Waiting time...

I've completed 38 weeks successfully. Buddamma can come at any time. We are so excited to receive you. Ofcourse, I'm feeling very nervous about delivery. Doctor is checking my cervix since 36th week. Today also, she checked but there's nothing happening. Cervix is still way high and up not yet started dilating. On the other hand, Dr doesn't want to wait till 40weeks also, she wants to induce labor at 39th week itself. Seeing the cervix position, Dr. told that it could be hard labor!!! God, I'm so nervous. I decided to walk like crazy this week atleast 4hrs daily. I'm still coming to office, this Friday would be my last day and taking personal day off on monday and maternity leave starts from Tuesday onwards. This week is really tough to come to office but pushing myself hard to do this to have more vacation after buddamma comes. Only this

thought keeps me motivated. If I could be home for 3months after buddamma comes, it's so good for both of us. I want to take care of you buddamma, feeding, diapering, bathing, etc... My mom is there to help me out in everything. I'm so bad in holding the babies don't know how I'll manage buddamma. But I'm sure my baby is going to teach me everything. As the time passes, delivery date is getting close by, our imaginations about buddamma also increasing. Everyone has their own imaginations about you like your nose will be like this, color like that etc...

I'm hoping that you've Daddy's hands, feet and nose. They are the best in Dad. Ofcourse

Dad's hair is also very good. And ofcourse the mind, smartness should be inherited from

Dad. Height can be either of us but good to have from Dad. From me, I want you to have

color, eyes and hair. These are the best in mommy :). These are all my wishes.

Dad hopes you to have only color from me or either of your grandma's (amma and nanamma)

and rest all from Dad or Tummala's family only. Buddamma ela vuntavo....chaana exciting gaa vundi.

You know, after seeing the scanning nose is confirmed that you got from Tummala's only but not sure whether it's from Atta or Nanna. I hope it's from Nanna only. Whenever we see your mouth shape we get so tensed because it looks very weird, I guess you always cover it with your beautiful hands in every scan. I'll show you all those pictures once you are ready to understand. You hate ultrasound or non stress test so much that as soon as I get into Dr's office you fell asleep. Dr. has to wake you up by making noise. You move your hands or legs for 2mins as a sign of discomfort or disturbance and again you sleep!! Bangaram, did you get sleep from Amma? We also hope for the same :-) Laddamma. I've to drink ice cold water to wake you up but that hardly helps. But surprisingly, you react so well to Daddy's voice. Nanna daily says "Buddamma, this is daddy, I love you so much". You start dancing to that :). Are you Daddy's pet? Nanna is so eager to see you. He shows me how he'll carry you on his hands and how he'll take care of you. You know, Daddy wants to carry you with your head in his palm and body on the hand. That would come to half of his hand. He imagines as if you are there and kisses you :). Also daily, nanna puts oil on my stomach and do massage imaging he's comforting you. How lucky you are to have such a loving Dad.

Amma took gold jewellery set for you, it's so big that you can wear it in your marraige also. I already wore it for baby shower :). Also, she took so many dresses for you and those tiny shoes are so pretty. I couldn't stop laughing seeing them. They are so cute. Nannamma took pattu langalu for you. Pinni took colorful gowns. I'll take pictures in all these. Your Tatamma (Nanamma's mother) is also excited about you. She hopes you'll get nose from Chinna (that's what they call your Daddy) and rest all from me. It's so good to hear about you from different people.

We love you Bangaru Talli.....

Buddamma playing Hide and seek game!

Today went for regular doctor check up in Torrance, Dr.Nylor. Non stress test went fine and then ultrasound started. I'm so eager to see her nose shape because in the last pictures it looks very differnt. But my buddamma, being very smart holding her hands towards me and sleeping

tightly :). Can't even see her face also. This time only her back. Bangaru talli, hiding from scan and sleeping :-). Doctor tried to wake her up and turn around her face but her will power is so strong not to turn around. She woke up but tightly holding to me facing towards me rather than

outside. Buddamma doesn't have mood to see us :). Oh! Daddy didn't come today for ultrasound that's why she got angry. Now I realized it. Today my husband has work so couldn't come with me. My brother dropped me at the doctor's office and I alone went for check up. She must be angry with dad. Doctor took all the measurements and told that she's doing fine and normal.

This is where we found out that she got the cord around her neck. I'm so worried about her now, how does she get oxygen, whether she's able to breathe properly or not. Does she wrap it so tightly that it may choke her!!! Too many questions and too many worries. I hope she'll

be fine and healthy with God's blessings. I'm reading garbarakshambika slokam. May Goddess Parvati bless both of us. One of my friend has given me this slokam and explained me how it helped her.

http://www.starsai.com/garbarakshambigai.html

Excited week

Lot of things have happened this week. Monday was my baby shower. It was Dasara, an auspicious day. Buddamma, you have God's blessings. We invited only our close friends, 6 families and celebrated it. Ordered food from outside. My husband and brother did all the decoration. It was soo good, will upload the pictures. I've wear the saree and then started the ceremony. It all took place from 7PM to 8PM on Monday. First, mom has given me a pattu saree and then in-laws one. When I first saw the pattu saree, I didn't like at all and started scolding my mother that you are wasting money blahblah.... But when I wore that, oh my GOD! it's so beautiful and I actually looked gorgeous in that saree. Later, in-laws saree was presented by mom as mother-in-law is not here. That also looks good. Harathi was given to me by mom and

friends. Buddamma, you are going to be fine. Tuesday, went for regular doctor appointment. My baby was moving fine so test didn't take longer. So far, she's good. Tuesday, wednesday and Thursday are very long days in the work. Again, friday i.e. today went to Dr.Neilor for regular

check up. Sugars are under control. Buddamma looks fine. But he told me one thing at which I got so scared. My buddamma has umbilical cord wrapped around her neck. Bangaru talli,

neeku aadukodaaniki emee ledantara? Cord ni neck ki chuttukunte neekemi avutundo ani bhayam gaa vundi... Doctor assured me that it's very normal and 25% of the babies do born with the cord around their neck and both of his kids were born like that. Though I seem to be fine at doctor's office, I'm actually very scared and thinking too much about it. After coming to office, immediately I started reading the stuff over net. Some say it's very common and nothing to worry and some say it's very dangerous and mother might end up in having c-section.

I'm worrying more about our buddamma rather than me. Want my bangaru talli safe and sound. I called up my mom and asked if that causes any problems. My mom also assured me that

everything is going to be fine. God, please take care of our Bangaru Talli.

Baby Shower

This monday, Dasara(Sept 28th 2009) is my baby shower. This is as per muhurtam. I want

to celebrate it with our close friends and family. My buddamma has all their blessings. More than any one, GOD's blessings are with us buddamma. My husband is planning to decorate

the home. In the mean time, me and my mom will decorate buddamma room. I want this occassion

to remain as a good memory. I'm planning to wear nice saree and jewellery and take photos. Later, planning to go to picture people to take a portrait. With this baby shower, all set to invite buddamma. Bangaru talli, inko 4 weeks lo raabotunnav. Daddy has already shortlisted car seat and stroller for you. I'll pack the stuff to take to hospital. Oct 1st, we've hospital tour also. We are so excited as well as nervous about delivery.

Bangaru talli, we luv u :):)... And you know, dad and me are fighting for your name. Have to see finally, what your name would be!

Shocking results of Ultrasound

Yesterday I went to Dr.Nylor's office in Torrance for my regular second non stress test

of the week. From 35th week onwards, I'm having non stress tests twice in a week.

His office has latest equipment for ultrasound. My husband also came with me to see

buddamma. He comes only to this office so far as my other dr's office equipment is not

so advanced and he can't anyways see buddamma. Bangaram, you are the only motivation for

Dad. He loves you so much. Well, everything is fine. Buddamma is growing bigger and bigger

day by day. She looks healthy. Thank GOD. Now comes the interesting phase. We started

looking for her face. Oh my GOD! her mouth is so odd shaped! Both of her lips have

come forward unlike the normal ones. What's going on! The first expression in me was

'Oh GOD! whose features are it? Neither me or my husband have those lips. What's happening!'

It's the same feelings that my husband also going thru. It's just that we didn't speak out

when the dr. is around. Everything is done, and the doctor is left. I'm almost crying and

my husband can clearly read my mind. He also couldn't console me as his situation is no

better than me. Then I started going thru one by one who has those kind of lips, realized

my father has it. Oh is she getting my father's features!!!????? I wish she could get

mine, or husband's, or my mother's or my mother-in-laws features. Crossing all these

options, she has chosen my father's!!! Humm....why! I'm thinking like this. I prayed GOD

once again for a complete healthy, lucky and beautiful baby. We both came to office and

both of us still have the same thoughts in our minds. I called up my mom and told her

everything. My mom is saying that "Be confident, and pray to GOD, you'll have a "manchi

buddamma", don't you worry at all. But still her words didn't bring complete peace to me.

I again played out the DVD (generally the doctor would record the entire ultrasound in dvd

and give it to us in every visit) in office and see no change.

I barely concentrated on my work. I went home in the evening and had dinner still

thinking and discussing over the same thing. My mom saw the scanned paper pictures and told

that she could barely understand anything. I played the DVD for her and showed. After seeing

many times, we realized my cute baby is sleeping with her hands on her face and few fingers

on her mouth. We laughed to ourselves, may be it's the reason why her lips are looking very

odd. We hoped for the best and felt relieved for now.

However she looks like, she is our baby. She's the boon for us. We are going to love her.

We luv you buddamma.

Awesome week

Mom has already arrived safely on Sept 12th 2009. For few hours we were very worried as the flight landed at 1.30PM but she didn't come out till 4PM, don't know what's happening at port of entry. Her phone was switched off. At 4, after seeing my mom, very relieved. Due to Sept 11th, lot of questions were asked at port of entry. Luckily, she got one Telugu guy from Bangalore to all the way to LAX. He helped my mom thruout her journey and at port of entry also. My husband is also very happy to see my mom and he did a warm welcome for which she was also quite happy. We took that guy (who helped mom) to home and served him good lunch and showed LA beaches, Hollywood and then dropped in union station from where he can catch metro to SanDiego, his place. My brother has taken permission from restaturent where he's
working from the past 15days to pay off his loans. He's seeing mom after 3years. I can see happy tears in both of their eyes. She has shown me all the stuff that she brought from India. Now
different pickels, eatables are available at home. All of us are happy to have that stuff after long time. Moreover, by the time we go home, someone is waiting for us. No need to think of what to have for dinner/ lunch/breakfast. That thought itself brings so much relief. For the first 1 week, I asked her to take complete rest. But she's Amma! So as usual, she doesn't let us to do any stuff and she's doing everything from day1 itself! That's the difference in mom and mom-in-law!
Daily we both are going for walk and chitchatting about back home stuff and current happenings in home. She's very upset about my brother's job. He didn't get one and she's worrying alot for the same. We are trying with our contacts but so far nothing came out on our way. I'm also very unhappy about it. Hopefully, by the time buddamma arrives everything will settle down. Apart
from that, mom is very happy to see America and excited about buddamma. She bought so many clothes and jewellery for buddamma. Mom-in-law also sent different variety of gowns and pattu langa. Seeing them, I felt very happy. I hope my buddamma will be loved by everyone in the family. She's the first girl in the family and wish to have only one girl in the family :).I may
sound very selfish....but I wish for this :-)

I love you buddamma.

Awaiting for my Mom...

Everything is set for my mom's jounrey to USA. She's so excited for 3 reasons. Ofcourse USA is one reason, second is my brother. It's been 3 years already since she has seen him. The third but not the least is me. My buddamma will come after 1 month (Oct 26th is the due date) and she keep her grandma busy! Most of the shopping is done except the last minute ones which I kept telling my sister and she's yelling at me for the last minute surprises :). Typical cute sisters fighting.

I've sent the required letters and forms to be filled in the airport to my mom so that she won't get nervous even if she didn't get company in her journey. I can imagine my father what he's going thru. They've to live separately for 6months which both of them don't like. But there's no other option, so compromising for their kids. I've already ordered vonage so that my mom can talk to my dad daily or whenever she feels like. More than my dad, she's going to miss her grandson (my sister's kid, Akhi). For him also, it's the same.

Here we are counting down the days for my mom to come. I think this is the second time (first time was when I was in Madhya Pradesh without seeing my parents for a year at the age of 14, i.e. in my 10th class) I'm waiting for my mom so desperately. Daily, I see the calender and
wonder to myself when the days get over. I've postponed baby shopping to next week for my mom. She would also get involved in the shopping as well as get to know the malls and environment here.

I've very important work tomorrow. Have to validate our credit card for my mom's ticket. Otherwise her ticket is not valid which is like she can't travel. So only one day is left for us to complete the authorization. Day after tomorrow is my mom's flight to Los Angeles, USA.

Happy Journey Mom...

A peaceful Day.. :)

This is like any other normal day. From the past few weeks, I was quite restless.
The reason is I want to buy lots of stuff for my buddamma. My mom is planning to
buy some gold for her and I'm busy in checking all the models. I told my mom
clearly that whatever jewel she gives for her grand daughter will be saved till
her marriage and definetly worn also. So I keep telling her to take a very good
design which can stay for almost 25 years. Gold prices increased alot during these
days and hardly getting any good piece within 50000Rs. Apart from that, my mom is
coming next week so busy in preparing the shopping list also. I gave such a big list
to my sister. Thanks to my sister who patiently listened to all my requirements
and got good stuff for me. Yet the shopping is not over. I keep sending her small
things which I forgot even now also. My mom went home to prepare all the food
stuff which we need. She's brining so many sweets especially which I like. But the
sad part is I can't eat sweets because of Gestational diabetes. So sad! :(
I decided to keep it in fridge for the next 4months and eat after my delivery.
After my mom comes here, have so many plans. Yet to start shopping. So every weekend
after Sept 12th is going to be busy. That way my mom also would get an opportunity
to look around and see Los Angeles. I'm also planning to buy bagles for my buddamma.
Last weekend, my sister in law has come to visit us. 2 days are gone just like that.
She, my husband and brother roamed around many places and we bought her some sweets
which she liked and carried to her home also. I kept preparing a budget plan for
our home for the coming months. My husband wants to buy something so has to accumulate
some money. I've already withdrew all the deposits still we are short of money.
Coming 15days are very important till we get our cheques. Apart from that, we've
to save something for our coming baby. I spent 2 weeks restless thinking about it
and my sugar levels went up. These days trying to keep myself calm. Most of the
plans are done so quite good now. Travel arrangements are done for my mom. Yet to
call Bangalore reservation office and ask for wheel chair assistance during the travel.
Vonage phone also came. Now we've facility to call India anytime we want. It would
be good for my mom as she is coming alone here and going to miss my dad and grand
son (my sister's son)

All set to welcome my mom :):)

A letter to my Buddamma.....

Hey Buddamma,
Today I went to Doctor (Dr.Nailor). As you know, I've been following special diet and instructions to control sugars. Fortunately, they are under control though near to the upper boundary levels. My aim is to get the fasting sugars below 90 and after meal sugars below 125. So far, fasting sugar levels are between 93-95 and after meal it's below 135 (most of the time below 130). I've to follow few more guidelines for this week again and have to call doctor on
Thursday (i.e.27th Aug 2009) to report the sugars. If at all, I couldn't control, I've to take insulin shots and other tablets which I don't want. Buddamma, you are my motivation, don't want to give you medicines or any diseases...Want to give you happy and healthy life. I'll do whatever I can to avoid this situation.
After discussing the sugar levels, the most interesting part has come, guess what!! It's UltraSound :) Yes, after long time, we are having this ultra sound almost after 4months. More than me, your dad is so excited. For him, Scanning is the only motivation to come with me. Dad loves you so much. He started showing us how you are doing. Laddamma, this time you are not sleeping, inface very active. You are playing hide and seek with doctor's ultrasound. Everytime, he's trying to see with the stick, you either hide or run away to a different corner :):)
I felt very happy to hear that you are doing good. We were so excited to see your face laddamma. You are showing us your face, oh my baby! such a cute, innocent, I can't take my eyes from that screen. I just asked the doctor to give me that photo. Ofcourse, we've a dvd with all the photos in different angles and definetly, this one is going to be very special for us. We are just trying to imagine whom you look like but ofcourse I couldn't figure out but your Dad is saying that you got my nose. Today, I'll send your photos to your grand ma and Pinni as they are
also very excited to see you :-)

All their blessings and wishes are with you.

Gestational Diabetes!?:(...

It's been long time since I've been regularly updating the blog. I've been diagnised with Gestational Diabetes. I was upset with the news and couldn't deal with it immediately. Worrying about the baby, couldn't concentrate properly on work also (luckily didn't have any immediate release). I could share the news with my husband immediately since we both work in same office. He also got the bad news about PSO. He was also so upset. I wish he could come out of that very soon because this issue is there since long time, nearly 2years. Only difference is he finally went to Dr. for check up and his doubt was confirmed. Deep in my heart, I was wishing it shouldn't be PSO because he'll be terribly upset. But anyways, PSO was confirmed. I was searching over net for ayurvedic and natural treatments of PSO and come across some food items. Did some search on Gestational Diabetes also and going thru all the information got scared. Too many doubts and too many questions pondering my head. It took me few hours to digest the fact. Immediately took appointment with nutrionist which I got only after 2days. By evening, I'm set to face the fact. I said to myself, no matter how tough it would be, I'm going to take it, all I want is healthy baby. I want my kid to be healthy, smart and have better future. "GOD only helps one who helps oneself"... The first thing I started from that evening onwards is cutting down on rice and sugars. Tue and wedbesday were tough days for me waiting to meet nutritionist and worrying about the baby. I couldn't sleep properly in the nights also. Just praying GOD for good. My husband was trying to assure me that everything will be fine, not to worry. Finally the awaited Thursday has come and went to meet her. After seeing the numbers and talking to her, I'm so much relieved. She gave me guidelines to follow for the next 2 months and Accucheck-Aviva to monitor the blood sugar levels 4 times throughout the day. Most of the stuff she has told me is what I'm following after going over net and talking to friends with similar problem. It's mainly diet and excercise. I kept following the same strictly. Today (Friday), I tested for my blood sugar level and it's 96!! I'm so happy, ofcourse want to see below 90 but
96 is not a bad number. I'm just following the guidelines and praying GOD to give me enough strength. Being pregnant, craving for different food items and wishing to sleep more hours is common. I'm just trying to control cravings. It's taking long time for me to prepare food and washing all the boxes (ofcourse, every day for 4 dishes, can't do dish washer). I wish I could get some help. I'm so upset with the way things are going. Despite all, I'm happy for one thing.
My husband is trying to come out for a walk with me in the evening. I'm so happy with this.
I'm trying to complete all the tasks by myself. Hopefully, over the weekend, I'll come up
with a schedule for a week for what to eat and keep most of the things ready. That way, I can save some time and get more sleep and rest. I planned to read to my daughter daily for 30 to 60mins which is good for her brain development. I'm talking to my baby on morning walk.
She's my companion for my morning walk (ofcourse in all the walks :-)). Fresh breeze, bloossming flowers, soil smell and birds voice brings fresh energy to me. I can tell my little one is also enjoying it. Today, I told her about the flowers, how people are working out in gym...

My Anxieties..........

These last two days were not so awesome. I kept worrying about my sugar levels most of the
time. My husband explained me for a long time not to worry as it may effect the baby. I'm little bit better now but not completely convinced. Monday is the test again. Fri, Sat, and Sun, I've to take carbohydrates and sunday after 12Am should go on fasting till 8AM. The nurse will draw blood at 8AM once after having Glucola second time and again after an hour twice. So total 4 times in 3 hours. If 2 results are abnormal (i.e. sugar levels are higher) I'm confirmed with gestational diabetes). I want to have a healthy baby. I too want to be healthy to see my baby growing healthy and happily. I should be there for her in thick and thin. I've so many dreams for my baby. Want to see her growing, and her tooty language, calling us "Amma" and "Nanna", taking her intial steps holding to me, walking straight growing into adult, handling her own life, her marriage....many dreams.
GOD, please don't deprive me of all these happenings.

This Monday (08/10/2009) is big day for me. I've been reading about gestational diabetes from net and part of the description is very scary, makes me gloomy and more worried. I've lost trust in my doctor. I've given my blood test last week (07/29/2009) and I was told that I'm completely normal and don't need to worry about my sugar levels at all. But after seeing some problems like nausea and sweating, called up the nurse. Then they were telling me that I'm on the upper boundary level and have to go for test again. What the hell!! Haven't been called them, what would happen!!! I'm so scared thinking of this. Have to suffer silently or what? In India, I could change the doctor whenever I want. It's not a problem at all. But here again insurance, getting dr's appointment with new doctor takes longer.

A scary day in my pregnancy

From the last 3days, almost from Sunday, there are changes in my body. Suddenly it gets cold, sweatening happens, nausea and dizziness follows. Sometimes bowel movement also. First I thought it might be low blood pressure (as my father had it) but with increasing intake of salt also, it's the same situation. So I called up my doctor and asked what could be the reason. I'm so shocked after hearing her!! My blood sugar levels are on the boundary level i.e. 135 and above 135 is considered to be gestational diabetes. I've been eating rice and fruits without hesitation from the past 1 week. GOD! I'm so worried about my baby now. Please take care of my daughter... Also, I'm running less on iron levels. I became anemic inspite of taking good amount of iron tablets. Worried, shocked, nervous mixed feelings after hearing this. I'm just praying GOD to have a healthy baby. I'm asked to come to their office on monday for another round of blood tests.

Also, another bad news today. My husband went to scalp test last week and his results are also out. He's diagnised with Pso and I couldn't see his face also. He's so depressed upon hearing this. So far, we are good and by God's grace didn't have any problems. But slowly started all these diseases! I've decided to change my life style and now it's up to my husband to change it or not!!! For the family, I hope he'll change. I've already started going for a walk daily and now starting yoga also. I'm avoiding rice and taking bitter guard juice. Hopefully, this will control my sugar level! I'm just looking forward for Monday and hoping to hear a good news.

Shopping list...

Today I've started preparing the shopping list for the baby and me. OMG! the list is
so big and it goes on and on.... Also, estimated the cost for the first year and it's
going to be around 15000$ and with parents tickets and gifts, it's going to be 25000$.
I'm almost faint...Such a small baby needs so much money. What I've to do for her college.
I think I've to do double jobs.
Sometimes I get scared thinking how I'm going to raise her. Can I become good mom!!!
This is ofcourse a million dollar question for me right now :):)
Some of my collegues are also due in November and December. In office, now a days,
wherever you see, it's all baby's talk because in the last 2 years only most of the
employees had babies and I'm one among the last batch.

For the next 2 weeks, my activities are pretty much planned. Next week, saturday one
birthday party is there and later going to Home depot to get bamboo (finally, I took
strong decision). Sunday, going for baby shopping. By the next month, I should finish
baby shopping and keep my bag ready. My home is almost ready to welcome baby. Now I want
to sell the dining table to have more space. Once baby comes, I would need big space.

How am I looking???

I'm into my 28th week of my pregnancy. My tummy looks so round and round. I feel
I'm carrying actually triplets one in my tummy and one in my each thighs. I'm putting
on so much, can't even imagine how I look in my 9th month. If I kept this weight gaining
aside, everything else is so good. My face is glowing and I'm asked "what are you doing,
you are looking awesome"! Groovy to hear this...Thanks to my Laddamma :-)

VaraLakshmi Vratam.....

Today is Varalakshmi vratam, very auspicious day. I've planned to do vratam, so did arrangementby in the night before going to sleep. Around 3AM, my husband woke me up (ofcourse that's my daily time to take prenatal tablets) and told that my mom-in-law said I can't do vratam as it's 7th month of pregnancy. Humm...what to do Laddamma now...so I just did puja but not vratam. Prepared simple recipes like payasam and offered fruits and coconut as naivedyam. Today I can see the same proud look in my husband's eyes. He gets this chance only for 5 times a year. So he never misses this opportunity. After performing puja, I take his blessings. He so proudly feels and blesses me with akshintalu and good wishes :) How can I miss that look in his eyes!!
One of my frnd called us for dinner. She has made purnalu and boorelu which are my favorates.
I'm looking forward to it :):)

Excercise during Pregnancy

I found the following links are useful. It may be helpful for you....

Yoga poses:

http://www.prenatalyogacenter.com/cmps_index.php?page=free-yoga-videos

Prenatal DVD:

http://www.amazon.com/Prenatal-Yoga-Shiva-Rea/dp/B0000BYNMH/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t/177-9462155-0636151

During pregnancy, leaving urine sample at every Dr's visit

Everytime you are visiting the doctor, why are you asked to leave your urine sample?

Many of us must be wondering what do they test for. Here's the reason. The urine is
tested for mainly protein and sugar levels. Also, they would check for other infections. Based on protein levels, doctor can tell whether you are affected with Pre-eclampsia which can develop from 20weeks. After 32 weeksn it's not considered critical but before that it's considered to be dangerous and precautions have to be followed. This is the most common of the dangerous pregnancy complications.

Just another Update.....

All of sudden, my little one got so active. I can feel that since yesterday. Big difference. Her kicks are more often and more stronger. I'm telling her daily a story before sleeping. Not sure what she understands but makes me feel good. Today I learned one song for her and going to sing it daily atleast for a week. My GCT test results have come and everything is normal. It's a good news for me because if having Gestational Diabetes is really hard and restrictions on every thing. I've to go for walking daily atleast for 2hrs. Everything else is good. No big surprises or shocks. We are planning to move to a new home to accomodate parents who are going to be with us for the next 2years.
Tomorrow is varalakshmi vratam want to perform puja but didn't keep anything ready.

Third Trimester - 1st Dr's visit

I've dr's appointment today. Last visit, dr. told me that she'll do ultrasound this visit. So I've been waiting for this visit from quite long time. Apart from that, glucose screen test is also planned. Hopefully, don't have any diabetes problems. I've to choose hospital also as my dr. is associated with 2 hospitals, one in Torrance and the other is cedarsinai. I've heard of the second one being good from my collegues. They have delivered babies in this hospital. Also, planned to go for hospital tour this or next weekend. I fought with my husband over this issue. Actually,
got so fraustated seeing his behavior. He doesn't come to ob/gyn, doesn't search for hospital or atleast didn't talk to anyone. The most irritating part is, after seeking suggestions and searching over web, if I decide something, he tries to give some logic for the other option. I just get so irritated here, from the first day, he wouldn't pay attention, as if it's not his issue at all and finally, when decision time comes, that is how it goes. I'm wondering if all the guys are like this or just mine!! I'm just afraid how he's going to handle his new role!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've come from dr's office. So disappointed for not having scan (anxious to see my buddamma)
and also, I've gained 11.5lbs in this month. Nurse couldn't help laughing. Dr. told me not to worry because I've gained whatever I lost in first trimester but cautioned me to check the gain from now on. It shouldn't exceed 1lb per week. So I decided to cut down on rice and potatoes and other carbs. I've chosen cedarsinai hospital for delivery. Also, my visits are changed now. From now on, it's going to be every 3 weeks for twice and then every 2 weeks followed by every week from oct 7th onwards. My due date is coming sooooooooon...These days, our laddamma also getting active and time to follow timings also.
Yet to finish off some other tasks like tickets for my mom, hospital tour, decorating my home to welcome laddamma...

As it's third trimester, I'm reading more now a days from baby center and "What to expect...book. Now, too many questions are pondering my head can I differentiate false and true labor, what happens if I can't breathe properly and my baby gets stuck on the way, whether doctor helps or not, do I get good nurse and otehr medical assistance....though crores of people delivered babies, and ofcourse my mom and in-laws delivered kids at home...I can't even imagine that!! Don't know how they managed. Now I appreciate them lot better for their patience and pains they've taken.

Laddamma, we are waiting for you :):)

My B'day special...

This year my b'day is so special. I'm carrying buddamma! Me and my husband want to celebrate
it in private so didn't invite any friends or pick up any calls during the night. We were just chitchatting, had some lovely talk and dreaming for our baby. My husband is so excited and he's actually very anxious how the baby will be!Most of the time, I'm worried about labor and kid! My husband made this day so special for me. He brought the cake and a musical candle. I've chosen the restaurent for lunch and went for shopping for maternity pillows as my back is aching too much. Officially, I'm into third trimester. So it's usual to have all kinds of pains. We landed up in Walmart, Cerritos for shopping as it's very near to the restaurent. We came across the kids section first, and couldn't resist buying clothes for my baby. More than me, it's my husband who bought a lot for his daughter. This is the first time I've seen him actually shopping something. He hates shopping to his heart, I would say. So much that, I've to buy maternity clothes online. I'm so surprised the way he's shopping for his daughter! Oh my GOD, he loves his daughter so much, and it obviously makes me jealous. Men love their daughters so much and complains about their wives! aah! surprised me alot....So that way, official baby shopping has begun on my b'day. One more good thing we did is we started savings plan (though it's very small, 100$ per month),
good that we started.

TGIF.....

Thank GOD,it's Friday...I'm so waiting for this weekend. Big plans I've planned for portrait. Hey tomorrow is my b'day. Ofcourse this b'day has so much special...my laddamma is growing in me :) Haa! by next b'day, we are 3 and my husband almost waiting for that. Daily he asks, buddamma, how are you growing? He's dreaming a beautiful gal...I'm so jealous of you sometimes. He comments me, his mother, his mother-in-law and sister but you know what he says about you....All the girls are "Tingari" and "Rakshasi" but my daughter is an exceptional
one because I raise her and I still have a chance to bring her up like me... LOL...
You are kicking a lot now a days and it makes me feel happy. Daily I hear to "Narayana mantram" either in the morning or in office.

All this week, I keep hearing complaints about kids mainly from indian and chinese
collegues...and I get so scary. Am I going to raise her properly, is she going to give me tough time..blah blah all these questions kept pondering me. I think you are going to teach me and we together learn new things. It's so amazing whenever I imagine you talking to me or dancing (kuchipudi or Bharata Natyam)!! Ystday, I was seeing a dance show on Zee TV and 3 yr kid dancing for sivastakam/lingastakam and it's awesome. I like dance so much and couldn't learn it so want to see me in you. I think you are going to like it.
Like any other parent, we also have certain plans for you apart from GOD's plans. Hopefully with GOD's grace, you are going to achieve one by one... I booked tickets for my mom, and she's so excited to come here as it's her first visit to US. How long she's going to be happy after coming here....have to wait and see. My father is so resistant to leave his own place and strictly said "NO" to me and sis. He's too far from bargaining so no choice except agreeing to him.

Craving for boorelu........

All of sudden, I remembered "Sajja Boorelu" and want to have it. enta tinalanpistundante ela cheyyalo internet lo recipe chusi steps note chesukunna. Asiafoods (near by indian store) lo sajja pindi dorakaledu, ventane Artesia vellamu deenikosam. Bellam, sajja pindi techukunnam. already time 9.30PM. Aatma Ramudu, kadupu lo gola chestunnadu. Ventane food tinesi repu chesukundam le ani deenangaa chusukuntu velli padukunna. Pchh..tinaleka poyinanduku enta badha vesindo cheppalenu. Amma ikkada vunte enta baagundu anpinchindi. amma gurtochesariki maa aayana mokham chudali..viragabadi navvutunnaru "neeku ee time lo baaga gurtostunde amma" annatlundi aa navvu... naaku aa navvu chuste chirrettukochindi. meeremina chesi pedutunnara.. ledu gaa nene chesukovali, oka vipu office lo pani inko vipu intikochi
ee time lo kooda naa kosam nene chesukovali..ani churachura chustu velli padukunnanu...
appudappudu anpistundi ento jeevitam...andariki dooram gaa vachi nenu sadhistundi enta ani!! oke samadhanam anta dabbu kosame...mari memu face chesina problems pillalu cheyyakoodadu
and atu pillalaki itu parents ki manchi life ivvadaaniki Us raavadam manchi avakaasam anukunna. anduna naa kala neraverchukovadaaniki Bhagavantudu naaku ichina goppa avakasam anukunta. Kaane ikkadikochaka nenu parents ki chesindi takkuve and naa kala kosam nenu kudabettina money kooda takkuve. maa voori school ni adopt chesukovalante enta ledanna
10lacs avutayi.. mari oorilo andaru chaduvukovali ante anta sulabham kaadu kada...

Naa desam ki tirigi vellali kaane vatti chetulatho, chetalatho kaadu naa kala neraverchukuntunna ane garvam tho vellalani.......

Minor issue worried me a lot :)

I just came from Dr's office and so much relieved now. Let me share it :) It's my 25th week of pregnency and from the past 10days, blood mucus is coming out from one of nostrils and
since yesterday, from 2nd one also. I read on net that it's common during pregnancy but somehow worried also thinking what's happening to my baby and me. What happens if something wrong with
me...my mind is full of all these negative thoughts. Talked to my ob/gyn nurse and she asked me to go to general physicial immediately. So called up the one and luckily got the appointment today itself. Doctor checked the nostrils and told not to relieve and it's common because of increase in blood volume and nasal volves becoming sensitive. After hearing this, me and my husband are so much relieved and happy. I touched my baby(just the stomach ofcourse :)) assuring we are safe.

Everyone at home are happy.

24th week:

This weekend was so good. I was very lazy to cook so didn't prepare anything at home. Saturday, Had rice with mango for breakfast and went to Udupi Palace for lunch. Idli, sambar was awesome and ofcourse no place in my stomach for Uttappam which I had to get it packed :)
Did grocery shopping enough for another 1month. Mostly I would go only one more time, after that my mom will be here and she'll take care of that. By 4PM, we were home so tired. Slept for 1hr. We were expecting friends (N,T,L families) around 6.30, so did clean home very quickly. We all had fun time playing cards and watching movie till 12.30AM (I slept by 9.30PM, regular time :)).

Sunday, had samosa for breakfast and slept. Actually, I didn't feel well. So coudln't do much work also. My husband and brother went to Kia showroom to check out the SUV model as the sales person told that the new one is coming for 10k. They didn't like the model so returned. In the mean time, I prepared nice dinner for them. We both went out for walk and talked about our little one. Both of us are awaiting for our little gal. I'm getting tired very quickly now a days. Can't walk for straight 1hour also. Sweating alot and breathing heavily. Moreover, ever since I returned from Florida, suffering from cold, so seeing differences. After walk, took some rest and had dinner, I went to sleep since have to go back to work next day. I decided to go for walk daily
in the morning as well as in evening.

So far I'm enjoying my time in pregnancy. I wish my parents are here with me. My husband and brother are taking good care of me. Though sometimes I do get frustated with their actions and words, it's manageable. No complaints. Thank GOD to be with us.
Only one issue is worrying me alot. Beelding in one of my nostrils. I first thought it's because of picking up the nose, so I avoided it. Still I'm seeing the bloody mucus from almost 10days. I searched for it over net and relieved a bit. It may be because of dryness or not drinking enough water. I've decided to use humidifer (my husband bought long time back) and drink more water may be 4ltrs. Want to see how it goes for the next week. In the mean time called up the nurse
but no response. Have to try tomorrow also. My husband finally took dr's appointment for his hair problem.

A day at work......

Today I felt so tired and drowsy that I went to our game room in office and slept for 20mins. Now I feel so relaxed. Buddamma, you kick a lot when I lay down after having food. I imagine as
if you are playing. How are you doing dear today? Tomorrow is weekend. I've so many plans. Last weekend, I wasn't home (went to Florida for Dhruv's Naamakaranam function) so lot of work is in pending. By this weekend, I'll complete all the basic home work and will start shopping for you from next weekend onwards. I'm yet to write down what all to buy so that we are not rushing in hurry at the end. By the time your ammamma comes, everything will be setup and once you show the signs of coming out, will rush to hospital :)...
I'm very worried about the labor pain. Don't know how I'll handle it. Your dad doesn't dare to come inside the hospital also. For regular checkups itself, my sweet husband looks for a reason to avoid. And think of delivery. You and I are going to be together.
GOD is always with us.

Hey buddamma, I already prepared a list of ornaments for you. After seeing the list, can you guess your dad's reaction? "ee list neeka leka budamma kaa...naa bangaram ki bangarame avasaram ledata" hehehe...manam vadultama Nanna ni.... oka 2yrs kaanivvu Daddy
nunchi lakkunne scheme veseddam :-)

My little Gal, so awesome..:-)

Laddamma (neeku nenu pettina peru)
You are doing great. Now you know when you are hungry, want to sleep or dance. So awesome. In the night if I'm in deep sleep, you do wake me up by your soft and amazing kicks. I feel like
as if you are telling me "amma, milk". I immediately get up and have something even in
mid night also. You know yesterday, I forgot to drink milk while going to bed and you woke me up around 4.30AM in the morning. I had pomogranate juice (which your dad brought thinking that it's good for you :)) and sapota (bought these in Florida). But ofcourse you kept only some part and threw the rest in the morning when I'm brushing. You react so well to "Narayana chants" which I listen in the office hours. You always react to your dad's voice. Daily, he would say, "buddamma (neeku daddy pettina peru), this is daddy, I luv u so much"... Your dad has so many plans for you. He wants to take you for trips, and swimming.

Your grand parents keep guessing for your features after seeing the ultrasound pictures which I'll show you later. Your nanamma, tatayya and dad feel that you got tummala's nose (which is
long and straight)...

You look so amazing. All of my friends have given many compliments and wishes to you (seeing the wall paper on my office monitor).

Maa bangaaram, nuvvu baaga peragaali. Andari blessings neeku vunnayi.....

Luv
amma

Dr's appointment - 23rd week

It's been long time since I updated the activities. Today is my dr's appointment. Can you believe
it's already 23weeks. Oh my God! we are almost completed half the cycle and days are rolling by so
fast. I started feeling my baby kicks from 19th week onwards. You know my little girl, first kicks
used to be like pop corn or just the bubbles. Later from 20th week onwards, kicks are stronger and
everytime you used to kick, the feeling is simply "GREAT". Ofcourse your dad can't still feel it
when he touches. I think that's the GOd's gift to moms :). I lay down to feel your bumps and
dancing. I do imagine as if you are dancing or swimming, all imaginery. Last night I had a dream
and it's very touchy you know. Your dad, mama and ani(vadina's son) have gone to Lake Tohoe to
spend the weekend. I didn't join them because can't travel for such long hours and moreover I've to
clean home and should start preparing things to welcome you. I changed the bed, pooja room,and
cleaned up the mess. I couldn't complete all the work which I've planned, will do it next to next
week because this weekend (Jul 4th) going to Florida to see your cousins (Dhruv & Arjun).I'm yet
to put bamboo and plants. After doing all the home work, I'm so tired because it was already 1.30AM
and your dad haven't reached home. I was listening to carnatac melodies and slept. I had very sound
sleep and this dream in the morning time. I can see holding you in my arms.
I went to work and forgot to give you milk. In the evening I remembered that and rushed home saw you
sleeping. Scared to my death, I tried to wake you up but you were so deep in sleep and trying to
give milk so put the nipple in the nose first. To my surprise you were not drinking (see I'm such a
fool) realized I didn't give the milk to mouth! Corrected my mistake and you are happily drinking
milk and once you are done, you got up and started playing. I took you to different places and
you didn't like anything. But when you saw gold shop, you wanted to rush to it. Hahaha... thought
my little one likes gold shopping so much!
After getting up also,I somehow felt as if I'm still holding you and it's so touchy! I looked over
the calender and calculted that I've to wait for 4more months and smiled to myself.
I had this dr's appointment at 1PM. Dr. has checked your heart rate and took measurements using a tape
and said that you are doing great. That makes me feel so relieved and happy. Nurse gave me the
instructions to follow to take the glucose screening test. All my previous blood test reports look
awesome. I pray GOD that you grow good and healthy. "Oh GOD! please bless my little one".

With God's grace, you will be happy and lucky. This is all what I hope for.

hurrah! I completed my 1st TriMester...

Today I got up and checked the calender. Checked it again, counted the days again and again. Yeah it's true, I completed my first trimester. I'm so happy. I relaxed in sofa and thought how good these days were. Actually, for most of the time, I felt horrible, helpless. Thank GOD, I'm able to passthru this.

Happy journey would begin now. I've heard 2nd trimester is the most beautiful time. So I decided to go for some shopping and buy new shirts and comfortable pants (they already saying NO to me).

I'm planning to go for some trips also, short ones only. My husband is passionate about traveling. He's so passionate that he can't imagine staying home for 2 continuous weekends. But all these days, he spared him time for me. He cooked food (which he hardly does), cleaned, showed patience in my hard time. He's also counting down days for 2nd trimester so that he can hand over all the tasks to me :). Daily we talk to baby for 5 to 10minutes atleast. I think the baby as boy and him as a gal. I can see love in his eyes for the baby. Oh my GOD! Is this the same guy who tease me all the time? When it comes to his daughter, he's already possessive about her. He would imagine as if the baby is in his hands and hold her tightly. He put her to sleep, tells stories, take her to trips and long drives.

God is simply great. Now I'm appreciating my mother (more than earlier) for her patience in giving life and raising us.

By the way, I call my baby with name "Adhrit" and my husband as "Nirupama". This one name is not constant. We do call the baby with different names daily. Like Maruthi, Prasanna, Neha... list goes on.

FirstDays

Me and my husband are so happy to hear the news. Our little one is coming sooooooon.....
Not so soon though. Have to wait for 9months :)
The very next day, shared the news with my family members, parents and in-laws. Tons of suggestions followed. Everyone is talking of their grand one!
For 2 weeks i.e. till 6th week, I didn't have any reaction except dizziness and getting tired soon. For all these days, I kept hearing experiences from my sister and friends. I was wondering whether my baby is doing fine because I didn't see any of these!
From 7th week onwards, vomittings are started. These are so severe that I hardly can keep anything including water. I tried to taste different food but hate everything. Rice smell is so strong, and fruits and vegetables are also added to my aversion list.

Most of the time, I kept eating chapathi with Amla or mango pickle, green mango with salt and chilli powder. Tried to drink glucose water for most of the time. 2 weeks are passed by.
10th week, don't have mood for chapathi. So started sona masoori rice with pickles.

I kept taking prenatal vitamins (though changed many, finally settled to one brand :))
My doctor prescribed Calcium and Usana Omega 3 tablets too. But most of the time, I'm not taking these.