Uncommon Julia

DVD Review: Bedrest Fitness

One of the perks of my job (freelance writer) is meeting cool people I might not have otherwise known.  Recently, I was introduced to a woman who has developed a fitness DVD for women on bed rest.  "Neat!" I thought.  I haven't actually been on bed rest myself, and I can only imagine how stir-crazy it must make a gal.  Plus, the physical deterioration that can come from weeks or even months of sitting still can't be good for you once you cross the finish line and have to start momming.

So I told the PR person who mentioned the project to me that I'd love to review the DVD and tell my readers what I thought of it.  Thusly, my review:

The Concept: Before I heard of this DVD, I never imagined that doctors would allow you to exercise while on bed rest.  I figured muscle atrophy and sheer, stunning boredom were just par for the course when you were confined to your bed.  But apparently, there are safe, effective exercises you can do that won't jeapordize your health or your pregnancy.  Having never been on bed rest, I know I'm making some assumptions here, but I would think the chance to stretch your muscles and possibly prevent their deterioration would be preferable to another hour of television re-runs and numb-butt.  The entertainment factor alone might be worth it.

I'll even go one step further and venture to say that this concept even appeals to pregnant women who aren't on bed rest, but are too cautious (read: terrified; and also: me) to work out, or those who simply like the notion of working out in bed, rather than leaving the house or - God forbid - entering a gym in anything spandex.

Title:  Well, short and sweet always works for me.  "Bedrest Fitness" pretty much tells you exactly what you're getting without trying to resort to some cutesy play on words.

Instructor:  Darline Turner-Lee, who developed the exercises and video has a list of qualifications as long as my arm.  She's a physician's assistant and an American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Specialist®, to hit the highlights.  Plus, she's a mom, and she hoed a bumpy road to become one.  But better than that is her personality.  She's the right mix of get-down-to-business and perky, without crossing over into cheerleader land like so many other fitness gurus.  She laughs at herself a few times on the video and is encouraging without being intimidating.  Another bonus: she looks like a real, normal, flesh-n-blood mom; not some twiggy model whose physique leaves you feeling even less confident about yourself than when you popped the DVD in the player.

The Video:  The intro on the DVD has some corny graphics - definitely not a high-end, expensive production - and the OBGYN who offers up some nice, valid information has a few personality quirks (namely a set of still-in-box collector's Barbies displayed rather prominently behind her), but all of this is easily overlooked and/or skipped with the help of your fast-forward button.

Darline's introduction, by contrast, is short and sweet and completely lacking in Barbie paraphernalia.  The video lays out nicely with little exercise title inserts between each exercise that allow you to pause for water or breathing or telling your cat to just leave you the hell alone for just one minute, wouldja?! 

The exercises themselves are great, progressing from bottom to top in an orderly fashion, without too much moving around between exercises.  All you need is you, your bed, some pillows, and a resistance band (which comes with the DVD).  Everything is done at a nice pace, offering just enough resistance and speed to make you feel like you've achieved a little something, but not so much that you would worry about your cervix or pelvic wall.  I personally haven't done a lick of formal exercise beyond going for a walk with Hannah or generally chasing and entertaining her since the beginning of this pregnancy.  And yet I managed to complete this video feeling pleasantly active and stretched, but not at all tired.

I'm not the expert Darline is, but I think think the chance to do anything that might preserve your muscle tone or at least slow it's atrophy is a plus when you're on bed rest.  The fact that these exercises are tailored by you to your own ability, circumstances, and resistance preferences means that you won't feel over or under taxed.

Overall, I give Bedrest Fitness a thumbs up.  If you're on bedrest, ask your OB or midwife or both about using this program.  If your not, but like me, smile at the notion of working out in bed, I say go for it. 
You can order the DVD here. 

For the record, I'm not getting anything for this review*.  I just though, given my audience, that this might be a great thing to pass along.  I know some of you have been through bed rest in the past, and have reason to suspect you may again, one day.  Or maybe you know someone.  Either way, it can't hurt to know this DVD is out there.

*I am, however, going to be famous!  Okay, maybe not famous, but I've agreed to be the "model" for a spot on the local morning show about the DVD.  I'm sure it's my big break.

Overindulgence

Last night's anniversary dinner was phenomenal.  For the past five years, Todd and I got all dolled up and headed to our favorite froufy steak house.  But this year we branched out, and on the recommendation of a  friend, tried a new place.  The appetizers were good, but not quite as good as our old familiar place.  But man, did they ever make up for it with the entrees, sides, and service.  I think it was potentially the best steak I've ever had.  Plus, the waiter didn't hesitate to make strong recommendations and actually chose my meal for me, practically reading my mind.

We ate until we could barely more, and then they took our picture for us, with the photographer actually managing to get Todd with his eyes open.

Afterward, we went to the movies and saw Mr. Brooks, which I really liked.  During the movie, we actually had the audacity to get popcorn and candy - because we are true gluttons.  By the end of the evening, we were uncomfortably full and sugar overloaded, but happy.

But the morning didn't start out all sweetness and light.  Todd and I got into a massive fight a few days ago, and I actually slept in the guest room the night before our anniversary, too upset to stay in bed with him.  I was fuming the next morning, but determined to get through our anniversary/family/maternity/Hannah picture session, so I was grinning and bearing it while talking as little as possible to my beloved of six years.  Then Hannah woke up with a sore throat, so we thought pictures were off.  Then I asked if she'd like to go to the park and she perked right up, so pictures were back on.  Then it rained.  Then it stopped.  You get the idea.

But I think we may have some good pictures after all is said and done.  Here's hoping.

And yesterday afternoon, Todd returned with flowers and a cheesy, but accurate greeting card that he signed quite simply with "I love you and I'm sorry."  And really, that's all it takes for me.

The issue that caused the argument is still unresolved, and I may need some advice from you all on that front.  But his apology means everything to me, so at least I got to enjoy the remainder of our anniversary and focus on all the things he does right, even in the face of serious bone-headed errors.

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Did you see that Frances had her boys?  I've been following along at home this whole time because she and I have due dates just days apart.  That's why it's mind-blowing to me that her boys look so big and healthy, considering how early they are.  I can't believe Baby Sister is even bigger right now. 

Frances and her family are going to have a bit of a rough haul, but at least their prepared this time.  So go tell her congrats and send some prayers or good wishes her way.

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I shoved my wedding ring on for pictures yesterday, and was barely able to get it back off come evening.  So it's staying off for good now.  I think I'm entering that phase of pregnancy now where the wheels really start to come off the cart.  Yesterday was the first time I noticed visible swelling, though, thankfully, my blood pressure remains stellar.  I'm truly waddling now and people tend to suck in air and wince when they see me.  This picture doesn't do my size justice, but I couldn't help but share the world's least conventional belly shot:

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And finally, did I tell you that my MIL is moving back to Buffalo?  Did I tell you she moves three weeks before this baby is born?  Yeah.  Well, I hope this time something works out for her.

I Wish I Could Claim I Had More to Talk About

Nursery painted?  Check.
Sling* purchased? Check.
Appropriate forms filed with hospital?  Check.
Uneventful OB visit?  Check.
List of things left to do?  As long as my arm.

But at least I'm making headway.  Last night, Baby Sister got her first case of hiccups.  I was reading in bed when after a few minutes of mindlessly rubbing my belly to ease the pain caused by her kicking, I noticed it was rhythmic!  I don't know why - this happened last time, too - but the hiccups thing really solidifies things in my mind.  There's actually a baby in there!  (You'd think my first hint would be the rather obvious belly.  But I'm dense sometimes.)

For those of you who're still pretending to be interested in said belly, we're having a family portrait/maternity pictures session on Saturday, which happens to also be our 6th anniversary.  Man.  Time really does fly.

*I bought a Zolo Wear Solarveil sling in pink.  And in the process determined that the sling I already owned is way too big.  I need a small, even though I'm tall, because of the oft mentioned short torso.  So I'm using that as an excuse to pick a peanut shell or similar sling, in addition to the solarveil one. :)  Also, those muslin baby blankets came in and already I love them.  I am taking all diaper pail suggestions under consideration and I'm seriously considering getting that Itzbeen timer to get through the first couple of months.

So, for our next interactive quiz... anyone have a favorite nursing bra they can't live without?  And has anyone tried the new ISIS electric pump?

Hot Weather Sling Recommendations?

I loved using my sling when Hannah was an infant (lightly padded ring sling).  But she was born in January, and Baby Sister will be born in the dead heat of Texas summer.  Does anyone have any recommendations for slings that work well in hot weather?  I remember nearly sweating to death in March with Hannah, so I imagine that sling won't help us much until winter.

I've just recently ordered these swaddling blankets, which I saw in Parents magazine.  I'm hoping they keep her snug and content without suffocating her - every mother's wish, really.

Tomorrow we're finally going to paint the nursery, and in another week or so we're getting the stroller.  So we may actually be ready before D-day after all. 

Still, I can't help but think I'm forgetting things.

Oh! Diaper pails.  I have a diaper genie, and it works fine.  But I saw in a store the other day that there are new versions.  Any opinions there?  What other fabulous inventions have I missed in the two-and-a-half years since I did this last?

Well, That was Fun.

Thursday evening, Hannah came down with a phantom fever.  It kept cropping back up between doses of Ibuprofen, but she seemed happy otherwise.  During the night, while re-dosing and snuggling her back to sleep, I kept having these unwanted daydreams (are they still daydreams if it's nighttime?) about suddenly beginning to hemorrhage or break my water.  I kept trying to play out the scenarios: Who would I call to watch Hannah?  Would the ambulance turn off their siren so she could stay asleep during all the trauma?

It was silly and unproductive, so I literally shook it off and instead said some prayers to God to take away those worries.

The next morning, Todd let me sleep in a bit while he fed Hannah breakfast.  After I got up and made myself some coffee, I noticed some... crotchal gookiness.  Yes, I believe that's the clinical term.  So I waddled off to the bathroom to make sure everything was fine.  Thankfully, it wasn't the scenario I'd been playing out the night before, but something was still amiss.  There was a good deal of discharge and it was brown. 

This was the second episode of spotting I'd had.  The first was about a month ago. (What?  I didn't mention that?  See how crappy my blogging has been lately?!)  That time it was pink, and frankly, a little more scary, and a quick visit to the doctor revealed no obvious problems.

So rather than panic, I took a shower and then called my doctor's office to see if I really needed to come in.  They said I should, so, unable to find anyone on short notice to watch Banana, I gave her a pep talk about how well she'd done the last time she accompanied me to a doctor's visit and packed her in the car.

After my daughter patiently watched me undergo a pelvic for the second time in her young, impressionable life, the doctor agreed that, yeah, that's kinda weird, and requested I see get an ultrasound done that afternoon.  She said that with my history of placental disorders and frequent contractions, she wanted to err on the side of caution.  That's my mantra, too, so I quickly agreed.

By that time, Hannah's fever had reemerged, as had a sudden thunderstorm.  We sat in the lobby, Hannah shivering on my lap while I called every name in my cell phone looking for someone to watch her so I could come back.  Nothing doing.

I finally drove her home, grabbing some fast food along the way, dosed her with Ibuprofen and put her down for a nap.  Luckily, my neighbor was home and was able to bring her two boys over and watch Hannah while I dashed back out again for the scan.

The scan went fine.  Baby Sister hadn't ever stopped moving, so her health didn't really worry me.  My cervix looked nice and long and shut.  There was no obvious source of the "funkiness", which is a no-news-is-good-news thing.  My fluid levels were normal, which is good because I am measuring large.  The baby is a little more than a week ahead, size-wise, but I'm betting that she's like Hannah - long bones, but not much meat.  They estimate her weight at 4 lbs. 3oz.

After all was said and done, they chalked it up to "bleeding of unknown origin" and told me to try and take it easy over the weekend.

When I returned home, Hannah's bug had set in a bit more earnestly, and I spent the rest of the day soothing her and folding laundry.  By the time Todd returned home from work, I was thoroughly spent and ready to cry.

I hate the stress of this.  But I don't want to rush through the remainder of this pregnancy.  I wish I were more comfortable and could walk around beaming and basking in the glow of motherhood.  But I'm not really sure anyone does that.

They did note during the scan that the edges of my placenta look a bit ragged, so I'm not holding out too much hope for good news from the MRI.  But then again, that wouldn't be a shock.

Maybe I'm just trying to get re-acclimated to the "not-quite-what-you-thought-it'd-be" world of motherhood and pregnancy.

Random Question

Can anyone recommend some sort of free software or online database I can use to keep my friend's and family's mailing addresses (and other information) up to date?  I'd like something I can use to pull lists from for certain occasions, i.e. Hannah's birthday parties, baby showers, general announcements, etc.  Everyone I know has moved in the past year and now I'm manually updating invitation lists in Word.  It sucks.  There has to be something better.

Big, Giant Pregnancy Update from a Big, Giant Lady

So, it appears a number of you are interested in how this pregnancy is progressing, despite my assumptions that you'd rather hear about what other foreign objects I've found in my bra lately.  If you are not amongst that number, I hear ya.  Feel free to skip this post and wait until I've something more "up your alley".

As of today, I am 30w3d pregnant.  Is it just me, or did that fly by?

I am also huge.  I'm measuring right on target, or just slightly ahead, but the curse of the tiny torso has reared it's ugly head and I hear nothing but comment after comment every time I leave my house.  Maybe I'll outline some of the standouts later in this post. 

Luckily for me, though, I haven't really gained much weight.  I started off this pregnancy a little bigger than I would have liked (all those skin biopsies knocked me off my working out and I didn't pick it up again before getting pregnant), but that was offset by the 16-lbs. weight loss that happened over the first half of the pregnancy.  Since regaining my appetite, I gained all those pounds back, and then a few more.

Then, a few weeks ago, the reflux kicked in and no amount of Zantac, Pepto Bismol, and Tums cocktails would dissuade it.  After a few sleepless nights spent vertical, I asked Dr. Saved My Ute to prescribe something stronger.  It's working well, but the overall effect is still a smaller appetite than I had with Hannah.  Not to mention the fact that my stomach has lost valuable real estate lately and I have no choice but to eat tiny portions.

Two weeks ago I passed my glucose tolerance test, without having to go back for the longer version, which was great.

Last week I finally made all the necessary calls to arrange for my MRI in Houston.  It's scheduled for July 2nd.  We're having an MRI done to look for any placental problems due to my history of Asherman's Syndrome (intrauterine scarring) and placenta increta (which I had with Hannah).  I am assuming they'll find something wrong.  That's not me being negative, just honest.  The likelihood is high.  Plus, if they don't find anything, well, that would be a pleasant surprise as opposed to the yucky kind, which I dislike.

Assuming the MRI reveals a placental issue, we will proceed with a planned c-section.  We've tentatively set the date for August 2nd.  But that could change, based on the MRI findings and whether or not my irritable uterus decides to launch me into labor (or get me close enough to worry) prior to that time.

Even if the MRI doesn't  find a problem, though, we will proceed with a c-section.  My doctors have all agreed that there is still a chance of a hidden problem, and the biggest risk - uterine abruption - spells big, big problems for the baby and me.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed.  I'm jealous of those who get to have a regular vaginal birth.  My only experience with vaginal birth was Thomas's delivery, and it would be nice to have something other than an excruciating induction with a child who had already passed.  I also think I'd be really good at a vaginal delivery.  And part of me wishes Todd could witness me doing something that tangible and awesome.

But I digress.

The date of the c-section will be a balance between not wanting to deliver too early (see also Hannah and NICU stay and 37 weeks) and not wanted to go into labor on my own (see also no gynecological oncologist, radiologists, or full OR staff at my beck and call).  The August 2nd date marks 38w3d, and seems like a good balance at this point.

Names?  Hm.  Well, this time we're being very careful to stress to everyone that although we have a favorite and likely final name, we are reserving the right to change our mind at any point.  I don't want to have someone paint letters for her wall or give me a monogrammed blanket weeks before we even set eyes on her.  With that said, we believe we'll call Little Sister Caroline.  The middle name is up for grabs (and suggestions).

The nursery?  This time it's been easier because I eventually decided to stick with the same bedding my grandmothers, mom, and I made for Hannah.  I haven't found anything else I like so well, and you just can't beat that sort of heirloom story.  I'm painting the walls a pale blue and I'm going to hand-paint some sort of tree or scrolly vine thingy on the wall.  The crib and furniture is all set up.  All of that has come from Hannah's room as well, making this kid extremely affordable.  The only thing we're missing is a glider, which I'll look for over the next few weeks.  I promise to post pictures once the whole thing is pulled together.

Other equipment?  Again, this second kid stuff makes things easier.  My friends are returning all the equipment I'd gleefully loaned out, reminding me in horrifying clarity of how much crap infants and babies use.  But we've managed to make space for all of it and we're going to play it by ear, according to Baby Sister's personality, as to how much gets used the second time around.  All we really need prior to her arrival is a double stroller, which I finally got around to looking at last week.  Eventually, when Baby Sister outgrows her carrier, we'll need another car seat, but I've got time for that.

Hannah has grown up so much in the past few months, and I now feel so much more confident in her ability to cope with being a big sister.  She has shown so much compassion and empathy recently that I find myself wondering if she'll have a career in nursing or counseling.  She's also being very helpful and she initiates conversations about Little Sister all the time.  I cannot tell you how much this has done for my confidence.  Still, any advice on what to expect from Hannah after the birth would be well received.

Okay, so you want to hear the foot-in-mouth comments strangers are making?  Here are some of the good ones:

At the spa in Key West.  Three different people, all in one day:
1. As we check in, the lady behind the counter with a European accent of some sort hands us keys to our lockers.  "There are robes in your lockers, but... [plopping down some giant white pile of material on the counter] here is a BIG one for you."
2. The very next lady, who is doing my milk and honey body treatment, says, "Wow, so you are veeery pregnant, yes?" [Also with a European accent.]  "When are you due? Soon?"
"Well, not really, I still have more than three months to go."
"OH!! So is it twins or triplets?!"
3. The next lady is my masseuse.  It took me more than an hour after the exchange to actually realize what she'd been asking.  "So... so twins or triplets run in your family?"
"Um, well, triplets do, but this is only one baby."

At the burrito place:
A very pregnant owner/manager is ringing up my order.  "So, when are you due?"
"August."
"Oh WOW!  You have a really long way to go!"

It's all pretty much variations on a theme: They ask when I'm due and then are unable to mitigate their shock upon learning it's not tomorrow.  I take most of these comments as compliments, assuming that they must feel my belly is in such contrast to my sleek, thin body that I have to be due soon.  Right?  RIGHT?!

I'll take some more belly pictures to illustrate my point soon.  In the meantime, there are some great pictures in my flickr account, so busy yourself there.

Any other pregnancy-related questions I've overlooked?...  HEY!  Wake up!  You asked for this, remember!

Filed Under: You Know You're a Mom When...

This afternoon I noticed something itchy in my bra.  I reached in and pulled out...

the handle of a safety-pop.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Thursday, Hannah began a mother's-day-out program.  It's a home-based preschool run by a woman who came highly recommended by my neighbor (whose kids are great and whose parenting style I admire).  She's going twice a week from 8:30 to 1:00.

I was a little nervous about her first day because it also happened to be a day when I was teaching a workshop for the whole afternoon and wouldn't be the one to pick her up or see how her day went.  But all was fine.  She barely noticed when I slipped out the door and when she did realize I was gone, she inquired as to my whereabouts, but didn't collapse into a bawling mush pile.

Already, though, she learned a new phrase: "I don like that."  She applies the phrase liberally to all manner of items and activities - even things I happen to know she does like, but simply doesn't want at that moment.

Oh well, it's a small, small price to pay for a few hours of free time each week.