Due to my age, clotting factor & high-risk status, to say I have made it to 37 weeks without any complications is amazing - maybe even miraculous? I should have known that things were going TOO well!? I also learned a very important lesson this week - at 37 weeks you should have your hospital bag packed by now!
At my 36 week appointment, Baby T had his ultrasound & scored 8/8, my amniotic fluid level was good & he did awesome during his non-stress test! Then it came time to check my blood pressure - 142/100!
Whoa - what? I have run 120's/60's this entire pregnancy so how can this be? The nurses seemed quite concerned so they made me lay on my left side for 20 minutes & then re-checked it. They warned me that if it wasn't coming down I would be admitted to the hospital & asked if I had my bag packed yet.
My bag? Um no, there is no bag packed because I have PLENTY of time to pack my bag. For some reason I just couldn't go there mentally. Call it denial, I guess. I told the nurse I didn't have any bag packed & she looked at me shocked & said "um, you need to get that bag packed sister"! At that moment, shit just got real!
Luckily, my BP had come down to my norm so they let me go on to work but they wanted me to check it randomly throughout the day until next week's appointment. If it were to creep back up I was to call the office & speak to the nurse. I also had to get labs drawn before I left.
The next day they called with my lab results. My uric acid & creat levels were slightly elevated. Along with the hypertension, this signals the beginning stages of pre-eclampsia - boo :( The rest of the week my pressure remained in a "safe-zone" never getting higher than 130's/80's & I only had mild ankle swelling but come the weekend I was unable to check my BP so I tried to just take it easy & not do anything too strenuous - which included NOT packing my hospital bag.
Monday proved that things can change in a skinny minute.
It was around 2pm & I noticed I had a headache & was seeing "floaters" in my vision so thought it be best I checked my BP. Well, it was 145/95 :( I really hadn't been doing anything other than a lot of walking so I sat down with my feet elevated for about 20 minutes & then checked it again - 151/90. I then made the phone call to the Dr's office. It took them 2 hours to call me back which was kind of annoying but once they finally called they told me to go directly to St. Lukes South to be admitted for overnight monitoring. Shit just got real again & I STILL didn't have my bag packed yet! Ugh....should have packed that damn thing last week!!
I made my way to the hospital, called a few peeps to give them a "heads up" of what was going on, got admitted, hooked up to the fetal monitor, had labs drawn, started a 24 hour urine collection & was monitored until the next morning.
I have to mention that my dear friend Jill is a God-send! She drove to my house without hesitation, let the dogs out, fed them, packed an overnight bag for me & spent a couple of hours with me at the hospital keeping me company watching the KU game until Shane could get there! Such a blessing to have her in my life!
My BP eventually came down after laying in bed for a few hours & Baby T was a rock-star on the monitor. I also noticed I was having lots of contractions throughout the night & it was kind of cool seeing them on the monitor which didn't affect Baby T at all so that was a good sign. Since I was having contractions, the nurse did a cervical check to see if I was dilated at all (which was NOT pleasant) & was disappointed to hear I was 0 cm dilated & my cervix was still "high & closed". With only 3 weeks left & all these contractions this past week I was hoping I was starting to dilate a bit but no go :(
After an uneventful night, one of my OB's partners came by to see me in the morning & let me know that he was pleased with the downward trend of my BP's, my lab results all came back normal, Baby T looked great on the monitor & all was good enough for me to go home. YAY - was so relieved to hear that! As much as I want to meet Baby T, I wasn't ready for hospital bed rest, talk of inductions or even C-sections!
So my instructions this week are to "take it easy", recline whenever possible with my feet up, continue checking BP's randomly throughout the day, notify the office if it goes above 140's/90's again & oh, get my hospital bag packed!!!
I have my follow-up & weekly appointment on Friday morning so we will hopefully get through the week & go from there. As of right now Baby T isn't coming anytime soon & I am ok with that!!
Tuesday, January 15
Monday, January 14
37 weeks
Symptoms: This week I can definitely tell my body is preparing for labor!! Baby T has started to "drop" & looks noticeably lower in my belly. With that came more pressure in my lower abdomen when I get up/walk. Braxton hicks contractions have become a lot more frequent now, are more intense, lasting longer, & getting more uncomfortable. The heartburn is better but not the reflux & getting really tired by mid-day!
Weight gain/loss: 1 lb gained - up a total of 22 lbs gained so far
Maternity clothes? yes - all the time now
Sleep: Still sleeping pretty good - getting up about 3 x's a night.
Food cravings/aversions: I have developed a serious "sweet-tooth" these past couple of weeks. Everyday around 3pm I head down to the coffee shop at work & get 2 PB cookies with milk - yum!
Movement? All the time.
What I miss: putting on shoes with ease :)
Best moment(s) this week: getting one more week closer to my due date
What I'm looking forward to: this little guy's arrival
Next appointment: Friday, Jan 18th - weekly biophysical ultrasound, NST check as well as OB visit
Milestones: Baby T is now considered "full term," even though my due date is three weeks away. If I go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb.
Monday, January 7
36 weeks
Tonight I had my breastfeeding class & wow was it ever informative! I had no idea so much went into breastfeeding a baby. There were lots of handouts, resources given & great questions asked. I made sure to take a lot of notes so I am hoping I am able to do it without any trouble - from either one of us! Thankfully the hospital I am delivering at has a wonderful lactation department & lots of resources to get help if you need it. My sister is also letting me use her Medela breast pump so that is a HUGE savings for us. Now I just need to go buy the "starter kit" that goes with it & read up on how to use it.
We also have our pre-admission appointment & hospital tour tomorrow morning along with our birthing class this Saturday so slowly but surely we are checking things off of our "to-do" list before baby arrives.
I didn't get time to snap a pic outside in my usual spot tonight so the classy "bathroom shot" is going to have to do. 36 weeks with only 4 weeks left - not that I'm counting down or anything?! :)
How far along? 36 weeks - baby should weigh over 6 lbs & is more than 18 1/2 inches long
Symptoms: Starting to feel a lot of pressure low in my abdomen when I get up, the usual heartburn/reflux, really getting tired by mid-day - other than that I am feeling pretty good!
Weight gain/loss: 0 lbs +/- at my appt last week - holding steady at 21 lbs gained so far
Maternity clothes? yes - all the time now
Sleep: Pretty darn good with the body pillow! Still getting up 2-3 x's to pee.
Food cravings/aversions: Grilled ham/cheese sandwiches & cheese/crackers
Movement? All the time. Not as many kicks but can feel him rolling all around & lots of hiccups. SO strange to watch my belly when he is moving & rolling around! Looks like a little alien is trying to get out of my tummy :)
What I miss: my energy :)
Best moment(s) this week: Making it into the last 4 weeks of this pregnancy!
What I'm looking forward to: Touring the hospital tomorrow, dinner out with my girlfriends on Wed & going to our birthing class on Sat.
Next appointment: Wed, Jan 9th - weekly biophysical ultrasound & NST check
Milestones: Baby T is shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered & protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, which will form the contents of his first bowel movement. Most of the bones (soft skull aside) in his little body are now completely hardened, providing a solid structure from which he can now make his grand entrance into the world. His muscle tone is improving also & you would be impressed by his steel-like Ulnar grasp (newborn reflex that occurs if you lay your finger in their palm) At the end of this week, Baby T will be considered full-term. Most likely he's in a head-down position & Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now.
We also have our pre-admission appointment & hospital tour tomorrow morning along with our birthing class this Saturday so slowly but surely we are checking things off of our "to-do" list before baby arrives.
I didn't get time to snap a pic outside in my usual spot tonight so the classy "bathroom shot" is going to have to do. 36 weeks with only 4 weeks left - not that I'm counting down or anything?! :)
Symptoms: Starting to feel a lot of pressure low in my abdomen when I get up, the usual heartburn/reflux, really getting tired by mid-day - other than that I am feeling pretty good!
Weight gain/loss: 0 lbs +/- at my appt last week - holding steady at 21 lbs gained so far
Maternity clothes? yes - all the time now
Sleep: Pretty darn good with the body pillow! Still getting up 2-3 x's to pee.
Food cravings/aversions: Grilled ham/cheese sandwiches & cheese/crackers
Movement? All the time. Not as many kicks but can feel him rolling all around & lots of hiccups. SO strange to watch my belly when he is moving & rolling around! Looks like a little alien is trying to get out of my tummy :)
What I miss: my energy :)
Best moment(s) this week: Making it into the last 4 weeks of this pregnancy!
What I'm looking forward to: Touring the hospital tomorrow, dinner out with my girlfriends on Wed & going to our birthing class on Sat.
Next appointment: Wed, Jan 9th - weekly biophysical ultrasound & NST check
Milestones: Baby T is shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered & protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, which will form the contents of his first bowel movement. Most of the bones (soft skull aside) in his little body are now completely hardened, providing a solid structure from which he can now make his grand entrance into the world. His muscle tone is improving also & you would be impressed by his steel-like Ulnar grasp (newborn reflex that occurs if you lay your finger in their palm) At the end of this week, Baby T will be considered full-term. Most likely he's in a head-down position & Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now.
Monday, December 31
Annual Baking Day
Every year around Christmas time I spend one Sunday & bake my little heart out making all kinds of holiday treats. I then box them up & hand them out to our cul-de-sac neighbors & a few friends. It has become a yearly tradition & the neighbors have told me at our get-together's that they look so very forward to my "treat box" every year which makes all my hard efforts worth it.
I was unsure whether or not I would have the energy this year - being 35 weeks pregnant - to stand on my feet all day baking but I pressed on thinking this might just be the very last year I am able to enjoy this by myself without a "helper" getting his little hands into everything :) I also couldn't let the neighbors down!
So on Friday I carefully selected the menu of what I was going to make/bake & wrote out the grocery list. Saturday I bought all the groceries & on Sunday I spent a good part of the day baking away.
Millie didn't leave my side all day - wasn't sure if she just wanted to hang with her Mi-Ma or if she was enjoying cleaning up the floor from all the baked goods that "accidentally" fell on the floor :) lol
So this year I made Mint Oreo Truffles, chocolate dipped caramels with walnuts:
Peanut butter cups, English toffee & Salted Nut with Caramel cookies:
And of course Iced Sugar Cookies (my favorite):
I packaged everything up in cute little boxes & delivered the "goods" to all our neighbors this evening. I then came home, proceeded to pour a tall glass of milk, put my feet up & enjoy a few baked goods for myself :)
Another annual baking day in the books! We will see what next year brings...
I was unsure whether or not I would have the energy this year - being 35 weeks pregnant - to stand on my feet all day baking but I pressed on thinking this might just be the very last year I am able to enjoy this by myself without a "helper" getting his little hands into everything :) I also couldn't let the neighbors down!
So on Friday I carefully selected the menu of what I was going to make/bake & wrote out the grocery list. Saturday I bought all the groceries & on Sunday I spent a good part of the day baking away.
Millie didn't leave my side all day - wasn't sure if she just wanted to hang with her Mi-Ma or if she was enjoying cleaning up the floor from all the baked goods that "accidentally" fell on the floor :) lol
So this year I made Mint Oreo Truffles, chocolate dipped caramels with walnuts:
Peanut butter cups, English toffee & Salted Nut with Caramel cookies:
And of course Iced Sugar Cookies (my favorite):
I packaged everything up in cute little boxes & delivered the "goods" to all our neighbors this evening. I then came home, proceeded to pour a tall glass of milk, put my feet up & enjoy a few baked goods for myself :)
Another annual baking day in the books! We will see what next year brings...
35 weeks
35 weeks & around 35 days left to go - What. The. Heck. That just doesn't seem possible. This pregnancy is flying by & it makes me nervous to know that in just a few short weeks Baby T could come at anytime. I still have so much to do - hospital tour, breastfeeding class, birthing class, weekly Dr appts, putting the finishing touches on the nursery, washing all the adorable baby clothes hanging in the closet, going through everything & seeing what else I need, assembling the pack-n-play, the swing, bouncy seat.....ugh it is getting all so overwhelming just writing it all out.
One thing is for sure - Baby T will come whether we are ready or not so I will try not to stress - yeah right!
How far along? 35 weeks - baby has passed the 18 inches mark & should weigh over 5 1/4 lbs
Symptoms: Reflux, noticing lots more Braxton-Hicks contractions, getting super tired in the afternoon which usually requires a nap, hips are starting to ache & the swelling in my ankles usually shows up around mid-day.
Weight gain/loss: will weigh-in at my Dr's appt this week (total of 21 lbs so far)
Maternity clothes? yes - all the time now
Sleep: I have started sleeping with the body pillow my sister gave me every night now which has helped a TON! Still wake up a couple of times a night to go to the bathroom & change positions but sleep has become much better using that pillow!!
Food cravings/aversions: baby carrots with Ranch & cheese/crackers
Movement? I had a little scare last week as Baby T wasn't very active for a couple of days. I had my biophysical & NST exam during that time & the nurse assured me that he is perfectly fine & is just running out of room so I won't feel him move/kick as much. I do my "kick counts" everyday & he always knocks those out within 10 min so he is doing good despite me being a "nervous nelly"! He remains head down & feet up in my ribs!
What I miss: my energy :)
Best moment(s) this week: hitting the 35 week mark & celebrating the Christmas holiday with my hubby
What I'm looking forward to: finishing up the nursery & awaiting Baby T's arrival
Next appointment: Friday, Jan 4th - visit to the OB, weekly biophysical ultrasound & NST check
Milestones: Because he is so snug in your womb, Baby T isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks or rolls should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now & his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
One thing is for sure - Baby T will come whether we are ready or not so I will try not to stress - yeah right!
How far along? 35 weeks - baby has passed the 18 inches mark & should weigh over 5 1/4 lbs
Symptoms: Reflux, noticing lots more Braxton-Hicks contractions, getting super tired in the afternoon which usually requires a nap, hips are starting to ache & the swelling in my ankles usually shows up around mid-day.
Weight gain/loss: will weigh-in at my Dr's appt this week (total of 21 lbs so far)
Maternity clothes? yes - all the time now
Sleep: I have started sleeping with the body pillow my sister gave me every night now which has helped a TON! Still wake up a couple of times a night to go to the bathroom & change positions but sleep has become much better using that pillow!!
Food cravings/aversions: baby carrots with Ranch & cheese/crackers
Movement? I had a little scare last week as Baby T wasn't very active for a couple of days. I had my biophysical & NST exam during that time & the nurse assured me that he is perfectly fine & is just running out of room so I won't feel him move/kick as much. I do my "kick counts" everyday & he always knocks those out within 10 min so he is doing good despite me being a "nervous nelly"! He remains head down & feet up in my ribs!
What I miss: my energy :)
Best moment(s) this week: hitting the 35 week mark & celebrating the Christmas holiday with my hubby
What I'm looking forward to: finishing up the nursery & awaiting Baby T's arrival
Next appointment: Friday, Jan 4th - visit to the OB, weekly biophysical ultrasound & NST check
Milestones: Because he is so snug in your womb, Baby T isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks or rolls should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now & his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
Monday, December 24
34 weeks - Christmas
34 weeks kind of came & went about as fast as the Christmas holiday did! I unfortunately didn't get a weekly pic nor am I going to write an update as not much has changed from last week so I will just recap how we spent Christmas.
I was on call this past weekend which was my very last stretch of call until I come off of maternity leave in May - woo hoo :) I ended up working all day at the hospital on Christmas Eve, met the hubby after work at Longhorn's Steakhouse for a really nice dinner, came home, was in bed by 9pm & before I knew it the morning had come.
Shane & I had a really low key Christmas which was actually kind of nice. We both talked about how this would be our last Christmas together just the two of us so we made sure to enjoy the time spent together! We both agreed not to exchange presents this year as we had spent quite a bit on nursery furniture, getting ready for Baby T & some household repairs. The furries of course had a few presents under the tree & the bulldogs enjoyed tearing into their presents about as much as a little kid does:
I made the both of us a yummy pancake breakfast & spent the morning being lazy lounging around the house. Later in the day we headed to the movie theater & saw the last of the Twilight series: Breaking Dawn 2. Shane has seen all the Twilight movies with me so it seemed fitting to see the last one together as well. He would never admit it but I think he likes going to "chic-flicks" with me :)
The rest of the day was spent taking a nap, then cooking dinner & catching up on some pre-recorded TV shows on the DVR. It was a wonderful "last" Christmas with just the two of us & am looking forward to how different our Christmas will be next year!
I was on call this past weekend which was my very last stretch of call until I come off of maternity leave in May - woo hoo :) I ended up working all day at the hospital on Christmas Eve, met the hubby after work at Longhorn's Steakhouse for a really nice dinner, came home, was in bed by 9pm & before I knew it the morning had come.
Shane & I had a really low key Christmas which was actually kind of nice. We both talked about how this would be our last Christmas together just the two of us so we made sure to enjoy the time spent together! We both agreed not to exchange presents this year as we had spent quite a bit on nursery furniture, getting ready for Baby T & some household repairs. The furries of course had a few presents under the tree & the bulldogs enjoyed tearing into their presents about as much as a little kid does:
The rest of the day was spent taking a nap, then cooking dinner & catching up on some pre-recorded TV shows on the DVR. It was a wonderful "last" Christmas with just the two of us & am looking forward to how different our Christmas will be next year!
Thursday, December 20
Bravo
Our monthly neighborhood game-night gatherings have become almost non-existent these past few months & instead we have been trying to meet monthly for a dinner outing.
Earlier this week found us gathering at Bravo! for some yummy Italian food, catching up with all the girls, talking over everyone's Christmas plans, latest travels & planning upcoming get-together's in the New Year.
Always so fun to get together with this group & enjoy the laughs! Looking forward to many more in 2013!
Earlier this week found us gathering at Bravo! for some yummy Italian food, catching up with all the girls, talking over everyone's Christmas plans, latest travels & planning upcoming get-together's in the New Year.
Always so fun to get together with this group & enjoy the laughs! Looking forward to many more in 2013!
Wednesday, December 19
Baby Shower #3
This past Friday I gathered with my nearest & dearest girlfriends at Deb's house for a baby shower, our annual Christmas gift-exchange & a slumber party & it was so much fun!
These are my besties - the ones I went to Vegas & Destin, FL with (minus Deanna & Keri - boo), the girls I have been through thick & thin with & these lovely ladies threw me a baby shower!
There was a huge spread of food made by all the girls & the dessert plates consisted of Smallcakes cupcakes & chocolate dipped strawberries which were so YUMMY! We spent a good portion of the evening gathered around the island, eating, catching up & while the other ladies enjoyed cocktails, Camille made Jen & I (the 2 PG girls) "mock-tails" :)
After we stuffed ourselves silly it was gift opening time:
These girls outdid themselves, spent way too much & spoiled me & Baby T rotten!! They ended up getting me 2 cases of diapers & 2 cases of baby wipes from Costco as well as my car seat & stroller combo which was such a huge surprise! LOVE IT!!
I also got a Snap-n-Go for the car seat which will come in handy that first year as well as a few other cute gifts from these girls! They are the greatest group of girlfriends EVER!! I am so very blessed!
Next we gathered in the parlor for our annual Christmas gift exchange. We each took turns passing out our gifts to each other & checking out what everyone had gotten each other. I was so very excited to give the girls my gift as I knew they would all love them!
I ended up making everyone a photo book from Shutterfly of our trip to Destin, FL & the girls did indeed love them. We enjoyed reminiscing about all the good times we had on that trip & cracking up about all the fun, crazy stories we shared.
After the gift opening, we all settled in front of the fire, watched a movie & ate more food! It was well after 1am once the movie ended & we all decided to call it a night. Since we knew we were going to be up pretty late, we all packed a bag & spent the night at Deb's which I am glad because I was way too tired to have driven home!
The next morning we awoke to a dee-lish breakfast of egg bake casserole, fruit, english muffins, OJ & coffee. We all filled our bellies, packed our bags, loaded up the SUV with all the gifts & were on our way.
It was such a fun evening spent with such dear girlfriends! Thanks SO much ladies for all the laughs, gifts & the memories :)
Tuesday, December 18
33 weeks
Today I had an appointment for my weekly biophysical & NST check of Baby T along with my very last appointment with my favorite OB :( As I mentioned before, my OB is retiring from obstetrics at the end of the month. She is still going to practice GYN so I will be able to see her during my annual PAP's but it's not the same. I really wanted her to deliver Baby T :*(
Baby T was behaving like a rockstar today & passed all his tests - YAY! He is estimated to weigh 4 lbs 12 oz right now, is breathing, moving, & in no distress so far. The US tech pointed out that he has some some super chubby cheeks which you could totally see as well as a lot of hair on his little head. There is an old wives tale that says if you experience a lot of heartburn during your pregnancy, your baby will have a head full of hair. Seems fitting with as much heartburn & reflux as I have been having!!
My pressure remains low, no protein/sugar in the urine & weight gain is right on track. My OB checked my ankles, said they were mildly swollen & to keep an eye on them to make sure they don't get extremely swollen. I need to start checking my blood pressure a couple times during the week just to be on the safe side.
My last visit with my OB was a bittersweet one. I held it together during our appointment & then I had tears in my eyes when I left - darn hormones. I am really sad she won't be delivering Baby T but I did get to meet my new OB today & I think I am going to really like her so that makes me feel better. I will have my first appointment with her in 2 weeks so I will get a better "feel" for her then.
So all in all, another great appointment! Can't believe we only have around 7 weeks left - someone pinch me!!!
How far along? 33 weeks - baby has passed the 17 inches mark & should weigh over 4 lbs
Symptoms: Heartburn/reflux is pretty much a constant after I eat & lay down to sleep. I get really tired by mid-day & I am waking up in the morning feeling tired - don't think I am sleeping well :( My hands have started to feel tingly & numb on & off this week which has been weird & my ankles have started to swell by the end of the day - hello cankles!
Weight gain/loss: + 2 lb (total of 21 lbs gained so far)
Maternity clothes? yes - all the time now
Sleep: Go to sleep early but wake up to turn over every few hours to get comfortable, awake at 4am & if I am lucky I fall back to sleep.
Food cravings/aversions: been loving cheese & crackers this week!
Movement? oh yes - all the time! Baby T is head down & feet up - in my ribs! Feels lovely when you get a swift kick to the ribs, let me tell ya!
What I miss: my family as I won't be able to spend Christmas with them up in South Dakota - my OB said no traveling :(
Best moment(s) this week: Getting the nursery painted, furniture was delivered, bedding is washed & on the crib & the rest of the nursery is about 80% done! Also attended baby shower #3 thrown by my nearest & dearest girlfriends!
What I'm looking forward to: the Christmas holiday
Next appointment: Thursday, Dec 27th - weekly biophysical ultrasound & NST check
Milestones: Baby T is rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look & his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move & slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain & other tissue expands during infancy & childhood.
Baby T was behaving like a rockstar today & passed all his tests - YAY! He is estimated to weigh 4 lbs 12 oz right now, is breathing, moving, & in no distress so far. The US tech pointed out that he has some some super chubby cheeks which you could totally see as well as a lot of hair on his little head. There is an old wives tale that says if you experience a lot of heartburn during your pregnancy, your baby will have a head full of hair. Seems fitting with as much heartburn & reflux as I have been having!!
My pressure remains low, no protein/sugar in the urine & weight gain is right on track. My OB checked my ankles, said they were mildly swollen & to keep an eye on them to make sure they don't get extremely swollen. I need to start checking my blood pressure a couple times during the week just to be on the safe side.
My last visit with my OB was a bittersweet one. I held it together during our appointment & then I had tears in my eyes when I left - darn hormones. I am really sad she won't be delivering Baby T but I did get to meet my new OB today & I think I am going to really like her so that makes me feel better. I will have my first appointment with her in 2 weeks so I will get a better "feel" for her then.
So all in all, another great appointment! Can't believe we only have around 7 weeks left - someone pinch me!!!
Symptoms: Heartburn/reflux is pretty much a constant after I eat & lay down to sleep. I get really tired by mid-day & I am waking up in the morning feeling tired - don't think I am sleeping well :( My hands have started to feel tingly & numb on & off this week which has been weird & my ankles have started to swell by the end of the day - hello cankles!
Weight gain/loss: + 2 lb (total of 21 lbs gained so far)
Maternity clothes? yes - all the time now
Sleep: Go to sleep early but wake up to turn over every few hours to get comfortable, awake at 4am & if I am lucky I fall back to sleep.
Food cravings/aversions: been loving cheese & crackers this week!
Movement? oh yes - all the time! Baby T is head down & feet up - in my ribs! Feels lovely when you get a swift kick to the ribs, let me tell ya!
What I miss: my family as I won't be able to spend Christmas with them up in South Dakota - my OB said no traveling :(
Best moment(s) this week: Getting the nursery painted, furniture was delivered, bedding is washed & on the crib & the rest of the nursery is about 80% done! Also attended baby shower #3 thrown by my nearest & dearest girlfriends!
What I'm looking forward to: the Christmas holiday
Next appointment: Thursday, Dec 27th - weekly biophysical ultrasound & NST check
Milestones: Baby T is rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look & his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move & slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain & other tissue expands during infancy & childhood.
Wednesday, December 12
12-12-12
My dear friend Keri invited some of the "game-night girls" over after work for holiday cocktails (water for me) & some snacks to celebrate the holiday season & the unique date of 12.12.12!
Keri loves the Christmas holiday just as much as I do & it definitely showed by how very cute her house was decorated! She never turns down an opportunity to have friends over & show off all her "festive" decor!
Thanks so much Miss Keri for a fun evening & for being such a wonderful hostess!
Keri loves the Christmas holiday just as much as I do & it definitely showed by how very cute her house was decorated! She never turns down an opportunity to have friends over & show off all her "festive" decor!
Tuesday, December 11
Baby Shower #2
This past Saturday I had the most wonderful baby shower hosted by some of the bestest co-workers ever!! I have worked at the same hospital since 1999 & our department is pretty big. I have known a lot of the people I work with for many years as well as made friendships with many people throughout the rest of the hospital so it was no surprise when I tallied up the guest list to include around 60 people. I have always been amazed at the outpouring love & support I have received through this "work family" for the last 13 years & I know they all wanted to help celebrate & share in this special day "showering" me & Baby T!
My brother's wife Meghan also works at the same hospital & much to my surprise he had decided to come with her to the shower knowing he would probably be the only guy there!
Who loves his sister??
The shower was held in our break room/lounge at the hospital & I couldn't believe how cute the girls had decorated & transformed it! When I first walked in I noticed the cute little favors filled with mints on the tables:
Then I saw the cute banner hanging above the cupcake centerpiece:
And SO much yummy food:
There ended up being about 40 friends/co-workers present & I felt SO overwhelmed that everyone was there for little ol' me & Baby T!
After we all got our fill of brunch, we played a couple of games:
1) measure Heather's belly with ribbon
2) Guess what kind of chocolate bar is melted in the diaper (kind of gross but I was smelling them & giving my guesses to my brother in hopes he would win but we unfortunately missed one too many :(
Next it was time for the gift opening! My co-workers were SO very generous & in the end I was amazed by all that was given to me & Baby T!
1) a little KU step-stool
2) a super soft KU gown with matching hat
3) a cute little train outfit that says "toot toot" on the butt :)
I also got my Snuggabunny cradle-n-swing, LOTS of clothes, bath essentials, a bath tub, diapers, wipes & so many other nice things! SO very spoiled!
After the gift opening, everyone enjoyed cupcakes, more food & then started to say their goodbyes. My brother & his wife were so very kind to haul all the gifts out to my vehicle for me while the last few of us helped clean up & put the break room back together. It was an absolutely wonderful morning shared with so many that I care about!
And these are the lovely ladies who put together this amazing baby shower:
Once I got home, Shane helped unload everything & the bullies had to "inspect" each & every bag :) I think they thought it was Christmas!!
Monday, December 10
32 weeks
Symptoms: Heartburn/reflux, starting to get really tired by mid-day, fatigued & uncomfortable, feel the need to pee all. the. time.
Weight gain/loss: + 1 lb (total of 19 lbs gained so far)
Sleep: No changes here. Fall asleep easily, toss & turn almost every 2 hours to get comfortable, awake at 4am & if I am lucky I fall back to sleep.
Food cravings/aversions: been enjoying extra sweets this week!
Movement? oh yes - all the time! Baby T is head down & feet up - in my ribs! Feels lovely when you get a swift kick to the ribs, let me tell ya!
What I miss: the usual....cold turkey sandwiches, wine, ice cold beer, sleeping through the night.
Best moment(s) this week: my baby shower thrown by my "work family"
What I'm looking forward to: an evening with dear girlfriends this Friday for my 3rd baby shower
Next appointment: Wed, Dec 12 - weekly biophysical ultrasound & NST check
Next appointment: Wed, Dec 12 - weekly biophysical ultrasound & NST check
Milestones: Now is the time where I start gaining about a pound a week & roughly half of that goes right to Baby T. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He has now developed sensitivity to temperature & has toenails, fingernails, & real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft & smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth.
Good to know: Thanks to their recently matured lungs & a strengthening immune system, over 90% of babies born in their 32nd week survive! Let's hope Baby T doesn't get any ideas - I would much rather he arrive when he is done baking!
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