Ed/Bump Update - Week 22

Much less to report this week, but that by no means speaks to the awesomeness of this week. Mom is visiting, we finished our move, we've unpacked and set up our home, and Ed starts his new series of outpatient treatments and therapies today! He's doing OK, about the same, no progress since he's come home, more of a holding pattern. Nothing is worse though, thank goodness. We're both interested to see how this new routine develops, and happy to not have it put off any further for fear of any additional relapses. From here on out I think we both expect things to level out, so there will be shorter updates about Ed's condition unless anything new pops up. He is eternally grateful for all the support and kind words... it's all still such an adjustment, but everyone's kindness has made it much, much easier. 

The new place is fantastic. Much more room and much more functional for Ed and myself. It gets the most wonderful afternoon sun - I wish I had taken pictures of that but we'll have to settle for the rush job I did with pictures this morning. I've been swimming almost everyday in the pool here. They have a lap lane set up which I adore, and it's been nice to get some exercise again. I've essentially done nothing since I found out I was pregnant, in part because there was no time because Ed got sick immediately and also because I can be pretty darn lazy. Anyways, it's great here. Still have to clean up the old place and turn in our keys... I'll miss being so close to psycho donuts, downtown Campbell, my prenatal yoga/massage/birthing class place... but that's ok. They're not that far of a drive at all.

Mom showing off at my request

Having mom around is always wonderful, decorating and rearranging things, cooking up a storm. I do feel like my thinking is a bit more muddled lately so she and Ed are keeping me on the straight and narrow with plans and projects. Though they do indulge me sometimes, check out these cabinet doors we scored at Ikea! We're gonna paint them my favorite intense red and hang them in the nursery. Wouldn't it be cute if they framed some wall decal like window shutters? 

Mom got to meet our midwife too, which I feel really good about because Mom will essentially be our doula on the big day of baby's birth.

I wrote a ton last week so that's enough for this week. Here are some pictures of our place!

Our new Salvation Army couch, really quite the steal.

You may have noticed these guys on the couch. My first toys for the baby! Baby may be terrified of them but I kiiiiiinda love them.

Living room is still coming together... that pile of DVDs will end up on an Ikea Lack shelf, that looks just like the bookshelves, on the wall above the TV.

Also a work in progress, but coming together!

Another Ikea steal. What can I say? I love birch effect wood and lingonberries. Couldn't resist!

Kitchen is a bit smaller but we're making it work

The cats playing bed warmers on the extended futon in the guest room.

The start of the nursery! I know it's a little all over the place, but you can kinda see the bones. I love those primary colors and crazy prints. Saying I shun pastels is an understatement.

Partial shot of our patio set up, way more room for growing things and even spending some time outside. I see a grill in our future!

And now, the all important baby update time!

How far along? 22 weeks

How Big Is Baby? A spaghetti squash (I have one on my counter currently and that seems enormous to me)

Sleep: Getting more regular... nothing unusual here these days.

Best moment this week: Having our big '20 week' check up at the Dr.'s! Everything is progressing normally. And baby is moving all about, doing it's thing.

Movement: While I felt movement the other day, it's been quieter since then. I can't wait for the days when baby is karate chopping me in the ribs. I can still feel the squirming, but I like the punches and kicks much better at this point. Ed even got to feel a little fluttering, but I think he'll really enjoy the movement in a few weeks.

Symptoms: Low blood pressure apparently? Who knew! I always thought pregnancy did the opposite to you but I guess not. I get a little dizzy, but no where near as much as I did in the first couple months. 

Food cravings/aversions: Chocolate milkshakes. I realized I've actually been craving these pretty frequently this pregnancy but it's hard to say if it's more frequent than my usual ice cream cravings. Bring on the frosties!

Gender: No confirmation from the Dr appt unfortunately. My uncle keeps asking if we're going to name the baby Tom or Tomissina... we'll take them both under consideration :)

Belly Button in or out? In.

What I miss: Wine. This week I'm missing wine really hardcore. Mom and Ed had a bottle of barbera that I wanted to wrestle from them. Smelled so delicious. I may or may not breathe heavily over Ed's glasses of wine or bottles of beer...

What I am looking forward to: Everything progressing like so, and once again, Christmas! I know, I shouldn't rush the seasons, but it's hard not to when the decorations are up at stores and even IKEA is in on it. I caved when I saw these adorable mushroom ornaments that fit with my rustic Christmas preferences:

Funny moment of the week: Our first outing to our new grocery store we were waiting in line. The cashier asked Ed what happened to him and told Ed to 'make it a good story.' So Ed went into detail about how he chased down and fought off some guys pursuing me, to protect my honor. He's a good one, that man. :)

Labor Signs: Ha.

Weekly Wisdom: I said it last week so this may be a cop out, but once again, people can be amazing. I don't know what we would have done without all of Ed's coworkers helping us move and without family to help us pack and then set up our home. I personally don't think it lessens a thank you if you say it multiple times, so once again. Thank you all!  

Milestones: Seeing our little human looking like a real little human and less like a goofy bean, and setting up our new home. Such a comforting time.

Ed/Bump Update - Week 21

Sorry for the delay this week! Yesterday was a big unpacking/resting day after the move on Monday. It has been a crazy week! Sorry in advance for rambling to follow, there's just a lot to catch up on!

Ed's home! We busted him out of rehab...

All the ladies at rehab celebrating Ed's birthday!

There was even a Tesla that had come to see him off!

Ed's still doing well, but now the gains he makes are smaller and more to do with 'normalizing' and refining his movements. We're still setting up his outpatient treatments and rehab, which is a huge pain to track people down. Ed mentioned how easy it is for them (insurance, rehab, Dr's) to not feel the urgency he feels as the one who has his health on the line, when he's struggling to get anything scheduled. But he's doing alright. Trying hard to manage his energy despite all the draws on it these days.

His birthday was Saturday and it was a brilliant day. We hitched a ride into Campbell and did some light walking around the Oktoberfest celebration for lunch. For dinner we treated ourselves to a night out at Liquid Bread Gastropub. We did the restaurant week tasting menu. It was about... 50% successful... but after talking about it with Ed, it sort of reaffirmed that we don't just like stuff because it's fancy or weird. We like things that actually taste good and some of this just... didn't.

Preparing for Ed's birthday dinner... somehow we missed the chance to get a picture with Ed... oops! :)

Shiitake mushrooms, brussels sprouts, barley, sprouts and balsamic vinaigrette - I liked this one well enough

Beer soup with cheese, potatoes... something or other. I did not like this. Ed seemed to think it was alright.

Looooved this. Pork chop with turnips, some greens I can't remember and huge serving of salt. 

Sweetbreads with shishito peppers and squid ink spaghetti. The spaghetti was delicious, the rest was eh.

Delicious warm green tea cake with green tea whipped cream and a cranberry relish? I could have eaten 4 of these.

Strawberry pudding with a little piece of almond toffee on top. Not my bag baby. Ed thought it was alright though.

After dinner we decided to go all out and get a hotel room in San Jose for the night. Nothing crazy, just a nice room to have a night away. I'm pretty sure we still ended up asleep at 10:30pm. But not before we ordered room service for dessert! A glass of wine for Ed, a chocolate milkshake for me, and some milk and cookies courtesy of the hotel to celebrate Ed's birthday. It was a really nice calm night. :)

The view from our room

To start of this week, we officially had the first half of our move to the new apartment. I will post pictures, hopefully in a week or two, of a more organized place. We're living 80% out of box/off the floor. The first half of the move went SO QUICKLY. A bunch of Ed's coworkers showed up on their lunch break on Monday and moved a huge amount of our stuff. They all kept complimenting how packed we were, but really we owed that to Dad and Debbie who came last weekend to help us compress everything. Ed and I were shocked at how much got moved over. I've been all weepy thinking about all the help. So thankful.

Also our new apartment is wonderful. Any guests that come will have a great upstairs suite all to themselves - as long as they don't mind some baby stuff around them! I can't wait to show you guys pictures, I'm really happy with this place. If you'd like our new address, just text email or comment on here and I will reach out to you with our new information!

Now baby stuff!

All dressed up for Ed's birthday dinner :)

How far along? 21 weeks

How Big Is Baby? A carrot

Sleep: Had a really good night last night, but it's been rough what with all the juggling involved with moving and other stressful things, like settling Ed's outpatient care. Hopefully last night was the start of a good series of restful nights.

Best moment this week: Ed's coworkers and Dad and Debbie helping us through the first part of the move to our new place. Y'all remember how awful I said our move INTO the Campbell apartment was... I swore I would never do it again. Thank god for all those lovely people. In fact, they are so lovely they are coming back on Saturday to help us move the big furniture. To say we're grateful is a huge understatement.

Movement: FINALLY! I mean, I've felt the fluttering, but this morning I actually felt the first big stretch where I could feel the alien pressing on both sides of my tummy at the same time. Followed up by more stretches in all directions :) Apparently we're both big fans of morning stretches. Omi would be proud!

Symptoms: Things have really settled in general. Still having back problems, but how can I explain, it's aggravated by the baby but not because of the baby. I've always had low back issues. Moving and unpacking doesn't help either. But I'm getting it treated and it's helping. 

Food cravings/aversions: Everything seems pretty normal... Pumpkin pie? Pretty much all fall/winter food makes me stop in my tracks. Pumpkin pie, apple pie, chili, roast turkey, cornbread, butternut squash soup, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, peppermint hot chocolate.... the list goes on and on and on!

Gender: Pretty sure it's decided on something in there! Can't wait for it to let us know what :)

Belly Button in or out? In. Ed noted how taut the area is looking though... I know I'm halfway though but I'm still surprised it's so filled out.

What I miss: Not too much really. Feeling pretty good these days. Carolyne says I'm probably nesting now, so I'm content to just unpack and decorate and set up shop in our new home.

What I am looking forward to: More days like these, where things seem to fall into place. AND my mom coming to town tonight! I'm hoping now that Ed is home we can do some fun things and she'll get a chance to meet our new midwife. Should be a really good visit to tie things up and tide us over until our trip back East for Christmas!

Funny moment of the week: It's never quite that funny when we're in the midst of it, but packing up the cats for travel is always amusing. I try to separate them and put them in without the other seeing what's up. This time I did Leo first, and then left him in a room while I went to attend to Rosie. When I came back he was (still in the bag) clear across the room, upside down, with the bag all twisted around him. He does not like travel! Poor babies. They love the new apartment though. Carpeted stairs to fly up and down and more sunlight to sleep in during the afternoons. :)

Labor Signs: Ha.

Weekly Wisdom: People can be WONDERFUL. And with no reward. Although one could argue having Ed back at work is a reward, but people (read: coworkers and family) can be jaw droppingly wonderful.  

Milestones: Moving into our new apartment, the place baby will call his or her first home! And my cute little niece just finished her first month of sleep depriving Ck and Joe :) Look at that face!!!

Oh Emilia, you are a sweetie!

Ed/Bump Update - Week 20

Things are great! Life is chugging along. Ed is doing fantastic, and is actually being released early! Early as in, tomorrow! As always, I have to add in the caveat that he still has a long road in front of him, but it's amazing to see him do something as simple as put his ankle on top of his opposite knee while seated. I'm sure you wouldn't think anything of doing that as you're reading this, but it's huge for Ed. For him it means being able to merely put on his socks and shoes. He will be continuing treatment and rehab via an outpatient set up. I can't wait to have him home. He hasn't been home since August 7th. He hasn't had a haircut or a good night's sleep in his own bed or a cuddle with the cats or simply unsupervised time since August 7th. Blows my mind when I think about it. His birthday is this Saturday and we are attempting to plan an evening out to celebrate. Haven't had one of those since... July? Before he left for China? So, goes without saying, we're both very excited.

I've started packing up the apartment and I allllllmost forgot how unfun packing can be. Especially now, I can hardly lift anything. I don't necessarily believe I can't lift because I'm pregnant, but I am suffering from some terrible hang up in my spine that makes it really difficult to do much. I'm fantasizing about decorating our new place, conveniently ignoring the whole having to actually move-in part that comes first. The therapists asked Ed what I was up to a couple days ago and he said I was, 'probably visualizing packing.' He may or may not have been correct... :)

Life is appointment after appointment lately! I can't complain too much because they are mostly for lovely things like prenatal yoga, prenatal massages, seeing the Dr. to check on the baby, etc. But it is a little overwhelming how everything is so scheduled all of a sudden. Maybe it's training for future school days and playing taxi for the kids? Today I'm checking out a chiropractor, and after Ed comes home tomorrow we'll be adding in his schedule of treatments and rehab. We're also meeting with some doulas and a midwife and looking into childbirth prep classes. Life is really picking up and I am completely ready for a new routine that involves Ed feeling better and no more hospitals or in-patient rehabs!

So to recap, things are really good and there will be more and more to talk about from this point on - hopefully continuing on this whole 'good' streak!

How far along? 20 Weeks... halfway already?! Where did the first half of this adventure go? 

How Big Is Baby? A banana

Sleep: Been very nice lately. I've been 'back of my mind' worrying about the move, and mostly focused on the excitement of Ed coming home. That definitely helps me sleep easier. Plus the evenings are getting colder and everyone knows how I love the cold. I even broke out my flannel sheets!

Best moment this week:  Finding out Ed would be coming home early. 

Movement: Fluttering? Maybe? It's pretty hard to tell. Nothing that makes me feel comforted so I'm still being a worrywart in this area. 

Symptoms: My body is liking nothing I eat. At all. It all tastes good and then it all goes to hell. I won't go into specifics but it runs the gamut and it's REALLY annoying. I wouldn't say I had a stomach of steel before, in fact, Ed would probably say I've always been a sensitive eater... but this is ridiculous. 

Food cravings/aversions: Sweets. But also, craving food that makes my body happy. I don't know what that is yet, but I'm looking. Weight wise, I think I'm finally on track so I can start to eat like a normal human again. Adding in some fish again. I can't believe I was eating it once a week before the baby and now I haven't had much of anything in months.

Gender: tbd

Belly Button in or out? In and maintaining it's state of flatness. It's kinda weird, this is the flattest that part of my stomach has ever been!

What I miss: Being able to just 'do' things. Whether it's lifting boxes, running, eating whatever the hell I want, etc. Lately, I've missed lacing up and going for a run. I'm trying to find the motivation to go walk, but it's so much less exhilarating than running... even if my pace is about equal for both :-P

What I am looking forward to: Looking more and more pregnant and hopefully feeling this little alien punch and kick it's way into my awareness. I know everyone ends up complaining about it at the end of the pregnancy but, I'm pretty excited to get there.

Funny moment of the week: This is two part... 
1. Realizing I'm already making grunting noises when I try to move myself around. I've had some rough back pain so that makes my movements much slower and stiffer even though I'm not all that big yet. I sound much further along than I am... poor Ed, little does he know how hard sleeping will be with my laborious turning from side to side. 
2. Most of the nurses know I'm expecting and have started calling the baby 'their little rehab baby.' This past weekend one of them came by with extra cartons of milk to 'feed the baby.' It's very sweet. One nurse missed the memo though and after a recent overnight stay with Ed at rehab (they set up a cot next to his bed), she went up and asked him if I was pregnant. He said, 'yes.' She seemed surprised and asked, 'But she stayed here last night?' And Ed replied, 'Well, it didn't happen last night I swear!' She laughed and said 'well, I know that!' :) They're all very lovely people and have made for some very interesting times.

Labor Signs: Ha.

Weekly Wisdom: Take the good things when they come, even when it may be a lot or quick or what have you... just enjoy the good things.  

Milestones: This surreal halfway point and Ed coming home!!!! So exciting :)

Ed/Bump Update - Week 19

(Forgive spelling or typing errors, I'm writing this up via mobile)

Things are moving right along. It was a really nice week. Ed's brother Rob is in town and has been helping me and lifting Ed's spirits. Joe Lamour also came to town for a work retreat so he stopped by at the tail end to see how we are all holding up here. It's so nice to see friendly faces. Like I've said before we're in this 'new normal' of baby stuff and hospital/rehab stuff and it's nice to take a break from that for a moment and talk about other things. Donuts. TV shows. Books.  

Discussing and then consuming donuts.

Ed's doing really well. No miracles or anything, but he's holding steady and his strength is coming back a little everyday. He's under less supervision, more mobile, and using more modes of transportation to get from A to B. These new treatments seem to be a really good thing. They're a pain time wise but if that's the only sacrifice, we'll take it. Keep on checking in with him and sending jokes and well wishes. We may be out of the worst of it but he's still got quite the road in front of him. He certainly won't tire of hearing from people. :) 

Also we found a new apartment! Thank GOODNESS. I was getting myself all worked up over it and worrying about the move. It all fell into place and I feel really good about it. One of the best perks is a community garden. I cannot wait to get my hands on that plot and do something fun. I know it's silly but I like imagining having a little toddler playing in the dirt out there, having some connection to nature. Practicing for future hard labor on our farm :)  

I see you tomato plants! And that's a BASIL bush on the right closest to the camera.

It's also a townhouse style place with one bedroom upstairs and one downstairs. Gives Ed a goal to work toward, getting up those stairs, but also a guest space that's a little removed from everything which is nice for visitors. The mini move will happen Oct 21st, the day before Ed is released, and the big move will happen the weekend after that. I'll be packing little by little until then. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly and quickly. 

How far along? 19 Weeks

How Big Is Baby? An heirloom tomato

Sleep: I've not been getting much of this lately. Thanks hot flashes and heartburn. 

Best moment this week:  Rob and Joe visiting, finding a new apartment, Ed doing some initial work with crutches... So many good things!

Movement: I had a dream last night that I could feel the baby moving all around, but I'm still waiting on the real life feeling. I think I have a sleepy baby in here. Must take after me! 

Symptoms: Heartburn has been rough but otherwise... Pretty low symptom week thank goodness. 

Food cravings/aversions: Cereal. Apparently honey bunches of oats and Cheerios are some of the only foods that don't give me grief. 

Gender: tbd

Belly Button in or out? In, but I'm surprised at how flattened out that area already looks... Pretty sure it'll be popping out at the end!

What I miss: After seeing Joe, I'm missing my friends something awful! Guess I'll just have to get my fix via some Facebook stalking :)

What I am looking forward to: Feeling the baby move and my next Dr.'s appt. It'll be the big 20 week check up to make sure everything is all good and we get to see the little alien again!
Funny moment of the week: Having two people exclaim 'you're showing!' And one laid her hands on my belly. I don't mind it at all but it's a strange adjustment. It's nice to finally show even just a little. Omi calls it my "little bubble."

Labor Signs: Ha.

Weekly Wisdom: Hm no great wisdom this week... Just more breathe in, breathe out and handle things as they come.  

Milestones: None this week other than finding a new apartment for us and what will be baby's first home :)

Ed/Bump Update - Week 18

Man, where the heck did the summer go? October already? Feels like there's been no breather at all since July. Ed's birthday is just around the corner and we're in the thick of my favorite part of the year. I love all the fall foods, Halloween, scary movies, Winchester Fright Nights, cider, and of course the cold, cold weather. 

It was a wonderful visit to Colorado. Everyone is doing so well. Emilia is wonderful and Carolyne and Joe are doing an amazing job. I know I keep saying that, but it's really true. And I'm sure parents never hear that enough from people. I can only imagine the self-doubt that creeps in when it comes to raising a good human, and I just want them to know how great they're doing. It's beautiful out there. The mountains, huge open spaces, and I had no idea how adorable all the houses were in the downtown area. It was a great visit and I can't believe it ended so quickly. I know Ed would have loved to be there.

Speaking of Ed, let's do our little update. He is still at rehab - which is a big 'little victory.' At this point in the past we've been forced to send him back to the hospital for relapse treatments so we're hoping we've turned a corner here. He's learning how to manage in his new state. Rehab is not necessarily a place where he's going to 'recover' his abilities, it's more a place for him to figure out how to function as he is now, while his body takes it's time coming back. He did spend a cumulative 10 mins on his feet yesterday, so, little victories! He's on a new weekly treatment and we're hoping that this change of plan is what he needs to start stabilizing instead of the roller coaster he's been on. According to my little baby tracker app, the baby is forming it's myelin sheaths over it's nerves, which is exactly what Ed is doing these days. I think it's kinda funny that Ed and the baby are working on something together. My pregnancy brain thinks it's sweet they're connected.

Now for baby news...

(I'll post a picture once I get something together for the day, probably around noon PST)

How far along? 18 Weeks

How Big Is Baby? A bell pepper

Sleep: So nice now that I've built myself a full body pillow fort. 6 regular pillows and a big body pillow really do the trick. Wonder where Ed will squeeze in when he comes home.... :)

Best moment this week: Sitting around having dinner with the family, watching movies and just hanging around. I miss the big family gatherings we had on the east coast and doing so in Colorado really felt so wonderfully familiar and comforting. 

Movement: Still poking around to feel for anything. I thought I felt something when I was laying on my belly for a moment but I haven't felt anything since. 

Symptoms: Battling the dragon, but this week seems to be more of a weepy dragon than a fire breathing dragon. 

Food cravings/aversions: Savory food. Ck pointed out I seemed to be mentioning pizza a lot lately. Aversions? Heavily sugared things.

Gender: tbd

Belly Button in or out? In

What I miss: Certainty about the future, about day to day activities... At least, the semblance of certainty. 

What I am looking forward to: I keep sayin' it, but, I'm still looking forward to looking pregnant. I'm only up 7 lbs so far. Gotta eat more baconators like Lolo Jones!  

Funny moment of the week: Witnessing my first poop explosion. It was much more hilarious and much less disgusting than I thought it would be. Carolyne and I were laughing so hard we cried. Thanks Emilia! :)

Labor Signs: Ha.

Weekly Wisdom: Having a mentor, someone going through something first, really helps to soothe the nerves. Thanks for volunteering to be that Ck. I really feel like we can do this whole 'raising a good human' thing after seeing how great she and Joe were with Emilia. 

Milestones: Hitting a new weight range. Protein shakes are my friend! Makes me feel like the baby is finally hitting it's stride growth wise.

P.S. This is making my DAY right now:

I've got a cute, goofy little niece huh? :)