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November 18, 2003
November 18, 2003
24.5 weeks!
CHICAGO!!!
Is it possible that I might be the first person that attended the iParenting gathering of women in Chicago to actually write about it?? Hard to believe. I hope I can do it justice....
Well, to say this trip was fabulous would be an understatement. There were nine of us in total: Rebekah (with Aidan, no diary currently), Jeanette (diary closed last spring, but formerly of PT, BT and MT), Alicia (of MT), Kathy (of MT), Tanya (of MT), Sherry (of PT), Amy F. (of PT), Tara (of BF) and myself. We are all from different parts of North America and seem to have quite a variety of past experiences and beliefs, but with the one common passion for pregnancy, childbirth, babies and kids.
My flight was to arrive at O'Hare mid-afternoon on the Friday. Sherry (bless her heart) was the only other person flying into O'Hare, but at 5 am that morning. She actually waited for me so that we could take the train into the city together. We had brief descriptions of each other. She was standing there waiting for me the second I stepped of the plane, but I didn't instantly "recognize" her. In hindsight it was funny to think that we were both staring at each other's bellies, since "pregnant" was one of the identifying characteristics for both of us! Thankfully I hadn't checked any luggage, so we set off in search of the train downtown.
Riding the train was an experience. Now, I live in a big city and am a fairly frequent transit user. But I have to say, the Chicago subway/train system is old and scary! And for two pregnant ladies carrying luggage, escalators would be nice!! Anyway, we managed to get downtown without any trouble and found our hotel no problem. When we walked into the hotel lobby, it was huge and full of people. We stood there for a good five minutes just looking at the people, trying to recognize the other group of three (Tara, Rebekah, Jeanette) that were due to arrive around the same time from Midway. Sure enough, Sherry spotted a group of three women standing at the check-in desk. We approached them, and they had their backs to us. However, I totally recognized Tara's curly hair and Jeanette's flippy brown 'do. I had never laid eyes on a picture of Rebekah, so I was seeing her for the first time. Hugs all around! We finished checking in and headed upstairs to our rooms. This was the Marriott in downtown Chicago, and we'd managed (thanks to Rebekah and her DH) to score rooms on Priceline for only $75/night. Great hotel, even better price. The rooms were really nice and we all settled in and then gathered in one room to hang out. We decided that, since the other girls weren't due to arrive for another couple of hours (it was nearly 4 at this point) that we needed to get something to eat. We headed across the street and we all had caesar salads at some sort of restaurant. Just to tide us over until dinner, you know....
Alicia, Kathy and Tanya were all driving into the city (separately) and we were getting updates from them saying that the traffic was horrible and they were terribly delayed. We hit the Gap, which was about 100 metres (or yards, whatever) from the hotel. Did some minor window shopping there, and at some other stores, before heading back to the hotel. Without getting totally bogged down in the minute-by-minute itinerary, I think at some point it was getting late and we ordered enough pizza to feed an army. Alicia arrived, a bit frazzled from her stressful trip. After a few minutes of settling in, she relaxed and we all just talked nonstop. Not long after her arrival the pizza showed up. It was Chicago deep dish, which I'd never had. YUM. But so filling!
I'm trying to remember at exactly what point Kathy (with the adorable Taryn in tow) and Tanya arrived, but they did later that evening. There were now eight of us, and man, can we all TALK!!! Tanya brought us all iParenting goodies (t-shirts, mugs) and we whiled away the rest of the evening talking, and talking, and talking some more. It was so fun, and it was just the icing on the cake to have a baby present. Taryn was a perfect angel all weekend, and I can only hope my baby is that calm, well-behaved and cuddly! Well, time flew by and I think we stayed up until about 2 or 3 in the morning that night. Since Amy was due to arrive the next day at 10 am, it was decided that we'd all sleep in a bit and wait for her before starting our day.
The next morning (Saturday) we were still all getting showered and dressed when Amy arrived. Now we were all there, hooray! We ate bagels and juice, and this delicious pastry ring that Kathy had brought for breakfast, then headed out for some power shopping. We walked down the Magnificent Mile, popping in and out of stores, went into the Water Tower museum/gallery, took some pictures and then found a really nice mall. We hit the Gap again, Gymboree (I think) and then found the food court, which was more than a food court. We ate huge lunches without meaning to (we had early dinner reservations) and then headed back out for more shopping. Some of us hit H&M while others headed to Borders and the American Girl doll store. I got a little matching hat and socks at H&M for the baby, red with white stripes - very cute.
We headed back to the hotel to prepare for dinner, which was at 5:30. We went to Maggiano's, which was about four blocks from the hotel, and this large, busy but cosy Italian place. It was warm and had great atmosphere, and we feasted on neverending supplies of salad, bread and pasta. Not to mention dessert! It was a total treat to sit all together, just talking and laughing and eating. Honestly, it was like being with old, old friends - no shyness, no weirdness, just fun. This is when some of the girls pulled a bit of a surprise - out came four gift bags for the four preggos in the group (myself, Amy, Sherry and Tara) and the other girls proceeded to surprise us with a little mini shower!!! I was so touched, honestly, I think I teared up. The bags were full of all sorts of little goodies like teething rings, baby washcloths, stuffed toys, even a Tree of Life pendant to wear during labour. It was amazing, and I was so touched and surprised. A true testament to the kind, generous hearts of the women there.
After dessert, we practically rolled back to the hotel. We hit the pool, which was a great time. Some of the girls hung out in the hot tub (don't worry, it wasn't too hot!), and I played with Taryn in the pool with Amy and Kathy. Taryn was adorable in her little suit with the ruffle around the middle. After swimming, you guessed it, we just hung out in one room and talked late into the night again. We heard birth stories and talked about our experiences. I learned so much about everyone, and gleaned so much information and advice to take away for myself. Taryn was always snuggled into someone's arms and slept through most of the loud conversation.
The next day (Sunday) we got up (poor Tanya had had to leave quite early that morning :( - sadly, her visit seemed so brief) and headed out for breakfast at a nearby restaurant. I swear I was barely hungry after eating so much all weekend, but we ate nonetheless! After eating, we walked several blocks to the flagship Old Navy store, where nearly everyone spent lots of money. I bought a pair of full-panel maternity jeans (thinking ahead) and three sweaters. Just trying to build my wardrobe a bit. Oh, and a new scarf and hat. Then we stopped in at Borders and a few more purchases were made at Nordstrom I believe! Unfortunately it was soon time for Tara to head to the airport (two gone already??? It felt like the weekend had barely begun!), so we headed back to the hotel so she could gather her things and we could see her off. It didn't seem right for people to have to leave already, and it was sad to see her go.
It was decided that for dinner that night, we all just wanted something *light!* There was a cosy little bistro/café across kiddie-corner from the hotel, so we settled in for sandwiches, salads and pizza. Our plan was to all go see Love Actually after this, but we were starting to run out of time. We practically ran the seven blocks to the theatre, bought tickets, and crowded into the dark theatre, only to find that there were barely any seats left. Three in the front row (where you couldn't even see the screen), and then singles scattered throughout. No fun. And the movie had already started. So we all shuffled out, disappointed, and got our money back. We walked back along the Magnificent Mile again, and decided to stop in at Girardhelli's (sp?) for some sundaes. Again, a blast. And more talking and bonding ensued over giant ice cream treats. When we got back to the hotel, we headed for the pool once again. Kathy's DH Steve had arrived with their little boy Seth in tow, and it was so fun to meet them. Seth is such a sweetie, and so funny! The hot tub was a bit too hot that night, and our stay in the pool area was somewhat abbreviated, so we headed once again back up to one of the rooms where we talked late into the night once more.
The next morning (Monday) I really just had to get up, shower, hang out and eat a quick breakfast, and then it was time to go. I barely squished everything into my one bag, said my brief goodbyes (I didn't want to make myself cry, LOL) and found the shuttle waiting outside. The trip home was uneventful. Thankfully I didn't have to pay duty on my purchases when I arrived back in Canada, and Chris met me at luggage claim. I think he was honestly surprised to hear that we had all got along wonderfully all weekend and that I'd had such a blast! What a fun bunch of women, but more than that, warm, kind and intelligent. There was never a pause in conversation, never an awkward moment. There was nobody there that I wouldn't want to be friends with in real life, and I only wish we weren't so scattered across the continent. There is already talk of us meeting somewhere again next year, and I can't wait.
Another great appointment with the new midwives
The Tuesday right after the Chicago weekend, I had my second appointment with the new midwives. Chris was able to attend this one, and he was immediately as impressed with the first impression of the clinic in general. I spotted an intriguing video in the library, of homebirths and natural births, so I borrowed it! I haven't watched it yet and I don't know what to expect, but I hope it's good! My appointment was with S and her student C again, and even more thorough than the last one. Let's see if I can remember it all...
I peed on the test trip, and everything was fine there. They took my blood pressure, and I don't remember the exact number, but it was fine (something over 75?). The baby's heartrate was 144 bpm, same as always. They took down ALL my medical history, and they had all my results from previous tests with my doctor and old midwives. So I found out that I was not immune to Rubella. I'm not totally sure what this means except that I have to avoid any sick small child or anyone with measles. They said I was likely vaccinated against it as a child, but that the immunity can wear off over time. Does anyone know anything more about this? I'll have to do some online "research." We talked about all sorts of things, and they said we'd start talking birth plans at the next appointment. They want Chris to get his blood tested so we know his type, and we'll start worrying about the Rh factor after that. We talked about the GTT and gestational diabetes a bit, and they gave me some info to take home and read. They told me that I was free to refuse the test if I wanted to, and told me of the two options for doing it. I'm still a bit conflicted here, because of the really invalid reasons for the test in most cases, and the lack of useful treatment in the case of unusual results. It all seems like a waste of time to me. Anyway, I also asked about herbal tonics and things to start taking, and they agreed that EFA (essential fatty acids) and Evening Primrose, plus Raspberry Leaf tea were good ideas. They gave me photocopied chapters out of Wise Woman Herbal to take home. Again, something I need to research on my own a bit. My next appointment is in one month, where we will deal with the Rh factor if need be, and do the GTT if I decide to, and then move to appointments every two weeks!
Now for the exciting part. They had our ultrasound results. Everything looked good and normal, there is a "single live fetus" in there and all that good stuff. But they knew the gender and were willing to tell if we wanted to know. Chris and I looked at each other and laughed, because we were pretty sure we already knew but the not-quite-knowing over the last few weeks had been torture. Better to not know at all, I say! But anyway, we decided we might as well confirm our suspicions and find out the sex once and for all, so we could stop being wishy washy about the whole issue. So, do you want to know what we're having? Would it be really cruel of me to keep it a secret at this point??? :P Here's what I'll do. I'll post the gender on my TTM board, and those who want to know can look, and those who don't can avoid it! My own mother and brother don't want to know ahead of time - they want to be surprised - so it's a bit tricky telling some people while trying to ensure they don't find out by accident!
OK, this entry seems monstrous already, and there is still so much more I could say, but I really must get back to work. So I'll be sure to post the gender on my board immediately, and feel free to avoid it if you don't want to know what we're having. Please post any thoughts or opinions you might have regarding the GTT and gestational diabetes/glucose intolerance. I've done some reading, but would like to know more. My concern is that since I'm overweight, and was already overweight before the pregnancy, they'll find something's off and I'll be railroaded into switching care AGAIN, and into a tech-heavy hospital birth, all just because my baby *might* be big. Seems like a shame, since they don't really have effective treatment for glucose intolerance and it doesn't affect outcomes. Thoughts??
***TALK TO ME***
Thoughts on GTT/GD?
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