come and dance with me, bittersweet fool!

Beta Love

Todd and I both said, "That's so nectar" at the same time the other night (Schmidt).
After Todd slurped a strand of mango he and I both said, "slimy, yet satisfying."
We are the same.

Late Night Chat

Last night Todd and I both woke up around 4 am for no particular reason. We stayed up for at least an hour talking about really important things. He said such amazing and sweet things to me that I really needed to hear. We discussed matters fundamental to a healthy relationship and belief system and it was reassuring to see that we are both on the same page. We agree wholeheartedly on things that matter and I felt such strength listening to him and confidence in expressing myself. These were words that probably wouldn't have been exchanged during the day when we're busy making meals, tidying the house and heading off to work. Our dinner dates usually include good and important conversation, but dinners alone are rare (and Jackson Hole is found lacking in restaurants that are both good and reasonably priced). 

Oh Jezebel.

This is very funny.

Prenatal Lists

Caitlin Josephine Perkins Bahr and I were talking about some things I was surprised to learn after I found out I was pregnant. She asked what else I knew that no one had told me - these are the things I wished I had known.


Body temperature:
No hot tubs, hot baths, saunas, or anything that elevates your body temperature for an extended period of time. Especially during the first trimester. Elevating your body temperature can harm the fetus during early development. This is hard for me because I get lower back pain during my period and frequently during pregnancy and I love warm baths. I use an electric heating pad instead and put my feet up.

Heart Rate:
They (doctors, books, etc.) tell you to exercise, but not more than you're used to. Don't over exert yourself or elevate your heart rate too much. With an abnormally high heart rate like mine, I'm supposed to exercise, but take it easy.

Foods that are unsafe:
-lunch meat, unless served piping hot (so many sandwiches with cold meat...oops)
-raw meat (4th of July burger served medium...oops)
-bean sprouts (Pad Thai...oops)
-too much caffeine, though you are allowed to consume some, because it is believed to have a connection with miscarriage and probably elevates your heart rate (I've never wanted Diet Coke so badly, but I haven't had it in months)
-only a few types of fish are unsafe, but no raw fish (they encourage you to eat wild salmon several times a week)
-smoked sea food
-shellfish
-raw eggs
-unpasteurized dairy and juice
-pate
-foods rich in nitrates (hot dogs, bacon, sausage, etc.)
-any leftovers, or anything with mayo that has been sitting out of the fridge

Some other things I wish I had known:
-take a prenatal vitamin before/as soon as you are trying to conceive
-laying on your left side is best for sleeping because laying on your back or right can cut off some blood flow to the baby, but this is typically only an issue after the fourth month
-the 40 weeks of pregnancy actually starts counting from the first day of your last period 2 weeks before you actually conceive!!! (I felt like someone stole those weeks from me)
-the best time to take a pregnancy test is at about 4 weeks
-statistics on miscarriage would have helped me calm down a lot
-vaginal infections and urinary tract infections can increase miscarriage
-morning sickness is generally associated with a viable pregnancy
-1 in 5 women bleeds/spots during the first trimester (I bled on and off and it stressed me out to no end. Also, ruined my underoos.)
-acetaminophen is fine in small doses for pain, but no ibuprofen, aspirin, or most other OTC drugs
 

I keep having dreams that I can feel this baby moving and kicking. When I am awake I imagine my cramps and fleeting pains are movement.
Someday soon.

Baby Carman

This tiny baby is what this post was about. I'm getting better some days. Having wonderful family and friends around who are excited is really helping.

Fun Parent Award

Todd always lets me buy, or because I am the cheap and reluctant one, makes me buy, anything I want. This is one of the reasons you know he is going to be the fun parent and I the overprotective, stingy-with-money, worrier and fun-sucking parent.