So I had my weekly appointment with my obstetrician today and it went well. The baby is growing, his heart rate is OK, my blood pressure and weight are OK and the fetal monitoring results are all right. It looks like I'll have to do the fetal monitoring every time I come in now, though.
The big news from the appointment is that we have decided to schedule an early cesarean section. Because of the high-risk nature of the pregnancy, the surgery will take place shortly after I am full term - between Week 37 and Week 38. So, unless I experience any more complications that will result in me going back to Labor and Delivery sooner, the baby will be delivered on Thursday, September 20!
I guess we better pick a name soon.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Moody? Who, me?
Self-observations during Week 33 of this pregnancy:
1. I'm hot.
2. I'm huge.
3. I'm crabby.
This past week was a rough one. For a few days, the temperature was around 95 degrees. And we don't have air conditioning. Being pregnant, I'm already a furnace so it was a pretty uncomfortable week for me. My sleep schedule was completely insane.
I am also pretty ginormous now. I am starting to resemble Violet Beauregarde from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. (She was the bratty kid who ate a piece of gum that caused her to turn into a large blueberry.)
By the way, for all of you out there who insist on providing color commentary on my girth, folks, I *know* that I am huge. I have been tracking my physical transformation quite closely. So there's no need to inform me that I am big. I already know that. Also, women generally don't like to be told that they are huge, whether or not they are pregnant.
I guess it goes without saying that I've been pretty cranky this week. I hope next week is better.
1. I'm hot.
2. I'm huge.
3. I'm crabby.
This past week was a rough one. For a few days, the temperature was around 95 degrees. And we don't have air conditioning. Being pregnant, I'm already a furnace so it was a pretty uncomfortable week for me. My sleep schedule was completely insane.
I am also pretty ginormous now. I am starting to resemble Violet Beauregarde from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. (She was the bratty kid who ate a piece of gum that caused her to turn into a large blueberry.)
By the way, for all of you out there who insist on providing color commentary on my girth, folks, I *know* that I am huge. I have been tracking my physical transformation quite closely. So there's no need to inform me that I am big. I already know that. Also, women generally don't like to be told that they are huge, whether or not they are pregnant.
I guess it goes without saying that I've been pretty cranky this week. I hope next week is better.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Major Exhibit and Anthology Release by Premiere Arts Organization Honors Women Who Inspired Them
Here's a press release for the Asian American women artists anthology that features an essay I wrote. I wish I could be in San Francisco for the launch party!
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CHEERING THEIR MUSES!
Major Exhibit and Anthology Release by Premiere Arts Organization Honors Women Who Inspired Them
Contact: Anh-Hoa Thi Nguyen 510-763-1313, Ext. 424 or poetesshoa@yahoo.com
For Immediate Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Please join the Asian American Women Artists Association (AAWAA) in celebrating the arrival of their latest creation, an anthology titled “Cheers to Muses: Contemporary Works by Asian American Women”, with a reception at the Chinese Culture Center gallery, where an exhibit of the same name displays work from over 30 different Asian American women visual artists and writers from the book.
Come and view the exhibit, which closes August 25, and help us celebrate the completion of this groundbreaking work – and our newly acquired 501(c)3 status! (More details below.)
CHEERS TO AAWAA!
Cheers to Muses Anthology Release Party
WHEN: August 17, 2007, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Chinese Culture Center, 750 Kearny Street, 3rd Floor
Hilton Hotel, San Francisco Chinatown
Cheers to Muses Exhibition: June 15-August 25; Gallery Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-4 p.m.
ABOUT THE ANTHOLOGY
Cheers to Muses: Contemporary Works by Asian American Women consists of 128 pages richly illustrated with 46 color plates. Featuring 64 artists and 77 visual and literary works by artists ranging in age from 14 to 85. (Paperback; $24.95 list price; ISBN-10: 0-9787359-0-0; ISBN-13: 978-0-9787359-0-6) Orders: http://www.aawaa.net/
- 64 artists and 77 visual and literary works are featured.
- Selected artists and writers range in age from 14 to 85.
- Contributors’ ancestries can be traced to more than 35 countries, including Burma, China, Germany, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the United States.
- Muses include artists Ruth Asawa and Yoko Ono; architect Maya Lin; writer Maxine Hong-Kingston; political activist Yuri Kochiyama; film director Mira Nair; actresses Anna May Wong and Nancy Kwan; and golfer Michelle Wie; as well as a mother, a flower-arranger, and a waitress/cook.
- Three contributors – installations artist Dawn Nakanishi; editor and writer Roshni Rustomji; and artist and AAWAA co-founder, Flo Oy Wong – are themselves cited as muses by others.
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT:
Curated by Cynthia Tom, the exhibit features selected art and written word from Cheers to Muses', visual art varying in media and dimension, fictional and biographic narratives, and poetry.
In addition to the work of dynamic artists and writers currently working in the field, the exhibit as well as the anthology also includes moving dedications written by the contributors to non-familial Asian American women whose lives or works have influenced and inspired their own. Both the exhibit and the anthology support AAWAA's mission to produce thought-provoking projects that challenge, inspire, and interpret the work of Asian American women artists. Founded in 1989, AAWAA promotes the visibility of Bay Area Asian American women artists through programs that exhibit, interpret, publish, and document their work. For more information on AAWAA, visit http://www.aawaa.net/
ANNOUNCING OFFICIAL 501(c)3 STATUS
The Asian American Women Artists Association is happy to announce that they are now a 501(c)3 organization. Effective immediately, you can donate and make payments directly to AAWAA. (Please make checks out to AAWAA.) Donations will be tax-deductible to the extent of the law. AAWAA thanks Intersection for the Arts for being their fiscal sponsor for the past two years.
This new status marks the beginning of another level of growth for AAWAA, which has recently risen dramatically in visibility and programming. Now that they are an official non-profit, they will need more board and advisory board members as well as financial support. AAWAA invites you to get involved at this exciting time and help this important organization grow and prosper.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHEERING THEIR MUSES!
Major Exhibit and Anthology Release by Premiere Arts Organization Honors Women Who Inspired Them
Contact: Anh-Hoa Thi Nguyen 510-763-1313, Ext. 424 or poetesshoa@yahoo.com
For Immediate Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Please join the Asian American Women Artists Association (AAWAA) in celebrating the arrival of their latest creation, an anthology titled “Cheers to Muses: Contemporary Works by Asian American Women”, with a reception at the Chinese Culture Center gallery, where an exhibit of the same name displays work from over 30 different Asian American women visual artists and writers from the book.
Come and view the exhibit, which closes August 25, and help us celebrate the completion of this groundbreaking work – and our newly acquired 501(c)3 status! (More details below.)
CHEERS TO AAWAA!
Cheers to Muses Anthology Release Party
WHEN: August 17, 2007, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Chinese Culture Center, 750 Kearny Street, 3rd Floor
Hilton Hotel, San Francisco Chinatown
Cheers to Muses Exhibition: June 15-August 25; Gallery Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-4 p.m.
ABOUT THE ANTHOLOGY
Cheers to Muses: Contemporary Works by Asian American Women consists of 128 pages richly illustrated with 46 color plates. Featuring 64 artists and 77 visual and literary works by artists ranging in age from 14 to 85. (Paperback; $24.95 list price; ISBN-10: 0-9787359-0-0; ISBN-13: 978-0-9787359-0-6) Orders: http://www.aawaa.net/
- 64 artists and 77 visual and literary works are featured.
- Selected artists and writers range in age from 14 to 85.
- Contributors’ ancestries can be traced to more than 35 countries, including Burma, China, Germany, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the United States.
- Muses include artists Ruth Asawa and Yoko Ono; architect Maya Lin; writer Maxine Hong-Kingston; political activist Yuri Kochiyama; film director Mira Nair; actresses Anna May Wong and Nancy Kwan; and golfer Michelle Wie; as well as a mother, a flower-arranger, and a waitress/cook.
- Three contributors – installations artist Dawn Nakanishi; editor and writer Roshni Rustomji; and artist and AAWAA co-founder, Flo Oy Wong – are themselves cited as muses by others.
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT:
Curated by Cynthia Tom, the exhibit features selected art and written word from Cheers to Muses', visual art varying in media and dimension, fictional and biographic narratives, and poetry.
In addition to the work of dynamic artists and writers currently working in the field, the exhibit as well as the anthology also includes moving dedications written by the contributors to non-familial Asian American women whose lives or works have influenced and inspired their own. Both the exhibit and the anthology support AAWAA's mission to produce thought-provoking projects that challenge, inspire, and interpret the work of Asian American women artists. Founded in 1989, AAWAA promotes the visibility of Bay Area Asian American women artists through programs that exhibit, interpret, publish, and document their work. For more information on AAWAA, visit http://www.aawaa.net/
ANNOUNCING OFFICIAL 501(c)3 STATUS
The Asian American Women Artists Association is happy to announce that they are now a 501(c)3 organization. Effective immediately, you can donate and make payments directly to AAWAA. (Please make checks out to AAWAA.) Donations will be tax-deductible to the extent of the law. AAWAA thanks Intersection for the Arts for being their fiscal sponsor for the past two years.
This new status marks the beginning of another level of growth for AAWAA, which has recently risen dramatically in visibility and programming. Now that they are an official non-profit, they will need more board and advisory board members as well as financial support. AAWAA invites you to get involved at this exciting time and help this important organization grow and prosper.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Emotional rollercoaster = insomnia
I can't sleep. It's 5:30 a.m. and I'm still wide awake.
The pregnancy complications have been taking a major toll on my emotions. The modified bed rest order means I have to be off my feet as much as possible. And without being able to be physically active, I'm moody and restless a lot. Plus, I don't feel tired when most people do; I do feel tired when most people are wide awake. I'm getting huge and it's been really hot lately, too, so put it all together and I'm one big, crabby mess.
I wish there were something better to watch on TV late at night (or early morning). Infomercials are horrible.
The pregnancy complications have been taking a major toll on my emotions. The modified bed rest order means I have to be off my feet as much as possible. And without being able to be physically active, I'm moody and restless a lot. Plus, I don't feel tired when most people do; I do feel tired when most people are wide awake. I'm getting huge and it's been really hot lately, too, so put it all together and I'm one big, crabby mess.
I wish there were something better to watch on TV late at night (or early morning). Infomercials are horrible.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Labor and delivery - part deux
I had to go to Labor and Delivery on Friday again. This time, I was working from home when I noticed a little of bleeding, so I called my OB-GYN to let him know. He said to go to the hospital and that he'd tell his partner on call to expect me. Like last time, I called my dad to make arrangements for Nico to stay with my parents in case we would be tied up at the hospital. It's a good thing my dad works right next to University Hospitals!
This time, instead of staying for a few hours and going home, I was told I'd have to stay at least overnight. While I was in the triage area, I had to undergo urine and blood tests again. The charge nurse hooked me up with belts to monitor the baby's heart beat and uterine contractions, just like last time. This time, though, she also stuck an IV plug in my wrist in case I'd need to be administered medication. She said there was a chance I'd have to take steroids to develop the baby's lungs if the doctors decided to deliver. Deliver? I wasn't ready for that possibility. A few people asked me a bunch of questions I wasn't prepared to answer: Do I have a living will? Do we want to circumcise the baby? Do I want my tubes tied after delivery?
After the tests came back, I was admitted into the High Risk ward and given a private room. It was nicer than being in the triage area, but still demoralizing to have to be there. I wasn't allowed to get up except to go to the bathroom. I ate three hospital meals during my stay (sugar-free chocolate pudding is kinda gross).
On Saturday, I had a little more spotting so I had to stay longer than I hoped. I missed Nico's last swim lesson of the season - Vic had to take him without me. Nico also had a Big Brother-to-Be class at the hospital, just a floor away from me, but I was still supposed to stay put, so I missed that too. After his class, Vic and Nico came to my room and Nico had fun elevating and lowering my hospital bed. That kid loves to push my buttons, literally!
Finally, I was allowed to go home, so Nico was happy to wheel me out in the wheelchair. I don't know why I wasn't allowed to walk out on my own, but I guess it's hospital policy.
It was great to be out of the hospital. Even though I was only there for 24 hours, it felt much longer than that. I'm so tired of CNN Headline News and Sudoku!
This time, instead of staying for a few hours and going home, I was told I'd have to stay at least overnight. While I was in the triage area, I had to undergo urine and blood tests again. The charge nurse hooked me up with belts to monitor the baby's heart beat and uterine contractions, just like last time. This time, though, she also stuck an IV plug in my wrist in case I'd need to be administered medication. She said there was a chance I'd have to take steroids to develop the baby's lungs if the doctors decided to deliver. Deliver? I wasn't ready for that possibility. A few people asked me a bunch of questions I wasn't prepared to answer: Do I have a living will? Do we want to circumcise the baby? Do I want my tubes tied after delivery?
After the tests came back, I was admitted into the High Risk ward and given a private room. It was nicer than being in the triage area, but still demoralizing to have to be there. I wasn't allowed to get up except to go to the bathroom. I ate three hospital meals during my stay (sugar-free chocolate pudding is kinda gross).
On Saturday, I had a little more spotting so I had to stay longer than I hoped. I missed Nico's last swim lesson of the season - Vic had to take him without me. Nico also had a Big Brother-to-Be class at the hospital, just a floor away from me, but I was still supposed to stay put, so I missed that too. After his class, Vic and Nico came to my room and Nico had fun elevating and lowering my hospital bed. That kid loves to push my buttons, literally!
Finally, I was allowed to go home, so Nico was happy to wheel me out in the wheelchair. I don't know why I wasn't allowed to walk out on my own, but I guess it's hospital policy.
It was great to be out of the hospital. Even though I was only there for 24 hours, it felt much longer than that. I'm so tired of CNN Headline News and Sudoku!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Call for baby item recommendations
It's been a while since we had a brand new baby to care for, so by now, no doubt, baby gear has probably changed quite a bit. Vic hopes that at the very least, what he refers to as "diaper technology" has improved in the last five years. He wonders why no one has yet to patent a diaper onesie, given the number of diaper blowouts Nico used to have. The worst was one time when Nico's poo exploded up his backside clear up to his hair. So it would be great if the Pampers people (are you listening, Jon Virgi?) would develop a diaper turtleneck bodysuit.
Anyhow, I'm hoping to get suggestions on "must haves" for the new baby. I'm seven months pregnant now, so I'd like to start preparing the nursery and getting things in order. Any ideas?
Anyhow, I'm hoping to get suggestions on "must haves" for the new baby. I'm seven months pregnant now, so I'd like to start preparing the nursery and getting things in order. Any ideas?
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