We have made it to the 39 week mark and have no signs of jumping off this train any time soon. I have had some contractions, but nothing timeable or too painful. At least I am headed into a nice 3 day weekend.
My original plan was to have today be my last day of work, but I feel guilty now. I have decided that if I have no labor signs by Tuesday morning I am going to come in to work. I am showing a movie in both of the classes I have that day and I have my last doctors appointment (near school) at 2:30 that afternoon. I feel like it will be easier to pass the time at work rather than sitting on my couch wishing labor would start. Hopefully that appointment will produce some good news that the baby is at least THINKING about making his entrance.
Lately I have been making plans a few days out to try and give myself something to look forward to other than having a baby. This technique has worked so far - so I am going to keep it up. I am planning to get a pedicure this afternoon (and begging the nail technicion to hit those labor inducing pressure points), tomorrow we have friends from out of town visiting with thier two children and then Sunday we are having dinner at my mother-in-laws. Monday I plan to relax and get any last minute cleaning and organizing done (or maybe sleeping all day). If I am still fat and happy by Tuesday I will have to start a new plan.
A note for anyone who may be reading this blog in mental preparation for thier own ride on the maternity train: The last weeks of pregnancy are THE WORST!! I don't feel like anyone warned me about this. Don't let anyone tell you it is the "most beautiful time fo your life"...thats garbage! You feel bloated, tired, cranky, impatient and out of control. Everything is swollen and it is hard to walk, let alone do any other kind of physical activity. Your body has a mind of its own and could be a special on National Geographic.....I will spare you the details there.
Don't get me wrong - I have enjoyed pregnancy for the most part and consider myself one of the lucky ones, but the last couple of weeks are MISERABLE! The magical part will be when I hold this little angel in my arms and "mom-nesia" kicks in. I will forget all about how uncomfortable I am right now and start dreaming of having another - well maybe not right away. :)
Friday, May 27, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Rude? Maybe....but it made me laugh
I read this note a pregnant woman wrote to her family and friends and it made me laugh. I think it would be terribly rude to actually send to people, but I think every first time mom would wish they could. Here it is for you to enjoy.....
Hello to all of our generous and loving family and friends. If you are reading this than we consider you to be very special and expect to see you soon after the baby arrives to introduce you the new Center of our Universe. The following is a list of things that we are slightly concerned about and would like to share with you in an effort to avoid unnecessary fighting and hurt feelings. Some of them might seem obvious or rude to mention, but they may be things visitors might forget or not think about.
1. Please do not come to the hospital or to our home unannounced. While we are anxious to see you, the little one and I will been getting to know each other and need our privacy to do so. I would hate for someone to show up unannounced and be scared by the sight of me learning to breast feeding or trying to get to the bathroom. You may be thinking that this would not bother YOU....but it will in fact bother ME.
2. Wash your hands or use anti-bacterial hand sanitizer before you pick the little one up. And please wait until we offer for you to pick him up, rather than just taking him from our arms or any other place he is resting comfortably. It may have taken us a good amount of time to get him that content.
3. Don't make any unfavorable remarks about the baby or me. I just got done laboring him out and the last thing I want to hear is how awful I look or that he has a cone head. He will look perfect to me and I will not be concerned with how I look, so your remarks about any abnormalities are likely to reduce me to a sobbing mess.
4. Be mindful of how long you visit. 30-45 minutes is plenty of time. So, unless you are helping with chores or cooking us a meal I will be overwhelmed. Also keep in mind that if the little one starts to cry it is probably because he is hungry or needs a nap. While you may feel totally comfortable with me breastfeeding in front of you, I will not and will not be going into hiding because you are visiting. Kindly take this as your cue to exit.
5. Lastly, don't be a know-it-all when it comes to the baby or how I should be behaving during this time. Please remember - he is new at this, I am new at this and we are learning. Think of it this way...if your teacher gives you all the answers to the test how much did you really learn. And I don't need you reminding me that my bathroom isn't clean or that the dishwasher needs to be run.
Thank you for caring enough to read this whole letter. It can mostly be summed up by saying....please be positive, reassuring and supportive and if you don't have something nice to say....DON'T COME OVER!
Hello to all of our generous and loving family and friends. If you are reading this than we consider you to be very special and expect to see you soon after the baby arrives to introduce you the new Center of our Universe. The following is a list of things that we are slightly concerned about and would like to share with you in an effort to avoid unnecessary fighting and hurt feelings. Some of them might seem obvious or rude to mention, but they may be things visitors might forget or not think about.
1. Please do not come to the hospital or to our home unannounced. While we are anxious to see you, the little one and I will been getting to know each other and need our privacy to do so. I would hate for someone to show up unannounced and be scared by the sight of me learning to breast feeding or trying to get to the bathroom. You may be thinking that this would not bother YOU....but it will in fact bother ME.
2. Wash your hands or use anti-bacterial hand sanitizer before you pick the little one up. And please wait until we offer for you to pick him up, rather than just taking him from our arms or any other place he is resting comfortably. It may have taken us a good amount of time to get him that content.
3. Don't make any unfavorable remarks about the baby or me. I just got done laboring him out and the last thing I want to hear is how awful I look or that he has a cone head. He will look perfect to me and I will not be concerned with how I look, so your remarks about any abnormalities are likely to reduce me to a sobbing mess.
4. Be mindful of how long you visit. 30-45 minutes is plenty of time. So, unless you are helping with chores or cooking us a meal I will be overwhelmed. Also keep in mind that if the little one starts to cry it is probably because he is hungry or needs a nap. While you may feel totally comfortable with me breastfeeding in front of you, I will not and will not be going into hiding because you are visiting. Kindly take this as your cue to exit.
5. Lastly, don't be a know-it-all when it comes to the baby or how I should be behaving during this time. Please remember - he is new at this, I am new at this and we are learning. Think of it this way...if your teacher gives you all the answers to the test how much did you really learn. And I don't need you reminding me that my bathroom isn't clean or that the dishwasher needs to be run.
Thank you for caring enough to read this whole letter. It can mostly be summed up by saying....please be positive, reassuring and supportive and if you don't have something nice to say....DON'T COME OVER!
Guess he just isn't ready....
If I hear this statement (or any version of it) again there is a good chance my head will explode! The last couple of days have been rather miserable (backaches, contractions, an overall feeling of yuckiness) and hearing others tell me to relax and let him come when he is ready is easily the most irritating thing for a SUPER pregnant woman to hear. I am well aware that he will come in time and that there really isn't anything I can do to speed it up - but I don't need you to rub it in!
::Takes a deep breath::
My at home labor induction techniques have been a massive FAIL! My doctor had a good laugh at my expense yesterday when I told her that I had eaten two entire fresh pineapples in 48 hours. Apparently this is not a technique recognized by the medical community......and it didn't work. Walking non-stop has made the baby drop considerably more, but has not led to more dilation or effacement. I even tried a glass of wine with dinner last night....NADA. I officially give up! I will have to accept that I really do have NO control in this situation and that Dominic is officially the boss of me :)
My appointment yesterday was a huge disappointment as there has been absolutely no progress made in the last week.....make that 2 weeks. The good news is that my induction has been scheduled for June 7th at 7am - although I hope I am not still pregnant on June 7th! Maybe just knowing that his eviction notice is on the way will get this baby moving a little faster.
In other news, it turns out my due date has been off all along. It is only off by 1 day, so it doesn't matter much....but I am actually due June 3rd. They have been jipping me a day this whole time!
I feel it appropriate to mention how wonderful my husband has been over the last week or so of pure misery....well, the whole pregnancy for that matter. He has been so supportive....he takes me for long walks, lends a patient, sympathetic ear when I am cranky and tries his best to make sure I am as comfortable as I possibly can be. I honestly don't know what I would do with out him.
The countdown officially begins with only 10 days remaining until my due date. I have decided to make a conscious effort to relax and enjoy the next 10 days (or less hopefully) before my little one makes his grand entrance.
::Takes a deep breath::
My at home labor induction techniques have been a massive FAIL! My doctor had a good laugh at my expense yesterday when I told her that I had eaten two entire fresh pineapples in 48 hours. Apparently this is not a technique recognized by the medical community......and it didn't work. Walking non-stop has made the baby drop considerably more, but has not led to more dilation or effacement. I even tried a glass of wine with dinner last night....NADA. I officially give up! I will have to accept that I really do have NO control in this situation and that Dominic is officially the boss of me :)
My appointment yesterday was a huge disappointment as there has been absolutely no progress made in the last week.....make that 2 weeks. The good news is that my induction has been scheduled for June 7th at 7am - although I hope I am not still pregnant on June 7th! Maybe just knowing that his eviction notice is on the way will get this baby moving a little faster.
In other news, it turns out my due date has been off all along. It is only off by 1 day, so it doesn't matter much....but I am actually due June 3rd. They have been jipping me a day this whole time!
I feel it appropriate to mention how wonderful my husband has been over the last week or so of pure misery....well, the whole pregnancy for that matter. He has been so supportive....he takes me for long walks, lends a patient, sympathetic ear when I am cranky and tries his best to make sure I am as comfortable as I possibly can be. I honestly don't know what I would do with out him.
The countdown officially begins with only 10 days remaining until my due date. I have decided to make a conscious effort to relax and enjoy the next 10 days (or less hopefully) before my little one makes his grand entrance.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
38 weeks.....only 12 days to go
I have reached the 38 week mark....against my gut feeling. The little one seems to be cooking away....with no fear of getting burned. While I am feeling blessed that he is healthy and safe, I can't help be feel the frustration of the final weeks of pregnancy.
10 ways you know that you are ready to HAVE THIS BABY
1. Going to bed at night is a real ordeal. I now require 4 regular sized pillows, my snoogle body pillow and a small travel pillow to be comfortable.....well reasonably comfortable. I take up roughly 70% of the bed so the husband and I take turns sleeping in the guest room so he doesn't fall out of the bed.
2. Speaking of sleep....who needs it? I wake up roughly every 90 minutes to pee or to put out the heartburn fire. Once awake, my achy hips tend to keep me up for at least 20 or 30 minutes. I guess this is my body's way of preparing me for the sleepless nights to come.
3. All family and friends answer the phone on the first ring....now with "are you in labor?" rather than "hello".
4. Co-workers stop by your office every morning to see if you are still preggers. The also keep asking....."So, how much longer do you have?"
5. Perfect strangers stop you in the store, in the parking lot - anywhere.....and ask when you are due and whether you are having a boy or a girl. Several have even tried to guess for fun. They are remarkably nice for the most part - always smiling and holding doors open for me.
6. Everyone you speak to that has had children feels the need to tell you about the birth of each of them and how magical it is going to be. Listen folks, I am sure it will be magical once he is a few weeks old, but I am confident I won't find it magical while in the throws of labor.
7. The only thing you can think about (or Google) is natural ways to induce labor, foods that make you dilate and subtle signs you are in labor.
8. You anxiously count the days until your next appointment (only 1 week away) because you get to find out whether things are "moving along"....and then are frustrated because you know nothing the doctor tells about your "progress" can predict whether or not labor is near.
9. You walk (waddle) around the block daily (rain or shine) in a effort to get the baby to "drop" - hopefully leading to active labor.
10. You are no longer concerned with researching baby products online....because you have diligently researched EVERY possible baby product EXTENSIVELY in the last few months.
And here is this weeks picture and survey:
How far along? 38 weeks
Baby’s Size: 19 1/2 inches (about the length of a leek)
Baby’s Weight: about 6.8 pounds. However, the doctor says he is on the small side and probably won't be more than 7 or so pounds total
Sleep: No sleeping
Symptoms: Heartburn has gotten better since he dropped, strong Braxton Hicks and frequent trips to the potty
Labor signs?: Still only 1 cm dilated, 20% effaced and baby is at -1 or -2 station. His bags are packed but he is in no hurry to leave his comfy little home.
Weight gain/loss: No additional weight gain at my last appointment. Holding steady at 20 pounds so far
Movement?: More stretching than kicking and punching, but still moving quite a bit
Belly button in or out?: I think I will maintain the innie belly button
Food cravings/aversions: Sweets - Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops, candy, fruit
What I'm looking forward to: Labor to begin!! I want him OUT!
10 ways you know that you are ready to HAVE THIS BABY
1. Going to bed at night is a real ordeal. I now require 4 regular sized pillows, my snoogle body pillow and a small travel pillow to be comfortable.....well reasonably comfortable. I take up roughly 70% of the bed so the husband and I take turns sleeping in the guest room so he doesn't fall out of the bed.
2. Speaking of sleep....who needs it? I wake up roughly every 90 minutes to pee or to put out the heartburn fire. Once awake, my achy hips tend to keep me up for at least 20 or 30 minutes. I guess this is my body's way of preparing me for the sleepless nights to come.
3. All family and friends answer the phone on the first ring....now with "are you in labor?" rather than "hello".
4. Co-workers stop by your office every morning to see if you are still preggers. The also keep asking....."So, how much longer do you have?"
5. Perfect strangers stop you in the store, in the parking lot - anywhere.....and ask when you are due and whether you are having a boy or a girl. Several have even tried to guess for fun. They are remarkably nice for the most part - always smiling and holding doors open for me.
6. Everyone you speak to that has had children feels the need to tell you about the birth of each of them and how magical it is going to be. Listen folks, I am sure it will be magical once he is a few weeks old, but I am confident I won't find it magical while in the throws of labor.
7. The only thing you can think about (or Google) is natural ways to induce labor, foods that make you dilate and subtle signs you are in labor.
8. You anxiously count the days until your next appointment (only 1 week away) because you get to find out whether things are "moving along"....and then are frustrated because you know nothing the doctor tells about your "progress" can predict whether or not labor is near.
9. You walk (waddle) around the block daily (rain or shine) in a effort to get the baby to "drop" - hopefully leading to active labor.
10. You are no longer concerned with researching baby products online....because you have diligently researched EVERY possible baby product EXTENSIVELY in the last few months.
And here is this weeks picture and survey:
How far along? 38 weeks
Baby’s Size: 19 1/2 inches (about the length of a leek)
Baby’s Weight: about 6.8 pounds. However, the doctor says he is on the small side and probably won't be more than 7 or so pounds total
Sleep: No sleeping
Symptoms: Heartburn has gotten better since he dropped, strong Braxton Hicks and frequent trips to the potty
Labor signs?: Still only 1 cm dilated, 20% effaced and baby is at -1 or -2 station. His bags are packed but he is in no hurry to leave his comfy little home.
Weight gain/loss: No additional weight gain at my last appointment. Holding steady at 20 pounds so far
Movement?: More stretching than kicking and punching, but still moving quite a bit
Belly button in or out?: I think I will maintain the innie belly button
Food cravings/aversions: Sweets - Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops, candy, fruit
What I'm looking forward to: Labor to begin!! I want him OUT!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
I am eatting my words....
I had my 37 week appointment this morning and was very anxious to be checked for progress. I have had a gut feeling from the beginning that this baby would be here early....and now he is making me eat my words.
I have not made any progress since my last appointment 8 days ago. I am 1 cm dilated and 20% effaced. This basically means......NOT MUCH HAPPENING. I guess I should be happy that there is something happening, but I was definitely crossing my fingers for more.
I think I have made it pretty clear that I am OVER being pregnant, but I must admit that I am very happy that he is healthy and has not given us any scares as far as pre term delivery goes. I am just so anxious to see his little face and get the dreaded suspense of not knowing when it is going to happen behind me.
Overall this pregnancy has been pretty painless and I have actually enjoyed being pregnant. It is truly magical to feel a tiny human inside you kicking and flipping around. It has brought my husband and I much closer and shifted the way I view the world. It is amazing how nine months of carrying a baby can change you so completely. I have gone from a self centered 20 something to a full fledged mommy is such a short time.
We will give him a couple more weeks to cook, but my doctor and I have mapped out a plan should he decide he likes where he is a little too much. At my next appointment she will schedule an induction date for somewhere close to my due date and she will stripe my membranes at my 39 week appointment to try and get some contractions going. I am not sure exactly what this entails so I will have to do some research. It is encouraging to know that there is a plan in place and that he will actually be coming out soon.
I have not made any progress since my last appointment 8 days ago. I am 1 cm dilated and 20% effaced. This basically means......NOT MUCH HAPPENING. I guess I should be happy that there is something happening, but I was definitely crossing my fingers for more.
I think I have made it pretty clear that I am OVER being pregnant, but I must admit that I am very happy that he is healthy and has not given us any scares as far as pre term delivery goes. I am just so anxious to see his little face and get the dreaded suspense of not knowing when it is going to happen behind me.
Overall this pregnancy has been pretty painless and I have actually enjoyed being pregnant. It is truly magical to feel a tiny human inside you kicking and flipping around. It has brought my husband and I much closer and shifted the way I view the world. It is amazing how nine months of carrying a baby can change you so completely. I have gone from a self centered 20 something to a full fledged mommy is such a short time.
We will give him a couple more weeks to cook, but my doctor and I have mapped out a plan should he decide he likes where he is a little too much. At my next appointment she will schedule an induction date for somewhere close to my due date and she will stripe my membranes at my 39 week appointment to try and get some contractions going. I am not sure exactly what this entails so I will have to do some research. It is encouraging to know that there is a plan in place and that he will actually be coming out soon.
Friday, May 13, 2011
PICTURES!
I noticed it has been awhile since I have posted any pictures - so to celebrate the "full term" milestone I have include some of me and the nursery.
Me at 37 weeks
Here are a few of the nursery
Here are a few of the nursery
Thursday, May 12, 2011
I guess the answer is NO!
Sorry to have kept everyone in suspense....but NO, Dominic has not yet arrived. This is ultimately good news, as I am not yet full term (I will be tomorrow!!) but I have to admit that I am quickly getting OVER the joys of pregnancy. The big belly, sore hips and heartburn are really starting to get to me. 22 more days!!
I have had two doctors’ appointments since my last post, but not very much to report. I was very anxious for the first appointment (35 weeks) because of all of the "symptoms" I thought I was having. The contractions weren't a total waste - I had started to dilate, but only slightly. I was not quite 1 cm. The doctor wrote the rest of the symptoms off as normal for this late in the third trimester. My second appointment (36 weeks) didn't show much more progress....only that I had dilated to a full 1 cm. Again, this is all good news because we don't want him to arrive until his is fully cooked.....no matter how uncomfortable mom is : /. The good news is that...as my best friend so eloquently put it.....his bags are packed and he bought his ticket. It is only a matter of time now!
I realized that it has been awhile since I have posted a weekly survey, so I will include the 37 week update today too.
How far along? 37 weeks (FULL TERM)
Baby’s Size: 19 inches
Baby’s Weight: 6 1/3 pounds
Weight gain/loss: At my last appointment I had gained a grand totally of 20 pounds
Maternity clothes: Most of them are starting to be a little too tight :( And ones I thought would never fit are fitting like a charm
Sleep: No more sleeping! I am basically up every 90 minutes or so and it takes me forever to fall back to sleep. I guess this is my body's way of preparing me for the long nights ahead.
Symptoms: Heartburn, strong Braxton Hicks and frequent trips to the potty
Labor signs?: More contractions that are stronger and more intense but 15-20 minutes apart. The baby has dropped and I have dilated 1 cm
Movement?: All the time
Belly button in or out?: In! I think it might stay that way!
What I miss: A good nights sleep and a glass of wine
Food cravings/aversions: Sweets - Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops, candy, fruit
What I'm looking forward to: Getting this little guy out!! I can't wait to see his little face :)
I have had two doctors’ appointments since my last post, but not very much to report. I was very anxious for the first appointment (35 weeks) because of all of the "symptoms" I thought I was having. The contractions weren't a total waste - I had started to dilate, but only slightly. I was not quite 1 cm. The doctor wrote the rest of the symptoms off as normal for this late in the third trimester. My second appointment (36 weeks) didn't show much more progress....only that I had dilated to a full 1 cm. Again, this is all good news because we don't want him to arrive until his is fully cooked.....no matter how uncomfortable mom is : /. The good news is that...as my best friend so eloquently put it.....his bags are packed and he bought his ticket. It is only a matter of time now!
I realized that it has been awhile since I have posted a weekly survey, so I will include the 37 week update today too.
How far along? 37 weeks (FULL TERM)
Baby’s Size: 19 inches
Baby’s Weight: 6 1/3 pounds
Weight gain/loss: At my last appointment I had gained a grand totally of 20 pounds
Maternity clothes: Most of them are starting to be a little too tight :( And ones I thought would never fit are fitting like a charm
Sleep: No more sleeping! I am basically up every 90 minutes or so and it takes me forever to fall back to sleep. I guess this is my body's way of preparing me for the long nights ahead.
Symptoms: Heartburn, strong Braxton Hicks and frequent trips to the potty
Labor signs?: More contractions that are stronger and more intense but 15-20 minutes apart. The baby has dropped and I have dilated 1 cm
Movement?: All the time
Belly button in or out?: In! I think it might stay that way!
What I miss: A good nights sleep and a glass of wine
Food cravings/aversions: Sweets - Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops, candy, fruit
What I'm looking forward to: Getting this little guy out!! I can't wait to see his little face :)
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