Happiness, Joy and Exhaustion

2011 is going to be a big year.  Big changes are in store for us, our family, our lifestyle.  These are big changes we are very much looking forward to.

On Monday we were at the OB for the nuchal fold measurements.  This is a measurement of the space at the back of the neck which, along with blood work, determine the risk of Down Syndrome in a fetus.  At 37 (and then only days away from 38), the baseline risk was 1 in 150 or so.  Still less than 1%, but something to be mindful of.  Just before starting the doctor explained that it could take anywhere from 30 seconds to 30 minutes to take the measurements -- it all depends on whether the girls are in profile or not.

Needless to say, both were facing us and it took a few minutes (maybe five total) to get them each to turn and stay in profile long enough to take the measurements.  Baby Girl A took the most coaxing which included moving of the ultrasound wand and the occasional jostling of my abdomen.  I barely felt the movement, but on the ultrasound monitor it looked like they were being bounced around a lot.  I don't think Eric like that very much (he's already the protective father).  Baby Girl B turned with a slight tap to my belly and stayed put nicely at which point the doctor proclaimed that she would be going to Harvard.

The measurements were called into the lab that processed the blood work and we learned that our risk went from 1 in 150 to 1 in 1,300.  We were thrilled to hear it and, based on those results, have decided to not do an amnio, a decision with which the doctor concurred.

Such great news to start the second trimester!  Top that off with the nausea being pretty much in my past and my energy level starting to come back, I'd say we were off to a great year.

On Wednesday I turned 38.  I had a great day.  I got so many phone calls, Facebook posts and hugs from my coworkers I was over the moon.

Around 3:30pm I started feeling really tired.  I probably should have shut my office door and taken a nap, but I had a meeting and figured I would be able to leave work a little early to nap at home before Eric took me out for my birthday dinner.  Alas, the meeting ran a hour longer than it was supposed to, so I was unable to nap.

By the time we got to dinner, I was feeling pretty run down, but I was really excited to try this restaurant.  Firenze Osteria in Studio City.  It's owned by Top Chef's Fabio.  Every I know who has eaten there has loved it.  We walked in and I was immediately hit with a wall of aromas.  They have an open kitchen and all those smells were permeating the air in the restaurant.

I thought I would be okay, but we were seated no more than five or ten minutes before I completely decompensated.  Tears started running down my cheeks and we decided to go home.  I went outside to get some cool, fresh air and Eric settled the check for the Pelligrino I was drinking and the martini that he ordered (even though it hadn't arrived).  (Incidentally, they told Eric to leave and take care of me and not worry about the check.  Very nice of them as they certainly could have asked him to pay for the drinks.)

Eric came out, retrieved the car from the valet and we headed home where I promptly put on my pajamas and laid on the couch with the dogs.  Eric ended up running out and picked up McDonald's for dinner.  We don't eat there very often, but sometimes when you're feeling completely run down, you just need a Happy Meal.  We started watching the new "Karate Kid" movie (Jaden Smith is great) and went to bed without finishing it.

As I get ready for bed, I prepared to give myself my Lovenox injection.  I couldn't do it.  I just couldn't get the needle to go into my skin.  I ended up collapsing hysterical on the bathroom floor.  Eric came over and took the syringe from me and placed it next to the sink and then he sat behind me and wrapped his arms around me and just told me it would be okay.  It took a couple more tries, but I did manage to get the injection done.

Thursday morning I was feeling awful.  I was exhausted and completely emotionally worn out from the night before.  I felt like I had ruined my own birthday plans.  To top it off, I was feeling a bit sick from all the crying and, quite frankly, snot I'm sure I swallowed in my sleep.  I ended up going to work for a half day and spent the afternoon asleep on the couch.

I liken the experience to a child who is overstimulated and can't fall asleep who then ends up unable to stop crying.  I know my energy isn't what it used to be, but it never occurred to me that spending time socializing with people would knock me for such a loop.

One of the attorneys I work with reminded me today "You're living for three.  You need to take it easy because it takes a lot out of you."

Today is a much better day.  Work has been quiet so I've been able to get caught up on things and I'm probably going to leave a little early so I can be sure that I'm back to 100%. 

One things I've learned -- it's time to really start listening to my body.