Excited Again

12/11/16        11:33 I don't know if it's because it's my second time around or that I'm more busy with work and Felicity,  but the time is surely flying.  I've had so much to blog about, but have been caught in so deeply in the whirlpool of life that I haven't thought to share my experiences.  First, me and the baby are doing well.  It's crazy,  but I'm just as scared about something wrong happening as I was with Felicity. I actually was more frightened this time around because I had a scare on Black Friday.  Thanksgiving night, I started to feel lower abdominal pain,  lower back pain and cervical pressured. These were sensations that I hadn't experienced until my third trimester when I was ready for Felicity to enter the world.  This baby was not yet welcomed. Me and Arlinton rushed to the emergency room only to get the diagnosis of progression of pregnancy and round ligament pain.  Treatment : Get some rest.  However lackluster a diagnosis and t

11/1/16         20:36 My sister in law will be induced tonight.  I am beyond exited. First, because I can't wait to see my new niece and second because I love labor. Yes... I love labor.  Labor is work and like  work it can be hard, exhausting,  and depleting. However,  just like work, it can also be rewarding,  positive, and purposeful. They say you get amnesia during the subsequent pregnancies, so bear with me. My possibly skewed view of birth is that it was the greatest test of teamwork in my family ,  it allowed me to focus on God like never before,  and it showed me humility in ways that I cannot explain. My extended family's consensus is that trying for another med-free birth is nonsensical.  Without saying my decision, I will say that there is nothing more retrospectively beautiful than the process and work of labor. You basically turn animalistic and reach into depths that otherwise would not happen unless you are really sick or being  tortured.  Conversely,  you are w

October 18, 2016    19:33 I'm on night float now and it's such a task.  I am worn out and so tired.  I was told that everyone feels that way on night float. That sounds reasonable,  but the pregnancy is also bringing me shortness of breath and back pain.  I have lugging around a rolling suitcase to protect my back.  It was definitely helpful when doing regular walking, but the stairs have been relentless.  I'm going to buy a smaller rolling bag to try to get the best of both worlds.  The positive note is that some things are improving.  My nausea had lifted for the most part.  Weird smells and gross things still make me gag, but I've been able to withstand the day without the burden of unprovoked nausea. I'm also able to complete the majority of my work.  Some things are not ideal, but I'm not completely behind. All in all,  I'm blessed and fortunate to still stand.  I have so much to be thankful for in the midst of the hardships. 

October 13, 2016      07:48 I've felt miserable since returning to work.  It's not that I dislike my job, but that I'm exhausted. When on vacation last week,  I slept in most days,  relaxed,  and had refuge in place if I felt nauseated or tired. While at work,  I am struggling because I don't have those luxuries.  Ironically,  I've been able to nap at least 20 minutes a day between patients and classes. The naps are great in the moment,  probably help me get through the day,  but don't carry me through the entire day. By the 2 last patients, I'm beat and doing my best to give them the care I'd give my earlier patients.  Luckily,  despite my fatigue,  I still feel engaged and motivated to work.  I remember that my fatigue was so severe the third trimester with Felicity that even that went along the wayside and I knew it was time to leave.  The fatigue I have now makes it hard for me to do much of anything when I get home.  Showers are amazing and my bed

October 5, 2016      22:28 It's week eight and I feel as pregnant as ever. It's so interesting that when you're showing the least, you're having so many symptoms.  I've been feeling miserable at night : nausea, fatigue,  moodiness... you name it.  I'm in the thick of it. My solace is that in about 4 weeks I'll be OK. I have noticed some differences thus far between the two pregnancies.  First,  I feel pregnant sooner.  I don't have a bump quite yet,  but I can feel my uterus expanding by the minute.  My symptoms are quite apparent and the wobble is in full effect. Second,  the glow is much more apparent this pregnancy.  People have shamelessly came to me and said congratulations on my pregnancy. I had to ask why people felt that convicted that they wouldn't hesitate. Have I gained that much weight?  Have people loss all tact?  A woman told me that she just knew because my glow was on 100. I was shocked because she was at least the second person to

September 28, 2016  16:26 I'm currently sitting in the waiting room of Dr. Bradley's office waiting to see my second baby for the first time.  Most people may not consider the tadpole like figure that I'm going to see a baby,  but they forget that we all came from humble beginnings. It feels as if this is the first time,  but it's not.  I know the routine. It feels so familiar to me. So many memories returned of how his place was my routine hang out every month, then every two weeks,  then every week.  The people here took care of me when I was having Felicity and I have faith they will do the same with the little ones to come. Appointments are pretty much the same. After doing the ritual pee-in-cup dance,  you get your weight taken,  get your blood pressure measured, and then see the doctor.  Most times,  the doctor measures your uterus,  addresses any questions and concerns, and shows you the baby. Today I plan to get the full special because it's the first appo