Birthday Give away!

 Be prepared, starting September first I will be having a giveaway for some awesome prizes.  Next month is my birthday, September 17th.  In honor of my birthday I will be having a giveaway of over $100 worth of prizes.  September 1st I will post a link for you to enter for the prizes.  On September 17th I will close for new entries and announce the winners.

Comment below, what kind of prizes are you hoping to see?

Cortisol and Labor: What you need to know

I have several friends that are pregnant with due dates quickly approaching.  This post is for them, and many other women who have a baby on the way.  Whether you plan a natural birth, an induction, or an epidural, this information applies to you.  As you will all feel the pain pressure of contractions.  Throughout your pregnancy you probably researched circumcision, pediatricians, labor positions, or different birthing techniques.  However, I imagine one thing that never crossed your mind was Cortisol.

Cortisol is an important hormone in the body, secreted by the adrenal glands, and involved in many functions. It helps keep proper glucose metabolism, regulation of blood pressure, insulin release, immune function, and inflammatory response, to name a few. Cortisol levels are raised by stress, and high levels are secreted during the body’s flight or fight response to stress. Raised levels can cause suppressed thyroid function, blood sugar imbalances, decreased bone density, decrease in muscle tissue, high blood pressure, low immunity, inflammatory response, lack of ability to heal, and other problems that can contribute to health complications, short term, or possibly long term. Due to these reasons, a high cortisol level is one of the things that should be avoided during labor.

Humans, and other mammals, often experience fight or flight when faced with a stressful situation.  Either run from it or fight it.  During labor and childbirth is another one of those situations.  Cortisol, in addition to many other hormones, is released by the adrenal glands.  It triggers your body to fight or run.  The negative of this is that it can send a rush of blood to your legs, preparing you to run.  During pregnancy your body releases inhibitors that block most of the stress hormones; as we all know planning for a new baby may be stressful.  The body blocks the stress hormones to keep the mom and baby healthy.  However, in the last trimester the amount of inhibitors decrease and the body is affected by the level of cortisol.  During labor the cortisol levels may increase.  This is not want you want.  It is taking blood away from the uterus in addition to preparing your leg muscles rather than focusing on uterine contractions.

The key here is to focus on something else, relax your body one muscle at a time, listen to soothing music, and most importantly breathe. Some women focus on something simple like a nail in the wall.  When I was in labor with my son I focused on his clothes.  Thinking about holding him and bringing him home in that cute little outfit.  With the labor of my daughter I focused on my son.  How great of a big brother he would be.  How I had to be strong for him and this new baby.  Imagining holding her and having my family complete.

A woman that has done her research on procedures during labor and birth is able to make more informed decisions.  She is able to understand and prepare herself for what is about to happen.  She is able to make choices on how she wants her baby to enter the world.  Some women may choose to give birth at home because it is an environment they know.  They are able to have more control over the birth of their babies.  They can play music or relax in a tub or pool.  At a hospital there are unfamiliar faces, bright lights, medical interventions, the fear of the unknown.

With my first birth I had some knowledge.  I met some of the nurses, I attended a birthing class and a lactation class.  I thought I was prepared.   I went in to the hospital thinking I knew exactly what to expect and what would happen.  However, when things changed, I did not know what to do.  So, I just did whatever the nurse told me to.  "Your blood pressure is rising and causing your baby stress. ... You need an epidural or we may have to perform an emergency cesarean."  I will never forget this conversation.  I became scared.  I thought my baby was in immediate danger.  I of course chose the epidural.  Not long after my son was born.  Why?  Because I finally relaxed.  I let my body do what it was supposed to, give birth.

With Charlotte I had contractions for a couple days.  I knew what to expect.  I was mentally prepared for the journey.  I remembered to breathe.  I did not stress.  I knew how to relax myself. And when I forgot, my husband was there to remind me to breathe and relax. He reminded me to think about holding my sweet girl in my arms.

Birth can be painful, yes.  However, it can also be the most amazing experience in your life.  It does not have to be painful if you do not let it.  One step in helping your body is to relax and reduce your cortisol levels.  Reduce the stress.  Build a better relationship with your midwife, doctor, maternity nurses.  Do your research.  Know what to expect, and understand that what you expect may differ from what actually happens.  Create a birth plan that will create a more relaxed environment for you and your baby.  Hire a doula.  What you may have forgot, did not research, or need support, she will be there for you.  Give your body and baby the best chance, from the beginning.

Doula!

Since having Owen I have done my share of research on pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the weeks after.  Then I had an amazing pregnancy and birth experience with Charlotte.  It made me want to help other women experience the same euphoria that I experienced.  

I looked up certifications classes in the area and unfortunately I missed the last class.  However, this gives me the opportunity to finish reading all of the required material plus some.  I bought several books on Amazon and downloaded some on the Kindle app.  Some of the books I have read before but I want to brush up my skills and add to my knowledge.  I hope to read a bunch more books as I go to learn a variety of techniques, procedures, and experiences.  I plan on taking the certification class next year when they host it again in Charlotte.  Until then I hope to find women who are willing to open up to me and let me assist them through their pregnancy and hopefully with their labor and the birth of their babies.  

In the mean time, I get to read, read, read!  

She's here!!!

Charlotte Grace has finally arrived.   Born all natural at 4:28am 7lbs 8oz and 21"long.  (bigger than her brother)

I lost my mucus plug Friday morning and was having random contractions all day Friday and Saturday.  I was so sure she was coming Saturday.  When the day had passed and it was time to go to bed I was feeling a bit discouraged.  I was getting frustrated with the painful contractions not leading any where.  A little after midnight I started having more painful contractions, not at all following a pattern.  And then I felt the need to sit on the toilet and go to the bathroom, when I realized I didn't want to go to the bathroom, I wanted to push out a baby!  I called the on call nurse to get her opinion and see if maybe they recommended coming in and potentially have pit to regulate the contractions.  Even though I knew I wanted a natural birth.   When I said I wasnt having regular contractions but that I wanted to push she immediately said I had to call 911 and get an ambulance to the hospital.  Well I decided that was not necessary and I still had not woken my husband.  The on call nurse told me to wake him up and get to the hospital ASAP.  I woke up DH and DS and took DS to the neighbor's.  We drove as fast as legally possible to the hospital and my contractions started coming every three minutes.  We get in the hospital and checked in at 3:25.  I called Jackie and the photographer and let them know I was admitted and to come to the hospital (neither of them made it for the birth as it happened so fast). I was 5cm.  At 3:45 my water broke.  I was 7cm.  I told the nurse I needed to push.  I worked through contractions that came one after another and cried for a break.  I followed what my body was telling me and started pushing.  After a couple pushes they made me get on the bed so the baby wouldnt fall on the floor.  My husband saw the head and kinda panicked because the nurses were not ready.  Two pushes later the midwife was telling me to reach down and grab my baby, she was here.  She came so fast the midwife didn't even have the chance to put gloves on.  

Everything is going well.  We are back at home.   Charlotte is nursing like a champ.  I feel amazing.  I do not even feel like I just gave birth, minus some cramps when I nurse, but nothing worse than a moderate period.  DS is so excited   that his sister is finally here.  We could not be happier!

Still waiting

We have passed our due date.  As of my check up on Wednesday there was not much progress and there were no signs of labor being eminent.  However, I don't want to jynx myself, but I feel as though labor is soon.   I have had an increase in pressure as baby has dropped a bit.  However, no regular contractions.  :(  Which is okay, today and tomorrow are not necessarily the most convenient days for baby's arrival.  I still have a bit of school work to do, my friend wouldn't be able to make it to the birth today, and the photographer wont be able to make it tomorrow.  While waiting I did get some more decorating done in Charlotte's nursery.

Still no baby

I am eight days away from my due date and honestly my body feels more like the due date is a month away.  I had my 39 week check up today and not much going on.  As I had thought.  The midwife thinks it still might be another two weeks.  Obviously there is no real way to know when she will come, but I don't see it happening before my due date. In the mean time I am getting school work completed and focusing on Owen.   We are in no rush to see baby, she can come when she is good and ready.  <3


While we wait, here are some photos from our maternity shoot.   Enjoy.  :)

38 Weeks

We made it to 38 weeks!  I am getting so excited to meet this baby already.  Owen is also.  He has asked why she is in my belly and when he can hold her.  He talks to my belly and tells his sister he loves her.  He talks about his baby sister constantly.  I know he is going to be a great big brother and I am so excited to see how they interact together.

At my appointment with my midwife yesterday Charlotte's heartbeat was 142 bpm.  I did not have my midwife check my cervix for several reasons.  One, I do not want to introduce bacteria or anything into my body if it is not necessary.  Secondly, I do not feel like my body is ready for labor.  I do not feel like labor is coming any time soon.  Also, even if she did check me, it is not an indication whether or not labor is eminent or not.  With Owen I was dilated for three weeks before going into labor.   I still have two weeks until my due date, and four weeks before she gets her official eviction notice.   While I am so ready to meet my daughter and see the interaction between her and Owen, I want her to come in her own time.  I am not going to rush her.  Although doing some yoga, walking the stairs, chiropractic care, and bouncing on the yoga ball wont hurt, right?

Week 36

We are now at 36 weeks!!!   This past Sunday I started having contractions.  This was a huge wake up call for me.  I have her clothes and diapers washed and ready, but I didn't even pull out the equipment.  So, over the past few days I pulled out the pack and play, the car seat, and swing.  I washed it all and have it all set up, and the car seat installed into the car.  I have my birth plan printed up and my hospital bag just about ready to go.

At my midwife appointment yesterday I had the Group B Strep Test and I also asked for an internal exam.   Things are starting to progress!  I know that it doesn't mean a thing, with Owen I was 3cm for a couple weeks, but it is a step in the right direction.   In addition to going to the chiropractor, I have also been doing some yoga in hopes that it will help my body when it comes time for labor.

Last week I was supposed to have maternity photos done but got rained out.  Hopefully we can get them done this weekend (although it is calling for rain, again).  We are so close to seeing our baby girl, less than a month!  Cannot wait to meet her.  In the mean time I have been trying to get in some good quality time with Owen before she arrives.  His birthday is also quickly approaching so we have been looking for ideas for presents.  We are just going to get a couple cupcakes and have a private family celebration.

Week 33

The last couple of weeks I have been having horrible pain in my hips and lower back.  One day I was laying down and tried lifting my right leg, it was so painful it brought tears to my eyes.  Not a good sign.  I have had problems with my neck and lower back for almost eight years now.  I do not remember what brought it on, but I started seeing a chiropractor in 2008.  I stopped going after a while because it was getting expensive and I was feeling better.  After I had Owen I started having problems with my hips.  I have read that seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy is beneficial and can actually help with labor and delivery, not to mention ease back pain in the last few weeks.  I asked around a bit and found a chiropractor.  Best part is, they accept my insurance and what I have to pay out of pocket is super cheap!   My first appointment the doctor noticed swelling in my lower back.  My range of motion in my legs were not as much as they should be, my legs were not straight.  I also had almost no reaction from my Achilles tendon when he checked my reflexes.  Things were worse than I thought.  But I have been going for two weeks now and already feel so much better.  In addition, my frank breech baby is now head down!  She also is not hanging out under my ribs.  After the second appointment at the chiropractor I felt a difference in her movements.  I knew she had flipped.  I am wondering if the misalignment of my spine and hips were what caused her to be up so high and head up.  No medical evidence to support this, but hey it is possible.  I am so glad to not be in so much pain and hope going to the chiropractor really will help with labor and delivery.

I had another check-up with the midwife today.  Baby Girl's heartbeat is at 140 and my fundal height is measuring 33 weeks (although I really do not think the measurements are an accurate way to determine growth).   I am still under my pre-pregnancy weight, only gaining two pounds since my last check up.  I have another check up at 36 weeks, at which point I will have my group B strep test done.  After that I will be going weekly.  Some days I am amazed how fast this pregnancy is going, and then others I feel like this pregnancy will never be over.   I am pretty sure my "morning" sickness is back, as the last four days I have been sick.

I am slowly getting Charlotte's room ready for her.  Last week I organized all of her clothes, filled the dresser, and straightened up her closet.  Yesterday I bought bins for her changing table and got all of the cloth diapers and accessories organized.  I still want to paint her room and I need to pull out the car seat, swing, and the pack and play.  In under nine weeks I will have a baby girl!!!   It is so close. 

Another week down

I am another week closer to seeing my precious little girl!  This past Monday I had an appointment with the midwife.  I am finally gaining weight, up 4 lbs from last week.  Still below my pre-pregnancy weight but the midwife was happy to see I am gaining.  She also stated that because everything is going so well in the pregnancy I can go every three weeks rather than every two.  This means that I will have an appointment on the 4th, and then another three weeks after that.  That will put me at the 36 week mark at which point I will start going weekly.  I cannot believe how quickly this pregnancy is going!

Fingers on her forehead, toes touching her eye, and umbilical cord in her mouth. 

Sweet baby girl is still frank breech and hiding behind the anterior placenta.  She still has time to flip around, and I really hope she does!   She is getting big and I cannot believe we are at 30 weeks! 

I passed!

Today I had my midwife appointment and my glucose test.  I went in drank the sugar water and hung out with Owen in the waiting room for half hour, then the midwife saw me for my appointment.  I have lost two pounds since my last appointment which the midwife was a little concerned about, as I am now 13 pounds under my pre-pregnancy weight.  However, I am growing well so no reason to be too alarmed yet.  The midwife is hoping to see an increase in weight by my next appointment or she is going to request an ultrasound to be sure baby is growing as she should.  Charlotte's heart beat was at 143 bpm and is measuring 29 weeks.

I have a 3D ultrasound coming up, plus now I will be seeing the midwife every two weeks until 36 weeks.  Time is going quick, and thank goodness because I cannot wait to see my little girl!!!

26 weeks!!

We made it to 26 weeks!  I had another appointment with the midwife today.  Weight and blood pressure both were great.  My uterus is measuring a bit larger (28 weeks) but I believe it is because of so many pregnancies (1 full term, 1-8 week, 1-16 week with twins, and my current).  Despite my growing size, my pre-pregnancy pants are too big and need a belt to keep them up.

Here is a belly picture from 24 weeks.  

Charlotte tends to like hanging out on my left side, so my belly is always lopsided.  

I have another appointment in two weeks and I will be doing the glucose test.  Yuck.  Stay tuned! 

Baby update

Sorry for my absence.  We took a trip to visit family in Maryland and Delaware.  It was great to get away and really good to see family and friends.  Before our trip I had my first midwife appointment, on the 20th.  Owen got to come with me.  It was the first time that he was able to hear the baby's heart beat.  The midwife even put the doppler on him so he could hear his.  Baby Charlotte's heart beat was 147 bpm.   So far so good.

I also was able to ask the midwife some questions about her practice and her labor/delivery practices.  I took a tour of the hospital that I will be delivering at and all of the nurses are trained in natural childbirth and will not push drugs or medical interception if there is not an absolute medical necessity.  Which is a huge relief.  My best friend will be acting as my doula for the birth and she is also going to attend the birthing classes since they are in the middle of the week and DH will be out of town.   The next thing I have been debating is whether or not to have a photographer at the birth.  A friend who did my wedding photography as well as some Christmas pictures volunteered to do the birth photography.  I do not know her super well and we are not very close.  Not sure how comfortable I feel about her being there through the birth.  However, I really really regret not having someone to take pictures of labor/delivery of Owen.  I am debating having a photographer there or just handing my best friend the camera, but if/when I need her support she wont be able to take pictures.  hmm...

Anyhow, my next check up is on the 17th.  Watch for a "bump" picture to follow soon.

Pregnancy update

Wow!  It has been almost a month since I have posted anything.  Over the past few weeks I have been struggling with the decision to stick with my regular Ob/Gyn, or see a midwife.  I knew one thing for sure, I did not want to give birth at the same hospital I previously did, but I hated to leave my regular doctor.  After doing tons of research and talking to tons of moms, I decided to make the switch.  I had an ultrasound and check up with the OB today and I told him I was going to see a midwife for the remainder of my care.  The wonderful doctor that he is, supported my decision.

I was nervous going into the ultrasound today because I have been having crazy pregnancy dreams that I was actually pregnant with a boy.  While doing the anatomy scan the tech made all the necessary measurements and said she is growing as she should and everything looks good.  She also checked for signs of and health complications or abnormalities and again, everything looks good.  Baby Charlotte looks as healthy as can be.  She also confirmed it is indeed a girl.  Which obviously the health is the most important thing, but I am so thrilled to be having a girl.

Here are some pictures from today's visit.

Also, I am exactly 20 weeks today.   Here is a comparison of what I look like today, and what I looked like at 20 weeks with DS.  

It's A.....

GIRL!!!!  

We are so excited that our baby is a girl!  We get to have one of each.  While it would be more convenient to have another boy, I cannot wait for the princesses, and baby dolls, and tea parties!

Now I can't wait to pick up some cute girl dresses.  One of my friend's is also going to help me re-do the nursery to make it more suitable for a girl.

Pregnancy Dreams

I have always heard that dreams when pregnant, are much more vivid.  I lived it when I was pregnant with Owen as well as the twins, and I have been with this pregnancy too.  Lately my dreams have been similar including my neighbors and trees.  I am not really sure what that might mean.  Last night I had a completely different type of dream.  It was so vivid and I remember so many details that it seems as if I really lived it.

So here are a couple of my dreams.  The dreams about the neighbors and trees I do not remember as many details and they did not seem to last very long.

I remember two very distinctively.  One dream there was a terrible thunderstorm with tons of strong winds.  Well, the wind and wet ground caused a huge tree in my neighbor's yard to knock out almost their entire house, all but their garage and room above the garage.  Since there was so much damage I invited them to live with me for a while until they were able to rebuild.
 Woke up right after that.  While we both have many trees in our yards I do not think there is a tree that would do near that much damage.  Lets hope we never find out.  ;)

Another dream I had was that a different neighbor (that not very many like) crashed his car through my fence and knocked over a tree, and then backed out and crashed through another part of my fence.  To top it off, he refused to fix it.
The parts of my fence that he crashed through are not connected to the road so I am not sure how it would have happened.  Again, weird pregnancy dream.


The cream of the crop so far though has to be the dream I had last night.  And it is really long.  I cannot believe all the minor details that I remember, although I do not describe them all.  But I remember scenery and smells and everything.  Here it is:

Utah had a pro football team (which they dont in real life) but one of the quarter backs died and he had a zoo type thing in his back yard with tons of guard lions and stuff. (the team mascot was a lion) I some how has at the house and he also had a huge aviary with macaws and a male and female pair of eclectus. Well one of the lion was coming after me so I climbed the bars of the aviary and stood on top of it and then somehow distracted the lions and jumped off the aviary and ran to an suv.  But it was locked so I jumped into a truck but in the bed of the truck was another lion. So I started up the truck and pressed the gas and then slammed the break to knock the lion out. And then I drove the truck for a while and saw a cop and since I stole the truck and knew about the dead football player I wanted to hide so I drove down a different road. I drove for a while and then drove back.  By time I got back there were tons of authorities and I explained why I stole the truck and my sister (that just had a baby last week) was there and she was pregnant and I didn't know how since she just had a baby. And then I asked the cops what was going to happen to all the birds and he said they were going to be killed, so I stole them all. I hid them in my dinning room and then built an addition onto my house to put them all in. And I had to try to convince Martin that since I got the eclectus (which is one of the only types of bird he likes) that I should be allowed to keep all of them.

Yeah. It was an extremely crazy dream. I am sure the football aspect of it is related to the fact that the Super Bowl was on yesterday. Not sure about all the rest of it or why there were birds.

So, if anyone wants to take a stab at what these dreams mean I would love to hear your ideas. Also, tomorrow I have a doctors appointment to follow up from my ER visit. I will post how it goes when I can.

Fun at the E.R.

For the past few weeks I have had mild cramping, nothing major but enough to concern me.  I though as long as I am still vomiting and not bleeding everything is ok.  I also told myself that if it gets to the point it really hurts I would call the doctor.  Well, last night I was making dinner and I had to stop.  I crawled into a ball on the floor and just cried for a little while.  I was in a great deal of pain.  I asked one of my friends what she thought I should do and she said to go to the hospital.  Still no bleeding so I was not sure if I should or not.   I called the on call doctor and got her opinion, she said to go to the ER and have an ultrasound done just in case.  I felt that the worst thing that would happen is they will send me home with nothing wrong, but I would at least have a relaxed mind knowing the baby is ok.

I get to the E.R. check in, see a triage nurse who takes my vitals and enters my info into the computer.  I sit back down and wait.  A while later I was called by another nurse who collected a urine and blood sample.  She put me in a room told me to put a hospital gown on that the doctor would be in soon.  I sat and waited for an hour.  A male nurse comes in and pulls out some vials and needles.  He verified my name and then said he was going to take some blood and then give me an I.V. with fluids as well as some medicine for the pain.  That is when I stopped him.  I told him they already collected blood, and that I did not want any meds or I.V. until I knew my baby was ok.  At which point he said 'Oh you are pregnant?'  and then left the room.  There is NO WAY he looked at my chart.  He would have known I was pregnant.  Some time later a lady came in, told me to lay on the bed and she would take me for an ultrasound.  By this time I was balling my eyes out.  I was in a great deal of pain and wanted to know that my baby was ok.

The ultrasound tech comes in and gets everything set up for the ultrasound.  I was so anxious to see the screen.  I did not know whether to look or close my eyes.  Finally she turns the volume up and I hear that beautiful sound of a heart beat.  A huge weight was lifted.  She showed me a couple different angles to verify everything was ok with the baby.  She then showed me a side view and held it there for probably three minutes.  I just stared at my precious baby.  His heart beating perfectly and his little body shaking with hiccups.     After I was reassured the baby and placenta were both ok she started looking at other things to see what could be causing the pain.  She snapped what seemed like a hundred pictures.  She got quiet and didn't really look at me.  I knew she saw something.  Something was wrong and she said she was not allowed to tell me what.  She said the doctor would have to review the scans and talk to me about it.  The other lady takes me back to the ER room where I sit and wait for the doctor.  I was as scared as could be.  While I saw the baby was ok, I did not know if the problem that the tech saw, could cause a problem with my pregnancy.

A while later (seemed like forever) the doctor finally came in and explained what the tech saw.  He said it needed taken care of right away and that it was good I came in.  Because of the procedure that had to be done I am at a high risk for miscarriage.  I was put on strict bedrest, no lifting or exerting more than 10lbs.  until my next doctor appointment, which is February 5th.  I think that is going to be really hard to do, and I am going to try my best.

 Up until this point I have hated that we got a t.v. for Christmas.  That is all Owen talks about and he wants to constantly watch Cars 2.  However, I think for the next few weeks The t.v. is going to be a blessing.  It is in the playroom so Owen does not sit in front of it in a daze, he plays with his toys and the t.v. is more of a background noise.  It keeps him happy to have it on though and it is going to help me get the rest I need in the upcoming weeks.   Here is to hoping that everything works out, I heal properly, and baby stays healthy.

Is it over?

I brought in the new year hugging the toilet.  As many people do.  Luckily I did not wake up with a hangover, but instead I am pregnant.   BTW  I LOVE saying that.  I Am Pregnant!!!!   Today I have not thrown up at all.  The past couple days I have, but not nearly as much as last week.  I think as my first trimester comes to an end so is the all day morning sickness.   I sent out some pregnancy announcements to close family and over the next few weeks will begin telling everyone else.  However, I did tell my Dad.  I had to, he knew something was up.  We talk daily and it was getting very hard not to tell him.      Now I just can't wait until the end of next month to find out the gender!  Hurry up January and February, go by fast.


P.S.  If I find out it is a girl I am going to go crazy buying adorable girl cloth diapers!


Edit 1/12/13:  Nope, it's not over yet.  I have still been sick pretty much every single day.  Here is to hoping it gets better soon.

Ultrasound update

Good morning!  Happy New Year everyone!  This morning I had my ultrasound.  I was expecting to see a little blob, a yolk sack and a faint heart beat.  However, what I saw was much different.  I saw a baby!  With arms and a strong heart beat.  If everything went as planned with the fertility meds I would be about 7-8 weeks right now.  BUT apparently I became pregnant BEFORE I started taking the fertility meds.  Which would probably explain the lack of period after the provera as well as the constant positive ovulation test.  The quick positive on the pregnancy test also explains that I was pregnant before the provera.   I am completely confused as to when I would have gotten pregnant.  I mean with the given dates, it was around Halloween but I have not had a period since I lost the twins.    I will upload pictures of the ultrasound a little later.   As of right now I am measuring at 12 weeks with a due date of July 25, FOUR days after Owen's!!!  I feel bad they are so close but it is still exciting!

Loosing my cookies

There is always something going on at our house.  Lately I have not been eating because I feel too sick.  When I do eat it, it usually does not stay in my stomach long enough to be digested.  Well today I am starving.  It is the first time in a little over a week that I actually felt hungry.  I knew that I should not eat anything too heavy so I just made a pasta salad.  It was yummy.  I ate it, lots of it.  10 minutes later Owen needed a diaper change.  Normally I get the feeling I have to throw up and can make it to the toilet in time.  Well, changing Owen's diaper didn't give me that opportunity.  Needless to say both my carpet and Owen got a bath afterwards.  :/  Poor Owen, this is the second time he was hit.  I suppose it makes up for all the times he was little and got me.   And there went all the food I just ate, so now I am once again starving and need to go eat something.  I am thinking bananas, and crackers.