Update on the last few days (with Beta!)

I have so many thoughts tumbling around in my head, and I've been composing half-posts in my head for the last few days.  For some reason, I have been having some trouble gathering my thoughts into intelligent sentences, which is weird because I'm usually extremely verbal.  One friend said I'm already suffering from pregnancy brain!  That may be part of it - I also think I'm experiencing a whole lot of emotions very rapidly, and they're causing my super-analytical mind to become a bit mushy. 

I'll start with the part that is easiest for me:  an update on the last few days.

I noticed that I have been having some cravings - nothing too weird, but curious.  First, I require sweets every day!  I don't usually have too much of a sweet tooth, but there is a point every day lately when I need a cupcake or a cookie or ice cream.  The granola bar or cup of pudding that I usually have in my lunch bag doesn't really cut it.  Then on Friday, I apparently really needed PUMPKIN.  I stopped off for a decaf pumpkin latte after my beta test, then while shopping Friday evening, I bought pumpkin waffles and pumpkin ravioli without even noticing the theme.  And I wanted another pumpkin latte yesterday, but was far too tired to go get one.

Which brings me to exhaustion.  Last week, I noticed I was more tired than usual when I got home from work, but it was okay.  Yesterday, though, was an animal of a different color!  I was so exhausted all day.  It was all I could do to change the sheets on my bed and do one load of laundry.  I had planned to go to an SMC gathering, but my afternoon "nap" went way longer than expected.  And then my "get-up-and-go" had gone, and I was moving so slowly, that by the time I got to the pharmacy to pick up my prescription, they were closed (my fault for reading the website incorrectly).  I did feel better about 1 hour after my "nap" but I don't think I can sleep for 3.5 hours every afternoon!

Okay, here is the real news:  Beta Test!  I didn't get to actually speak with my nurse because she called while I was leading a training and then the office was closed by the time I was done, but she said, (and I quote) "your blood test has confirmed that you are in fact pregnant, so congratulations!  Your blood test today was 338, so that's a great first level ..."  She went on to say they were looking for at least 100 today, and that I need to come back on Monday for another test.  Woohoo!  One would think that this would mean I would no longer feel compelled to POAS to confirm that I am, in fact, still pregnant, but no ... I picked up some store brand tests (2 for $5) and tested again this morning.  I'm hoping this compulsion will go away soon (I believe I have mentioned my tendency toward the C in OCD) because I know it's not helping anything, and it would be ridiculous to test for 35 more weeks.

I freaked out a bit on Friday night because I needed to refill my progesterone prescription and schedule for the next beta, but I had missed the office hours on Friday.  Later, when my rational mind kicked in again, I remembered that there was a weekend number, so I called on Saturday and was able to schedule my appointment and find out how to transfer a prescription.  When scheduling the appointment, the nurse said, "You need an appointment for blood work and ultrasound?"  And I said "yes."  However, I don't believe that is correct.  I just re-listened to the message from my nurse and she clearly said "you need to make an appointment for Monday morning for blood work only".  Oops.  Curious to know what will happen when I get there.  Will I get a bonus U/S?  Is there anything to see at 4w4d?

So that is the update on what has gone on over the last few days.  I'm working on another post about my emotional state right now, but I'll keep that separate - otherwise this one post will turn out to be dissertation-length.