So I had some routine bloodwork done last week and they called back yesterday to tell me that I am oh-fee-shully anemic. HELLO!! This is, of course, information that would have been helpful several weeks/months ago, but it's apparently something they just check for at 34-35 weeks. Hmmm. Even though I've said I'm extra tired, I feel weak, I can't breathe, I generally feel unwell, my head aches excessively, etc., etc.
I did insist on checking my thyroid levels a while back because some of the symptoms are similar and I have a history, but they were normal. Anyway...just seems like SOMEONE would have thought of this earlier - there have been times that I've been borderline anemic, even not pregnant.
I must say I am strangely happy that I actually have a physiological problem instead of just feeling like a hypochondriac pregnant lady. Now I just have to stomach the GIGANTIC iron supplement pills they prescribed...We're talking larger than horse size. And oh, what iron can do to a system. I shudder to think...But with any luck, I'll perk right up and be running a marathon in six weeks. Or giving birth. Same diff.
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But here are some lighter current events at our house...
Calvin told a little girl today that his dad was losing all his hair. She asked, "Why is he?!" and seemed really concerned. To which Calvin replied with a shrug, "He's just getting to be an old man. It's what happens to people."
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David is trying to get the boys to say what they think about various names for the brother baby. After several silly suggestions were shot down, he ventured, "Well, what do you think about George?" And Henry answered, "No...but wha-bout Man Wif the Yellow Hat? I yike dat name."
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The "Keep Out" man strikes again. This time without my noticing until I sat down to add something on a page of my "to-do" notebook.
I started laughing and just shaking my head when I saw it, because he's evolving in his adorableness. Notice the deep frown and reaching, desperate hands...
And then to top it off, Calvin came over while I was looking at it and said, "Mom? Are you crying? Because your eyes are shining."
I'm just trying to decide now if I should continue confiscating writing utensils, or wait and see where the little guy turns up next.
12 comments:
I remember during my second pregnancy (oh, so long ago) I was supposed to take those giant iron pills. They were so horrible smelling that I would begin to gag before I even could throw it in my mouth and follow it with water. And they were so huge I couldn't swallow them if I tried. So I told the doctor I wasn't going to take them. Fun times.
I'm really glad you've found the reason for the tiredness, though.
I'm thinking you should just wait to see where he shows up next time. As the years progress, the "Keep-Out Man" too, will change and progress. It could become a family icon.
Make them check your iron levels after the birth too. I didn't know to do that with my first, and was almost at transfusion levels by the time they finally checked. I just thought that's how it felt to have recently given birth. I kept asking other mothers why they ever did this more than once. They started me on iron in the hospital with the second, and I wasn't nearly as bad.
If you really have trouble swallowing those iron pills, find a Watkin's dealer. Watkin's makes this tonic (liquid) that is VERY high in iron, and it is much easier to take a dose of that than to swallow a big pill. (It doesn't taste too bad either.)
How about making a pad of paper available to him on your desk? Tell the "Keep-Out Man", that he can draw on it as much as he likes, but if he draws on anything else on your desk he loses his pad of paper.
I'm always borderline anemic, too and pregnancy almost always pushes me over the edge. I find that after months of taking prescription and/or high-end iron supplements, it barely makes a difference in my blood levels. One or two pregnancies ago, my midwife had me take Floradix which is a liquid based from plants and herbs that are high in iron. It absorbs into the blood more easily and faster than the pills because it's iron still in somewhat of it's natural form, not completely extracted from the foods. It tastes sweet but I still don't really like the taste after the first few doses so I just pour it into some grape juice and I'm good to go.
Good luck feeling better.
I love keep out man. My son did the same thing with a marching man. It evolved to where marching man was dreaming of marching. Just think of them as decorations for your notebook =)
Oh please don't confiscate the writing utensils! Just think every time you look at your notebook you will get to think how much you love your boy.
Good luck with the iron pills, hope they do the trick. It stinks to feel wiped out all the time.
I hope the iron does wonders for you! Love Keep-Out Man. Too cute.
One word: colace. :)
I hope the horse pills help you perk right up. I have battled anemia before and it is not very pleasant. Eat more red meat :)!!
I love Calvin and all of his sayings and drawings!
We missed you at Bloggy Lunch today! I wish you lived closer.
Keep-out Man rocks! I love the perspective, the hands and the face.
So, “Man Wif the Yellow Hat”. That is also a very nice name :) Of course then the baby would only be allowed to wear yellow hats.
Take yo' pills :P
The long, splayed fingers and frown are terrific--such minimalism conveying such emotion :)
Love "keep out man"!! My son took a magic marker and signed his name EVERYWHERE...it is still fun to find them. He also would draw arrows in a line from point A-B??? Keep writing tools out is my vote!
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