Baby Showers and Blood Sugars

Sorry I’ve been MIA.  Things have gotten pretty busy around here lately.  First things first…Gestational Diabetes.  It sucks, to put it mildly.  The diet itself really hasn’t been bad but the planning and preparing for meals and snacks continues to be a drag.  What’s worse than that is the anxiety and anticipation as the monitor counts down til my blood sugar result.  Five seconds of pure anxiety four times a day which was starting to cause anger and depression.  I have worked really hard to test out different food combinations to figure out how I could get the best numbers.  I found what worked for me and kept the routine.  The only problem was that my numbers started to creep up even though the timing of meals or the meals themselves weren’t changing.  Major frustration and many tears ensued.  Not good times.  I was feeling like a failure.  This pregnancy has been pretty hard on me and this just seemed to be the icing on the cake…what was finally gonna put me over the edge!  I had my Baby Shower on Sunday.  You would think I would have been excited, right?  Nope.  I spent the morning crying and feeling sorry for myself because my fasting and after breakfast numbers were 5-10 points higher than the acceptable range.  Poor Mr. B didn’t know what to do with me.  At that time, I made the executive decision to put the glucose monitor away for the rest of the day and indulge (but no go overboard) at my Shower.  I got over myself, got ready and headed to the party.  More about that later.  So, my routine appointment with Dr. OB was Monday.  I walked into the office with my head down in shame because my numbers weren’t cooperating.  Dr. OB walked in and asked me how I was doing.  My response… “I’m pissed!”  He started laughing as I explained my predicament.  He was really comforting and told me that GDM gets harder and harder to manage as the pregnancy progresses due to the hormones and the growth of the placenta.  He didn’t think my numbers were as bad as I thought they were which was a HUGE relief.  However, he did start me on medication.  I’m now on Glyburide 2.5mg by mouth once a day after breakfast.  It seems to be helping my post meal numbers but isn’t really helping my fasting numbers.  I assume he’ll be tweaking the dosage or timing when I see him on Monday.  As much as I didn’t want to go on medication for this, I must admit it as taken alot of pressure off and helped to lighten my mood about things.  And it’s only for a few more weeks.  He said I will meet my baby girl by the end of September.  I can hardly wait!

Now, about the Baby Shower…it was last Sunday at my Mom’s house.  My sister and two best friends helped her host the party and it was a great success.  We had a great turn-out and got alot of beautiful things.  The food was outstanding and the cake was incredible!  Yes, I had a piece of cake…but it was a small piece.  My only complaint about the wonderful afternoon was that most people didn’t buy off the registry.  I know, what a brat, right?  I feel bad for even saying that but we didn’t get one bottle or crib sheet or any of the practicalities involved when caring for a newborn.  What I can say is that my child will be dressed to the nines with all of her fabulous smocked dresses and clothes.  Her closet is full! 

After getting home from the shower, Mr. B and I had the best time looking through all the gifts.  We were exhausted and turned in early…but at 3am, I couldn’t sleep.  I proceeded to make a master list of all the things we still needed to be ready for Baby B’s arrival.  And Monday, I started my manic nesting extravaganza.  I shopped til I dropped at Walmart and Target and hit Babies R Us on Tuesday.  I got everything else we needed and it’s all put away in her room.  I’m sleeping so much better now that I know we are ready.

For your viewing pleasure…

Two of my dear friends put their blood, sweat and tears into making this cake for the big celebration!

And now, a Belly shot at 32 weeks…