Ok I am working on a big post but I just wanted to tell everyone that we are alive and well. The ultrasound went great and so did the doctor's apt. I need to scan the ultrasound photos that way I can post them!! The post will be up later today as well as the sex!!
Awesome week :)
Tchau,
Sara
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Random Pregnancy Oddities
Yesterday a line was crossed. I noticed that I am growing hair around my belly button. NOT cool. The minute I can get to a waxing place it's coming off! What happens though if this doesn't go away? Will I have to deal with this the rest of my life?
Other oddities and changes:
- I feel congested all the time
- My shorts/pants fit while standing but the buttons are working hard. When I sit down then it's time to unbutton.
- Hair on the belly button (Nate told me that someone told him their wife grew a mustache.....)
- Less tired
- Still lots of trips to the bathroom
- My nails are looking great these days!
- Can still sleep or lay on my stomach for brief periods of time
- I am starting to eat more food :) I love fruit right now and anything cold
- More people are starting to touch my belly
- Nobody had yet assumed that I am pregnant
- I can still wear most of my same bras- a major plus because if I need new ones then I am screwed here in Brazil
- I gag every single time I brush my teeth. The other day I almost threw up.
- My mom thinks we are having twin boys, Nate thinks we are having a single girl and I think.... ohh I don't know! Really I am psyching myself out. I think it's a girl too- sorry mom no boys or twins! Oh gosh what if it is twins-
I am sure there are a ton of little things that are also going on but I have missed them. Today I am 14wks and in about four hours the first ultrasound!! Way too excited and nervous all at the same time :)
Gotta go get ready-
Tchau,
Sara
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Ultrasound Apt #1 & Dr. Apt #2
Today we leave for Rio because tomorrow we have our first ultrasound (US)!!! The appointment is at 3pm our time so just around you all's lunch hour we should be finding out the sex of the baby! I guess that's not the most important thing but exciting none the less. I am not even sure if in Brazil the US tech will be able to tell us anything or if we have to wait for the doctor to interpret the results.... hmmmm
If the US tech is able to tell us things then that will be a subtle difference in health care policy from the States and Brazil. In the States, for liability reasons, the tech cannot tell the patient information. Of course they know what is going on most of the time but do they want to get sued? Absolutely not!
Anyway, I see Dr. J on Tuesday at 1pm so we will for sure now that everything is going good or if I need to make some changes. I bet that when we return to Macae I will need to go get more blood work done too. All this running around sure takes up so much time! So worth it though for the end result :)
Things I need to ask Dr. J:
I am actually having a hard time with questions. I am trying to leave my nursing at home and let her do her job. I don't really want to freak her out by asking tons of weird stuff to early. So I guess this should be things I want to know.
1. Which hospitals can I deliver at?
2. Which ones have NICU's and what levels?
3. Which ones have IN-HOUSE Neonatologists? I don't want any that on-call shit- what a load of crap.
4. Can I do Natural birth with no drugs?
5. Am I allowed to amend that decision if the pain is too much?
6. What interventions do you do before making a decision for C-section?
7. What's your policy on induction?
See- most of my questions are for later on when I am ready to pop. Should I wait to ask them? I mean things are going so great now that I really don't need to know anything now. I have books to tell me what to expect each week. I know that nutrition is important and so is exercise. Make sure to drink a ton of water which is starting to taste so bland!
I guess I am going to see the direction of the Dr. apt and then maybe ask the questions. It can't hurt right? Wish us safe travels and a healthy baby. We truly are very blessed.
Tchau,
Sara
If the US tech is able to tell us things then that will be a subtle difference in health care policy from the States and Brazil. In the States, for liability reasons, the tech cannot tell the patient information. Of course they know what is going on most of the time but do they want to get sued? Absolutely not!
Anyway, I see Dr. J on Tuesday at 1pm so we will for sure now that everything is going good or if I need to make some changes. I bet that when we return to Macae I will need to go get more blood work done too. All this running around sure takes up so much time! So worth it though for the end result :)
Things I need to ask Dr. J:
I am actually having a hard time with questions. I am trying to leave my nursing at home and let her do her job. I don't really want to freak her out by asking tons of weird stuff to early. So I guess this should be things I want to know.
1. Which hospitals can I deliver at?
2. Which ones have NICU's and what levels?
3. Which ones have IN-HOUSE Neonatologists? I don't want any that on-call shit- what a load of crap.
4. Can I do Natural birth with no drugs?
5. Am I allowed to amend that decision if the pain is too much?
6. What interventions do you do before making a decision for C-section?
7. What's your policy on induction?
See- most of my questions are for later on when I am ready to pop. Should I wait to ask them? I mean things are going so great now that I really don't need to know anything now. I have books to tell me what to expect each week. I know that nutrition is important and so is exercise. Make sure to drink a ton of water which is starting to taste so bland!
I guess I am going to see the direction of the Dr. apt and then maybe ask the questions. It can't hurt right? Wish us safe travels and a healthy baby. We truly are very blessed.
Tchau,
Sara
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Summertime
Last year this time of year Nate and I still called the Sheraton home and we hadn't received any of our stuff shipped from the US. Air-conditioning was plentiful and we abused the fact that that we had two units in our room. Now we only have air-conditioning units in a few rooms in the house. All the bedrooms, and the living room upstairs contain units while the down stair living area including the kitchen fight off the heat by opening windows.
I do need to admit to you that I am doing just fine opening windows. Now, when I get into the airco'd room I need a blanket or hoodie to keep me warm. Our bedroom is kept at 27C which is equivalent to 78.8F and is hardly comparable to a now freezing room temp. Nate would kill me if we lived in the US and I tried to pull that off. My husband is the guy that will argue room temp is 68F while I fight for the 72F. Most of the time we would settle on 70 just to be fair.
Anyway, my point is that I am adapting to the heat. With such a nice cool breeze from the ocean and a little piece of shade I find myself looking for a blanket to cover up. Nate still struggles with the heat and I just think that he won't ever adapt. He'll always be my sweattastic hubby.
Things are great with a breeze but when that ever stops for good I imagine the world will too. The power of the sun down her makes grown men cry. The other day I actually looked up if the ozone hole covers Brazil because the strength of the sun had me convinced. I know your probably thinking you could handle it because you've been to the Carribean..... your wrong. It's so different.
Well off to the beach :) where I am going to lay under an umbrella with friends. Maybe I can convince sweattastic to come along by luring him with a cold beer.
Happy Saturday
Tchau,
Sara
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
13 week 3/7 day bump
Tchau,
Sara
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Word Gringo Offensive?
In an article published by NPR a debate is going on whether the term gringo/gringa is viewed as racially charged or derogatory. I have to say that by living in Brazil I don't think it is offensive. Not that people really say it to my face or that I hear it from Brazilians. I believe it means anyone other than Brazilian or at least that's the way I take it.
Then again I have used it negatively. For example a stupid driver, who you just know is a foreigner, trying to figure out how to make a right hand turn in Brazil. Yes, we were there once but the words just come out, "Stupid Gringo." So maybe in some circumstances it could be derogatory.
Better yet, it could be used to describe someone who has not fully adapted to the Brazilian/Latin culture. I think that's the definition that I am going to stake my claim. It can be positive or negative based on the context of the conversation. It's that true with anything though? Ahhh people and their sensitivities :)
Tchau,
Sara
Then again I have used it negatively. For example a stupid driver, who you just know is a foreigner, trying to figure out how to make a right hand turn in Brazil. Yes, we were there once but the words just come out, "Stupid Gringo." So maybe in some circumstances it could be derogatory.
Better yet, it could be used to describe someone who has not fully adapted to the Brazilian/Latin culture. I think that's the definition that I am going to stake my claim. It can be positive or negative based on the context of the conversation. It's that true with anything though? Ahhh people and their sensitivities :)
Tchau,
Sara
Little Dog vs Big Shoe
This story has actually been developing over the past week but I find it so funny that I must share it with you.
Roughly a week ago the empty house next door to our apartment building became occupied. I am not sure if it's a family, a single guy, single girl, or just a couple but what I do know is that they brought along two dogs. One is a beautiful brown and white boxer that roams the yard and guards the gate. The other is a small black fur ball that slightly resembles the head of a mop and is completely useless.
I noticed it one night during one of my late night trips to the bathroom. That small black dog yaps non-stop. Fortunately for Nate he sleeps so sound that a fire alarm right next to his head couldn't wake him up. For me the next few nights I lay awake wondering how it's even possible that a dog can bark without stopping. Doesn't the little #$%# need to eat, pee or sleep anytime?
A few restless nights later Nate hears the dog. What happens next propels the story. I hear him angrily get out of bed and storm to the window. Sure enough you can see little #$%@ from out window just yapping away at the ocean. I smile slightly because now he has to suffer with me and I say, "that's the dog I have been talking about". I don't think he said anything back but he walked straight to my shoe rack and I immediately responded, "do not throw my shoes at the dog!"
Nate replied, "Oh I'm throwing a shoe" as he walked to his shoe rack. He return with a size 15 leather flip flop that he wore on our wedding day, opened the window and threw the shoe. Needless to say it missed the dog but it did make and impressive smacking sound on the ground. Finally we had about 10min of peace to drift back to sleep.
That morning I vowed to talk to GG about the situation. Mustering up the anger I rode the elevator down and before GG could even talk I went off about the dog next door. He convinced me to go over to the house with them to talk to the neighbors. Ugggh. I so did not want to do that but I was desperate. Luckily they did not answer but I was able to catch of glimpse of Nate's giant flip-flop in their yard.
The next day GG was able to get ahold of the neighbor who then agreed to keep the little #$%@ inside at night. Meaning I can only hear his non-stop yapping during the day. What-ever, I will take it.
Then one morning right after Nate leaves for work I get a phone call from him. He proceeds to tell me that the neighbors gave GG the flip-flop to give back to us. When GG asked Nate if the shoe was his Nate proceed to lie and say no..... as if anyone in Brazil has a size 15 US foot.... they barely make his shoe size in the US let alone Brazil where every male stands 6 inches shorter than Nate. So now that Nate and I have our stories straight I can lie right along with him. Ha- GG has to know we are liars.
Now the size 15 shoe resides alongside a rusty bike and an old clothes rack in our garage 8ft away from where we park. It stands as a constant reminder that we are liars and GG knows the truth. He won't throw away the shoe and we won't claim it. Ahhhh. It just makes me smile.
As of today I have no idea where the little black dog went. I no longer hear his yapping during the day and GG claims that the dog is gone. Maybe the owners realized how useless he was and gave him away to someone old lady who needed a lap dog. For now I enjoy my quite days with the sound of the ocean uninterrupted.
Tchau,
Sara
Roughly a week ago the empty house next door to our apartment building became occupied. I am not sure if it's a family, a single guy, single girl, or just a couple but what I do know is that they brought along two dogs. One is a beautiful brown and white boxer that roams the yard and guards the gate. The other is a small black fur ball that slightly resembles the head of a mop and is completely useless.
I noticed it one night during one of my late night trips to the bathroom. That small black dog yaps non-stop. Fortunately for Nate he sleeps so sound that a fire alarm right next to his head couldn't wake him up. For me the next few nights I lay awake wondering how it's even possible that a dog can bark without stopping. Doesn't the little #$%# need to eat, pee or sleep anytime?
A few restless nights later Nate hears the dog. What happens next propels the story. I hear him angrily get out of bed and storm to the window. Sure enough you can see little #$%@ from out window just yapping away at the ocean. I smile slightly because now he has to suffer with me and I say, "that's the dog I have been talking about". I don't think he said anything back but he walked straight to my shoe rack and I immediately responded, "do not throw my shoes at the dog!"
Nate replied, "Oh I'm throwing a shoe" as he walked to his shoe rack. He return with a size 15 leather flip flop that he wore on our wedding day, opened the window and threw the shoe. Needless to say it missed the dog but it did make and impressive smacking sound on the ground. Finally we had about 10min of peace to drift back to sleep.
That morning I vowed to talk to GG about the situation. Mustering up the anger I rode the elevator down and before GG could even talk I went off about the dog next door. He convinced me to go over to the house with them to talk to the neighbors. Ugggh. I so did not want to do that but I was desperate. Luckily they did not answer but I was able to catch of glimpse of Nate's giant flip-flop in their yard.
The next day GG was able to get ahold of the neighbor who then agreed to keep the little #$%@ inside at night. Meaning I can only hear his non-stop yapping during the day. What-ever, I will take it.
Then one morning right after Nate leaves for work I get a phone call from him. He proceeds to tell me that the neighbors gave GG the flip-flop to give back to us. When GG asked Nate if the shoe was his Nate proceed to lie and say no..... as if anyone in Brazil has a size 15 US foot.... they barely make his shoe size in the US let alone Brazil where every male stands 6 inches shorter than Nate. So now that Nate and I have our stories straight I can lie right along with him. Ha- GG has to know we are liars.
Now the size 15 shoe resides alongside a rusty bike and an old clothes rack in our garage 8ft away from where we park. It stands as a constant reminder that we are liars and GG knows the truth. He won't throw away the shoe and we won't claim it. Ahhhh. It just makes me smile.
As of today I have no idea where the little black dog went. I no longer hear his yapping during the day and GG claims that the dog is gone. Maybe the owners realized how useless he was and gave him away to someone old lady who needed a lap dog. For now I enjoy my quite days with the sound of the ocean uninterrupted.
Tchau,
Sara
Monday, January 24, 2011
Busy Great Day
This morning started off bright and early with a walk on the beach and then some fresh fruit for breakfast. Showered and then went to pilates or these days Portuguese class, grabbing a coconut water on the way home. The coco guy knows me know and gets my drink order ready for me when he sees me walking his way. So nice to have people who recognize you :) I worked out insurance information which is a whole post on it's own and then finished the book I was reading. I even started some of my CEU's, continuing education units, to keep my nursing license up to date which is also another post entirely. After lunch I continued to finish up the last couple loads of laundry from when we got home from the states then ushered some workers into the house to access all the leaking going on. Got the number for a pool guy and then weeded the garden by the pool. Set out emails and made lists of new things to do this week :) Sorry for the play by play but I am really happy with today.
Most of the time things can always be put off until tomorrow. I guess that's the main thing wrong with not having a job. The perpetuation of allowing oneself to procrastinate. This week I plan to turn things around and I started making a list of things, even as simple as making a phone call, to get something accomplished each day. I am already feeling empowered by this simple task.
I have noticed, as I enter my last week of the 1st trimester, that I have at little more energy. Now only if food would start to sound good. I get hungry but nothing sounds good so I have to end up forcing myself to eat. It wouldn't be uncommon for two of my meals to be milk and cereal because I can tolerate it. I just wish for the days when I actually crave something. For now I feel like each meal is a challenge. Even when something does taste good I get so full so fast that it makes the meal hard to enjoy. If I eat continuously throughout the day it seems to work a little better for me. A banana hear, some cottage cheese, a spoonful of peanut butter, and maybe a roll with butter help me over the hunger.
I know I said I would post pictures so here they are... I know I am terrible for not getting more of the two of us. Caution: These pictures may cause envy :)
Our private little balcony
View from our living room looking out onto Buzios and the balcony
Our living room
View from the living room to the rest of the hotel room....
View sitting in the jacuzzi tub.
The bathroom view standing on the balcony
Our bedroom
View whiling relaxing at the pool.
You can see Macae in the distance :)
Nate relaxing
Me relaxing
More view from the pool.
Well that was our romantic getaway. Needless to say that I forgot to take any photos of the two of us while we visited this paradise. While our room cost a pretty penny for those of you who come and visit us we will be staying here.... trust me it's not as expensive as it looks! Ahhh paradise.
Hope everyone is having a great start to the week.
Tchau,
Sara
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Door to heaven
Tchau,
Sara
Friday, January 21, 2011
Overnight Bump
Seriously one day I was talking about how I can't even tell that I am pregnant and then the next day I do! It feels like someone stuck an orange in my lower abdomen and it's really hard. Yesterday was the first day that I questioned what I was wearing because now I have a weird man bulge that doesn't quite look like I am pregnant.
I had to happen sooner or later and I am not disappointed at all but surprised! I ended up choosing some jeans to wear to dinner last night but the button was working hard. Nate couldn't believe it either :) Now I can't wait until it's obvious that I am pregnant and not just "maybe she just fat in the tummy".
The further along I get the more excited and real it becomes. So far there hasn't been a freak out day but I think because we planned this pregnancy it makes it easier. One day at a time. I need to be writing down questions for my doctor but I really don't have any.... is that weird?
Our biggest worries included things like:
1. How are we going to get all the baby stuff done here in April?
2. What's the soonest date that we can visit home after the baby is born?
3. Is my mom really going to visit?
4. Is Nate's fam really going to visit?
Nothing at all to do with the pregnancy. My mom told me to take the peace and run with it. Coming from a family who stresses this might be a hormonal gift allowing me to avoid the stress :) A girl can dream right!
Tchau,
Sara
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