The Weigh In
I weighed in - 5 lbs up since last time - for a total official gain of 6 pounds. Like I've said before, I did add a few before I officially weighed in, but I've read that's really common. Either way, I'm only 5 lbs up since last time, so that makes me happy.
As I was complaining to my nurse practitioner, she told me that she had to talk to a patient today who had gained 16 lbs in one month - i.e. "You're not doing that bad."
She did, though, heavily criticize my eating habits. I had been complaining about how careful I am but still not reaping any rewards. She said I need to eat more protein. I said, "I don't like meat." She said, "Well, what do you typically eat?" I said, "Uhm, for breakfast I like to eat oatmeal and then have an apple for a snack around 10:30." She was like, "Oatmeal is carbs and you should have peanut butter with that apple." I was like, "Oh." Then, she said, "Try eating almonds." I was like, "I don't like almonds." She said, "So you don't like food that's good for you?" I was like, "No, that's not it. I don't like almonds." I paused for a second and then continued, "I like eating vegetarian-type food and I like grains." I think she got frustrated and stopped talking about it.
Well, for dinner we had quesadillas and guacamole. I had more guacamole than I had anything else, and I laid off the chips. Which I must add: the chips are multi-grain and have no sugar in them and have added protein. So wtf am I doing wrong?
I mean, I've never been the type to be like, "Hey! Let's eat chicken breast, Derek... boy, I love dry meat!" I'm sorry to all you chicken fans out there but I think the stuff is detestable. Give me tofu any day.
I went to the gym this morning and did the elliptical since I was feeling pretty pooped. I think if I sleep well, I plan to run tomorrow with Maggie. I think that might help make me feel better, too.
I mean, I don't want it to sound like I got a "don't let it happen again." All of the nurses said I'm doing a good job, but that whole bit about criticizing my eating habits really pissed me off.
Oh, another eventful thing that happened at the appointment (and I almost forgot) was that they coerced me into getting a flu shot. I was like, "Eh? I've never had a flu shot in my life." She was like, "Well, we recommend that all of our patients get flu shots." I was like, "Well, okay. I suppose." I'm kinda nervous about it since I don't really dig stuff like that. I mean, I've never had one before - right? I guess I'm just kinda creeped out.
On to positive things!
The baby's heart rate was 155, and they said that's normal. She said my fundal height is perfect - so eat that you haters! - and she did say that I'm much more likely to show sooner than my taller counterparts. I mean, I'm only 5'3" on a good day. I don't have anywhere to put a baby.
Speaking of showing: I ordered some maternity clothes the other day from Motherhood Maternity. They had some super cute dresses that I loved - like this one:
I also got some tank tops, yoga pants, and some shorts. I got several more dresses, too. I think it will really help my wardrobe. Right now, I can't wear a lot, so that's frustrating. I'm kinda creeped out by the "Bella Bands" or w/e. I dunno... having my pants unzipped all day seems unnatural.
Unrelated to shopping but still totally awesome: My super awesome co-worker has a FANCY baby heart rate monitor and she loaned it to me. Derek was able to finally hear the baby's heart rate since he hasn't been able to go to the doctor with me lately. He was excited, and he was surprised by how easy it is to hear :)
ATL
I also suppose I should update after our pilgrimage to Ikea in Atlanta this past weekend. We left with no crib - dah! :( I hated all of the ones they had. I mean, they were okay, but I wasn't like, "Yes, that's it!" We did get a super cute bug light and a leaf to put in the baby's room. I know, I know - it sounds weird - "leaf" - but they had it on display and it was SUPER cute. :)
Overall, we had a fantastic weekend in Atlanta, and the pups were totally tired from playing in the dog park all day. It was a lot of fun. Derek and I watched the miserable OSU game from our splendid Midtown hotel, and I had some sparkling cider since I couldn't have any alcohol. (Derek was drinking beer, so I felt left out).
Fake Beer and other adventures
Oh, and that brings me to my next topic! Long post, I know. I found some non-alcoholic beer this past weekend in Publix. I was STOKED. When I gave up alcohol for Lent, I tried O'Doul's (bleck), Sharp's (puke), and Kaliber (okay). Well, this one is made by Heineken, and it's called Buckler.
And, yes, I realize that non-alcoholic beer has less than 0.5% alcohol. I had ONE and I plan to have ONE like every now and then, so I think it won't hurt anything. I mean, I won't even sip Derek's drinks since I'm that paranoid, so maybe that will give you a context. If there was ever a paranoid mother, I'm it. Derek can vouch for me. That sounds like I'm trying to reassure myself, but I know how reading blogs goes. Someone will read it and be like, "What a terrible f@&^#ing person!" Either way, I was pretty excited about it, and it made me feel less unlike my old self (or, more like myself? I hate to identify myself by the beverages I consume, but w/e. That makes me sound like a pseudo-contemplative hipster. I digress!). It actually tasted like beer! It didn't have that weird malted taste or taste like total asshole like O'Doul's. In short, it was fantastic!
I got the idea from a coworker who is also pregnant who said she decided to try non-alcoholic beer while out one night. I was like, "Ooooh yeah! They make that stuff don't they!" I had sort of left it back on my Lenten journey.
Well, folks. There's your Ratcliff update. Let's hope I keep it to four pounds or under this time, and I think my resolve will help. I'll keep you posted as things develop, and expect another, much more interesting update on November 15! That's when we get our anatomy scan, so we'll have some pictures! :)
