We are one day closer to meeting our baby!! That's the attitude I'm trying to focus on at this point. This weekend sure would have been a good one to have a baby as it was just the two of us with no plans. But we did get a lot accomplished. Yesterday, not only was I able to sleep very well (half the time in bed, half in the LaZBoy) but I had a day long energy spurt. It was fantastic. I cleaned for about three hours straight, and still had plenty of energy the rest of the day. I think that may have been some hard core nesting. Regardless, the house is once again clean, organized, and ready for the baby. Its really important to us to have a clean house when I go into labor, so that we are coming home from the hospital to a clean house.
I had hoped to get another good night's sleep last night, but we ended up with some crazy thunder this morning, which got both myself and Nathan out of bed too early. And it put a damper on our Memorial Day parade plans.
There's not much else to report in baby news. I'm noticing a lot more Braxton Hicks contractions, but none that have resulted in any discomfort. And I'm still feeling a lot of pressure, which makes me hopeful that I'm continuing to progress. Nathan has been taking me out for a regular nightly waddle, which I think should also help my body get things moving along. (I say nightly waddle, because what I'm doing certainly cannot be called walking:)
I really wish I had more to report but that's all I have for now. And some of you have asked if/how we will be updating once the baby is on the way/here. I will probably make at least one post or have Nathan make one once I'm in labor/heading to the hospital. Then we'll have internet access in our room, so hopefully Nathan will be able to update again soon after baby's born.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Mistakes
First of all... do you see that the countdown to my due date is now down to days! Woot Woot!
Secondly, I had my first reminder that perfect parents don't exist. I feel like for the first time, I was a bad parent. Our landlord is actually taking an interest in his property and is working to do some improvements that we certainly welcome. Long story short... he wanted to paint/seal two exterior walls in the basement. But for some reason... it didn't occur to me that being pregnant... I should be staying far away from paint fumes. That's Pregnancy 101. So why did I not say, hey your going to have to do that another time or put me up in a hotel. I guess I just thought opening the windows would be enough.
Long story short... I kind of freaked out when it occurred to me what a no no that was. But my parents and Nathan helped me get through it. I left for a while, we got a fan and figured out how to safely air the fumes out. I know how toxic paint fumes can be, but I think baby and I are going to be OK. Plus... I have worked so hard over the past 10 months (which again is why it blows my mind that it didn't occur to me not to let them paint...) to keep environmental toxins far away. No perfume, hairspray, chemical cleaning products, etc. So I figure... no major harm was done.
But as I said, it was definitely a reminder or wake up call that we will make mistakes as parents.
After the dramatics were over... I did kind of wish the stress would have sent me into labor. No such luck. ;) I might also add that I was disappointed the full moon also had no effect on inducing labor.
I was fully prepared to go two weeks past my due date... but after my midwife's surprise and happiness with the progress I was making... it completely threw me off my game... and now I just sit, staring at my belly, praying it would start contracting. I'm just so excited!
Oh and I did have a Non-Stress Test today. They just hooked me up to the fetal monitor and watched the heart beat for about 20-25 minutes while I pushed a button every time I felt the baby move. It was actually very relaxing. And my midwife said that it was the best one she ever saw. I don't know if she was just saying that or if it was really that good. But I was happy regardless. We'll do another one Tuesday.
Secondly, I had my first reminder that perfect parents don't exist. I feel like for the first time, I was a bad parent. Our landlord is actually taking an interest in his property and is working to do some improvements that we certainly welcome. Long story short... he wanted to paint/seal two exterior walls in the basement. But for some reason... it didn't occur to me that being pregnant... I should be staying far away from paint fumes. That's Pregnancy 101. So why did I not say, hey your going to have to do that another time or put me up in a hotel. I guess I just thought opening the windows would be enough.
Long story short... I kind of freaked out when it occurred to me what a no no that was. But my parents and Nathan helped me get through it. I left for a while, we got a fan and figured out how to safely air the fumes out. I know how toxic paint fumes can be, but I think baby and I are going to be OK. Plus... I have worked so hard over the past 10 months (which again is why it blows my mind that it didn't occur to me not to let them paint...) to keep environmental toxins far away. No perfume, hairspray, chemical cleaning products, etc. So I figure... no major harm was done.
But as I said, it was definitely a reminder or wake up call that we will make mistakes as parents.
After the dramatics were over... I did kind of wish the stress would have sent me into labor. No such luck. ;) I might also add that I was disappointed the full moon also had no effect on inducing labor.
I was fully prepared to go two weeks past my due date... but after my midwife's surprise and happiness with the progress I was making... it completely threw me off my game... and now I just sit, staring at my belly, praying it would start contracting. I'm just so excited!
Oh and I did have a Non-Stress Test today. They just hooked me up to the fetal monitor and watched the heart beat for about 20-25 minutes while I pushed a button every time I felt the baby move. It was actually very relaxing. And my midwife said that it was the best one she ever saw. I don't know if she was just saying that or if it was really that good. But I was happy regardless. We'll do another one Tuesday.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Thank You
Thank you everyone for your very positive and encouraging words concerning my blogging! I have received several comments either here on my blog or through email that have encouraged me to continue blogging, and I really appreciate it. Sometimes when you get one piece of negative feedback, it can be very discouraging. But receiving so much positive feedback... tells me to keep it up. That really means a lot to me. While this blog has been a great outlet for me... it has always been my hope that it will also bless or encourage someone else. Thank you for returning the encouragement.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Progress Update
Let me first say, I am not in labor... BUT we are making progress. I woke up this morning barely able to walk. It feels like I have a 20lb bowling ball attached to the very lowest part of my tummy. Each step hurts! So I decided to call my midwife, not because I was concerned, but more just to make sure it was normal and to see if I should expect this for the duration of my pregnancy. If so... I needed to be done with Anya out of fairness to her.
When the nurse called me back, she said Lynda wanted to know if I could come in for an appointment. Nathan came home and we headed on over to the office. We went ahead and did the standard 39 week visit (I forgot to ask how much I weighed.) She also decided to do an exam to check on the baby's progress. Sure enough... Baby M is at -1 station... as you can see below when I say the baby has dropped... the baby has dropped!
She also said my cervix is very thin which again is a very good sign. Its definitely looking light labor is near. She had always prepared us to go a week or two past our due date... but today... she kept talking like we're much closer. She also ordered a non stress test, where they basically just hook me up to the monitor for 30 minutes to watch the baby. This is more just a precaution being that we were IVF. But she'll do this Friday and Tuesday... "unless I have the baby before then," as he kept saying. It's all just so exciting.
When the time comes... I promise I'll update you as soon as possible!
When the nurse called me back, she said Lynda wanted to know if I could come in for an appointment. Nathan came home and we headed on over to the office. We went ahead and did the standard 39 week visit (I forgot to ask how much I weighed.) She also decided to do an exam to check on the baby's progress. Sure enough... Baby M is at -1 station... as you can see below when I say the baby has dropped... the baby has dropped!
She also said my cervix is very thin which again is a very good sign. Its definitely looking light labor is near. She had always prepared us to go a week or two past our due date... but today... she kept talking like we're much closer. She also ordered a non stress test, where they basically just hook me up to the monitor for 30 minutes to watch the baby. This is more just a precaution being that we were IVF. But she'll do this Friday and Tuesday... "unless I have the baby before then," as he kept saying. It's all just so exciting.
When the time comes... I promise I'll update you as soon as possible!
Sorry
Apparently my vaccination post may have been offensive to some. Let me first say, that these are just my thoughts and opinions. My blog has always been my outlet for saying what I want. I know I have strong opinions about many things, and I am usually not very shy in expressing them. But let me say that my intent is not to be judgmental of people who choose to do things differently or believe other things. My purpose was maybe to encourage people to simply look into what is being injected into their babies. I'm not saying my way is the only way. Especially when it comes to health care, I'm saying the opposite. I'm saying medical care shouldn't be one size fits all. What works for my kid may not work for your kid. If you decide full vaccination is what is best for your child... then by all means that is what you should do. I was just trying to encourage educated decisions. For that, I will not apologize.
The same goes for parenting. My thoughts on parenting should be meaningless to everyone else. Every single kid on this planet is different and there are a million different ways to raise them. I absolutely do not feel like my ideas are the best or only ways of doing things. And I am sorry if I ever came across that way.
But at the same time, this is my blog and I have no desire to cater what I say to anyone else but myself.
I have felt like doing this for a while now, but I think my blogging days are numbered. Nathan loves that I have kind of chronicled our life over the past few years, but I think it may be time to go to the good old fashioned personal journal. I will still have a venue for keeping you updated with pictures of the babe and what's going on with our family, but it will be different from past blogs... much more straightforward, much less opinion. I have always valued hearing other people's opinions, even if I disagree... but maybe not everyone else feels that way.
And in all honesty... in a matter of days/weeks... my world is going to be consumed with something much greater than a blog. I will no longer be blogging about it... but doing it... which is what I've been waiting for, for years now.
The same goes for parenting. My thoughts on parenting should be meaningless to everyone else. Every single kid on this planet is different and there are a million different ways to raise them. I absolutely do not feel like my ideas are the best or only ways of doing things. And I am sorry if I ever came across that way.
But at the same time, this is my blog and I have no desire to cater what I say to anyone else but myself.
I have felt like doing this for a while now, but I think my blogging days are numbered. Nathan loves that I have kind of chronicled our life over the past few years, but I think it may be time to go to the good old fashioned personal journal. I will still have a venue for keeping you updated with pictures of the babe and what's going on with our family, but it will be different from past blogs... much more straightforward, much less opinion. I have always valued hearing other people's opinions, even if I disagree... but maybe not everyone else feels that way.
And in all honesty... in a matter of days/weeks... my world is going to be consumed with something much greater than a blog. I will no longer be blogging about it... but doing it... which is what I've been waiting for, for years now.
Monday, May 24, 2010
A few posts ago, I asked that you continue to keep us in your prayers as we still had a very stressful situation on our hands. I'm happy to report that God answered that prayer in a big way. So now that burden is now longer on our shoulders, the house is clean, hospital bags are packed, car seat has been installed, baby's bed is ready, baby's clothes are clean, both new staffers have started at the paper, LOST is over... we're officially ready for the baby! Now... we wait.
I read recently that its a good idea to have an early labor project planned to serve as a distraction for those early contractions instead of just sitting around waiting and focusing on the contractions. I decided my early labor project will be baking cookies for the maternity nurses. I want those nurses to be my friend... what better way to ensure that than with a plate of fresh baked cookies. You may think that is silly, but really... those women work hard and deserve a treat. And while women are probably most appreciative if their nurses after the baby is already born... what brand spankin' new mom has the time or energy to bake cookies and take them back to the hospital. This way... I will do my thanking in advance. Now of course I may not actually end up with the time or energy to do that during early labor... but I will try.
That's about all I have to report for now. I hope everyone has a great week!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Pediatrician and Vaccines
I fear a soap box is in my future.
I am a bit hesitant to get on this issue, but I am. Vaccinations. I met with our pediatrician today. I chose a female doctor who came highly recommended as both a great pediatrician and someone open to alternatives. But I needed to meet her in person to make sure she was someone who would respect Nathan and I as parents. I had that appointment today.
I was nervous going in there. Nathan and I have decided to use an alternative vaccination schedule. There are a few reasons. I know the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC insist there is no link between vaccinations and autism. I don't buy it. I understand why vaccinations are important. But when the majority of vaccination-autism studies are funded by pharmaceutical companies... there's too great a conflict of interest. And its the studies that are not being conducted. Try to find studies on unvaccinated kids with autism. Or studies on cases of autism in populations that do not vaccinate like the Amish. {And let me say that while boys are at greater risk... girls are still at great risk.} SO yeah... I'm not convinced there is no link.
But aside from autism... it just seems stupid to overload such tiny little bodies. 10 vaccinations by the age of 12 months. (Go to the CDC website and look at the 2010 vaccination schedule.) That's expecting on awful lot from a tiny little body. And there are other injuries caused by vaccinations besides autism. My chiropractor worked in a toxicology lab while in grad school and saw first hand the massive amounts of injuries caused by vaccinations. And she sees many patients who after being injured be vaccines have turned to more natural alternatives.
The third reason is simply we don't believe in one size fits all medical care. My child may not have the same risk factors as a child living in a drug using family in urban Detroit. My child's risk of contracting Hepatitis B (which is contracted through the mother at birth if she is infected... I am not, through sexual intercourse, or through IV drug use.) I may have talked about this before, but I understand the need for a standard to protect certain populations of babies. But my job is to look at my child's risk factors. I will have them vaccinated at some point, but Nathan and I were vaccinated in high school... which seems like a more appropriate time.
I did research over many months, read a couple books, and tried to evaluate each illness or disease on the vaccination list and decide which ones were a threat to my child. In doing so, I came up with my own vaccination schedule. I took that schedule with me today to present to our pediatrician. To show her respect, I asked for her professional thoughts and for advice in prioritizing the vaccinations as they will be done one at a time. She said the most important thing is that we do vaccinate... so she is happy to support us in doing what she needs to do to make sure that happens. If that means doing them one at a time, spreading them out, and leaving a few out, then she is happy to do that.
And while I think she was initially skeptical when I pulled out my folded vaccination schedule... she completely validated my research in echoing that the vaccines I chose and prioritized were the same she would have chose and prioritized. I think she quickly saw that I did do my own research.
I'm not going to share our particular vaccination schedule because as I said, it shouldn't be one size fits all. But I think it is important that parents educate themselves on what is being injected into their babies and why.
I'll give you an example. The Rotavirus. Do you know anything about it? The vaccine is given at two months. Do you know the most serious complications of the rotavirus? Severe dehydration. Yes... severe dehydration can be life threatening. But if my child is sick and begins vomiting or having diarrhea... I'm going to be on alert for dehydration. And yes, for an infant dehydration likely means a trip to the hospital to be hydrated through IV. But we don't live in a rural area, miles from modern medicine. I can be at the hospital in less than ten minutes. I just don't see a great enough threat to merit a vaccine, especially at two months old. It really doesn't take a genius to do what I've done. It just takes some time and common sense.
I cannot sit back, cross my fingers, and hope for the best. I want to know that we educated ourselves and made an informed decision. I can't say that my child will not end up autistic or end up sick from a illness that we could have vaccinated for. But at least I'll know we tried our best to make an informed decision. In the day and age of the internet and full access to any information you could possibly want to know... ignorance is not an excuse.
There we have it folks. My little soap box for the day. I hope I did not offend anyone. My intention is only to inspire other parents to be proactive and educated. If you educate yourself and decide full vaccination is right for your family... great! That's what it is about... making educated decisions.
I am a bit hesitant to get on this issue, but I am. Vaccinations. I met with our pediatrician today. I chose a female doctor who came highly recommended as both a great pediatrician and someone open to alternatives. But I needed to meet her in person to make sure she was someone who would respect Nathan and I as parents. I had that appointment today.
I was nervous going in there. Nathan and I have decided to use an alternative vaccination schedule. There are a few reasons. I know the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC insist there is no link between vaccinations and autism. I don't buy it. I understand why vaccinations are important. But when the majority of vaccination-autism studies are funded by pharmaceutical companies... there's too great a conflict of interest. And its the studies that are not being conducted. Try to find studies on unvaccinated kids with autism. Or studies on cases of autism in populations that do not vaccinate like the Amish. {And let me say that while boys are at greater risk... girls are still at great risk.} SO yeah... I'm not convinced there is no link.
But aside from autism... it just seems stupid to overload such tiny little bodies. 10 vaccinations by the age of 12 months. (Go to the CDC website and look at the 2010 vaccination schedule.) That's expecting on awful lot from a tiny little body. And there are other injuries caused by vaccinations besides autism. My chiropractor worked in a toxicology lab while in grad school and saw first hand the massive amounts of injuries caused by vaccinations. And she sees many patients who after being injured be vaccines have turned to more natural alternatives.
The third reason is simply we don't believe in one size fits all medical care. My child may not have the same risk factors as a child living in a drug using family in urban Detroit. My child's risk of contracting Hepatitis B (which is contracted through the mother at birth if she is infected... I am not, through sexual intercourse, or through IV drug use.) I may have talked about this before, but I understand the need for a standard to protect certain populations of babies. But my job is to look at my child's risk factors. I will have them vaccinated at some point, but Nathan and I were vaccinated in high school... which seems like a more appropriate time.
I did research over many months, read a couple books, and tried to evaluate each illness or disease on the vaccination list and decide which ones were a threat to my child. In doing so, I came up with my own vaccination schedule. I took that schedule with me today to present to our pediatrician. To show her respect, I asked for her professional thoughts and for advice in prioritizing the vaccinations as they will be done one at a time. She said the most important thing is that we do vaccinate... so she is happy to support us in doing what she needs to do to make sure that happens. If that means doing them one at a time, spreading them out, and leaving a few out, then she is happy to do that.
And while I think she was initially skeptical when I pulled out my folded vaccination schedule... she completely validated my research in echoing that the vaccines I chose and prioritized were the same she would have chose and prioritized. I think she quickly saw that I did do my own research.
I'm not going to share our particular vaccination schedule because as I said, it shouldn't be one size fits all. But I think it is important that parents educate themselves on what is being injected into their babies and why.
I'll give you an example. The Rotavirus. Do you know anything about it? The vaccine is given at two months. Do you know the most serious complications of the rotavirus? Severe dehydration. Yes... severe dehydration can be life threatening. But if my child is sick and begins vomiting or having diarrhea... I'm going to be on alert for dehydration. And yes, for an infant dehydration likely means a trip to the hospital to be hydrated through IV. But we don't live in a rural area, miles from modern medicine. I can be at the hospital in less than ten minutes. I just don't see a great enough threat to merit a vaccine, especially at two months old. It really doesn't take a genius to do what I've done. It just takes some time and common sense.
I cannot sit back, cross my fingers, and hope for the best. I want to know that we educated ourselves and made an informed decision. I can't say that my child will not end up autistic or end up sick from a illness that we could have vaccinated for. But at least I'll know we tried our best to make an informed decision. In the day and age of the internet and full access to any information you could possibly want to know... ignorance is not an excuse.
There we have it folks. My little soap box for the day. I hope I did not offend anyone. My intention is only to inspire other parents to be proactive and educated. If you educate yourself and decide full vaccination is right for your family... great! That's what it is about... making educated decisions.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
38 Weeks!!
First things first. I had a great 38 week appointment this morning. Down five pounds (it is common to lose poundage in the final weeks) making my new weight gain total 20 lbs. We both seem to be doing great! Baby's head is definitely down and in the pelvis... but the movements are giant rolls across my belly. I laugh when I think about what that must look like in there.
I am not yet to the point where I just want to have the baby. I still love being pregnant and baby is welcome to stay in my belly as long as they'd like. Well... OK maybe it isn't an open ended invitation... but I am still loving being pregnant. With that said... I am also so incredibly excited about meeting our baby! I cannot believe we are just two weeks from my due date. Its definitely a bittersweet feeling for me. I really cannot wait to meet Baby M... but once Baby M is here... that's when the hard work begins. That's when they are no longer in the safe, warm shelter of my belly... they are in the cold, polluted (in more than one way) world.
One thing that was on my to do list was updating my pregnancy keepsake book. There is a page for Mom to write a letter to her baby. I actually wrote the letter back in January. As I was reading it again and transferring into the book... something I wrote really caught my attention. I said something along the lines of 'You are still in my belly, yet you have already brought so much joy into our lives.' And its so true. This baby has not even taken their first breathe of air... and they have already brought more joy into my life than I have ever known before. (And since I know this child is a true gift from God... I'd also say that God is also responsible for the joy in our lives.) There is not a single thing that could take away our joy. Financial stresses, work stresses, life stresses... every problem has a solution... and no matter how stresses I might get... thinking about my child takes all that away. And yeah yeah.... I know there will come a day when my child may actually be the cause of some stress. But for now I am just in awe of the growing amount of joy this baby has already brought.
I am not yet to the point where I just want to have the baby. I still love being pregnant and baby is welcome to stay in my belly as long as they'd like. Well... OK maybe it isn't an open ended invitation... but I am still loving being pregnant. With that said... I am also so incredibly excited about meeting our baby! I cannot believe we are just two weeks from my due date. Its definitely a bittersweet feeling for me. I really cannot wait to meet Baby M... but once Baby M is here... that's when the hard work begins. That's when they are no longer in the safe, warm shelter of my belly... they are in the cold, polluted (in more than one way) world.
One thing that was on my to do list was updating my pregnancy keepsake book. There is a page for Mom to write a letter to her baby. I actually wrote the letter back in January. As I was reading it again and transferring into the book... something I wrote really caught my attention. I said something along the lines of 'You are still in my belly, yet you have already brought so much joy into our lives.' And its so true. This baby has not even taken their first breathe of air... and they have already brought more joy into my life than I have ever known before. (And since I know this child is a true gift from God... I'd also say that God is also responsible for the joy in our lives.) There is not a single thing that could take away our joy. Financial stresses, work stresses, life stresses... every problem has a solution... and no matter how stresses I might get... thinking about my child takes all that away. And yeah yeah.... I know there will come a day when my child may actually be the cause of some stress. But for now I am just in awe of the growing amount of joy this baby has already brought.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Wonderful Friday
Today has been a wonderful Friday. First of all, the sun is shining and the air is warm(er.)
I had a great appointment with my midwife this morning. New weight gain total is 25 lbs, but I'm still fine with that. My midwife told me I am doing a great job taking care of my baby. That made me feel good. No Strep B. Blood pressure is still perfect. I mentioned I am preparing for a big baby since my mom had 9lb14oz, 9lb13oz, and 8lb8oz babies (I was the biggest.) Her guess was that Baby is about seven pounds right now (which is normal), but if I went a week past my due date I would likely end up with a nine pounder! I still cannot comprehend that there is a seven pound baby in my belly... although that feels about right.
After that, I had lunch with Nathan and our friend Sue who works with Nathan at the paper. Sue has been incredibly kind and supportive via the internet, but she and I had yet to meet face to face. So we finally met and had lunch today which was so nice. And she gave us some great things for the baby, which again was so kind and generous!
After that, I had a pedicure. OMG. I needed it for some many reasons. My feet were looking horrible! And I managed to throw some Barbie pink color on my toe nails a few weeks ago. They looked sloppy and way too pink, but it was too much work to take off or redo. So having my feet rubbed and toe nails cut and painted... was heavenly. I'm just hoping this pedicure will last about six months because I'm not sure when my next pedicure will be. :)
I had a great appointment with my midwife this morning. New weight gain total is 25 lbs, but I'm still fine with that. My midwife told me I am doing a great job taking care of my baby. That made me feel good. No Strep B. Blood pressure is still perfect. I mentioned I am preparing for a big baby since my mom had 9lb14oz, 9lb13oz, and 8lb8oz babies (I was the biggest.) Her guess was that Baby is about seven pounds right now (which is normal), but if I went a week past my due date I would likely end up with a nine pounder! I still cannot comprehend that there is a seven pound baby in my belly... although that feels about right.
After that, I had lunch with Nathan and our friend Sue who works with Nathan at the paper. Sue has been incredibly kind and supportive via the internet, but she and I had yet to meet face to face. So we finally met and had lunch today which was so nice. And she gave us some great things for the baby, which again was so kind and generous!
After that, I had a pedicure. OMG. I needed it for some many reasons. My feet were looking horrible! And I managed to throw some Barbie pink color on my toe nails a few weeks ago. They looked sloppy and way too pink, but it was too much work to take off or redo. So having my feet rubbed and toe nails cut and painted... was heavenly. I'm just hoping this pedicure will last about six months because I'm not sure when my next pedicure will be. :)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Full Term
Tomorrow I will be 37 weeks and officially full term! This is such a wonderful milestone, and very exciting. We could have this baby any time between now and the next 5 weeks (accounting for the two weeks they will let me go past my due date.) Aside from being exhausted ALL day today... I have kicked it into high gear as far as really, and I mean really, getting things ready. That means putting the finishing touches on my hospital bags, washing all of baby's sheets, clothes, blankets, etc. I think we'll be ready whenever Baby decides to enter this world.
In celebration of being full term, I decided I'd like to take predictions from everyone regarding Baby M's gender, birth weight, and birthdate. It'll be lots of fun to see who is right! And just FYI... without ever having talked about it before, Nathan and I chose the exact same date for our guess of the baby's birthday. We'll see if its coincidence or intuition. You can comment your guesses or email the guesses and I will record them in my official baby predication database. :)
In celebration of being full term, I decided I'd like to take predictions from everyone regarding Baby M's gender, birth weight, and birthdate. It'll be lots of fun to see who is right! And just FYI... without ever having talked about it before, Nathan and I chose the exact same date for our guess of the baby's birthday. We'll see if its coincidence or intuition. You can comment your guesses or email the guesses and I will record them in my official baby predication database. :)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Dropping
What a wonderful few days we've had with my parents! I can't say it was anything we did... it was just having them near that was so great. I talk to my mom at least once a day so we don't usually have too much to catch up on, but just having face to face conversations with my parents feel so good. I think they enjoyed getting to see my ginormous belly. Its hard to believe that they'll be coming back up in a few weeks as grandparents! And I really did enjoy being spoiled. My mom made me breakfast almost every morning, kept the dishes clean, and just did a lot to make the past few days easier. As they were leaving, I realized that this was also my last trip as the baby. I'm their youngest... but once that grand baby takes center stage... I'm no longer baby. And of course I am more than happy to step aside. :)
I don't think I updated much from my last doctor's appointment. The baby is still measuring well... maybe a week ahead. I gained 6 lbs (over three weeks) which I was due for since I hadn't gained any the previous week. My total is now 23 lbs. Its not as great as I had hoped, but its fine.
Over the past week I had really felt like the baby was dropping big time. I felt a lot more pressure on my bladder and in my pelvis. In fact, I said that if my midwife said the baby wasn't dropping much... I just wouldn't believe her. Sure enough, she confirmed that the baby is settling into the pelvis nicely. Yay! Caution... Maybe more details than you want to know... I have also been feeling more pressure on my cervix. I know its pressure on my cervix because that's where the pain from the HSG came from. When I mentioned that to my midwife she also said its possible I may be beginning to dilate. Again... Yay! I know you can dilate for weeks before labor, but its just exciting to feel my body getting ready.
Its really starting to hit that we are in the home stretch. I will be full term on Thursday!! As a result... I have a two page to do list to start taking care of.
Please continue to pray for all three of us. We have also encountered another situation that must be dealt with within the next couple weeks that has caused some significant anxiety. Unfortunately I cannot get into details, but I do ask that you pray for God's guidance, direction, and favor in that situation.
I don't think I updated much from my last doctor's appointment. The baby is still measuring well... maybe a week ahead. I gained 6 lbs (over three weeks) which I was due for since I hadn't gained any the previous week. My total is now 23 lbs. Its not as great as I had hoped, but its fine.
Over the past week I had really felt like the baby was dropping big time. I felt a lot more pressure on my bladder and in my pelvis. In fact, I said that if my midwife said the baby wasn't dropping much... I just wouldn't believe her. Sure enough, she confirmed that the baby is settling into the pelvis nicely. Yay! Caution... Maybe more details than you want to know... I have also been feeling more pressure on my cervix. I know its pressure on my cervix because that's where the pain from the HSG came from. When I mentioned that to my midwife she also said its possible I may be beginning to dilate. Again... Yay! I know you can dilate for weeks before labor, but its just exciting to feel my body getting ready.
Its really starting to hit that we are in the home stretch. I will be full term on Thursday!! As a result... I have a two page to do list to start taking care of.
Please continue to pray for all three of us. We have also encountered another situation that must be dealt with within the next couple weeks that has caused some significant anxiety. Unfortunately I cannot get into details, but I do ask that you pray for God's guidance, direction, and favor in that situation.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Friends
Mom and Dad made it in to town on Thursday and we have really been enjoying their visit!! On Friday they were able to come to my 36 week appointment with me and hear their grandchild's heart beat for the first time. While I wish I could focus on being a great hostess... I have really enjoyed the extra help (and spoiling!) And of course.... the LaZBoy!!! Yay.
Friday evening my friend Marcia threw a baby shower for me here in Midland. There were only about eight of us, but it was great. It was just so nice to sit around and have some mommy chat. We talked about all kinds of things that would otherwise be kind of inappropriate to talk about relating to birth and nursing. And everyone was so thoughtful and generous!
After my shower, I realized how truly blessed I am. While we hate being so far from family and Midland isn't the town we want to settle in for twenty years... it is where we are now. Both of my baby showers were absolutely wonderful and so heartwarming, but my Midland shower made me realize that at the end of the day... its the group of women here in Midland that are with me in the day to day. They were the women who were with me while going through IVF. {Of course my mom, mother-in-law, and Caroline were equally great supporters from afar, too. And I know we had a lot of support and prayers from so many others as well.} I just saw at my shower here in Midland, a group of women that I am so blessed to call my friends. And even baby Sadie (four weeks old!) was there... which will likely be my baby's first (same aged) playmate. So to my friends in Midland... Thank you for being in my life.
I'm sure I'll have a Mother's Day post coming soon... but let me say today to all the mothers... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! <3
Friday evening my friend Marcia threw a baby shower for me here in Midland. There were only about eight of us, but it was great. It was just so nice to sit around and have some mommy chat. We talked about all kinds of things that would otherwise be kind of inappropriate to talk about relating to birth and nursing. And everyone was so thoughtful and generous!
After my shower, I realized how truly blessed I am. While we hate being so far from family and Midland isn't the town we want to settle in for twenty years... it is where we are now. Both of my baby showers were absolutely wonderful and so heartwarming, but my Midland shower made me realize that at the end of the day... its the group of women here in Midland that are with me in the day to day. They were the women who were with me while going through IVF. {Of course my mom, mother-in-law, and Caroline were equally great supporters from afar, too. And I know we had a lot of support and prayers from so many others as well.} I just saw at my shower here in Midland, a group of women that I am so blessed to call my friends. And even baby Sadie (four weeks old!) was there... which will likely be my baby's first (same aged) playmate. So to my friends in Midland... Thank you for being in my life.
I'm sure I'll have a Mother's Day post coming soon... but let me say today to all the mothers... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! <3
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Nine to Five
Today is Nathan's second day at Photo Editor. And it is the second day he has actually been home just after 5:00. It is so foreign to us. Even when he would work 9-5 days... he'd usually end up having to go back to work later in the evening. Yesterday, he came home, we ate dinner, I made Shoe (or maybe Shu) Fly Pie, we went for a walk, then just spent the evening together at home. We even went to bed at the same time last night. In almost six years of marriage, this is a wonderful new first, and I love it!
And on a side note... our walk was definitely more of a stroll. It started out a nice walk, but I started to get some sharp (not really painful) feelings in my lower belly. So I told Nathan we needed to slow it down a bit. This made Nathan really nervous. He asked if I needed him to go get the car. I laughed. It truly wasn't painful. It really just felt like stretching ligaments. I know that I will know when something isn't right, but Nathan doesn't. I was hoping to walk a bit more, but once we got back near our house, he said the walk was over. We're going to try again this evening.
And in response to Bridget's comment... I will definitely keep you updated as I make progress... I'll probably give you more info than you really care to know.
And on a side note... our walk was definitely more of a stroll. It started out a nice walk, but I started to get some sharp (not really painful) feelings in my lower belly. So I told Nathan we needed to slow it down a bit. This made Nathan really nervous. He asked if I needed him to go get the car. I laughed. It truly wasn't painful. It really just felt like stretching ligaments. I know that I will know when something isn't right, but Nathan doesn't. I was hoping to walk a bit more, but once we got back near our house, he said the walk was over. We're going to try again this evening.
And in response to Bridget's comment... I will definitely keep you updated as I make progress... I'll probably give you more info than you really care to know.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Monday
First I'd like to say I have been and will continue to pray for the people affected by the flooding down in KY/TN. Its been a busy week or so in the US between the flooding and storms, the oil rig explosion and spill, and the car bomb in NY. My prayers are with everyone affected by all of these situations.
Today is Nathan's first day as Photo Editor. I'm sure it'll be months before he really gets into his own groove, but he's getting there. Yesterday we did some long, long, long overdue spring cleaning in the photo office. And Nathan's setting up some of his own systems of organization. He still needs a lot of reassurance... but I know my husband and he will figure it all out. One thing that will really help is getting his new staff in. Right now he is the photo department. Our friend Briana is up here freelancing so he has assignments covered, but he is still very much in transition mode. I'm hoping he gets into the settling mode within the next couple of weeks. The exciting part of today for me is that this marks the first of most days where he will actually be home in the evenings.
Baby news... This week I will be 36 weeks!!!! I have my 36 week appointment on Friday, then I will see my midwife once a week. As pregnant as I feel.... I still cannot believe we are seriously almost there. This has been about a two and a half year journey and to think that in four (to six) weeks I will be holding my baby in my arms... its just amazing. I had PT today, which went very well. My PT is great about adapting things from week to week. She seems to think the baby is really dropping, which I think as well however that means lots of extra pressure on the pelvis. So we'll see what my midwife thinks on Friday. Aside from being sore/in pain because of the pelvic joint issues... I feel great. I'm not comfortable sleeping at night, but I think I must still be getting the rest I need. No other pregnancy issues to complain about. The heartburn/indigestion seems to be under control. And I just feel good. The only thing I'm really kind of dying to do is go swimming!!! The thought of being weightless with the pressure off my joints... sounds so nice. I just hate to buy a maternity bathing suit to use only a small handful of times.
I have been pretty emotional over the last week or so. The new Mother's Day commercial for Hallmark made me cry... about three times. I cried during the singing of My Old Kentucky Home before the KY Derby. Seriously. Before the first line had been sung... I had tears coming down my face! LOL Then they showed Calvin Borel getting choked up during the song and that only made me cry a little harder. Oh and that was while I was sitting in the chair (home by myself) with a big bowl of water melon resting on the top of my belly. I love being pregnant... And then there are times when I am just driving down the road and start to cry. Today I thought about what it is going to be like when we take our baby to Dr. Shamma's office for the first time to meet everyone. Phew... that really gets me going.
All in all... I'd say things are pretty normal.
Oh and my mom and dad are coming up this weekend which I cannot wait for. Not just because they're bringing me a La Z Boy.... but because I miss them. I hate that our parents haven't been able to be around very much to watch my belly grow and feel the baby move. So I'm really glad my parents will be able to get a visit in while I'm still very pregnant. And being Mother's Day weekend will make that even more special. When you are your parent's daughter... you certainly appreciate your mom (and Dad!) for all that she has done and all that she has taught you, but when you become a mother... that takes the appreciation to a whole new level. I know I am still technically a mom-to-be, but I already have a whole new understanding and appreciation for my parents... and I know that will only develop further as I venture into the life long journey of parenthood. {Love you Mom and Dad!}
Today is Nathan's first day as Photo Editor. I'm sure it'll be months before he really gets into his own groove, but he's getting there. Yesterday we did some long, long, long overdue spring cleaning in the photo office. And Nathan's setting up some of his own systems of organization. He still needs a lot of reassurance... but I know my husband and he will figure it all out. One thing that will really help is getting his new staff in. Right now he is the photo department. Our friend Briana is up here freelancing so he has assignments covered, but he is still very much in transition mode. I'm hoping he gets into the settling mode within the next couple of weeks. The exciting part of today for me is that this marks the first of most days where he will actually be home in the evenings.
Baby news... This week I will be 36 weeks!!!! I have my 36 week appointment on Friday, then I will see my midwife once a week. As pregnant as I feel.... I still cannot believe we are seriously almost there. This has been about a two and a half year journey and to think that in four (to six) weeks I will be holding my baby in my arms... its just amazing. I had PT today, which went very well. My PT is great about adapting things from week to week. She seems to think the baby is really dropping, which I think as well however that means lots of extra pressure on the pelvis. So we'll see what my midwife thinks on Friday. Aside from being sore/in pain because of the pelvic joint issues... I feel great. I'm not comfortable sleeping at night, but I think I must still be getting the rest I need. No other pregnancy issues to complain about. The heartburn/indigestion seems to be under control. And I just feel good. The only thing I'm really kind of dying to do is go swimming!!! The thought of being weightless with the pressure off my joints... sounds so nice. I just hate to buy a maternity bathing suit to use only a small handful of times.
I have been pretty emotional over the last week or so. The new Mother's Day commercial for Hallmark made me cry... about three times. I cried during the singing of My Old Kentucky Home before the KY Derby. Seriously. Before the first line had been sung... I had tears coming down my face! LOL Then they showed Calvin Borel getting choked up during the song and that only made me cry a little harder. Oh and that was while I was sitting in the chair (home by myself) with a big bowl of water melon resting on the top of my belly. I love being pregnant... And then there are times when I am just driving down the road and start to cry. Today I thought about what it is going to be like when we take our baby to Dr. Shamma's office for the first time to meet everyone. Phew... that really gets me going.
All in all... I'd say things are pretty normal.
Oh and my mom and dad are coming up this weekend which I cannot wait for. Not just because they're bringing me a La Z Boy.... but because I miss them. I hate that our parents haven't been able to be around very much to watch my belly grow and feel the baby move. So I'm really glad my parents will be able to get a visit in while I'm still very pregnant. And being Mother's Day weekend will make that even more special. When you are your parent's daughter... you certainly appreciate your mom (and Dad!) for all that she has done and all that she has taught you, but when you become a mother... that takes the appreciation to a whole new level. I know I am still technically a mom-to-be, but I already have a whole new understanding and appreciation for my parents... and I know that will only develop further as I venture into the life long journey of parenthood. {Love you Mom and Dad!}
Saturday, May 1, 2010
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