Wednesday, April 15, 2009

36 Weeks

Well, we are officially at full term! Any time after this, she will be considered a full-term baby and not a preemie, good news! She continues to have a strong heartbeat and I am still progressing normally for vitals and all that.

Saturday was our last (small) baby shower. Nelson's family had a bar-b-q for us and we received some small presents. The food was delicious! Nelson's dad needs to teach him his recipe for his bbq marinade. It's the only steak I've ever had that I actually like. (Nelson and I don't eat red meat or pork, unless it's the occasional burger or pizza topping when out to eat. We're pretty much poultry only. Or seafood)

So we had a midwife appointment today (we're going every week now) to check baby's position again. Unfortunately, she is still head-up. I've decided it's not because she's stubborn, just lazy. She's rather stay comfortable and sleep then work to move head-down. Since Nelson and I are the same way, it makes sense! Anyway, so we are schedule for a version Friday morning to try and have a doctor turn her head-down. It involves a one hand-in, one hand outside procedure. (figure it out for yourself) And, it's supposed to hurt. Cris didn't even try to sugar-coat it. But, if we can avoid a cesarean, I am ready. It was scary to start talking about what will happen if she won't turn. I have been hoping, praying and striving for a completely natural delivery and it is upsetting thinking that may not happen. I know that can still change, but today it's what I'm thinking about. It just seems unfair that so many other women have their baby in the correct position, but it isn't as significant for them, especially those that would prefer a c-section. Sigh. I'll feel more optimistic tomorrow, I hope!

We are still going to try "home remedies" to get her to turn. And, I went to an acupuncturist today and started moxitocin (sp??) treatments, which often help turn babies. It isn't done with needles, it has to do with burning herbs on the pressure points on my toes. We had a treatment done in the office today and she showed Nelson how to do it at home, so we don't have to come in every day. This was recommended to us by our midwife and often works, so our fingers are crossed! We have lots of people praying that she will turn soon, so we can have the birth experience we're hoping for! Thanks for those of you who are thinking head-down for us!!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

35 Weeks

Well, busy week pregnancy-wise! Last Saturday was the baby shower thrown by my church ladies, which was very fun! Lots more cute outfits and some great practical stuff too! I'll tell you what, my daughter is SET on clothes for her first year and then some. The nice thing is that we won't have to do laundry as often! Not for clothes anyway....we'll be washing loads often enough with cloth wipes and diapers! Anyway, the shower was fun and the lunch was yummy! Our big gift from the ladies was a high chair! Exciting!!

Saturday night was also exciting, we went to see Wicked!! So amazing!!! I absolutely loved it, as I figured I would. I will never look at the story of the Wizard of Oz the same way again! I'm going to read the book next and Nelson and I are both going to read the original series of books, which is a lot more books than I thought it was! We went to the play with our friends Joel and Sarah and went to dinner downtown before hand, very fun! Baby liked the show too, she was wiggling and moving during several songs!

Monday, we met with our doula, Megan, to start with our second pregnancy class that we're taking. I already like it SO much more than the generic childbirth class we're finishing up tonight. It's focused completely on embracing pregnancy and delivery physically, emotionally and spiritually, trusting that your body is designed for the process and that I'll be able to do it with little or no medical intervention. It is a very empowering concept! I loved the class and I'm excited for the rest of the series. I've already read most of the book it is based on, "Birthing From Within" and have loved it.

Yesterday was an appointment with our midwife. She checked the normal stuff, but also the baby's position. Unfortunately, she is currently breech. We are trying some home remedies to get her to turn. I have been laying inclined on our ironing board (propped up on the couch) 3 times a day to encourage her. The idea is that she will float out of my pelvis and start to turn head down when I get back up, since her head is the heaviest part of her body. I can tell she is shifting positions already, which is good news! We go back for an extra appt next week to see if she's turned. If not, we will try one more week and will likely try acupuncture. If that doesn't work, they will attempt to turn her through my belly (I can't remember the term for it). It is apparently very painful, but if it avoids a c-section, I am all for it. Plus, I can start practicing those breathing techniques I'll use in labor, right?? We'll see. Cross your fingers she'll turn on her own!!

Tonight we finish up our insurance-provided class, which means we're getting closer and closer to the due date! The date is one month from Saturday, crazy!! According to my "ticker" on myspace, only 32 days to go! However, I do realize there's a strong chance I'll go past my due date, seeing as this is my first pregnancy. We'll see! Happy Easter everyone!!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

34 Weeks/8 Months

I had the baby!!! APRIL FOOLS!!

Well, I didn't blog last week, so here's two weeks worth of info:

Last week was very fun! My mom and I took our road trip to Chico, Ca, where I pretty much grew up. We drove down Sat and got back on Wed. It was a very leisurely trip, we just kind of played everything by ear. We got to see several of our friends from church, our old neighborhood and my childhood, more than we expected, so that was fun! We also got to eat at our favorite restaurants, which was great for the pregnant mamma! Lots of yummy food, I'm sure I gained more weight, but I get bigger by the day anyway. Nelson didn't go with us and when I got back, he said the belly had definitely gotten bigger during the five days I was gone!!

We hired a doula!! I LOVE her!! Her name is Megan Kelley and she is going to be an amazing asset to our delivery. She has years of experience and two daughters of her own. She is also a Birthing From Within instructor which is a HUGE advantage to our plans for a natural delivery. I've been reading Birthing From Within and we will be taking the class from her soon. So excited!!

We have 2 more of our Kaiser Permanente generic classes, which have been fine. The class has covered a huge range of topics, which has been great, but the focus is not doing this naturally. They try to present all information as naturally as possible, but it's obvious that "most" people who take this class are planning on drugs and medical intervention. Only one other couple in the class is planning on trying to birth as naturally as possible. It's sad to me how many women/couples don't realize how empowering and amazing birth can be. Last week we saw images of babies crowning and emerging from the birth canal and one woman actually said, "Eww, gross, I could have made it through everything never seeing that!" I was shocked! I mean, I probably wouldn't wallpaper my house with those images, but they're amazing!! I think it's awesome that my body can do that. I actually want pictures of ALL the details of the birth, but apparently we are not allowed to take pictures or film when she's actually coming out. I'm pretty mad about this. I wanted the pictures just for me and maybe for my daughter some day, maybe in preparation for her own deliveries, but I guess it's against hospital policy. I am NOT happy about that.

I'm still feeling pretty good, about the same. It's just getting harder and harder to find comfortable positions to do pretty much....everything. She's getting bigger and bigger and, depending on where she's hanging out, it's getting more challenging to do regular things. There are days I'm fine, but then other times, I refuse to wear shoes with laces (unless someone is willing to tie them for me). I have trouble finding comfortable sleep positions sometimes, and get up at least 2 times per night to pee. Any time I sit or lay in a position too long, I get uncomfortable. And on that note, I've been sitting at the computer too long!!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

32 weeks


Well, there I am at 32 weeks! I get comments regularly about how my belly has really started to pop out, which I suppose is a good thing! It means baby is getting big! (hopefully not TOO big...) Really not a lot of new news to report. Still feeling good, healthy, able to do most things still, eat most things that I want to, excercise, etc.

We are still taking our childbirth classes and will continue to do so for 4 more weeks. Last week we talked about breathing and getting into different positions to help labor along and help cope with the pain. I am so, so, SO thankful I am giving birth in Oregon, in an area aware of current practices and procedures in labor. I am very greatful that Sunnyside allows women to be up walking, soaking in tubs, moving around and getting into comfortable positions during the entire process. Our instructor was telling her about her mother's birth story and it sounded like HELL. I know my grandmother did the same thing. They used to strap you to the bed, leave you totally alone (no husband, coaches) and check on you every hour or so. Or, they completely knocked you out with Ether and you woke up later with a baby. I am so, so greatful that I can deliver the way I want and with whomever I want in the room. I haven't reached a final decision on who that's going to be. Nelson and our doula for sure, but likely my mother, dad (if he wants to) and Theo (my brother-in-law). I'd love for all of them to be in there, but it's going to come down to if I feel as though the room is too crowded, etc.

Saturday, my mom and I leave for our road trip to Chico, California! I'm excited to go somewhere! My mom and I have been on trips before and I always love spending time with her. She's my best friend and we travel very well together. (minus getting lost and crying in the middle of Rome on her birthday!!) Our midwife said it was fine for me to take the trip. I just have to make sure to stop often and stretch my legs, pee, etc. I'll also be travelling with lots of healthy snacks. I am excited to see some of our old friends, but I am also so psyched for the food! (as is my mother) We will also visit our old church and other things around town. I know Nelson is looking forward to a few days of doing absolutely nothing and fending for himself in the kitchen. He can stay up all night with his video games and cereal, just like college! He knows those days are about to be gone forever, so I know he will enjoy this! I have taken some pitty on him and have planned to have some pre-cooked meals in the fridge/freezer to help him out. That's also in my plans during the last weeks before baby comes, to stock up on quick foods like soups, sandwich stuff (hooray for being able to eat lunch meat again!!!), cereal and freeze some casseroles, sauces, soups, etc to help him during those first few weeks (and me) as we start our new lives, without sleep!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

31 Weeks (and counting)

Just looked at the baby ticker on MySpace and it says only 61 days to go!! Getting closer all the time! 3 main things have happened in the last week:

We started our childbirth classes, very exciting! We go once a week on Thursdays for 6 weeks. Our first class was last week. Hmm...what to say...we started talking about breathing techniques and the role of the partner in the delivery room. We also talked about the changes our bodies are going through to prepare for delivery. I wondered if instructors ever have people suddenly start to panic in class. I was fine, but when she showed a model of a pelvis and showed how a doll was supposed to fit through it, WHEW! I know we're designed to do it, but to see it like that was a bit daunting. For those of you who don't know, my plan is to do this whole thing as naturally as possible. Hopefully I'm very stretchy and prepared!!

We started the process of hiring a doula. (an assistant in the delivery room, responsible for helping coach the husband and offer non-medical help, such as massage, breathing and relaxation techniques. she stays with you the whole time, as apposed to coming in and out or only showing up for delivery.) We've only met with one so far, but I'm meeting with another next week and have a few more lined up. Hopefully, we'll have this taken care of within the next few weeks.

We had another midwife appt this morning, without much new to report. My weight, blood pressure, pee and belly measurement continue to be "perfect." (Her words, no mine) I am getting close to the 200 lb mark, which seems scary, but I don't feel like it. (most days....) I do feel as though my belly is getting more crowded and movements have changed a bit. While I do still feel occasional kicks, I feel more pushes instead. Especially on my ribs, but only on my right side, where Chris said it's likely her feet are. I also have been getting some numb spots on the very top of my belly, which apparently is normal. I'm trying to keep walking at least 5 times a week, if not every day. I am getting slower, but I'm still going! It's good to have a dog, she gives me motivation. Around 3-4 every day, she starts staring at me longingly and every time I move anywhere near my shoes, jacket, door or a plastic bag, Pippy gets excited. So, I feel really bad if I don't take her. If it's raining, I try to get on the treadmill in the workout room. I haven't had to do that too much though, we've actually had several sunny days for Oregon lately. Hopefully, now the temperature will begin to increase! (although, that's when the rain shows up) I'm looking forward to California weather for spring break! I'm starting to feel tired more often as well. Last night, I fell asleep on the couch at 7:30 for over an hour, had no problems going to bed and took a looooong nap this afternoon. I've always been a sleeper, but this is starting to feel like the 1st trimester again, but only tired-wise.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

30 weeks/7 Months

Only 2 more months to go!! Hopefully that's the case, since we want me to go full-term. Nelson is supposed to be in a wedding in southern California 2 weeks before our due date and she needs to stay in there! We wouldn't even consider it, except that he was in our wedding, he's one of Nelson's best friends, and Nelson is a groomsman. The wedding is on a Saturday, so Nelson will fly out Friday and come back that Sat evening. Any time she wants to be born after that is fine! That Thurs is my last day of work and I'll stay at my parent's house and will be doing absolutely NOTHING except laying down during the time Nelson is gone. No walks, no leaving the house, careful, careful!

Since Nelson gets to go on a fun (yet brief!) trip to California, I'm going on a small trip too. Too bad David couldn't have had his wedding a few months earlier, he lives right by Disneyland and we know I'm always up for a trip there!! Anyway, out of the blue, my mom says she wants to leave for spring break and go to California as well! We would be sticking to the northern part and only for a couple of days. She wants to go visit Chico, where I grew up. Nelson can't take time off (he's saving up all vacation and extra days for baby time) and Dad isn't interested, so it looks like we are taking a road trip together! I'm going to ask our midwife at our next appt to be sure everything is okay. We plan to stop a lot so I can stretch (and pee!) and I'll probably ride in the back seat so I can lay down and stretch. The best part about this trip (besides seeing old friends!) is getting to feed my pregnant belly with foods from my all -time favorite restaurants! I haven't let myself have cravings for my favorite sandwiches, salsa and pizza and now I get to have them!! Exciting!

Week 30 finished up just fine. Still feeling good, still feeling healthy, blah, blah, blah. Why do people always ask how I'm feeling? Do they really want to know the answer if I'm not feeling great? My cousin and I were discussing this and really, do people want to hear about morning sickness, stretch marks, constipation, that kind of thing? Not that I am dealing with those now, but at some point I have or probably will!!! I figure I'm supposed to just nod, smile and say, fine! My mom and I talked about how people not only don't really want to hear your stories, they mainly want to tell their own pregnancy war-stories. I especially love people who hear I'm starting my 8th month and say things like, "Oh, you're about to get so uncomfortable." or "You're going to get so antsy and want her out of there!" I'm sure that's true, but must you remind me?! Sheesh, let me enjoy being pregnant while I can!

On that note, I've noticed that this blog (and most baby blogs) talk a lot about the negative sides of pregnancy, which of course make sense, but there are great things too! I love being pregnant!! At this point, challenges have been extremely minor and have passed quickly, especially after the first trimester. I love having a belly and wearing maternity clothes! I love that people pretty much don't doubt that I'm pregnant now! And I LOVE feeling her move around inside me. As her kicks are getting stronger (and sometimes ouch!), it reminds me that I'm growing a beautiful, healthy baby and that she's getting bigger, which is good news! I am loving getting things ready for her. I love having a crib waiting, a changing table, a bassinet and blankets ready to go! I love that I already have a bin of cloth diapers ready to go a homemade wipes (yup, that's right!! I've been testing them out and I LOVE them!) ready to wipe any and everything. I love the little outfits waiting in the closet and the toys ready to be held. I love reading my mommy-to-be-books. Nelson and I love talking to my belly and reading to her and watching her move and feel her kick. We can't wait! We start our childbirth classes tomorrow and we are soooo excited!! Being pregnant is wonderful and I can't believe it's gone by so fast!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

29 weeks and Baby Shower!

Wow, already 29 weeks! Still feeling good, although I'm starting to realize I can't do things that I used to. I get REALLY tired easily. I also get sore, especially in my hips, if I over do it or if I am in one position too long. We drove to the beach this week and 1 1/2 hours in the car took it's toll on me the next day. Now I know I need to get out and stretch my legs or ride in the back so I can stretch out. I also have to pee constantly, which is fun. (not surprising, but remember, this is my first time being pregnant!)

Saturday, my brother, sister-in-law and niece arrived from Texas on their leave from Afghanistan, so they have been here all week! AND, we got a big surprise, because my aunt decided to fly in from Wyoming to see them and attend my baby shower, which was really fun! So, it's been a busy family week. My niece is so big, I can't believe she's 10 months!! She is in the 99th percentile for her size and it shows! She is a BIG girl!! She is so sweet and smiley and at such a fun age. She's so close to walking!! We're hoping she does that in the next week, so that her mom and dad get to see that first. (they've missed so many this year!)

My baby shower was amazing!! Elaine and Jennifer did a great job! It was totally Disney Princess themed! I loved it! Lots of special friends were there. Unfortunately, there were so many, I hardly got to talk to anyone!! And, we had 4 babies there too! Everything from 2 weeks to 10 months, very cute!! I was honestly overwhelmed though. About halfway through I was just so exhausted and I'm sure it showed. I hope everyone knows how much I appreciate you for going, even though I was tired! It was really fun! We got LOTS of cute outfits and clothes, our travel set (yay!), a crib mattress, toys, books and a Bumbo! I would have loved a little boy just as much, but pink frilly princess showers with little dresses are so fun!!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

28 Weeks and counting

Well, no major milestones this week or appointments, so just a quick blog for the 2 of you who read this! This week is going well, still feeling fine and dandy! Going to the dentist tomorrow, which I don't think is affected by pregnancy too much, as long as I don't have a cavity! And (knock on wood) seeing as I've never had one, we should be okay! Oh and I can't have x-rays done. I'm glad I waited a while, early on in the pregnancy, I never would have been able to handle all the hands and tools in my mouth. I couldn't even brush my tounge in the first trimester, it made me gag!

I keep looking at my belly pictures and thinking the belly looks about the same in the last few. I swear it's growing!! She's definitely getting bigger, and I'll bet she'll be long, like her cousin and uncle. (it very much runs in the family) She has learned a new habit this week of pushing on Mommy's ribs, especially in the middle of the night. I wouldn't think it would hurt that much, but YEOW! If I shift positions, she stops, but it hurts enough to wake me up. It's weird, it's not like a quick kick, it's more like she just pushes on my rib as hard as she can and doesn't move it. I also have had my first experiences with some minor heartburn. Nothing major, I'm not complaining, just stating a fact. It usually happens if I have a full meal and lay down too soon.

Big weekend coming up and I'm so excited!! My brother and sister-in-law are coming home on leave from Afghanistan! They're (of course!) bringing my niece too. I can't wait to see them! (well, they're SUPPOSED to be here Sat, as long as all flights go well. That's military for you. If you don't know what I mean, that's just the way it is!) Anyway, we're praying they won't have any complications and that they'll arrive safe and sound.

AND, Sunday is my baby shower!! I actually have 2 coming up. This one is for close friends and family. The wonderful Jennifer and Elaine are throwing it for me at mom's house. I'm so excited! It will be so nice to see several friends that I haven't seen in a while, all at once! The lovely ladies of my church are throwing one for me in April as well. So fun! (I didn't have a bridal shower of any kind, intentionally, so this is double fun for me!)

Nelson continues to be a wonderful and supportive Daddy-to-be throughout this process. He still brings me breakfast in bed every morning and is great about helping me when I need it. He's actually gained some sympathy weight, which of course, he's thrilled about! He is nowhere near my weight, as always, but he's pretty proud of himself. Of course, you can't tell in the slightest. He weighs himself when we see the midwife. It brings him joy. Hopefully, we will get some baby presents which have to be put together on Sunday. He loves assembling things! He already has the crib together. More to come after this weekend!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

28 Week Appt

Well, as we thought, today's appointment wasn't terribly exciting. My belly is measuring where it's supposed to (28 cm for 28 weeks, right on track), I've now gained a total of 20 lbs, and since I'm supposed to gain around 30-35 for my starting weight, with an average of a pound a week for the next 12 weeks, I'm on track for that as well.

We finally got to easily hear her heartbeat! We've had trouble with it every other time, because she is so active! (moving baby = static) Chris (our midwife) said it's because it's getting more crowded in there, so she has less room to move around. Believe me, she is able to move plenty! She is still extremely active, especially when I lay down. She moves a LOT. We can watch my belly move and dance around! There are times when she pushes, rather than kicking and you can feel something hard, like a shoulder or elbow or head. (we can 't usually tell which one!) : )

I also took the glucose test and we should hear those tests soon. However, Chris said it's not very likely that I'll have gestational diabetes, as there's not history of it in my family and I'm not obese, so that's good to hear!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

27 weeks

Well, we're into the 3rd trimester! We have a regular midwife appointment tomorrow, I'm not expecting anything new. The usual; weighing, belly measure, blood pressure, pee in a cup, you know. However, I am having the glucose test, to make sure I don't have gestational diabetes. I don't know of symptoms of that, but my weight has been fine, blood pressure too, so hopefully I won't get any surprises. It just means we have to be there for an hour and have blood work done. I've never minded that, because the nurses always LOVE my veins. For some reason, I have fat blue veins in the crooks of my elbows. Whenever I give blood, the nurses call other nurses over to see them!

To answer the never-ending question of how I'm feeling, the answer is still good! I've gotten back on a regular sleep schedule, which has made things sooooo much better. Sleep is what keeps me feeling normal and YES, I know that I will not get much sleep once baby is here. That's why I want to get it now! Lack of sleep is the single biggest baby fear I have, not labor, not delivery. (don't worry, those things stress me out a bit too) I'm noticing my body more and more and I'm starting to feel more limited on what I can do. I get tired out pretty easily, even just doing things like cleaning around the house or running errands. Luckily, being a nanny allows me to take it very easy, which I am so greatful for. I'm still trying to take at least a 30 minute walk every day. I have had some pains in my joints, mostly my hips. It's also taking more of an effort to stand up from the couch or bed, and I need to stop getting down on the floor. Some day I'm going to get down and not be able to get back up! Other than that, things are still fine!

Valentine's Day is this weekend. (duh) We never make big plans, but we do like to celebrate. I got Nelson a small gift and he is planning something for dinner. I told him that plans were up to him this year and he's doing it! I get a hint every day and I'll find out Sunday. Yes, we know it's Saturday, but we never celebrate on the actual day. We don't want to wait forever and go to crowded places. So, for the last few years, we either go the day before or day after.

I'm getting really excited for the big family shower on the 22nd! Jennifer and Elaine sent out the most wonderful invitations, I love them!! I'm excited to see friends I haven't seen in a while! We invited 35 or so people, but a lot of them are out of state and can't come. I just wanted them to know that I was thinking of them and that we love them!

2 babies were born this past week to friends of ours and we were so excited to meet both of them! Nelson's cousins Pete and Kellen has a BIG (10 lbs 1 oz, way to go Kellen with your natural delivery!!!) beautiful baby boy named Kobe Peter and our friends Joel and Sarah had a gorgeous baby girl named Elena Nicole. So fun to get all the text messages throughout the night as their labors progressed! It made us so excited for 3 months from now!!! And, it's nice to know our baby already has some ready-made friends to play with!

I'll include the belly pics from this week:


It's weird, I don't see a drastic difference in all the pictures, but believe me, it gets bigger all the time!! (People don't realize I had rockin' six pack abs beforehand......yeah right)
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