I am not crazy.

I am having a hard time with these last few days of pregnancy. The baby is dropping and some days causing some major pressure on my lower back and tailbone again. I am so nauseous that you would think I am back in my first trimester. My worst issue is the slowing down of this baby. He went from 8 hours of trapezing in my belly, to random squirms in a matter of days. Saturday morning was rough with 2+ hours of contractions. Then, he moved nonstop probably thankful that he was not being squashed anymore. Sunday, he was calm with some violent kicking in between. Then, Monday came and he was just too quiet for my liking. I know I have begged him to give me a break, but too much made me nervous. I called the doctor on Tuesday and discussed what was going on. I had no idea how to do kick counts because I never had to. She told me what to do, but still wanted to see me in the office for a quick monitor check. Of course, he moves as soon as the monitor touches my belly. Stubborn. He was moving slower than usual though so I didn't feel too stupid driving down there. His movements and heartbeat were matching up fine and along with the monitor for my own contractions and movements, he was perfect. I was told that he is running out of room so the movements are more side to side now. He is moving, but not with the violent thrusts that I have come to know and love.

I am continuing with the kick counts on my own. I feel relieved to know that this is all normal. I hope some huge progress is made when I get to my appointment tomorrow. Chris is coming with me again. I love when he is there. I know he could not always make it to the other appts and I had no problem with that. He had no reason to leave work and watch me get weighed and have a blood pressure check. Now, I am glad he is with me. We are so close and I am too nervous. He is like my reminder for all the questions I forget to ask. I think this will be my last week at work too. I am just getting too tired to drive anywhere. I need to rest some more before the baby arrives.

Two weeks to go

I can't believe we have gone this far. 2 weeks!!! I am going to be a mom. Chris is going to be a dad. This is insane. I am hoping the 2+ hours of contractions on Saturday moved him along to his arrival. Every day is so strange. You never know what the day will be like. Could he come early, late, on time?? I can't take the anticipation. I need to just look to mid April and whatever happens, happens.

Baby Update

I like the early appointments. Then, my mind is at ease for the day.

Well....it could mean nothing. It could mean something. I am still 1cm, which I have been for a week. My cervix, I won't give many details on that, but it is getting ready. The exam was very painful and uncomfortable. However, completely worth it since I was told the baby is very low. He wants to come out, but needs some contractions to help him along. Any ideas people???

I feel ok today. My nausea is sticking around. I am crampy and odd feeling. I love being pregnant, but I really want this baby out!! He is full term and very active. I can't sleep. I am so excited. Let's go baby. Time to see the world!

Hmm....

I don't think I ever posted anything about last week's appt. My nephew was adorable. He heard the heartbeat and was so excited. Then, he left the room with my mom during the exam. He was very worried because I stayed in the room and thought something was wrong. I guess he put his ear to the door the whole time to make sure I was ok. He is so cute. We made a little mistake. Well, we didn't think so at the time. We told him that the baby was not coming until after Easter so that he could have some kind of frame of reference. The day after Easter came and he woke up saying "Do you know what today is? The baby is coming!" Oops. That backfired slightly. If this baby comes on time, he has 2+ weeks of this. And if the baby is late.....

So, the appointment overall was fine. I am a little tired of hearing that everything is "normal." Let me clarify. It is great to know that I am healthy, the baby is healthy and a lot of my symptoms are just meant to be dealt with. However, OUCH!!!!! When am I going to be able to feel my fingertips again? When are my ankles going to return? : ) lol Please don't tell me to sleep now because it will be harder after the baby is born. I have not slept in months! I will get used to it. I have before. I have my appt. tomorrow. They said that around 38 weeks, I should have an estimate of the baby's size. I will be a few days off tomorrow so I hope they have some kind of news. I won't really believe them, but it is fun to have their opinion.

I hope everyone had a great Easter. I will return soon with some news.

2 days off!

I wasn't sure how part time was going to work for me, but wow! I am happy that I had the days off. Monday night was rough for a little while and I ended up falling asleep on the couch. Chris did not want to wake me, but did not want me to wake up in pain either. Tuesday was supposed to be a quiet day, but my tail bone was hurting. It still does actually. Tuesday, it hurt to sit so I decided not to sit. I washed baby clothes, bedding, and furniture. Yes, I washed the furniture. I also washed dishes which I rarely do. Then, I decided to clean out the fridge. By the end of the day, the crib was all set and the nursery was looking so adorable. I was still hurting, but I was happy to see some improvements in the house. That night, we went out to dinner with Chris' family and by the time we got home, I was done!! I know I did too much throughout the day, but I oh well.
Wednesday became a mopey do nothing day since I went overboard on Tuesday. I did more laundry, but sat in my robe until mid-afternoon. At that point, I went shopping for a little bit. The rest of the day was spent watching DVR shows and trying to find a comfortable position for my hips and tailbone. That is not easy.
Today I am back to work and feel like a lump. I am not as uncomfortable as I thought I would be, but not perfect either. I just don't feel like me...gee, wonder why. I will take it slow today and we are meeting a pediatrician tonight. Tomorrow is another doctor's appt. so we wil see what changes have been made. The baby is lower (I think) which hopefully explains the pressure and pain. Oh, and my nephew is coming to the appt to hear the heartbeat. I am so excited!! He is going to love it.

36+ weeks

This weekend was so much fun. Mostly because the nursery is moving along so fast. I attempted building the swing and Chris finished that. Then, he built the cradle which will be moving into our bedroom. His parents brought all the furniture down Saturday night and now that is all set up. The room is adorable. I love my little quiet rocking chair corner. Chris put the dinosaur lamp up last night. It is overwhelming. I will be working on laundry....bedding and clothes....this week so it is all put away and ready. I can't believe it is finally all coming together.

Yesterday, was my cousin's baby shower. While we were there, Chris was home putting together the travel system, play yard, and putting stuff in the attic. He is on a mission lately to get things done. I think he is nesting, not me. I felt pretty nauseous for most of the day and night so I was a waste of space again. I feel better, so far, today so hopefully I will get stuff done.

Hmm...what else is new? My sneakers for my jumbo sized feet. lol. I knew it would happen eventually. Well, that's all the news I have. Nothing too fascinating.

Planning is over!

No matter how much I wanted to say that things will go how I want them....they won't. Every appointment is something new and surprising. What am I talking about? Every day is a surprise. Let me try to clarify....

This pregnancy has gone very well. I have had my share of nausea, headaches, aches and pains, but overall I can work through them. In the past few weeks, I can't deny that I have been uncomfortable, shocked, and exhausted. I went to my doctor's appointment yesterday with the intention of discussing swelling (again) and the random twinges and pinches I have been dealing with. To make a long story a little less long, I was told to work part time. I need to start worrying about myself. I need to lay down more and not just sit up in a chair. I can't be standing up outside and doing projects with kids if I want to get better. I understand, but that was not the plan. I was supposed to suck it up until April. I know it is for the best, but I didn't expect it to happen so fast.

Well, now that I have explained that in a round about way, I will move on. The nursery is painted and the rug is in!!! It looks fantastic. I was sitting in the empty room yesterday afternoon for awhile admiring it. The furniture will be in this week and tonight we are building the cradle and swing. We worked so hard in the house this weekend. We bought a few last minute items. Now, I need to pack a bag and just be ready. Yay!

Classes

We had our birthing class this weekend and then our breastfeeding class last night. The birthing class was one day, 6 hours in a tiny room on hard chairs. It was taught by some hippy girl that was down to earth and tried to make things simple. We just did not care too much for the class since it was based out of a different hospital than we will be going to. I asked when we signed up if that mattered and was told no, but I think it kind of did. We learned the basics and got the point. I am glad it is over with though.
Last night was the nursing class. We watched a video and the consultant ran through some facts and info for us. I feel a little better about it, but it still freaks me out. I can only try, right? I was happier to go to this class since it was taught by someone that I will be in contact with after the birth and there was information given about the hospital we will be at. So much to still think about.
Tomorrow night we are going to the hospital to meet doctors and midwives and to get a tour of the maternity floor. I am so excited! I have been there once before, but not with a tour. Everyone is great and friendly. I can't wait!!

Baby update...The little guy is doing well. I had an appt last week and according to the monitors, he is "fantastic" and "perfect." That is always nice to hear. He is in a great position and has a strong heartbeat. He still needs to be chased with the monitor because he has not quite mastered staying still, but his movements are my reassurement that all is well. I am still in pain with my carpel tunnel due to the swelling, but we are almost done! I have another appt. this week and we will see what news we get.

Catch up

I had my appointment last week and seemed to do well. They are watching the swelling. I have no other problems at this time so they aren't worried. I need to watch my salt intake, which I have been trying to do. They think the weight gain I had these past two weeks could be due to the fluid, yuck! My blood pressure is still fine. I have no headaches or blurred vision. The baby is fantastic. I had to buy a sling for my right wrist since the numbness and pain are so bad. Chris found one with an ice pack in it so that works great. I was given the 34 week packet full of information that I am not ready for. Will I ever?

My baby shower was this weekend. It was fun. The girls had some great games. They sold raffle tickets for a diaper fund, which I thought was cute. We got so much stuff that is now piled in the still not finished nursery. There are only a few things left to get on our own, but most of the big stuff is taken care of. I don't know who reads my blog, but in case you were at the shower....Thanks for everything! Chris and I appreciate it very much. We also want to thank everyone who has been sending things to the house. Formal thank yous will be going out, but I need to say thanks now too. The baby has so much stuff!

Oompa Loompa

Here comes dessert. MMMmmm...blueberry pie!

Make way for Amy! I think I am turning into Violet. I truly love Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and now I have tons of sympathy for that giant blueberry girl. I was completely fine all day yesterday. Then, I noticed my feet were not comfy. Holy crap!! Maybe it is because they blew up to the size of watermelons. Ok, not that bad, but gross. Thank goodness I have a doctor's appointment today. I hope they can figure something out. I had my feet up all night with ice. It is hard for me to keep my feet up at work, but I am trying. I didn't know whether I should laugh or cry last night when I was home in bed so I did a little of both. : )

I have to sign a consent form for the hospital today basically stating that I know the risks of child birth. I was about to sign it when I noticed something.....
They want me to give my consent to be videotaped/photographed for medical purposes, but my identity will not be known. Um, NO!!! There is no way I am signing that. I understand this is a teaching hospital as with many others, but no. I have a feeling my doctor is not going to enjoy this visit with me today.

Trying to escape??

There is only one way out for this little bundle in the oven, but for some reason he feels that the middle of my abdomen could possibly work one day. I have to give him an A+ for effort especially for the foot outline that protruded through my skin the other night. I have tried to explain to him that it just won't work, but there is little compromising. : )

I am enjoying this pregnancy more and more, but I still have my complaints. The constant agony from my carpal tunnel, the swellling of my feet and hands by the end of the day, and the right side resting spot he has found are just a few. I was told that he looks to be low lately by a few people. My sister who has not seen me in a few weeks said that I looked bigger, but my face was still thin. I thought she said fat and I almost slugged her from across the table. Oops, sorry sis.

55 days until our due date. I wonder if I will go on that day. Any suggestions?

This is so last week...

I never got around to mentioning anything about Valentine's Day. Chris and I usually stay in and exchange cards and candy. He has bought me a chocolate rose for years since our meowing furballs feel the need to eat real flowers. I expected the same this year. I had bought a card for him and a couple of bags of candy so that he could bring them to work. We had plans to order pizza and make a romantic trip to Lowe's to pick out a rug for the nursery. : ) Well, I opened the door and saw flowers on the table. Odd.... As I got closer, I realized they weren't real ones. My wonderful hubby made me a bouquet of flowers out of baby clothes!!! Yes, all by himself. There were socks and onesies and a little hat. Of course bringing me to tears. It was the sweetest thing in the world. I still have not unwrapped the clothing because it is just too cute. We took pictures and I have been bragging about him every day. I just had to mention it one more time.

I hope everyone had a fantastic V-day and a great week in general. I need to blog more thoughts.

My brain hurts

I am at a loss lately. My thoughts are a mess. I can't concentrate. I am uncomfortable and large. I need toothpicks for my eyes to stay open. Hello....energy, where are you???

I am not full of whining though. I am getting very excited for our life change. I can't wait to put the cradle together. My mother-in-law took us shopping this weekend for nursery furniture. That was fun. It should be at our house within the next couple of weeks. Chris is going to start the nursery painting this week and our rug will be ordered. Things were kind of on hold for a few days while I was sick. Congestion and earaches suck!!!

My last appt. went well. I lost a pound. Who knows? The baby is going strong and so am I. : ) I still have a belly button, too. I am wondering when that will disappear.

Staying asleep and getting up in the morning have been a huge challenge for me lately. I just don't know what to do. My drive to work is a blur. Actually, my whole day is a blur. I am so tired and I start to fall asleep on the couch. The kids are always waking me up. Oops. At least they wake me up and don't burn the house down.

That is all for know. I don't have much info since I am napping through life......

29 weeks

Today was my 29 week appointment. I was told to watch my weight, not a bad thing. I just don't gain consistently so one appt. I gain 2 pounds, the next 4. I am still in a very good spot, but have to pay attention. I am measuring ahead still, which could mean I am having a big baby. What every girl wants to hear....
He decided to play circus time again while trying to check his heartbeat.
My glucose test number was 137. That is normal, but I was told that 139 is when they say it is too high. I do not have to redo the test or anything like that. I just have to be sure that I don't go overboard with my sugar intake. I am pretty good at balancing that out.
Hmmm....what else? My exhaustion is normal. Go to bed early. Keep my feet up at night to avoid the swelling. Stop stressing about a birth plan. I need to learn that I have lost all control of things. The baby inside is who makes the decisions now.

Now, if this baby just had a name......

Woohoo!!

I want to point out that there appears to be a surfing competition going on inside my body. I am past kicks and punches. We have officially moved on to waves. Like I have mentioned before, the baby moving is nothing new. I have felt it, seen it, and have had to pee within seconds of it happening. However, these movements are different. The old ones were minor. You would see my belly bounce or look like a muscle spasm. Now, it physically is a wave. There is a rippling motion moving across me at many moments of the day. I think I have even determined body parts. I can't really explain the emotion involved in this. There is alot to take in, but I love it!!

Chris finished painting one room this weekend. I am so thankful. He has been working really hard and during late hours while I am like a giant sack of potatoes on the couch. I appreciate everything he has done. I can't wait to get the furniture in there.

I guess I should mention...GO PATS!! Our television has been consumed by sportscenter and football. Yay New England!

AGH!!!

What a foolish day. I am tired and emotional. I am also a little uncomfortable. I got halfway to work and realized that I forgot to put my ring on. I know it is not my actual wedding band, but it still bothers me to have nothing. I don't even want to go to the store because I don't have it. Everything is making me cry. The day really is nothing to cry about either. The kids are being great and making the day very easy for me. The baby has not beat me up in a while. I just don't like having absolutely no control over things. Just one of those days.

Baby update....My glucose test is normal. My weight gain is now 17 pounds after 27+ weeks. My belly is getting huge. I am measuring perfectly. We have lots of paperwork to fill out. We are going to meet doctors and midwives in March. We also have our birthing class. Tick tock.

OCD or ADD

I do obsess about many things. They tend to be random though. I will get my mind set on something and try to stick to some kind of plan. It does not always work out. I make lists and lose the lists. I start a project and wander off to something new in minutes. For example, last night I started filling the dishwasher and washing dishes. In the middle of rinsing dishes, I realized I had not washed Chris' sweaters so I left the dishwasher open, ran downstairs, put the sweaters in the wash and then came upstairs and started planning dinner. As I was thinking about dinner, I turned around and started the dishes again.
Chris came home and somehow took over the dishes while I talked excessively and wandered around the kitchen. He asked if I finished emptying the front closet. Oops, that was supposed to be on my list of things to do yesterday. I just shrugged it off and said I would do it another day. How can I be so obsessed about getting the house ready for the baby and just organized in general, yet my attention span is like a goldish and I can't put it all together? The only good thing is that Chris and I work very well under pressure. It will all get done, but I wish I was better with the planning.
My problem may have something to do with the fact that I am in the final trimester and I can't imagine what life is going to be like in the next few months. Our registry is done, I guess. There are a few things to add, but overall I need to stop. We have no baby furniture yet. I don't even know what we want. I signed up for birthing class yesterday and that was a reality check. Six months before our due date, we have a six hour class to attend. I read about birthing plans and thought it would be a simple task, but I don't even know what half of the questions meant. Oh, and I have my glucoes test on Friday along with a check-up. The list of questions for my doctor keeps growing. AGH!!!! Is it ok for a prego to explode?

Almost over

Chris and I have been on vacation since New Year's Eve. I say vacation, but it has really been work. It started off with me having a weird stomach thing and being sick for about 4 days. That was not fun at all and the only thing I could do was drink a ton of water and stay away from dairy. That is not easy to do when I love cheese and milk. I did my best and eventually got better. Then, we started to clean. HA! That is just ridiculous. We spent so much time putting laundry away, storing stuff in the attic or basement, and deciding on what to do with the rooms. It is not a simple task when I get so out of breath and exhausted after doing very little work. I have to admit though, we got quite a bit done. Almost every article of clothing has its place. The bathroom is spotless thanks to Chris and the steamer. Colors have been chosen for the nursery. And finally, I had a bridal shower to go to today. I was not sure what Chris was going to do when I was gone. I came home to the house in darkness except for the basement room. He told me to go back upstairs and look in the living room. It looks great!! He moved the tv and entertainment center. Also, emptied the computer room and put the desk in the living room. I am so excited. That was huge. We now have space. We are going to paint the computer room this coming weekend and move our bedroom furniture into that room. Next, we will pick out a rug and paint our old bedroom for the nursery. It will all get done. I am so glad to have a plan in gear.

The other thing we did this week was our baby registry. Yikes, I am not sure what to say about that. We went one night to look at things and try them out in the store. Then, we went home and researched safety qualities and other factors. A few days later we returned to start scanning. I am not exaggerating when I say we were there for over 3 hours and are still not done. I was so tired. I had to give up. We went home and I continued to be obsessed with the registry. I spent many more hours researching and adding....still not done. I have not looked at it at all today, but I think I will in a few minutes. I need to complete it. We may go back to the store tomorrow. There is not a lot left, but enough to annoy me. I thought it would be easy.

I think that is all for now. I am not very motivated to do much except obsess over the things that aren't done. Oh, that includes listening to the heartbeat EVERY night with the monitor.