Thursday, March 11, 2010

Self Guided L&D Tour

Early this morning I got up to pee as usual, went back to bed, laid on my left side and had some water. Then I waited for Jacob to kick like normal, but he just wouldn't.
Because for the past couple months his mid-night bouncing around has become so normal, this all of a sudden stall scared me a bit. I decided to grab a juice box from the fridge thinking maybe my water wasn't cold enough or the sugar in the juice may help wake him up a bit. Still there was tiny movement.
I started trying to nicely wake Michael up to let him know I was scared and had made the decision that I wanted to go get it checked out. I thought I was being nice waking him up by scratching his back, but he later told me that he was getting ready to snap at me for rubbing his back so hard it was waking him up. He finally rolled over and I explained what was going on and we got ready to go.
Our childbirth class is on Saturday, so the only thing I knew about L&D was that it was somewhere on the 2nd floor.
We walked in to the reception area and asked the concierge where exactly to go, which was a simple 2nd floor, to the left and something about double doors. So after searching all the doctor's offices we decided the first door we saw labeled Birthing and Surgery was actually where we wanted to be. Because it was too early they didn't have anyone at the desk, just a note that said what extension to call. We called L&D which led to more directions and something else about double doors. As soon as we walked in all I saw was double doors and was completely lost again. Luckily, we found our way :)
I explained our reason for being there to the nurse who's only question was, "Why are you monitoring movement at 3:30AM." I guess that's not normal for most.
The nurse hooked me up to a fetal heart monitor and contraction monitor. Michael enjoyed the contraction monitor. At one point he told me the line was going up as I felt my stomach start to tighten. About 10 minutes later I let him know that there would be another bounce in it so he got up to watch. It was funny because I told him this one was really strong and he confirmed it for me by letting me know it went three times as high as the last one.
Once they were happy with the heartbeat being steady we were released, and the nurse said she would probably see us in a couple weeks. Not sure how you can tell off of heartbeat and contraction readings, but it makes me happy!
When we got home Scoot ran straight to Jacob's crib and sniffed around like he wanted to see if he was here.
So all in all, Jacob is good and Michael knows he'll have fun watching the contractions when we go in for real.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Holy Contractions

My Braxton Hicks contractions are getting stronger, and there may be some real ones mixed in.

Since last night I've been having regular contractions about 7 minutes apart. They aren't incredibly painful, just uncomfortable. I can talk, breathe and walk through them...so no biggie and just hope that it is happening soon because I'm tired of waiting.

In the mix of these normal "fake" contractions I think there may have been two real ones. One last night and one this morning. They are a bit stronger and I can feel my entire stomach tighten up to a squeezing sensation.

Our childbirth class is this Saturday and my next appointment is Wednesday. I'd really like to take the class before things get going too much. However, just as a precaution, Michael and I are packing the hospital bags tonight and installing at least one of the car seats.

Friday, March 5, 2010

35/35!

Today is 35 weeks done and 35 days to go! Too bad I can't celbrate with a margarita :)

Although Jacob has been a week ahead for pretty much the entire pregnancy - I went and checked all the past ultrasounds where they put what week the ultrasound has him at and since the first one at 8 weeks, the ultrasound measurements had him at 9 weeks - I'm still keeping this on the same week track I've been on. Mostly because I didn't want to skip my 35/35. However, in my head I convert it every now and then to make it seem closer.
Michael went golfing this past weekend and left Scoot and I at home.
To entertain ourselves and make Scoot feel like a star we had a photo shoot in the backyard. Below is my favorite shot.








And also one from when he decided we were done.









Lastly, not a great belly shot, but at least it is something. This weekend we might go to a festival so hopefully I'll get some better pictures. I don't feel like I look this large, but the picture seems to show a pretty large person.












* How far along?: 35 weeks
* Total weight gain: Still at right about 25 pounds.
* How big is baby?: "My Pregnancy" say he is 18 inches and about 5.25 pounds. According to the ultrasound this week though he is 5lbs 10oz and should be gaining half a pound each week, which would put him at about 5lbs 14oz right now.
* Maternity clothes?: The shirt in the picture above is not maternity, but most my maternity tops even have to be pulled down every now and then to cover the elastic part of my pants now. I don't feel like buying new stuff for a few weeks though.
* Sleep?: I think I'm starting to wake Michael up with my moving around when trying to get comfy. So now both of us aren't sleeping well.
* Best moment this week?: Our ultrasound even though we didn't get great pictures (I seriously don't even know what the pictures she handed us were of, he's too squished).
* Movement?: Not nearly as painful in the ribs anymore. From the ultrasound she was able to tell me the movement I feel on my right is his feet and in the upper middle of my stomach is his butt. When he kicks out hard and keeps his foot stretched I can't feel it is a foot, but I can feel the body part.
* Food cravings?: Comfort Foods and back to the red meat. Oreo shakes, churros and pizza (guess I'm not too worried about the weight now)
* Labor signs?: Strong BH Contractions, but nothing steady for too long.
* Belly button in or out?: Still very flat.
* What I'm looking forward to: (This will probably not change now) Having him here. Both Michael and I are very anxious to have him here.
Sweetest Moment of the Week: Yesterday I was at the grocery store and this random lady walking by me in the aisle told me I look cute pregnant. Much nicer than the ones that still try to run you over with their cart.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

34 Week Appt

This morning was our last ultrasound appointment before delivery. We got the same ultrasound tech that did our very first ultrasound, so that seemed fitting. She was really sweet and took her time even though he's so squished in there that we couldn't see much.
With the 3D ultrasound we did several weeks ago, Jacob wouldn't stop covering his face with his arm, and he went right back to doing that this time too. It wasn't quite as much, but he definitely likes covering his face.
Other than that...
- He's still a boy! Michael thought to ask at the end and she assured us that he flashed her a couple times so there is no question there.
- Fluid levels are good.
- He weighs 5lbs 10oz and should gain about a half pound a week. My math skills aren't that great, especially when I have to do it in my head so Michael informed me that if he came on his due date he would be about 7lbs. However, now that I have a pen and paper, it looks like if he came on his due date he would be almost 9lbs, if he were to come at full-term 37 weeks then he'd be 7lbs. Here's hoping he comes early!
- His head is way down, and he's in perfect position.
- Heartbeat during the ultrasound was 131 bpm. Starting to slow down and going good.

The doctor part of the appointment was pretty standard. He measured my stomach and said all was good. There is now some room in my upper stomach which gives Jacob plenty of room to kick around and allows me to breathe a bit easier now. The scorching/stabbing pain I have in my upper abs is of course normal and common. Just the muscles still coming apart and once again the only cure is delivery. I'm very ready to be able to go back to slight headaches that can be cured with medicine instead of strange new symptoms where all you hear is, "it's going to get worse but will be cured once the baby is delivered."
Once we were leaving the office Dr. White went to update our file and noticed we had an ultrasound. So he pulled up the results and said all looked fine. Jacob is measuring a week ahead (more hope for an earlier arrival) and is in the 50th precentile.

Our next appointment is on St. Patrick's Day. My doctor will be on vacation, but I still have to go in that week and will see the midwife that I saw for an appointment early on in the pregnancy. This will be the start of my weekly appointments and also the start of watching for signs of labor. Yea!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Little Legs

I love all the adorable outfits Jacob has gotten!
The other day I was reading about dressing your baby and making sure they stay warm. One thing that the mom's on the board said is that pairing onesies with Baby Legs kept the baby's legs warm and still made diaper changing easy. After the shock that one pair could was $16, I checked Etsy and found several vendors with much more reasonable prices.
Jacob now has 5 pairs to keep his little legs warm!
*These aren't the ones Jacob got, but just to show how cute they are.

Friday, February 26, 2010

34 Weeks

Not to jump ahead, but I'm very excited that next week is 35/35 (35 weeks and 35 days left). That's crazy! Soon we'll have our baby boy!
The only big thing this week is Jacob has unofficially dropped. This is unofficial because there is a chance I don't know what I'm talking about and I have to wait until Wednesday to have the doctor confirm. The good thing if he really has dropped though is it means he's head down and in the right direction.
A couple days ago I was getting ready for work and told Michael to look at me because I think he had dropped. All I got back was a "I don't know" face and some sort of mumble. Then throughout the day it was hard to walk and I have to pee more than ever. Plus he isn't as caught up in my ribs, and I'm not short of breath anymore which makes me extremely thankful.
When I slouch at work or in the car though I can still feel a little bit in my ribs, but that just may be because I'm squishing him.
***UPDATE*** I have heard from a credible source with very reliable resources that week 34 is when the baby repositions to head down. So that could be the cause of my thinking he dropped. :)
Other than that, it has been a quiet week.
Oh! I'm definitely posting a picture later because I came up with a really cute outfit. It just confirms that pregnant or not, Ann Taylor Loft is probably my favorite store.


* How far along?: 34 weeks
* Total weight gain: Not nearly the weight gain from last week, thank goodness. Now I'm up 25 pounds. This morning I told Michael I'm glad the pregnancy is coming to an end because I don't think I can take watching the scale go much higher.
* How big is baby?: Jacob weighs about as much as a cantaloupe - 4.75lbs. He's also anywhere from 17.5" to 19". Next week I'll have a more exact number even though the ultrasound estimate can be off a pound either way.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes, however today the only thing maternity I have on are jeans.
* Sleep?: The beginning of the week was tough, but last night was good.
* Best moment this week?: Michael had a cold or something earlier this week and is now feeling better.
* Movement?: Not so many strong movements, but he's active enough at work that when I don't have any motivation I can just sit in my chair and watch my stomach bounce all around.
* Food cravings?: Comfort Foods and back to the red meat
* Labor signs?: BH Contractions are getting a bit stronger. Last night they were once an hour, but nothing serious yet.
* Belly button in or out?: It doesn't really have much room to stretch anymore. I'm losing hope that it won't pop. Another weird fact, if you have an innie and it starts stretching to become an outie, the skin that was once an innie is very soft. I was touching my stomach the other night and had to look down because I felt normal skin and then all of a sudden this really, really soft skin and it freaked me out. Come to find out it was just skin that hadn't really been exposed before. Very strange.
* What I'm looking forward to: Having him here. Both Michael and I are very anxious to have him here now. I know he definitely needs a few more weeks to finish getting ready, but I hope he comes a little early.
**New Question for this week** Because I can, and it is so sweet.
Sweetest Moment of the Week: Yesterday Michael and I were emailing back and forth about what we have left to do before Jacob arrives and he sent me this, "This morning I was driving to work and saw a Dodge [same type of truck as he drives] with a carseat in the back and it got me excited and thinking of Jacob."

And just because I feel like adding more today, I know this is the time that your stomach really starts to grow, but I don't think I can handle it. It's not a size issue. There is just this upper middle spot part of my stomach where the muscles are coming apart and stretching that is really starting to hurt. It used to just burn every now and then, but it is almost constant now whenever I move, the skin is warm and if I touch it I can feel the burn sensation. I would like to some day get some sort of abs back and I think my muscles are at their limit.

Friday, February 19, 2010

33 Weeks - 49 days left

Last weekend was my first shower and so much fun. My mom went over the top and I can't wait to get her pictures from the event. It was great seeing all the family and I can't wait for Jacob to see all the gifts he was spoiled with.
When we got home we started putting stuff away and finally last night put the last pieces that we were able to bring home with us away. He will definitely be the best dressed as his closet already has more clothes than his daddy. However, I don't think he'll ever be able to match my closet :)
Definitely looking forward to napping and taking it easy this weekend. Michael may go golfing Saturday while I have a friend's baby shower to attend.
Oh, I also had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday. This is the first appointment I went to without Michael since they're more frequent now and it is hard for him to get off work. I think my doctor either just takes a while to warm up to you, or likes patients that are closer to the end of the pregnancy more.
He came in to the exam room without leaving me in there to wait very long and was joking around with me about size, shortness of breath and our appointment schedule from here on out. At the next appointment in two weeks I get another ultrasound :) then one more 2-week appointment and after that the weekly appointments start and he could come at any time. Michael is going to the ultrasound appointment, but I already told him there is no need for him to come to the other appointments, but has to promise he will drop everything and race to the hospital if I call to say they're admitting me to labor and delivery.

* How far along?: 33 weeks
* Total weight gain: Not really liking this question anymore, I know it's normal, but it feels strange to gaining this much. 24lbs
* How big is baby?: Jacob weighs about as much as a pineapple - 4lbs. He's also anywhere from 17.5" to just under 19"
* Maternity clothes?: Yes, and now I have more due to my luggage visiting more cities than I did this past weekend.
* Sleep?: I definitely need some.
* Best moment this week?: Our time in Buffalo
* Movement?: He's still stubborn as can be, so nobody else can really feel him move, but a couple nights ago he did his popcorn immitation again and Michael got to feel the whole thing. It went on forever and was hilarious.
* Food cravings?: Comfort Foods
* Labor signs?: Braxton Hicks contractions, but not enough to be considered labor signs.
* Belly button in or out?: I think it will be flat by the end. Really hoping it doesn't pop out.
* What I'm looking forward to: Another ultrasound and I can't wait for him to start using his gifts!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Some People Can't Keep Their Mouth Shut

There is a filter between your brain and mouth that I've learned many people seem to not know how to use, or do not come equiped with one. While normally I find this hilarious and love hearing the outlandish comments made at the completely wrong time, it is starting to get old. Don't get me wrong, I have not been offended by anything that has been said to me during pregnancy; I'm just not finding it quite as funny anymore.
When I found out I was pregnant I only told people that are close to me, including people in the office that were bound to find out. This did not include the store managers I work with since gossip spreads faster than wild fire and I was sure they would find out before I had a chance to process it myself.
1) "Are you pregnant? I didn't even know you were married."
This came from a store manager that most definitely knew I was pregnant, but I have avoided since I've been showing. Also, she knew I was married because she made comments about my wedding since it was the same day as some other store manager's wedding which means nothing since she was never going to be invited anyway. I really wish I would have responded that legally the state of Texas won't let me get married, but that my life partner and I are ecstactic!
2) "How much weight have you gained?"
Seriously? This has come up several times from store managers and sales people. How would you like it if I greeted you and then quickly added, "wow, how much weight have you put on?" Seriously!
3) Your horrible birth story
I'm a light weight, I hate pain. I hate pain enough that once it gets to a certain point my body just shuts down. The whole birth part of pregnancy has worried me since I got over the "I'm pregnant!" joy. With this last trimester I've finally come to a good point and researched the drugs enough to be ready for this whole thing. I've read the birth stories of people I've gotten to know on message boards to know that I can get through it, and I've elected to walk out of the room if there is a birthing video during my class. I'm mentally as ready as I'll be. My plan does not include people I barely know, especially if I don't even know your name, to tell me the horrors of their son's or daughter's birth. Please leave your details to yourself so that I do not have to find a polite way to say that you are creeping out a complete strange, but thanks!
4) Your medical opinion
I have insurance and spend enough money each month to see a doctor with a diploma on his wall and a good track record of delivering babies. Just because you sell baby clothes does not mean you can really have any medical opinion about me or my pregnancy. However, if you had a white lab coat and stethoscope around your neck, I might take you a little more seriously.
And lastly...
5) Breastfeeding
Yes, I realize this is a big debate and blah, blah, blah. There are adults now that are amazing people who were formula fed and amazing people that were breastfed. It's just the way it is and a personal opinion. If I barely know you, I don't find it appropriate to talk to you about whether or not I'll be using my body to feed my child. Perhaps my opinions will change, but until then I'm keeping my mouth shut on the topic and will just stare at you with amazement as you go on, and on, and on, and on about the whole thing. This one especially applies to people that bring this up at a party after they've had a few...because that's what everyone wants to talk about during a night out.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Fun Facts

Found this online and thought it was cute:

Fun Due Date Facts
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Half Birthday: October 8
Birthstone: Diamond
Birth Flower: Daisy or Sweet_Pea Yellow, Red and colorless) -->
Your baby will be born in the Chinese Year of The White Metal Tiger
This time next year your baby will be 43 Weeks Old!
Your baby will start kindergarten in 2015, be old enough to drive a car in 2026, finish high school in 2028, and will graduate from college with the class of 2032, give or take a year.

31 Weeks

The last several weeks of pregnancy are uncomfortable as can be to make you less scared of giving birth - at least in my head that is the only reasonable explinantion. I'm ready to start feeling normal again and not hurt when I walk, or have to sit at a certain angle because Jacob is pushing at my ribs, not feel exhausted most the day, and all that other stuff that seems to be added on a daily basis now.
However, the fun thing with the contractions is that my stomach gets as hard as a rock and it's fun to poke at it then. Simple pleasures.

* How far along?: 31 weeks
* Total weight gain: About 20, right on track!
* How big is baby?: Just over 3 pounds and between 17 and 18 inches.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes, and with the constant cold snap we've been having (40's and low 50's) I'm quickly running through all the winter options.
* Sleep?: So sleepy!
* Best moment this week?: 3D Ultrasound
* Movement?: The movement near my ribs kind of hurts now. I think he's pushed so hard in there that it is starting to bruise a bit. Other than that it is kind of fascinating to sit and watch my stomach bounce around. Also, he moves around for Michael a lot more now, so I'm glad he gets to feel him.
* Food cravings?: Comfort Food. Big, big fan of whipped sweet potatoes
* Labor signs?: Braxton Hicks contractions, but not enough to be considered labor signs.
* Belly button in or out?: I think it will be flat by the end. Really hoping it doesn't pop out.
* What I'm looking forward to: In one week exactly I'll be on a plane to Buffalo!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

A Not So Baby Post

I was just finishing my lunch of spaghetti followed by a mini box of Frosted Flakes because the spaghetti wasn't enough when I realized this week is flying by. It got me really excited until I realized, flying by can't be true because it is only Tuesday, and I'll have to see if I still feel the same way by the end of tomorrow.
This week will fly by though. Tomorrow I have video stuff to work on for our big meeting which means time out of the office and I'm going to a play that night too. Thursday is just a normal day, but once you make it through Thursday, Friday is here! No real plans for the weekend, except it is the last weekend of football for many, many weeks thank goodness!
I even think I can say next week will fly by too. On Tuesday or Wednesday, probably Wednesday, our leasing rep will be in office which having visitors always adds to the day, then Thursday mid morning our district manager will be here. Mary only visits once a quarter, and I really enjoy her visits. Plus Thursday night is our Annual Meeting. It is very scaled back from the resort dinner and a show type meeting we had last year, but it is still just as nerve racking getting everything together and speaking in front of a room of people that are convinced the mall is going under. Here's hoping they start drinking more and get better attitudes before I have to stand infront of them all!
On top of getting ready for the meeting and our corporate visitors I'll be packing bit by bit throughout the week...actually, no point in lying, after the meeting on Thursday I'll race home to start packing for our flight on Friday to freezing Buffalo to see family, friends and for an amazing shower.
All of that to say that this month is going to fly by, which will then put us about one month to Jacob's arrival!
Ok, back to work to finish prep for the meeting and finally start adding to my "What I do" binder for everyone to use while I'm out of the office. Woo hoo!

Sunday, January 31, 2010

3D Ultrasound

He kept his arms up most the time so it was hard to get a clear face shot but below are some of the 3D photos we got of Jacob this weekend.


The right side of his head with a clear shot of his ear. You can also see a finger since his hand is covering the front of his face.











Front of Jacob's face with his right arm up over the left side and his eye.












His little grin














Open mouth shot, definite proof he has some of his daddy in him.

Friday, January 29, 2010

30 Weeks - 10 to go!

Things to note this week: 1) Last Friday I had the day off so that I could take a couple tests, one for continuing education and one blood test to make sure I don't have gestational diabetes. By Tuesday I found out that I passed both of them! And just to top it off they informed me that I'm not anemic either, so just an extra kudos.
The doctor was also the most talkative he's ever been with me during this week's appointment. For weight and belly size I'm measuring perfectly on the standard schedule. Beginning last Sunday I didn't feel very good so on Monday I wrote down symptoms and times throughout the day and gave the list to the doctor on Tuesday, he didn't laugh or just tell me not to worry, instead he actually took a minute to explain that I'm having Braxton Hicks contractions, which is a way the body prepares for labor and that I'm currently having one to two an hour so all is good, but to call if I start having four an hour.
Also, we finally rescheduled our birthing class for March 13. It will be cutting it close, but at least all the information will be fresh in our minds. I just hope it is more entertaining than the online portion.

* How far along?: 30 weeks
* Total weight gain: About 19 now
* How big is baby?: About 3 lbs and just over 15 1/2 inches from head to toe, about 2/3 of his birth length.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes!
* Sleep?: Back to normal, except now when I wake up in the middle of the night I usually need to go to the restroom.
* Best moment this week?: Finding out that I passed everything and didn't have to take the 3 hour glucose test
* Movement?: It is starting to slow down a bit. No more kicks or jabs, just mostly stretching and little movents. Early this week around 4AM he did the best imitation of popcorn I've ever seen, I don't think there was one part of my stomach he didn't hit.
* Food cravings?: Not really liking food this week - However the Pepsi Throwback is amazing
* Labor signs?: Braxton Hicks contractions, but not enough to be considered labor signs.
* Belly button in or out?: Even Michael notices that it is getting shallower each day. My stomach really feels like it can't grow anymore.
* What I'm looking forward to: The next ultrasound!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Cute Find!


Yesterday I felt the need to go to Target. Although I didn't find the stuff I remembered I originally needed, I did find the cutest piggy bank for Jacob's room.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

29 Weeks

This week has been big for three reasons -
1) I've discovered there are a million things out there to drink besides just water with lemon. I need a break from the water, I'm fine drinking it at work, but it gets boring. Our fridge is now packed with Fresca, Hawaiian Punch Berry Lemonade, and flavors from Gatorade I never knew existed. Did you know there is a mango flavor? Also, kool-aid makes little tablets you can drop in your water for instant kool-aid. These should all keep me entertained for a while.
2) I was a big girl this week! Yesterday I went for my glucose tolerance test all by myself. I checked in, they gave me the bottle of sugary syrup to down in five minutes, then sat in the recliners they have hidden at the lab for an hour. This is where the big girl part comes in - I didn't call Michael to come to the lab when it came time for them to take my blood, and because they were so packed and busy at the lab I didn't even tell them that I have a tendency of fainting when someone takes my blood and needed to use the bed instead of the chair. It was the same lady who has been so sweet taking it before, so I just trusted her and went to the room with only a chair. The only bad part of not telling her I'm not good with needles is she used a normal sized one and it really hurt, but not as bad as taking the tape and gauze off my arm later. So, that is why I'm a big girl this week!
3) The nursery is ready! All painted, all furniture built, all ready! We need to add a little decor besides Michael's sports stuff that he's so happy to keep in there, but that is already in the works. Jacob probably has the most expensive decor right now including tons of signed baseballs and a bat, framed signed jerseys, a really cool UT print from when they won the championship and Astros thing with a piece of home plate and some other stuff from when we should have gone to the World Series, but Pujols stopped us. Below are pictures of the pretty final product!

View from the door, with the painted wall and trim.








View from the crib side of the room.








Scoot likes to lay in my lap and had kept circling around whenever I sat in the glider. When I went in to take pictures he decided he wanted to try out the glider. The movement freaked him out and it is a bit too small for him. Hopefully he realizes all furniture is not for him.




His closet is already starting to fill up! I finally found a use for those space saver hangers that I thought would help my closet. The wood bars in our closets are too big for tiny hangers, but these work perfectly.




* How far along?: 29 Weeks and 1 day to be technical
* Total weight gain: Still at 17 pounds
* How big is baby?: About 2.75 lbs and just over 15 inches from head to toe. He won't grow in length much more, but will keep put on weight at a steady pace. There's not much room for him anymore and my stomach feels like it can't stretch anymore. In fact this week I learned that the intense burning sensation I get right below my ribs on the right side is my ab muscles separating.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes! Yesterday I tried wearing one of my old tank tops with a button sweater over it and had to constantly keep pulling my jeans up and my shirt down to not show off my stomach to everyone.
* Sleep?: Back to normal, except now when I wake up in the middle of the night I usually need to go to the restroom.
* Best moment this week?: Working with Michael all week on the nursery. It was tiring, but a ton of fun.
* Movement?: The other night he was kicking/punching on both my left and right sides at the same time and then yesterday he must have been jumping up and down because I could feel him by my ribs and the bottom of my stomach at the same time.
* Food cravings?: Still a lot more beef than I ever ate before
* Labor signs?: Keeping a look out, but none. It's strange being far enough that I'm supposed to watch for this now.
* Belly button in or out?: Definitely getting shallow - I don't really want it to pop...I like my innie!
* What I miss: Nothing really
* What I'm looking forward to: Getting started on the online portion of our birthing class.

And just to make this post extremely long...
This week the hospital's educator department called me to say that our 2/6 child birth class had been canceled, but they could move me to one of the other February dates. The dates I had to chose from were 2/13 and 2/27, both shower days. I explained that neither of those worked for me, so they are supposed to call me back once the March schedule is done and hopefully I can get into an early one in March. I just would really like the hospital tour.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Picture Time!

Woohoo! I'm posting pictures!!
First a long awaited belly picture. He's definitely starting to take his toll on me and my belly is growing more and more each day. Hopefully I won't be giant by the end of this. Not the best of pictures, but it will work.
Secondly, we got some work done on the nursery this weekend. We cleaned out the whole room which made Michael happy because he found his Tupac CD and other amazing treasures. Michael was amazing and did most of the painting below because the smell of the paint made me exhausted. The colors look amazing and I'm so excited to get everything into place.

Friday, January 15, 2010

28 Weeks

There really isn't much to update on this week. We had an arctic blast come through, and although temps are back above freezing, it is still pretty cold and cloudy. I'm definitely ready for the spring to hurry on in so I can break out the open toed shoes again.
This weekend is busy with two birthday parties, picking out paint because we both finally decided we didn't love the color we chose first, putting together nursery furniture, and cleaning out the nursery. Definitely not a lay on the couch all day type of weekend.
However, there will be no cleaning except for some laundry because our housekeeper started yesterday and she is so amazing! I'm going to love coming home every other Thursday from now on :)
** I'm bad about taking pictures to post, but even Michael has started saying he wants to start taking them, so by tonight I shold get better about taking and posting some. **

* How far along?: 28 weeks - 12 weeks until the due date
* Total weight gain: Definitely gaining faster now even though I'm really cutting out the sweets. Up to 17 pounds now, still normal, but a bit scary.
* How big is baby?: About 2.25 lbs and almost 15 inches from head to toe. He's definitely filling up my tummy now.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes and normal sweaters a size too large
* Sleep?: I've been snoring this past week because I've been so stuffy; just glad Michael thinks it is hilarious. Otherwise, normal sleeping for me.
* Best moment this week?: We've spent a lot of time with friends this week, and I actually went to the bar last Friday night. It was nice relaxing and playing shuffleboard like we used to do. I'm so happy to have friends that changed their night to go to non-smoking bars so I could join in.
* Movement?: I'm very interested in how he is positioned right now since I fell most the movement on my lower left side and upper right. Not quite sure how he's hitting both sides. Not so much the crazy kicking movement of weeks past since it is getting tight in there, but I can feel most of his movement now. Last night he even tried to tell Scoot to shush by kicking every time he barked.
* Food cravings?: Still a lot more beef than I ever ate before
* Labor signs?: Keeping a look out, but none. It's strange being far enough that I'm supposed to watch for this now.
* Belly button in or out?: Definitely getting shallow - I don't really want it to pop...I like my innie!
* What I miss: Breathing
* What I'm looking forward to: I didn't think I was going to do this, but Carter's has a good sale going on this weekend and I'm really wanting to go and buy some outfits. So today at lunch, I'm looking forward to shopping for Jacob. Also, I'm really excited for my showers - it all just seems real now.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Welcom 3rd Tri (27 Weeks)

Officially Monday is the start of third tri, but I think this is close enough to celebrate.
This week we discovered another food that Jacob loves. Spaghetti! After we had it for dinner this week he bounced all around and ended the night with a hard as can be kick that even Michael noticed was harder than normal. Then after leftovers for lunch he spent the whole afternoon kicking around until I got in my car to go home. Nothing else this week has gotten him going like that.
There was a doctor's appointment, but nothing really happened at that. The heartbeat is 147 bpm, and my stuffiness is completely normal. It will just be nice when I can breathe again. Oh! There will be another ultrasound around 34 weeks. Our next appointment is January 26 and I have to go and take my glucose tolerance test a week before that. I can't believe we're in the final stretch.

* How far along?: 27 Weeks
* Total weight gain: About 14 pounds
* How big is baby?: I'm so confused on this, it changes with everything I read. I know he's just over 2 pounds though and perhaps around 14 inches with his legs stretched out.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes - With this bitter cold snap I'm layering everything possible to stay warm.
* Sleep?: If I could actually breathe then sleeping wouldn't be too bad.
* Best moment this week?: All the movement after spaghetti
* Movement?: Every day!
* Food cravings?: None really, just the usual I guess.
* Labor signs?: None now, but the doctor gave me information on pre-term labor signs to watch out for now.
* Belly button in or out?: It's stretching and getting shallow
* What I miss: Strong medicine, I never realized how much I loved instant relief
* What I'm looking forward to: Just getting things ready still. The whole weekend should pretty much be below freezing, so a good weekend to stay in and work on stuff.

Monday, January 4, 2010

26 Weeks and a few days

Not too big of a week. Just the normal I guess. My nails and hair are both growing extremely fast and strong which is amazing but starting to get on my nerves a bit. I feel I'm so overdue for a hair cut and constantly having to file and clip my nails.
Plus I'm extremely tired of the acid reflux that is just getting worse and worse. During the day Tums can handle it, but at night I feel like I'm going to burn a hole in my throat and the only thing I've found that can keep it down until I fall asleep is extra strength Mylanta. It tastes like spoiled milk, but is the best thing I've found.
This is my last week in 2nd tri. Next week I move on to the last trimester, otherwise known as the end of the honeymoon phase...which means I'm a little nervous of what's to come. I've been lucky so far with most of the symptoms, so hopefully we keep on track.
Tomorrow is another doctor's appointment and I can't wait to hear the heartbeat again. It should be a quick appointment since there are no tests scheduled, just some questions I want to ask about being sick for the past couple weeks and what symptoms I need to watch out for. Nothing big. We'll also fill out paper work for my gestational diabetes test that I guess I just come in whenever and do. Just happy it isn't tomorrow so I can still have strawberry shortcake for dessert tonight :)


* How far along?: 26 weeks 3 days
* Total weight gain: 13 pounds, right on schedule with the gain a pound a week from now on plan the books say I should be on.
* How big is baby?: Still about 2 pounds. I guess the measurement I was going by before was crown to rump, but everywhere I look for size now has crown to toes, so that is the reason for this giant increase...Jacob is about 14 inches long. Which explains why he won't get out of my rib cage.
* Maternity clothes?: Yes
* Sleep?: I've never been a good sleeper, so this just isn't a good question for me.
* Best moment this week?: He stopped moving a lot for a couple days, but is back to jiggling all around which makes me extremely happy.
* Movement?: In the lower part of my right ribs I can feel a mass of him just lodged there with movement every now and then. At night I can feel jabs on my lower left side. It would be nice to see his actual position.
* Food cravings?: Today is salsa
* Labor signs?: None for a long time
* Belly button in or out?: I think it might actually be getting shallower
* What I miss: Looking skinnier in pictures
* What I'm looking forward to: Our birthing class and registering for the hospital. We got the packet in the mail this weekend for the online portion of our class!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

100 Days

As of tomorrow I will be in the double digit countdown for baby Jacob's arrival.
I can't believe how quickly this has flown by, and how little time there is left until we finally get to meet him. Part of that is probably because it has only been like a month now that I've actually felt pregnant.
Jacob moves around all the time now, especially right at my bottom rib on the right side. For some reason that's his favorite place to be during the day. At night he gives Michael more chances to feel him kicking around, and Scoot has even been surprised by a few of these while cuddling with me in the recliner.
We have so much left to do on the nursery, but I'm excited to work on it this weekend and know we'll get there.
Woo hoo!