First abnormality...

My blood pressure was up today @ my 32 week appointment. I ordinarily have consistenly low BP--same with most women in my family. It has been up a bit since I became pregnant, but still well within the range of "normal" for most women. Today, however, the Dr was concerned because my BP actually was elevated. And because of my ordinarily low BP, this was particularly surprising.

The doctor ordered bloodwork to get a baseline read of my blood chemistry so that he can monitor me for the next few weeks. He also ordered another ultrasound--which is very exciting because we get to see the baby again and we didnt expect to--but under the circumstances....

Best case, we monitor my BP every 2 weeks, I have no other abnormalities, and I go the full 7.5 more weeks before delivering. Other potential outcomes if my BP stays up would be bedrest until week 40 (no idea what would happen with my classes... shit...), hospitalization for monitoring, and even early delivery (likely by C-section).

Most likely, I'll have to "take it easy" until Im full term. Our biggest concern, of course, is the baby and the ultrasound (11/7) will tell us that blood flow to him is normal, etc., and that will put everyone's mind at ease. His heartbeat was great this AM and he's moving around like crazy, so we're certain that he's fine and so is the Dr.

I'm not entertaining any of the crazy outcomes just yet. We've no reason to believe that there is anything to worry about yet, so I'm trying not to worry, mostly because worrying will elevate my bloodpressure (how's that for fucked up... seriously...).

Finally...

I've been obsessed with diaper bags. Obsessed, because I HATE them.

I am a total bag whore. I own more expensive handbags/totes than a person of my income rightfully should, and the diaper bag thing had me pretty much breaking out in hives because they are typically so. hideous. I posted on my other blog about how I'm trying to resist the urge to buy a kate spade diaper bag--the Holy Grail of stylish diaper bags. But, my wise readers talked me out of it with their reminders about the kind of stuff that goes into a diaper bag (such as dirty clothes...). They encouraged me to think about how I'd feel the first time I had to put a throw-up covered outfit into my 300 dollar diaper bag. To say that I "shuddered" at the thought was an understatement.

Since then, I've periodically looked for other options. I've always been disappointed or annoyed, so I'd pretty much stopped looking. I figured I'd end up with one of those boring messenger-type bags. I still have 8+ weeks to go, so it hasnt been a major priority of late, either.

But today, I stumbled on my compromise. I'm happy to report that I've chosen:



as my diaper bag. I bought it today, and some time in the next 6-8 weeks I'll fill it with all kinds of exciting things. And, I'm happy to report that at under $60.00 should my child pee or throw up on it, I can buy a new one without batting an eyelash....




P.S. I am now resisting the urge to buy a pair of brown suede boots to match....

Today I cant stop wondering what our baby will look like. I hope that he looks like Spouse. He's pretty darn cute....