Things I Want To Remember About My Pregnancy

UPDATED June 4, 2007

As I mentioned in my previous post, I really miss being pregnant with Zoe. So, I thought I would take some time to journal some of the things I want to remember about the pregnancy.

I'll most likely be adding to this post periodically, as I remember things.

- The first time I felt Zoe kick. I was at work and I sneezed really loud. I think it woke her up and I felt a little kick just under and to the left of my belly button. I was about 5 months along.

- I gained 39.5 pounds. That's about 9.5 pounds more than I expected to gain.

- The heartburn was horrible and it got worse throughout the pregnancy. It would wake me up at night and towards the end of the pregnancy it was constantly there. But it went away the day I had Zoe.

- The sleepless nights. I could not sleep. I was uncomfortable sleeping on my side. Towards the end of the pregnancy I had to push myself up, turn while sitting up, then lower myself back down...when I wanted to switch to the other side.

- Zoe pushing on my ribs, especially the left side. It hurt so bad but at the same time was a very reassuring feeling because it meant Zoe was still with me.

- Dr. Herzog telling me that I needed to sleep on my left side. Me telling him that I couldn't sleep on that side because it hurt my ribs and hips so bad. Him telling me that I better get used to it (in other words...suck it up!). Mike and I looking at him waiting for the "just kidding". Dr. Herzog saying, "I'm serious" with a straight face.

- My many doctor visits. Cindy, Pan, and Susan. They were so great and made me feel so special.

- The only time I had caffeine during the pregnancy was when I went in for my NST visits. Every one at the doctor's office told me to drink a coke before I came so that Zoe would wake up and move around. I didn't mind because it tasted so good. The staff didn't mind because it made my NST's easier.

- Once my belly got really big I always slept with my hand on my stomach. I wanted to feel my baby kick as often as I could. Sometimes I would push in on my stomach to see if I could get her to move around. The best was when I would lay on my side and watch my stomach. I could see her moving - elbows, knees, bum!

- Mike taking care of me. He was so worried about me and the baby. From the very beginning of the pregnancy he wouldn't let me lift anything, bend down to pick something up, he made sure I ate a lot, he made sure I ate healthy (until I was told by the doctor to bulk up....and to eat milk shakes, chips, etc.). Mike cooked for me. He cleaned for me. He went shopping. He was so wonderful.

- Mike staying with me for two weeks at the hospital. It was kind of fun. We watched lots of movies and just hung out in the hospital room.

- The wheelchair rides that Mike took me on during my hospital stay. We explored the hospital, got lost, went in places we probably shouldn't have. It was so fun.

- Eating at Chic-fil-A for lunch before my doctor appointments. Every time I ate there Zoe would kick a lot and we would have a great NST.

- How hard it was for me at first to start eating a lot. But then I got used to it and now I still want to eat a lot!

- Ensure Plus. I had to drink two of them a day. Now I kind of crave them.

- Mike had to always put my shoes on and buckle/tie them for me. Once I hit about the 6th month, I just couldn't maneuver my body to reach my feet. Once I hit about the 8th month I couldn't even see my feet anymore.

- The first time I saw Zoe on the ultrasound. I was 10 weeks along. She was moving and squirming. It was so cool. I couldn't believe it! She was so tiny and it was amazing to think that she was moving that much but I couldn't feel it.