37 weeks preggo.

Well, we've made it to term! I am feeling pretty excellent today.

This most may be a little "tmi" for those that don't want to read about blood, mucous and the like, so this is your warning :)

This last week was hit or miss. Some days were good, some days were not so good. I do know that working full time is really, really getting hard. I think the stress from my job is making my blood pressure raise through the day causing contractions. There were some days this week where I felt as though that was it and had to be my last day of work. I called on Thursday as my body just couldn't take it anymore.

On Wednesday I was leaving work and had to go to the bathroom and when I was done, realized that I likely lost part of my plug. Thursday I spent the day home and felt pretty good in the evening after having relaxed all day. Friday my contractions came back and we had our appointment that afternoon.

Since I had been having a lot of cramping and contracting I asked whether or not they do cervical checks. At my last appointment they checked me after doing my strep B test and I was just about 1cm dilated and 0% effaced - still long and hard. So, she agreed to check me and boy was it pretty painful! She said that I was about 2cm dilated and about 60% effaced and very soft. After my exam she said that I had was having a bit of a bloody show and Morgan noticed the same on her glove. She couldn't tell whether or not the baby was head down (although she was pretty sure she could feel a head) so she wanted to do an ultrasound to be 150% sure that he hadn't flipped since my last appointment. I got pretty worried at that point and warned Morgan that if he had flipped, I was going to get emotional about it. But, we lucked out and he is still head down. She said that he is down in the pelvis and is at a -1 station at this point and 0 is fully engaged in the pelvis, so he is almost there. I asked to make sure that he was in there the right way so that we wouldn't have to worry about a sunny side up baby. She confirmed. She said that I may be in early labor and that we would see what happens over the next couple of days.

I was cramping pretty bad after the appointment. I was having some pretty intense contractions that were very regular at about every 3-4 minutes apart. I will be honest and say that I thought that was going to be my last meal before labor so I wanted to make it hearty! When we got to dinner I went into the bathroom and realized that I had bled through my pants. I was still having active and new bleeding as it was still red. I really did think that was it. I woke up in pain around 1am and then woke up again around 3:30 and had absolutely no cramping or pain and wondered what the heck!? False alarm.

I felt pretty alright yesterday. It was kind of off and on throughout the day. I was continuing to have some discharge, sometimes bloody, sometimes not, and assume it was likely more of my plug. I called the midwife to make sure this was ok and she said it was so I felt better going about my day. I didn't really have much for contractions yesterday, just very hit or miss, which is pretty uncommon for how I have been feeling over the last 4 weeks or so.

Today, I have been feeling really great. We went grocery shopping this morning, cleaned the house a bit, watched football (go Packers!), I organized the pantry (nesting much?) and we finished more of the nursery. Up until this evening I don't think I had more than a handful of contractions and very mild cramping if at all. I even felt mobile and wasn't feeling like I had been riding a horse for the last month. I was able to bend over and do what I needed to do. This evening I am starting to cramp a bit and having some very mild contractions (compared to what I am used to). I am still having some blood/discharge but it is pink and pretty minimal. Who knows, this may be the calm before the storm, or maybe I am on a good streak and will be making it to 42 weeks. I don't really know what to think at this point! Part of me feels like it will be this week, and part of me feels like I could very likely go to 42 weeks and end up being induced, although I really hope not.

We talked at our appointment whether or not we wanted to do the water birth. I decided that I want to keep it as an option so we will be putting our deposit down so that it is an option if we want one. It will all depend on how I am feeling when I get to the hospital and what I feel like I want and need at the moment. She said that she often has patients get into the bathtub to see if they even like the water and if so, suggests the birthing tub.

Morgan finished painting and priming the shelves for the nursery so he put those up today. At this point he just has to finish his art for the nursery and it will be close to complete. We don't have much for one of the shelves but are sure that it will be filled with pictures of him once he comes. I like how it is coming together.. it has been a long process. We added our expenses up and only ended up spending about $1000 on the nursery which includes the artwork, wall decor, bookshelf, crib, changing table, rocking chair, lighting, etc, which I think is excellent considering we pretty much started with nothing and I have expensive "modern" taste. Enjoy the sneak peek at the nursery.

I bought some raspberry leaf tea today and had my first cup of it. I will likely have another cup before bed. I do believe that if your body is not ready for labor then it doesn't really matter what you do to it (natural inducement, anyway), it's not going to make a difference. As I have mentioned, I really wanted a 01/11/11 birthday but am not really feeling like that's likely at this point with how I am feeling today.. but who knows, I could wake up in the middle of the night with my water breaking tonight or tomorrow night.

Well, I think that is about it. We'll see if I am still pregnant to make a 38 week preggo post. It could go either way!

See you next week.

xo, mommy to be.

36 weeks preggo: Dear Baby C.

Last night I woke up in the middle of the night and put my hand on my belly and felt your foot, or knee press up gently on my hand over and over again. It was so little. I think you were giving me a high five, letting me know you're okay and you'll be here to meet us soon.

36 weeks preggo.

Hello January and hello 2011!! Most likely, we will have a baby before this month comes to a close.

Today marks the 36 week and 2 day mark. On Friday I will be considered full term which is such an accomplishment for this pregnancy. For awhile I really thought that he would be a 2010 baby but it looks like we will get our 2011 baby after all! I won't lie, I was kind of hoping for a new years eve baby, but more than that, I would've rather a full term baby, which it looks like we will get.

We had an appointment on Wednesday. Actually, my appointment was supposed to be on Tuesday but I totally spaced it thinking my appointment was on Wednesday. Luckily they were able to get me in the next day. It was important that I was seen because we had to determine whether or not a version was necessary due to him being breech.

Well, she examined my belly with her hands and said that she wasn't sure whether or not he was head down but that she was pretty sure that he was and wanted to do an ultrasound to confirm. Before doing the ultrasound, she did the strep B test, which came back negative which I am happy about as I won't have to worry about antibiotics being given through an IV during labor as I am hoping to not have an IV during labor. Also during my strep B test, being shes was down there and all, she checked to see if I was dilated at all. She said that her finger went straight through my cervix and that I was 1cm dilated, which really, means nothing. I told her that I understood that I could be 0cm and go into labor that night, or I could be 3cm and stay that way for a few weeks or longer! But, it was somewhat reassuring that I am starting to dilate.

But, the greatest news is that he turned! He is no longer breech, so unless he turns before labor, I have less chance of needing a c-section. Obviously anything can happen during labor to create the situation where I would need one, but if he were breech and did not turn, it would be 100% c-section. So, we were both very relieved and excited. When she was showing us his head, Morgan asked her if she could tell us whether or not he was smart which I totally thought was funny and she did as well, so I am glad she has the same humor as us. I do have to admit that I am pretty nervous that he will turn again before labor. But, I'll do my best to remain optimistic. :)

Today we went to The Giggling Green Bean, which is a baby store that specializes in cloth diapers. I didn't go with the intention of buying anything but we left with 24 prefolds and 4 covers/wraps. She explained how while it's a great idea to use the one size diapers, the diapers can be a little big or bulky during the first few months and its best to just use the prefolds at the start for a little while. Another bonus is that prefolds are cheaper! They were only $2 each, buying 24 only put us at $48 for 24 "diapers" which will have us doing the laundry every 2 days or so. We bought the covers as well, 2 being one size so they will fit him (hopefully) until he potty trains with larger prefolds. I really love the all in one diapers, or the pocket diapers, but who knows, maybe we will grow to love prefolds, I know of a lot of moms who do.

I have our hospital bag packed and the baby's bag packed for the most part. I need to buy a couple nursing bras, but other than that, we should be good to go. Morgan is likely going to stay at home with the animals the night that I am in the hospital and we are only a 15 minute drive away, so he can go back and pick up things as we need them or if we forgot them.

Tonight we introduced a baby to the dogs. We borrowed a baby doll from Janine and Jeff for our Bradley class and we were practicing cloth diapering on him tonight. We put the baby in the bumbo and neither of the dogs reacted very well. Sammy was clawing at his face and pulling him by the clothes to pull him out of the bumbo. We were doing something and looked over and Sammy was humping the baby in the Bumbo and while we shouldn't have, I about peed my pants from laughing. Frankie has always been really hyper and excited (think possessive with kids) so I knew he wouldn't react well. We've been carrying the baby around all night and Frankie gets a little upset and really wants to protect the baby. I think until the baby comes, we are going to play house with this doll and hope Frankie gets used to it. To be honest, he is the only one that I am really worried about (and I won't lie, it stresses me out). While I know Sammy will be curious, I think more than anything he will be scared of the baby and will go about his own thing. As well, I know that Sammy may get a little jealous because he is a momma's boy. But Frankie, he is a little possessive and hyper. I think and predict that the first week is going to be really stressful with having a new baby home and trying to get Frankie not to eat the baby, or just freak out in general. However, even just after one evening of having the baby with me everywhere I go, he has improved a little bit. I think it will help. I hope it does.. the animals are our babies, too. I posted a picture above of Frankie with his new friend.

Morgan installed the base of the car seat into his car which was easier than either of us had thought it would be. It was definitely weird putting the car seat in there knowing that we would be bringing a baby home in it before we know it. Also weird was doing the first load of baby laundry to pack his hospital bag. Folding 12 pairs of little mini socks was weird!

I've been feeling OK. Still have my on and off days physically, mentally and emotionally. On Thursday night, I had about an hour of consistent contractions which were the most painful that I've had yet. However, after an hour or so, they went away and I haven't had any similar episodes since. I get them here and there, still feel crampy and tight as a bowling ball, but those are all things I've been experiencing since about 29 weeks. Work is getting rough as well. I am sooo exhausted after an 8 hour work day and was lucky to have the last 2 weeks be short weeks with only 4 weeks. To be honest, I don't know how much longer I am going to be able to put in 5 days a week. I am just so sore and over it by Wednesday. Guess we'll see what happens. I should be thankful that I do not have to be on my feet all day.. mad props to those preggos that are.

Well, I think that is about it for this week. If the baby is ready, I am hoping for a 01/11/11 baby (hey, have I mentioned that once or twice before!?), so yes, if he is ready and healthy, I'll be hoping for a baby 9 days from now. But, if he wants to come late, that is OK, too (ask me again at 41.5 weeks!)

See you next week.

xo, mommy to be.

35 weeks preggo.

Well, we've made it another week! We've only got about 2 weeks until we're considered "full-term" - although theres argument on whether it is 37 or 38 weeks. I would really just like to make it to 37 weeks at this point, especially considering we have been having contractions and scares since what, 28 weeks?

From what I can tell, baby is still breech. I tried the hanging upside down on an ironing board idea and got a horrible headache and acid reflux. I've been trying to get on "all fours" throughout the day today and am going to try to remember to do it a few times a day. I go in on Wednesday for my appointment and if he is still breech, which I am pretty sure he is, they will schedule me for a version. I won't lie, I am really nervous about the version and the possibility of getting a c-section. Guess what will be, will be, and I will do my best to make the best out of the situation.

Yesterday was Christmas and it was nice. I've been wanting a KitchenAid mixer for years and always said that I would get one when we have a kid so that I can bake, bake, bake. So, this year I got one! :) Morgan got a lot of motorcycle stuff, which he is is very excited about. Our favorite BBQ place was closing and yesterday was their last day. We stood in like for about 2 hours and by the time we got home, made a 3 hour trip out of getting BBQ. But, it was worth it. We both got 2 meals and made the second for dinner tonight. Sad that he closed doors, but I guess after being the only worker for 25 years and reaching that age, it is time to retire. After lunch, we came home and I finished preparing Christmas dinner. We had our friends Ethan and Liz over for dinner. I wasn't feeling the best so I was a little bit of a party pooper. I couldn't eat much either as my stomach was hurting and overall just felt really uncomfortable.

I've had good and bad days this last week. Some days I feel really good and energetic and others I feel like I am 90 years old and about to go into labor any minute. Today has been a mix. I've been feeling pretty emotional and lonely this evening. I feel as though any minute I could start crying - maybe it is needed. I wouldn't be surprised if I had a crying fit before I fall asleep. I am having tightness and a little pain in my tummy and some typical girly bits pain.

I am looking forward to another 4 day work week. The 5 days are a bit much for me these days. I get really tired after working 8 hours and often just want to come home and go to bed.

I wrote up on our list of things that we need to pack for the hospital and things that we need to grab last minute when I do go into labor. I didn't get around to packing it, though. I hope to have it done by the end of the week. I hope to get all of the bedding and some of his clothes washed as well. I feel like I have so much more to do and its a little overwhelming. The nursery isn't done yet, either. We still have to paint and prime the shelves which is up to Morgan and he also needs to complete the art work for the nursery as well. I think once those two things are done and I have all of the washing done, I will feel a lot better. Perhaps I will run some laundry tomorrow after work. I think I am just reaching the nesting phase and I can only do so much without feeling completely worn out and unable to move, that it is hard for me to deal with. I want to do it all but am unable to because of the pain and my contractions. I guess I do what I can and that will have to be enough.

Well, I am tired and want to get to bed at a decent hour so that I am not super tired when I wake up in the morning. Hopefully I will be updating next week with a turned baby and still preggo.

Till then,

See you next week.

xo, mommy to be.

34 weeks preggo.

Not even two weeks ago, it seemed impossible that we would make it to 34 weeks and now we're at 34 weeks, 2 days! I am excited that we've made it to this point. We no longer need to worry about him needing steroids if he decides to come early and they would not worry enough to stop labor at this point. Very exciting and promising. About 30 weeks ago, we didn't even know if the pregnancy would stick, we had a 1 in 2 chance of miscarrying, 5 weeks ago we were in the hospital thinking that there was no way that we would stay pregnant for more than a couple weeks, and here we are, 34 weeks and still pregnant. We've beat the odds so far and I have a feeling that I will be updating my blog when I am 42 weeks pregnant talking about how I am getting induced because I've gone 2 weeks over my due date. Wouldn't that be something.. but at this point, with our history, it wouldn't be surprising!

We had an ultrasound this past week on Thursday to measure growth. Unfortunately Morgan wasn't able to make it so I went alone. This was my first ultrasound at University and it was much more of a pleasant experience than my previous ultrasounds at Rose. Not that they were bad at Rose, but they this last one was just that great. She was very thorough and took her time with the ultrasound. At the end, she did some pictures in 3d which was a real treat. He has definitely filled out more since 27 weeks when we had our last 3d ultrasound. He is a big boy. He weighed in at an approximate 5 pounds, 5 ounces. This was so reassuring for me. If he does decide to come early, he is likely at a good weight already. Granted, I'd prefer to have like a 7 pound baby, but close to 5.5 is better than 3 or 4. :)

Here are some of his stats from the ultrasound:

Head circumference: 37 weeks, 1 day (yikes!)

Abdominal circumference: 34 weeks, 2 days

Femur length: 33 weeks, 3 days

Humerus length: 32 weeks, 1 day

Average ultrasound age: 35 weeks, 1 day

Estimated fetal weight: 2408 gm

Fetal weight percentile: 55%

So anyway, you can do the math. He is approximately 5lb5oz now and he is supposed to gain about .5 pounds until delivery.. if we make it full term, he is going to be a big boy!

I found out at the appointment that the baby is breech. What we've been thinking is his head down near my left hip bone is actually his butt and what we thought was his butt near my right ribs, is his head. This was a bit of a bummer to find out. I met with the midwife on Friday for my normal appointment and she gave me some ideas of how I can turn him. I am also going to ask our Bradley teacher tomorrow what I can do. The midwife said that if he is still breech at my next appointment (36 weeks), they will schedule me for an external version, which is where they turn his body with their hands from outside of my belly. I am nervous for that and would prefer not to have one, but I want a c-section even less, so I think that I will be willing to try it to see if it works.. but I will worry about it more on December 28 at my appointment. Everything else throughout our pregnancy that had a potential bad outcome ended up having a positive outcome so I am trying not to stress about it. We can worry about his positioning later. The only thing that worries me is that I am still having contractions and if we go into labor before he turns, that is an emergency c-section.

My new thing is acid reflux. It is HORRIBLE. I think that at points it is the worst side effect of pregnancy that I have experienced yet. I've been waking up in the middle of the night with what feels like 150 degree sewage in my throat. I am thinking and wondering if maybe that is what made me throw up last week since I have had it consistently since then. During the day, chewing gum and sucking in peppermints really helps but obviously I cannot do that while sleeping, so I wake up with it. I asked on Friday if there was anything that I could take to help it.. she recommended an over the counter so I took that last night and didn't wake up with acid - success!

So yeah, I've still been having contractions and my level of comfort is definitely decreasing. Some days I feel like I cannot walk, others I feel like I could walk a couple miles. It really does depend on the day, but overall, I am declining pretty quick. To be honest, when I am feeling at my worst, 6 weeks seems too long and I tell myself that once I reach about 36.5-37 weeks, I am going to start walking and walking to have him come. I am kind of hoping for a 01/11/11 baby, which would be 37 weeks and 4 days. But, he will come when he is ready and that is okay with me. If going an extra few weeks means that he will be healthier, then so be it!

We have our last Bradley class tomorrow. I am kind of excited for it to be over with. School ended for me as of this evening (submitted my last paper of the semester, YES!) and with these classes ending as well, I will have less on my plate to stress me out. I am hoping to get out my thank you notes to my shower by xmas time. That is stressing me out as well. Its already been 2 weeks so I feel like I need to get them out as soon as possible. It's just been hard with not feeling well, school ending, etc. If not, I will get them done next weekend while on Christmas break.

I think that is about it. Next time I post, Christmas will be over. I can't believe that it is almost that time again, where has the year gone?! I am excited to share my last Christmas with Morgan and our animals and enjoy the moment. But, I am excited for next year as well when we have our first Christmas with the little one. I wish it would snow.. I am not really keen on the whole idea of having 50-60 degree weather on Christmas day.. I like it to be snowy and cold, the way it is supposed to be!

See you next week.

xo, mommy to be.

33 weeks preggo.

Is it really less than two weeks until xmas? Luckily I finished all of my xmas shopping yesterday (with the exception of the animals!). I may buy the baby something else as well, but we shall see.

I had been feeling pretty good and felt like I was finally back on a good streak. However, last night I woke up after about an hour of sleep and had a bad stomach ache. I ended up having diarrhea over the night and threw up probably more violently than I have since I had food poisoning a few years back. Throwing up this late in pregnancy is no fun. I immediately started having contractions and bad cramping. I felt some of the contractions in my legs but figured that I would give it a little time before going to be seen at the hospital. After about 2 hours of laying in bed restless and in pain, I finally fell asleep. This morning I woke up for work and was still nauseous and had a bad stomach ache with cramping and contractions. I missed work again today. It stresses me out to miss work which makes me feel worse.. its a vicious cycle.

This last weekend we put up the xmas tree. It was weird to think that this year is our last year that we will be putting up the xmas tree without a little one running around. To be honest though, I think both Morgan and I need the excitement of a little one around to put us in the xmas spirit. We were talking about how neither of us are in the xmas mood and how it will be nice to live through the excitement of our son around xmas time. I am excited to start our own traditions with him and follow some of those that we both experienced as kids. I am excited for that; not only for just xmas time but just experiencing all the small and big things in life. It will be neat to see everything through one more set of eyes.

Depending on the day, some days I feel like we will still be celebrating our son's birthday by the end of the year and others I feel like we will be waiting until our due date or beyond to celebrate. Either way, whenever he decides to come is fine, I'd just prefer after the 34 week mark but 37 or after if possible!

Today while I was home sick, I drafted our birthing plan. Morgan looked it over when he got home and was really excited. Surprisingly, I am not any more nervous after writing down all the details of our hopes and dreams of our labor and birthing experience. We've decided that if the situation allows, Morgan is going to catch the baby. I will really need his support and need him near me through most of the labor but I think that it would be very special for him to be able to catch the baby, and he would like to, so I will let him leave me for that moment. :) Hopefully all goes well so that he is able to catch him coming out. How neat would that be? Now that the birth plan is done, we need to work on packing our hospital bag. You'd think that after 2 false alarms it would be packed already.. talk about procrastination.

I am starting to get a little concerned that this little stubborn guy is not going to turn. He is still laying diagonally across my uterus. His head is down near my left hip and his butt is up under the right side of my rib cage. Sometimes he moves up and will be laying straight across but his head never goes down further than my hip area. I am going to have to ask on Friday at my appointment what I can do to try to move him. I am also going to look further into spinningbabies.com and see what I can do. With all of the preterm labor scares we have had, I am a little scared to move him with fear that he will decide to come out once he is turned or that the movements will put me into labor. I really do not want a c-section and would like to do anything that I can do (that is safe!) to prevent one.

I am getting an ultasound on Thursday. This is likely our last ultrasound (hopefully!). They will be measuring his growth to ensure that he has made proper progress from our last growth scan which I believe was at 28 weeks.

We bought frames for the nursery this weekend and Morgan has started his magic with drawing the art for the nursery. How neat that he gets to do all the artwork for his little boy's room.

Well, I need to get some food in my belly and rest so that I feel better for work tomorrow.

See you next week.

xo, mommy to be.

32 weeks preggo.

Hello, December! Where is the snow?

Well, I updated last week on a Tuesday. On Wednesday, I ended up back in the hospital having contractions and generally feeling uncomfortable. I figured since it had been 48 hours of contractions, I should probably go in. They hooked me up to the monitors and of course, was contracting. They were a lot more obvious on the print out this time around than last time. Last time I went to the hospital my contractions looked like mole hills on the printout. This time around, I had a few rocky mountains. There were a couple that actually went off the chart. I felt a couple contractions in my knees which scared me. When they did a physical exam, they noticed that I was having some active bleeding. Although I went to the hospital pretty sure it was just another scare, I was a little more concerned once I was hooked up to the machines and watching my contractions and noticed the bleeding.

They contemplated keeping me over night to monitor me, thought about doing an amniocentesis to check my amniotic fluid to determine whether or not bacteria was present, whether they should give me steroids for his lung development and medication to stop the contractions. Through my urinalysis and blood sample, they saw that my white blood cells were high. While they were not for sure, they decided to conservatively treat me for a bladder infection with an antibiotic. They ended up letting me leave the hospital and I was on bed rest until my appointment on Friday.

It is now almost a week later and I am still contracting on and off. I also get uncomfortable pretty easily. I do not know how much longer I am going to last at work as I am very uncomfortable while there, especially after about 2pm. I've been having a lot of lower back, vaginal and general pelvic pain from sitting in a chair for so long. As well, my abdomen stays consistently tight throughout the day. But, I am doing my best and will continue working until either I can't anymore, or am told that they won't let me anymore.

I do have to say, after feeling the way I have for the last week, I will be surprised if this baby makes it to the new year. I've been advised that 34 weeks is sort-of our short term goal. At that point, we will no longer need to do steroids to ensure/accelerate lung development of the little one. As well, beyond that point, they will no longer stop labor if it happens. They measured my cervix and said that it was 2.3 and they would like it to be 2.5 or longer at this point. They also said that it was a lot softer than it should be. So, with that information and how miserable I am feeling, I think I will be really surprised to make it past 36 weeks, which is NYE.

We had our baby shower on Saturday. Janine did such an amazing job. I couldn't have asked for anything else for my shower! I am very grateful for all of her time and effort that she put into planning our special day. I was able to spend time with some real quality people and received some really nice gifts for the baby. I was really sure that I would not cry but cried on the 2nd or 3rd gift when I opened a pair of baby Carhartt bibs from my coworker Kathi. Then, I opened a card from Morgan's brother Tim and his girlfriend Jordyn, cried and basically couldn't talk because it was so special to me. I posted a picture of it above. It is all of our animals with the lil one riding Sammy's back. It is so dear to my heart. We are going to get a frame for it and hang it up in his nursery. My mom came out for the shower and it was really nice to have her here for it. We went shopping with gift cards on Sunday and bought some additional items off of our registry. I feel like we are finally starting to get ready but I am pretty confident I will never really feel READY READY.

While I do think that we will be having a baby this month, it is still crazy to think that if not, we will likely have a baby NEXT MONTH! WHAT!? Pretty crazy. I admit that I am not ready on a lot of levels, but am so ready on other levels.

I should be getting a call tomorrow to schedule my ultrasound. They are going to do one last ultrasound to measure growth to ensure he is still on track. I will be curious to see their weight estimation so I can know semi what to expect if we end up going early.

So, at this point my short term goal is to make it to 34 weeks which is December 17th. But a better goal than that is 36 or 37 weeks. Maybe I will have a 01/01/11 or 01/11/11 baby after all! Guess we shall see.

Well, that is about it. Enjoy the pictures from my shower.

See you next week.

xo, mommy to be.