Today/yesterday, we had our 39 week appointment. Same stats as before. Holding steady at 1 cm and 80%. My blood pressure was slightly elevated, which nearly never happens. So, the nurse and Dr. J were a bit alarmed. However, I have no other symptoms to give alarm other than my still swollen right foot. Found out Dr. J is on call tomorrow though, so I know who we'll get if we should need to go in tomorrow.
Update: Starting about 11:30 tonight, I began to understand what contractions are. I'm using the Labor Mate app on my phone and thus far, the samples are wildly erratic. I have a little trouble pinpointing exactly when one starts since they have a definite "wave" pattern to them. So far, I've got contractions from 33 seconds to a little over a minute with frequencies that seem to be getting further between 3 minutes to 8 and a half. And, my pregnancy heater is on the fritz. For the first time in months, I'm actually a bit chilly. Even if this turns out to be false labor, I don't think P or I are going to get much sleep tonight.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Nursery
We watched a documentary last night called The Business of Being Born. It may not have been the best thing to watch since I'll be giving birth any day. However, it wasn't as alarming as it might have been otherwise. I am glad we changed doctors. However, I feel I should research drugs a bit more so I know what someone is trying to talk me into. Now, I just hope that we'll luck out and get the shift the midwife is on call.
As you can see, the nursery finally can be called done. I'll probably fiddle around with the pictures on the art rails, but everything else is in place (except the mobile).
As you can see, the nursery finally can be called done. I'll probably fiddle around with the pictures on the art rails, but everything else is in place (except the mobile).
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Home Stretch
Potus was cagey about having his/her heart rate captured. It bounced from the 170's to the 120's. Finally, the nurse was able to get it somewhat stable around 133. I forgot to ask what we were measuring at. However, we're STILL 80% effaced and 1 cm dilated. Which, is disappointing, but not wholly unexpected or abnormal. Dr. W showed passing interest in my still somewhat swollen right foot, but since it fits in my shoe, he made the comment that it's not bad as far as swelling goes. And, still, none of the other indicators of preclampsia are present, so no worries.
I have noticed stronger Braxton Hicks lately, so I think that is a good sign.
Today, the goal is to get the nursery all finalized. That includes: recovering the ottoman, hanging the picture rails and the abacus, and then washing the sheet (again), and laying tinfoil in the crib in an attempt to dissuade the cat that it's a feline friendly perch.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Week 38
Wednesday marks 38 weeks. However, since I got my email from Baby Center yesterday, and I'm thinking about it, I'll go ahead and post an update. Our doctor's appointment isn't until Friday, so there will be another update later this week.
Potus and I are enjoying a kind of leisure these days. We sleep in waaayy past 5 these days. The dogs have finally acclimated to a first outing of 6 or 6:30. Half the time, P takes them out. Often, we go back to bed and lounge about for a while. It's like endless Saturdays. The only bummer is P can't spend the day with me. However, we manage. Yesterday, we finished most of the Christmas shopping. Today, my goal is to finish some work for the January Gardening Show, get out most if not all the remaining thank you cards, and make a pumpkin pie for P. Sounds rough, eh? Still, with a 10 o'clock start, I'm feeling a bit behind the eight ball.
Stormy has been "providing" for the growing family this week by bringing in mice. Two so far. I thought we'd discussed this earlier in the season, but she apparently feels that a new mom needs plenty of mice. I'm hoping she is unable to find more today, but I'm glad she at least kills them before she brings them up to the back door. The first one this spring was still alive as she repeatedly threw it up in the air and off the deck to the ground 20' below. I'd prefer not to see that side of my cat or to imagine the suffering of the little critter in its last moments.
I'm waiting on a couple of art rails to ship for the walls. Once I get those installed, I WILL post nursery pictures. And, although I cannot promise how pretty they'll be, I will also attempt to have my husband document my current physique via photo.
Potus and I are enjoying a kind of leisure these days. We sleep in waaayy past 5 these days. The dogs have finally acclimated to a first outing of 6 or 6:30. Half the time, P takes them out. Often, we go back to bed and lounge about for a while. It's like endless Saturdays. The only bummer is P can't spend the day with me. However, we manage. Yesterday, we finished most of the Christmas shopping. Today, my goal is to finish some work for the January Gardening Show, get out most if not all the remaining thank you cards, and make a pumpkin pie for P. Sounds rough, eh? Still, with a 10 o'clock start, I'm feeling a bit behind the eight ball.
Stormy has been "providing" for the growing family this week by bringing in mice. Two so far. I thought we'd discussed this earlier in the season, but she apparently feels that a new mom needs plenty of mice. I'm hoping she is unable to find more today, but I'm glad she at least kills them before she brings them up to the back door. The first one this spring was still alive as she repeatedly threw it up in the air and off the deck to the ground 20' below. I'd prefer not to see that side of my cat or to imagine the suffering of the little critter in its last moments.
I'm waiting on a couple of art rails to ship for the walls. Once I get those installed, I WILL post nursery pictures. And, although I cannot promise how pretty they'll be, I will also attempt to have my husband document my current physique via photo.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
37 Weeks
Since I'm not working and in front of a computer all day, I haven't felt the compulsion to blog as much recently. Apologies. The last few days, I have been making up for lost time with running a few delayed errands. And, it doesn't seem to take much, 2-3 hours before I get exhausted and just want to go home and veg. However, today, I only have one, a haircut, and then I should be pretty much homebound for a while. The nursery is pretty near done. I have a couple things to hang on the wall and then we're just waiting for the occupant. I'll post a few pictures soon.
The cloth diapers came in yesterday and I spent a good hour or two breaking in the new glider while I adjusted all the elastic adjustments for newborn. They seem incredibly small. They're in the wash now, and then I'll probably have another half hour when they've dried to stuff the absorbent pads in them. Then, I'm pretty much done with the baby laundry. I've got more blankets than I know what to do with, onesies coming out of our ears, and hopefully enough socks so that when Zeus absconds with some of them (as he inevitably will), it won't leave Potus with popsicle toes. Now, we're just waiting to see what Potus is, so that the Grandparents can start buying him/her some cute more gender specific outfits.
Had my first "non-weird" baby dream last night. Everyone asking how I'm sleeping has finally caught up to me, I guess. For the record, I sleep just like a rock, until my bladder wakes me, generally between 2 and 4:30am. This morning though, the call of nature coincided with a baby dream. It's fading pretty fast now, but I seem to remember riding in the back seat of my parents' Grand Marquis with my parents and both sisters. I believe we were on our way back from Merrillville when my water broke. Apparently, I delivered in some sort of small conference room with a gymnastics mat on the floor. The midwife was there in the only chair, and somehow the labor was non-memorable, quick, painless, and very clean. Potus was a largish boy with a sprinkling of light brown hair and was apparently able to crawl a little and hold his head up while looking for a milk supply. Realistic, I know.
Tuesday, we had our 37 week checkup with the midwife. I don't think we'll see her again unless she ends up "catching" Potus. We've got the other two docs scheduled for weeks 38 and 39, and then they don't let the midwife make the call on whether to induce if you make it to the 40 week appointment. If you'll remember, I was 80% effaced last week. This week, I was 1 cm dilated, which apparently can last for a while. Midwife L did say that there was a possibility we could go into labor before our next appointment. However, I think the odds are pretty small. Current fundal height is 34 cm and weight gain is about 44 lbs. I have been experiencing pretty frequent Braxton Hicks, and they have gotten a bit stronger so that I don't necessarily have to put my hand on my stomach to determine where they are. Potus is still really active. If I sit down to do kick counts, I find I only have to count for a few minutes to get 10 movements. At our appointment, Potus had apparently been in the midst of an exercise session when we listened to the heart rate. It was up to 150, whereas before it had been around 130 each time.
Haven't noticed a return of the elephant feet. There is still some swelling, and I've noticed my hands getting a little edema. I think I'll leave my rings off for a day or two since they're starting to leave marks.
Also, I got good news last night. My parents and both sisters are going to be able to make it up for Christmas. I honestly wasn't sure it would work out, but I'm glad everyone was able to arrange it.
The cloth diapers came in yesterday and I spent a good hour or two breaking in the new glider while I adjusted all the elastic adjustments for newborn. They seem incredibly small. They're in the wash now, and then I'll probably have another half hour when they've dried to stuff the absorbent pads in them. Then, I'm pretty much done with the baby laundry. I've got more blankets than I know what to do with, onesies coming out of our ears, and hopefully enough socks so that when Zeus absconds with some of them (as he inevitably will), it won't leave Potus with popsicle toes. Now, we're just waiting to see what Potus is, so that the Grandparents can start buying him/her some cute more gender specific outfits.
Had my first "non-weird" baby dream last night. Everyone asking how I'm sleeping has finally caught up to me, I guess. For the record, I sleep just like a rock, until my bladder wakes me, generally between 2 and 4:30am. This morning though, the call of nature coincided with a baby dream. It's fading pretty fast now, but I seem to remember riding in the back seat of my parents' Grand Marquis with my parents and both sisters. I believe we were on our way back from Merrillville when my water broke. Apparently, I delivered in some sort of small conference room with a gymnastics mat on the floor. The midwife was there in the only chair, and somehow the labor was non-memorable, quick, painless, and very clean. Potus was a largish boy with a sprinkling of light brown hair and was apparently able to crawl a little and hold his head up while looking for a milk supply. Realistic, I know.
Tuesday, we had our 37 week checkup with the midwife. I don't think we'll see her again unless she ends up "catching" Potus. We've got the other two docs scheduled for weeks 38 and 39, and then they don't let the midwife make the call on whether to induce if you make it to the 40 week appointment. If you'll remember, I was 80% effaced last week. This week, I was 1 cm dilated, which apparently can last for a while. Midwife L did say that there was a possibility we could go into labor before our next appointment. However, I think the odds are pretty small. Current fundal height is 34 cm and weight gain is about 44 lbs. I have been experiencing pretty frequent Braxton Hicks, and they have gotten a bit stronger so that I don't necessarily have to put my hand on my stomach to determine where they are. Potus is still really active. If I sit down to do kick counts, I find I only have to count for a few minutes to get 10 movements. At our appointment, Potus had apparently been in the midst of an exercise session when we listened to the heart rate. It was up to 150, whereas before it had been around 130 each time.
Haven't noticed a return of the elephant feet. There is still some swelling, and I've noticed my hands getting a little edema. I think I'll leave my rings off for a day or two since they're starting to leave marks.
Also, I got good news last night. My parents and both sisters are going to be able to make it up for Christmas. I honestly wasn't sure it would work out, but I'm glad everyone was able to arrange it.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Running Around
Yesterday we woke up to about an inch and a half of snow. It melted by noon, but was still a little bit of a shock. It's early November. It shouldn't get cold enough for that garbage for another month at least. Right? Once we recovered, we took advantage of the fact that the sky was dry and headed to South Bend to pick up some lumber for P's next project (a desk for the office). He's been trying to get there for over a month, but every time he plans to, it rains. He even got halfway there Wednesday and then turned around when it started raining.Yesterday, we were finally able to check that off the list. Afterward, we ate at a little Mexican place. It wasn't bad for Indiana. Still, the best Tex-mex I've had up here was in Fishers.
Today, I ran to Target, Michael's, Marshall's, the gas station, an Open House at the Artist's Den, and finally the grocery store. I was only gone for about 4 hours, but I was absolutely tuckered when I got home. And, I didn't end up finding as many Christmas gifts as I was hoping to. I think it's internet shopping from here on out. I'm planning to stay pretty close to the house for the forseeable future.
Started to make lists of things I'd like to get done here in the next week or so. I can really tell that my energy level has gone down. Whereas I used to pick up clutter when it bugged me, now, I'm making lists to address the clutter in hopes that at some point I'll feel peppy enough to do something about it.
Among the things to do this week: clean the downstairs for company, finish the crib mobile, hang the abacus, fold baby laundry, take dogs to the vet, renew license plates, take delivery of the glider chair, and eat a lot of salad, since I was overly optimistic at Sam's last trip....
Today, I ran to Target, Michael's, Marshall's, the gas station, an Open House at the Artist's Den, and finally the grocery store. I was only gone for about 4 hours, but I was absolutely tuckered when I got home. And, I didn't end up finding as many Christmas gifts as I was hoping to. I think it's internet shopping from here on out. I'm planning to stay pretty close to the house for the forseeable future.
Started to make lists of things I'd like to get done here in the next week or so. I can really tell that my energy level has gone down. Whereas I used to pick up clutter when it bugged me, now, I'm making lists to address the clutter in hopes that at some point I'll feel peppy enough to do something about it.
Among the things to do this week: clean the downstairs for company, finish the crib mobile, hang the abacus, fold baby laundry, take dogs to the vet, renew license plates, take delivery of the glider chair, and eat a lot of salad, since I was overly optimistic at Sam's last trip....
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Inching Along
Well, the elephant feet are kind of back. I can still see ankle bones, but there is some shallow pitting going on. I went home last night to put my feet up and let my dear husband handle dinner. I'd like to be able to get one more pedicure before Potus arrives. And, I really don't want to scare the nail tech too badly.
It doesn't seem possible, but it feels as though Potus has dropped a bit more since Monday even. I've definitely gone to a shuffle walk/waddle. It's almost more comfortable to shuffle sideways. Just one more work day after today and I can downgrade to lounging pants and slippers. I'm really hoping moving around is not this uncomfortable for another 4+ weeks.
Otherwise, we're just in wait and see mode. I've got a couple people reminding me that this is my last 8 am at work on a Thursday and so forth. Really helps the days crawl. I've decided that Potus can show up anytime after the 12th. I'd just like that extra week to make it to the "full term" mark of 37 weeks and get a few things taken care of. I can find things to do if Potus is feeling sluggish, but I just ask that he/she give me till the 12th.
I can hear all you veteran moms out there laughing, but that's just how I feel about it. They're passing the baby pool around work, so we'll see if anyone guesses correctly.
It doesn't seem possible, but it feels as though Potus has dropped a bit more since Monday even. I've definitely gone to a shuffle walk/waddle. It's almost more comfortable to shuffle sideways. Just one more work day after today and I can downgrade to lounging pants and slippers. I'm really hoping moving around is not this uncomfortable for another 4+ weeks.
Otherwise, we're just in wait and see mode. I've got a couple people reminding me that this is my last 8 am at work on a Thursday and so forth. Really helps the days crawl. I've decided that Potus can show up anytime after the 12th. I'd just like that extra week to make it to the "full term" mark of 37 weeks and get a few things taken care of. I can find things to do if Potus is feeling sluggish, but I just ask that he/she give me till the 12th.
I can hear all you veteran moms out there laughing, but that's just how I feel about it. They're passing the baby pool around work, so we'll see if anyone guesses correctly.
Monday, November 1, 2010
36 Week Update
This week, Babycenter says Potus is about the size of a Crenshaw Melon. Personally, I think they're stretching it with the produce comparisons. I wonder if they can keep it up for another 4-6 weeks.
This weekend, I went to the mall, twice. I haven't been in probably 2 years, and decided to go back-to-back for some unknown reason. I can't even recall what we went for yesterday, except to eat lunch at the food court, which we were unable to finish due to witnessing a dramatic white trash episode. Involving a lady in a wheelchair. It was special.
Friday night, my elephant feet decided to leave. Apparently, I've been treating myself well. Even all the walking I did this weekend didn't cause a recurrence. The bad news is that Potus appears to have dropped for real (not that it's really a bad thing, just uncomfortable). Two weeks ago, Dr. W2 voiced the opinion that Potus had dropped already, but I think perhaps he/she dropped partially before and Saturday dropped the rest of the way since now it feels as though I have a bowling ball between my legs. P made the observation that I probably shouldn't attempt to carry bowling balls like that in my condition. He's a funny guy, my husband.
This morning, I quickly packed a preliminary hospital bag and a Potus bag, just on the off chance that we found out at my appointment that I'm dilated, although I understand that I could be taking my bowling ball for a walk for another month (or heaven forbid another 6 weeks). According to the doctor appointment, I'm not dilated, but am apparently thinned about 80%. So, I'll be carrying my bowling ball for a little while longer. The nurse was kind enough to point out a Braxton Hicks for me so now I know what they feel like. Apparently, I've been having a lot of them, so I'm supposed to count and time them if I notice them pretty frequently and regularly. Other stats for those of you keeping track: fundal height measured 35 cm, Potus' heart rate is 130, Dr. J thinks Potus will be around 7.5 pounds, and total weight gain (according to Doctor scale) is 42 pounds.
And, I was able to locate sufficient nursing bras mostly locally. Turns out our Target DOES carry a small selection. Better than JC Penney's even. And, there's a full-fledged Motherhood Maternity store at the mall (Saturday) that appeared to be smaller than the nearby outlet store, but better stocked. And, they were having a sale. So, I ended up spending less than I thought I needed to and ended up with a wider selection than I thought I'd get.
This weekend, I went to the mall, twice. I haven't been in probably 2 years, and decided to go back-to-back for some unknown reason. I can't even recall what we went for yesterday, except to eat lunch at the food court, which we were unable to finish due to witnessing a dramatic white trash episode. Involving a lady in a wheelchair. It was special.
Friday night, my elephant feet decided to leave. Apparently, I've been treating myself well. Even all the walking I did this weekend didn't cause a recurrence. The bad news is that Potus appears to have dropped for real (not that it's really a bad thing, just uncomfortable). Two weeks ago, Dr. W2 voiced the opinion that Potus had dropped already, but I think perhaps he/she dropped partially before and Saturday dropped the rest of the way since now it feels as though I have a bowling ball between my legs. P made the observation that I probably shouldn't attempt to carry bowling balls like that in my condition. He's a funny guy, my husband.
This morning, I quickly packed a preliminary hospital bag and a Potus bag, just on the off chance that we found out at my appointment that I'm dilated, although I understand that I could be taking my bowling ball for a walk for another month (or heaven forbid another 6 weeks). According to the doctor appointment, I'm not dilated, but am apparently thinned about 80%. So, I'll be carrying my bowling ball for a little while longer. The nurse was kind enough to point out a Braxton Hicks for me so now I know what they feel like. Apparently, I've been having a lot of them, so I'm supposed to count and time them if I notice them pretty frequently and regularly. Other stats for those of you keeping track: fundal height measured 35 cm, Potus' heart rate is 130, Dr. J thinks Potus will be around 7.5 pounds, and total weight gain (according to Doctor scale) is 42 pounds.
And, I was able to locate sufficient nursing bras mostly locally. Turns out our Target DOES carry a small selection. Better than JC Penney's even. And, there's a full-fledged Motherhood Maternity store at the mall (Saturday) that appeared to be smaller than the nearby outlet store, but better stocked. And, they were having a sale. So, I ended up spending less than I thought I needed to and ended up with a wider selection than I thought I'd get.
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