Could it be....could it be?

So, I have started to get a few small indications that Mr. Dominic might be making his way into the world.  YIKES!!  Too late to turn back now!!  I am anxious to get all of this down in writing so that I can read it later and see if these "feelings" were actually signs of pre-labor.

Starting last week sometime (we'll say early last weekend) I noticed that my belly seemed a little lower and that it was a bit easier to finish my meals.  My husband and my co-worker both made comments about it as well.....so I decided to ask my doctor about it at my appointment last Monday.  She confirmed what I had suspected....he "dropped", meaning his head is now engaged in my pelvic area and he is ready to rock and roll!  My doctor of course said that this doesn't mean much as every pregnancy is different, but all of the books I have read and research I have done online says this "dropping" usually means the baby will arrive in 2-4 weeks.  I have noticed that he has dropped a little more each day since then and I am starting to get much more uncomfortable.

Now, this news isn't all that shocking as 4 weeks puts me at the 39 week mark, a totally normal time frame to go into labor.  However, the realization that he could realistically be here in a few days kind of makes me FREAK OUT!  The doctor did assure me that should he be born anytime between now and his due date everything would be fine and there would be no reason to worry.

Since I realized that he has dropped I have also noticed some cramping in my lower abdomen (that sort of feel like menstrual cramps).  This could be the start of real contractions.  Last night I think I had my first REAL contraction.  It started as an intense menstrual cramp and led to the tightening of my whole abdomen - similar to the Braxton Hicks I have been feeling up until now.  It only happened once, so I won't be too concerned until I start feeling several within an hour.

While they are not as scientific as some more traditional labor symptoms, I have also noticed that I am nesting with increased intensity, am extremely restless before bed and during the night, have more energy during the day (despite the lack of sleep from restlessness and heartburn) and have been experiencing more intense leg cramps. 

The good news is that we are ready for the little guys arrival.  His nursery is ready and my mother (who will be coming to stay with us until I have found my mothering bearings) is on red alert.  Our only concern is that both my mother-in-law and her husband and my little brother will be out of the country for most of the month of May.  I hope they do not miss Dominic's grand entrance!

Only 6 weeks to go!

Well, the last few weeks have flown by and I imagine the next 6 will go just as quickly.....42 days and counting.  I have had 4 of my 5 scheduled baby showers already and I can't think of a single thing we still need.  We are so unbelievably lucky to have such a wonderful support system of family and friends.  They have all been incredibly generous and thoughtful.  I have done a great job staying on top of my thank you cards...a task I think everyone dreads.  Sitting down and writing a few cards is the least I can do though.

We have started our "baby school" as well....against the husbands wishes :) (although I think he feels more and more comfortable with this whole baby thing with every class....as do I).  We started with our scheduled breast feeding class last week, but the instructor didn't show up.  I was devastated of course - prego emotions I guess.  I called to complain and they rescheduled the class for May 4th.  I am very anxious to get some tips and tricks for breastfeeding. 

Next was Baby Basics...a 3 hour course that covered everything from bathing to burping.  It was so funny to watch the husband try to put a diaper on a plastic baby doll.  He even put the diaper on backward....classic rookie mistake :)   We both found the class really informative though and left feeling much more comfortable.

Yesterday we went to interview the pediatrician.  My mind was already pretty much made up when we got there, as I have heard wonderful things about the practice, but I was even more pleased when we left.  No more shopping around for us.  This sweet old man was the doctor running the group interview.  He covered anything and everything I could think to ask about and even added in some humor.  Some of the perks include a FREE nurse advise hotline (some other offices charge as much as $10 every time you call), Saturday hours and 11 doctors in the practice.  There was even a lady in the office with a 4 month old and he gave her a chance to share her experience with the practice so far.  She of course raved about how wonderful she thought it was.

With my spring break coming to an end, I plan to have most of the baby's clothes and blankets washed and the nursery pretty well set up by the time I head back to work Monday.  I am hoping to even have the car seat installed and inspected.  I know I am getting a little ahead of myself, but I just couldn't let all of this free time go to waste.

And now it's every 2 weeks.....AHHHHH

I went to the doctor today and was thrilled to hear that my visits will now be every 2 weeks.....rather than every 4 weeks!  That means we are heading into the home stretch people!!  :) 

I jumped on the scale expecting to have grown a whole 10 pounds....but no...only 1 pound this time.  That makes 15 pounds total so far.  The doctor said that it was not a big deal as long as I was gaining and not losing.  Everything seems to be growing right on schedule otherwise.  She mentioned that not at the next appointment, but at the following one (37 weeks and full term) they will begin internal exams to check on the progress of the baby and his final descent.  How crazy is it to think I will start counting the MINUTES until Dominic's arrival in just 4 short weeks?

I am 2 baby showers down with 2 more on the way this weekend.  I am headed to Bristol Friday to get ready.  Everyone has been so incredibly generous, I don't think we will have to buy anything on our own.  It is so wonderful to have such support from our family and friends. 

I have really been feeling the belly lately....it feels huge and heavy these days.  I have to sleep with a pillow under it and it might be causing a slight waddle.  It is hard to believe that it still has a lot of growing to do in the next few weeks. 

Let the showers begin....31 weeks

I had my first (of 5) baby showers this past weekend and it was amazing.  It was hosted by my co-worker and included a long list of "work" friends.  It was such a good time and everyone was so  generous.  I am a little worried I won't have enough on my registry for 4 more showers.  I am slightly overwhelmed by all of the baby things bagged up in Dominic's room.  Luckily my mom is coming to visit next weekend and I will have some help with the unpacking.  I am starting to think about washing clothes and blankets that I know I will keep.

My best friend came to visit this past weekend too.  This is the first time I have seen her since becoming pregnant so it was fun to share all my preggo stories with her.  We made a list of things I need for my hospital bag and enjoyed an amazing lunch at our favorite restaurant....Olive Garden.

I am a little late posting this weeks survey, but not too much has changed.  The only real difference is that I am getting progressively more uncomfortable....YAY.  I am supposed to be headed into a growth spurt so we will see if next week brings on more changes.

How far along?  31 weeks (and 3 days....a little late this week)


Baby’s Weight: 3.3 pounds (about the weight of 3 navel oranges)

Development: He can turn his head from side to side and is starting to plump up

Weight gain/loss:  I think I might be up 1 pound

Sleep: Getting harder and harder.  I have been much more uncomfortable this week

Best moment this week?  When I realized I could feel specific body parts.  I even pushed on the lumps a couple of times and he moved.  It feels so much more real now :)

Symptoms:  My ribs hurt....he is either jamming his little feet up there or they are stretching out.  Heartburn is still raging

Labor signs?: Braxton Hicks are getting stronger

Movement?: All the time

Belly button in or out?: Still In!

What I miss: Happy Hour!!

Food cravings/aversions: Nothing this week....my bigger problem is how full and miserable I get if I eat too fast or too muchBaby’s Size: over 16 inches long

And another week down....30 weeks

I feel like I have reached a milestone!  30 weeks means less than 10 to go. 

As if the quickly approaching due date isn't proof enough that Dominic will be here in no time....we have started to receive baby gifts in the mail.  We have the most generous family and friends and feel blessed that they want to help us get ready for the big day. 

Last Wednesday was my birthday and my last monthly OB appointment.  My next one will be in 3 weeks (April 12) and then every 2 weeks after that.  The appointment went really well.  The doctor told me that the baby is already head down and ready to rock.  He must take after his Mama when it comes to getting prepared for big events. :)  We plan, plan, plan ahead.  His heartbeat was around 155 bpm and I am measuring right on track for my due date.  All is running smoothly.

How far along?  30 weeks (and 3 days)

Baby’s Size: 15.7 inches

Baby’s Weight: 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage)

Weight gain/loss:  Up 14 lbs total....went to the doctor last Wednesday and they confirmed it.

Sleep: Sleeping a little better as long as I have at least 30 pillows :)  I seriously need to be completely surrounded at this point

Symptoms: The frequent Braxton Hicks contractions have started to show the outline of the little one.  It is amazing to me that I can already see the shape of his body and identify body parts (kinda...I am of course just guessing)

Labor signs?: Nope. 

Movement?: Daily

Belly button in or out?: In

Food cravings/aversions: Add Sloppy Joes and Mac and Cheese to the list 

29 Weeks

Even though the third trimester has brought back some of the less desirable symptoms from the beginning of pregnancy, I am starting to realize just how blessed I am.  I feel pretty good considering I am carrying around a 2 1/2 pound chuck roast in my belly....better than others I have talked to.

I have an amazing husband that has been spoiling me for weeks now.  He has offically given up his prized recliner and regularly turns the other cheek when my hormones take over and I start yelling at him for no reason.  I am a lucky lucky girl.

How far along?  29 weeks

Baby’s Size: 15 inches

Baby’s Weight: 2 1/2 pounds (the size of a butternut squash)

Weight gain/loss:  Starting to wonder if there is something wrong with my scale.  It says I have not gained anymore weight.  10-11 pounds total so far.  I go to the doctor next Wednesday so we shall see if their scale reads the same.

Maternity clothes?  Of course....even starting to grow out of some of my smaller pieces now

Sleep: Goes both ways.  I have found that if I stop drinking water around 6:30 I don't get up to use the bathroom as often during the night.  This helps me sleep a little better.  Also, the more active I am during the day the better I sleep at night.

Symptoms: Belly aches.  I have had a couple of days when I thought my ribs would bust open too.  Heartburn still going strong and I am more tired and cranky than during the second trimester.

Labor signs?: Nope.  Braxton Hicks are still frequent, but not worrisome.

Movement?: Daily...usually most active in the late morning into afternoon

Belly button in or out?: In! Although I think my days are numbered

What I miss: Wine and beer....I could use either after a long day at work

Food cravings/aversions: Craving french toast...I have had it twice for dinner this week.
More sweets than salty foods. 

What I'm looking forward to: Maternity Leave!!  I am meeting with the benefits department on Monday and have not been able to stop thinking about how wonderful it is going to be to spend so much time at home with the new addition.

Me at 29 weeks

I have felt better....

Yesterday was the most miserable day of my pregnancy so far.  I felt like little Dominic had flipped up into my rib cage and was squishing my stomach (even more than he usually does).  I had to force myself to eat lunch and just had an apple and ham and cheese sandwich for dinner.  My belly was tight and crampy and it was difficult to move around.

Luckily this morning brought much needed relief.  I am feeling human again and hope it lasts through the weekend.  I am planning on taking some belly shots this weekend....I realized earlier that I haven't taken any for three weeks now.  I can't seem to notice much of a change, but I am sure I will feel differently when I have photographic evidence of the growing belly.

My Amazon coupon addiction is still going strong.  I had a dentist appointment on Wednesday and when I was in the waiting room I noticed several parenting magazines on the table.  I was THAT lady and feverishly flipped through each one searching for the bright green coupons.  I got my hands on 2 and already had one in my bag.  When I was finished with the little episode I looked up and realized a teenage boy had been watching me.  I was only slightly embarrassed because he has NO IDEA how much diapers cost these days.

When I got home I used the coupons to buy my last (I have offically been banned by my husband) economy size box of diapers.  I went with Huggies size 1-2 in stead of Pampers this time in an effort to keep a nice selection in the nursery.  So....drumroll please....I got 192 diapers for $9!!  I feel like my thriftiness deserves some kind of reward. :)

Kicking and flipping has picked up a bit in the last couple of days.  I have been trying to pay attention to when he is the most active, and it seems to be in the late morning into the afternoon.  Luckily he doesn't keep me up at night.  I am hoping this trend keeps up once he arrives, but am well aware that this is wishful thinking.

I am amazed at how quickly things are moving along.  I find it hard to believe that I only have 2 1/2 months to go.