Since I posted about my meeting with the dietitian for gestational diabetes yesterday, I'm doing the Monday giveaway post today! Here are the giveaways I've entered this week:
$35 gift card to Expressiva Nursingwear from Mama to 3 Blessings
A Kidorable umbrella from Momma Told Me
FLIP SlideHD video camera from Two of a Kind
Sweet Moments prize pack from There are Two Sides
$40 gift certificate to The Joy of Soap from Mrs Nespy's Frugal World
$100 gift card to Lady Foot Locker from Kiddies Corner Deals
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Meeting with the dietician
I had my gestational diabetes meeting with the dietitian this morning. I'm apparently 5 lbs lighter with this pregnancy than I was at this time with little A. Of course I started heavier so I guess I really was a heifer with little A!
There are some new guidelines and findings since I had gestational diabetes last. Apparently now they suggest no juice, fruit, or milk in the morning because that's when the placenta is at the height of sugar production or something like that. A team of health care providers in California started a program called Sweet Success just for gestational diabetes and women who have pre-existing diabetes who are pregnant. I can't wait to check out their resources more. I wish this had been around with little A!
The goal with any diabetes is to manage your carbs which includes sugar. I get 2 carbs for breakfast, 3 for lunch, and 4 for dinner. 1 for each snack and 3 snacks per day. Each carb exchange is worth 15 grams, so for breakfast I can have 30 grams of carbs. This is basically an english muffin with some peanut butter.
The dietitian gave me some great protein suggestions too since I'm still having some meat aversion. I have no limit on eggs even though they are higher in cholesterol since I'm not eating other proteins. (Normally it's suggested not to have more than 3 egg yolks per week.) She also suggested cottage cheese at meals. It has as much protein as meat also. It is higher in sodium though.
Speaking of sodium, they want me to watch my sodium intake this time too since I ended up with pre-eclampsia with Little A as well. Sodium can of course increase blood pressure. Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia. This was the worst part of my labor and deliver, so I'd really like to avoid it this time if possible.
I have to test my blood sugar 4x per day 1x per week and then at least 1x per day throughout the week. The dietitian had me test in the office since it's been 4 years since I've done it. I was at 117 1.5 hrs after breakfast and I need to be under 120 2hrs after a meal. I guess tomorrow will be my full testing day which includes a fasting test.
She gave me a big packet of meals just for gestational diabetes too so I'm excited about that. It will be nice to be able to have some suggestions and not eat the same thing over and over. She did tell my my breakfast this morning was perfect; cinnamon raisin english muffin w/ peanut butter.
There are some new guidelines and findings since I had gestational diabetes last. Apparently now they suggest no juice, fruit, or milk in the morning because that's when the placenta is at the height of sugar production or something like that. A team of health care providers in California started a program called Sweet Success just for gestational diabetes and women who have pre-existing diabetes who are pregnant. I can't wait to check out their resources more. I wish this had been around with little A!
The goal with any diabetes is to manage your carbs which includes sugar. I get 2 carbs for breakfast, 3 for lunch, and 4 for dinner. 1 for each snack and 3 snacks per day. Each carb exchange is worth 15 grams, so for breakfast I can have 30 grams of carbs. This is basically an english muffin with some peanut butter.
The dietitian gave me some great protein suggestions too since I'm still having some meat aversion. I have no limit on eggs even though they are higher in cholesterol since I'm not eating other proteins. (Normally it's suggested not to have more than 3 egg yolks per week.) She also suggested cottage cheese at meals. It has as much protein as meat also. It is higher in sodium though.
Speaking of sodium, they want me to watch my sodium intake this time too since I ended up with pre-eclampsia with Little A as well. Sodium can of course increase blood pressure. Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia. This was the worst part of my labor and deliver, so I'd really like to avoid it this time if possible.
I have to test my blood sugar 4x per day 1x per week and then at least 1x per day throughout the week. The dietitian had me test in the office since it's been 4 years since I've done it. I was at 117 1.5 hrs after breakfast and I need to be under 120 2hrs after a meal. I guess tomorrow will be my full testing day which includes a fasting test.
She gave me a big packet of meals just for gestational diabetes too so I'm excited about that. It will be nice to be able to have some suggestions and not eat the same thing over and over. She did tell my my breakfast this morning was perfect; cinnamon raisin english muffin w/ peanut butter.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
My fat pregnant butt broke the toilet!
I can't reach my feet very easily, so I sit on the toilet with my feet on the tub to paint my toes. I was doing this last night when all of a sudden the toilet seat moved. I gasped and thinking I was going to fall in and then have to yell for B to come get me out. When the seat stopped I looked down and the lid and the seat slid in different directions and broke the hinge!
I finished my toes and went out to the living room where S and B were sitting. I told B "it's a good thing they're putting me on a diet. My fat butt broke the toilet seat." He was trying so hard not to laugh. S said "you're not fat even pregnant." Then B asked what happened, so I told him.
Looks like he's officially in charge of all grooming activities below the waist until Nov.
I finished my toes and went out to the living room where S and B were sitting. I told B "it's a good thing they're putting me on a diet. My fat butt broke the toilet seat." He was trying so hard not to laugh. S said "you're not fat even pregnant." Then B asked what happened, so I told him.
Looks like he's officially in charge of all grooming activities below the waist until Nov.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Bring on the finger pricks
I'm 27 weeks pregnant tomorrow which means I got to take the glucose tolerance test last week. Originally my ob wasn't going to have me take it. I had gestational diabetes with Little A, a family history on both sides of diabetes, and I follow the pattern (but miss the cut-off barely) for hypoglycemia not pregnant. Because of all of those factors he was going to have me just do the diabetes diet automatically. Last week I saw another ob in the practice because mine was on vacation. This ob suggested I take the 1 hour test just in case I passed. Well, I didn't.
The nurse called this afternoon to let me know I failed and to set up the 3 hour follow up glucose test. I declined. I explained my ob's initial plan and said I'd rather skip the 3 hour and just go on the diet. Since it's been 4 years since I was pregnant and had to deal with this with Little A, I requested to see the dietitian again. I need a refresher on using the glucose monitor, what my testing numbers should be, how many carbs I can have, and other details.
With Little A my diet consisted of lots of protein and veggies. I'm not sure what I'm going to do this time since I have aversions to poultry and can only manage to get other meats down in small quantities a limited number of times per week. I guess I will become a creative rabbit. I'm also interested to see how the boys take this. I'm not cooking 3 seprate meals (one for me, one for Little A, and one for them). Everyone gets to diet along with me!
Overall, it's not that bad. It's only a few weeks. I just hope that I can diet control it again and not have to go on insulin. This is the fear that keeps me from cheating.
The nurse called this afternoon to let me know I failed and to set up the 3 hour follow up glucose test. I declined. I explained my ob's initial plan and said I'd rather skip the 3 hour and just go on the diet. Since it's been 4 years since I was pregnant and had to deal with this with Little A, I requested to see the dietitian again. I need a refresher on using the glucose monitor, what my testing numbers should be, how many carbs I can have, and other details.
With Little A my diet consisted of lots of protein and veggies. I'm not sure what I'm going to do this time since I have aversions to poultry and can only manage to get other meats down in small quantities a limited number of times per week. I guess I will become a creative rabbit. I'm also interested to see how the boys take this. I'm not cooking 3 seprate meals (one for me, one for Little A, and one for them). Everyone gets to diet along with me!
Overall, it's not that bad. It's only a few weeks. I just hope that I can diet control it again and not have to go on insulin. This is the fear that keeps me from cheating.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday Giveaways - August 23
It's another Monday morning. While one kid had to go to a friend since he was kicked off the bus last week (more on that in another post) and the 3 year old had a clingy sad daycare drop off at least it's a new week for giveaways. Here's what I've entered this week.
Cloth napkin set for kids from Is there a Bathroom on this Ship
Rumparooz cloth diaper from Liz has a Life
Medela gift bag from Acting Balanced
Hanes Comfort Flex Underwear from Couponing for 4
Amy Butler hooded towel from HSUper Parents
Baby gift basket by 4lilcupcakes from Heavenly Savings
$60 CSN giftcard from BassGirraffes
Cloth napkin set for kids from Is there a Bathroom on this Ship
Rumparooz cloth diaper from Liz has a Life
Medela gift bag from Acting Balanced
Hanes Comfort Flex Underwear from Couponing for 4
Amy Butler hooded towel from HSUper Parents
Baby gift basket by 4lilcupcakes from Heavenly Savings
$60 CSN giftcard from BassGirraffes
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Free Legos Entertain Them All
How do you entertain a 14 yo, a 12 yo, and a 3.5 yo? Pull out the legos. Little A just started playing with Legos this summer. He has one set.
He's obsessed with construction and vehicles so this was the one he picked out. When we went to visit my mom last week she gave Little A a small box of legos from when my brother was little. When we got home and the big boys came back they all started playing with them.
This was great. Everyone was entertained. B and I got 30 min to ourselves to just sit together. There was no yelling. Until.....
Little A came in the living room crying because the S and Big A took his legos and wouldn't share. This is a source of contention. S and Big A are a year apart and are used to sharing EVERYTHING. It's almost like they don't have their own things, but all things belong to both. I'm not used to this and neither is Little A. I was pretty irritated they took his toys and then wouldn't let him play. Especially after the numerous conversations we've had about not touching things that aren't yours without asking.
B went in and took care of it. Then he looked at me and said "I think we need to find some Legos on Ebay." He's right. Have you looked at how expensive Lego sets can be now?
Just a few days before I got my Big Fat Check from Ebates. Ebates is a site where you earn cash back on your on-line purchases. You simply start from their site rather than the store site and you earn a percentage of your purchase back. Then quarterly you receive either a pay pal deposit or a paper check. Since you're sent to the store site you can still use your coupon codes and normal check out process.
You can also earn money from referrals. With their site both you and the person you refer receive $5 when they make their first purchase. If you haven't signed up or heard of this before, check it out.
Ebates
I haven't received spam from them or had any unpleasant experiences. What's not to love about saving money on things you already buy?!
Since we had Ebates money sitting in Pay Pal off we went to Ebay. We found a lot of 400 legos. It took 4 auctions but we finally won. Not only did we get to use free money to buy the Legos, but we earned cash back on them too since Ebay participates in Ebates!
The Legos should come this week and the big boys will be back near the end of the week. Perfect timing. Now there should be enough Legos for everyone to play with and keep busy.
He's obsessed with construction and vehicles so this was the one he picked out. When we went to visit my mom last week she gave Little A a small box of legos from when my brother was little. When we got home and the big boys came back they all started playing with them.
This was great. Everyone was entertained. B and I got 30 min to ourselves to just sit together. There was no yelling. Until.....
Little A came in the living room crying because the S and Big A took his legos and wouldn't share. This is a source of contention. S and Big A are a year apart and are used to sharing EVERYTHING. It's almost like they don't have their own things, but all things belong to both. I'm not used to this and neither is Little A. I was pretty irritated they took his toys and then wouldn't let him play. Especially after the numerous conversations we've had about not touching things that aren't yours without asking.
B went in and took care of it. Then he looked at me and said "I think we need to find some Legos on Ebay." He's right. Have you looked at how expensive Lego sets can be now?
Just a few days before I got my Big Fat Check from Ebates. Ebates is a site where you earn cash back on your on-line purchases. You simply start from their site rather than the store site and you earn a percentage of your purchase back. Then quarterly you receive either a pay pal deposit or a paper check. Since you're sent to the store site you can still use your coupon codes and normal check out process.
You can also earn money from referrals. With their site both you and the person you refer receive $5 when they make their first purchase. If you haven't signed up or heard of this before, check it out.
Ebates
I haven't received spam from them or had any unpleasant experiences. What's not to love about saving money on things you already buy?!
Since we had Ebates money sitting in Pay Pal off we went to Ebay. We found a lot of 400 legos. It took 4 auctions but we finally won. Not only did we get to use free money to buy the Legos, but we earned cash back on them too since Ebay participates in Ebates!
The Legos should come this week and the big boys will be back near the end of the week. Perfect timing. Now there should be enough Legos for everyone to play with and keep busy.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Monday Giveaways - August 16
It's Monday and vacation is over. At least it's a new week for giveaways! This week I've entered the following giveaways.
$30 gift card to Kroger from Fabulous Won
$40 CSN gift card from Capitally Frugal
Coby MP3 player from Fabulous Won
$25 Walmart gift card from Mommy has to Work
Constructive Eating set from Burning Moon
Mirromax Swivel Mirror from Thrifty Wifey
The Sock Fairy book from JDaniel4s Mom
Softlips prize pack from Canadian Contests and Giveaways (Of course, after I entered I noticed it's only open to Canadian residents.)
Tiny Tush OS CD from Liz has a Life
Bummas cloth wipes from Babybix
Bravado Bliss nursing bra from HSUper Parents
Envirosax bag from Audrey's Giveaways
Make Ahead Meals cookbook from Audrey's Giveaways
Blog2Print book from In the Know Mom
$30 gift card to Kroger from Fabulous Won
$40 CSN gift card from Capitally Frugal
Coby MP3 player from Fabulous Won
$25 Walmart gift card from Mommy has to Work
Constructive Eating set from Burning Moon
Mirromax Swivel Mirror from Thrifty Wifey
The Sock Fairy book from JDaniel4s Mom
Softlips prize pack from Canadian Contests and Giveaways (Of course, after I entered I noticed it's only open to Canadian residents.)
Tiny Tush OS CD from Liz has a Life
Bummas cloth wipes from Babybix
Bravado Bliss nursing bra from HSUper Parents
Envirosax bag from Audrey's Giveaways
Make Ahead Meals cookbook from Audrey's Giveaways
Blog2Print book from In the Know Mom
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Back to Reality
We're back from vacation. Little A, B, and I went to Louisiana to visit my mom. My grandparents and aunt came from the east as well so it was a mini-family reunion. Little A asked yesterday if he and I could go live with Nana. He wants me to quit my job and spend all day with him all the time. I think if I did that we would have to live with Nana!
It was a 13 hour car ride that took us about 15 between all the stops for the pregnant girl and the dawdling 3.5 year old. He didn't sleep in the car either. He took his normal mid-day nap and slept around bed time, but that's it. Little A did so well though. He had 1 melt down each way that pretty much consisted of crying and screaming he wanted to be home NOW!
I packed a large bag of toys for him that he hadn't seen in a while mixed with a few new ones. The biggest hits were the leapster, construction sticker book, Puzzle Buzz magazine, and his monster trucks. B wanted a driving break on the way home which meant I got a break from entertaining Little A. He lasted 30 minutes before he wanted to switch back!
While we were packing the car to come home, Little A hit his head on Nana's mailbox. It's metal and made a thud so I asked if he was ok. His response: "yeah. My brains are still in there." I almost fell over laughing so hard. What a little nut.
Now we're back. Little A goes back to preschool Monday and the big boys start school Wednesday. I'm trying to get caught up on the mountain of laundry, grocery shop, and clean this weekend. I think Little A may be on to something moving in with Nana!
It was a 13 hour car ride that took us about 15 between all the stops for the pregnant girl and the dawdling 3.5 year old. He didn't sleep in the car either. He took his normal mid-day nap and slept around bed time, but that's it. Little A did so well though. He had 1 melt down each way that pretty much consisted of crying and screaming he wanted to be home NOW!
I packed a large bag of toys for him that he hadn't seen in a while mixed with a few new ones. The biggest hits were the leapster, construction sticker book, Puzzle Buzz magazine, and his monster trucks. B wanted a driving break on the way home which meant I got a break from entertaining Little A. He lasted 30 minutes before he wanted to switch back!
While we were packing the car to come home, Little A hit his head on Nana's mailbox. It's metal and made a thud so I asked if he was ok. His response: "yeah. My brains are still in there." I almost fell over laughing so hard. What a little nut.
Now we're back. Little A goes back to preschool Monday and the big boys start school Wednesday. I'm trying to get caught up on the mountain of laundry, grocery shop, and clean this weekend. I think Little A may be on to something moving in with Nana!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Happy Birthday! Here's your bill.
Yesterday was my grandma's birthday. She turned 71. I find it amusing that B's parents are older than my grandparents. I guess that's what happens though when he's the youngest child, I'm the oldest, and there are 11 years between us. Baby E will have great-grandparents younger than her grandparents.
Anyway, my mom called because B, little A, and I are going to visit her next week. My grandparents and aunt are going as well. We all live in different states so this is quite the feat to get everyone in the same place at the same time. This is also the first time B is meeting my family. It is a 13 hour drive according to mapquest. With a pregnant woman who has to pee all the time and a 3.5 year old we figure it will definately take longer. Therefore, we decided to leave Friday night and break up the trip a bit rather than trying to do it all in one day.
So, my mom tells me when she calls "since you're leaving Friday you'll be here early on Saturday." I remind her that we really will not and that it will take us longer than it takes her and her husband to drive up here. She responds "well, you'll be in by 2 or 3." Um, no. Let's say we drive 4-5 hours Friday night. That stops us around midnight. Then we'll probably have 10 hours on Saturday with breakfast, lunch, potty stops, etc. Even if we are out of the hotel by 6am (which isn't going to happen) that's still 4pm.
Mom tells me she wanted to take everyone out for dinner to celebrate my grandma's birthday and we needed to be in early so we could go. I suggested they not count on us being there, but if we were we'd see if we were up to it after the drive. Then she asks if we can pay for our own food. I tell her it depends on the restraunt. I don't want to say yes and be suprised with a $100 check for 3 people. She tells me about $15 a person and then goes on to say she and my aunt will split my grandma's dinner, but everyone else (including my grandfather) has to pay for their own!
How do you plan a family birthday celebration for someone when (1) you can't afford it and (2) not everyone is going to be there?! I almost fell off the couch when she told me she was going to make my grandpa pay for his own. Who does this?!
I don't see why she doesn't just make a cake and we can have it with dinner on Sunday night when everyone is there and rested. I think sometimes my mom has lost her mind.
After she talks some more she gets irriated and tells me "Fine. We just might go without you then." Um, ok. This is what I tried telling you 30 minutes ago.
Anyway, my mom called because B, little A, and I are going to visit her next week. My grandparents and aunt are going as well. We all live in different states so this is quite the feat to get everyone in the same place at the same time. This is also the first time B is meeting my family. It is a 13 hour drive according to mapquest. With a pregnant woman who has to pee all the time and a 3.5 year old we figure it will definately take longer. Therefore, we decided to leave Friday night and break up the trip a bit rather than trying to do it all in one day.
So, my mom tells me when she calls "since you're leaving Friday you'll be here early on Saturday." I remind her that we really will not and that it will take us longer than it takes her and her husband to drive up here. She responds "well, you'll be in by 2 or 3." Um, no. Let's say we drive 4-5 hours Friday night. That stops us around midnight. Then we'll probably have 10 hours on Saturday with breakfast, lunch, potty stops, etc. Even if we are out of the hotel by 6am (which isn't going to happen) that's still 4pm.
Mom tells me she wanted to take everyone out for dinner to celebrate my grandma's birthday and we needed to be in early so we could go. I suggested they not count on us being there, but if we were we'd see if we were up to it after the drive. Then she asks if we can pay for our own food. I tell her it depends on the restraunt. I don't want to say yes and be suprised with a $100 check for 3 people. She tells me about $15 a person and then goes on to say she and my aunt will split my grandma's dinner, but everyone else (including my grandfather) has to pay for their own!
How do you plan a family birthday celebration for someone when (1) you can't afford it and (2) not everyone is going to be there?! I almost fell off the couch when she told me she was going to make my grandpa pay for his own. Who does this?!
I don't see why she doesn't just make a cake and we can have it with dinner on Sunday night when everyone is there and rested. I think sometimes my mom has lost her mind.
After she talks some more she gets irriated and tells me "Fine. We just might go without you then." Um, ok. This is what I tried telling you 30 minutes ago.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
She has a name and clothing.
We've had E's first name chosen for about a month now, but we couldn't decide on a middle name. As of this week, she has a full name! E will be Eden Brianna.
Today I bought her coming home outfit as well. I've been staring at this gorgeous, comfy set from Pumpkin Patch but couldn't bring myself to check-out. Today I noticed the line I want is on sale for buy 2 get the 3rd piece free, so I took the plunge. Eden will come home in one of these onesies and one of these rompers. I need to see them in person and play with the combos before deciding though.
Today I bought her coming home outfit as well. I've been staring at this gorgeous, comfy set from Pumpkin Patch but couldn't bring myself to check-out. Today I noticed the line I want is on sale for buy 2 get the 3rd piece free, so I took the plunge. Eden will come home in one of these onesies and one of these rompers. I need to see them in person and play with the combos before deciding though.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Monday Giveaways - August 2
New week, new giveaways! I'm pleased to announce that I will be able to offer a fantastic giveaway soon from Stellababy on Etsy. This is a custom hand-painted shop with a variety of items including ornaments and wall letters. I've known her for about 2.5 years now and am always highly impressed with her work. In fact, later this month I'll be placing an order for the baby's Christmas present. At a month old she won't be very aware, so we're ordering her wall letters and wrapping each letter from a different sibling. Check out Jennifer's shop now and stay tuned for a giveaway and discount code! You will need to be a follower of my blog with Google Friend Connect, so follow now so you won't miss it!
Here are the giveaways I've entered this week.
Justin Roberts cd from Frugality is Free
Rosemary Wells collection DVD from Frugality is Free
Digital photo keychain from Coupon Clippin Mommy
$25 gift card to The Boys Store from Grand Giveaways
16 coupon inserts from The Family Saver
Scentsinsoy candle from Little Sprout Growing
Happy Heiny cloth diaper from Happily Southern
Eli Monster nursing pads from Mom of All Trades
Keurig Brewing System from Stretching a Buck
Here are the giveaways I've entered this week.
Justin Roberts cd from Frugality is Free
Rosemary Wells collection DVD from Frugality is Free
Digital photo keychain from Coupon Clippin Mommy
$25 gift card to The Boys Store from Grand Giveaways
16 coupon inserts from The Family Saver
Scentsinsoy candle from Little Sprout Growing
Happy Heiny cloth diaper from Happily Southern
Eli Monster nursing pads from Mom of All Trades
Keurig Brewing System from Stretching a Buck
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)