what is up with Target sizing??!!

I started with a bunch of different sizes and when I finally found the right cup size, I realized I also needed to go up a band size...and all the sudden the cups were HUGE...like, I could fit a water balloon in there! What's up with that??!

After trying both Walmart and JC Penny's I finally gave in and went to a local store called Bosom Buddies. And I fell in love. This store is specifically geared towards breastfeeding. They have lactation consultants, pumps and replacement pump parts, nursing covers, and more nursing bra selection than I thought existed. And not everything is ridiculously expensive! I mean, yes, bras can be purchased for $70 a pop, but the one I bought was about $25...very doable.

Unfortunately after wearing it for two days, I decided that the wiring that went down the seam of the sides was not all that comfortable so I took them out and realized WHY they were there in the first place. Lumps under the arms...lovely. But it's still a good bra for around the house so no worries...just means I have to go back and try again (and maybe stop by Destination Maternity while I'm over there...well, I have to take my opportunities when I can get them!) :-)

Lesson learned? Yes, definitely. Sometimes just biting the bullet and going to the specialty store is worth it. Especially when pregnancy hormones are involved...

Maternity Stores

Just a quick note:

So, I broke down and went to get nursing bras today (more on THAT experience later...I know, you're on the edge of your seat!) and I stopped at Destination Maternity since I was in the area. Can I ask how come all the employees there are skinny little things that look like they just walked out of college? This IS a maternity store, correct? Now don't get me wrong, they're all perfectly nice and helpful so I'm not knocking the service at all. But the last thing I want to see when I'm trying desperately to find something (anything!) that will fit over my gianormous belly is a toothpick dressed better than I ever did when I was NOT pregnant. Ugh. Ok, frustration over.

I did get some good deals, though!

23.5 Weeks!

Not the best photo but I keep forgetting to take one so this will have to do for now.