I'M ALMOST DONE WITH THIRD YEAR!!! Whoo-hoo!! It's been good. It's been bad. It's even been downright ugly. Here's some of the highlights (and some of the better Catie Moments...)
*WARNING: This post has bad words. Heads up ;)
ENT
(This happened on my very first day of third year by the way.) We just finished a surgery, and my resident told me to grab a quick bite to eat and meet her back in the operating room. So I did, and went back to the same OR. I saw that the patient was already in there, so I started to scrub. Another resident walked up and started scrubbing, too. I hadn't seen him before, but since it was my first day, I thought that was to be expected.
Res: "Hello."
Me: "Hi, my name is Catie Ross. I"m a third year medical student."
Res: "Wonderful. See you in there."
So I finish and go into the OR and get gowned and gloved. I turn around, and skid to a halt because the patient's arm pit is exposed. Ear, nose and throat doctors don't do armpits from what I understand.
Res: "Well, come on, I don't have all day. You stand here."
Me, unsure of what to do: "Um.... I think I may be in the wrong room. I'm on ENT, and thought this was where the next case --"
Res: "Yeah, they won't miss you. Stand here."
So I did. And he proceeded to pimp me. A lot. Thankfully I answered most of the questions correctly. And then the attending on whatever-the-heck-service-this-was walked in.
Attending:" Ah, I see you found a medical student."
Res: "Yeah, she wandered in, so I made her stay." Oh, how little did she know he was serious.
Attending: "Well, if she knows her ass from a hole in the ground, let her suture a little."
Apparently I did, because he let me suture. So my first time ever throwing a stitch, I scrubbed into the wrong OR with the wrong resident's patient. Awesome. I sure hope he doesn't remember my name.
Ortho
This happened a few weeks after the ENT fiasco.
Resident, pointing to a text book: "This is an interesting case. What can you tell me about this x-ray?"
Me: "Um.... well.... that would be an x-ray of an arm."
Res, rolling his eyes: "Yeah, ok. Good, I guess. So it's an arm. What else?"
Me: "Well... it's an infant's arm..."
Res, heaving a big sigh: "Yeah, no shit. It's a pediatric orthopaedic textbook. What else? Do you notice anything strange about it?"
Me, very flustered: "Um.... no, I think it looks ok..."
Res, smashing his head against the wall: "THERE ISN'T A RADIUS. You know, one of the TWO bones in the forearm that's supposed to be there?"
Me: "Oooooh. I thought the patient's arm was just turned at a weird angle and it was on top of the ulna or something."
Res, disgusted: "No. It.... no."
That was a fun week. No, really.... it was fun.
General surgery
The residents were all busy doing other stuff, so I was first assist in the OR with the attending.
Dr. X: "So, since it's just us, here's what's gonna happen. I'm gonna cut all this shit outta this side, and then go to the other side. While I'm cutting all the shit outta the other side, you're gonna sew this side up; do a mattress. I'll sew up the other side, and then we'll be done. Let's make it a competition and see who finishes first." *Evil smile*
Me: "Sure, I can do that. Do you want a vertical or horizontal mattress?"
Dr. X: "I don't fucking know what it's called. Do you think I can show you what to do, and then have you fucking do it?"
Me: "Probably."
Dr. X rolled her eyes, and then showed me which stitch she wanted me to do. "Ok, third year medical student, is this a vertical or horizontal mattress?"
Me: "That would be a vertical mattress."
Dr. X: "Then do a fucking vertical mattress. And don't fuck up. Got it?"
I nodded, and we got to work. About twenty minutes later, I was staring off into space when Dr X asked, "What the fuck are you doing? Are you already done?"
Me: "Yes ma'am."
Dr. X: "Huh. How does it look?"
Me: "I think it looks ok."
Dr. X: "That's my patient, it better look a hell of a lot better than just ok."
Me: "It looks fan-freaking-tastic."
Dr. X: "Uh huh, yeah. Don't count on it. You better hope it's not fucked up."
A few minutes later, she came over to inspect my work. "Hell, that's not a half bad job. Wait, what the fuck were you thinking here? That looks like shit."
Me: "That's the one you did."
Dr. X: "No shit? Well that's gotta be redone. Get to it."
Neuro
We had to do a complete neuro exam on a patient while an attending or resident graded us. I was sent to the ER to evaluate a patient, and the resident told me that he would grade me on this exam. So I explained to the patient that it would seem silly, but I would do a complete exam twice, and then the resident would do another one. He was a very nice man, and said sure.
Me: "Mr. So-and-so, this is Dr. X, he's going to watch me while I do that exam all over again, ok?"
Patient: "Sure, dear, sure. That's fine."
I got to work, and a few minutes later, the patient whispered, "Hey, don't forget to do that thing you did earlier with my foot."
Me, whispering, "Thanks, I'm just getting to that."
A few minutes later: "Hey darlin', don't forget to that thing with my finger, either."
Me, with a smile, "I won't, thanks for reminding me."
The resident thought it was hilarious that the patient was helping me. I got a good grade ;)
Pediatrics
4 year old: "Mommy says I'm a hyper-chondriac."
Me: "Oh, and what's that mean?"
4 year old: "It means I'm sick aaaaaaaaaall the time."
Me: "Are you sure it doesn't mean that you THINK you're sick all the time?"
4 year old, with hand on hip: "Girl, when I think I'm sick, I AM sick."
Attending: "So do you know what you want to do?"
Me: "I'm thinking about either family practice or peds."
Attending: "Oh, yuck! DON'T do FAMILY PRACTICE. Geez, what's wrong with you? You would have to work with..... adults." And then she shuddered.
Medicine
Me, after seeing my patient for the first time in the morning: "Ok, since this is a teaching hospital, you have a team taking care of you. We're all going to meet and talk, and then we'll all come back in a little while and see you together.
Pt, heaving a huge sigh: "Oh, good, ok. So the real doctors are going to be here soon?"
Resident: "Ok, what can you tell me about this EKG?"
Me: "....... it's upside down."
Psychiatry
Me: "Pt X did well overnight, only requesting 2 prn Haldols." [PRN means as needed]
Attending: "Wait, a patient actually REQUESTED Haldol?"
Me: "Um.... yes, sir. He said it made him feel a lot better after getting some."
Attending: "Wow, that's... um... Yeah, you just gotta respect a man who requests Haldol."
Friday, December 7, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
"Just Like Kitties Do"
Kids are just the cutest... especially when they're related to you. Here's a few funnies we've had lately.
My 3 year old niece and her daddy came to visit Baby James last week. James woke up and started fussing, so I got ready to go to my bedroom to nurse.
Ally: "Whatcha doin'?"
Me: "I'm going to go feed the baby."
Ally: "I can do it!" -- She has a baby doll that she changes and feeds with a bottle.
Me: "Well, I'm the only one who can feed James since he's nursing, because I'm the momma, and only mommas can nurse."
Ally: "I. Can. Do. It. I know how!"
Me: "Not this way, baby girl. Only mommas can nurse."
Ally: "How come?"
Me, tired and not too sure how to explain this: "Why don't you come with me, and I'll just show you why you can't feed James."
Allly: "OK!"
I start to nurse James, and Ally stares intently at him.
Ally: "What's he doing on your tummy?"
Me: "He's nursing. That's how he gets milk."
Ally, after a pause: "Oh. Just like the kitties do."
Why didn't I think of that? ;)
Also last week, one of John's brothers and his family came to visit. My SIL was nursing her baby while I was nursing James. The 7 year old boy looked from James to his baby sister and frowned.
Nephew: "Aunt Catie, James is really little."
Me: "Well, he was born a little early. And your sisters and brother were all born a little late, so they were all a lot bigger than James."
The nephew was not impressed. He looked at James again, and then his sister. Then he looked at me, and his momma.
Nephew: "Aunt Catie, I think that you need to let my momma feed James."
I love how their minds work. His sister, who is fed by his momma, is big - momma must be doing a good job. My baby, who is fed by me, is small - Aunt Catie needs to do better. ;)
My 3 year old niece and her daddy came to visit Baby James last week. James woke up and started fussing, so I got ready to go to my bedroom to nurse.
Ally: "Whatcha doin'?"
Me: "I'm going to go feed the baby."
Ally: "I can do it!" -- She has a baby doll that she changes and feeds with a bottle.
Me: "Well, I'm the only one who can feed James since he's nursing, because I'm the momma, and only mommas can nurse."
Ally: "I. Can. Do. It. I know how!"
Me: "Not this way, baby girl. Only mommas can nurse."
Ally: "How come?"
Me, tired and not too sure how to explain this: "Why don't you come with me, and I'll just show you why you can't feed James."
Allly: "OK!"
I start to nurse James, and Ally stares intently at him.
Ally: "What's he doing on your tummy?"
Me: "He's nursing. That's how he gets milk."
Ally, after a pause: "Oh. Just like the kitties do."
Why didn't I think of that? ;)
Also last week, one of John's brothers and his family came to visit. My SIL was nursing her baby while I was nursing James. The 7 year old boy looked from James to his baby sister and frowned.
Nephew: "Aunt Catie, James is really little."
Me: "Well, he was born a little early. And your sisters and brother were all born a little late, so they were all a lot bigger than James."
The nephew was not impressed. He looked at James again, and then his sister. Then he looked at me, and his momma.
Nephew: "Aunt Catie, I think that you need to let my momma feed James."
I love how their minds work. His sister, who is fed by his momma, is big - momma must be doing a good job. My baby, who is fed by me, is small - Aunt Catie needs to do better. ;)
Baby pictures
January 10, 2 am. First time we get to see Little Man after the birth
January 10 - first time Momma gets to hold the baby.
First time Daddy gets to hold him - note that I couldn't give him up just yet ;)
"See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil."
First 49ers game with Daddy!
Finally going home - January 15
And we're home!
The Dog meeting The Baby
As you can see, we never get held.
Or loved on, even by Grandparents.
Or snuggled by Aunts.
Or snooze with Uncles.
Napping in our crib with our Winnie pillow from Grandma and Grandpa
Naps are the best...
First time going to Mass. The Baby was an angel (of course), slept the whole time and didn't even move when the organ blared to life. Go figure.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Welcome to the World, James Patrick Ross!
"The Day of the Big Event..."
After three months of bed rest, and 20 mg of Nifedipine every six hours, week 37 finally came. I could actually, like, go to the store! And go for a walk with Rux (the world's best dog)! And refinish my craigslist dressser! And STOP TAKING THAT MEDICINE!! Oh, happy day! So I did all that... and then cooked dinner. Should have known better... contractions were every five minutes allllll day long.
5:40 -- I read this Pioneer Woman blog: http://thepioneerwoman.com/blog/2011/12/all-i-wanted-was-a-doughnut/. I swear, I laughed so hard that it put me into labor.
5:45 -- While eating and playing rummy with The Hubby: "Ha ha, take that! A Jack, Queen, King, Ace -- oooh. Um... John... I think my water just broke."
The Husband: "What?! Why are you just sitting there, don't we need to go?"
Me: "Oh no, this is our first, he won't be born until tomorrow sometime. Just sit down and finish dinner, and I'll finish packing the bag."
How little did we know.
5:46 -- The first contraction. And it hurt a little. Two more minutes pass, and the next contraction hurt a little worse. Within ten minutes, I told That Man to "Hurry up, dammit, this hurts like *$%^!"
6:30 -- Checked into a room, changed into a gown, and introduced to Sandra, the worlds best L&D (labor and delivery) nurse.
Sandra: "Well, you're already dilated to 4 cm!"
Me: "Great! I want an epidural now, please."
Sandra: Silence. "Right now? Already?"
Me: "YES. You people give them out after 3 cm, and I'm at 4. I want mine now, please."
She explained that we had to do blood work, and get an IV started, and then I could get my drugs. Sigh.
7:15 -- After IV and stadol, I still wanted to kill someone. As in, for-the-love-of-all-that's-pure-and-holy, get the CRNA NOW!!
7:30 -- I can hear my parents in the hall way being headed off by Sandra.
Mom: "Is that Catie's room? I want to see her!"
Sandra: "Let me check that it's ok."
John: shakes his head as Sandra pokes hers in the door.
Me: moaning and crying.
Mom and Dad leave for the waiting room. Dad, as they're walking away: "I know the nurse said she was at 5 an hour ago, but I swear she sounds closer to 7 or 8 cm."
8:00 -- That *^#%@$# CRNA still hasn't shown up. Sandra left the room and muttered under her breath, "I am going to drag him in here by the scruff of his neck..." My Poor Husband can barely stand to see me hurt so much. I felt as bad for him as I did for me. Which was a lot.
Not to mention I'm nearly hysterical at this point because 1) I hate pain. 2) I never had ANY intention of having this child naturally. 3) I really hate pain.
8:45 -- blissful relief. FINALLY got the #($&%^# epidural. Though I still want to kill that CRNA. Here's why.
CRNA: "Ok husband, you have to go sit over there. We've had too many dads faint when they see this." *Chuckles*
Me: "NO!! WHO IS GOING TO HOLD MY HAND AND SAY HAIL MARYS?!?!"
Sandra, very quietly: "I'll hold your hand and do whatever you need."
A few minutes later. CRNA: "I understand you're a medical student."
Me, through sobs: "Yes."
CRNA: "Well, we're giving you ropivacaine and fentanyl. Do you remember what ropivacaine is?"
Me, to myself: *Is this SOB seriously trying to pimp me in the middle of giving me a %&$^#^@ EPIDURAL in the middle my #*%$&%^ LABOR?!?!*
Out loud: "Yes. It's a local anesthetic. Fentayl is an opioid."
CRNA: "Yes, very good. Do you remember the half life?"
Me: I glared so hard that fire and nails shot forth from my eyes, bounced off the wall, and hit that #($*&$% right between the eyes. I received no more questions from that man not pertaining to my pain level.
9:00 -- Sandra checked me right after the epidural was placed. We were already at 8 cm.
Sandra: "Now your contractions may slow down a little, so don't get worried if they do."
Me, looking at the monitor: "Yeah. That'll really upset me."
Mom and Dad are allowed in. I'm more composed, and poor John doesn't have to listen to me wailing anymore.
10:30 -- I asked Sandra to come in and check me, because I was feeling a lot more pressure. Sure enough, we're at 10 cm!
11:00 -- Dr. Lee has checked me too, and gowned and gloved. We start pushing. And I mean "we" literally. The Husband had one leg, my mom had the other, and Becky (my SIL) helped pushed my head forward and my hair back.
That Child kicked me the ENTIRE time I was pushing. I'm not kidding.
Mom: "Um, Catie... most women keep their hands behind their legs, not on top of their stomachs."
Me: "You know what, Pat, why don't you feel right here and then tell me where I should put my hand."
Mom, with her hand at the fundus: "Oh my. He's kicking like crazy."
Me: "Yes, I know."
Guess he was just trying to help get here sooner. ;)
11:20 -- James arrives!
Poor little guy got a tidal wave of amniotic fluid as his head emerged and aspirated. He had to go to NICU right away (after a kiss and wave good bye from Momma and Daddy).
"The Recovery..."
2:00 am -- finally get wheeled in to see him in NICU. Cried myself to sleep because I couldn't hold my baby. Once again felt very sorry for John, but so glad he was there to hold my hand, and kiss my forehead, and remind me that everything's going to be ok.
Little Man had no trouble with the aspiration, and didn't even need intubation. But then he wouldn't eat. Personally, I think it was the formula -- if it makes me gag just to smell it, I can't imagine it tastes good to The Baby. So he had to be fed with an NG tube... because he kept pulling out the OG tube. Oh, joy.
Finally got to room in with The Baby on day 3, and he was discharged on day 6. Praise the Lord, that was a wonderful day.
My Mom has been staying with us since The Baby was born, and I'm so very thankful for the help. She cooks, she cleans, and she changes diapers -- how much better does that get? If only she could nurse The Baby, too, so I could sleep longer, life would be perfect. :)
The Baby is wonderful and perfect and absolutely beautiful. He only cries w hen his Mean Old Momma takes FOREVER to feed him -- those 30 seconds to prep to nurse are a killer. He likes it best when Daddy changes his diaper -- he fusses much less than when Momma or Grandma do. He's still in that newborn phase of eating and sleeping, so we try to sleep when he does. Harder than I thought it would be, but we're working it out.
I'll post pictures later, once The Husband uploads them. Trust me, they're worth the wait -- he's precious. ;)
After three months of bed rest, and 20 mg of Nifedipine every six hours, week 37 finally came. I could actually, like, go to the store! And go for a walk with Rux (the world's best dog)! And refinish my craigslist dressser! And STOP TAKING THAT MEDICINE!! Oh, happy day! So I did all that... and then cooked dinner. Should have known better... contractions were every five minutes allllll day long.
5:40 -- I read this Pioneer Woman blog: http://thepioneerwoman.com/blog/2011/12/all-i-wanted-was-a-doughnut/. I swear, I laughed so hard that it put me into labor.
5:45 -- While eating and playing rummy with The Hubby: "Ha ha, take that! A Jack, Queen, King, Ace -- oooh. Um... John... I think my water just broke."
The Husband: "What?! Why are you just sitting there, don't we need to go?"
Me: "Oh no, this is our first, he won't be born until tomorrow sometime. Just sit down and finish dinner, and I'll finish packing the bag."
How little did we know.
5:46 -- The first contraction. And it hurt a little. Two more minutes pass, and the next contraction hurt a little worse. Within ten minutes, I told That Man to "Hurry up, dammit, this hurts like *$%^!"
6:30 -- Checked into a room, changed into a gown, and introduced to Sandra, the worlds best L&D (labor and delivery) nurse.
Sandra: "Well, you're already dilated to 4 cm!"
Me: "Great! I want an epidural now, please."
Sandra: Silence. "Right now? Already?"
Me: "YES. You people give them out after 3 cm, and I'm at 4. I want mine now, please."
She explained that we had to do blood work, and get an IV started, and then I could get my drugs. Sigh.
7:15 -- After IV and stadol, I still wanted to kill someone. As in, for-the-love-of-all-that's-pure-and-holy, get the CRNA NOW!!
7:30 -- I can hear my parents in the hall way being headed off by Sandra.
Mom: "Is that Catie's room? I want to see her!"
Sandra: "Let me check that it's ok."
John: shakes his head as Sandra pokes hers in the door.
Me: moaning and crying.
Mom and Dad leave for the waiting room. Dad, as they're walking away: "I know the nurse said she was at 5 an hour ago, but I swear she sounds closer to 7 or 8 cm."
8:00 -- That *^#%@$# CRNA still hasn't shown up. Sandra left the room and muttered under her breath, "I am going to drag him in here by the scruff of his neck..." My Poor Husband can barely stand to see me hurt so much. I felt as bad for him as I did for me. Which was a lot.
Not to mention I'm nearly hysterical at this point because 1) I hate pain. 2) I never had ANY intention of having this child naturally. 3) I really hate pain.
8:45 -- blissful relief. FINALLY got the #($&%^# epidural. Though I still want to kill that CRNA. Here's why.
CRNA: "Ok husband, you have to go sit over there. We've had too many dads faint when they see this." *Chuckles*
Me: "NO!! WHO IS GOING TO HOLD MY HAND AND SAY HAIL MARYS?!?!"
Sandra, very quietly: "I'll hold your hand and do whatever you need."
A few minutes later. CRNA: "I understand you're a medical student."
Me, through sobs: "Yes."
CRNA: "Well, we're giving you ropivacaine and fentanyl. Do you remember what ropivacaine is?"
Me, to myself: *Is this SOB seriously trying to pimp me in the middle of giving me a %&$^#^@ EPIDURAL in the middle my #*%$&%^ LABOR?!?!*
Out loud: "Yes. It's a local anesthetic. Fentayl is an opioid."
CRNA: "Yes, very good. Do you remember the half life?"
Me: I glared so hard that fire and nails shot forth from my eyes, bounced off the wall, and hit that #($*&$% right between the eyes. I received no more questions from that man not pertaining to my pain level.
9:00 -- Sandra checked me right after the epidural was placed. We were already at 8 cm.
Sandra: "Now your contractions may slow down a little, so don't get worried if they do."
Me, looking at the monitor: "Yeah. That'll really upset me."
Mom and Dad are allowed in. I'm more composed, and poor John doesn't have to listen to me wailing anymore.
10:30 -- I asked Sandra to come in and check me, because I was feeling a lot more pressure. Sure enough, we're at 10 cm!
11:00 -- Dr. Lee has checked me too, and gowned and gloved. We start pushing. And I mean "we" literally. The Husband had one leg, my mom had the other, and Becky (my SIL) helped pushed my head forward and my hair back.
That Child kicked me the ENTIRE time I was pushing. I'm not kidding.
Mom: "Um, Catie... most women keep their hands behind their legs, not on top of their stomachs."
Me: "You know what, Pat, why don't you feel right here and then tell me where I should put my hand."
Mom, with her hand at the fundus: "Oh my. He's kicking like crazy."
Me: "Yes, I know."
Guess he was just trying to help get here sooner. ;)
11:20 -- James arrives!
Poor little guy got a tidal wave of amniotic fluid as his head emerged and aspirated. He had to go to NICU right away (after a kiss and wave good bye from Momma and Daddy).
"The Recovery..."
2:00 am -- finally get wheeled in to see him in NICU. Cried myself to sleep because I couldn't hold my baby. Once again felt very sorry for John, but so glad he was there to hold my hand, and kiss my forehead, and remind me that everything's going to be ok.
Little Man had no trouble with the aspiration, and didn't even need intubation. But then he wouldn't eat. Personally, I think it was the formula -- if it makes me gag just to smell it, I can't imagine it tastes good to The Baby. So he had to be fed with an NG tube... because he kept pulling out the OG tube. Oh, joy.
Finally got to room in with The Baby on day 3, and he was discharged on day 6. Praise the Lord, that was a wonderful day.
My Mom has been staying with us since The Baby was born, and I'm so very thankful for the help. She cooks, she cleans, and she changes diapers -- how much better does that get? If only she could nurse The Baby, too, so I could sleep longer, life would be perfect. :)
The Baby is wonderful and perfect and absolutely beautiful. He only cries w hen his Mean Old Momma takes FOREVER to feed him -- those 30 seconds to prep to nurse are a killer. He likes it best when Daddy changes his diaper -- he fusses much less than when Momma or Grandma do. He's still in that newborn phase of eating and sleeping, so we try to sleep when he does. Harder than I thought it would be, but we're working it out.
I'll post pictures later, once The Husband uploads them. Trust me, they're worth the wait -- he's precious. ;)
Sunday, January 1, 2012
"That's Not Even as Big as a Catfish!"
I have to admit, I was pretty excited when we found out The Baby is a boy. I grew up with a little brother and only had nephews until after I married The Husband. Of our 18 nieces and nephews, I've spent more time with two of The Husband's nephews. They're older, and we lived in the same town for several years, so they spent the night with us a lot. The Husband and I kinda like them, and so when they want to come visit, we try to make it happen.
This week they came up for a few days, and it was a nice reminder of how much fun boys can be. The younger one is more curious about The Baby than his teenage brother, and when he and I are alone, he tends to ask more questions. He understands that I've been having problems, and have to rest more to keep the baby safe. So this visit the questions were more along those lines.
The Nephew: "Aunt Catie, when's the baby's birthday?"
Me: "Well, you have to be born to have a birthday. Since he's not born yet, we don't know for sure when it's going to be."
The Nephew: "Oh. Well, when is it supposed to be?"
Me: "The end of January, around the 30th."
The Nephew, with concern: "Well that's a long time away! He can't be born anytime soon!"
Me, trying not to smile: "Well, he's old enough now that it's ok for him to be born anytime. He'll be ok from here on."
The Nephew: "Huh. Well how much does he weigh now?"
Me: "A little over 5 pounds."
The Nephew, staring hard at my belly: "How long is he?"
Me, holding out my hands: "He's about a foot and a half, this long."
The Nephew, again with concern: "He's not very big at all. That's not even as big as a catfish!"
Me, really trying not to smile: "Not one big enough to eat, huh?"
The Nephew: "No! He needs to wait longer."
Both boys are so much fun. Even the teenager. Their mom doesn't believe us, but they're both really good when they come visit. Boys in general are still foreign little creatures to me, strange beings who enjoy mud, bugs, being loud, and gross smells. But they're also a lot of fun, and can be so sweet and caring. I'm really looking forward to meeting my own. :)
This week they came up for a few days, and it was a nice reminder of how much fun boys can be. The younger one is more curious about The Baby than his teenage brother, and when he and I are alone, he tends to ask more questions. He understands that I've been having problems, and have to rest more to keep the baby safe. So this visit the questions were more along those lines.
The Nephew: "Aunt Catie, when's the baby's birthday?"
Me: "Well, you have to be born to have a birthday. Since he's not born yet, we don't know for sure when it's going to be."
The Nephew: "Oh. Well, when is it supposed to be?"
Me: "The end of January, around the 30th."
The Nephew, with concern: "Well that's a long time away! He can't be born anytime soon!"
Me, trying not to smile: "Well, he's old enough now that it's ok for him to be born anytime. He'll be ok from here on."
The Nephew: "Huh. Well how much does he weigh now?"
Me: "A little over 5 pounds."
The Nephew, staring hard at my belly: "How long is he?"
Me, holding out my hands: "He's about a foot and a half, this long."
The Nephew, again with concern: "He's not very big at all. That's not even as big as a catfish!"
Me, really trying not to smile: "Not one big enough to eat, huh?"
The Nephew: "No! He needs to wait longer."
Both boys are so much fun. Even the teenager. Their mom doesn't believe us, but they're both really good when they come visit. Boys in general are still foreign little creatures to me, strange beings who enjoy mud, bugs, being loud, and gross smells. But they're also a lot of fun, and can be so sweet and caring. I'm really looking forward to meeting my own. :)
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Food, Glorious Food!
This complicated pregnancy has robbed me of all my favorite pleasureable activities, except one - EATING. Since I can no longer go for long walks, play with the dog, shop, clean (yes, I am one of those crazies who actually likes to clean/sanitize my house), drink Guiness/scotch or excessive amounts of caffeine, or even take long baths, food has become my one last truly guilt-free hobby. And since my ob told me it was DESIRABLE for me to gain 40 lbs, my excessive amounts of eating actually are doctor's orders. At least that's how I'm going to look at it. :) So this post focuses mainly on food, because eating is my absolute favorite activity right now.
[Personal side note: I'm complaining about the pregnancy itself, and NOT The Baby. Poor little guy's having as rough as time as I am with these stupid contractions. Stupid uterus.]
Christmas!!
The Husband and I have had a great holiday so far. He gets 2 1/2 weeks off, so a lot is getting done around the house for The Baby. :) He did Christmas with his family on Saturday, we went to Midnight Mass that evening, and opened our presents to each other on Christmas Day. Since I was really missing my family, I made our traditional scones for breakfast. They were amazing... not quite as good as Mom's, but still quite delicious.
Here's the recipe... I always add extra currents because that's who I am and how I do it.
http://www.landolakes.com/recipe/2271/orange-sugared-scones
My family came up the day after Christmas, which also happens to be The Husband's birthday! We opened his birthday presents, then ate lunch with my parents, brother, and niece, and opened presents with them. It meant a lot to get to see them, even if it wasn't how we usually do holidays.
Now, for the REALLY good part. I try to always make The Husband a cake for his birthday... this is a big deal, because 1) I'm not a baker, by any stretch of the imagination, 2) I really hate cake, and 3) my poor Husband complains because he's the only one who consumes those 3,000 - 5,000 calories - alllll by himself.
This year I had a lot of time on my hands, and looked up a bunch of recipes I thought I might like. He picked out this one:
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/chocolate-stout-cake-recipe
The first 3 ingredients are butter, Guiness, and cocoa. Needless to say, I was completely sold. Butter and chocolate are my two favorite things, and it's been so long since I've had my favorite alcoholic beverage, I have forgotten how great it tastes. And oh my, does it make the cake.
Of course my cake didn't look this pretty, but it was finger-licking good.
I know I'm always a little behind, so it shouldn't shock anyone that I did not know who the heck the Pioneer Woman was until last week. I tried two of her recipes (since I do like to cook), and so far she's 2-0. Seriously, this is the best pot roast I have EVER had. And it's the easiest.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/09/2008_the_year_of_the_pot_roast/
Likewise, this is the best tomato-based pasta sauce I've ever had. Do wish I had some vodka to put in it.... may try that next time. I threw in some sauteed Polish sausage, and both The Husband and I ate around 3 servings a piece. Even The Baby quit kicking for a whole 20 minutes - a very rare event.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/09/pasta-with-tomato-cream-sauce/
The Baby!!
Monday, on The Husband's birthday, we were 35 weeks! (I still can't believe I'm that huge, even though I now bump the belly on things all the time)
Kiddo weighs over 5 lbs (meaning minimal time in NICU!!), and should be over 18 inches long. He moves ALL THE TIME... seriously. For the last month or so, there have only been maybe two or three times that he goes 15 minutes or longer without kicking. His new favorite thing is to put his bottom against my left ribs, and his feet against my right ribs, and streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetches his legs out... I can only assume this is how he wakes up. Good thing I already think the little stinker is cute.
We finally got the crib put together, and it's really starting to look like a nursery. Once we get it straightened up, I may take some pictures. :) Next ob appointment is tomorrow, so cross your fingers and toes for a good visit, and that The Baby waits until after New Year to arrive.
Monday, December 12, 2011
33 weeks and counting...
Pregnancy Thus Far...
"Baby Moves"
I first started feeling the baby move around weeks 14-15, and knew FOR SURE by 15w6d. Mass had just started, the organ boomed to life, and The Baby immediately said, "WHAAAAAT?!?! Mom, what IS that racket??" It was especially adorable because when I finally quit laughing and started singing with the rest of the congregation, he stopped spazzing and calmed back down. His early (and very noticeable) movements convinced me he was a boy. :)
Now The Baby moves ALL THE TIME. Especially during the night and early morning. We exchange pokes and nudges nearly hourly, and I swear he gets mad when I put my hand over my ribs to keep him from kicking them - at least he tries much harder to get those bony appendages near my now-delicate ribcage.
He calms down more when I pat (around where I think) his bottom is instead of rub. We'll see if that holds up once he's born. He also changes positions daily - so when people ask, "Is he head-down?" I can laugh and say, "He will be at least once today!"
"Catie, you ate WHAT... and that was just lunch??"
The first trimester was a little bit rough - I was nauseated all the time (though rarely threw up!) and wound up losing about 10 lbs. But by weeks 13-14, watch out! I got my appetite back with a vengence, and since then have been inhaling food. John doesn't even ask if he can have a bite of my food anymore - our roles have reversed, and now he gives me the food he's too full to eat. :)
One example of a day of my outrageous meals:
Breakfast - bowl of cereal, 2 pieces of toast with apple butter, 2 glasses of water + 1 glass of OJ
Snack - cheese and hot chocolate
Lunch - 1 turkey and cranberry sauce sandwich, chips and salsa, applesauce, oreos and milk
Snack - more cheese and decaf hot tea
Dinner - 3 pieces of pizza (very conservative, I might add)
Snack - bowl of cereal again
"Feel this!"
The Baby gets hiccups 2-4 times every single day. And call me crazy, but I swear he seems to get them after I eat. These gentle little rhythmic bumps are how I know he changes positions - they are never in the same place twice in a row.
"Yes, that's normal. Stop worrying."
Being a medical student means I know enough to scare the beejeebus out of myself, and not enough to know when to stop worrying. On our first OB visit, our wonderful doctor understood, and offered an ultrasound to put me at ease. She immediately pointed out (without laughing!) that:
1) I have elevated hCG due to a baby, not choriocarcinoma.
2) There is only 1 baby in there.
3) That one baby is in utero, not ectopic.
4) There's the hearbeat! So at 6w, everything looks great.
Since then, she and my parents have taken turns reassuring me that the variety of new signs and symptoms I've experienced are normal, and that The Baby is fine. Thank goodness.
Now for the not-so-fun-parts....
"The exponential Catie Moments"
Catie Moments are those times when something is said or done that is really.... well, dumb. Some call them Blonde Moments, but I am no longer blonde. Therefore, they are Catie Moments. And they have greatly increased since about week 8 or so. For example, just a few days ago:
The Husband: "What did you just say?"
Me: "You mean out loud?"
Amazingly, The Husband did not even crack a smile, let alone laugh, before saying, "Yes, dear, out loud. I can't read your mind."
"Oh, Bed Rest...."
Around week 18, I started having regular contractions. They got so frequent and uncomfortable (and wouldn't stop!), that by week 24 I had to go on bed rest. Which also means that I get to miss 3rd year rotations, and graduate a year late. No worries, The Baby has already been informed that he will have to pay for his own college, since any money we were planning on saving for him is now being used to finish putting Momma through school. :)
After I got over being shut up in the house for months, bed rest no longer looks so bad. Lying around reading books all day, oh the torture! Eek, no more vacuuming for 4 months! Needless to say, there are good and bad things about it... having an amazingly supportive husband, family members who are willing to come up anytime to help, and knowing this kiddo is safe and sound, make it all worth it.
"Oh, so I guess you don't know about birth control?"
Just to clarify, The Baby was not a surprise. NOT that it's anyone's business. This child was planned, prayed for, cried over when he took "so long" to get here, and loved before he was a reality. There is one, and only one, appropriate response when someone announces a pregnancy, and that is: "Congratulations!" Certainly not, "Oh sh*t, I'm sorry." Or, "What were you thinking, being in med school and all?" (Both of which were said... to my face).
Overall, despite the complications, this has been a fun pregnancy. I actually enjoy the kicks and bumps (most of the time) because it reminds me The Baby is healthy and on his way. The Husband has above and beyond proved he's a keeper, and reminds me daily why I chose him. Make fun all you want, but I've had a packed bag and list of other things to take to the hospital for the last three weeks! The Baby has had bottles and diapers and clothes for the last month, and last week I started washing and folding all his clothes, towels, blankets, and toys. Mostly because I like seeing that he's ALMOST HERE!!
"Baby Moves"
I first started feeling the baby move around weeks 14-15, and knew FOR SURE by 15w6d. Mass had just started, the organ boomed to life, and The Baby immediately said, "WHAAAAAT?!?! Mom, what IS that racket??" It was especially adorable because when I finally quit laughing and started singing with the rest of the congregation, he stopped spazzing and calmed back down. His early (and very noticeable) movements convinced me he was a boy. :)
Now The Baby moves ALL THE TIME. Especially during the night and early morning. We exchange pokes and nudges nearly hourly, and I swear he gets mad when I put my hand over my ribs to keep him from kicking them - at least he tries much harder to get those bony appendages near my now-delicate ribcage.
He calms down more when I pat (around where I think) his bottom is instead of rub. We'll see if that holds up once he's born. He also changes positions daily - so when people ask, "Is he head-down?" I can laugh and say, "He will be at least once today!"
"Catie, you ate WHAT... and that was just lunch??"
The first trimester was a little bit rough - I was nauseated all the time (though rarely threw up!) and wound up losing about 10 lbs. But by weeks 13-14, watch out! I got my appetite back with a vengence, and since then have been inhaling food. John doesn't even ask if he can have a bite of my food anymore - our roles have reversed, and now he gives me the food he's too full to eat. :)
One example of a day of my outrageous meals:
Breakfast - bowl of cereal, 2 pieces of toast with apple butter, 2 glasses of water + 1 glass of OJ
Snack - cheese and hot chocolate
Lunch - 1 turkey and cranberry sauce sandwich, chips and salsa, applesauce, oreos and milk
Snack - more cheese and decaf hot tea
Dinner - 3 pieces of pizza (very conservative, I might add)
Snack - bowl of cereal again
"Feel this!"
The Baby gets hiccups 2-4 times every single day. And call me crazy, but I swear he seems to get them after I eat. These gentle little rhythmic bumps are how I know he changes positions - they are never in the same place twice in a row.
"Yes, that's normal. Stop worrying."
Being a medical student means I know enough to scare the beejeebus out of myself, and not enough to know when to stop worrying. On our first OB visit, our wonderful doctor understood, and offered an ultrasound to put me at ease. She immediately pointed out (without laughing!) that:
1) I have elevated hCG due to a baby, not choriocarcinoma.
2) There is only 1 baby in there.
3) That one baby is in utero, not ectopic.
4) There's the hearbeat! So at 6w, everything looks great.
Since then, she and my parents have taken turns reassuring me that the variety of new signs and symptoms I've experienced are normal, and that The Baby is fine. Thank goodness.
Now for the not-so-fun-parts....
"The exponential Catie Moments"
Catie Moments are those times when something is said or done that is really.... well, dumb. Some call them Blonde Moments, but I am no longer blonde. Therefore, they are Catie Moments. And they have greatly increased since about week 8 or so. For example, just a few days ago:
The Husband: "What did you just say?"
Me: "You mean out loud?"
Amazingly, The Husband did not even crack a smile, let alone laugh, before saying, "Yes, dear, out loud. I can't read your mind."
"Oh, Bed Rest...."
Around week 18, I started having regular contractions. They got so frequent and uncomfortable (and wouldn't stop!), that by week 24 I had to go on bed rest. Which also means that I get to miss 3rd year rotations, and graduate a year late. No worries, The Baby has already been informed that he will have to pay for his own college, since any money we were planning on saving for him is now being used to finish putting Momma through school. :)
After I got over being shut up in the house for months, bed rest no longer looks so bad. Lying around reading books all day, oh the torture! Eek, no more vacuuming for 4 months! Needless to say, there are good and bad things about it... having an amazingly supportive husband, family members who are willing to come up anytime to help, and knowing this kiddo is safe and sound, make it all worth it.
"Oh, so I guess you don't know about birth control?"
Just to clarify, The Baby was not a surprise. NOT that it's anyone's business. This child was planned, prayed for, cried over when he took "so long" to get here, and loved before he was a reality. There is one, and only one, appropriate response when someone announces a pregnancy, and that is: "Congratulations!" Certainly not, "Oh sh*t, I'm sorry." Or, "What were you thinking, being in med school and all?" (Both of which were said... to my face).
Overall, despite the complications, this has been a fun pregnancy. I actually enjoy the kicks and bumps (most of the time) because it reminds me The Baby is healthy and on his way. The Husband has above and beyond proved he's a keeper, and reminds me daily why I chose him. Make fun all you want, but I've had a packed bag and list of other things to take to the hospital for the last three weeks! The Baby has had bottles and diapers and clothes for the last month, and last week I started washing and folding all his clothes, towels, blankets, and toys. Mostly because I like seeing that he's ALMOST HERE!!
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