What does a C17, a mazda 3, and lost luggage have in common?

...they all were part of my trip home :)  So, I thought since I was doing soooooo well with blogging, I would try to get back on the ball....since I have a little more time now.  I started typing this up on the plane, so it was a work in progress.

Friday, 14 September
After about 2 hours of sleep, I woke up...30 minutes before my alarm went off.  I got up, made coffee, finished up the last few things I had to do, and then got Roy up and ready.  Since I had put our bags and his stroller in the car the night before, all we had to do was get ready.  We managed....for the first time since he was born...to be leaving on time for something!  At 5:05 we were in the car and on our way (with a quick stop to mail bills and get some money out of the ATM). 

The drive didn't seem like it took 3 hours, though I had someone to talk to, and the traffic wasn't bad(although I wasn't driving).  I even got to the airport in time to get my name on the list to try to get out on an earlier flight...and to Pope AFB, NC.  Unfortunately, there was an issue with my paperwork (although no one else leaving from the unit seemed to have an issue!) so I did not make it on that flight.  However, I did make it on a med evac flight that was going to Andrews AFB in Maryland.  Getting everything checked in was easy- security, although a pain in the ass, was a breeze as well.  The wait in the terminal wasn't even bad- maybe 10 or 15 minutes.  We took a shuttle bus across the runway to our plane, where someone (not the pilot, but whoever was in charge of the plane) came and explained the flight- and how it was different than a "normal" flight.  This was a med evac flight, so there were soldiers on there who had been wounded and were being taken back to the states.  They were first priority.  There could be no photos taken on the plane, for their privacy.  There was also a deadhead crew that was headed back stateside. 

Now, I would like to point out (before I continue with my story) that there are still decent people in the world, who will go out of their way to show kindness to someone who needs help.  As I was walking up to the bus, the man in front of me turned, and seeing I had a car seat with a baby, a carry on suitcase, and a diaper bag, offered to help me get things on the bus.  He then told me he would be more than happy to help me get on the plane, although he didn't have to because the bus driver took the diaper bag, and the man from the plane took my suitcase, so I was left carrying just Roy.  The kindness carries on later also :)

Anyway, the plane was a C-17 (HUGE plane) that was all open on the inside.  The seats are against the walls, facing in towards the middle.  Towards the front were 2 rows of hospital "bunks"- best way I could describe it- one on each side, near the seats.  Each row had 4 bunks, so 16 "beds" total, though the beds were like field gurneys that fit into slots on the bunk rails.  I didn't study the people in them as we walked in (it was none of my business, and I didn't want to seem rude) but from what I could see from my seat, there were a few people with bummed legs (I think broken)- there was a guy opposite of us on the bottom bunk who was awake most of the flight and watched Roy whenever he was out of his car seat.  I think the guy above him was a little more hurt, as he was hooked up to IVs and had a catheter.  I think there were 11 beds that were "occupied", which is sad, but I was glad that the injuries weren't worse- and that they were just "hurt" and not worse off!

Our flight also had a deadhead crew on it- who were so funny to watch (in the beginning before they all went to sleep).  These guys, for the most part, were older- I would say 40s-50s, with a pup (maybe around my age) thrown in the mix.  Of course the young fella was the first to fall asleep- before the plane even took off, and there was a guy who was taking pics of him asleep.  The guy that was sitting between the two drew a mustache on his index finger, and held it up to the sleeping guys face to get a picture like that...they were having a great time...and a few of them ended up with mustache pics.  It seemed like they probably enjoyed working together, or maybe they were just so tired they were goofy. 

The guy who was taking the pictures reminded me a lot of grandaddy Ashburn.  He was tall and fairly slim, but built.  He had a lot of the same facial features- so I think I probably stared at him a lot before we went to sleep, just because it was so strange to see someone look so much like him.  His hands even reminded me of grandpa's, and he walked like he did after he hurt his back.  It was very bittersweet to see him. 

Roy has done pretty good so far (we have about 2 hours left of the flight, so I cannot speak of the entire trip).  The man next to us did wake me up once because he was crying (the plane is VERY loud, so we have earplugs in...probably best, because Roy pitched a royal fit!).  He was fine though- I bounced him and played with him, and all went back to being right in the world.  Roy has flirted with every woman we encountered today- from the USO lady at the airport, to the women on our flight.  They all think he is neat, and he enjoys the attention.  The funniest part (to me anyway) is how Roy acted towards the man who sat next to us on the flight.  He is a middle aged black man, and Roy was fascinated with him...like he stared at him almost the entire flight while he was awake.  I am not sure if it is because he is just there, or because Roy hasn't really been around anyone who isn't white...but even now, while he is eating (for the past 20 min), he hasn't stopped staring at him. 

Ok, back to the kindness....they are all very sharing too.  The man beside us is married to a very sweet Asian lady, and she offered to watch him if I needed to go to the restroom.  The German lady next to her shared some of her snacks (some sort of German dried meat sticks- no clue what they were, but they were good).  Make me a little sad I didn't have anything to share back.  The German lady saw me trying to hold Roy and spread his blanket out for him to lay and kick in the floor on, so she came and helped me do it.  While Roy was playing, the Asian lady tickled and talked to him.  I may be in big trouble when he gets older...if he keeps it up with the ladies.

After our flight, we took a bus from the planet to the building- but first we stopped and got our luggage put on the bus.  I told them from the beginning that I did not see one of my suitcases.  So, I had to wait for them to go back to the plane and look.  **Everyone was in dress blues and high strung because Air force 1 had just left with the President and VP...the bodies of the 4 people who were killed in Libya had arrived at Andews...Very sad.**  Anyway, as it turns out- my suitcase was MIA...so after the security guard had let me into the area where the rental car place was (and told me he would watch my bags) and then whoever was in charge of that area fussed at me, and then at him- I had to go back through security to file a missing luggage claim.  The car rental rental place stayed open so I could rent the last car- a Mazda 3 (which made me glad they lost one of my bags...as not everything would have fit!).  Now, as the plane landed, and I turned on my Verizon cell to let people know I was in the states...it decided to pick that moment to not work anymore...of course.  So, I asked if anyone knew where a Verizon was...of course they didn't...so I asked where a Walmart was, so I could get a prepaid deal (so I wasn't driving somewhere I didn't know without a phone).  The lady at the rental car place game an address- it was to a Kmart though (who cares- I got a phone...lol)  and by the time I was ready to hit the road, Roy was having a meltdown (and I was well on my way as well!).  I had to stop and buy a jug of water so that I could make his bottles, and then we were off to start the trip home.

I would like to point out that by this time, it was about 6:30 EST, which means it was 12:30am on Saturday Germany time....and I had been up since 3:30am Friday.  The trip out of the city I was in started out very interesting- Roy in the back screaming and a SUV of fellas honking and writing things on napkins and holding them up to the window....I was very glad when we parted ways.  I had planned to drive until about 9:00pm, but I didn't make it that long.  I made it to about 8pm or so, and pulled over in Manassas, Virginia and found a Best Western.  The poor man behind the counter was fairly worried about me...and kept asking if everything was ok. lol.  Apparently jet lagged is not a good look on me.  He got me a nice room, on the bottom floor, and gave me a menu for the restaurant that was there, and said if I ordered before 10, it was room service.  After I got us settled down, I finally decided on a salad and a soup, and an hour later (because apparently they had to grow all the veg) it came.  I ate, and passed out. 

Saturday, 15 September
Roy slept pretty decent...until 4:20 (on the dot).  I tried to get him to go back to sleep, but he wasn't having it, so I just got up and got ready, and we were on our way by 6:15 or so.  The GPS had me take I-81 across Virginia- which was a beautiful drive.  I was glad that I took that way, since I hadn't ever driven that, but also because it was so pretty.  I hit very little traffic, and drove through rolling hills and mountains almost the whole time.  We stopped a few times to feed Roy and get coffee.  I had to stop to get gas twice...it only took $30 to put 3/4 of a tank it...and it only took about a tank and a quarter to get from almost DC to the Asheville airport.  I was pretty impressed with that- since I usually drive a tank, and it takes about $70 to fill it up. 

***I did get a call from Andrews AFB Sunday night telling me that they had found my luggage- and asking how close I was to there.  They are going to get it out to Charleston as soon as they can, and hopefully get it FedExed to me ASAP...as I have very few weather appropriate clothes (I packed my winter coat, and some "Christmas" shirt in Roy's luggage...)  Hopefully that will happen soon!

German Food...and why I am so busy (as requested by Destiney)

I have now been home from the hospital with Roy for 3 weeks...it is his 4 week birthday today.  I haven't really had time to blog (most of my time is spent nursing Roy...or holding him...or trying to put him down for more than 3 seconds without him waking up and screaming. 

I wanted to write about my care in the hospital, and what I thought was different than in the states.  I honestly don't know what would be different, except they want to keep you forever here...like you literally move in when you have a baby.  For a regular (vag) delivery, you stay between 3 and 4 days.  For a c section, they like to keep you 5 days.  I stayed 4 nights and went home on the 5th day...though they didn't really want to let me go.  I feel like I got (for the most part) excellent care in the German hospital.  All the nurses were very nice, and at the end of each shift, they came around with the new shift and introduced the next set of nurses to you.  Any time you pushed the call bell, they came very quickly, and did everything they could to help you.  My big issue was that (while having complications with nursing), everyone told me something different.  It was very flustering. 

Another big difference is that Germans eat VERY different than we do in the states.  Lunch is their "hot meal"...and the other 2 meals were lunch meat type deals.  They also served bell peppers in a vinegary dressing with almost every meal...I thought it was very good.  Here are some pictures of what I ate (I thought it was pretty interesting...)

.The was what I had for dinner one night...it was thin sliced turkey with blood pudding.  Every breakfast and dinner came with this bread or a brochen (a roll) and butter.  As you can see, there is the pickled pepper.  It also almost always came with a fruit- I always got a kiwi or a tiny apple. 

This was a dinner I believe (the one breakfast I got in my room came with coffee...which apparently is not a strong point for Germans?)- no clue what the meat was, or the cheese, but it was nice.  Again, there is the kiwi and the pepper...and a cup of tea (fruit tea).  One morning for breakfast I got a bowl of cucumbers with my meal...lol. 



So, I guess here is why I haven't had time to blog much:

• I go to bed at 10, get up at 12, 3, and again between 5 and 7.
• Roy has decided recently that he wants to nurse every 45 min or so, for 20-50 min on each side...I have taken up residence in a chair in the living room.
• When I am not nursing, I am changing a diaper, or rocking the baby...he has also decided he does not like to be put down...or sleep in his bassinet.  He wakes up much more there, so it is easier to keep him in the bed with us. 
• When I do get a chance to put him in the bed, it is a mad dash to do anything- wash bottles, pump, do laundry, find something to eat/drink, remember to take a shower or pee, or just sit quietly and try to catch a nap myself. 
• Roy and I have also taken up residence in the health clinic...since he hasn't made it back up to birth weight yet...and any time you have an appointment there, you might as well plan to stay the whole day..

My day normally consists of waking up with Roy, feeding/changing him, holding him, putting him down, trying to sneak away, going back to pick him up when he screams, rocking him until he falls asleep, putting him down again, sneaking away to find breakfast, eating a bite or 2 before he wakes up, holding/nursing/changing him again, watch cereal get super soggy while holding/nursing/changing him, putting him down, throwing away soggy cereal, finding something for lunch, getting Roy again when he realizes I have snuck away and starts screaming, handing him to Mark is he comes home for lunch, eating a bit of lunch, taking Roy back so Mark can eat, nurse/change/rock him again, try to nap while holding him, play the put him down/pick him up game until Mark comes home, change/feed/hold him some more while talking to Mark, try to get him to sleep in his packnplay or bouncer so we can do dinner, hold him while we eat dinner, feed/change/hold him until he goes back to sleep, take him to the bedroom to put in his cosleeper, pick him up and rock him until he goes back to sleep, continue doing this every 5-10 min until around midnight when he eats again, feed/change/hold him until he gives up and passes out, try to sleep until he wakes up again...do it all again the next day.  lol

I will try to do better about blogging...but am making no promises on the matter!

My "birth story"...

4/17/12

Since I cannot sleep, I thought I would blog…but not actually post it, since it will eat the data up.  Just over 18 hours ago, Roy was born…what an adventure.  So, here is your warning…this post is about birth…about my experience in a German hospital giving birth, and all the “fun” things that happened from point A to point B.  If you are grossed out by such events, stop reading.  If you are grossed out by such events happening to me, stop reading.  It is what it is folks J  Shall we begin?

Friday Mark and I found out that Monday we would be having our baby boy.  It was safer to plan a c section than to try a vaginal delivery and then something happen.  At our appointment, Roy was measuring 10 pounds 3 ounces…and his belly was still measuring bigger than his head.  Common sense will tell you that this can be a bad thing when it comes to babies being born…our main concern was that I would go into labor and his head would come through fine, but he would get stuck at his shoulders…which can cause all sorts of bad things (go ahead, google it…)  I personally was not willing to take the chance, and the doctor agreed that the best option (and safest) would be just to plan a c section.  By Friday, I was in a huge amount of pain- I slept next to nothing on Thursday because of back pain, and then Friday felt like I have been beaten in my uterus and crotch with a metal bar…I assumed it was early labor, but knew I was going to the doctor.  As it turns out, nope, just Roy pushing down really hard.  I knew then that I was not overly interested in being pregnant much longer…so we set up Roy’s “birthday” for the 16^th.  The doctor told us that they would call Monday and let us know what time to come in, which would be in the morning, and that we would do the c section that afternoon.  (Now we will skip ahead, since I have already blogged about this weekend!)

So, like most mornings, I woke up around 5…not because I was nervous or excited.  I woke up because I had to pee (like I do most mornings around 5).  I laid in bed waiting for 8 to come around (since that is what time Mark set his alarm for us to get up).  I did try to get some more sleep, but wasn’t overly successful.  We got “the call” around 8:20 or so, wondering where we were….ummm….ok.  This is why I love Germany…well, my doctor anyway.  They tell you they will call to tell you when to come in, and then call and wonder why you aren’t there yet!  So, we got up, and I got ready and finished getting my things together for the hospital.  Mark had to run on base and sign back in after his little bit of block leave.  When he got back, I was ready to go, and so we did.

This is me my "last day pregnant"...

When we got to the hospital, we came downstairs and I was put on the monitor to check the baby and to check for contractions.  His heart rate was fine apparently, and so we were taken back behind the “doors”…of which I had never seen more than a glimpse behind, and had only seen nurses and doctors hurry out of.  It looked like most of the rest of the hospital that I had seen- clean, but “older” looking.  I was taken to a room and Mark was told to wait outside.  Now, this room was obviously for someone who wanted to do a water birth, as there was a huge tub in the room.  The nurse (who I never remember her name…turns out it is Michelle) came in and informed me that she needed to do an “enemy”…errr…enema.  This was just many of the “firsts” that I would experience that day.  You don’t need the details of how this is done (again, if you don’t know, google it), but I will tell you- it is very effective at what it is for.  After that, I let Mark in, as she said she wasn’t coming back for 20 minutes, and I was ready for her to come back much sooner.  Mark and I made jokes and waited.  When she came back, I was given the lovely hospital down (ya know, with the big open back) and fitted with a lovely pair of hose (to keep the clots out of my legs), and was led to a bed in the hallway….and then rolled into a room to wait. 

The room was a very simple deal- with pink striped boarder, and a closet the color of egg yolks (see previous post for picture of the color I am talking about).  I think somewhere must have had a huge sale on stuff that color!  There was a nice lady in there already- a Germany lady in her late 20s or early 30s I would say, who was there because she apparently was fighting off labor, as she still had 11 weeks to go.  She spoke very good English, and talked to me for a bit.  They came to take blood from her, and I think she must have veins like mine, because they had to stick her twice to get anything….she still ended up luckier than I was. 

A nice nurse came in to put in my port for the IV…I had less than high hopes that this would be a simple task, but tried to have faith.  She tried, unsuccessfully, and went and got someone else…who tired 4 or 5 times more…unsuccessfully.  By that time, we had been poking my arms for almost an hour and the anesthesiologist shows up.  H came to have a go at it as well…and with a little local anesthetic in the bend of my arm, and an IV needle I think I am glad I didn’t see, got one in (and then didn’t cap it off, so my arm gushed a little through the open part…lol).  After that was done, I was rolled into the hallway and then walked into a room….THE room.

This is waiting for the people to come and attempt the IV...

This is what relief looks like...after all the poking and prodding...an IV finally got put in...

And one more for good measure...lol

Now, being as I am in a nice hospital, I always assume that things are really nicely kept…and for the most part they are.  This hospital is not dirty at all (that I have seen), but this operating room reminded me of an old ward in a horror movie (but clean).  It had green tiled walls (like a shade of avocado, but darker).  I don’t remember the floor…I think it is pretty standard though.  There were all these people standing in there as Michelle walked in with me.  The anesthesiologist came and talked to me (he was very quiet) and told me that he was going to look at my back.  He poked around to find my hip bones, then pushed on my spine.  Then he told me that the head of anesthesiology would be coming to do my spinal…no problem…except then he came.  He pushed on my back some, while Michelle talked to me…and then before I knew it said “you will feel a little pinch”…but before he finished he had poked me.  I am normally VERY good at being still for these things, but was taken off guard by the “pinch” that had got me (ummm…how about hornet sting?!)  So, instinctively I moved away from the needle.  Now, we are just on local anesthetic here….not even the real deal yet.  Michelle is standing in front of me, with her hands on my shoulders….I reach and grab the side of her shirt to steady myself, and forge on.  I got “stung” a few more times before the “big” deal came.  I felt that my back was numb…and I was thankful for this.  I am not sure that it would be medically impossible to give someone a spinal block without this.  I am also very glad that I never saw the needle or anything for this spinal, because although I am sure it was very small, it felt like it was about as big around as a pencil.  I felt the pressure of him putting it in, and then I felt the “pop” (and heard it…but through my back?) of him going through the spinal membrane.  It hurt- I am not going to lie.  What really got me though was when he either put more meds in or moved it…because I felt the nerves move away from it…and it hurt so bad it took my breath away…and I cried (but not enough to let anyone see lol).  Now, I can also say that the tears were also from nerves (I was terrified that the spinal would not take, and that I would either 1- need a general, and be put under, or 2- I would regain feeling during the c section…and I was suddenly overwhelmed with being homesick.  It was soon over though (a 2^nd first- the spinal), and a 3^rd first was on its way. 

This is the result of the spinal...

After the spinal started taking its toll, I was laid back on the table.  By this time, my legs have gotten very heavy….and I cannot lift them anymore.  I mean, they each must have weighed about 400 pounds.  This was good enough for Michelle, because now I am laying on this table (in front of about 6 German strangers…at least 4 of them men) having a catheter inserted.  I think I am also glad that I did not feel this, as it might be too much…I have decided that they poke and prod you until you are just overly thankful for things (although I cannot imagine ever going through anything like this without the lovely drugs of today…)  And so happened number 3.  Lol. 

After that, everything happened fairly fast.  My blood pressure dropped, like almost everyone else’s during this, so I got a little dizzy- this was an easy fix with some drugs.  They put the drape up, and I waited.  There was a very nice German nurse who sat by my head and talked to me for a while…she never did say her name, and I couldn’t see her name tag.  She told me that she had lived in South Carolina for a while and then she asked me how I liked the area here.  She also told me that in Germany it was bad luck to say the baby’s name before it is born…oh well.  Lol.  The anesthesiologist came and talked to me (he nearly whispered every time he spoke to me) and asked me questions…and continuously sprayed me with alcohol spray, and asked me how it felt (was it cold or warm).  This apparently is how they check to see if the spinal has kicked in.  During this time, there were 2 ladies that were swabbing my whole belly with the orange antiseptic stuff (that never seems to scrub off…).  They were laughing because as they were rubbing it over my belly, Roy was inside kicking at them as they did.  After they finished, it was just a matter of waiting for the meds to completely kick in…my toes were completely numb, I had been given more meds for my blood pressure, and I was getting very anxious.  By the time it kicked it, he could spray right up to my chest without it being cold.  Then, Mark came in. 

Mark sat down next to me and started talking to me.  Before I knew it, I felt a lot of tugging and pushing around.  I assumed that this was still part of the prep.  I was soooo wrong.  I had missed seeing my doctor, Dr. Heimrich, come in.  She had come in and just started (which I am very glad…because it just happened).  Before I knew it, Dr. Heimrich asked Mark if he had his name picked out…and then she told him to look.  I had been trying to get mark to take a peek the whole time- I wanted to know if he could see my guts…and if it was gross looking…but he wouldn’t look before she told him. 

That is when I heard the most beautiful noise I had ever heard in my life (which totally bypassed what I thought was the most beautiful noise, which was when I heard Roy’s heartbeat the first time)…I heard him cry…and I cried.  Mark got to take pictures of him as soon as she pulled him out…see facebook for said amazingly grumpy pictures!  I had already told Mark that when they took the baby, he was to go with them (if nothing else, so I could make sure no one did anything crazy to him…I don’t know what I thought they would do, but I didn’t want it done lol).  Mark had to wait a few minutes while he was checked out- if there were any complications, they take the baby away to the NICU and you have to wait.  Luckily we had the short wait, and Mark left to be with the baby.  They did bring him to me to see, once he had been cleaned up a little (please note here, I am going on how I remember things happening, and it may be a little out of order…but it is enough in order to know what is going on lol).  I looked at him and kissed him…and then he was gone again.  The nice nurse came back and told me that now was the “boring part for the mother”…where they stitch me back up.  And she was right.  It was boring….and by then, between being flat on my back and the meds, it always gets hard to breath.  They gave me more meds for my blood pressure, and kept reminding me to “breath deep” because I was starting to get sleepy…and apparently was just falling asleep…and not breathing in deep enough.  After FOREVER I was taken to recovery, where I was told to try to sleep while they got the baby cleaned up and I “recovered”.  Now, here is where time gets a little sketchy…because in my world, this took HOURS…like in my head, 4.  I did sleep, but kept waking up as people came to talk to me and remind me to breath deep.  I remember drifting in and out of sleep…and burning up (sweating)…and being mad that they were keeping me for HOURS, while my son was somewhere STARVING to death because I wasn’t there to nurse him.  Apparently this was only about an hour and a half though…and Mark had the baby the whole time.   He went with them and finished cleaning him up, and even cut the cord (which he said was much harder than it looks on tv).  He got to spend time with Roy all by himself, which I am very thankful for.  I think it helped him bond with him. 

Anyway, they finally took me to him.  They gave him to me to let me nurse for a few minutes, and then took us to our room in the “Mother and Child” Ward.  I held Roy while they pushed me to the elevators and to our room.  Mark had to go and change out of his scrubs, so we were going to meet him there.  As it turned out, we waited so long for an elevator, that Mark was walking by the one we were on as it arrived at the floor.  I was taken to my room, and Roy was allowed to feed again.  I got to look him over a little, not completely, but enough to know he was simply the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.  He had a head full of the softest hair I had ever seen (yes, there does seem to be a red tint to it, but it isn’t all red), and he has the sweetest blue eyes…and the fattest little fingers you have ever seen. 

All this time I am waiting for my legs to not be numb so that I can stand up (these beds are not comfortable, and not being able to move my legs is terrible…not to mention the nurses come often to check on “bleeding” and “the wound” (which many say it so it sounds like “wound” as in “she wound the hose up”…is it spelled the same?  I am too tired to google lol).  It is flustering not to be able to help assist in your own care of such things.  During the evening I also got dinner in the hospital, which was a different experience…but that is a different blog…with pictures.

I didn’t get to keep him that night…his sugar levels were having a hard time staying up, which caused him to not be able to maintain a good body temp.  They would bring him to me to nurse (15-20 minutes on each side) and then give him between 15 and 30 mL of formula.  His levels didn’t come up to where they were supposed to be until about the 4^th feeding.  I still didn’t sleep (I slept all of an hour and a half or two hours the first night….and then started writing this out…though it is now almost 5:30am on Wednesday, and I started this Tuesday morning…you guess busy!).  My pain level has been ok- I ask for medicine usually before it gets too bad (but have let it go a bit longer than I needed to a few times), and I have nothing but nice things to say about the staff and my visit here.  

I will close now, and try to sleep a little bit before it is time to feed again.  I hope you enjoyed J  All the pics I have of Roy will be posted on Facebook, not in the blog, so look there to see them!

A doc appt, a carnival, and a trip around town...

Friday the 13th:

Ok, so really Thursday the 12th....it ended HORRIBLY!  I got up from the recliner and my hips were hurting (more than normal!).  I shuffled to bed, where I couldn't sleep...because trying to move any part of my lower body was literally the worst pain I had ever felt.  Of course, trying to get comfortable shift the baby, which is laying on top of my bladder- making me have to pee.  Now, our bedroom is literally 10 feet from the bathroom- should take all of 10 seconds to walk to.  Not for me...3-4 minutes of shuffling/crying/trying not to wake up Mark.  I made this trip about 6 times...which meant that I also had to get back INTO bed afterwards...which involved lifting my legs.  This night ranked up there with the top 5 most horrible nights I have ever had...no really.  I (in my wisdom) assumed that this was probably early labor, which wasn't a big deal since we had an appointment the next day...
ok- fast forward....
So, we had an appointment at noon (which mean that it really didn't start until a little later than that...), but we went in knowing that we had to make a decision on inducing or a planned c section.  I was supposed to meet with the dietitian 15 minutes before my noon appointment, but no one ever showed up, so we just went downstairs (she was only going to look at my "journal" and say "oh, well your numbers looked ok- you were high this one day...but there isn't time to do anything" and then send us on our merry way.  We made it downstairs (dealing with back spasms and mini contractions) and into the waiting room.  I did my normal pee in a cup, step on the scale, etc...which this time involved giving blood to check iron (they take a whole vial here) and another test to check for toxoplasmosis....ummmm....I think a wasted test on me, but whatever.  The nurse (a new one that I hadn't met...) did a good job not killing me taking blood.  No problem.  Then I answered some questions (which really they could have taken the information from one of the million other places I have answered the same questions) to fill our a file for when we actually have the baby.  Then off to a NST....and since I am cool, and had my camera in my purse, I took pictures of the magic egg yolk room!  Enjoy!

 So, the room has 3 beds, exactly the same....Look at those walls and matching sheets! 

This was taken with my cell phone camera...the colors aren't as good...

This is the NST machine- the orange number is his heartbeat- it was all over the place (he was sleeping I think, and then would wake up and wiggle...at the end he had hiccups or something...)  The green number (0) measures contractions.  Now, this was the first time it has ever stayed at 0-5 for the most part...usually it is between 7 and 15.  As you can see, it picked up no contractions...

This is Mark being patient...while we waited 30 minutes for the completion of the test. 

And this is Mark being bored waiting for 30 minutes to be over...lol.  Poor guy!











After it was over, we went back to the waiting room...to wait.  After a bit, as always, we went back to see the doctor, got an ultrasound, got a pelvic check (where I was SO bummed to find out everything was still shut tight...the pain is from Roy pushing down...), and was told that the best choice was to have a planned c section (I had already decided that I really wasn't willing to take the chance on not having one...there are just too many risk factors involved).  She told me that we needed to do it next week.  I decided that, since she was going on vacation on Wednesday, I wanted it done before then.  Mark and I scheduled it for Monday, April 16.  She will call us Monday morning and tell us when to come in, and he will be born some time that afternoon/evening.  Now comes the FUN part of my appointment...(not).  I met with a surgeon (who spoke very limited English) who explained the process and risk factors (which I kept trying to tell her I didn't understand when she spoke in German...and took more blood.  She literally butchered my arm.  There was no "squeeze and make a fist" and then feeling around for a vein.  She ripped off the band-aid that was on my arm (causing the lovely bruise you see on the left) and jabbed the needle in...deep...and took 4 vials of blood (she was very rough!)  By the evening, it felt like my elbow had been hyper extended...I am guessing she hit a little nerve in there...not the first time...

After this, I went to see the anesthesiologist...which was unlike any of the others I have met...ever.  Usually (in my experience, and in the States) they are funny/fun and friendly people.  Apparently that is not a requirement here....this lady was in a hurry and grumpy.  She did get "not as grumpy" a little later, but not much.  After she explained the process of the spinal, and then told me that if that didn't work they would do a general, she came and pushed on my back....which since my back already hurt, and my hips, and I was in the worlds most uncomfortable chair, was terrible...to the point I was fighting back tears.  Glad it is over...lol. 

After our appointment, we came back home for a while...but only until it was getting dark...because had to go to the carnival!  Now, for those of you in Brevard, it was kind of like a carnival we used to have in town- like where the new library is- we were thinking something similar.  And to a point, it was similar. lol.  It had a pony ride, something like a tilt-a-whirl, and then another spinning ride.  It also had a few kiddie rides.  Then there were the typical carnival games (knock over cans with bean bags, fish duckies out of a pool, the usual!) and then a few food places- one that does chocolate covered fruits, a gelato place, a candy place, 2 different nut places (we got some mixed nuts...YUM), a place that had whole roasted fish, and then a place that did German food.  Mark ate some sort of steak sandwich (it was very good) and I had a bockwurst- which was like a footlong hotdog, broke in half on a roll.  I have to say (and Mark agrees) that it was probably some of the best food we had eaten since we got here (how sad are we lol!)  Mark also enjoyed a beer...and we listened to some nice German men sing and play music!

Mark threw darts at some balloons and won me some stuff...In fact, we left the carnival with about 20 euros worth of carnival crap lol.

Mark's new beer mug...

These guys weren't too bad- i will post videos (ummm...that are sideways) on facebook!

Saturday-

We got up this morning and went to the bazaar!  They are having a bazaar with people from all over Europe- there was a lady with beautiful jewelry from Ireland (if Mark and I had $1500 just laying around, I would have a new wedding set....lol), lots of wine people, people with cheese and meats, furniture, beer, rugs, and LOADS of other stuff.  Mark bought 2 bottles of wine, and I got a bottle of grape juice...lol.  It was just neat to see everything. 

After we finished there, we drove around and I took pictures of Germany...and the squirrels...and I saw a hedgehog...but was "sleeping" on the side of the road.  That was fairly depressing, but at the same time 2 new experiences (I had never seen a hedgehog in the wild...and hadn't seen a "sleeping" animal since I got here.  I will post all the pictures from our drive on facebook (it is much faster there!)

Red Squirrels and German Porn....*smh*

Ok, so another week (or so) has gone by and I didn't write a single thing about anything going on!  Whatever shall we do!?  Get over it I think is the best bet :)

So, first, let us back track a bit- because I have uploaded pictures, and so I will be posting them on my facebook page (as well as some of them on here...check both places...I will make sure to add captions to fb so you know what you are looking at!)

I hope that everyone had a great Easter...we did.  It was sad not being at home this year, and knowing that we missed Easter lunch/dinner at Nancy and Don's house- it is always so much fun watching Cole (who is the only little one left for now) hunt eggs.  It is also a promise of a good meal! (Hey, my family can cook- don't be upset about it!).  We had out own Easter though!  The Easter bunny did come and see both of us.  Here is Mark's "basket"...in the bag.  The actual basket is the one I got (excuse the crap pic with my finger in the way!)

He got Godiva Chocolates, a Lindt Chocolate bunny, and a hunting game for the Wii.  I got some peeps with chocolate on the bottom, a Dove chocolate bunny, some lilac candles and tarts for my warmer, and a glass topper for a big candle with daisies and ladybugs on it.  It was a nice Easter.  We also celebrated something else on Easter...Mark's 30th birthday!  He seemed to really enjoy it (which he always seems to!).  He got War Horse (the movie) and a beer stein from Schweinfurt (where we live).  He also had a HUGE dinner (no, we didn't eat the "typical" Easter dinner...).  We invited the neighbors from downstairs up for steak with onions and mushrooms, mashed potatoes, salad, and chocolate cake (that I made...from the worlds most complex, yet easy to read, recipe...)  Here are the pics of the cake...from the beginning to the finished product.  It was NOT a beautiful cake, but it was an amazingly delicious cake...



ummm...it stuck in the pan...and cracked/broke

And this is "fudge icing"

on my lopsided/broken and glued together cake

It is probably the ugliest cake I've ever made

...but if you put enough candles on it...

...and set it on fire...it is kinda pretty

...and then you pray the smoke doesn't set off the alarm, so the MPs, fire department, and rescue squad doesn't have to come...and the whole building doesn't have to evacuate like it did when the lady upstairs burned chicken.  All was well :)

This week has been slightly less eventful than previous weeks...mostly because of Easter (the whole base had a 4 day weekend...and pretty much everything was closed on Monday in town for Easter Monday).  We did drive around Monday...I, of course, didn't think to grab the camera, but since it was rainy, there weren't many pictures to take anyway.  We did drive through several small villages, and that was neat- I promise to get pictures of this one day and post! (No, really!)  We mostly relaxed. 

Now to get to the title of the blog...interesting huh.  Well, today was a busier day than yesterday.  I had a doctor appointment with the dietitian today (the one I don't like as much).  I honestly have no clue...she tells me that my numbers for the most part are fine (out of 30 finger pricks, 3 or 4 came back high...and each time it was something I did...I drank orange juice in between a meal once because I am trying my hardest to not get whatever crud I am trying to get...that made it a bit higher...)  Anyway, she asked how far along I was (apparently no doctors/hospitals ANYWHERE communicate with each other...) and I told her...but then told her that Roy would be here next week most likely (more on that in a second).  She told me that it was not worth it to go on insulin for a week, and to come back Friday before my doctor appointment with my regular doctor so she can see what I did this week.  She said my "long term" test came back fine (I asked her about it)- she said it was just in the green, but it was still in the green...so I am just not sure.  Anyway, I will go back again on Friday.  After my appointment, we went to the commissary to get a few things, then to the post office.  On our way off base from the post office, I saw my VERY FIRST GERMAN SQUIRREL!  It was red, with long fur coming off the tops of his ears.  VERY cute.  If I had had my phone with me, I would have taken a picture...again, I am a loser lol.  I will get a pic of one before long!  He was the neatest thing! 

After our trip to the post office, we went to the "E Center" which is what people call one of the economy grocery stores (edeka is the real name I think).  We walked around the WHOLE store for probably over an hour (until I couldn't hardly walk anymore...)  Mark got a selection of German beer to try, and I got some apple juice mixed with mineral water...lol.  We are such exciting people.  Anyway, at the front of the store, there was a HUGE magazine section, so I was looking at them...and noticed dirty magazines in the grocery store!  Not only were they RIGHT there...they weren't in plastic!  Now, (fact of life I guess), everyone has seen a dirty mag in a gas station...and 9 times out of 10 they are in plastic...so the fact there was a Playboy with no plastic on it made me think that SURELY it couldn't possibly be a real Playboy...so I looked.  That's right folks...I opened a dirty magazine in the middle of a huge grocery store...and it in fact WAS a real Playboy...I saw boobies in the grocery store.  lol.  Who knew...

Ok, so now backtrack to LAST week...Tuesday to be exact (ya know, after I was busy failing my drivers license test...).  We had a doctor's appointment where we learned that Roy was then measuring 8lbs 12oz...which means he gained 2 pounds in 2 weeks according to the ultrasound.  Dr. Heinrich told us that at my next appointment we would discuss induction or c-section.  She also said his belly is measuring bigger than his head...which means he has a higher chance of getting caught coming out.  This increases the risk for all sorts of issues for him, as well as a required emergency c section.  I have now accepted the fact that I will be having a c section.  When we go to the doctor on Friday, I will ask if it can be done on Monday (the 16th).  The doctor goes on a weeks vacation on Wednesday, and I am honestly not sure he is wanting to stay put much longer as it is.  I am sure that everything will be fine- just kind of a scary thing, to go through the entire pregnancy and expect one thing and then be told how dangerous it could be for the baby...which in the long run is what is most important. 

So, now you are caught up on everything here.  I will go through and take picture of the apartment this week and post them either on here or on Facebook- it depends on everything that goes on :)  Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!

Sooo...I got busy...just shoot me!

Ok, so it has been a long time since I blogged...and I def had stuff going on to blog about, but I have been busy!  I have a ton of pics to post, but today is not the day for that...I will get that done when I can. 

I think the last time I posted was about my 2nd doctor's appointment and the gestational diabetes test I took, which I failed.  Nothing new there.  I was told to monitor my blood sugar for the weekend and take it back Monday...which I did...and the lady quickly looked at my numbers and then told me to do it again for a week and bring it back today before my appointment...no problem.  I checked my numbers all week long- had mostly good days- a few days where my numbers were a little higher than they should be (but when I showed the lady on the Monday after the weekend test, she said it was fine as long as they were not too high...)...the lady I saw today wasn't as nice about it.  Oh well, what can you do.  She also told me I did not need to be testing before I ate (which is not what the other lady told me to do...so I will continue to poke myself 6 times a day). 

I went yesterday (Monday) to take my drivers license test...that was an epic fail.  I was under the impression that as long as I paid attention to the class, I would be fine.  I was under the wrong impression.  I, however, did not have the same instructor that Mark had, nor did he go over hardly anything.  Mark's guy showed them videos and stuff...mine went over road signs and right aways...which was maybe 25 questions on the 100 question test (which, when you consider this, I did pretty well to only miss 23 out of 100...lol)  I did get an updated study guide and will take the test again next week.  It really wasn't a hard test, there were just things on there that I had no idea about- he never mentioned a Good Samaritan Law (and there were 2 questions on my test about that!).  Here is what is tricky-

1. Their right away rules are so strange...since there are no 4 way stops here (that's right folks), if you come to a 4 way intersection with no signs, the person on the right goes first...so in the event there are 3 people stopped, you go clockwise from the person with no one on their right.  If all 4 people are there, you must be curtious. 
2. At intersections with "priority" road signs (in Germany you have priority roads...and others must yield to you), you follow FLY (the person Following the priority road goes, then the person Leaving the priority road, then the person/people who must Yield to the priority road.).  It can get pretty tricky I guess.
3. Pedestrians and bikes nearly always have the right away, as long as they are at a crossing area (and they give themselves the right away when they just want to walk across the street randomly...it is still illegal to run over them...lol)
4. There are like 1001093938493 road signs...and most of them are VERY self explanitory (follow the pictures...), but then they throw in those German words, of which I speak none of, and that can be a pain.  I can recognize the ones we went over- gravel, when wet, and road damage.

I am sure that now I have a study guide, I will do better next time. 

I went back to the doctor today...what a mess that is too. lol.  Roy is still measuring big- and will be here in about 2 weeks.  She wants to schedule a C-section, so I guess I will be doing that next week when I go on Friday. 

I will post pictures and write more soon...The apartment is pretty much put together, just a few things out of place still, so I can get pics of all of that to share, as well as post the pics of all the randomness that I have taken so far (not too many, but enough to have some pics).

Doctor visit 2- and the test...

y Somehow Mark got super lucky this week and last, and went for pretty much all of 7 days off- I told him not to get excited, he will pay for his luckiness at some point (Our household goods came Thursday, so he was off for that, Friday we had our appointment, but it was also a 4 day weekend, He went and picked up some new soldiers Sunday night- I think it was Sunday, Tuesday he had to take someone to the airport almost 2 hours away, so they gave him the rest of the day off, and then yesterday he had the morning off because we had our 2nd appointment...and he came home early, since nothing was going on!)  Makes ya love those days but then hate the ones that are coming up...because it won't be long until he is stuck at work crazy hours.

Anyway- my appointment.  We got there about 7:15...parking was not free yesterday, just FYI.  It was like .50 euro an hour up to 4 hours I believe.  Since we knew where we were going, it was no big deal to get there- except we got on an elevator that was going up first, so we went up to 2 different floors before going down.  This really wasn't a big deal, since these elevators are like the world's fastest, and takes it all of 10 seconds to do anything- like fast enough to make your stomach kinda flip...

We got downstairs before 7:30, said hello to Lisa (the nurse) and then peed in the ever so high-tech cup she gave me...(remember, clear dixie cup...).  Then it was off to take blood pressure, weight, and answer the questions that are asked at every appointment- do you have water on your hands and feet (are your hands or feet swollen), do you have any varicose veins, and does your baby move lots every day- no, no, and yes (as he kicks just as she is asking all these questions...)  Then back to the waiting room for a minute or so, while she goes and gets "the drink".  She comes back with a glass and a box...(I am slightly worried as the box looked huge, and I am afraid the box is filled with "drink", but it was just holding a bottle...not too awful).  I go back again for my first blood draw (which I was slightly afraid of- since I saw the size of the needle they needed for drawing blood last time)...and in the states they draw it the same way.  Not so much...she had a finger-pricker (that is a technical term folks...).  She sprayed my finger with alcohol (you feel a little bit of cold now she said) and then wiped it, poked it, and drew blood up into a tiny little straw- which she put into a tiny container (like we used in advanced bio when we were doing microbiology) and then handed me the glass and a brown glass bottle, which she informed me I had 10 minutes to drink...and then told me I would have blood taken again in and hour and then after 2 (so this test was only a 2 hour glucose test instead of 3).

Now, about this "drink".  In the states they give you something right out of the fridge...I have taken 2 glucose tests in the past- a 1 hour with no fasting, and a 3 hour with fasting...which is a form of cruel punishment for a pregnant lady, just saying.  The drinks I have had in the past have been kind of thick tasting (not actually thick, but kind of?) and VERY sweet- like sweet enough to burn as is goes down...where it sits heavy and burns there too.  I have had orange (like flat orange soda) and fruit punch (like super sweet Hawaiian punch)- neither tastes "terrible" though they aren't great either.  This "drink" was completely different.  The fact that it came in a glass bottle, and was cool room temp was the first difference- I think this was a hats off to the frugal German way...the bottle will obviously be recycled (as we recycle everything here) and the glass will be washed and reused- I am not 100% sure why plastic doesn't seem to be used as much for stuff like that here (that I have seen), but I am sure it is an environmental thing?  Or maybe it is cheaper or easier to recycle glass?  Anyway, this juice was kind of purple...so I was thinking grape- it was kind of light purple/mauve/ clear.  Wrong.  Then, I did the #1 thing every person in the world knows not to do when dealing with medicine (or anything you don't want to put in your mouth!)...I smelled it.  It wasn't grape, but I am not entirely sure what it was...maybe kind of cranberry or something...either way, I knew the best way to get rid of it was not to wimp around and nurse it for 10 minutes, but to just kick it back as fast as I could.  As it turns out, it was not grape, or cranberry...I believe it may have been prune?  lol.  It wasn't near as sweet as the stuff in the states...but it was still sweet...but like watered down sweet.  And it did something to me to make me not want to swallow it...but I did...each glass (the bottle was like 8oz? and it filled the glass 2 times) taking about 3 drinks to kill it.  I took the glass and bottle back to Lisa (who was impressed with the speed in which I drank it...) and went back to the waiting room for a mere second before she took us back to the "egg yolk" room for a NST on the baby.

So, back to the bed I was in last week- with monitors on my stomach to measure Roy's heartbeat and any contractions I am having.  We were hooked up to this for an hour this time...which was fine...since I was going to be there all morning anyway.  For the first 15 or 20 minutes, Roy had hiccups, so you could hear that through the whole beginning of the test- beat beat hiccup beat beat hiccup- and then a few random taps on the monitors...I don't know if he doesn't like them or is just checking them out, but he always makes sure to kick at them when they are on.  After that, I read for a bit- and then took a bit of a nap...until Lisa came back and unstrapped me and took me to poke my finger again. 

By this time, there was another couple in the waiting room.  We sat down for about 15 or 20 minutes until the doctor came in and then called us back.  She did another ultrasound (no pics this time) and then we "talked" about the ultrasound, and the possibility that I am really 2 weeks ahead.  Now, according to the doctor, the earliest I could have had a positive pregnancy test was August 24 (mine was the 23...), but it was an EPT, and those things pick up next to nothing, so I don't know about that.  Being 2 weeks ahead does go along with other things though- like at 23 weeks, he was measuring 2 weeks ahead (she said for the most part, at 20 weeks, most babies are the same size) and about that time my fundal height was 2 weeks ahead...and I felt him about 2 or 3 weeks earlier than any book or anything I have read said I should have been able to feel him.  He has gained about half a pound since Friday (which she said was normal), and that puts him at just at or under 7 pounds.  She told me that she couldn't find the ultrasound results from what I had been given in the states, so I looked through my records and found them- which is when she told me that she thought I was 2 weeks ahead- and then asked if I had had any others, early on.  I told her I had, showed her the results from the emergency room visit I had had at almost 7 weeks, and she was not pleased with the fact there was really no information on it, nor were there any pictures.  The only thing that that report had said was that there was a "yolk sac with a fetal pole measuring 6w6d)...it gave no measurements of the baby or anything.  At this point she is just shaking her head and saying "I do not know...I think you are pregnant 2 weeks more than you think" and tells me that she will not let me get over 10 pounds, as it is dangerous for me and for the baby...and that if he gets too big, she will talk to me about taking him either by inducing or c-section.  She basically told me that I can throw out the idea that we are making it to May 5, and that he will be here some time in April.  Then she tells me that me that my test results will be in by the afternoon and she will call only if something is wrong...

By the end of this, I have maybe 5 minutes before I have to have my finger pricked again, so we go back to the waiting room.  Lisa calls me back one more time and does the final prick, and then we are off.  It is now apparent that we have to kind of get on the ball and get Roy's room in some sort of order for him...as it doesn't sound like we have a ton of time left to slack around. 

It is only 9:30 now, so we have some time before we can get lunch- so we walked around the PX for a bit and then went to my first ever German McDonalds (great choice after being tested for diabetes...I know...but it was that or the PX...which is subway, taco bell, or pizza hut...and why not try it before I am told I can't have it anymore...lol)  So we go to the drive thru, which Mark has been told speaks English- correct.  The problem is, they don't have menus like we have in the states...like there are no numbers.  Also, this McDonalds had "Italian" sandwiches on the menu- I guess something they are trying out.  Anyway, you tell them what sandwich you want and they say "with fries and a coke?" and since Mark and I didn't have time to look and see what else to drink there was, we were given coke...lol.  Then they ask if you want ketchup and mayo....ok.  We didn't get mayo, but were given each 1 packet of ketchup (which was the size of 2 back home).  We go back home, and eat.  It wasn't exactly the same as in the States- but not too different either.  The coke is a little better (I think), and the ketchup was great (or maybe that is because I am pregnant...lol). 

After lunch, Mark had to go to work, so I took a nap (I slept maybe a total of 2 and a half hours the night before?)  I woke up to my US cell ringing- I am guessing a telemarketer...because it was restricted and I didn't answer...and they didn't leave a message.  I read some stuff on fb that I thought might be important to Mark (they found a powder "substance" in our mail room last week and have ruled out anthrax, but are still trying to figure out what it is...anyway mail is not available for pick-up until Thursday...today)- Mark was going to check the mail....and I was trying to save him a trip, since there wouldn't be any.  He said he was coming home early (as there wasn't anything to do). 

After Mark got home, around 4, we started working in Roy's room.  I put the rest of his clothes away, and then Mark put together his crib.  During this time, 4pm, 5pm and nearly 6pm slide by...so I am thinking maybe I am in the clear....apparently I shouldn't think lol.  The doctor called at almost 6 to tell us that I am "boarderline" Gestational Diabetic.  She said she would call again today to tell us if we need to come in today or tomorrow (Friday) to see the dieticians...we have to see her first, and then go and see them.  So, we will see how that goes.

Roy's crib is set up- it has bedding on it, and his blanket that matches is in the dryer and will be put in there today.  By the end of this weekend, his room will hopefully be done (and hopfully that means the apartment will be compeletly unpacked...or mostly....)  I will post pictures off all of that later.

German Hospitals...visit 1

Ok, so this morning was my first doctor's appointment since I got to Germany (and the first one I have had since Jan 3...FYI, that is bad- you should not go 2 months without prenatal care, especially in the third trimester...in case you were wondering).  I got the referral to the hospital I wanted (Leopoldina) with the doctor I wanted (Dr. Heinrich).  My appointment was at 9:30 this morning, so we made sure to leave around 8:30, so we had time to find out exactly where we were going, get there, find parking, the office, etc.  Glad we did- being as we are in Germany, all the signs are in German...and parking garages in German can be VERY confusing if you do not read German. 

After finding a parking place (it was free...I don't know if this is all the time, but it was this morning..) we walked up to the hospital and to the desk...where we completely ignored the American flag halfway down and tried to get directions from a "random" information person at the help desk...she shook her head and pointed...(dumb Americans).  We did finally get some help (take the elevator to -1, go down the hall and follow the signs...)  Easy enough- unless you are Mark and try to pull open doors instead of push them open...and then push buttons to try to get them to open lol.  A very nice custodian lady helped us get to where we needed to be, and thus the morning began.

 You have to ring a bell to get in, and then you wait for someone to answer you.  The nurse working today was named Lisa, and she was VERY nice.  I went in and she handed me a clipboard and asked me to fill it all out...ok, fine- no problem.  Then she brings me a cup and points to the bathroom and tells me she needs "urine"...Now, Lisa (being the sweet girl she is) speaks English pretty well, with a heavy accent, so it took me a minute to get what she was saying.  Then when I asked her again, it wasn't because I didn't understand, it was because I wasn't sure I could pee right then.  (FYI...my "specimen cup" was a clear dixie cup...that you pee in and leave on the shelf in the WC- water closet or bathroom).  Then, Lisa comes back, takes my weight and blood pressure, and I return to the waiting room (again.).  By now it is about 9:30.  A couple ahead of me is taken into a room with 3 beds...little did I know, I would be joining them.  Lisa sent us into this room with another couple, where I was shown to a bed, and strapped up to monitors (for a Non-stress test for the baby, but we weren't told this).  Now, the couple I was in there with was only in there a max. of 15 min?  We were in there for almost an hour...laying on a bed with bright egg-yolk yellow sheets (in a room with egg-yolk yellow walls), with my shirt hiked up and my pants pulled down, and a little paper marking the baby's heartbeat. 

After an hour, Lisa came and got us, and we went BACK to the waiting room.  After waiting for a while longer, another lady came and got us (I believe she is a "professor"- she works with the doctor) and took us back past the room where Lisa was in to take blood.  She looked at me and said she needed blood, that apparently they had tried and couldn't get any from me.  This was news to me...no one has asked for any of my blood until then...so she goes and asks Lisa, and sure enough, no one had tried (duh).  So, she has a little box (like a Tupperware container) of plastic tubes that she plans on getting blood into.  Here was the fun part- the way she intended to get my blood.  Now, in the States, they usually use a needle with a little pipe on it, running into a cup that you insert the vials into to get blood.  Not so much here- this was just the needle with the cup on the end...and the needle was big (not long, thick).  She put the band on my arm (which is unlike the rubber bands they have always used on me in the States...it was an elastic band with a tiny airplane seatbelt on it...(no really, that is what it looked like!) and asked me to pump my hand...while she looked very hard at my arm.  I told her "good luck".  After about a minute of looking, she said "can we check the other arm? Is it normally better?"....I told her yes, she could check, but no it wasn't any better....so after a minute of squeezing and searching, we went back to my left arm.  She did get the needle in, and she did find a vein...and she filled all but 1 one the vials- the last one she unclipped the band too early and I quit bleeding...so Lisa came and clipped it back and she finished up (Good job Lisa!).  This is the result of taking blood....

I am finally taken back to see the doctor.  I am asked to sit down next to her and we go over my “health history” for my mutterpass (a booklet of my doctor appointment documentation that is needed at every appointment and after the baby is born at my WIC appointment).  After that, she asks me all sorts of questions about the pregnancy so far, and then tells me to lay on the table for an ultrasound.  She and the other lady (who took my blood) do the ultrasound, and measure his head (which is down like it should be), belly, legs, take a look at his heart, and brain….and then discuss all the measurements.  He is still measuring big- his head and belly are measuring 37 weeks, while his legs are measuring 33.  She also switched to 3d and took a picture between his legs and said “dis is de balls” (duh…) and then tried to get a good picture of his face, but of course Roy was not having any of that.  After all, he had already been squished with bands during the NST (which he kicked at the whole time…), and poked.  She also shared that he is weighing (according to the ultrasound...) about 6 pounds.  This nearly doubles the gals in my birth club who have shared what their doctors have told them the weight of their baby was. 

After my ultrasound, she wanted to check my cervix…and told me to take off my “trousers”.  Now, in the States, if you are to undress, the doctor leaves the room, gives you a sheet, whatever…not here.  In fact, as I was taking off my pants, another nurse comes in like it is no problem.  I also got to experience my first “German Pap” today…no stirrups needed apparently.  The ultrasound showed (for those of you who care) that my cervix is still closed, and all is well in that area.  She showed me my “pretty full” bladder and Roy’s head and said everything looked fine.

Now, about this measuring big- I go next week for a 3 hour glucose test to make sure I have not developed gestational diabetes.  I was tested earlier in pregnancy to make sure I was not diabetic pre-pregnancy or up to that point and passed…so we will see what this holds.  I tried to get some information about if I did have it what was the next step, and if I didn’t what was the next step, but the only information she would give me was that if I was, I would see their “team” to discuss it and if I wasn’t she didn’t know yet.  Lol…very comforting.  We shall see.

 Here is what I have observed today-

1.       As with restaurants (apparently), you do not go to the doctor to be in a hurry- we did not leave there until around noon- and I was not seen by the doctor until around 11:30 I think.

2.       German mineral water (which was offered in the waiting room) is yuck.  If you like it- more power to ya.  I don’t care for it.

3.       German doctors (as I was told before) do not always tell you what is going on or why they do things…you are the patient and they are the doctor.  Dr. Heinrich did do a very good job explaining things, but kinda irritated me with not discussing her next plan if he is just a huge baby…