Week 38: The OFFICIAL Wait Begins

Most babies, left to their own devices, come between 38 and 42 weeks gestation.  That's why this week is another marker for me.  Now I can really start thinking: any time now.  Sadly, as much as my body aches and I experience other weird symptoms, I don't feel like it's close at hand just yet.  So people, sit back and put me in the back burner of your mind for another week or so, and we'll revisit analyzing each and every pain and symptom.  I wish I could put it at the back of my mind!

Weekly doctor's appointment was this morning.  She said my cervix is getting softer (like she said two weeks ago) and beginning to get lower, although it could have been the way I was sitting.  So progress, if any, has been slow, but she added that all of that can change suddenly so really there's no telling. 

As I have mentioned before, she induces her patients no later than a week after their due date because of the risk of the placenta starting to fail at doing its job (delivering nutrients and oxygen).  There is confusion over my due date because, well, I got pregnant within a month after getting off of the pill.  My doctor decided to go with the due date that the sonogram gave (June 18) rather than the calculated one (June 14).  I was glad for that because I wanted to avoid being induced as long as possible, and that set the date for induction way out at June 24.  This week I have been wondering if I am making the right decision.  If my real due date is June 14 (I don't know if it's wishful thinking or intuition) then June 24 seems like it might be dangerously long if we really do wait that long.  I might have started feeling a little anxious about waiting that long, even.

Anyway, we moved the induction date to June 20.  I feel better about that and after talking to my doctor about the physical differences in labor between natural and being induced.  I still hope upon hope that he'll come all on his own before then.

For now, I'm trying to take the advice that all moms give me:  enjoy these last few weeks.  I'm trying to talk to him more, read out loud, pat his bottom when he sticks it out (haha), and rejoice in all of his movements because each one confirms he's healthy and strong.

Last week I made a huge order on Target's website.  Every day since Tuesday we have been getting the deliveries.  We put the crib together last night.  The Bumbo, play yard, mattress pads, some diapers, monitor, and changing pad cover came today.  We have a list of things that we need to do and we're checking stuff off each night, but I know if Mom and Ruthie get here and have a couple of days before baby o'clock, it ALL will get done.  They are awesome like that.  If we run out of stuff to do then maybe we'll paint a wall or two (c:  I can't wait for them to get here.  They're coming on the 10th, so in a way I hope Declan gives us a few days to really get things ready for him.  That would be perfect.

Thanks for reading! (c:

Week 37: Low Pressure System

I don't want to discourage any of you out there who have not had children yet, but man oh man am I ready to be done.  I think Declan started to drop last weekend.  I don't know if babies "dropping" is like a "bloop" and they're dropped sort of deal, or if it's a progressive drop, but it is definitely getting more and more uncomfortable each day.  They call it "lightening" when your baby drops, supposedly because you can breathe easier.  I wouldn't have called it that though.  It feels more like a baby's head is settling into my pelvis and pressing on all my guts.  Funny, I feel heavier than ever.

I'm really not tempted to be angry at him for it.  In a really demented sort of way it's exciting to know we're getting this close.  I'd like to think this means we have less than 3 weeks.  At my appointment last Thursday, doc said he is head-down (has been for the past 2 weeks actually) and my cervix is starting to soften.  That sounded like a big deal to me but so far all my contractions have been just plain old Braxton Hicks.  Other than [intensifying] pressure and a few sharp pains that we will not go into too much detail on, we're still just business as usual.

Forgive me, I have grown very moody and frustrated the past few days.  I have transitioned to working from home which is nice in that I can put my feet up and stay in my PJs, even take a nap if I need to, but we've had a lot of connectivity problems and it is stressing me out a lot.  Plus my body hurts.  I'm just having a really bad day.

Happy news is that we made quite a bit of progress in the nursery last night.  We had dumped a bunch of stuff in the large closet in there from the move, and it needed to be sorted through.  Ryan threw a lot of stuff away (personal victory!) and I am just waiting for my energy to be recharged once more so that we can make more progress.  We made a huge Target order the other night to get the rest of the stuff on our registry, so that stuff will be trickling in and it will come together more and more.

Sorry this is a mostly bad update )c:

Joys of Week 34

• Leaning back in my chair - no more slouching without a barrage on my ribs.
• Laying on my side with a thin pillow under my belly for support.
• "Cold" heartburn.
• Stretch marks.  Recently accompanied by itching.
• Unable to be comfortable on the couch.
• Heart racing even while sitting down.
• Inability to catch my breath often and randomly.
• Cauliflower making me nauseated.
• Feeling nauseated at other random times.
• Limited amount of time I can spend on my feet without turning into a grouchy person.
• Annoyance with my (I'm sure adorable) son's hiccups.  This used to be cute.
• Random exhaustion.
• Burning in my legs after going up stairs.
• Moving slowly.
• Peeing often.
• Times of extreme hunger, and conversely times of no appetite.
• Occasional mood swings (very occasional, thank God).
• Difficulty getting in and out of our subcompact car.
• Bursts of outrage when drivers in parkinglots seem to give me the right of way less often than they did when I wasn't pregnant.  That's right, they don't even look my way, just keep on driving.
• Suddenly wanting to take people up on their offers to help me out rather than trying to do everything myself.
• Increased body temperature.  I still carry a jacket with me everywhere, but I never need it anymore.  Also, sleeping with just the sheet or no covers.
• Switching bed sides with Ryan so I don't have to crawl over him on a midnight pee run... this has been the weirdest.

Week 34: The Day Before

Okay, so I'm not officially 34 weeks until tomorrow, but let's fudge it a little bit.  I doubt the baby will mind.

Doctor's appointment this afternoon.  I'm sure it will be the usual measuring everything.  I don't have any concerns to voice this week - I am disconnected from this doctor since I will be changing doctors soon since we're moving.  I'm happy about the change - I don't know if I would have had the gumption to change even though I'm not entirely comfortable with her.  I could tell when I asked her how life was with the arrival of her own new son in February that we had different values.  I won't go into detail because she is a wonderful person, she just does not seem to place the same miraculousness and wonder on this childbirth thing that I do.  And who can blame a person for that if they deliver babies for a living?

After talking with Whitney this weekend about her (we have had the same doc all this time) my decision is more confirmed.  Whit is bravely sticking with her, ready to put her foot down if she has to, but I think I would be very uncomfortable in the hands of someone who jumps to medication as the solution for everything.  Whit has her mind made up and she is going to fight for what she believes is right for her and Micah, but I don't think I could do it.

Did you have a doctor that you felt comfortable and shared values with?  Or does it really matter that much (afterall they just come in and catch the baby)? (c:

Shortly after I turn 36 weeks pregnant, we'll be moving about 300 miles south west of here to stay with my parents for a very short time (no more than 6 weeks) to save money while we're transitioning.  In the next 8 weeks, Ryan will be starting a new job, we'll be moving again to our own new place in a new city, we'll have our brand new baby, and - oh yeah - and I'll have started working from home.  It might sound crazy, but to me it feels right.  Ryan would rather skip the "living with in-laws" part, but their help during this time is the only thing that is making this doable and will enable us to be in the area we want to be and start this new chapter in the best way that we can.  We are really very, very blessed.

The Training Has Begun

Two days ago, I was sitting in the car with Ryan on the way to church.  Suddenly my whole bump seemed to be contracting.  No pain, just a little uncomfortable.  I wondered if I was going to have Braxton Hicks contractions, and if I was even going to notice them.  I had two in a row that day, one that I noticed yesterday, and then one this morning and another this afternoon.  I don't plan on blogging about each one (; but yeah, it's kind of exciting for me because it is a sign that my body is preparing for the most loved and hated milestone to mark womens' lives: labor and childbirth.  Yay!...?

Week 32: Rumbling and Rolling

Had another routine doctor's appointment yesterday.  Everything is still textbook: belly size measuring right on, weight numbers good, blood pressure perfect (I am a little too proud about that...), etc.  Rockin' and rolling.

Speaking of which, I have had the pleasure of carrying an extremely active kid.  Since this is my first pregnancy and I haven't followed pregnant women around with my hand on their bellies all day, I can't be sure.  It does seem though like from my general surveying of other women's experiences, my kid seems off the Richter scale-wiggly.  He has been this way for months.  I am a little bummed that as he gets bigger, he supposedly will start to move less for lack of room.  I'll miss his rumbley tumbley routines.  One of my favorite things to do is lay in bed and watch him draw a limb across my belly.  Sometimes he goes back and forth, trying to get comfortable I guess.  I don't know why but I just want to laugh when he is doing that.  Something about it is funny.  Maybe it's just my pure joy.

I haven't really had any pain or discomfort due to his movements.  I've been told, "Just wait until he gets a foot in your ribs."  We'll see if I change my tune in the next 8 weeks.

I've had two amazing baby showers this month!  We have received a lot of what we'll need, though there are still a few things that I need to get before he arrives.  A lot can wait until afterwards.  I'm experiencing this feeling of surreality and having a hard time buying anything that we still need.  I guess I feel like it's too soon or I'm afraid I'll change my mind about it.  One thing that I am so thankful for is that Mom and Ruthie plan to come spend a week or two with me to help out.  I feel like other than a few basic items of clothing (in both newborn and 3-6 month sizes), a stock of disposable diapers (also newborn and 3-6 month sizes), the bathtub, and some breastfeeding gear, we'll be prepared to get through well enough until someone can go to the store for items we'll really need.  The biggest mystery that I'm sure all expectant families face is, "Is he going to bypass newborn sizes altogether?" rendering all newborn clothing and diapers useless.

We are postponing the crib purchase until after he comes.  We might wait until right when he needs it - like 3 months old?  Considering our volatile situation (Ryan looking for a job) we could be moving at any time in the next few months, so anything we can postpone would potentially make the move easier.  Also, I kind of like the idea of purchasing on an as-needed basis.  I am learning that about myself - I've trained my brain so well to analyze need vs. want that I have a lot of trouble buying something I don't need right now [this is with the exclusion of clothes and jewelry and frozen yogurt of course (c;].  And back to being glad about getting that help from Mom and Ruth - I feel like we'll be a lot more able to run out and get something with so many hands around to help.  Really takes a load off - so I will put my wallet away for now and rest in the fact that Target is just 10 minutes away (c:

Little Things to Live A Little Better

1) Hang a bundle of eucalyptus in the shower.  The steam activates the smell.  The article suggests doing this when you have a cough or cold, but I kinda want to do it all the time (c:  I can get a sprig of this stuff at Hobby Lobby for a few bucks and the article claims it lasts for a few weeks (c:

2) Make t-shirt pillows.  I do have a LOT of tshirts.  Maybe some of them would make worthy pillows... most of them I'd rather turn inside out and do my own design (bleach drawing makes for some neat effects!).  You know, for some day when I feel like getting my hands dirty and have nothing else to do.

3) Herbal fire starters.  Neat idea.  We don't have a fireplace [yet], or a huge garden with an abundance of herbs [yet], but one day I would love to make these.  They'd also make nice gifts! 

4) Dishwasher soap squirt bottle.  Genius!  I have a glass pump for my dishwasher soap now, but the pump is plastic (painted to look like metal...ew).  It has held up well and it looks nice (especially with bright red/orange grapefruit-scented dish soap), but the mechanics don't screw on well to the bottle anymore and I have a feeling it won't last forever.  When that thing dies, I'm getting that tough little squeeze bottle, seems just really practical and easy to keep clean.



Source: article on Whole Living called 25 Eco-Chic Ideas for Your Home. 

Gathering The Gear: Travel System

Since last weekend, we have gone from having one drawer of baby stuff to a large corner of our living room dedicated to this small person's needs.  While in Tyler yesterday, we decided to go to the Babies R Us since we don't have one in our town and put our hands on some of the larger items we had been looking at online.  We read a ton of reviews on infant seats because that seems to be the one thing that you really do want to get new for safety standards.  We had actually decided to try to find a not-too-old used one on craigslist and had quite a few options there, but after looking at them at the store and pushing some strollers, we fell in love with a travel system.  All of the research and reviews were very helpful because we had a much better idea of what to look for (considering we have never had any first hand experience, we didn't really have an opinion).

Here is the travel system we ordered.  Yes, it's a sexy beast.  Hope it's a good choice!  It's not a strong name brand, but I think it's a good value.

And it has speakers (c:

#ThingsInMyDreamNursery: Construction Equipment

My boy is not like any other baby boy, mind you.  He's better.  Cartoony jungle animals and friendly-looking race cars are not good enough for him.  He's much manlier.  That's why when we see the clean, cute little onesies with the muddy bulldozers on them, we grab them up!

Wanting to grab these up, too!

Pregnancy Brain!

Who knows why it happens.  Maybe we just don't feel like ourselves, maybe it's hormones, maybe our minds are distracted with baby stuff, but one of the symptoms of pregnancy is having moments of completely losing your common sense.

It starts out subtly at first, and for me began as soon as the first trimester.  Forget something here, say something weird there, nothing too out of the ordinary.  At 28 weeks along, though, pregnancy brain has struck me... hard!

Yesterday evening I was cooking supper.  I found a crepe recipe and decided to try it (first time for me).  When attempting to crack an egg, I mindlessly dropped the perfectly-cracked egg yolk right down the sink drain.  It was not until a split second later that I realized that the egg should have gone in the bowl.  Woops.  The possibility of blaming Pregnancy Brain crept into my mind, but I ignored it.  Just a silly mistake.

About an hour later, I had cooked up a pile of crepes.  There was still some batter left, but we were hungry so we started eating while I got up every few minutes to flip the next one.  Suddenly, I felt like I had been woken up after being unconscious for an unknown amount of time.  Ryan jumped up and went to the kitchen... the smell of burnt crepe came to me.  I had completely forgotten about that one until it was burned to a crisp.  Strike 2.

Once settled into dinner and the stove turned off, I was enjoying a grape jelly crepe.  I made sure not to load them up with too much jelly so they wouldn't be a mess to eat.  I was careful to eat each one over my plate in case there were drips.  Then, recklessly I lifted the last bite of my mustang grape crepe from my plate across the few inches chasm to my mouth and [you would think I would have learned by this point in the evening] drip!  Grape jelly right on my faithful, clean, white, maternity v-neck t-shirt. 

So I had a bad night.  Pregnancy Brain was definitely the diagnosis.  Surely I can overcome this, I thought.  Mind over matter.  Wednesday is a new day. 

Here I am after lunch.  I just finished my Arby's sandwich.  Why didn't I eat the mashed potatoes, pork loin, baby carrots and apple that I packed for myself last night you ask?  Because I definitely grabbed the Tupperware container of cookie dough instead of my lunch this morning.  *sigh*