Belly Pictures - 6 months!

I can't believe we are 103 days away from our due date!

Not one day goes by where I do not thank God for this blessing in my womb.

I'm so excited to meet him! And I'm definitely ALL belly. I can't believe how big and round my belly is - it's grown so much since I started showing at about 14 weeks.

Meme!

About the mommy:
Name: Leigh Anne
Age: 29
Is this the first child?: Yes

About the daddy:
Name: Mark
Age: 33
Is this the first child?: Yes

Finding out:
What day did you find out you were pregnant?: 3-10-11
How did you feel when you found out?: We were on cloud nine! We tested at 3am and we couldn't go back to bed. We knew this was it, this was truly our miracle. And we were right!Who was with you?: Mark

How did the daddy react?: Pretty much the same way I did.. we hugged, kissed, cried, rejoiced, prayed...

Telling the grandparents:
How did you parents react?: Excited! A bit worried because of our past but excited and optimistic.

How did his parents react?: I'm not sure

How often do they call to check on you?: My family calls frequently, his family maybe once a week

About the pregnancy:
When is your due date?: 11-11-11
How far along are you right now?: 25 weeks!
Have you had an ultra sound?: Yes! Several!
Have you heard the heartbeat?: Yes, Several times
Sex of the baby: BOY
What do you want. Boy or Girl?: We just wanted a living healthy baby, no preference.
Do you know what you are having now?: Boy oh BOY do we!
Are you happy with what you are having?: DEFINITELY!


About the birth:
Who is going to be with you?: Hubby for sure. I don't know how many people are allowed in the room with us but I know my mom wants in pretty bad, LOL

Are you going to video tape it?:Um, NO. maybe a few photos but no thank you to cameras "down south"
Natural or medicated?: Give me drugs :)

Do you think you will have a c-section?: I have no idea, I just want him here safe and sound

Do you think you will cry when you first hold your baby?: Most definitely.... wouldn't you cry if you were handed a gift from God that grew in your womb?

Do you know what you will say to the baby when you first hold it? Nope... but I tell him so much already.

Are you scared about the labor? No


Names:
Do you have a name picked out?: Elliot Walter

Is your baby going to be named after anyone?: Elliot is after my grandmother, Eleanor and Walter is after my father and grandfather

Did the daddy help pick the name?: Yes!


Other random questions:
Where was your baby conceived?: LOL! Really? at home..

Have you felt the baby move?: YES! More and more each day!

What was your first symptom?: Sore breasts, and I mean SORE

Will you have Godparents?: YES!

Who will be the God mommy?: Jen

Who will be the God daddy?: Joe/Bobo

What is the baby's room theme? Baby animals/baby jungle


Are you ready to be a mommy?: YES! YESSSS!!!

What do you think the baby will be a "daddys girl/boy" or a "mommys girl/boy"?: I think he'll be both!

GD update

I called the OB's office today and asked them to call me back about the possibility of NOT doing the one hour test and going straight for the 3 hour test.

The nurse called back and we had a really good conversation.

I explained to her that I have noticed an increase in urination lately and I just want to make sure Elliot is safe considering I've waited so long to be HERE. I know I've been drinking more bc of the heat wave but I also know that in the past with my PCOS I was never considered insulin resistant because I always did fine on the one hour test.

It wasn't until I met Dr. P and did the three hour test where we discovered that there WERE issues. He put me on the glumetza and sure enough after only five months on it, I wound up pregnant.

I also explained that Dr. Easter (doc in the practice) said he suspects I will have it because I have the risk factors... I'm overweight, I have a strong family history of it and I have PCOS not to mention I was on glumetza during the first trimester and he is willing to treat GD with glumetza if the test deem it necessary.

She noted that my numbers were GREAT for the one hour tests I had in the first trimester and I said, "Yes, BUT I was on glumetza then..." so we decided then to do the three hour test as soon as we can.

She is mailing out the labs today or tomorrow and I'll do the three hour test. I'll also be tested again between August 10th and September 11th with the rest of my third trimester labs.

This really gives me peace of mind. I know I probably come off sounding paranoid and such but this child is FIVE years in the making. I want to do what I can to prevent any problems, to control what can be controlled bc God knows once the baby comes he's calling all the shots, LOL. And I know some women with PCOS do not have GD but I also wonder how many really did have it and never knew. It's too dangerous to mess around with and I'm eager to get the results.

PCOS Gratitude Journal

I was reading this article ((Can you tell I LOVE the inCyst blog?)) and I especially liked the point made below:

PCOS has made me assert my health as a priority. If I didn’t have PCOS, it’s unlikely that I would be practicing this level of self-care – and I know that what I do is only going to benefit my PCOS in the long run.

I can't help but AGREE with this statement. I'm the type of person where if there is a problem, I solve it. I do my best to solve it. I work as hard as I can until it the problem has some sort of resolution. I don't just "deal" and if you tell me the word "can't" I'll reply with something my mother tends to say: "CAN'T MEANS YOU WON'T TRY."

For years I knew something wasn't right with my body. I couldn't figure out why my experiences in puberty were different from my friends. If you scroll back in some of these entries I'm sure I've written about it. Any doctor I saw told me to just lose weight and my periods would be better or here's a Rx for the pill... they never really investigated. Thanks to the power of social networking and the Internet I began researching my symptoms and struggles and PCOS kept coming up. To save your eyeballs from boredom... it took me SEVERAL doctors and MANY appointments to get to where I am now because I'm sorry, but I just won't take no for an answer.

I finally found a doctor who took me seriously, assessed me properly, and got me HERE. HERE. HEEEEERRRREEEEE. I'm typing this entry and I'm SIX MONTHS PREGNANT something I was told would probably never happen for us.

So here are just a few reasons as to why I'm thankful for PCOS:

1. Figuring out I had PCOS did make me take my health seriously. Just the other day at my OB appointment I was praised for excellent PCOS management pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy.
2. I've proven that you should never take "NO" for an answer and that even though doctors are quite knowledgeable ... you need to trust you and know your body.
3. I've discovered that a firm stance and a strong faith go a long way.
4. I've proven my mother's saying right - telling me "can't" means you won't try to help me which means you're a waste of my time and I'm moving on.
5. I went from hating my body to learning to understanding my body and appreciating my body.
6. I'm incredibly knowledgeable on all things pcos and infertility and it helps me help other women.
7. I've met so many wonderful "cysters" and have been helped by them and also have helped them in return.
8. I've got something to be truly passionate about. I'm passionate about several topics such as literacy, education, equality, etc... but PCOS has its own category.
9. I've proven the doctor who said "You're too fat to ever have kids" wrong... this same doctor will be getting a picture of my son in the mail.
10. I've proven that pill pushing isn't always the best medical practice.
11. I've inspired other women and have given them hope.
    
12. I've discovered that the fight really is worth it and I refused to be reduced by the process it took to get here.

I'm sure I could come up with more reasons to be grateful for PCOS but truly it has taught me a lot. As I look back on our journey with infertility I know I'm not cured. I'll always have PCOS. But I truly have proven that I have PCOS - it does not have me. And that, is important.

Metformin at age EIGHT?!??!

This article makes me relieved to be having a boy. I couldn't imagine putting my daughter on metformin so young.

PCOS and Gestational Diabetes

Today I had an OB appointment and it went VERY well! I can't believe I'm staring at the 3rd trimester (and all the paperwork that comes with it)!

I still have technically gained ZERO pounds during the pregnancy (and I'm at 6 months!) because I am yet to meet let alone surpass my weight I was when I discovered I was pregnant.

There was a lot of interesting discussion today about "If you want a dead baby..."

Apparently there is a surge/rise in women REFUSING to have the one hour glucose test (or even the three hour test) for gestational diabetes and a blunt approach to the consequences of that action is being taken.

I couldn't imagine refusing this test. Sure, it's yucky tasting and time consuming but really.... you'd risk the life of your child?

I'm wondering if the refusal is faith based or not. No clue. I could see if you have no genetic predisposition to diabetes but still... this is a life, a baby...

So clearly I'm not refusing the test because well... let's face it -- I'm probably going to have it!

My mom and dad are both type 2 diabetic. I have PCOS. I have a wide variety of relatives on both sides of the family who are type 2 as well. My sugars are always low and hypoglycemia is not good for baby either.

My OB said not to freak out, that he could treat me with glumetza. Typically they treat it with diet and exercise but because I already have a low GI diet and I already exercise we could go right to the glumetza. The one hour test isn't for a few more weeks but I'm not terrified of it.

Ideally, yes - I'd like to NOT have it. But I'm also not going to be dramatic if I test positive. I have continually been doing what is best for me and my son. I would never even dream of refusing the test.

Victory!

I am happy to report that the accident was officially deemed not my fault and the woman who hit me is at fault so her insurance is covering everything.

The insurance estimate-man came out today to inspect my car and while there is significant damage, the damage is less than the retail value of my car. Translation: I'll be getting my car fixed and not spending a dime to do so (unless I choose to have the rest of the car painted).

I can't wait to have her fixed and home. I wasn't against getting a new car if that was necessary, I was more so against having a car payment when I have a baby on the way.

SCARY WEEKEND

What a crazy weekend!

On Friday I was in my first ever car accident on my way to my OB appointment. NOT my fault. I was rear ended by a 72 year old woman not once but TWICE. She hit me once and then again (and no one hit her) while I was stopped at a red light. On the second hit my seat lunged forward and belly went slammed into the steering wheel. Yes, I was wearing a seat belt.

I'm not going to get into further details about the accident as there is an investigation in progress to prove its not my fault.

Mark made it to me in record time and got me to labor and delivery immediately. I must say I am so impressed with this hospital. The nurses and staff were AMAZING. Absolutely wonderful. I was in for a little over 24 hours to keep a constant monitor on myself and the baby.

Thank God, he and I are both ok. It was close folks. If she hit harder, God only knows where we'd be. We had a great ultrasound and we saw his beautiful face! He has daddy's chin, possibly mommy's nose and the cutest pudgiest cheeks. He's weighing 1.5lbs and measuring right on target.

Then today we decided to veg at home for a bit before visiting our cousins who moved to our town. Mark's dad calls to tell him they've been in an accident.

A deer was crossing the road and a car hit the deer sending the deer into my inlaws van shattering their window and deer guts and blood and glass went all over my inlaws (especially my MIL) - thank God they are both ok. Especially my MIL who took the brunt of the hit.

God was definitely with our family this weekend and we are thankful that even though the situations weren't our favorite - everyone is safe and sound.

Kick, kick!

My cat has been having some adjustment issues from time to time with the baby coming. We make sure anything we bring into the home, we have it set down so she can check it out. I think the biggest issue she has had was with breast milk/colostrum - she wouldn't sleep next to me for awhile but has since recovered. Today, she laid on my belly purring and the baby kicked her off, LOL.

From... Pregnancy Sucks for Men...

I found this funny when my husband read it to me. He is presently reading, "Pregnancy Sucks for Men..." and the other night he told me that I should feel free to complain about pregnancy because I really haven't complained at all about being pregnant.... but I truly have no complaints! So after some prodding from him I did admit that while I love being pregnant, I do struggle from time to time with asking for help, almost as if I'm less independent because of restrictions such as lifting, etc... but other than that ... no issues or complaints! Anywhoo, here are 12 things you should never say to a pregnant woman from Pregnancy Sucks for Men by Joanne Kimes.

1. "Hey! You have more nipple hair than I do."
2. "I never noticed the resemblance before but you look a lot like the Pillsbury Dough Boy."
3. "But I've seen other pregnant women work out at the gym."
4. "Can I get you a trough?"
5. "Good news! I started an office pool about whether you'll poop during delivery."
6. "You know your butt really does look big in those pants."
7. "Look! You and I have the same sized hands."
8. "Hey you are blocking the TV! Hell, you're blocking the whole wall!"
9. "Can I use your maternity underwear to cover the BBQ?"
10. "I never knew stretchmarks were so unattractive."
11. "If I connect all those new moles on your chest, I'd make Texas."
12. "No."

Personally I find this hilarious! :)

Toes no toes!

Top picture: I could see my toes at 15 weeks...

Bottom picture: I can't see my toes at 22 weeks...

Not one day goes by where I don't feel blessed. Feeling blessed and grateful 24/7

Being silly...

I think this is a funny belly picture - I call it "running towards the 3rd trimester" ... as you can see we're definitely growing!

My next OB appointment is this Friday and I'm really excited to see what is up and coming for us. So far this pregnancy has gone GREAT with no *major* issues.

I did have my thyroid bloodwork done and it came back normal again (under 2) - Thank God!

Weighty Questions - Fit Pregnancy

Weighty Questions - Fit Pregnancy

GET MAD! REALLY MAD!!!!

I've been having a few conversations lately with fellow cysters about my journey from pcos/infertility to present day pregnancy.


I feel honored to be considered an inspiration to them and really... our journey doesn't just spring from our love and determination and our faith in God. Don't get me wrong, all of those things are/were important.

I have an incredibly supportive husband who researches/researched PCOS just as much as I do/did. And we never doubted God because we truly believe if God gives you the desire, He'll give you the outcome. It's just on HIS time - not YOURS.

But really... we got here in a sense.... from a big GIANT MOOD SWING! And to think... PCOS gals have mood swings so PCOS was hurting us and helping us.

I remember it clearly. Mother's Day 2010 was incredibly depressing for me/us. It was another Mother's day with no child of my own to share it with. That Monday I went in to see my PCP and I was just LIVID with everything. From my weight to my thyroid to my erratic cycles to the shape of my uterus through the size of my ovaries. I was just DONE with PCOS and determined to NEVER ever have another "barren" Mother's Day.

I remember raising my voice at her and saying "LOOK YOU HAVE GOT TO HELP ME BECAUSE I AM NOT GOING THROUGH ANOTHER MOTHER'S DAY WITHOUT A CHILD AGAIN.... EITHER COME UP WITH SOME GREAT DRUGS FOR ME FOR MOTHER'S DAY OR GET ME THE HELP I NEED.... NOW."

She came back in with a list of doctors she'd recommend and told me to research them, interview, and make a decision and let her know where I was going from there.

And that's when I met Dr. P - he ran tests I didn't even know about. He checked every single inch of my body from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. He took an insane amount of notes while recording me and LISTENING to me. He took me seriously when I told him what hasn't worked and what I'm not willing to do. He took me seriously when I told him I didn't want another pill pushed on me, I didn't want a band-aid fix ---- I wanted answers. He took me seriously when I told him I'd leave if he were planning on just giving me a Rx for metformin and the pill and sending me on my merry way. There is more to PCOS than what the eye can see and just swallowing pills wasn't on my plan. Still to this day he describes me as his most stubborn patient yet because I took the hard road to get here.

We went through interviews, exams, ultrasounds, labs, etc to find what was what - what wasn't working enough and what was working too much. We figured out that my thyroid was a real S.O.B. and I needed to have it maintained every 3-5 weeks and not every 2-4 months. We discovered that I needed more FAT in my diet and I had enzyme deficiency issues which contributed to my struggle with weight loss in addition to the thyroid issues. We had TWENTY-THREE viles of blood drawn. We communicated. I researched. He researched. We brainstormed. We were/are a team.

Treatments for the thyroid and my blood issues began immediately. We got my cycles to behave themselves. We kept communicating, testing, analyzing, etc.... and finally --- we got HERE.

But it all really came from a big giant mood swing at first.

I had "hit bottom" in a sense. I was DONE. I invested my time in attacking this 24/7 whereas years ago I just got mad when I did or didn't get my period. I fought pcos every single day.

Do I still have PCOS? Oh heck yea. But now I'm in control. And I'm lucky because I have a doctor who has stood by me and listened and a husband who has fought PCOS with me 100%.

So when cysters ask me how we got here...

I tell them to GET MAD! GET FIRED UP! FIGHT IT 24/7! THIS JOURNEY IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE... IT CAN JUST FEEL THAT WAY! DON'T GIVE UP!

Teen Girl With No Vagina Pregnant by Sperm Survival from Oral Sex - ABC News

Teen Girl With No Vagina Pregnant by Sperm Survival from Oral Sex - ABC News


It's official.... I've officially have heard it all.

WOW.

Getting ready for baby brother...

Millie is my first baby, my fur baby. She turned 8 this year. According to the vet, she is officially a "senior citizen."

She's definitely learning and noticing that "something is different with mommy" that's for certain! She's always been an intuitive cat. She has been with me through all the ups and downs of infertility and now with pregnancy I think she was at first confused but is now comprehending that a small human is on the way.

When I started developing colostrum/breast milk/fluid she would sniff me, ears would go back, and she'd puff up and walk away.

If we bring in anything for baby we have her sniff it first and let her see what it is. We have the crib set up and she sleeps under it but won't go in it (which is GOOD). The other day we received a DVD in the mail and I even had her inspect that for good measure.

Last night/this morning at about 4:15am, she jumped into bed with us and started licking my belly! It was really sweet! I think she's going to be good with the baby. I sure hope so!

But what if she has issues?!?!

Besides the sickening news of the Casey Anthony Trial on almost every channel these days (don't even get me started on THAT)....

I'm feeling a bit worried for Kate and William!

I never really get into celebrity "things" - mostly celebrities I like are writers.

For example, I watched Jennifer Weiner today on "The Today Show" because she is my favorite author. Seriously, if you haven't read "Good in Bed" and the sequel "Certain Girls" - you're missing out.

Anywhoo.... there is talk on certain news shows about Kate and William wanting children.

And it just makes me CRINGE to know that this poor woman may have her 'business' all over the media. What if she has complications? Infertility? Anything?

I just wish the media and society didn't put so much pressure on children immediately following marriage.

Air Quality Warnings

It's been very humid lately and yesterday there were air quality warnings in place which meant it was another night we did not go for our walk.

I'm quickly learning the reasoning behind the OB's warnings about weather and humidity for pregnant women. I always assumed the warnings were for women who were in the third trimester and then it dawned on me... duh! You're like 4 weeks away from trimester number 3! WHOA!

Sooooo I ordered this DVD today so I can get my exercise in during the day in the air conditioning.

Exercise in general is important but staying active while pregnant is important because it can help your body "survive" labor - and considering most first time pregnancies result in a long labor... I want to be prepared. It also helps you "bounce back" from pregnancy in addition to the obvious it being good for you and baby!