It's been a while! No time for excuses. How about we just do a real quick catch up and then dive back in.
Catch-up number one:
John finished residency!
Graduation!
Catch-up number two, probably evident in the picture above:
We're having a baby! It's a boy! I'm due in early November.
(Freddie wasn't supposed to be in this picture, but his face and attitude just crack me up.)
So far everything's gone pretty well. I was pretty sick again at the beginning. I wasn't sick much at all with Desmond, so I'd hoped that would continue! But this time I felt horrible. I kept thinking it was by far the worst, but probably it was about the same as with Freddie, just with toddlers thrown into the mix this time.
But now that's all mercifully fading away in the distance. These days it's hip and pelvic pain that gets me down. I've been going to a chiropractor, which helps, but not as much as I wish it did. If anybody has any other tips for dealing with pelvic girdle pain (SUCH an attractive phrase), I'm open to hearing them! But I don't think I can handle wearing any extra brace or anything right now. No extra layers for me, because I can hardly handle the heat as it is, since…
Catch-up number three: We moved to Georgia! John is stationed at an Army hospital just outside Augusta.
We got here a month ago, and are getting settled pretty well. We got a house on post, a serious answer to prayer. It was what we really wanted for a variety of reasons, but I also was feeling the clock ticking and hoping to avoid moving in my third trimester this time (reminder: last time I moved at 36 weeks from Houston to DC while John stayed in Houston to ).
As we neared the end of our second St. Joseph novena, we were living in a hotel and had almost given up; we got a call that a house was available, in the neighborhood we wanted, less than a mile from the hospital, and ready to move in! The truck arrived with all our things on the last day of the novena, and three days before I hit my third trimester.
My friend Cristina, a Navy wife with a whole bunch of moves under her belt, once said that they give themselves two weeks to get everything in the house unpacked and set up. I knew I had to have a goal like that–especially with being pregnant, and because John had a bit of time before starting work. Gotta make hay while the sun shines!
To be clear–since this is an official military-ordered move (called a PCS, or permanent change of station), we had movers supplied by the Army. They moved everything in off the truck, set up rugs and furniture, and unpacked some boxes (I had them unpack the kitchen, with me directing where to put things, though of course I've rearranged everything since then because who can make good kitchen flow decisions under that kind of pressure?!).
(We also had packers on the front end of things. Let me tell you. Full service moves are a wonderful thing! I am grateful for this aspect of military life.)
One week in, all boxes empty! Radio flyer not for sale.
Very helpful helpers.
We didn't quite make it in two weeks–I was unexpectedly unable to walk for a few days (see #2) and John was unexpectedly on call–but we got everything unpacked and put away within ten days and pictures on the walls within the month. Of course we still have plenty to organize and make just how we like it, as we figure out the flow of our new house. We have a screened-in patio to furnish! The kitchen has so many cabinets I don't know what to do with them! And, tragically, there's not really a good use for my beloved Hoosier cabinet (not getting rid of it).
The way I see it, with moving around frequently, we need to get into a place where we can continue our normal lives as quickly as possible. Being pregnant makes it that much more crucial: on the one hand, I'm running out of steam; on the other hand, I want to have time for fun nesting projects, rather than boring, where-should-the-filing-cabinet-go projects.
Now we're set to make our home our own, and to explore our new surroundings.
Anybody want to be my friend? I started a new Saint Gregory's Pocket!
If you're not in Augusta, but are looking for new friends, be sure to check out the Pocket pages! There have been a bunch of new pockets lately, including in Louisiana, Delaware, and Ohio. A friend is interested in starting one in Berkeley, CA — let us know if you are there! Now is a great time to see what's around you, revive something that has maybe died down a bit, or start a new pocket of your own!
With the Pockets, we aren't selling anything or signing anyone up for anything. This is simply a way for you to take your online world and make it a reality right where you are! Remember that the group admin for your Pocket (maybe you!) is truly just administrative for the actual group, which has its informational presence on Facebook.
Anybody in the Pocket can always suggest an event and get things going! An idea to get started: the feast of St. Gregory is on Sunday, September third — a perfect opportunity for a family picnic in a park or even just having people over for coffee and donuts after church!
Sarah says
Sorry you’re hurting! I had pelvic girdle pain with my last pregnancy and am a physical therapist and highly recommend the Serola SI belt. My daughter was born in July in SC so I understand about the heat, but for me it was the difference between being able to function or sitting around and hurting all the time. It made a huge difference!
Heather says
I had symphysis pubic dysfunction with my last three pregnancies. What I have found works wonders for me is lecithin. Now, I am not any kind of medical person, but my understanding is that sometimes our pregnant bodies make too much relaxin, or our joints react to it too well, and the result is a too loose and painful pelvis. The lecithin acts to tighten up the joints a little, just enough to keep you comfortable. To get the lecithin there are capsules available (soy or egg lecithin) but I generally just try to make sure I am eating at least two eggs a day, only taking an egg lecithin capsule if I didn’t eat any eggs in a day. Eggs are very good for the developing baby anyway. Now, if your discomfort arises from a different source, then this may not help. I hope this does help someone though. Good luck!
Sukie says
This is interesting! I do eat a lot of eggs normally but then sometimes have an aversion to them while pregnant. I will look into this. Thank you!!
Kelly says
Congratulations on all the happy news! It must be a breath of fresh air to have made it through residency!
I had horrible pelvic girdle pain with my first, but not with my second. While I don’t know if was merely that it was a different pregnancy or that I did something different, well, who can say? I did notice it was worse when I wore boots (boo!). I also did some exercises from T Tapp (the basic 15 minute workout and the 15 minute broom workout- not all on one day, though), minus the Hoe Downs (yucky with girdle pain in the first pregnancy), and that seemed to help some. It might be worth a google search!
If I lived in Georgia, I’d be in your Pocket! I would love to be your friend!
God bless you!
Elizabeth says
Wow! Sukie! Now that’s a whole lot of catching up! I have been thinking about you… wondering how life with 2 active little boys is for you. And not only is there a third under way, but also did you move! I do understand why you have been very quiet on this blog :). Wonderful to hear all your news and congratulations on baby boy number three!
libbyjane says
Congratulations! The yoga and dance from Amira’s dvd for pregnancy and birth (minus the spiritual parts) really helped me.
I would love to see pictures of your Hoosier cabinet!
Cami says
Sukie, we are moving to CT this week and I’m interested in the NE CT pocket but I don’t use Facebook. How can I connect with them? Also please pray for our move. Not military so lots of doing it ourselves with 4 littles running around. Trying to decide to ship a car or not.
Additionally, congrats on all your news! Working on keeping a strong pelvic floor has helped with some of the pain your describe. It’s often just a matter of reminding myself to “hold it up” to keep it strong during pregnancy.
Sukie says
Thanks! I’ve been doing the Mutu system to work on core/pelvic floor strength, and it really helps a lot with plenty of things, but this is more like my joints just…slide out of whack, because of all the crazy hormones, added, weight, etc. Sigh. I think the main solution is to deliver. 🙂
You can get in touch with the CT group at this email address: StGregsPocketNortheastCT [at] gmail [dot] com. All the best with your move!
Adele says
Keeping a strong pelvic floor is important but it is your whole pelvis that needs to be strong. I imagine mutu works on alot of the muscles around your pelvis as well but in case it doesn’t that is more helpful than pelvic floor if you are hyper mobile. It might be worth while to ask for a physical therapist visit (just one) to get exercises that will help keep your pelvic girdle together (assuming it isn’t sciatic pain). Being on top of pelvic muscle tone at the beginning of pregnancy (which is so easy while throwing up) is really helpful in avoiding pain later in the pregnancy. My mom is a physical therapist and has been putting me back to together for years when I fail (even for one day) to do my exercises. It is also worth mentioning that any kind of female only dance (like hula or belly dancing) are also great movement for keeping everything in our backs and pelvises where they ought to be.
Kelsey says
Many many congratulations!!!
I had a good deal of pelvic pain this past pregnancy (my third) that I didn’t deal with the first two times. The chiropractor was very helpful, but I had to go every week. So was a belly splint – though I know you said you don’t want one!
Perhaps you could see a physical therapist? A PT helped me tremendously with sciatica issues, to the point that I had NO SCIATICA this pregnancy, which was a miracle! Sitting on a yoga ball was helpful for what I did deal with, (though it was somewhat of a nightmare with the toddlers). Another thing to consider is if you might have pelvic varicose veins, which I have mercifully not dealt with yet, but I know people who have and, once again, compression is the way to go for immediate relief.
Unfortunately, I think it’s difficult to truly address any of these things in the third trimester. I’m hoping I can work on strength and alignment now, in between pregnancies, because the pain is no joke!
libbyjane says
Katie Bowman’s book Diastasis Recti is also very good.
Sukie says
Thanks, Kelsey! I’ve been doing the Mutu system and didn’t have any separation when I got pregnant. A belly splint would probably help, so maybe if it ever cools down I’ll look into that! Right now being hot also makes me very nauseated, so it’s a matter of picking my poison. Anyway, I do think that proper alignment helps a ton and I’ve tried to be so conscious of that since the moment I got pregnant. I guess things just slip out of line so easily while pregnant!
Megan says
Congrats! Moving is never easy (I should have had the movers unpack our boxes…it has been two weeks and I am still trying to unpack it all). We just moved to the D.C. area from the Last Frontier into our seventh home.
I found getting on all fours and rocking my hips back and forth helped. Squatting every time when picking up anything and not sitting in those lovely cushiony chairs, but straight back chairs helped.
Congrats again and I hope all continue to goes smoothly as your near the arrival of your baby.
Sukie says
Thanks! Good luck with unpacking! The thing with the movers is that they unpack SO FAST. They just want to get home, you know? I wouldn’t want them doing that with every box, because then you’d just have stuff everywhere, but for the kitchen it was great.
Serena says
Yay! An update from Sukie! Thank you for checking in and letting us know what has been going on. I love getting all the news : ).
My last two pregnancies I suffered from sciatica pain and found wearing a under-the-belly band helpful, although I know you are so hot there, especially being pregnant! My last pregnancy was with twins and I invested in a support band that literally went over my shoulders, crisscrossed my back, and under the giant belly I was sporting. It was not easy to get on lol but it gave new meaning to the phrase “gird your loins”! I did find some of the prenatal yoga positions helpful, but for getting around during the day with my toddlers I had to have the support band.
Congratulations on your new baby!! So happy for ya’ll!
Sukie says
Thanks! “Gird your loins”–haha, that does sound very intense! Once it cools down a little I think I’ll be able to consider a support band. 🙂
B says
Some mom’s like belly wrapping with a ring sling or woven wrap or similar fabric – there’s YouTube videos. I really wanted to do pregnancy massage with a structural integration person last time but didn’t manage – that’s kmi, Hellerwork or rolfing iirc. I’ve also heard about Maya Massage or pelvic floor physical therapy. Good luck, I ended up needing to walk with a cane at the end of my last pregnancy, and shift seats every hour or less.
jkuebbing says
Sukie, congrats on everything! I too had terrible pelvic girdle pain (ew) and an ongoing separation in the public synthesis joint with my last pregnancy that my chiro could easily pop back into place, but would work itself loose again in a matter of days (thanks, progesterone.) Eventually I realized that the more active I was (a couple miles walking on the treadmill most days), the worse the pain and the more frequent the occurrence. The more I rested, used my snoggle pregnancy pillow to lie on my side, and faithfully work my Blanqui full support tank, the better that joint held together. It’s not easy to rest with toddlers underfoot and a new house to outfit, but I let my netflix standards slide reeeeeeal low and focused on trying to stay pain free. Also check out Eldoa stretches on Youtube. Chiro recommended, there are specific moves which address specific joints and vertebra and help tremendously to support the work your chiro does during adjustments.
Sukie says
Thanks! I will look into those stretches. That’s exactly what it feels like. My first pregnancy I walked miles all the time, but the last two I pay for any exercise dearly. 🙁 What you describe is exactly what mine feels like, though–things just slide right out of whack.
Laura says
I’m so sorry that your having PGP. I had debilitating PGP and pubic symphysis diastasis during my last pregnancy. Handicap tag and all. It’s so hard and even harder with little ones to care for. I went to PT and a had a negative experience. The belts made things more painful for me. Chiropractor helped, but the looseness means that the pelvis just keeps shifting and I couldn’t go often enough. Massage helped-and my midwife wrote a prescription so that we could use our hsa to pay for it. The thing that helped me the most was acupuncture. I was able to use our hsa for that, also. Here is a link to the study that I found. It was proven more effective than stabilizing exercises. My acupuncturist just followed the study protocol. She worked in a large health system and there was no spirituality involved. http://www.bmj.com/content/330/7494/761
This book contains stretches to help with pain. https://www.amazon.com/Relieving-Pelvic-During-After-Pregnancy/dp/0897934806
I avoided pain medicine during labor-wanted to feel discomfort vs pain to switch positions. Also, wanted to avoid a c-section. It cuts through the muscles that need to be strong post birth. I also found a study that suggested that women who had c-sections with PGP have more pain 6 months down the road than women with vaginal births. Luckily, he came quickly and it was an easy labor. Loose joints are helpful with labor.
If it helps, my pain almost disappeared as soon as the baby came. Instant relief.
Pregnancy was emotionally very difficult. One of the hardest things is to not be able to take care of my family. I cringed every time my toddlercane for a cuddle. Complaining about pain only seems to make things worse. But, it’s important to vent to someone you trust. And who won’t say things like “at least you’ll have a baby”. It’s hard. You’ll get through this. I’ll keep you all in my prayers.
Sukie says
I’m so sorry you had such a hard time! That sounds really rough. Thanks for the info!
Bethanne says
Congratulations! I found that a lot of aches and pains were eliminated with water aerobics. I don’t know if you have anything like that in your area, but I went to the “over 60 years of age” class. The movements were gentle enough to help me, it was refreshing in the water, and I got to hear about how pregnancy and birth (even maternity clothes) have changed and not changed with the times, and made lots of great new wise friends who were completely and totally sympathetic and encouraging. I think it made labor a lot easier, too.
God bless you!
Amy A. says
I was going to make a similar suggestion! Swimming/aquarobics have always helped me with both sciatic and pelvic pain during pregnancy. I have seen a physical therapist for debilitating postpartum lower back pain (see my comments on Deirdre’s MuTu post) and my favorite therapist used to tell me that “motion is lotion.” While I know you are too far along to truly “swim” (I usually give up anything but a very slow backstroke after about 4 months) even just walking in waist to chest deep water is super helpful for me. I also add in some other steps to try to stretch/strengthen other muscles; I walk backwards, I do the grapevine, I lift my legs to the front and sid, I hold the side of the pool or sit on the steps and kick my feet in various ways . . . anything that allows those hard working muscles to work less or even just differently usually helps me. Plus when it’s hot there’s nothing like a refreshing swim! Congratulations on the baby and I will be praying that you feel relief from your pains!
Mab says
Suki you look beautiful and your boys are the cutest!!
Katy says
For pregnancy related pain, I’d say try the video course “One Strong Mama.” I haven’t used it — but did work directly with one of the creators (Lindsay), during my fourth pregnancy — and I really believe it made a huge difference to my labor!
Also should for sure help you have a more comfortable pregnancy — but my pregnancies a pretty good anyway, so I can’t personally speak to that.
(https://onestrongmama.com/)
I only know a little about the MuTu system some of you have recommended, but from what I know, this is along the same lines — but for pregnancy and postpartum.
Similar to a chiropractor in that it deals with alignment, different in that it is helping you lengthen and strengthen the right muscles in the right way to have a strong core and healthy pelvic floor (not too tight), but doing what it is supposed to do.
There’s a Facebook group where you can ask questions and figure out if it’s right for you.
Katie says
Congratulations and welcome South! I’m expecting my third this fall, too, and I find that this time there is just so much… pressure. Definitely different than the first two. And baby seriously seems to be participating in family life already in utero… e.g. waking me up by rolling and kicking, before I even hear the voices of the big siblings up and about in the morning. Craziness!
Amy says
Congratulations, Sukie! Your boys are adorable, and you look beautiful.
I had PGP and terrible nausea while pregnant, and I tried many remedies for each condition.
Honestly, what worked best for BOTH was acupuncture. I tried it out of desperation, and it did require ongoing sessions, but it helped when nothing else did. The needles don’t hurt, and it’s actually quite relaxing. But find a reputable practitioner if you go this route.
Good luck no matter what you try!
Sukie says
Thanks, Amy! How do you go about finding a good acupuncturist? I’m not opposed, but I don’t really know where to begin.
Amy says
Sukie – I am not an expert at all, but I can offer a few tips. First of all, I went to someone who practices acupuncture according to traditional Chinese medicine, so I can only comment on that method.
Certification or licensing regulations vary widely by state, from states that require licensing by the state Medical Board, to others where there is no law whatsoever, and everything in between. I’m not sure what the case is in Georgia.
Even if there are no state requirements, you can look for a few things to find a good practitioner.
I went to a someone who is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Look for the “TCMD” initials after the name. Becoming a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine requires completing a rigorous years-long program. Some other practitioners will have a Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine (MS.OM). There is also a national board offering certification, called the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Sometimes, you can find medical professionals (R.N.’s or M.D.’s) who have gotten the NCCAOM certification.
I, personally, would not go to anyone without at least one of the above qualifications and/or a license from the state Medical Board. I would also avoid any salon and spa-like setting, where they do acupuncture aimed at cosmetic issues, such as reducing facial wrinkling (sort of like botox, only with acupuncture rather than injections).
I actually got my acupuncture treatments at a large medical clinic that offers some alternative healing methods in addition to all the normal western medical services. It was just down the hall from where I saw the ob/gyn.
And of course, use your good old common sense. Take a look around the office. If it doesn’t seem meticulously clean or if the needles and other supplies are not sterile, individually pre-wrapped, and one-use only, etc., then run (or waddle) away as fast as you can!
Phew–that was long, but I hope it helps! I’m keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Betsy M says
No advice but prayers for pain relief. Also, you are such a pretty Momma and your little guys are just adorable. That is always a comfort when the pain is bad, right? 🙂
Sukie says
Thanks, for the prayers and the compliment! They are a comfort, and a reminder that this new one will be worth it too! 🙂
Barbara says
You could put your Hoosier cabinet in the living room or kids room or office and use it to store books instead of kitchen stuff.
Lorraine Mersiowsky says
I envy you that Hoosier cabinet, but not the Georgia heat, though it can get pretty miserable here In Virginia. I agree with Barbara that you need to think outside the box, so to speak and put the Hoosier cabinet in another room and give it another purpose. A command center to keep track of all activities and planning for 3 littles and a busy doctor/husband. You are the hub of the wheel so you’ll need a convenient place for all that involves and the Hoosier cabinet would be perfect. Loved catching up on your life. You all look great. Best wishes in your new home.
Katie says
My husband just finished residency and we moved into our house a few weeks ago! Congratulations on all points 🙂
I had PGP with #2. It was awful, starting around 27/28 weeks. My midwife referred me to a PT that specializes in the pelvic region- I would highly recommend that. I could barely walk when I went in, and after one session I felt great (for maybe a week or two?) and soon I was able to walk 1.5-2 (very very slow) miles at a time — until about 38 weeks. The PT did a lot of poking and prodding (it almost seemed like acupuncture actually), taught me some exercises to do, and helped me fix my posture so that I was carrying baby better. She gave me a support belt to try and I found it worse but it might be worth it for you- I think (?) my PGP is unusual in that it’s more in my back pelvic joint and not the front. The belt just felt like it was squeezing together the bones that were clicking past each other and that was NOT comfortable! But it was very thin, so I don’t think it would make you too hot! I also did not find being in a pool helpful. I’ll pray for you. It was so rough and honestly, at almost 11 months postpartum I’m still worried about getting pregnant again :-/
Sukie says
Congratulations to you and your husband! I’m sorry you had a rough time with your pregnancy. I had PGP with Desmond as well, and I will say that being ready for it helped. I was SO careful about how I moved and what sort of stretches I did, starting as soon as I got pregnant. And now I know when to slow way down before it gets out of hand–except for that time we moved into our house and I totally overdid it. 😉
Madeleine says
Seconding the first comment about the Serola SI belt! I’ve had debilitating PGP for my last two pregnancies and it gave me SO much relief this time around (thanks to my awesome pelvic floor therapist). It’s available on amazon or from the Serola website. It’s meant to squeeze your loose joints together to stop the pain and doesn’t even touch your belly — i too would rather be in pain than hot/nauseous, and could not deal with other kinds of braces touching my stomach! The Serola belt really is magic and you could wear it over a sundress while you’re around the house. Praying for you! Good luck!
Ann says
Well, Suki, lots of news, lots of pregnancy advice. Wow!
i just wanted to suggest to you that if you have extra cabinet space, save some of the lower cabinets for your boys. And I don’t mean for their toys, but for them. Some of my favorite memories are of Ellen tucked away in a cabinet in long galley kitchen we had in TX. Also nice, the random half eaten cookie and half drunk glass of milk.
Congrats to John and you on his residency. I am sure you were crucial! God bless you guys
Rosie says
Let the record show that this is my mother-in-law suggesting that Sukie put her children in her cabinet. I love my MiL.
Sukie says
I love it! But I don’t think the bottom cabinet could actually handle the weight, even of my skinny children!
Leila says
This is how Ann and I got to be such kindred spirits!
Cristina Reintjes says
I ended up getting fitted for one of those back brace stomach holder uppers when we were in Florida and it was the only thing that helped. Tricare will get it for you but it might take a couple of weeks so I’d go ahead and do it now so st least you have it and then you can wear it in the air conditioning! Just be thankful that you don’t need compression hose like my neighbor did. There’s just no flattering way to wear compression hose with shorts and ain’t nobody going outside in the Florida heat with hose underneath their jeans. Things could always be worse 😂😂😂
Emily says
Yay, Sukie! This is so wonderful–on multiple levels, the baby and making it to residency. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Ellie says
Hi Sukie, I have tried to read all the comments and don’t think this has been mentioned anywhere yet – something I found super helpful with pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy was a “slip over sheet” in the bed. (It’s a kind of tube sheet which has very slippery material on the inside which you just lie on on your side of the bed and it makes turning over and getting up in the morning so much easier.) This is a link to the UK/Europe site “snoozle” but they may be a US version/ something similar over there? https://www.thesnoozle.com/products/snoozle-slide-sheet
I was worried about how delivery was going to be with such bad back pain towards the end of pregnancy but my very positive gynae said that delivery blocks those nerves that are sending those pain signals and it’s true I had a natural birth with no problems (after a very complicated birth before that) so the back pain doesn’t mean your body can’t do it’s thing but I also echo a previous poster’s comment that I found I had to rest a whole lot more in pregnancy or I paid for it and I felt bad about that but it makes no sense to make your pain worse.. Hope you are able to take good care of you. Blessings.
Eireann Roisin says
Sukie, you look radiant and beautiful! Congratulations!
Paula says
Congrats on all your good news! Question: Which novena did you do? We used to do them in church when I was a kid. Meant to stop at the Catholic BS but didn’t make it. Should be online! Hubby is looking for work-need to say novena!
Melissa says
Welcome to Georgia! I hope you embrace ice cold sweet tea for electrolyte balancing in the heat. 🙂