Maintaining Course

How much weight I should or should not gain has been a source of frustration with me. I wasn't "small" or underweight to begin with, so that was never an issue. In fact, my pre-pregnancy weight was higher than is "recommended" by the powers that be. I never really had serious morning sickness, so I didn't lose alot of weight in the first trimester. Then, about 6 weeks ago, the battery in our bathroom scale died, and so I stopped weighing myself mostly because I never remembered to replace the battery at a time when it was convenient to do so. Two weeks ago, when I had my doctor's appointment, they took a baseline. This, of course, is fully clothed, with shoes, on a scale different than mine. The difference was about 7 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. I felt embarrassed, and to be tsk tsk'd by the doctor did not make it much better. I mean, I'm not dieting by any means, but I HAVE been watching what I put into my mouth, and snack time around here now is rarely anything other than fruit. So where did it all come from? Today, I finally replaced the battery in my scale and weighed myself again. The verdict? 3lbs above pre-pregnancy. 3lbs in 12 weeks! I'm patting myself on the back and feeling much more relaxed. I can still occassionally give in and have the large, greasy, totally delicious cheesesteak I'm craving (as I did for dinner last night). And despite what my doctor had to say about my fully clothed and shoed weight 2 weeks ago, it appears I am doing the right thing.

The other quandry this week? To poke or not to poke: the flu shot dilemma. This, I've discovered, is a highly controversial topic. We're approaching flu season, and for the first time, I have to make this decision. I haven't had the serious flu (high fever, vomiting, etc.) in about 10 years. But if this is the year, to have a high fever while pregnant could cause distress to Baby. On the other hand, I've been reading about this. The preservative thimerosal used in flu shots is now being linked to autism. After some research and asking the opinion of a few trusted individuals, I think I've decided to depend on my outstanding health history and a few proactive measures to see me and Baby through the winter flu season without the shot. It's difficult though, to make a decision that not only affects me, but also Baby. The first of a lifetime of decisions, I guess.

So here we are, just shy of 12 weeks. 8 weeks since we found out. 8 weeks from now, we're hoping to know whether to shop for pink or blue. Seems like it's moving so quick.