Today my life will change. I am on the way to the hospital to be induced. I will be officially laboring... soon. As of now, I have become the member of a new group. I've experienced at least 4 births live and in color over my lifetime, but that has only been bedside. Today, I am not just a spectator in the miracle of life anymore. I am a participant.
Not knowing how this will turn out or who all will be there at my bedside is only part of the apprehension. I trust God, which is what matters most.
Please say a prayer for me and our little girl as we welcome her into this world... We are on our way to the hospital and should have a baby soon. Can you believe that? I will be bringing a baby home to parent for the rest of life.
I can't thank my mother enough for making this the hardest thing I'll ever do in my life. I am very grateful for that. She's been the best mother I've known; and not just to me. I've watched her be an outstanding mother to several children. Her own, the neighbors, and others my parents took in as I grew up. Thanks to close proximity I also have the joy of seeing her be a grandparent and parent to even other young and grown children. My mother has definitely set the bar high. At 30 something, I am still following the chain of life like children do. Imitating my mother to learn to be my best.
I do know though there are some things you just figure out. I hope being as awesome as the mother I have is one of them... Thanks momma for making this the hardest task ever. Sincerely. Doesn't that mean that if I even come close to being as great as you are I'll I be amongst the stars?
Okay so maybe that's my last emotional pregnant cry. Hopefully we'll have pictures to email out as soon as sweet potato arrives and then you'll be witness to my first cry as a mom!
Welcome a whole new world...
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The uneventful Week 39
Week 39. It has come and just as quick has gone. Mainly because for the last 5 months I have miscalculated my due date. Nice, I know. The Dr. has charted me with a due date of 3/25 since we made the discovery of being pregnant back in July 2007. For whatever reason though I've always had in my records 3/28. Now 3 days is not really a huge deal as far as the whole pregnancy has been, but when you get to week 39 and figure out the mistake it makes for a really, really short week. Its funny though because I feel like I really lost 3 days somewhere.
I'm thinking sweet potato is feeling the same way too. Especially since she seems to be pretty content in her humble abode. It appears she's quite the happy camper in this short torso, somewhat wide, but not too heavy space. Even as the living quarters are getting smaller and smaller. She's still very much the dancer and definitely part of my lineage just due to the pure fact that she likes to eat. She makes no qualms about telling me when meal time is or how happy she is after she eats. That's something that I'm sure won't be so cute once I'm holding her vs. carrying her.
After knowing that 3/25 was my actual due date, I was a little nervous about my Dr. appointment today. Of course that was evident to me last night when I got up twice before 3am. I know pregnancy sleep is sporadic and causes frequent wake ups, but last night was outside of the norm for me. I love to sleep to much to get up that often. By the 3rd wake up I decided to be fair to me and hubby. I got out of the bed. He wasn't going to get any sleep with me tossing and turning and I wasn't gonna get any sleep trying not to toss, turn or turn the TV on.
Plus these three things were consistently running laps in my head... email, name, insurance. Like cross country laps. Not sprints. Not a 40 yd dash. I mean miles. So at 3:10 am I visited this very spot and did those 3 things successfully. Even still it was 5:34 am before I made myself get back in the bed. I knew rest would be needed for the visit today. (Note: For those if you wondering that does not mean I have a name picked out either. I was looking up the meaning of a one of the names that are in our option pool when we finally meet her.)
Honestly for this appointment, I thought they would send me right over to labor and delivery to start the "show." Instead my appointment started out with a non-stress test to see how sweet potato is doing since she is now considered a post-date baby. I'm telling you, I've got a smart child. She passed her first test with flying colors! No studying either. She's going to be just like her mom! All the other things were fine too. BP, protein, weight (gained less than 2 pounds), and my body is showing no signs of labor UNLESS you count the contractions I had while doing the non-stress test. The nurse had to clue me in that I was even having a contraction which was quite funny to me. As she was watching the monitor she said, "Oh a contraction."
"Where?" I responsed as I was trying to look at the screen.
While showing me on the monitor she asked, "Don't you feel it?"
I just laughed. Told her no. Asked her to explain to me what a contraction feels like and then reminded her to tell me when another one starts so that I can see if I feel it.
Then I yip, yip, hoorayed that if labor would be this painless I am definitely IN. I mean it's not like I have a lot of options at this point anyway, but I was comforted in knowing that a contraction could be painless for me. What a great feeling. (For my concerned co-worker... there is hope!) I'm not a wimp after all and that was without any medication. So I was very pleased when the appointment turned out to be a normal visit... relatively speaking. The only thing not normal was that we now have a confirmed due date. It's like that game you play when you're a kid and you say, "Ready or not, here I come."
On Sunday, March 30, we will be rolling out the red carpet, bringing the flashing lights and setting the back drop for a wonderful evening of stars... okay star (not plural, don't want to jinx myself. Seriously, there's only one baby in here). Now this is only the induction pre-show. Based on my Doctors estimates being induced may take up to 36 hours. That means I'll be having one of the best meals of my life before we go to the hospital Sunday and I'll be going to give some thanks to God that morning. I'll also be asking for any forgiveness that I need before they start the laboring process. I don't want this to be my payback for something I've done not so favorable in my life. Eve's curse has already made it NOT one of the most pleasant experiences for a woman.
So everybody, prayers for me and sweet potato. Safe, healthy, standard, painless, dreamy, piece of cake type of labor and delivery. (Okay I know I'm getting carried away, but you know what I mean.)
Oh and welcome to week 40 +... since it's here already.
I'm thinking sweet potato is feeling the same way too. Especially since she seems to be pretty content in her humble abode. It appears she's quite the happy camper in this short torso, somewhat wide, but not too heavy space. Even as the living quarters are getting smaller and smaller. She's still very much the dancer and definitely part of my lineage just due to the pure fact that she likes to eat. She makes no qualms about telling me when meal time is or how happy she is after she eats. That's something that I'm sure won't be so cute once I'm holding her vs. carrying her.
After knowing that 3/25 was my actual due date, I was a little nervous about my Dr. appointment today. Of course that was evident to me last night when I got up twice before 3am. I know pregnancy sleep is sporadic and causes frequent wake ups, but last night was outside of the norm for me. I love to sleep to much to get up that often. By the 3rd wake up I decided to be fair to me and hubby. I got out of the bed. He wasn't going to get any sleep with me tossing and turning and I wasn't gonna get any sleep trying not to toss, turn or turn the TV on.
Plus these three things were consistently running laps in my head... email, name, insurance. Like cross country laps. Not sprints. Not a 40 yd dash. I mean miles. So at 3:10 am I visited this very spot and did those 3 things successfully. Even still it was 5:34 am before I made myself get back in the bed. I knew rest would be needed for the visit today. (Note: For those if you wondering that does not mean I have a name picked out either. I was looking up the meaning of a one of the names that are in our option pool when we finally meet her.)
Honestly for this appointment, I thought they would send me right over to labor and delivery to start the "show." Instead my appointment started out with a non-stress test to see how sweet potato is doing since she is now considered a post-date baby. I'm telling you, I've got a smart child. She passed her first test with flying colors! No studying either. She's going to be just like her mom! All the other things were fine too. BP, protein, weight (gained less than 2 pounds), and my body is showing no signs of labor UNLESS you count the contractions I had while doing the non-stress test. The nurse had to clue me in that I was even having a contraction which was quite funny to me. As she was watching the monitor she said, "Oh a contraction."
"Where?" I responsed as I was trying to look at the screen.
While showing me on the monitor she asked, "Don't you feel it?"
I just laughed. Told her no. Asked her to explain to me what a contraction feels like and then reminded her to tell me when another one starts so that I can see if I feel it.
Then I yip, yip, hoorayed that if labor would be this painless I am definitely IN. I mean it's not like I have a lot of options at this point anyway, but I was comforted in knowing that a contraction could be painless for me. What a great feeling. (For my concerned co-worker... there is hope!) I'm not a wimp after all and that was without any medication. So I was very pleased when the appointment turned out to be a normal visit... relatively speaking. The only thing not normal was that we now have a confirmed due date. It's like that game you play when you're a kid and you say, "Ready or not, here I come."
On Sunday, March 30, we will be rolling out the red carpet, bringing the flashing lights and setting the back drop for a wonderful evening of stars... okay star (not plural, don't want to jinx myself. Seriously, there's only one baby in here). Now this is only the induction pre-show. Based on my Doctors estimates being induced may take up to 36 hours. That means I'll be having one of the best meals of my life before we go to the hospital Sunday and I'll be going to give some thanks to God that morning. I'll also be asking for any forgiveness that I need before they start the laboring process. I don't want this to be my payback for something I've done not so favorable in my life. Eve's curse has already made it NOT one of the most pleasant experiences for a woman.
So everybody, prayers for me and sweet potato. Safe, healthy, standard, painless, dreamy, piece of cake type of labor and delivery. (Okay I know I'm getting carried away, but you know what I mean.)
Oh and welcome to week 40 +... since it's here already.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Really resting during Week 38
So week 38 has come and gone and still no new arrival.
Honestly, I'm not complaining. Seriously, I could be pregnant for another few months. I love it. But there are others who are starting to get antsy. Ah,hum. The grandparents. Just a teensy bit. lol.
My husband on the other hand is sitting happy as a pig in slop right now. I can tell you truly he's the reason sweet potato isn't here yet. He's been having these evening conversations with her about arriving during the start of March Madness and how it would be better for her to just "take her time" getting here. lol. I think it's quite funny since he does this with his lips right were her butt probably is and when he does it she moves her butt right towards his direction. I just laugh so hard. But I think it might be working. He's getting to enjoy all the games and consistently updating his bracket since he did take 2 days off to see every minute of the big dance.
I have also finally mastered bed rest I believe. I was struggling with trying to keep a schedule while on bed rest, but I realize that's out the door. I mean if you sleep past breakfast it is still OK to have cereal when you finally do wake up. Or if you want a hamburger at 10:30 am, that too is fine. I've also noticed that pregnancy napping is much like sleeping while pregnant. I can't take one of those nice long lay out in the sun naps because I can't get comfortable or I have to relieve my bladder before I know it. So the naps are shorter and usually start right during Oprah. (dang!)
I unpacked my hospital bag because I just kept adding stuff to it and then forgetting what I had in it already. Plus I realized that the bag I have is more like an overnight cosmetic bag than a good hospital bag. So I guess I'll be re-packing that tonight... or tomorrow.
My appt this week was the usual. No weight gain. No proteins and my blood pressure is fine. I even had less swelling this week. Of course for the 3rd week in a row I asked them to write it in my file that if I go into labor and get the on call Dr. that it says in big, bold letters: EPIDURAL RIGHT AWAY AND PREFERABLY NO C-SECTION. They just laugh at me. They understand, but they think its funny that I ask every week. They have no clue that its really not an option for me to not have meds or to have to go under the knife though. So we'll see what happens next week.
I also think it is the funniest thing for them to ask me if I'm having contractions. I have no clue. I don't know what they feel like and everybody explains them differently. So I always answer that no. I will say I have noticed more trips to the bathroom since sweet potato thinks that's a nice size pillow for her head and this weird feeling after I eat. I've never had heartburn either, but I would say over the last week after every meal I get this kinda burning, gassy feeling in my chest or throat. I'm calling it heartburn, but that may not be it. Sometimes I get nauseous too, but not to the point where I talk to the porcelain god. I think these are all signs a baby getting her soon though. When? I don't know. But as soon as I hear something. I'll clue you in.
Honestly, I'm not complaining. Seriously, I could be pregnant for another few months. I love it. But there are others who are starting to get antsy. Ah,hum. The grandparents. Just a teensy bit. lol.
My husband on the other hand is sitting happy as a pig in slop right now. I can tell you truly he's the reason sweet potato isn't here yet. He's been having these evening conversations with her about arriving during the start of March Madness and how it would be better for her to just "take her time" getting here. lol. I think it's quite funny since he does this with his lips right were her butt probably is and when he does it she moves her butt right towards his direction. I just laugh so hard. But I think it might be working. He's getting to enjoy all the games and consistently updating his bracket since he did take 2 days off to see every minute of the big dance.
I have also finally mastered bed rest I believe. I was struggling with trying to keep a schedule while on bed rest, but I realize that's out the door. I mean if you sleep past breakfast it is still OK to have cereal when you finally do wake up. Or if you want a hamburger at 10:30 am, that too is fine. I've also noticed that pregnancy napping is much like sleeping while pregnant. I can't take one of those nice long lay out in the sun naps because I can't get comfortable or I have to relieve my bladder before I know it. So the naps are shorter and usually start right during Oprah. (dang!)
I unpacked my hospital bag because I just kept adding stuff to it and then forgetting what I had in it already. Plus I realized that the bag I have is more like an overnight cosmetic bag than a good hospital bag. So I guess I'll be re-packing that tonight... or tomorrow.
My appt this week was the usual. No weight gain. No proteins and my blood pressure is fine. I even had less swelling this week. Of course for the 3rd week in a row I asked them to write it in my file that if I go into labor and get the on call Dr. that it says in big, bold letters: EPIDURAL RIGHT AWAY AND PREFERABLY NO C-SECTION. They just laugh at me. They understand, but they think its funny that I ask every week. They have no clue that its really not an option for me to not have meds or to have to go under the knife though. So we'll see what happens next week.
I also think it is the funniest thing for them to ask me if I'm having contractions. I have no clue. I don't know what they feel like and everybody explains them differently. So I always answer that no. I will say I have noticed more trips to the bathroom since sweet potato thinks that's a nice size pillow for her head and this weird feeling after I eat. I've never had heartburn either, but I would say over the last week after every meal I get this kinda burning, gassy feeling in my chest or throat. I'm calling it heartburn, but that may not be it. Sometimes I get nauseous too, but not to the point where I talk to the porcelain god. I think these are all signs a baby getting her soon though. When? I don't know. But as soon as I hear something. I'll clue you in.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The Nursery
Ok. I've moved things around plenty of times and changed a few items. Since the checkout time for the baby's current home is drawing nigh, I'm pretty sure this is how the room will look when we introduce sweet potato to her new home.
The Crib and mobile w/ bumpers that I know will have to be removed before long.
The changing table with safety belt, just in reaching distance of the curtains for her to pull on while being changed.
The dresser, that still has room believe it or not.
The closet that doesn't have anymore room. (Now you know why I said that about the dresser.)
All the pampers that my mother has assured me I'll use sooner than I think.
Side Note:
Now take a second look at the first picture. The one with the crib and glider. The nice big, extra wide glider on the side of the crib in the perfect color shade to match the walls and furniture. Yeah, I know. Nice, right? My hubby still has not noticed. If you look really good you even see that the accompanying card is still in the seat of the chair. I know. It hasn't been touched. I believe he may have noticed the glider but has not observed it closely. Kinda like the hearing vs. listening thing that people sometimes do.
Well I'll have you know I purchased that glider specifically for my husband's comfort. We have one that suits me fine and fits my small 5'2 1/2" build well, but I wanted something that would make his somewhat larger build feel comfortable too. This glider is it.
Now he'll say it wasn't necessary and I really shouldn't have and he likes it. All the while being very grateful, but let's be honest - its no 40" inch flat screen T.V. Yes, he wanted a huge flat screen T.V. for the baby's room so he doesn't miss any March madness or future basketball games for that matter. (He also was told in our birthing class that watching T.V. during labor was downright tacky... although he claims the thought never crossed his mind when he took note of the flat screen cable access T.V. in the labor and delivery room on the hospital tour... asking if it had DVR. lol)
So needless to say I'm waiting. Wondering when he'll finally look at the chair in detail and notice it's for him. I guess its just a testament to how much he goes in the room now since it's not being occupied. Now when sweet potato gets here, I'm sure that will all change and I'll have to lock him out of there for her to have peace and quiet while she rests.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Okay. This really is week 37...
I've found that "light duty" can be pretty uneventful and very helpful to swollen, achy, distressed pregnant feet. While I haven't been completely down for the count like light duty was described to me, I have been taking it easy. Which says a lot for me. Hey, I even have a doctor's note that says I need to do that. So when it's dinner time or laundry time for the big folks around here light duty comes in handy. hehe. Just kidding.
My 2 appointments this week were good news. My blood pressure has actually dropped a little. Not quite back to normal but closer to being in the range to be more mobile. So that was a great excuse for me to attend the lovely shower at my hubby's job.
Either he's a really, really nice guy at work (just like at home) or he's not in the office long enough for anyone to dislike him. lol. His colleagues did an absolutely fabulous job of planning, decorating, and sneaking... it was a surprise for him. I must say that it was very nice to be in attendance and not be the center of attention. He did all of the talking, gift opening, etc. Thank you everyone for such a wonderful time... and no I didn't eat all of the cake I took home even though it was absolutely delicious. Please send pics.
So I'm going to finish up some of the last things to do around the nursery, take pictures (& of course post them), go get the car seat and outfit to bring our little one home, and find something to wear that's comfortable for the trip home... which happens to be nothing in my closet right now. Third trimester dressing is a unique event. Yes, I said event.
I'll keep you all posted on what transpires.
My 2 appointments this week were good news. My blood pressure has actually dropped a little. Not quite back to normal but closer to being in the range to be more mobile. So that was a great excuse for me to attend the lovely shower at my hubby's job.
Either he's a really, really nice guy at work (just like at home) or he's not in the office long enough for anyone to dislike him. lol. His colleagues did an absolutely fabulous job of planning, decorating, and sneaking... it was a surprise for him. I must say that it was very nice to be in attendance and not be the center of attention. He did all of the talking, gift opening, etc. Thank you everyone for such a wonderful time... and no I didn't eat all of the cake I took home even though it was absolutely delicious. Please send pics.
So I'm going to finish up some of the last things to do around the nursery, take pictures (& of course post them), go get the car seat and outfit to bring our little one home, and find something to wear that's comfortable for the trip home... which happens to be nothing in my closet right now. Third trimester dressing is a unique event. Yes, I said event.
I'll keep you all posted on what transpires.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
36 weeks? or 37?
So from here on out there shouldn't be too many excuses of not posting. We're in the final leg of this lovely pregnancy marathon. My appointment this week was good as usual except that I have an elevated blood pressure reading... that was after doing it twice. So the Dr. has ordered "light duty."
Nice! Light duty and I have several things in the baby's room that have to be put away, clothing that needs to be washed, items to still buy (mainly the car seat that baby has to come home in), and then all the other cleaning I wanted to do around the house while making my nesting list.
I guess the fun part will be the resting and kicking back. I love naps so I'll be making sure I get at least a short one (2 hours) in everyday. Although my husband calls my naps "sleeps" I think that will truly help too.
"Light duty" also means releasing most of my duties on the project at work. So I'm trying to work on that transition piece now. I'm sure I will still have sleepless nights and many thoughts that cross my mind about different things to be done that will need to be conveyed to the powers that be. So that's the first task.
For the rest of the stuff... if I plan and act right, I should have 4 more weeks to complete. We'll see. I have another appointment early next week to see how light duty does for me and the baby. I'll keep you posted.
Nice! Light duty and I have several things in the baby's room that have to be put away, clothing that needs to be washed, items to still buy (mainly the car seat that baby has to come home in), and then all the other cleaning I wanted to do around the house while making my nesting list.
I guess the fun part will be the resting and kicking back. I love naps so I'll be making sure I get at least a short one (2 hours) in everyday. Although my husband calls my naps "sleeps" I think that will truly help too.
"Light duty" also means releasing most of my duties on the project at work. So I'm trying to work on that transition piece now. I'm sure I will still have sleepless nights and many thoughts that cross my mind about different things to be done that will need to be conveyed to the powers that be. So that's the first task.
For the rest of the stuff... if I plan and act right, I should have 4 more weeks to complete. We'll see. I have another appointment early next week to see how light duty does for me and the baby. I'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Pictures As Promised...
Me in inappropriate attire - (yes, I was really surprised)
oooweee look, clothes
ohh nice, purple stuff
For those who still don't believe it... yes, I am pregnant.
No, I'm not crying. It's just a really nice, thoughtful gift from hubby.
Okay, the secret is out. I really do like girly things!
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