As many of you may remember I was having some issues with heart palpitations that were getting me a little concerned. My heart would beat as much as 150 beats per minute and I would get real short of breath and dizzy. This started when I was back with my old midwives and they sent me to the world's most polite, professional and coolest Cardiologist. She did an EKG on me while there and said my resting heart rate is high and had me do an Echo cardiogram and wear a halter monitor for 2 days. Let me just tell you, halter monitor+sleep+34 weeks pregnant=absolutely. no. sleep!!! Anyway, I went back to see her this Wed and she had gotten the results. She said Echo came back fine but the halter monitor showed I have paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia which is really just a fancy name for bouts of high heart rate (anything over 140). She attributes this to my being too active and dehydration. And although it is not a bad thing, it is not good for the baby either if I do not start to relax more.
When I first saw her she was not happy that I was still walking on the beach 3-5 miles a day for work and had told me I needed to slow down. However, without proof that this was necessary I kept going. I run an understaffed program with only three summer seasonal employees and have an amazing passion for what I do. Everyday at work I am fighting against a slew of idiotic wealthy nature haters to save these tiny little birds I have fallen so in love with. Even after 13 years of doing the same thing, every time I see my first plover of the season or naturally the first chick, my heart melts. I just plain out love these guys/girls! So against her wishes I kept going assuming I was just not used to the normal increased heart rate that results from pregnancy. However, once the results were in there really wasn't much I could do. As much as I do love these birds, I love my baby girl 5 million times more. So yesterday was my last field day and Tues I go in to wrap things up with all my office work. And surprise surprise the jerks I work for are actually having a lunch for me. I think it might be them celebrating me leaving though...lol.
As you can imagine I'm having a really hard time abandoning my program smack in the middle of the season and during the busiest time. I have a great smart wonderful woman who worked with me last year taking over, but it is just not the same. I know how to fight back when my many bosses don't have the birds best interest in mind, I know the people to contact when I need help, I know how to talk to residents and beach goers to make them understand the importance of protecting threatened and endangered species. For 13 years I have dedicated my life to saving these birds and although I couldn't be happier as per the reason I am stopping, it is just hard. I hope I do not sound like I am complaining because please do not get me wrong, I would do anything at all for this precious miracle God has blessed me with. I'm just struggling with the new adjustments. My friend Jenn (due with twins the same day I'm due) has been on modified bedrest for a month now and tells me it will get easier. I'm going to trust her (and God).
On a lighter note, I am 35 weeks pregnant today!!! I remember reading blogs where the women would talk about being this far along and think, will I ever get there?? And because I have a loving and amazing God, the answer is YES!!
When I first saw her she was not happy that I was still walking on the beach 3-5 miles a day for work and had told me I needed to slow down. However, without proof that this was necessary I kept going. I run an understaffed program with only three summer seasonal employees and have an amazing passion for what I do. Everyday at work I am fighting against a slew of idiotic wealthy nature haters to save these tiny little birds I have fallen so in love with. Even after 13 years of doing the same thing, every time I see my first plover of the season or naturally the first chick, my heart melts. I just plain out love these guys/girls! So against her wishes I kept going assuming I was just not used to the normal increased heart rate that results from pregnancy. However, once the results were in there really wasn't much I could do. As much as I do love these birds, I love my baby girl 5 million times more. So yesterday was my last field day and Tues I go in to wrap things up with all my office work. And surprise surprise the jerks I work for are actually having a lunch for me. I think it might be them celebrating me leaving though...lol.
As you can imagine I'm having a really hard time abandoning my program smack in the middle of the season and during the busiest time. I have a great smart wonderful woman who worked with me last year taking over, but it is just not the same. I know how to fight back when my many bosses don't have the birds best interest in mind, I know the people to contact when I need help, I know how to talk to residents and beach goers to make them understand the importance of protecting threatened and endangered species. For 13 years I have dedicated my life to saving these birds and although I couldn't be happier as per the reason I am stopping, it is just hard. I hope I do not sound like I am complaining because please do not get me wrong, I would do anything at all for this precious miracle God has blessed me with. I'm just struggling with the new adjustments. My friend Jenn (due with twins the same day I'm due) has been on modified bedrest for a month now and tells me it will get easier. I'm going to trust her (and God).
On a lighter note, I am 35 weeks pregnant today!!! I remember reading blogs where the women would talk about being this far along and think, will I ever get there?? And because I have a loving and amazing God, the answer is YES!!
12 comments:
ashley said...
Being home for the last little stretch of your pregnancy isn't bad, it's much needed actually. You need to rest up as much as possible while you can. Not too much longer and soon you'll be writing a post welcoming your sweet little baby into the world! :)
Andrea said...
Dawn,
I remember when this pregnancy first came to light and I can hardly believe you've reached 35 weeks. Yes, God is good! I'm celebrating your early "retirement" for you, as I know its hard to let go. Just as you want to protect those little birdies you have your very own little baby bird to protect and nurture ;) Know that I am grateful to people like you who serve a greater purpose than themself in defense of creatures who can not.
One day you will once again walk those beaches...but for now...indulge in you and this immense gift.
Much Love as you journey on
andrea
Erica said...
I'm glad you are going to take it easy! Enjoy this last little bit of time with your sweet girl still in your tummy! She'll be here soon!!!!
Laura said...
I'm sure that you did your work excellently! And even if those little birds (or your male colleagues) don't have the capacity to appreciate what you do, I know that your daughter WILL recognize your hard work and commitment and she WILL be proud of your sacrifice. Do you plan to go back to work after maternity leave? Or are you done-done?
Amy said...
That is definitely a difficult decision to make on stopping work early but your little girl will so appreciat it in the end. Try and stay busy but also relax and take care of yourself. Congrats on 35 weeks!! You are almost there!
Me said...
Hooray for 35 weeks! I'm glad you got your answers about your heart, and that it isn't anything too serious. I'm sorry you have to quit working, but in the end it will be worth it. I can't believe we're getting this close! Before we know it, we'll be snuggling our Rainbow Babies!
...and I'm so glad I'm not the only one with emotional overload! :) I'm so glad I found this community! Thanks for all of your kind words and support! :)
Photogrl said...
Yay for 35 weeks! :)
It is hard to leave work early...especially, when you just weren't counting on it. I've been home for 2 weeks now, and I have to admit it's hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. I'm finally resting when I need to, and the babies are responding wonderfully, having a nice weight gain, and less BH contractions.
The end of the tunnel is within sight...can't wait to see your baby girl!
LuckyOnce said...
I'm so glad that you're done with work. All that running around with your heart palpitations was making me nervous! :)
I can completely understand why you are a bit conflicted about leaving work early, but it's good that you're listening to the doctors. You need to do everything you can to keep that little girl safe until she arrives!!
Fumbling towards Motherhood said...
Don't feel bad Dawn, you're not complaining. If the world had an ounce of the passion you have for saving wildlife, maybe there never would have been deep sea drilling, and spilled oil in the Gulf. You should be so proud of your efforts, and know that you will be missed by your precious birds. They are lucky to have you fighting for them. You fight against terrible people, and odds everyday and still keep showing up...that shows true character in my eyes. I only hope one day your bosses will see that too. I'm very glad that you've been given the ok to stop working. You have to worry about you and your baby now more than anything. Try to enjoy the time to relax and rest, you'll need some energy stored up for you next big adventure...mommyhood. Take care, hope you enjoy your "lunch" ;)
StephaE said...
I am glad that you have reached this milestone!!! EEK!!! I can't wait to say that I am that far along!! Thank you so much for your comments lately! I greatly appreciate you! :)
TIG said...
YAY! You've come such a LONG way. And I'm thinking the same thing... =) When will I get to 35 weeks! I'm so happy that you left work even with your dedication to the program. But you have someone very important in you that is worth MUCH more! Hope you have a relaxing journey on the rest of your pregnancy. Can't wait to read more posts!
TIG said...
just saying thanks again for your prayers and encouragements. it means alot to mean and the baby. hanging in there. praying for no contractions or dilations for the following weeks to come. 10 more days to receive steroids and labor test. will keep you posted!