Me Bebe

Some pics. of Kate. She's 2 weeks old. It seems longer. We got our hospital bill. It's not even funny. I hate that hospital now.

Jae's first day back at work...my first day alone with "the kids". Sounds strange to say. It's been going well so far. I'm living off of caffeine. Kate woke me up this morning at 1:00 am for a feeding, then 2:00 am, then 2:15 am, then 3:00 am, then 3:30 am, then 4:00 am, and then I think again at 5:45 am. Also consider that I spent anywhere from 5-25 minutes rocking, changing, feeding, or burping her so I never really fell asleep.

It wasn't until the morning that she decided to sleep past 2.5 hours, but Ellie decided to wake up early so I believe I only got about 2 cumulitive hours of sleep. I don't remember it being like this with Ellie. She was a difficult baby to console, but once she was out, she was out. Kate on the other hand likes to take cat naps and snack throughout the wee hours of the morning. She's a completely different challenge.

The Longest Appt. Ever!

I went in for my 39 week ob visit today. I thought it was going to be pretty quick considering I had a healthy breakfast so Kate would be cooperative during her 9:00 am non-stress test. I thought I'd be at the doctor's office for 1 hour at most. I was wrong.

I wasn't seen by the doctor til 9:30, then waited another hour or hour and a half for another lady to finish her non-stress test which took forever cuz she was carrying twins. By then, the breakfast I ate earlier in the morning soon started to leave my system leaving Kate less active, which meant a longer non-stress test. The doctors want to see her heart rate go up whenever she moves, but Kate started to slowly settle down for a nap as food was leaving my body. I even had some juice, but nothing.

Because I failed the non-stress test, the doctor wanted me to stay a while longer to do a biophysical profile, which is basically an ultrasound looking specifically for Kate's diaphragm to move up and down after every movement, but by the time I got to my biophysical profile, it was already 1:30pm. I had nothing to eat. Kate was sleeping, but she did manage to squeeze in a few hiccups. But that wasn't good enough for her to pass this test so then I was sent to the hospital for another biophysical profile, but they had better equipment and the time to look more accurately.

Kate passed with flying colors. She needed some coaxing with a snack and a buzz to the head. I even saw her sucking her entire hand in her mouth! She must have been hungry. I didn't get home til 3:30pm.

Anyways, I'm going to be induced for labor on Monday 11/13. My doctor said there really is no sense in waiting another week. Kate isn't going to do much in that timeframe except continue to gain weight and make labor more difficult for me. Also this pregnancy has been giving me a lot of unusual ailments like the Gestational Diabetes, abnormal thyroid levels, protein in my urine, my eczema returning, and not to mention I'm epileptic.

I really hate the idea of being induced...that labor will not happen on its own time, but medically, it just makes more sense to do it this way. I don't want to prick my fingers anymore and I don't want a c-section either.

I'm scheduled to be induced at 9:00am on Monday so if labor doesn't last longer than 15 hours, Kate will arrive on her due date. Yeah! I can't wait to meet her.

False Labor

Kate's been toying with her parents lately. I've been having contractions for long durations at a time these past few days. We thought it was the real thing, but apparantly they are signs of a false labor. The contractions usually starts in the evenings and pretty much goes away soon after we start timing them or when I'm trying to fall asleep.

Yesterday was no different other than the fact that the contractions didn't stop once I was in bed. In fact, I didn't fall asleep til 3 or 4 in the morning when the contractions finally subsided. Woke up at 9:00 with backaches and my leg muscles started to tighten up.

The real deal has to be soon, doesn't it?

Ultrasound #7

38 week visit

No progress...still the same.

And I've broken my glucose meter.

Southbound

Collecting 24 hour urine again for tomorrow's appt. Hopefully, it will be the last. I can't wait to have this baby. I haven't really been satisfied with my doctors, their approach to patient care, or the hospital. But I'm excited to introduce Kate to her new doctor in Vernon Hills. It's a far drive, but she's worth it. I think it's a sign we need to move further north.

Anywhoo, I woke up this morning with horrible butt and leg cramp...the sciatica has returned so that gives me a good indication that Kate is continuing her journey southbound. The radiating pain was like something I've never felt in the previous 3 months. I tried switching positions and placing pillows everywhere, but in the end the only thing that helped was a nice long hot shower.

I'm so craving candy right now...especially with all the trick or treating...what a crappy time to have GD. But I do cheat once in awhile and sneak in a Reeses after my last blood draw. It's all about making the numbers look pretty, right?

Can't wait for the doctor's appt. tomorrow. I wonder how far I've progressed...I wonder how big Kate got...

I wonder...

2 week notice

I'm giving Kate the 2 week notice...like that means anything to her...she's gonna come out when she's gonna come out, but hopefully she will come sooner than later.

So it doesn't seem like she will be here by tomorrow as I hoped...maybe next week after the last episode of Lost til they resume airing again in February. Timing could not be more perfect! Ha ha ha ha.

12 more days!!! It's like the 12 days of Christmas! I'm so excited and anxious and nervous and scared all at the same time.

Time for hubby to vaccuum the stairs and floors!

37 week visit

Kate has dropped a bit...the nurse practioner was able to feel her head! Woo hoo!

I'm 25-30 percent effaced or thinned out and dilated to almost 2 cm. which is great progress. That one night did a lot of work.

All my bloodwork came back normal...thyroid levels are good, no protein in the urine this visit, and dilantin level is where it should be.

Did another non-stress test. It seems like Kate is asleep every time I have one. I drank some juice and that didn't even wake her up. We had to jiggle her around a bit to get things going. They're asleep when you want them awake and awake when you want them asleep.

My next visit won't be until November 3rd, but I'm really hoping she will come out before then. I will try my best not to deliver this kid on November 1st as a favor to Jae's co-workers. Ha ha ha ha ha...

Any guesses to when Kate will arrive? My guess is November 2nd.

Odd Maker

Probability that Kate will be born this week is about 5%.

Odds

What are the chances of Kate being born in certain weeks?

Check here

Wish List

With the slight scare over the weekend, I'm glad most of my purchases were filled last Thursday. It was such wierd timing...got some items on the list and then contractions begin. Maybe it's a sign that I shouldn't be moving around/working too much. I was more active than usual last week...having the "nesting" instinct kick in full speed.

Few items onKate's wish list...
1) diaper bag (kind of have an idea of which one I'd like)
2)hooded towels for babies/kids (so cute...I love them all)
3)humidifier (our house gets so dry during the winter)
4)sun visor for the backseat windows of the car (got the Graco type with Ellie and it kept coming off the window...cheap thing)
5)bottle brush (it's got a blue handle...I think it's the Avent brand, we had one for Ellie, but it's been used to clean her outdoor toys after she stopped using the bottle)
6)educational toys (I think Kate would appreciate some new toys...they have changed so much over time)

Week 36

The peeing days are over. I've finally submitted my "collection" to the lab. I felt like a lab rat in the process. But, it was also good to hear that for once, I did not fail a test given to me by my OB. Sheesh!

Got a lot of blood drawn to check all my ailments. I also got my first non-stress test done. The fetal heart detector kept losing Kate's heartbeat so the needle kept jumping around. After a lot of repositioning, we were finally able to get Kate to do what we wanted...there's nothing like tickling feet and a good butt rub.

No progress as far as dilation and effacement are concerned...still the same as last week, but I've been feeling mucho contractions throughout the week. I can't wait.

We also went to the mall tonight to pick up a Coming Home outfit for this little one. Very cute. And my mom was lucky that she left her purse at our house, otherwise, she would have bought out the clothing store!

Items still need to be purchased....nice receiving blanket, infant cap/hat, baby book, diapers, and diaper bag. I think we tossed out our first one. Oh, and comfortable shoes...mules or clogs, perhaps from Payless.

Things still left to do...pack my bags! Pre-register! Review breathing techniques. Make sure camcorder, camera, and cell phone are charged and ready to go. Install car seat.

Hopefully Kate will be here in less than 4 weeks! I'm considered full term by the end of this week. Yeah!

Ultrasound Photos

35 Week visit

Went in for my 35 week appt. Doctor said I'm 1 cm dilated but that's common if you've had a baby before. She felt Kate's head still way up high and I haven't thinned out either so we'll have to wait another couple of weeks to see any progress. No blood work this time. Blood pressure is good, but found some protein in my urine so I'll need to bring in a 24 hour urine sample on my next visit (which will be weekly from now on) to rule out preeclampsia. I'll also be getting a 20 minute non-stress test during my appts. I'm almost at the home stretch.

Got an ultrasound of Kate and she looks wonderful. She's at the 50%, weighing approx. 5 pounds and is expected to gain another 2 and a half pounds by her due date. The lab tech. said she's got lots of hair (my dominant genes)! Every time I laughed, we could see Kate's hair floating about up and down. It was pretty funny.

She got a great profile shot of her as well and I have to say, she looks pretty darn cute. She's got pouty lips and one wonderful nose, but I have to say it was difficult getting that shot. Kate refused to move her hands away from her face so I had to lay on my left side so she'd move her arms. The trick worked, but as soon as I went on my back, her hands were back in her face. I'll have to get Ellie's profile shot and compare the two.

So strange, I know exactly where her feet and head are. I've always suspected, but after looking at the ultrasound, I know for sure. I could have sworn I felt her tiny feet push up against my hand the other day. Her feet are so small, yet she's so strong.

Anyways, pictures to follow.

update on GD

I saw a diabetic counselor today. All in all, not too exciting. She advised I eat more meat and veggies...blah blah blah...I am allowed to eat carbs/starches, but to a minimum. She suggested I eat whole wheat toast instead of cereal for breakfast cuz the cereal may have unwanted sugars and digests too quickly leaving my tummy empty...wanting more food. But toast? She also wants me to eat brocoli and green beans. Am I in prison? And the portions of carbs. I'm allowed is rediculous...basically the same as Ellie.

So what foods am I supposed to stay away from? No pastries! No juices! No pudding-like, creamy chocolate! Argh! Basically, stay away from simple sugars...desserts! God is punishing me.

In addition to a bland diet, my poor little fingers will be pricked 4 times a day to be checked for the level of glucose in my blood. I seriously hope it's not 4 times a day. I assumed 3. Will have to clarify this one with the doctor. Sigh...it was a bit painful, but I guess it's not as bad as having to give myself insulin shots.

I can handle this...I can handle this...I can handle this...
time to check my blood.

I feel like a car

I was sitting on the couch and all of a sudden I felt a contraction. No big deal...practice ones happen all the time. 15 minutes later, another one. This went on for an hour. I started freaking out. "It's too soon. It's too soon. It's too soon." It stopped soon after I went to the bathroom. I remember my doctor telling me the contractions could come because of a full bladder or from dehydration. Strange. I'm feeling good now, but I have a feeling Kate is going to arrive early. Just my hunch.

I have an appt. with a high risk OB on Monday because my thyroid levels are off. I really have no idea what this means other than my hormones are off balance and I may need some supplemental pills to keep my level where it should be. Another appt. is scheduled on Wednesday for gestational diabetes. It's odd because I haven't really been eating a lot of sweets during this pregnancy. If anything, I've been eating more veggies.

And finally, I'll have to start taking Vitamin K either during the last month or last 2 weeks of pregnancy. Again, the doctor explained the reasoning to me, but I lacked to see the significance of it so did not make an effort to remember why.

I feel like a 7 year-old car...too young to junk away, too old to make a road trip, but slowly coming apart...nothing major like needing a new engine or muffler, but traveling around with a dented bumper, a broken headlight, missing knobs, a steering wheel that shakes and makes odd noises when the speedometer goes over 40mph, broken cd player, fickle transmission, broken windows...etc., etc.

Gestational Diabetes

My doctor called me this morning and told me I have gestational diabetes. It was really disappointing to hear. Other than feeling tired sometimes and nauseous, I've been feeling ok. I have an appt. next week with a dietitian to help me check my blood sugar levels and advise me of a new diet. This is going to suck! No more sweets. I guess it will be good in the end. I think I"m the type of person that needs to be forced to take better care of myself.

Having just witnessed my sister recovering from c-section, that's certainly something that I want to avoid. It seems so much more common these days. I can't believe some women opt for one rather than delivering naturally. It's rediculous.

Update

I'm officially a waddler! I wish someone would just roll me around like a barrel. I feel huge. I can't put my socks on anymore nor can I wash my feet thouroughly, but Chloe does a good job licking them.

All is well with Kate. Heartbeat is strong at 155bpm. Her movements have become slower, but stronger and I've noticed she moves after I eat...quite opposite from her cousin, Jack.

This Friday, I will be going in to the hospital to get my 3 hour glucose tolerance test. I'll have to fast the night before and am not allowed to eat or drink anything besides water. This is going to torture me since I love eating breakfast.

Ellie's been really sweet about this whole baby business. The other day, she put one of her lambies under her shirt and walked around like she was pregnant. "I've got a baby in my tummy, Mom." And when she talks to Kate, she puts her mouth right up to my belly and speaks in a low voice, "Hiiiiii Kaaaate." or "Goooood mooooorrrrnning Kaaaate."

I can't believe it's already 8 months. I'm deathly afraid of what life will be like after Kate's born. I may never see daylight again.

Oh, and the glider I was going to purchase is out of stock! Figures.

Number Two

We have 2 items we still need to purchase for Kate (and I use the term "need" loosely)...a glider and ottoman we saw online from Target and possibly another stroller which is capable of letting Ellie either stand or sit on the stroller.

But these purchases will have to wait another month. We may even wait until after Kate is born to purchase the stroller. After the "pleasant" process of paying our bills, Jae says to me, "Chloe killed us this month." Our dog manages to get under the knife every year. Last year was the popcorn/needle fiasco. This year, it was her tumor. I told Jae we should just set aside $2000 every year for Chloe's insessant desire to go under surgery. Not a bad idea.

I also felt 2 really hard, but not painful contractions today. The first one I felt during Sunday service. It lasted for about 2 minutes and I found myself needing to breathe in very deeply to alleviate the pressure. My second contraction was during the Manning/Manning football game. The Giants scored a touchdown so I cheered...then a contraction during the middle of my cheering.

Physically, I'm spent. More backaches, more sleepy, more swelling in my ankles, more clumsy, more cramping and stretching of my tummy, more bathroom trips, more indigestion, and it's more difficult to get up from the couch or bed. It's just cumbersome to move around. I've told many people that 7 months is just the right amount of time a woman wants to be pregnant, or at least for me.

Ultrasound 5

New Ultrasound Photos of Baby Kate. I am skipping the gender identification ultrasound. Even an unborn child needs little bit of privacy.

Failed

I didn't hear the phone ringing. Jae and I were busy cleaning the house Saturday and had the vacuum running most of the morning. While we were taking a break, Jae noticed our answering machine flashing..."someone called."

It was my ob office. I eventually got a hold of one of the nurses and she tells me, "you failed your glucose test." Wondering what "failed" meant, I asked her to explain more. She then told me my sugar level was higher than what they'd like to see and that I would have to do the test again. Besides drinking that wretched orange drink, this time I'd have to fast, get my blood drawn every hour for 3 hours, and go to the hospital to get it done. This test would determine whether I have gestational diabetes. The nurse told me not to worry about it, which made me worry about it. I'm sure I'll be okay, whatever the results may be.

And something really scary occurred to me last night as I was trying to fall asleep. I'd have to lose 35 pounds in order to get back down to my pre-Ellie weight and if I wanted to get back down to my pre-wedding weight, I'd have to lose an extra 15. 50 pounds! With that number lingering in my mind, I somehow managed to fall asleep only wake up in the middle of the night by a an excruciating pain in my left calf. I pulled my leg muscle as I was stretching.

3rd Trimester

I'm 28 weeks today...can't believe it. 12 more weeks seems like a million miles away though. At least I have baby Jack's arrival to keep my mind off things, otherwise, I'd go nuts.

Kate has better vision now so may be able to turn towards any light directed at my tummy. It will be an interesting experiment to try. She is already responding to Darth Jader's greetings from the outside world.

As for me, my legs are starting to feel tighter...crampy so I am diligent about stretching them in the morning and once before bed. My sciatica seemed to have gone away, but I fear it will come back full force towards the end of the pregnancy. I think Kate has moved towards my right side cuz I'm starting to feel more pressure there. I'm getting sick of sleeping on my side, but nearly freak out when I wake up on my back...even with a pillow...I wake up to find 4 or 5 pillows strewn about the floor next to me.

Dreams, dreams, dreams...I used to remember what they were...the preggo brain has taken over me. Pregnancy makes one senile.

27th week

Kate is weighing close to 2 pounds and is 12 inches in length...I think. It's getting quite cozy as she is growing, but the human body is an amazing thing. I look upon my sister's tummy and can't believe how once my skin stretched so far, shrunk back, and is stretching again. Mind you, your skin never feels as firm or taught as it used to. It looks and feels like a deflated balloon. Sad. I ponder plastic surgery, but I think that process could be more painful and stressful than labor itself (if you have an epidural).

Kate's beginning to open and close her eyes, may even start sucking her thumb and is starting to develop regular sleep cycles. She moves in the wee hours of the evening and in the mornings when Ellie comes to our room to wake us up. Apparantly, Ellie also wakes up Kate. And I was concerned it was going to be the other way around.

Yoda...

Although I've changed the title from "Little Yoda" to "Baby Kate", it doesn't mean Yoda has left this mind of mine. I've been meaning to attach an audio clip of one of Yoda's profound statements, anything having to do with life or the "force", but have been too lazy to figure out how. Boo, if you have the time, maybe you could find an audio clip of Yoda for me. =)

Anyways, Kate has been busy kicking away. I'm glad to say she is no longer kicking my bladder or cervix. I don't know how many times I've told her, "It's not time to come out yet." She's finally wised up.

I wonder if the kicks are visual enough for Ellie to notice them. There are days when she asks me where a specific toy is, then I tell her, "it's on the floor." Then she looks at the table and says, "huh?" Then I tell her, "No, not the table, it's on the floor." Then she looks at the floor, but in the completely opposite direction I'm pointing towards and says, "huh?" Then I tell her again, "Ellie, it's on the floor, next to your books." After 10 rounds of "huh?", she finally finds her toy. Okay, I guess she won't be able to see it. I'll have to get her to feel the kicks. I wonder how she will react.

I've also pulled out the playpen, bouncer, swing, bathtub, and toy piano from the garage. I know, I know...due date is still 13 weeks away, but I'm getting anxious. It was interesting to see Ellie on her old bouncer again. She LOVED that bouncer when she was a baby. She sat on it today and then had the nerve to ask for a bottle! I know she was just pretending. I told her to get it out of her system.

Will post how Kate is developing tomorrow.

Characters on Lost

Jae, Ellie, and I have come to an agreement about baby girl Lim's name. We've decided to name her........................drum roll...................................Katherine Hyun-Ae Lim.

I fought hard for Isabelle, but I like the name Kate too. My only reservation about that name was that people may call her Katie or Kathy. Ellie still insist we call her "Cake-a-lyn", but as long as Jae and I refer to the baby as "baby Kate", Ellie seems to be okay with the name. The pressure's on Sun to help Ellie make the transition. =) We love you, Sun Yong!

So my sister is naming her son Jack and I will name my daughter Kate. Good luck to the next addition in the family, for he/she will be named "Locke".

Braxton Hicks

I felt my first contractions yesterday...once in the morning and the other time as I was washing the dishes. These contractions were more intense than I remember it being with Ellie. The first one must have lasted about 30 seconds or so...everything felt tight, but not uncomfortable. The second contraction I felt while I was washing dishes was more intense and lasted about what seemed like 5 minutes. With this contraction, I had to stop washing the dishes and sit down for awhile. It felt much like the cramping one feels when doing 100 sit ups.

I have a funny feeling baby girl Lim will come sooner than expected...and with a quick labor... complete opposite of my first born.

We need to give her a name.

Stuck

Still debating about the name for baby girl Lim.

Jae is stuck on Jana

I am stuck on Isabelle

Ellie is stuck on Kate

What to do...

6 months?

24 weeks today. E-gads!

This little girl of ours is a foot in length and now weighs a little over a pound and is continuing to gain about 1/4 pound each week. That's faster than Ellie's growth rate. I wonder when she will catch up to her sister's weight.

I can't believe how fast she's growing. She must know I'm thinking of her cuz she's kicking me as I type.

Although she's just long and lean, her skin still transparant, her lungs are beginning to develop "branches" for breathing, her brain is growing rapidly and she's developing taste buds. What food cravings will she dwelve me into this month? My kim-chee craze is over and so far all I've wanted to eat are carrots and celery sticks. I wonder if it's cuz of the weather or my body is demanding I eat a healthier diet.

I'm so tired these days...this pregnancy has definitely taken it's toll on me...

Now...to give this little turkey a name...

Kung Fu

It's 23 weeks today! I can't believe I'm past the half-way mark. I have to say, the first trimester took forever, while the 2nd trimester is almost behind me. It went by so suddenly, similarly to how this little girl of ours is growing.

I'm finding myself a bit more tired these days, but am eating better. Baby girl Lim is practicing some serious Kung Fu in my belly and on quite a schedule. I usually feel her when I am relaxed during the morning and late evenings. Maybe I'm too distracted to feel her movements during the day.

Anyways, I anticipate every movement she makes just to brace myself. This morning, I swore she was going to kick her way out. She's quite strong already and Jae has already been able to feel her kick, although to him he said it felt really "light", yeah right! She's kung fu fighting!

Throwing out names

You'd think now that we know we're having a girl, thinking of names would be much easier, but it's as tireless as picking out baby gear, paint color for baby room, and the perfect doctor/hospital combination.

There are too many choices. At least with the other decisions, they are temporary, but the name sticks forever. Of course she could always change her name if she wants, but Jae and I are hoping it won't get to that...that she will be content.

So anyways, here are some names I've been thinking about...some have serious thought and some just sound pretty.

Bridget-resolute strength
Isabelle-consecrated to God
Michelle-who is like the Lord
Sarah-princess
Jadyn-God has heard
Jana-God is gracious
Sophie-wisdom
Jaimie-I love
Jessica-wealthy
Kelsey-island of ships
Leila-born at night
Reina-peaceful/queen
RaeAnne-graceful Lamb

It's meant to be!

"It's meant to be." Who can guess where that line is from??

We are having a G I R L!!!! Ellie will have a sister come November.

Don't mess with me and my caffeine free coke. Jae was in so much fear the other day, he only drank half the can in front of me. I gave him a look..."why are you giving me the can? you can drink it." Then he replies sheepishly, "It's the last can."

Caffeiene withdrawal is difficult. I'm not the same person I used to be.

Maternity Tour

I was not impressed. The 8 rooms they had were small...the bathrooms were small...I was expecting so much more because I had heard such nice things about their maternity ward. It just seemed hospital-like. Their labor and delivery room is about one third the size of Condell's room and what they consider their Master Suites for recovery was about the same size as my mediocore recovery room at Condell.

But in all fairness, Condell's maternity ward was brand-spanking new when I delivered Ellie there. When comparing the two, it almost makes you want to drive an hour to deliver at Condell.

I should ask my doctor if she delivers at another hospital...or I may be tempted to keep searching for another Ob who delivers at Condell...hmm...

Really, the maternity ward wasn't that bad...I'm just finicky.

Another dr. appt. yesterday with Dr. Ray. I have to say she's a very burly person...deep voice and big boned. Very frightening, but she is nice...more laid back person which is what I like in doctors. But I think I will try making an appt. with the other doctors in the office...hopefully one of them will mesh well with me.

Anyways, the baby is doing well...was able to find the heartbeat easily this time...150 beats per minute...and no ultrasound. She said all is well except my thyroid levels were abnormal with the last bloodwork, which she said is common when women experience extreme nausea in the first trimester, so they took more blood. Of course, I was poked at least twice in order for the nurses to find any veins left in my arms. I think they would have searched my legs or neck if they weren't able to find anything. I hate my veins. I hate needles.

But I'm feeling better...eating better...am able to swallow the horse pills they call vitamins. I feel extremely fat because I'm in maternnity clothes but I don't feel pregnant yet.

Will get a level 2 ultrasound sometime at the end of June and hopefully figure out if the baby is a Katelyn or Kateson. Tee hee hee...

Pop!

Yeah, I'm finally beginning to show...I mean I've always had a pooch, but now I have good reason to have one and it doesn't look like fat.

Pregnancy so far is going well. I haven't really had much cravings after the morning sickness, that just kind of took all my cravings away, except for kim-chee, which is really odd. Fruit is also another main part of my diet these days.

So the baby is 15 weeks along...his/her limbs are growing even more...I believe it's about the size of an orange or something like that. Baby's eyelids are fused shut but I read if you shine a flashlight to your belly, the baby will squirm away from the light. How amazing is that?

Although this is my second pregnancy, sometimes it feels like the first time. I've forgotten most everything. I wonder if I'll remember how to hold a baby. So strange. I thought it was odd my mom didn't know how to bathe Ellie or change her diaper after raising 2 girls on her own, but now I understand. But I guess it's like riding a bike. You get the hang of it after awhile. But the epidural mishap during delivery and 2 o'clock feedings I remember!

2nd trimester

I'm 14 weeks now and am considered to be in my 2nd trimester. I felt like that two weeks ago! The morning sickness with this pregnancy was horribly intense, but finally settled down about a week ago...right on time. As with Ellie's pregnancy, the nausea wasn't so bad, but lasted through the second trimester. I'm not sure which I prefer.

So I'm getting a strong feeling this baby is a boy. I don't know why, it just feels that way. I am secretly wishing for a girl...I guess it's not secret anymore...but girls are definitely much more fun to be around and I think everyone should have a sister. They're great and can be your best friend.

I'm sure there are a lot of benefits to having boys as well, once they've grown up. It's the process of raising boys that seem more daunting to me...again, I don't know why. From what I've seen, they're either monsters on a sugar high or momma's boys. You will occasionally find the perfect little boy, but behind him, you will find his perfect mother, which I am not.

Anyways, Ellie has too many clothes that need recycling.

Ultrasound 3

Apparently, the doctor had hard time getting his/her heartbeat so they did another ultrasound. The doctor advised Wany to see a high risk pregnancy specialist just in case. This doctor seems to be ultra cautious compared to Dr. Winiger. The baby is filling up the space nicely compared to last ultrasound. Little Yoda is about 2 inches long.

I just wanted to add the baby's heartbeat is 158 per minute and was kicking away in my tummy. It was hard to believe I couldn't feel all that movement yet. We'll have to wait a couple of months before we feel the "alien" emerge.

I miss Dr. Winiger....

week 12

The nausea has finally settled down a bit. I told my sister and she says, "Oh good. That means your placenta's working." What a most interesting observation. I'm always learning from her.

I'm still feeling a little run down, but I find that if I move around more, I actually feel better. I thought I'd feel more tired, but what do I know? As long as I know when to stop moving, I shouldn't see the pillow or mattress at 5:00 anymore. Moderation...harder to do.

My recent cravings...fried potstickers from Yu's and grapefruit or anything citris-y...

Can you believe this baby is the size of a lime? Mmm....liiiimmmeee...

Ultrasound 2

Wany had another ultrasound. I guess after molar pregnancy, they like to be more cautious...?? I missed out on this one as well. I will make it to the normal 20 week ultrasound.

I can't believe it's only been 10 weeks. I feel 4 months pregnant already. Is this a sign that I'm done having children? Honestly, I can't wait for it to be all said and done.

The nausea keeps on coming and I find myself a paraplegic in the evenings because of it. There's nothing much to do but lay on the couch and watch tv. I feel horrible every time Ellie asks if I want to play with her cuz I have to turn her down..."mommy's not feeling well." Poor bellie.

Weight-wise, I haven't even looked at the scale ever since my last doctor's appt. Why bother? I used to weigh myself before each doctor's visit when I was pregnant with Ellie, just so I'd know what to expect, but every time I'm weighed at the doctor's office, I somehow end up weighing 2-3 pounds more. Do our bodies just gain weight on the road?

Well, I have an appt. this Friday with my new obgyn. I hope she's friendly and not too rough.

Don't Laugh

The maternity clothes comes out early this time around! Jeesh! I can manage to fit into bigger size clothes, but I'd rather be comfortable in maternity wear. I'm still not big enough to fill it in, but I feel so much more relaxed. The shirts cover my butt and the pants are nice and stretchy. So if you see me hanging out in maternity clothes, don't laugh at me. I'd much rather be comfortable than fashionable...what can I say? I've turned to the dark side.

Kicked out

In not too distant future, I will be kicked out of my office to the corner room to prepare for Little Yoda's arrival. For now I am holding out as long as I can until Wany kicks me out.

I know her nesting instinct will kick in very shortly just like it happened with Ellie. We had to completely redo Ellie's room before her arrival, 5-6 months before her arrival. "Why are we starting so Early? Baby is not coming out for some time?" To which Wany replied, "If we don't start now, knowing you, we'll never finish!".

It's so true that it hurt.

I think I got another month before I am kicked out...

The Sensitive Man

With the second pregnancy, my sensitivity/empathy/sympathy meter has plummeted. I was quietely reminded about this fact when we went to visit my sister on Tuesday. After observing Wany sleeping through the most visit, my mom commented, "It's worse than being sick [like having cold/flu/etc]. Your body constantly aches and you feel nauseated all the time." She said this with the look of sympathy for Wany as if she still feels all the aches from her four ... actually five (she had a miscarriage before she had me) pregnancies she went through more than 3 decades ago.

On the other hand, I did not quite share the same feeling. Sure I go out to get stuff to satisfy her craving. Sure I try to take care of Ellie when I am off work. But actually having that empathy/sympathy... understanding... My sensitivity meter has gone rusty... I am sure Wany yearns for the return of The Sensitive Man and the departure of The Selfish Man.

Craving Run

I want to keep a log of craving errands... I'll bump it as things come up.

1. Orange Juice and Ice Cream
2. Ginger Ale, Ginger Tea
3. Crispy Crowns, Saltine Crackers
4. Strawberries

Ultrasound Photos

Here's our Little Yoda!
... and did I ever tell you how much I love my scanner?

Ultrasound 1

Got back from another doctor's appt. This time, the wait was not long, the nurses were quite pleasant, and the doctor didn't seemed rushed. My only complaint this trip was that my parking spot got taken by another car. It was pretty clear I was waiting for the spot. The other car was nowhere near the vicinity until after the other car pulled out. I was steamed, but not steamed enough to make any remarks. What good would yelling do at that point other than make me late for my appt? How funny would it have been if I was yelling out my window as Christian music is blaring from my car? They are not worth my time.

Anywhoo...got my ultrasound. The baby is normal size for 7 weeks and I saw the heart beating away! Jae will post the pictures of the ultrasound soon...(hint hint). Don't expect to see anything you can make out though. There is a yolk sac next to the baby which I thought was the baby's head. I'm a dork.

I'm planning on making another appt. in 4 weeks with a doctor closer to home. Hopefully I will end up with a nice doctor and I will be able to hear the heartbeat!

Belly Button Portal

The nausea is sickening! All day long! I'm only given an hour break in between the long urges to throw up. I'm afraid to eat. Even writing this is making me gag. Little Yoda truly is with the Force.

So my husband is out getting saltine crackers and crispy crowns. But I'm really hoping the saltines will make my stomach feel less ambushed by the vitamins I must chug.

I told Ellie about the baby again. She seemed to respond better this time. Ellie asked where the baby was so I told her the baby is in mommy's tummy. She then looked down my shirt and said, "Just mommy's boobies!" So I showed her exactly where the baby might be. She then spoke into my belly button, "baby is crying. oohhh...it's okay baby. don't cry." then patted my tummy. I was dying of laughter.

Unreal

Pregnancy still seems unreal at the moment. I think it's hard for it to really sink in for men until we can hear the heartbeat or witness the ultrasound or feel that baby kicking...

Only thing real so far is the cold weather when I went out to buy orange juice and ice cream late night to satisfy her craving and the EOB statement I received in the mail for the first of many visits to come.

That day will be here sooner than I think. When it happens, I will jump in joy and sweat in panic. Another life to cherish. Another mouth to feed.

Flatulence

Why does pregnancy cause so much gas?

I've never farted like this in my life! I'm just not the gassy type person...until now. I'm so worried that I'm going to fart at church. It's just non-stop. There was this one morning, as soon as I woke up, I farted unwillingly. Then I heard Jae laugh at me! Darn! I thought he was sleeping. And even more embarrassing, Ellie was on the bed...staring at me. Man!

Changes

With the first pregnancy, I was able to accompany Wany to every visit to the doctor/hospital. I wanted to be involved in everything. With the second pregnancy, this is not going to be possible with Ellie.

This child is already on the brink of suffering from the second child syndrome. If you want new clothes you better be a boy.

With Ellie, most people didn't care whether it was a boy or a girl. This time around we are sensing that more people are hoping or will be hoping for a boy. The only reason I can think that I would want a boy over a girl is that it gives me an execuse to buy toys that I alwasy wanted but never had. Other than that I have come to embrace my estrogen rich life.

Decision Made

I had my first prenatal appt. today. I was seen earlier in the pregnacy than normal because I have a history of a molar pregnancy. The exam itself wasn't a big deal...pretty routine.

The biggest issue that I've been struggling with was whether to find an Ob/Gyn close to home and take the risk of ending up with a poor physician and hospital or to stay with the physician I'm familiar with whom I know will provide excellent care. So what's the big debate? The doctor I'd like to stay with is a good 45--50 minute drive. I'm usually not seen by the doctor until an hour after my scheduled appt. time. My sister and her husband can testify.

But I think the debate may be over. My appt. today was scheduled at 1:30pm, which is when I promptly arrived. The office didn't tell me I had to fill out paperwork, if that were the case, I would have come 15 minutes earlier. So it was 2:00 and I was finally called to my exam room where I waited another 15 minutes for a nurse who didn't even work there. She took my history for about half an hour. I was finally seen by the doctor at 3:00. I didn't leave the office til 4:00 and didn't get home til 5:45. I left the house at 12:30.

My brother-in-law was apparantly a "monkey in a tree" according to my sister when they had to wait at the same doctor's office. Ha ha ha ha....he threatened to switch to another doctor/hospital. I think I will do the same.

Next exam: March 28th for an ultrasound...same location...maybe the last visit.

craving!

Is it too early for me to have cravings? I'm so in the mood for a Whopper Jr. I also have a nasty craving for fried mandoo skins. I want to make mandoo, fry it, then just eat the skins and leave the meat for Chloe. Duk-boo-gee also sounds tempting. Yum.

Symptoms

Each pregnancy truly is different. With Ellie, I felt very tired and didn't have any nausea until towards the end of the 1st trimester. The nausea came on and off during the afternoon and got worse in the evening. I used to throw up my medicine and vitamins most every evening and got up at least twice in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.

With this pregnancy, I feel nauseated in the mornings or when my stomach is empty. I also feel hungrier sooner and crave a variety of foods, for instance last night, I asked my mom to make Korean style chicken noodle soup...twas delicous!

I've also been very very sleepy. Yesterday I slept at 9pm with Ellie. It's so funny because we both woke up in the middle of the night at the same time...Ellie wanted her blanket...I had to pick my nose...as my sister will testify, the membranes in your nostrils can swell and make it difficult to breathe for pregger women. And Jae will also testify that I've become much more moodier than normal. He's got a long road ahead of him.

Ellie is also feeling the effects of my pregnancy. Today, she craved popcorn for some reason so I asked my husband to buy some popcorn on the way home...along with some banana milk. Of course we have bananas and milk, but no blender. We are becoming that sort of family. Gads!

I'm beginning to wonder if I'm having twins. Double gads!

Breaking News

A minor Peanut gallery drama has allowed us to break the news early to our parents. This is a good thing. I hate holding on to 'secrets'.

My mom told Wany to "treat me like a slave" or in Korean "boo-rhuh-muk-yuh". This is the same mom who told my three sisters, "Two of you can hold him down and one of you can beat him up if he gets out of line."

"If you have a son then you have one of each so you don't have to have any more kids. But then again, it's really nice to have many kids when you get older even though it's hard when you are raising them."

The Appearance

My husband and I decided to break the news to our 2 year old daughter as soon as we found out.

"Guess what? You're going to have a baby sister or brother!" Ellie looked around the room hoping to see a little baby boy or girl gurgling drool on the floor. Disappointed, she glazed her eyes over to us. She looked terribly confused. To ease her mind, we quickly asked her another question, "Would you like to have a baby brother or sister?"

Her response, "Yeah!"

The pink line had made its appearance on the pregnancy test this morning. Although I took one last night which resulted with a very faint pink line, I knew I really really really wanted to see pink so the faint pink line could have very well been a figment of my imagination...like a mirage in the middle of the desert. I was thirsty...so another test was due this morning.

My thirst is quenched.