Tuesday, April 27, 2010

I'm going to be SOOOOOO Big!

Jacob doesn't like going more than a week without seeing his doctor. Everyone in the office is super nice and there is always someone in the waiting room to tell him how cute he is. It's the perfect place...if they would just stop sticking his heel with needles.
Last night Michael noticed some pus coming out of Jacob's belly button so we got hold of the doctor on call who told us to come in today. All is good. It's just a minor infection that we now have some ointment for and should be gone in about a week.
The best part of the appointment was what happened when we first got in the exam room though...I mean I'm very excited to find out that there is nothing to worry about with the infection, but his weight made me so happy.
After having to make sure he gets enough to eat and watching his weight so closely to make sure he got to his birth weight in two weeks, it was amazing to see that he had gained 10 ounces in just over a week! My baby boy will be 8 lbs in no time at all.
I'm looking forward to the end of feedings every two hours, but seeing him grow is just the best!!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Diaper Changes

Last night Michael took Jacob to see if he needed a diaper change, and came back out laughing. Apparently Jacob not only gave a little squirt this time during the change; this time he decided to go the distance and cover the wall, himself and changing table.
Scoot's lessons on marking your territory really got through to Jacob, and I found it hysterical.
Today I'm home alone with Jacob and decided to wake him up for a diaper change and figured it would be easy since he was so tired and out of it. I'm not sure if it is because I'm so tired too, or my mind just wasn't with it, but I didn't get the clean diaper unfolded and ready. As I unfolded the new diaper I looked down at Jacob to see a stream of pee flying up in the air and covering a good section of the wall.
I got the stream covered and was ready to move on when all of a sudden his farts were no longer just air and there was still no diaper down.
Now Jacob is in another outfit for the day and both changing pad covers are in the wash. Guess that's what I deserve for laughing at Michael.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Jacob is here!

A little late...just a week and a half. Time has flown by, but it is already impossible to imagine life without Jacob in it. It is absolutely amazing how much he develops each and every day.
Just a few things since Jacob arrived:

1) His Arrival
We checked in to the hospital at 5:30 AM and immediately got our labor room. They started the meds right away and let us get settled in. I was far enough along that the doctor could come in and break my water, we just didn't know when he would be heading over to the hospital. At one point the nurse said he may come around lunch, so I figured we'd be in for a long day, but he actually got there around mid morning and easily broke my water to get things started. With the amount of fluid I had he agreed with the nurse that I was lucky it didn't break out of the hospital since it would be really embarrassing with that much fluid. My contractions were right on top of each other, but it took a few more hours for the pain to start kicking in. When the nurse came to check in on me I still didn't have any pain, but she said the lady in the room next to me was getting her epidural so she was going to get me ready for it since it would be awhile for the anesthesiologist to get to me. She was right! The pain started and since my contractions were so close there was no time to rest in between them. I was so ready for the pain meds. Finally they came in and the epidural was not painful at all.
The only problem was once the medicine started kicking in Jacob's heartbeat plummeted. He was stressed from the intensity and speed of the contractions plus the medicine. They quickly flipped me to my side, hooked up the oxygen and gave me a shot of something. Finally his heartbeat went back to normal.
A couple hours later I could feel the contractions again but didn't want to push the button for more medicine because I was scared for Jacob. When the nurse came in I told her I could feel the contractions again and she gave me the go ahead to push the button once and wait 20 minutes to push it again. Of course as soon as I hit it Jacob's heartbeat went down again. The oxygen got it back to normal again, but I knew I definitely didn't want to hit the button again.
They checked my progress and the nurse was shocked that I was just about ready to push, so honestly it wasn't even up to me if I wanted more meds or not.
At that same time the lady in the room next to me started labor so my nurse had to go assist her and another nurse came in to check on me. I told her I felt pressure to push so she checked me again even though it had only been about 30 minutes and she said my feeling to push was the understatement of the year, Jacob was ready to arrive!
Pushing was so much harder than I ever thought it would be and I don't know how some people can do that for hours. I was exhausted and only had to do it for about 40 minutes.
The minute I saw him I was in love, and fell even more in love with him watching Michael run around the room following the nurses for pictures.
The birth was much easier than I thought it would be.

2) Gas
A couple months ago I was reading a newborn book and there was some section about gas and dirty diapers. I think it said something about how loud the farts are, and I told Michael that I thought it would be hilarious. Now with Jacob here, I can say that I was right. It is the funniest thing on Earth.
The second night home Michael and I were laying in bed with Jacob after a feeding, completely exhausted and ready for him to fall asleep. All of a sudden the silence was broken by the loudest fart you could ever imagine coming from a baby. I couldn't stop laughing.
The farts continue to be funny, even though they mean there is a dirty diaper or one on the way. In fact the farts are becoming even more funny because now they are accompanied by the most adorable faces.

3) Ahead of the Game
Jacob is a week and a half old now, and he is a genius. If not a genius he will definitely be a good athlete. Within the first several days Jacob could raise his head while burping him and turn from side to side. Since then he has been practicing his head movement by constantly lifting his head during burping sessions. Amazing, but a little scary now that he's spitting up more.
Also, at this stage babies should be able to see clearly 8 to 12 inches away from their faces. Jacob can follow fingers much further than that. He's amazing!

4) Doctor Visits
Jacob and I don't have compatible blood types so there was no way he was going to get away without having Jaundice. Poor little thing. This has caused extra doctor visits and even a return to the hospital to have his blood tested during the weekend. We're hoping that his levels have peaked, we at least know that it isn't going up very fast anymore, so that's a good thing. However, because of the amount of weight he lost right after birth and the Jaundice, we have to supplement his feeding with a couple of ounces of formula during each session...which has caused the increase of spitting up.
And just because we can't have things go smoothly Jacob and I now have back to back appointments on Friday because of an allergic reaction to my pain medication which has caused a lovely rash all over.

I'll get better about posting again. I've wanted to post for a while now about the things he does that make me laugh and shock me with how amazing a growing human can be, but there just hasn't been time or energy these past few days. Now that we're falling into a rhythm and I'm learning how to sleep during the day time naps :) I'll keep up!

Tomorrow we head up to Conroe to visit my office and a trip to Babies R' Us for a few small necessities (it's amazing how many diapers you go through)!

Friday, March 26, 2010

38 Weeks

I just went and checked on a charity event we have going on in the mall. I haven't seen our main contact in a couple months, but went up to say hi and ask her to let me in so I could take pictures. She stopped me at the door, started offering me a box to put the things I wanted to buy in and then started escorting me to the table to pay for entrance before saying, "Oh my gosh, I didn't even recognize you all pregnant."
It was much nicer than the guy I spoke to before who I have never spoken to before. His only comment was, "Looks like something has gotten in you," followed by, "bet it's girl."
I must admit, I'm a little excited to not have strangers make random comments on the way I look.
On that note, I've been on an emotional roller coaster with whether or not he'll arrive each day. I really think it's going to happen and I'll have all signs point to yes, plus contractions and then once again nothing. However, this weekend I think it is going to happen. In fact, I'm not sure I'll make it a full day in the office today just because I feel so blah and gross.

* How far along?: 38 weeks
* Total weight gain: Still at right about 25 pounds.
* How big is baby?: He's about 7 pounds 10 ounces right now based on the last ultrasound and normal growth. Also he should be about 20" and done growing in length, it's all about adding on fat now.
* Maternity clothes?: Yep
* Sleep?: About back to normal, up about 3 hours each night. The past couple nights I haven't been able to stay awake past 9:30
* Best moment this week?: Hearing the doctor say, "Any day now."
* Movement?: A lot less frequent, but a kick every now and then. Plus hiccups almost every night.
* Food cravings?: No real cravings this week
* Labor signs?: All of the 6 signs of labor (which just means in the next 4 weeks), plus another that supposedly means very soon labor and great progress from my exams.
* Belly button in or out?: I never knew how deep my belly button was, but I think we're nearing the end.
* 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.

Michael emailed me this morning that Scott (one of the outside sales reps he works with) called him at 8:05AM to tell him that Jacob would be born this weekend. He also did this to Brandon the day their daughter was born. I like the sign, but when I read it at first I thought he meant Scoot and was just being silly. That would be pretty amazing if Scoot were to call him and say that though.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Any Day Now - At least that's what I heard :)

Today was my 37 week appointment and it was a good one.

Before the appointment Michael asked me to not get upset if there was no progress. I let him know that my goal was 3 cm, I'd be happy with 2 cm, and upset if I heard that I was still 1 cm.

The doctor came in and we discussed a couple pains. I told him I think Jacob is really low and he just kind of brushed it off.

We started the exam and when Dr. White felt Jacob's head extremely low (just like I told him) he seemed surprised and quietly said it could be any day now. He didn't say it to us, but he definitely said it and even Michael heard it. The rest of the exam showed that I'm still only 1 cm, but I'm definitely thinning out as I'm not 50% effaced. To confirm what I heard during the exam I asked if he thought I would go to my due date which brought the official Dr. answer of, "well you won't go past your due date," and explained how if I start having contractions 5 minutes apart to not even bother calling the office but to just go ahead and go in to the hospital.

I know the official answer was some time in the next few weeks, but I heard him say "any day now," and that's the answer I'm sticking with.

So even though I'm still at 1 cm, I'm not upset. I'm extremely happy!!!!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Still Waiting

Friday morning brought a sign that labor should start within 72 hours. As of now it has been 48 hours and nothing to show.
We've done everything I can think think of to get things going and I'm starting to think none of this will help until he has finally decided to come. Yesterday we even walked just over two miles at the mall and it didn't even bring on more than a couple contractions.
Oh well, I guess it will happen soon enough.

Friday, March 19, 2010

37 Weeks - Full Term

This is going to be short and sweet because I'm in a hurry to transfer some files and clean my desk so I can go home.
Last night I started getting a really crampy feeling that just hasn't gone away. There have been a lot of B/H contractions to go with it and several "true" contractions that hurt. I just want to get out of the office before it gets worse. Really hoping this is the start of something that will end this weekend, because I will not be a happy camper if this lasts for a few weeks.

* How far along?: 37 weeks
* Total weight gain: Still at right about 25 pounds.
* How big is baby?: He's about 6 pounds 10 ounces right now based on the last ultrasound and normal growth. Also he should be about 20" and done growing in length, it's all about adding on fat now.
* Maternity clothes?: Yep
* Sleep?: About back to normal, up about 3 hours each night.
* Best moment this week?: I don't know, maybe going to class
* Movement?: He's back to giving kicks so that I know he's ok
* Food cravings?: Comfort Foods and pineapple
* Labor signs?: A lot more contractions and an overall crampy feeling
* Belly button in or out?: I never knew how deep my belly button was, but I think we're nearing the end.
* 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.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Busy weekend and a steak

I guess this weekend wasn't really that busy, but it included two long activities.
On Saturday we had our 4 hour childbirth class. Because we found the information they sent us to prepare for the course so boring, we rented a childbirth class DVD and spent Saturday morning finishing up pieces of that. Even though the DVD was from the late 80's or early 90's with great high waisted khakis, it was funny when our instructor went over some of the same materials with the same facts. My favorite part though was practicing the massage.
The tour of L&D was nice even though Michael and I had already been through half of it. When we stopped to see the triage room everyone went in to peek but us.
Today was the 1960 St. Patty's Day Parade. Luckily it was sunny out, but it was so freaking hot.
Anyway, the biggest part of the weekend is I decided I wanted a steak for dinner and not just the little filet I normally eat. Tonight I ate a large T-Bone steak! Not only did I eat it, but I devoured it.

Friday, March 12, 2010

36 Weeks

Today is officially 36 weeks which means they wouldn't stop us now if Jacob decided he wanted to be a St. Patty's baby. Today is also in my head 37 weeks which is full-term! So now I think everything is a sign that maybe he'll be coming soon. If he decides to be on time or late there is a good chance I'll go crazy.
We've made progress for Jacob's arrival! Michael has a carseat set up in his truck and I have half a hospital bag packed!

* How far along?: 36 weeks
* Total weight gain: Still at right about 25 pounds. (Last night Michael and I were watching a childbirth class movie because the online class part to prep us for our class Saturday is so boring and it listed 6 signs your body is getting ready to go into labor. As soon as she said that one of the signs is your body weight stabalizes or even loses a pound or two, Michael looked at me and confirmed that I'd been at the same weight for the past week or two.)
* How big is baby?: He's about 6 pounds 6 ounces right now based on the ultrasound last week and normal growth. Also he should be about 20" and done growing in length, it's all about adding on fat now.
* Maternity clothes?: Yep
* Sleep?: Wednesday night there wasn't much since I was worried about Jacob moving, but other than that not too bad. I only have to get up to pee about once or twice a night and when I wake up for that I spend about 20 minutes debating if I really need to get up.
* Best moment this week?: Watching Michael watch the contractions. During the video last night they showed a chart of what pre-labor and labor contractions looked like and Michael explained to me that I had a mix of both.
* Movement?: He's back to giving kicks so that I know he's ok
* Food cravings?: Comfort Foods and pineapple
* Labor signs?: Strong BH Contractions, but nothing steady for too long. Plus I have 4 of the 6 pre-labor signs :)
* Belly button in or out?: Still very flat, and getting ready to poke out I think. Stay in!
* 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. +Class tomorrow +Even though we haven't decided if we're going yet, the St. Patty's parade is this weekend.

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!