Lincoln
June 29, 2012
Week 36
Well we have ourselves an induction date! In 16 days I will be admitted into the hospital for preparation of my anti-coagulation levels and the very next day in the morning the doctor will start my induction- or the nurses or residents or whoever.
This week hasn't been so bad. The baby has dropped so my bladder is certainly screaming "uncle! uncle!" especially when I get up in the middle of the night. My stomach is still a bit touchy. I've thrown up about once every couple weeks through my entire 2nd and 3rd trimester. So, while its not pleasant - I'll take it over the once or twice daily vomit of my 1st trimester.
But, stomach issues aside I will admit this pregnancy has gone way better then expected. I didn't end up in the hospital with anything major (knock on wood). After the worst of the first trimester I felt at least "ok" most days and now at the end, I am sleeping ok. I'm not too swollen and my weight gain (or lack thereof) has been really good. My blood pressure is better now then before I got pregnant! So, I've been very lucky considering my risk factors and I couldn't be more grateful!
As the time gets closer and closer I'm actually more and less anxious at the same time. I'm increasingly excited to meet our son but I'm also ok with having a couple more weeks to ourselves and to stock-pile sleep. I'm nervous, excited and oddly calm in some respects. Most of all I'm incredibly happy and am looking forward to this new chapter in our lives. We've wanted this for awhile and just thinking about actually getting to hold our baby boy makes me cry!
At the doctor's office this morning they checked me. Which was a much better experience then when I was in the hospital before. Don't get me wrong, it was still uncomfortable, but it was a lot more manageable then the obviously rough Resident chick sticking her arm up there a few weeks ago!
They gave me the group B strep test and that was interesting (now I know what my friend Rachel was talking about with the back-door action lol!) ...yeah, as in they swab you there too!
I am 70% effaced (out of 100%) and dilated 1/2 cm and the baby is at -3 station. So, I still have a ways to go, but they seemed optimistic that at 36w4d these are good signs that I'm progressing well towards labor and delivery. Next week is an ultrasound to check for baby position, length, weight and amniotic fluid levels.
I just can't believe in 16 days we'll be walking into the hospital and we won't leave until we are someone's parents. Unbelievable!
Pregnancy symptoms: My bladder is really killing me. It pretty much aches all the time. Not fun. I got sick last night after not eating very much, so I'm no so sure the amount is always the problem- it seems just every now and then, that's what's gonna happen... I will be happy when that's over. Some feet swelling but nothing too major. I get really bad hand cramps in the morning from swollen joints and it goes away after I'm up for about an hour...odd little side effect I never knew about before. My friend Alesha experienced the same thing.
How far along: 36 weeks 4 days
How big is baby? well these are all estimates from babycenter.com anyway, I'll have a more accurate idea next Friday...
Weight gain/loss? +17.5 lbs (nurse was very happy to see this after my loss last week...she asked if I was eating ok. I said "yeah, like all the time" lol!
Sleep: Not too bad thankfully
Gender: Boy!
Maternity clothes: YesFood cravings/aversions: Loving me some foooood!
What are you looking forward to this week: I'm looking forward to spending another week bonding with the hubs and of course next week finding out little man's approx size and weight.
My baby's father
I've heard that when you see the father of your child hold your baby for the first time, you fall in love with them all over again. It's hard to imagine I could love this man even more than I already do. I know, I know- people say it all the time and its mushy and gushy and makes others gag- but the real truth of it is, I can't imagine my life with anyone else. Sure, it hasn't been perfect. We've had our battles- some secret and some public- but we're so compatible and I can say in full confidence we were made for each other. Only time will tell and as people grow older they sometimes grow apart, as a child of divorce I know this all too well. But, I will be very surprised if that happens with us. There is not a fiber in my being that regrets being with my husband and there is honestly no way he makes me unhappy. Sure, he's a guy and we have our spats and struggles...but I'm in heaven when I'm with him and I never want to leave his side...even after almost 5 years of marriage and 7 years together.
We've been through some pretty rough times with my illness, my father's illness and death and some personal struggles with habits and lifestyle changes. But, we always seem to come out on the other side stronger and even more in love. And if one day we do decide to part ways I will not regret our time together. I am a better person for having been his wife.
Part of what I look forward to the most is watching Fred with our son. Just seeing him with Mr. Chicken makes my heart melt! He is so patient and protective and loving. I have no doubt he'll be an amazing father.
He is so good to my family and friends. He never hesitates to help out my mom and step-dad around their house. He loves my family and close friends and asks how they are doing often. He's protective of my girlfriends and I bet they'd be surprised to know just how concerned he is when I tell him one of them is going through a rough time. In recent months as a few of my friends have struggled with break-ups he's asked how they are doing and if they needed anything. Its simple, he loves who I love and I love him for it!
He's incredibly loyal to his family. Even if he doesn't agree with something one of them is doing, he's still there for them and tries not to judge. He loves his nieces and nephews incredibly and I can tell he enjoys watching his family grow.
He's a rock when I need him. He's sensitive and thoughtful. He loves to laugh. I often catch him watching me from across a room at an event and smiling.
He looks tough but is incredibly gentle. He loves animals and they usually love him.
I know our son will fall in love with him, just as I have and just as Mr. Chicken has. I hope we are able to raise our baby boy to be a good man, just like his father. He doesn't need to be rich or famous or a start athlete. He doesn't need to be incredible looking or super charming. I just want him to love and be loved. I want him to enjoy his life and be happy. I want him to look up to his father and realize he is an amazing man and even with all the mistakes he's made he is an incredible person. If we can raise our son to love someone as deeply as I love his father, then we've succeeded.
June 22, 2012
Week 35
Happily I am much more chipper this week. I think getting on the prescription dose of Vitamin D has done wonders. I feel better, my energy is up and my mood has drastically improved. I also have less swelling in my legs- so perhaps this was the main reason I've felt so shitty the last few weeks. Kinda pisses me off I could have been feeling better weeks ago if I was listened to...but you can't go back in time so as my boss always says...onward and upward. My non-stress tests (NSTs) are still looking good. Baby boy is a real trouper. The nurses and doctor constantly comment on how strong he is. This makes me smile. My blood-pressure is back down to low-range and I even lost a little bit of weight this week...which is normal this late in pregnancy...but still a shocker to me since I'm eating like a piglet!
Next week my doctor will be checking for dilation and/or effacement. If I am dilated he may want to do an amnio so that he can schedule my induction for earlier than 39 weeks...if I am not dilated, the plan is still to induce at week 39. In two weeks I will get an ultrasound to check baby's size and we will officially schedule an induction date!!!
I can't believe in 3 weeks and some change we'll have a baby. Life will never be the same again. I am so excited and anxious to meet him...but now that I'm feeling better I am ok with waiting 3 weeks if that is what happens. I think it will be good to enjoy the last of the "alone" time with the hubs before we become parents. I know we'll miss the alone time once the baby comes around, but we'll be overjoyed of course at his arrival. So many mixed emotions but I can say (at least this week) I am happy and content.
Happily I am much more chipper this week. I think getting on the prescription dose of Vitamin D has done wonders. I feel better, my energy is up and my mood has drastically improved. I also have less swelling in my legs- so perhaps this was the main reason I've felt so shitty the last few weeks. Kinda pisses me off I could have been feeling better weeks ago if I was listened to...but you can't go back in time so as my boss always says...onward and upward. My non-stress tests (NSTs) are still looking good. Baby boy is a real trouper. The nurses and doctor constantly comment on how strong he is. This makes me smile. My blood-pressure is back down to low-range and I even lost a little bit of weight this week...which is normal this late in pregnancy...but still a shocker to me since I'm eating like a piglet!
Next week my doctor will be checking for dilation and/or effacement. If I am dilated he may want to do an amnio so that he can schedule my induction for earlier than 39 weeks...if I am not dilated, the plan is still to induce at week 39. In two weeks I will get an ultrasound to check baby's size and we will officially schedule an induction date!!!
I can't believe in 3 weeks and some change we'll have a baby. Life will never be the same again. I am so excited and anxious to meet him...but now that I'm feeling better I am ok with waiting 3 weeks if that is what happens. I think it will be good to enjoy the last of the "alone" time with the hubs before we become parents. I know we'll miss the alone time once the baby comes around, but we'll be overjoyed of course at his arrival. So many mixed emotions but I can say (at least this week) I am happy and content.
June 15, 2012
Week 34
Can I just say "F- this s!&*$" That's pretty much how I'm feeling these days. Yeah, I know I have 4.5 weeks to go (6 if I was "normal") but you know what? At this point I was about ready to beg my doctor for mercy (actually I basically did) and give me an induction date so I can count down! But, not in the cards quite yet apparently. My non-stress tests (NSTs) are looking good. Baby boy's heart rate is awesome and everything on my end is going ok too. My blood-pressure is up a little- but I'm usually low so now I'm just normal, nothing to worry about. I had a bit of a spike in weight the last two weeks, so that no doubt is contributing to my fatigue and lower back pain...but considering I'm weighing in at about 10-15 lbs less then the average mama bear to this point, also no worries there.
However, my Vitamin D levels have dropped even lower and I need to be put back on a prescription dose...wow, shocker there, since I basically knew that myself 14 weeks ago when they told me they DIDN'T need to re-test. But, I'm just the patient- what the F do I know? So yeah....
I know another women that is pregnant and is shocked by all the things her doctors office is not telling her or not checking into. I just want to say for any woman who is not used to dealing with the medical profession and especially those who have not be pregnant before. YOU have to be the one to read and research what is normal and what is not and what the doctors should be doing or testing for and when. I have the BEST high risk OB in the area and things are still missed. Phone calls about abnormal results are not made and lab results get lost. YOU have to be the one to stay on top of things if you really care about your medical care. Its sad and shouldn't be that way- but it is. So, don't rely on your doctor to tell you everything you need to know- its just not going to happen. Same with the pediatrician. You should know what developmental milestones your baby should reach and when and what is normal.
Hell, in our baby care class they didn't even go over the developmental milestones at all...apparently all you need to know is how to feed, diaper and swaddle and not when your baby should roll-over or crawl or walk or any of those things...unbelievable! I'm sure many new parents don't know those things. If they've never cared for an infant how would they?...but apparently that's not worth putting in the class...wow.
Anyhoo....
Doctor says baby is showing signs that he'll be ready for labor soon. But, I guess the term "soon" is relative. "Soon" to me is like in a week or two...but "soon" to baby boy may be a good solid month...so we're still shooting for July 16th or 39 weeks. However, the doc says if I go into labor on my own before then he won't stop it...but that would result in some fast work with the blood thinners and I may not get an epidural. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those ladies that is begging for an epidural but I'm totally fine with getting one too...I figure getting baby out safely is the goal- I'm not trying to be a hero and after the two years we've had leading up to this point....I'm just READY! But, I don't like the idea of not having the security of a date to look forward to like I thought I'd have or even the option for an epidural because my doc is insistent about pushing this to 39 weeks. I don't know, I'm just uncomfortable and my disposition is getting quite pissy and I would like to get the show on the road. Maybe I'm impatient but its honestly how I feel...why sugar-coat it?
But I guess if I can make it to the last 4 weeks of pregnancy before turning into a royal bitch I've done pretty well.
Pregnancy symptoms: A lot of Braxton Hicks contractions that are fairly uncomfortable. Lower back pain, sciatica, difficulty sleeping, I basically live in the bathroom, break-outs and lots of other fun stuff!
How far along: 34 weeks 4 days
How big is baby? 4.75 pounds; 18 inches long
Weight gain/loss? +15.5 lbs
Sleep: What is that? lol!
Gender: Boy!
Maternity clothes: Yes
Food cravings/aversions: I'm just hungry all the time.
What are you looking forward to this week: I'm looking forward to each week passing getting closer and closer to having my little man on the OUTSIDE! I want what is safe and best for him and I know right now that is staying put- believe me, I know that. But, I'm not gonna lie, I'd like my body back please. Just the simple act of being able to use my ab muscles again to sit up will be nice :)
Can I just say "F- this s!&*$" That's pretty much how I'm feeling these days. Yeah, I know I have 4.5 weeks to go (6 if I was "normal") but you know what? At this point I was about ready to beg my doctor for mercy (actually I basically did) and give me an induction date so I can count down! But, not in the cards quite yet apparently. My non-stress tests (NSTs) are looking good. Baby boy's heart rate is awesome and everything on my end is going ok too. My blood-pressure is up a little- but I'm usually low so now I'm just normal, nothing to worry about. I had a bit of a spike in weight the last two weeks, so that no doubt is contributing to my fatigue and lower back pain...but considering I'm weighing in at about 10-15 lbs less then the average mama bear to this point, also no worries there.
However, my Vitamin D levels have dropped even lower and I need to be put back on a prescription dose...wow, shocker there, since I basically knew that myself 14 weeks ago when they told me they DIDN'T need to re-test. But, I'm just the patient- what the F do I know? So yeah....
I know another women that is pregnant and is shocked by all the things her doctors office is not telling her or not checking into. I just want to say for any woman who is not used to dealing with the medical profession and especially those who have not be pregnant before. YOU have to be the one to read and research what is normal and what is not and what the doctors should be doing or testing for and when. I have the BEST high risk OB in the area and things are still missed. Phone calls about abnormal results are not made and lab results get lost. YOU have to be the one to stay on top of things if you really care about your medical care. Its sad and shouldn't be that way- but it is. So, don't rely on your doctor to tell you everything you need to know- its just not going to happen. Same with the pediatrician. You should know what developmental milestones your baby should reach and when and what is normal.
Hell, in our baby care class they didn't even go over the developmental milestones at all...apparently all you need to know is how to feed, diaper and swaddle and not when your baby should roll-over or crawl or walk or any of those things...unbelievable! I'm sure many new parents don't know those things. If they've never cared for an infant how would they?...but apparently that's not worth putting in the class...wow.
Anyhoo....
Doctor says baby is showing signs that he'll be ready for labor soon. But, I guess the term "soon" is relative. "Soon" to me is like in a week or two...but "soon" to baby boy may be a good solid month...so we're still shooting for July 16th or 39 weeks. However, the doc says if I go into labor on my own before then he won't stop it...but that would result in some fast work with the blood thinners and I may not get an epidural. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those ladies that is begging for an epidural but I'm totally fine with getting one too...I figure getting baby out safely is the goal- I'm not trying to be a hero and after the two years we've had leading up to this point....I'm just READY! But, I don't like the idea of not having the security of a date to look forward to like I thought I'd have or even the option for an epidural because my doc is insistent about pushing this to 39 weeks. I don't know, I'm just uncomfortable and my disposition is getting quite pissy and I would like to get the show on the road. Maybe I'm impatient but its honestly how I feel...why sugar-coat it?
But I guess if I can make it to the last 4 weeks of pregnancy before turning into a royal bitch I've done pretty well.
Pregnancy symptoms: A lot of Braxton Hicks contractions that are fairly uncomfortable. Lower back pain, sciatica, difficulty sleeping, I basically live in the bathroom, break-outs and lots of other fun stuff!
How far along: 34 weeks 4 days
How big is baby? 4.75 pounds; 18 inches long
Weight gain/loss? +15.5 lbs
Sleep: What is that? lol!
Gender: Boy!
Maternity clothes: Yes
Food cravings/aversions: I'm just hungry all the time.
What are you looking forward to this week: I'm looking forward to each week passing getting closer and closer to having my little man on the OUTSIDE! I want what is safe and best for him and I know right now that is staying put- believe me, I know that. But, I'm not gonna lie, I'd like my body back please. Just the simple act of being able to use my ab muscles again to sit up will be nice :)
June 10, 2012
Week 33
Well this week was certainly eventful. I'm not gonna lie, I'm starting to get a little tired of being pregnant and I really can't wait until the baby is born. I want to see him and hold him but I also want to be over this pregnancy. Its been a long haul and although it could have been worse- I'm tired.
This is the first week I've really started counting down the days. I'm crabby. My lower back hurts most of the time. I have trouble sleeping. I have bad sciatica and I'm just overall done. Sunday in particular drove that home even more.
Fred and I were out and about. We stopped by some garage sales and our friends house for a bit. We were going to go out on our boat but opted to go swimming at my mother's house instead. It was about 88 degrees. Well after swimming for about an hour I came in the house, ate dinner and immediately starting having contractions. They got closer together until we were timing them at 4 minutes apart and 40 seconds in duration. The baby had not moved a lot, so we called the doctor and he sent us into the hospital.
They hooked me up to the fetal monitor and baby was doing fine. Strong heartbeat - but I was still having contractions. The did an ultrasound to confirm I had enough amniotic fluid and to show me the baby was ok. Then they checked to see if I was dilated at all! WHOA!
Ok, so I know when you have a baby something pretty big comes out of something pretty small and although I've not gone through it yet, I'm sure it hurts. But we all know that because well- duh! Nobody ever tells you however that when you're being checked you are really being um...fisted! Ouchy! I know they need to feel your cervix but for christ sake! I was walking a little funny after that and was still sore the next day.
I digress. Everything turned out fine. I was not dilated and there was plenty of fluid and baby was ok. They said the heat likely brought on the contractions and I needed to stay cool and hydrated.
We also attended our all day birthing class this past Saturday. It was somewhat informative and I'm glad we went. I knew a lot about what they talked about already from working in an OB office and being there during my aunt's labor and delivery. But there were a few new things I learned too. The new things I learned were the regulations of the individual hospital itself- what they allow, what they don't etc. I also learned something new about episotomy and inductions- which will be helpful. The breathing techniques and massage techniques were nothing new to me or the specific terminology involved but I did learn about some of the newer methods - like using the birthing ball to open the hips and the squat bar...so that stuff was interesting.
I also think it really helped Fred learn about the birthing process and how he can be supportive and what to watch out for. When you're in labor and in pain I'm sure its hard to remember everything so its good he was there so he'll know how to best help me when the day comes.
We also attended our all day birthing class this past Saturday. It was somewhat informative and I'm glad we went. I knew a lot about what they talked about already from working in an OB office and being there during my aunt's labor and delivery. But there were a few new things I learned too. The new things I learned were the regulations of the individual hospital itself- what they allow, what they don't etc. I also learned something new about episotomy and inductions- which will be helpful. The breathing techniques and massage techniques were nothing new to me or the specific terminology involved but I did learn about some of the newer methods - like using the birthing ball to open the hips and the squat bar...so that stuff was interesting.
I also think it really helped Fred learn about the birthing process and how he can be supportive and what to watch out for. When you're in labor and in pain I'm sure its hard to remember everything so its good he was there so he'll know how to best help me when the day comes.
June 1, 2012
Week 32
Ah, it is June and the summer is finally upon us. I love the month of June- it is probably my favorite. There is no particular reason I love June; I just find I'm always a little happy in June. The weather is usually nice and not super hot yet- it is staying light out longer and longer and I'm no longer waking up in darkness. Its a good month. And this June is the last month I will live not being a parent. Amazing to even think about that. I've gone my whole life this way and once we flip into July (or possibly sooner) that will all change. I'm excited for it and dare I say, as ready as I'll ever be.
I'm very happy today. Today was my first non-stress test at my OBG-YN office and the results were "perfect." Little man's heart-rate and fetal movement are exactly as they should be. He is measuring only 1 cm shy of perfect and my blood pressure, weight and blood levels are (finally) perfect as well. Hearing his heart beat for 45 minutes this morning just put me at ease so much I can't explain it. And every time he moved I could hear it on the monitor- like having an ear inside the womb! It was awesome :)
All of the baby stuff from the showers is washed and put away and my mother and I have begun to "deep clean" the house. I wanted to be sure to get that done because I'm pretty sure I'll have little time for cleaning in the coming months. Not that I won't clean at all...but you know what I mean....
Pregnancy symptoms: A lot of fetal movement. His kicks, punches, elbows and knees are getting stronger and stronger. Sometimes the movements hurt. He loves to take his head (or butt) and shove it up into my rib-cage every day around lunch time lol! Thanks buddy!
How far along: 32 weeks 4 days
How big is baby? 4 pounds; 17 inches long
Weight gain/loss? +12 lbs (I find it odd I've stopped gaining weight...only 1/2 lb in the last few weeks-- doctor seems cool with it though, so whatever- not like I'm complaining!)
Sleep: Sleep has been pretty good. Waking up twice a night like clock-work. My hands have been a bit swollen when I wake up though- doc says I'm likely curling my arms when I sleep or clenching my hands. They feel ok after an hour or so though, so its not too bad.
Gender: Boy!
Maternity clothes: Yes
Food cravings/aversions: I'm just hungry. I eat, I get full fast and two hours later I'm ready to eat again...repeat.
What are you looking forward to this week: Getting the house completely in order and (hopefully) having another great report at the docs next week. Our all day birth class is in one week...I think it will be interesting. Fred says he's actually interested to go-- says he doesn't know why other guys complain about it so much, he'd rather know as much as he can about what will/may happen during the delivery. I guess we'll see once we go to the class. Even if he's lying to make me feel better...I love him for it lol! :)
Ah, it is June and the summer is finally upon us. I love the month of June- it is probably my favorite. There is no particular reason I love June; I just find I'm always a little happy in June. The weather is usually nice and not super hot yet- it is staying light out longer and longer and I'm no longer waking up in darkness. Its a good month. And this June is the last month I will live not being a parent. Amazing to even think about that. I've gone my whole life this way and once we flip into July (or possibly sooner) that will all change. I'm excited for it and dare I say, as ready as I'll ever be.
I'm very happy today. Today was my first non-stress test at my OBG-YN office and the results were "perfect." Little man's heart-rate and fetal movement are exactly as they should be. He is measuring only 1 cm shy of perfect and my blood pressure, weight and blood levels are (finally) perfect as well. Hearing his heart beat for 45 minutes this morning just put me at ease so much I can't explain it. And every time he moved I could hear it on the monitor- like having an ear inside the womb! It was awesome :)
All of the baby stuff from the showers is washed and put away and my mother and I have begun to "deep clean" the house. I wanted to be sure to get that done because I'm pretty sure I'll have little time for cleaning in the coming months. Not that I won't clean at all...but you know what I mean....
Pregnancy symptoms: A lot of fetal movement. His kicks, punches, elbows and knees are getting stronger and stronger. Sometimes the movements hurt. He loves to take his head (or butt) and shove it up into my rib-cage every day around lunch time lol! Thanks buddy!
How far along: 32 weeks 4 days
How big is baby? 4 pounds; 17 inches long
Weight gain/loss? +12 lbs (I find it odd I've stopped gaining weight...only 1/2 lb in the last few weeks-- doctor seems cool with it though, so whatever- not like I'm complaining!)
Sleep: Sleep has been pretty good. Waking up twice a night like clock-work. My hands have been a bit swollen when I wake up though- doc says I'm likely curling my arms when I sleep or clenching my hands. They feel ok after an hour or so though, so its not too bad.
Gender: Boy!
Maternity clothes: Yes
Food cravings/aversions: I'm just hungry. I eat, I get full fast and two hours later I'm ready to eat again...repeat.
What are you looking forward to this week: Getting the house completely in order and (hopefully) having another great report at the docs next week. Our all day birth class is in one week...I think it will be interesting. Fred says he's actually interested to go-- says he doesn't know why other guys complain about it so much, he'd rather know as much as he can about what will/may happen during the delivery. I guess we'll see once we go to the class. Even if he's lying to make me feel better...I love him for it lol! :)
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