Yes!! He's back and I couldn't be happier!! Currently, he's sound asleep after being on the road for 36+ hours. He asked me to wake him up after 30 minutes of sleep, but now, it has been 1.5 hours... I tried waking him up but he fell right back asleep. I think after two hours of sleep, he probably will be more refreshed than a short cat nap.... My first reaction (after the initial sheer happiness) in seeing him? "He lost weight!" He was already pretty lean, but he is leaner... Because I had been hearing about all the different experimentation with cooking he was engaged in while he was alone in India, I just assumed that he would have maintained his old weight.... well, this goes to show you that husbands, no matter how competent they are, don't fare as well without their wives!! ;) (There are various reasons for this phenomena in my opinion, which I won't go into detail here...) I guess I'll just have to work my magic to fatten him up a bit before we return to India! ;)
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!! I know I have much to be thankful for this year!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
An Invitation to Chat
I was on skype this morning with P. We have been able to talk almost everyday for free for an hour or more, which has been so wonderful. As we were talking, P interrupts me and tells me that he just got an invitation to chat on skype from "--- sexy" with a skimpy bikini top photo of herself. We thought it was humorous that "she" would send this invitation while he and I were on line talking. So, we decided that he should respond. The chat conversation went like this:
---- sexy: Chat?
P: No I’m on the other line with my wife.
----sexy: My husband just left the house. Feeling lonely…. Wanna chat.
P: No, maybe you should chat with my wife if you’re lonely.
After the last answer, I guess she got the point and gave up. She basically let him know that if he wants to chat, he can go on this particular website. He found "block this user" function and blocked her from skype. I had no idea that even on skype they are prowling for people to devour... It's really sad when I think about it. But, we also found it humorous since we were both on line and P was telling me what was happening. I jokingly said, "How do these people know that we have been apart for almost 8 weeks?" There are some wonderful things about the internet and skype (such as being able to stay connected to your loved ones even from thousands of miles apart), but it is another thing that can be used to tempt and lure us into indulging in sin. I was reminded of the story of Cain and Abel, where God says to Cain after he was angry that his offering was not accepted by God, "....if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. It's desire is for you, but you must rule over it." (Gen. 4:7b) Although P and I found it some what humorous, it was another reminder that sin is crouching at the door (on the internet, t.v., etc.), that it's desire is for us, and that we must rule over it.
On a different note, I am soooooo excited that P will be home in two (yes!!!) days!!! I was sharing with him that I haven't been this excited in a while!!!
---- sexy: Chat?
P: No I’m on the other line with my wife.
----sexy: My husband just left the house. Feeling lonely…. Wanna chat.
P: No, maybe you should chat with my wife if you’re lonely.
After the last answer, I guess she got the point and gave up. She basically let him know that if he wants to chat, he can go on this particular website. He found "block this user" function and blocked her from skype. I had no idea that even on skype they are prowling for people to devour... It's really sad when I think about it. But, we also found it humorous since we were both on line and P was telling me what was happening. I jokingly said, "How do these people know that we have been apart for almost 8 weeks?" There are some wonderful things about the internet and skype (such as being able to stay connected to your loved ones even from thousands of miles apart), but it is another thing that can be used to tempt and lure us into indulging in sin. I was reminded of the story of Cain and Abel, where God says to Cain after he was angry that his offering was not accepted by God, "....if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. It's desire is for you, but you must rule over it." (Gen. 4:7b) Although P and I found it some what humorous, it was another reminder that sin is crouching at the door (on the internet, t.v., etc.), that it's desire is for us, and that we must rule over it.
On a different note, I am soooooo excited that P will be home in two (yes!!!) days!!! I was sharing with him that I haven't been this excited in a while!!!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Refugees
Can you imagine what it would be like to have lived a life of a refugee almost all of your life in a developing country and then to find yourself resettled in one of the richest nations in the world called America? Most people I have met while living in India and in Nepal are fascinated with America and if they could get the opportunity to be here, they would come. But, many of them don't realize that once they get here, how different life is and how difficult it can be. P and I have had interactions with different folks in India and Nepal where they would ask about how they could get a visa to the U.S. We have also had people ask us questions about America, such as, "So, are most people farmers? Do they have their own land? Do you buy gas cylinders for your stove too? What do you mean there is constant hot running water?" And, the questions go on. Just by the questions that people ask, we realize that if they came to America, they would feel completely lost. But, when you are a refugee who have had no rights to any land, without a place to call "home" for over 16 years, I would imagine America would be even more fascinating and daunting at the same time.
Today, Grace Huang and I went to visit a Nepali family (refugees from Nepal/Bhutan) who have been resettled in Covina. I visited them twice before, but this time I wanted Grace to come with me because since she has been to India, I knew she would at least understand some of the disorientation that the refugees might feel. (She also was gracious to drive...) Many of us are immigrants, but we had the luxury of having family be our guide and help in our transition. But, refugees, they are for the most part on their own, it seems. I have never worked with refugees before so this is all new to me. But, so far, what it appears is that they receive the initial help of being settled into an apartment by a nonprofit and the initial paper work of getting their identification card, social security, etc, but after that, they are for the most part, on their own. These refugees, they have no one--no extended family members nearby. They only have each other. I haven't done a lot of research to find out, but Covina doesn't have pockets of Nepali population... they probably would have found them if there was one, one way or another... Of course, it has made me to wonder how they choose where to resettle folks...
A couple of weeks ago, I spent a few hours with them and asked what is it that they want to do or feel like they want help with. They quickly told me that they wanted to go to the library. They want to know where it is. We found the library, got library cards, showed them how to access the internet, check out books, CDs, and DVDs, and gave them a quick tour. We spent some time filling out a job application for Target on line. (Everything is done on line now, I noticed...even two years ago, there were still paper applications, but I haven't seen any since I've been back...) What would normally take 30 minutes maximum for us, it took them two hours as we went through each step one by one. One of the brothers (Arun) said to me as we were leaving, "Wow... we were only able to send one application." He was both happy that he was able to do that but also surprised at the process too. Arun's English is good and he has completed high school so if an opportunity arises, he can get at least a minimum wage job.... Then, we made a stop at Vons supermarket, showed them the kiosk where they can electronically fill out an application, and I introduced them to the mananger. I told them that when they inquire about a job position, always ask to speak to the manager because they are involved in the hiring process and to go and follow-up on your application a week or two after you submit it. I found out today that they followed-up on their own at Target regarding the positions they had applied for and learned that the positions have been filled.
Today, they needed to wire some money to Nepal, but didn't know where Western Union was and how to do it. I looked on line before I went to see them and noticed that it was only a few blocks from their house. So, we went, wired some money, and ran a few errands. While we were doing this, Geetha (one of the sisters) said to me, "On top of the stove and oven, there is this on and off switch." So, I asked her, "When you turn on the switch what does it do?" She replied, "It turns on the fan and the other turns on the light in the oven." I said, "Yes." She then proceeded to ask, "Do I need to turn it on and then turn it off when I use the stove?" What I realized was that she was wondering if the switch functioned like a on/off valve for gas. In India/Nepal, we have to purchase gas cylinders for our stove, and people turn off the valve after use so that there is no gas leakage. She was explaining to me how she was scared that perhaps maybe they are not using it correctly... We also learned that they have been purchasing bottled water because someone had told them to never drink tap water. They were told that they will get diabetes from drinking tap water. Grace was there to reassure them that her husband is a water engineer and he drinks from tap all the time. I can see how they are freaked out by it since so many illnesses in developing nations are waterborne diseases. As Grace and I were dropping them off at their place after the errands, Geetha said, "Didi (big sister), I am really happy that you prayed for my mother's arm. Eventhough my mother's arm has been hurting, no one here, not even the church folks have offered to pray for her." I realized then that their experience of the church is even quite different and how people deal with illness. In India/Nepal, when someone is ill, we pray. We do see doctors, get medicine, and get surgeries done, but we pray. I didn't realize no one had prayed for her achy arm.
My heart goes out to them. Many more will begin to resettle in America and I pray that the church would extend their resources, knowledge, time, and energy out of love for the foreigners whom God loves. I wonder at times if people are intimidated at the idea of helping refugees because it feels so foreign. I don't know what kind of resources are out there to help people feel more equipped perhaps to extend their helping hands, but I feel like if a couple of folks "adopt" one family and is willing to spend a couple of hours a week or every two weeks to make themselves available, a lot of good can be done. They do need "stuff" but, they have lived with much less and can manage without certain things. But more than stuff, they need friends and people who can patiently show them where things are, how to access information, and defend them when people try to take advantage of their ignorance so that they can become more independent. America likes to promote itself as a nation where anything is possible.... It is a land of opportunities, but no one has made it alone. Someone at some point provided something that one needed to begin moving forward. I am praying that there would be those kinds of people for them.
I have at times wondered since being back how might my language learning and my experience in India/Nepal might be used for good, if one day P and I ended up living in the States again. I feel as though God has shown me one of many unseen potential opportunities....
By the way, if any one is interested in finding out ways you can be of help to the two refugee families, please let me know by sending me an email. :)
Today, Grace Huang and I went to visit a Nepali family (refugees from Nepal/Bhutan) who have been resettled in Covina. I visited them twice before, but this time I wanted Grace to come with me because since she has been to India, I knew she would at least understand some of the disorientation that the refugees might feel. (She also was gracious to drive...) Many of us are immigrants, but we had the luxury of having family be our guide and help in our transition. But, refugees, they are for the most part on their own, it seems. I have never worked with refugees before so this is all new to me. But, so far, what it appears is that they receive the initial help of being settled into an apartment by a nonprofit and the initial paper work of getting their identification card, social security, etc, but after that, they are for the most part, on their own. These refugees, they have no one--no extended family members nearby. They only have each other. I haven't done a lot of research to find out, but Covina doesn't have pockets of Nepali population... they probably would have found them if there was one, one way or another... Of course, it has made me to wonder how they choose where to resettle folks...
A couple of weeks ago, I spent a few hours with them and asked what is it that they want to do or feel like they want help with. They quickly told me that they wanted to go to the library. They want to know where it is. We found the library, got library cards, showed them how to access the internet, check out books, CDs, and DVDs, and gave them a quick tour. We spent some time filling out a job application for Target on line. (Everything is done on line now, I noticed...even two years ago, there were still paper applications, but I haven't seen any since I've been back...) What would normally take 30 minutes maximum for us, it took them two hours as we went through each step one by one. One of the brothers (Arun) said to me as we were leaving, "Wow... we were only able to send one application." He was both happy that he was able to do that but also surprised at the process too. Arun's English is good and he has completed high school so if an opportunity arises, he can get at least a minimum wage job.... Then, we made a stop at Vons supermarket, showed them the kiosk where they can electronically fill out an application, and I introduced them to the mananger. I told them that when they inquire about a job position, always ask to speak to the manager because they are involved in the hiring process and to go and follow-up on your application a week or two after you submit it. I found out today that they followed-up on their own at Target regarding the positions they had applied for and learned that the positions have been filled.
Today, they needed to wire some money to Nepal, but didn't know where Western Union was and how to do it. I looked on line before I went to see them and noticed that it was only a few blocks from their house. So, we went, wired some money, and ran a few errands. While we were doing this, Geetha (one of the sisters) said to me, "On top of the stove and oven, there is this on and off switch." So, I asked her, "When you turn on the switch what does it do?" She replied, "It turns on the fan and the other turns on the light in the oven." I said, "Yes." She then proceeded to ask, "Do I need to turn it on and then turn it off when I use the stove?" What I realized was that she was wondering if the switch functioned like a on/off valve for gas. In India/Nepal, we have to purchase gas cylinders for our stove, and people turn off the valve after use so that there is no gas leakage. She was explaining to me how she was scared that perhaps maybe they are not using it correctly... We also learned that they have been purchasing bottled water because someone had told them to never drink tap water. They were told that they will get diabetes from drinking tap water. Grace was there to reassure them that her husband is a water engineer and he drinks from tap all the time. I can see how they are freaked out by it since so many illnesses in developing nations are waterborne diseases. As Grace and I were dropping them off at their place after the errands, Geetha said, "Didi (big sister), I am really happy that you prayed for my mother's arm. Eventhough my mother's arm has been hurting, no one here, not even the church folks have offered to pray for her." I realized then that their experience of the church is even quite different and how people deal with illness. In India/Nepal, when someone is ill, we pray. We do see doctors, get medicine, and get surgeries done, but we pray. I didn't realize no one had prayed for her achy arm.
My heart goes out to them. Many more will begin to resettle in America and I pray that the church would extend their resources, knowledge, time, and energy out of love for the foreigners whom God loves. I wonder at times if people are intimidated at the idea of helping refugees because it feels so foreign. I don't know what kind of resources are out there to help people feel more equipped perhaps to extend their helping hands, but I feel like if a couple of folks "adopt" one family and is willing to spend a couple of hours a week or every two weeks to make themselves available, a lot of good can be done. They do need "stuff" but, they have lived with much less and can manage without certain things. But more than stuff, they need friends and people who can patiently show them where things are, how to access information, and defend them when people try to take advantage of their ignorance so that they can become more independent. America likes to promote itself as a nation where anything is possible.... It is a land of opportunities, but no one has made it alone. Someone at some point provided something that one needed to begin moving forward. I am praying that there would be those kinds of people for them.
I have at times wondered since being back how might my language learning and my experience in India/Nepal might be used for good, if one day P and I ended up living in the States again. I feel as though God has shown me one of many unseen potential opportunities....
By the way, if any one is interested in finding out ways you can be of help to the two refugee families, please let me know by sending me an email. :)
Friday, November 14, 2008
Happpenings...
- P is coming back to the States on Nov. 26!! I've started the count down. I can't wait until he gets here. He'll be returning as I start week 35.... we don't have very much time to ourselves before Elijah arrives. We're trying to gear up for what will be the biggest transition together as much as we can from distance, but it will be nice to do so in person! My college friend Anne gave me a book titled, "Transition to Parenthood," which talks about how your first child affects your marriage. It's been an interesting read and I'm looking forward to discussing it more in depth with P when he gets back.
- I checked myself in at Labor and Delivery on Wed. late afternoon because I was experiencing cramping, nausea, diarrhea, and a lot of pelvic pressure. I called the doctor and she told me to drink lots of fluid and lie down. I did that and I felt a bit better so I got up and did grocery shopping (probably not the smartest thing to do in retrospect). But, I started feeling badly again, so I thought since I was out, I should just go and get myself checked, just in case. It's kind of difficult to know what is exactly happening, what is normal, not normal, etc. since I've never experienced pregnancy before. I went on line to read more about how to figure out whether you're experiencing contraction or not because I realized that I just had no idea. My friends have described the sensation as tightening of the uterus like a ball, but I always just assumed it was tight because the kid is moving and his butt is sticking out! (Although his butt must be pretty huge if that theory was true!! hahaha!!) Anyway, now, I know what a relaxed uterus feels like and what a contracting uterus feels like. :) So, I checked myself in, they monitored me and the baby (who was doing great), gave me some IV, and drugs to relax my uterus. I guess I was experiencing "uterine irritability" and they wanted to see if it would relax after some time. It did, so I came back home. Yesterday, as I was driving, I experienced strong pelvic pressure again and I was assessing every few seconds whether I think I could continue driving or whether I should get off the road. I decided that at the end, I could make it home. I turned the AC on as cold as possible (because I started sweating profusely), talked to myself loudly (just to keep my mine alert), and got home. I fell asleep for a couple of hours... I guess I was just exhausted.
- I have decided that even though I think I have slowed down significantly, I really need to take it easy. Everyday since Monday, I would experience sudden light-headedness and the feeling that I am gonna pass out. It comes unexpectantly and honestly, I've been freaked out by it at times. So, these days, I always carry my cellphone, even when I go to the bathroom, just in case... I know it is due to my low blood pressure. One thing I am having to get used to is getting up slowly.... I literally have to talk to myself, "get up slowly" because I am not used to it. I've also stocked up the fridge with small bottles of apple juice and some snacks for quick sugar hike if I need it. This is all new so I'm learning to adjust.
- P has been training our part time house-help in India better than I could ever have done! He has taught her how to bake bread, make pizza that actually tastes like pizza, and how to clean really well. The domestic area is not my strong suit, so I'm glad that P is there to really train her well. :) He even baked chocolate cake and shared it with the office staff back in India, who were all very impressed, of course! I think he's gonna take more of this role when we go back?! :) We'll see. I'm just thankful that I have a husband who is really flexible with division of labor and who can take care of things like that but doesn't put any pressure on me to be the Ms. Betty Crocker. I really do feel blessed.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The longest block...
Since I so thoroughly enjoyed my last public transportation experience, I decided I was going to do use it again today to get to Burbank. I have been finding parking really a hassle lately because they are so expensive! So, I figured I could save money on gas and parking by taking the bus. Seriously, compared to riding public transportation in India/Nepal, each time I get on the bus here, I feel like I am on a tour bus or something. It's really nice.
As I got off the bus on my way home, I felt a sudden pressure below. Then, I suddenly felt like I was going to faint. I think I was having braxton-hicks contraction or something. Or maybe I was experiencing symptoms that come with low blood pressure/hypoglycemia (I had two other episodes like this but without the pelvic pressure...) I don't know really what triggered it. I realized that I had to stop so I sat on the street curbside to catch my breath and when I felt better, I got up to walk again. Literally, maybe I would walk about 50 feet and then I would begin to feel light headed and the pressure again so I would stop and sit down again... I must have done this a couple of more times before I decided that I just couldn't carry my backpack and walk. I felt like carrying my backpack added more pressure. I saw a high school kid walking his dog and I stopped him to ask if he would be willing to carry my backpack over to the house while I took my time. He was eager to help and he quickly took the bag over to the front door. However, for me, it felt like the longest block ever, and I had moments where I wondered if I was going to go into labor right there on the side walk! (Thank God I didn't!) I took my cellphone and my wallet so that if in case something did happen, I would be able to make an emergercy phone call and show my insurance card! By the time I reached the house, I had to sit down on the doorstep for a few minutes to catch my breath before getting inside the house... I'm not sure what that was all about, but I think maybe I need to stop my bus riding adventures for now and take it easy....
As I got off the bus on my way home, I felt a sudden pressure below. Then, I suddenly felt like I was going to faint. I think I was having braxton-hicks contraction or something. Or maybe I was experiencing symptoms that come with low blood pressure/hypoglycemia (I had two other episodes like this but without the pelvic pressure...) I don't know really what triggered it. I realized that I had to stop so I sat on the street curbside to catch my breath and when I felt better, I got up to walk again. Literally, maybe I would walk about 50 feet and then I would begin to feel light headed and the pressure again so I would stop and sit down again... I must have done this a couple of more times before I decided that I just couldn't carry my backpack and walk. I felt like carrying my backpack added more pressure. I saw a high school kid walking his dog and I stopped him to ask if he would be willing to carry my backpack over to the house while I took my time. He was eager to help and he quickly took the bag over to the front door. However, for me, it felt like the longest block ever, and I had moments where I wondered if I was going to go into labor right there on the side walk! (Thank God I didn't!) I took my cellphone and my wallet so that if in case something did happen, I would be able to make an emergercy phone call and show my insurance card! By the time I reached the house, I had to sit down on the doorstep for a few minutes to catch my breath before getting inside the house... I'm not sure what that was all about, but I think maybe I need to stop my bus riding adventures for now and take it easy....
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
A Historical Election
Barack Obama is the new president-elect of the United States of America. What a historical election it was. I am grateful that I got to participate in and witness it. Having read and heard of the struggles of African-Americans in the U.S. for their equal rights, it is a tremendous victory for the nation that the first African-American president has been elected. Personally, except during the early days of the election process, I have to admit that I hardly even thought about his race. When Obama and Hillary Clinton were contending for the democratic nomination, I remember asking P whether he thought America was ready for an African-American president or a woman president. I found the possibility that either of the two can happen during this election quite interesting. But, once Obama was nominated as the Democratic nominee for the presidency and he and McCain were busy with their campaign, I don't remember thinking about race as a factor. So, as I watched the election coverage and saw the faces of various people who were involved in the civil rights movement and tears streaming down the faces of many African-Americans, as well as whites, I couldn't help but to be moved by the historical moment that we were all experiencing together.
I voted for Obama. Eventhough I don't necessarily see eye to eye in all the things he had to say, I felt at the end that I could trust his leadership more than McCain's. I appreciated hearing McCain's speech last night, which was thoughtful, gracious, and generous. I am hopeful that he will work with Obama for the service of his country and I commend him for that. I listened to Obama's victory speech too and at the end, it made me feel more reassured about for whom I had cast my vote. Some commentators talked about how subdued he was and how sobering his speech was. As the electoral votes came in and it was clear that Obama was going to be the next president, I thought to myself, "He has a long road ahead of him. I hope he is ready for the challenge." So, when I heard his speech, it became quite apparent to me that he did understand the challenges that are before him and that even at one of the most joyous moments of his life, he was focused. I felt like he demonstrated humility, soberness, and determination rather than using the moment to hype up the crowd or give empty promises that he cannot fulfill. If anything, I felt like he demonstrated his understanding of the time that America is in. His speech made me feel a bit more reassured that I chose the right candidate. I may not agree with him on everything, but at the end of the day, I feel like I can trust that he will listen to all sides, do what he can to promote unity, has a good head on his shoulder, is even-keeled, and will make the decision that he, as the president feels is the right decision. He is the kind of person I would want sitting in the seat of the presidency.
Now, that the election is over, let's just say that I am glad that it is finally over! I am ready to move forward and see what the next four years will be like. I definitely feel more motivated to pray for our nation's leaders (current and future) and for this nation. America is far from perfect and there are some disturbing things about this nation, but having lived overseas, I have deeper appreciation for the democratic process that exists in this nation. It is a rare thing to see and experience....
I voted for Obama. Eventhough I don't necessarily see eye to eye in all the things he had to say, I felt at the end that I could trust his leadership more than McCain's. I appreciated hearing McCain's speech last night, which was thoughtful, gracious, and generous. I am hopeful that he will work with Obama for the service of his country and I commend him for that. I listened to Obama's victory speech too and at the end, it made me feel more reassured about for whom I had cast my vote. Some commentators talked about how subdued he was and how sobering his speech was. As the electoral votes came in and it was clear that Obama was going to be the next president, I thought to myself, "He has a long road ahead of him. I hope he is ready for the challenge." So, when I heard his speech, it became quite apparent to me that he did understand the challenges that are before him and that even at one of the most joyous moments of his life, he was focused. I felt like he demonstrated humility, soberness, and determination rather than using the moment to hype up the crowd or give empty promises that he cannot fulfill. If anything, I felt like he demonstrated his understanding of the time that America is in. His speech made me feel a bit more reassured that I chose the right candidate. I may not agree with him on everything, but at the end of the day, I feel like I can trust that he will listen to all sides, do what he can to promote unity, has a good head on his shoulder, is even-keeled, and will make the decision that he, as the president feels is the right decision. He is the kind of person I would want sitting in the seat of the presidency.
Now, that the election is over, let's just say that I am glad that it is finally over! I am ready to move forward and see what the next four years will be like. I definitely feel more motivated to pray for our nation's leaders (current and future) and for this nation. America is far from perfect and there are some disturbing things about this nation, but having lived overseas, I have deeper appreciation for the democratic process that exists in this nation. It is a rare thing to see and experience....
Week 30 Update - Clearance!
Today, I went to see a perinatologist as recommended by my Ob/Gyn for a thorough ultrasound. She wanted to make sure the pregnancy was progressing well and to check on my placenta. The perinatologist shared with me that Elijah is doing well. He showed no abnormalities and he was his usual jolly, active self. The peri also shared great news that my placenta has completely moved away from my cervix! It is not even marginally near the cervix and he said that I can go for a normal delivery. Yeah!!! I am so grateful that the placenta has moved. However, I decided that emotionally I am not going to tell myself, "I have to have a vaginal birth no matter what," because I have heard of too many stories where people were so set on one specific birth experience and were really disappointed when they had to get a c-section. I think I'm just going to leave myself open to all possibilities at this point. The main thing for me is a healthy baby and a healthy mom.
However, the perinatologist also shared that I "might" have what is called Single Umbilical Artery. (I say I "might" because Elijah was moving around so much that he said it was hard to get a clear picture, but with the shots he had, it appeared that I only had one artery.) I learned that a normal umbilical cord has two arteries and one vein. In my case, I have only one artery and one vein. (If you want more info you can read, http://www.mommyguide.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=49&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 ) However, he shared that he's not too concerned as the baby seems to be doing great. His growth is on target weighing 3 pounds and something ounces and so far no abnormalities can be seen. However, just to make sure that everything is progressing as it should, he wanted me to come in again in 4 weeks for another thorough ultrasound. If there is evidence of fetal distress or inter-uterine growth restriction, they would want to know and be prepared. I am not worried, but I am praying that he gets all the necessary nutrients he needs to continue growing in the oven!
At my Ob/Gyn's office, I learned that all my blood test came back with great results--no anemia and no gestational diabetes. I gained only 1 pound more since my last appointment which totals 16 pounds so far. I have heard that your weight gain starts to taper down during third trimester. I have to admit that it has been harder to eat (and sometimes keep food down) because of my expanding uterus. My system loves tofu and bland food. :) I can't believe I am in week 30!! We will see when Elijah arrives, but my intuition says he will arrive before January 8, which is his due date. I can't wait to meet the little guy who seems to have so much energy!
However, the perinatologist also shared that I "might" have what is called Single Umbilical Artery. (I say I "might" because Elijah was moving around so much that he said it was hard to get a clear picture, but with the shots he had, it appeared that I only had one artery.) I learned that a normal umbilical cord has two arteries and one vein. In my case, I have only one artery and one vein. (If you want more info you can read, http://www.mommyguide.com/
At my Ob/Gyn's office, I learned that all my blood test came back with great results--no anemia and no gestational diabetes. I gained only 1 pound more since my last appointment which totals 16 pounds so far. I have heard that your weight gain starts to taper down during third trimester. I have to admit that it has been harder to eat (and sometimes keep food down) because of my expanding uterus. My system loves tofu and bland food. :) I can't believe I am in week 30!! We will see when Elijah arrives, but my intuition says he will arrive before January 8, which is his due date. I can't wait to meet the little guy who seems to have so much energy!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Some Fun Photos
Two weeks ago, my brother and sister-in-law who are also expecting a baby boy a few weeks after me, came for a visit. Here's a photo of the cousins meeting for the first time belly to belly. Last week, I visited with my sister and her family up north. It was a lot of fun, although the three kiddos got sick and eventually got their auntie sick too. I loved their superhero costumes! Look at the expressions on their faces!! I am also including two photos of my growing belly below. The one with the pumpkin is at week 29. The other one is at week 30, which I am in now. If you click on the link to my "belly flation" you will definitely see a huge progression on the size of my belly.
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