Well, we went to see Dr. H yesterday. Everything was great - my weight, blood pressure, measurements, everything! He guessed that Adelle weighs about 7.5 pounds, which is just fine with me, and that things look good. He did say that, since last Wednesday, I am 90% effaced but still only 1.5cm dilated. Though I am happy that I have made progress with how much I am effaced, I am a little disappointed that I am still 1.5cm dilated. I would have liked to see more progress for the simple truth, I like progress. It doesn't matter to me if she comes this week or next, as long as she's healthy, but I like to make progress. Ya know?
Dr. H then talked with us about inducing labor and when he would do that and what he would do. Everything he said sounded fine with us and put our minds at ease about that. We then asked a few more questions about our birth plan, medicine once I am in labor, as well as the H1N1 shot. He looked at us when we mentioned that and said, "You haven't gotten one yet?!" We said that no one had asked us about it since October, when they didn't have any, and then we kept forgetting to ask him about it! But Brian had a physical yesterday and got one so it was on our minds. I got mine last night and I forgot how my arm feels after a shot. It was heavy all night. Oh well.
So, now I am off to run errands. Maybe the walking will stimulate some progress! Who knows - I just know I need to get this stuff done.
Tuesday, December 29
Monday, December 28
Nervous and a trip to L&D
So Saturday was great. I got things done around the house, ran errands, and even started having some contractions. Granted, they weren't regular and most weren't painful so I didn't think I was in labor, but I was having them.
We were running around so much that when we got home I had to lay down. I put my feet up on Brian and even snoozed for a bit. A little while later I realized that I hadn't felt Adelle move for a little bit. I shrugged it off as, I just haven't NOTICED her moving but then started paying attention to any movements. Well, I didn't feel any - not even hiccups. I drank a glass of cold water, some pop, and even ate something and nothing happened. No movement. I was starting to get really freaked out so Brian called the nurse who called the on-call doctor, who happened to be OUR doctor. We talked and he said that he wanted us to go in to Labor and Delivery to get monitored. With this news I started crying, but told him it was ok. He said that it was just a precaution and most times it is to help ease the mothers' nerves/mind.
We got to the hospital around 8:55pm (after a 5-8 minute drive) and I was hooked up to the monitor by 9:03pm. Right away I noticed that Adelle's heartbeat was slower than it has been, then it would jump up, then drop low, and I got nervous again. The awesome nurse, Tracy, told us that is what they look for. That means she is just being active. I told her that I wasn't able to feel anything yet and she said that that was ok too, but she wanted me to tell her when I could. 7 minutes - 7 really LONG minutes later I felt a couple of kicks and at 9:15pm I felt another. Tracy came back in and said that things looked just fine for both of us and that she was going to call Dr. H and see what he wanted to do. I was able to go home a little after 9:30pm and told to follow up with Dr. H on Monday at our appointment.
Even though I wasn't there for very long it was surreal. That was my very first time in an actual hospital bed, aside from when Brian was in the hospital a few years back and I cuddled with him for a few minutes. It was only the second time I had ever been in a hospital gown, and the third time I had been hooked up to machines. What was surreal though, was walking to Labor and Delivery, checking in at the front desk, filling out a few papers (and by filling out I really mean checking to make sure things are correct), and getting my little bracelet. I kept wondering if that is what it would feel like when I HAD to go to the hospital.
One thing I realized was that as I was laying on my side, my hip started hurting. I think I was laying right in one of the creases/cracks of the bed. I'll have to remember to avoid that when I do go back to the hospital.
Another thing I realized - though NOT for the first time - was that Brian and I are so amazing together. I don't think I could do this - or that - without him. He was comforting, strong and level headed the entire time. In fact, he was putting in Transformers 2 to see if Adelle would move to that since she went crazy when we watched it before. How sweet was that?
He is going to make an incredible Daddy!
We were running around so much that when we got home I had to lay down. I put my feet up on Brian and even snoozed for a bit. A little while later I realized that I hadn't felt Adelle move for a little bit. I shrugged it off as, I just haven't NOTICED her moving but then started paying attention to any movements. Well, I didn't feel any - not even hiccups. I drank a glass of cold water, some pop, and even ate something and nothing happened. No movement. I was starting to get really freaked out so Brian called the nurse who called the on-call doctor, who happened to be OUR doctor. We talked and he said that he wanted us to go in to Labor and Delivery to get monitored. With this news I started crying, but told him it was ok. He said that it was just a precaution and most times it is to help ease the mothers' nerves/mind.
We got to the hospital around 8:55pm (after a 5-8 minute drive) and I was hooked up to the monitor by 9:03pm. Right away I noticed that Adelle's heartbeat was slower than it has been, then it would jump up, then drop low, and I got nervous again. The awesome nurse, Tracy, told us that is what they look for. That means she is just being active. I told her that I wasn't able to feel anything yet and she said that that was ok too, but she wanted me to tell her when I could. 7 minutes - 7 really LONG minutes later I felt a couple of kicks and at 9:15pm I felt another. Tracy came back in and said that things looked just fine for both of us and that she was going to call Dr. H and see what he wanted to do. I was able to go home a little after 9:30pm and told to follow up with Dr. H on Monday at our appointment.
Even though I wasn't there for very long it was surreal. That was my very first time in an actual hospital bed, aside from when Brian was in the hospital a few years back and I cuddled with him for a few minutes. It was only the second time I had ever been in a hospital gown, and the third time I had been hooked up to machines. What was surreal though, was walking to Labor and Delivery, checking in at the front desk, filling out a few papers (and by filling out I really mean checking to make sure things are correct), and getting my little bracelet. I kept wondering if that is what it would feel like when I HAD to go to the hospital.
One thing I realized was that as I was laying on my side, my hip started hurting. I think I was laying right in one of the creases/cracks of the bed. I'll have to remember to avoid that when I do go back to the hospital.
Another thing I realized - though NOT for the first time - was that Brian and I are so amazing together. I don't think I could do this - or that - without him. He was comforting, strong and level headed the entire time. In fact, he was putting in Transformers 2 to see if Adelle would move to that since she went crazy when we watched it before. How sweet was that?
He is going to make an incredible Daddy!
Saturday, December 26
39 Weeks = Vacation
I wasn't sure what write about! There are a lot of things I could have written about... the pressure/contractions that come along, the excitement I am feeling, the amazing gifts we got for Christmas, but I am going to write about my last vacation without kids!
Wednesday was the official first day of our winter break! It didn't really feel like it to me though because I spent the morning at school getting things ready for my sub. I like things to be a certain way and wanted to give her as much detail as I could before I left. To be honest, I am still thinking about all of the plans I wrote and if they are alright. Should I have left materials out for her, or is it ok that left them in bins?
Another thing I am thinking about is my class. They are such a great group! I am going to miss all of the stories of their winter break, hugs, and their unique personalities while I am away. Aww :(
Today, however, FEELS like the first day of break! My last break without kids of my own. What should I do? Well, there are a few things I need to do... Scratch that! There are a few thing I want to get done today, so I think that is a great start to my last break sans kids. Maybe I'll even lie around and watch movies. Eat at a fancy restaurant with Brian - just because! I love it - no pressure to get things done. No plans. Whatever happens, happens!
I think this feeling will last for the next couple of hours, then I will be back to my old self making lists of things to do! I really do enjoy checking things off of my lists! We'll see!
Leave a comment: What did YOU do right before you had kids? Was there a favorite outing, restaurant, thing?
Adelle is growing:
Adelle is waiting to greet the world! She continues to build a layer of fat to help control her body temperature after birth, but it's likely she already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. The outer layers of her skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath. ISH! Only 7 days left!!
Wednesday was the official first day of our winter break! It didn't really feel like it to me though because I spent the morning at school getting things ready for my sub. I like things to be a certain way and wanted to give her as much detail as I could before I left. To be honest, I am still thinking about all of the plans I wrote and if they are alright. Should I have left materials out for her, or is it ok that left them in bins?
Another thing I am thinking about is my class. They are such a great group! I am going to miss all of the stories of their winter break, hugs, and their unique personalities while I am away. Aww :(
Today, however, FEELS like the first day of break! My last break without kids of my own. What should I do? Well, there are a few things I need to do... Scratch that! There are a few thing I want to get done today, so I think that is a great start to my last break sans kids. Maybe I'll even lie around and watch movies. Eat at a fancy restaurant with Brian - just because! I love it - no pressure to get things done. No plans. Whatever happens, happens!
I think this feeling will last for the next couple of hours, then I will be back to my old self making lists of things to do! I really do enjoy checking things off of my lists! We'll see!
Leave a comment: What did YOU do right before you had kids? Was there a favorite outing, restaurant, thing?
Adelle is growing:
Adelle is waiting to greet the world! She continues to build a layer of fat to help control her body temperature after birth, but it's likely she already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. The outer layers of her skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath. ISH! Only 7 days left!!
Friday, December 25
Merry Christmas!
Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love it because you get to sing wonderful carols, families get together, snow usually falls, and people are generally nicer... I just love it!
I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I hope you get the things you hoped for and that your family is happy and safe!
I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I hope you get the things you hoped for and that your family is happy and safe!
Doctor's Appointment
Wednesday was a hectic day!
I had to run and pick up the last few presents, go to school to make sure my room was ready for my sub and to make sure my plans were printed and on the desk (I even made a copy and sent one to my email just in case), and then we had a doctor's appointment. Oh, I wanted to get all of this done before "The Snow" came in the evening.
Since "The Snow" was coming in the evening and my re-scheduled 38 week appointment was at 6pm, the office called and asked if I could come in early. When they called I was so afraid they were going to cancel because I had been having a good deal of pressure lately. They didn't though and we got there around 3:30. We walked to the room and my blood pressure was up again - 124/71. I am not used to it being high, even though the nurse didn't say that it was, it's just higher than what is usually is. Dr. H said that it was ok though. Then Dr. H let us listen to Adelle's heartbeat - that glorious sound - and then measured my belly. He said I was measuring at 34cm which is normal given how low she is - whew! Then he checked me and left the room pretty quickly. So quickly that he didn't estimate Adelle's weight like he was going to and I didn't remember to ask about it because it threw me off. Geepers! When he came back in the room the first thing he said was, "Well... I'm working this weekend." WHAT?! I'm not due until... I know that 2 weeks on either side is... WHAT?! Brian and I just looked at each other and then said, "What?" Dr. H said that I had made great progress - go me! - and have gone from 1cm to 1.5cm dilation and I am 80% effaced!! He said that doesn't mean I will go into labor this weekend but if I do he will be delivering the baby! OH MY GOODNESS! Brian and I couldn't stop smiling!
That night I prayed that she waited to come until after this weekend because I didn't want Brian and I to have to drive in "The Snow". We'll see!!
I had to run and pick up the last few presents, go to school to make sure my room was ready for my sub and to make sure my plans were printed and on the desk (I even made a copy and sent one to my email just in case), and then we had a doctor's appointment. Oh, I wanted to get all of this done before "The Snow" came in the evening.
Since "The Snow" was coming in the evening and my re-scheduled 38 week appointment was at 6pm, the office called and asked if I could come in early. When they called I was so afraid they were going to cancel because I had been having a good deal of pressure lately. They didn't though and we got there around 3:30. We walked to the room and my blood pressure was up again - 124/71. I am not used to it being high, even though the nurse didn't say that it was, it's just higher than what is usually is. Dr. H said that it was ok though. Then Dr. H let us listen to Adelle's heartbeat - that glorious sound - and then measured my belly. He said I was measuring at 34cm which is normal given how low she is - whew! Then he checked me and left the room pretty quickly. So quickly that he didn't estimate Adelle's weight like he was going to and I didn't remember to ask about it because it threw me off. Geepers! When he came back in the room the first thing he said was, "Well... I'm working this weekend." WHAT?! I'm not due until... I know that 2 weeks on either side is... WHAT?! Brian and I just looked at each other and then said, "What?" Dr. H said that I had made great progress - go me! - and have gone from 1cm to 1.5cm dilation and I am 80% effaced!! He said that doesn't mean I will go into labor this weekend but if I do he will be delivering the baby! OH MY GOODNESS! Brian and I couldn't stop smiling!
That night I prayed that she waited to come until after this weekend because I didn't want Brian and I to have to drive in "The Snow". We'll see!!
Sunday, December 20
Baby Packaging
I am talking about packaging on/in baby items.
I have been washing Adelle's clothes for the past couple of days and I have untaped more onesies than I would care to. Every onesie that has been in a package with other onesies has had two pieces of tape, a piece of cardboard and the outside plastic case with snaps on it. Really? Why do you need all of that? Or I love the little outfits that have two pieces that are held together by one of those little plastic tags then there is a plastic tag connecting each of the shoulders to the hanger as well. I get that baby clothes are teeny and probably pretty easy to try to take, but is all of that tape, plastic and packaging necessary?
OH! I almost forgot about the stickers! Some brands have sizing stickers on the front of their shirts. Then there are some with "inspected by" stickers on the inside. Still OTHER brands have stickers on the front AND the inside! Why? Why so many stickers? Can't you just put your "inspected by" sticker on one of the other stickers/tags that are already on the article of clothing?
Seriously.
I have been washing Adelle's clothes for the past couple of days and I have untaped more onesies than I would care to. Every onesie that has been in a package with other onesies has had two pieces of tape, a piece of cardboard and the outside plastic case with snaps on it. Really? Why do you need all of that? Or I love the little outfits that have two pieces that are held together by one of those little plastic tags then there is a plastic tag connecting each of the shoulders to the hanger as well. I get that baby clothes are teeny and probably pretty easy to try to take, but is all of that tape, plastic and packaging necessary?
OH! I almost forgot about the stickers! Some brands have sizing stickers on the front of their shirts. Then there are some with "inspected by" stickers on the inside. Still OTHER brands have stickers on the front AND the inside! Why? Why so many stickers? Can't you just put your "inspected by" sticker on one of the other stickers/tags that are already on the article of clothing?
Seriously.
Saturday, December 19
38 Weeks = Laundry
I have begun to do Adelle's laundry. Last weekend I got the 0-3 month items washed, dried and put away - in case she decided January was too far away - and now I am working on the rest of her wardrobe. She has a better selection than her daddy and I put together!! Do we have a future fashionista on our hands?
Anyway, I am washing everything on the delicate cycle because, let's face it, her clothes are so tiny they LOOK like they should be delicate! I know they're not though because some of those darn snaps are ridiculously hard to unsnap! I have already put those articles of clothing on the bottom of those stacks so I will hopefully only have to use them if I need to. I wouldn't want Adelle to be in something and me taking FOREVER to get the dang thing off, especially if it's soaked in something! Spit, spit-up, or poo! ISH!
I do have to say though, I LOVE the smell of Dreft! I would like to use it on my clothes, but I don't think Brian would like walking around the office smelling like that. Or even better, going to Cabella's or Gander, being all manly and tough but smelling like a teeny tiny baby. Actually... I might do it anyway just to smile when I hug him!
As for the pressure I talked about last post, I am still feeling it. Some days are better than others, and I can definitely tell when I have been standing or sitting too long. THAT is one thing I am not used to - sitting down a lot. I get around to my students during the day but I wheel my chair over so I can sit once I get there. Another thing I am not used to is taking a long time to get places. I like to get things done, and quickly if I can, so when I walk through stores (except Target) or when I am at a mall, I like to walk faster. I don't really like crowds so I will generally dodge and weave through people. What used to take me maybe 3 minutes now takes me 5 or 6 because the pressure is so great. Getting my students down to lunch, or walking up to the office from my room takes some planning because I know it will be a trip - I bring my copying, my water bottle because I KNOW I'll have to get more by the time I get there, I make sure I have enough time to use the bathroom too. It's just really strange to me and I can't wait to be able to walk to the office and back in what time it takes me to get there now! :)
Adelle is growing:
Adelle has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
HOWEVER, my students were learning about genetics (IN 3RD GRADE!) and they determined that even if she gets the blue eye gene from Brian (or more exactly, Brian's mom Sharon), that the brown eye gene is more dominant. They determined that she will have brown hair and brown eyes. I am still not sure though, because both of my parents have brown eyes and BOTH of my sisters have hazel eyes. I guess we'll have to wait 14 more days to see!
Anyway, I am washing everything on the delicate cycle because, let's face it, her clothes are so tiny they LOOK like they should be delicate! I know they're not though because some of those darn snaps are ridiculously hard to unsnap! I have already put those articles of clothing on the bottom of those stacks so I will hopefully only have to use them if I need to. I wouldn't want Adelle to be in something and me taking FOREVER to get the dang thing off, especially if it's soaked in something! Spit, spit-up, or poo! ISH!
I do have to say though, I LOVE the smell of Dreft! I would like to use it on my clothes, but I don't think Brian would like walking around the office smelling like that. Or even better, going to Cabella's or Gander, being all manly and tough but smelling like a teeny tiny baby. Actually... I might do it anyway just to smile when I hug him!
As for the pressure I talked about last post, I am still feeling it. Some days are better than others, and I can definitely tell when I have been standing or sitting too long. THAT is one thing I am not used to - sitting down a lot. I get around to my students during the day but I wheel my chair over so I can sit once I get there. Another thing I am not used to is taking a long time to get places. I like to get things done, and quickly if I can, so when I walk through stores (except Target) or when I am at a mall, I like to walk faster. I don't really like crowds so I will generally dodge and weave through people. What used to take me maybe 3 minutes now takes me 5 or 6 because the pressure is so great. Getting my students down to lunch, or walking up to the office from my room takes some planning because I know it will be a trip - I bring my copying, my water bottle because I KNOW I'll have to get more by the time I get there, I make sure I have enough time to use the bathroom too. It's just really strange to me and I can't wait to be able to walk to the office and back in what time it takes me to get there now! :)
Adelle is growing:
Adelle has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
HOWEVER, my students were learning about genetics (IN 3RD GRADE!) and they determined that even if she gets the blue eye gene from Brian (or more exactly, Brian's mom Sharon), that the brown eye gene is more dominant. They determined that she will have brown hair and brown eyes. I am still not sure though, because both of my parents have brown eyes and BOTH of my sisters have hazel eyes. I guess we'll have to wait 14 more days to see!
Monday, December 14
A Full Monday
So today Brian and I had a doctor's appointment and another Baby Class. Not to worry though, the Baby Class was on breastfeeding and the instructor was awesome! She was knowledgeable, funny, entertaining, and objective. A completely different experience than the other class. The only thing that was similar was the fact that I had contractions.
Yes you read right, I had contractions. 3 in an hour in fact but I didn't time them because I knew they were from the fact that we had just come from our doctor's appointment. Since I am 37 weeks along, the doctor will be checking me every week to see if I've, "made progress." I knew this was coming because at our 35 week appointment he checked and it happened so I guess I just FIGURED it would happen this time too. BTW - we didn't have an appointment last week because my doctor was sick and I felt great.
Anyway, we went into this appointment armed with a couple of questions: 1) Was the phone number on this little form correct? If I go into labor, we want to make sure we're calling a current number! 2)I am really scared of... well I won't tell you that. It's too much information for even ME to know - ish! and 3)I've been having all sorts of pressure in my belly and in my abdomen. Uncomfortable pressure - what is that? Our doctor was awesome and told us the phone number was correct, not to worry about #2 (that sounds COMPLETELY different than how it should) and the pressure is just the baby getting into position.
ALREADY!? YAY and OH MY GOODNESS all at the same time!
So he checked me out and said that my belly is measuring a cm behind, which is good because that means Adelle has dropped. He also said that I am 40% effaced and 1cm dilated!! I can not WAIT for next week's appointment to see if I've progressed any further! I mean, I still want her to come when she is ready, healthy and around her due date, I just like seeing progress. It makes me feel good.
So keep your fingers crossed that I will have made a LITTLE bit of progress at next weeks appointment!
Yes you read right, I had contractions. 3 in an hour in fact but I didn't time them because I knew they were from the fact that we had just come from our doctor's appointment. Since I am 37 weeks along, the doctor will be checking me every week to see if I've, "made progress." I knew this was coming because at our 35 week appointment he checked and it happened so I guess I just FIGURED it would happen this time too. BTW - we didn't have an appointment last week because my doctor was sick and I felt great.
Anyway, we went into this appointment armed with a couple of questions: 1) Was the phone number on this little form correct? If I go into labor, we want to make sure we're calling a current number! 2)I am really scared of... well I won't tell you that. It's too much information for even ME to know - ish! and 3)I've been having all sorts of pressure in my belly and in my abdomen. Uncomfortable pressure - what is that? Our doctor was awesome and told us the phone number was correct, not to worry about #2 (that sounds COMPLETELY different than how it should) and the pressure is just the baby getting into position.
ALREADY!? YAY and OH MY GOODNESS all at the same time!
So he checked me out and said that my belly is measuring a cm behind, which is good because that means Adelle has dropped. He also said that I am 40% effaced and 1cm dilated!! I can not WAIT for next week's appointment to see if I've progressed any further! I mean, I still want her to come when she is ready, healthy and around her due date, I just like seeing progress. It makes me feel good.
So keep your fingers crossed that I will have made a LITTLE bit of progress at next weeks appointment!
Why Do People Think...
it is absolutely fine to touch your belly when you're pregnant? I am talking about family, friends and even strangers!!! WTH?! This is a new phenomenon for me that I am completely NOT comfortable with. When I have turned people away or asked them not to touch, they say things like, "Whatever, we're family," or "Well, you better start getting used to it," or they act all surprised that I actually want them to stay out of my personal bubble or that I hurt their puppy!
It surprises me even more that WOMEN don't give a rats bottom that I don't want them touching me! What about this pissed off face says, "I'd be happy to have a strangers hand on my body!" I guess it also surprises me that when I have asked people not to touch me they get offended. Why? I don't go around touching your body parts... maybe I should do that. The next person who comes up to me and touches my belly - WITHOUT ASKING is going to get rubbed on their belly and asked when they are due and if they've started having contractions.
UGH!!!
I went somewhere yesterday where I turned away 4 people who then were upset with me for doing so. THEN someone just came up to me and started rubbing my belly and when I stepped backward and gave her a confused look, SHE WALKED TOWARD ME STILL RUBBING MY BELLY! I don't care that we are family - that doesn't give you the right to touch me in ANY way UNLESS I am CHOKING or DYEING and even then it's tricky. The only person who actually asked me if she could touch my belly got to touch it and then said, "I would never even think of touching a belly without asking. It's rude"
Well said my friend! Well said!
It surprises me even more that WOMEN don't give a rats bottom that I don't want them touching me! What about this pissed off face says, "I'd be happy to have a strangers hand on my body!" I guess it also surprises me that when I have asked people not to touch me they get offended. Why? I don't go around touching your body parts... maybe I should do that. The next person who comes up to me and touches my belly - WITHOUT ASKING is going to get rubbed on their belly and asked when they are due and if they've started having contractions.
UGH!!!
I went somewhere yesterday where I turned away 4 people who then were upset with me for doing so. THEN someone just came up to me and started rubbing my belly and when I stepped backward and gave her a confused look, SHE WALKED TOWARD ME STILL RUBBING MY BELLY! I don't care that we are family - that doesn't give you the right to touch me in ANY way UNLESS I am CHOKING or DYEING and even then it's tricky. The only person who actually asked me if she could touch my belly got to touch it and then said, "I would never even think of touching a belly without asking. It's rude"
Well said my friend! Well said!
Friday, December 11
37 Weeks = Pain and Pressure
This week has been very busy for me and I have been super sleepy when I get home. It's actually kind of annoying because by 8pm I would like to go to bed and sleep the night away. However, that doesn't always work. Especially when I have an after school program to run, it decides to blizzard, and I have lots of planning to do.
Just think of it, I had two days of training that I had to plan for as well as start planning for when Adelle decides to arrive (which I still hope is during/after break)! I just like things done and want them done as soon as possible it's really hard to do that when you get exhausted so easily.
During one of my training sessions I had this last week I felt a type of pain in my lower abdomen all day! When I walked, when I was sitting, when I was laying... all day! Then I started feeling contractions, Braxton Hicks I am sure because they were neither regular or painful. It was just a pressure that I felt. Both the pain and pressure went away by the time I went to bed (8pm - no joke), but it made me nervous to feel that all day.
Though I want Adelle to come into the world when she is ready and healthy (and during/after break) I am hoping that at our next appointment, on Monday, our doctor will tell us that "I" am making progress. We'll see!
Adelle is growing:
Our baby is full term!! This means that if Adelle arrives now, her lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away (yikes).
She weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard - what is that?!). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz. Just 21 days to go!!!
Just think of it, I had two days of training that I had to plan for as well as start planning for when Adelle decides to arrive (which I still hope is during/after break)! I just like things done and want them done as soon as possible it's really hard to do that when you get exhausted so easily.
During one of my training sessions I had this last week I felt a type of pain in my lower abdomen all day! When I walked, when I was sitting, when I was laying... all day! Then I started feeling contractions, Braxton Hicks I am sure because they were neither regular or painful. It was just a pressure that I felt. Both the pain and pressure went away by the time I went to bed (8pm - no joke), but it made me nervous to feel that all day.
Though I want Adelle to come into the world when she is ready and healthy (and during/after break) I am hoping that at our next appointment, on Monday, our doctor will tell us that "I" am making progress. We'll see!
Adelle is growing:
Our baby is full term!! This means that if Adelle arrives now, her lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away (yikes).
She weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard - what is that?!). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz. Just 21 days to go!!!
Saturday, December 5
36 Weeks = So Sleepy... Again!
I've read all of the books and my friends who have children have all told me that once you hit 30 weeks, the sleepiness will come back with a vengeance! Well, it has! Last night I went to bed and I only got up twice to go to the bathroom!! Twice! I usually get up three, four, even five times! AAAND, to top it all off I got up around 9:15am which I haven't been able to do in years! Good lord I felt rested but lazy at the same time. I must have needed it though so in the end, I really didn't care.
It also helped that once Brian got up we ran errands. We went to BRU (Babies R Us) to pick up the other car seat base in case I go into labor sooner than later. We also visited a store we got a gift card for called Peapods. It's in St. Paul and is eco friendly. It has lots of toys/products that are organic too. We are going to save the GC for now and use it later. THEN we went to the MOA (Mall of America) and walked around. While we were there we picked up ice cube trays for water bottles. I have needed them for my sig water bottle for a while now, and am very happy we got them.
When we finally got home, I was so tired that I took a nap. It was GREAT!! I wonder... what will tomorrow bring?!
Adelle is growing:
Adelle is gaining about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon - what is that?!) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy hair that covered her body, as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath (which is something I hear will help my eczema). Next week, your baby will be considered full-term. Most likely she's in a head-down position which is what we want! Just 28 days left!
It also helped that once Brian got up we ran errands. We went to BRU (Babies R Us) to pick up the other car seat base in case I go into labor sooner than later. We also visited a store we got a gift card for called Peapods. It's in St. Paul and is eco friendly. It has lots of toys/products that are organic too. We are going to save the GC for now and use it later. THEN we went to the MOA (Mall of America) and walked around. While we were there we picked up ice cube trays for water bottles. I have needed them for my sig water bottle for a while now, and am very happy we got them.
When we finally got home, I was so tired that I took a nap. It was GREAT!! I wonder... what will tomorrow bring?!
Adelle is growing:
Adelle is gaining about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon - what is that?!) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy hair that covered her body, as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath (which is something I hear will help my eczema). Next week, your baby will be considered full-term. Most likely she's in a head-down position which is what we want! Just 28 days left!
Tuesday, December 1
Doctor Appointment and Baby Class #5
Mondays have been quite hectic for us but we have made it thus far! We start out the day with work, then go to a doctor's appointment - which are weekly now - and then to a baby class!
At this weeks' appointment, everything was great. My weight was great (though hard to see - as always) and my blood pressure was up from last time, but I was worried about something so we think it will go back down next week. I should also mention, that even though it was up, it was still fantastic. I had been having blood pressure levels in the 104/60 range and Monday it was 118/70 - yay me! The test for protein was negative and the doctor said my belly was measuring right on track. He checked my progress and told me I hadn't started changing yet, which bummed me out a little bit, but also made me relieved. Her due date isn't for another month and I want her to come when she is ready, but a month early seems too early, ya know? I was also tested for group B strep.
I mentioned above that I was worried about something, and I was, kind of. We've had the fortune of having two rather lengthy ultrasounds and I have loved being able to see our little girl grow, move, yawn and rest. However, I got nervous that she wasn't a she. Only the first ultrasound tech was "able to see" the girl parts while the other "couldn't see for sure". While the first tech was absolutely positive that our little one was a girl, when she asked us what we thought I didn't know - I couldn't be positive and she didn't explain it or show us something different to compare it to. I know that isn't her job, but it really would have been nice. Anyway, so we have gotten all of these girl clothes and pink items and I got scared that we would have a boy, thanks to a dream I had. UGH! So our wonderful doctor brought in the ultrasound machine on Monday and let us look at our baby again. He found the parts and asked us - why do they keep asking us?! - to tell him what we saw. All I could say was, "I don't see what I think I would see if it were a boy." Why I couldn't say the ACTUAL words is beyond me. I clearly reverted to my 3rd grade self when all of that was taboo and funny. Luckily our doctor has a good sense of humor because he smiled and said, "Well, we have to be a little more exact than, 'we don't see boy parts.' Here is the...." and he basically told us we are going to have a girl! I am not going to say EXACTLY what he said, because I just don't want to, but we definitely having a girl. I called my Mom after the appointment and told her "the news" and she just laughed and asked if we had a name picked out. I am so blessed to have people in my life who understand how cooky I can be sometimes.
After that we went to Chipotle for dinner since our class started pretty soon after the appointment, and I got a chicken burrito. Yummy! I generally don't get a burrito there because I can't finish it, but I was FAMISHED and ordered one anyway. Guess what happened?! Yup - I still couldn't finish it. I barely made it half way through it!! What was I thinking?! I felt really bad about wasting that but Brian and I picked at it a little while we were waiting for class to start so it wasn't too bad I guess. :(
Class tonight was all about newborns. We were given a doll and told one of us had to be holding the 'baby' all through class. This wasn't hard, except for the part where Adelle does NOT like pressure put on the belly! The only comfortable position for me to hold the doll in was toward the top of my belly and that wasn't comfortable because I was full and Adelle would start kicking. As soon as I moved the doll, Adelle would stop. And then I experienced my first contractions. WTH!? They weren't bad and I had read I might get them after cervical exams, but I guess I wasn't ready for the 2 hour delay. When I would feel them I would put my hand on my belly, close my eyes, and breathe. I only got a few, but they were close together - about 5 minutes apart. When I expected the next one, it didn't come when the others had and then I forgot about them and went on with class. Strange!
Next week is our last Birth and Parenting class and Brian and I can't wait! I don't even remember what we're going to be talking about, but we're both just happy that it's our last.
At this weeks' appointment, everything was great. My weight was great (though hard to see - as always) and my blood pressure was up from last time, but I was worried about something so we think it will go back down next week. I should also mention, that even though it was up, it was still fantastic. I had been having blood pressure levels in the 104/60 range and Monday it was 118/70 - yay me! The test for protein was negative and the doctor said my belly was measuring right on track. He checked my progress and told me I hadn't started changing yet, which bummed me out a little bit, but also made me relieved. Her due date isn't for another month and I want her to come when she is ready, but a month early seems too early, ya know? I was also tested for group B strep.
I mentioned above that I was worried about something, and I was, kind of. We've had the fortune of having two rather lengthy ultrasounds and I have loved being able to see our little girl grow, move, yawn and rest. However, I got nervous that she wasn't a she. Only the first ultrasound tech was "able to see" the girl parts while the other "couldn't see for sure". While the first tech was absolutely positive that our little one was a girl, when she asked us what we thought I didn't know - I couldn't be positive and she didn't explain it or show us something different to compare it to. I know that isn't her job, but it really would have been nice. Anyway, so we have gotten all of these girl clothes and pink items and I got scared that we would have a boy, thanks to a dream I had. UGH! So our wonderful doctor brought in the ultrasound machine on Monday and let us look at our baby again. He found the parts and asked us - why do they keep asking us?! - to tell him what we saw. All I could say was, "I don't see what I think I would see if it were a boy." Why I couldn't say the ACTUAL words is beyond me. I clearly reverted to my 3rd grade self when all of that was taboo and funny. Luckily our doctor has a good sense of humor because he smiled and said, "Well, we have to be a little more exact than, 'we don't see boy parts.' Here is the...." and he basically told us we are going to have a girl! I am not going to say EXACTLY what he said, because I just don't want to, but we definitely having a girl. I called my Mom after the appointment and told her "the news" and she just laughed and asked if we had a name picked out. I am so blessed to have people in my life who understand how cooky I can be sometimes.
After that we went to Chipotle for dinner since our class started pretty soon after the appointment, and I got a chicken burrito. Yummy! I generally don't get a burrito there because I can't finish it, but I was FAMISHED and ordered one anyway. Guess what happened?! Yup - I still couldn't finish it. I barely made it half way through it!! What was I thinking?! I felt really bad about wasting that but Brian and I picked at it a little while we were waiting for class to start so it wasn't too bad I guess. :(
Class tonight was all about newborns. We were given a doll and told one of us had to be holding the 'baby' all through class. This wasn't hard, except for the part where Adelle does NOT like pressure put on the belly! The only comfortable position for me to hold the doll in was toward the top of my belly and that wasn't comfortable because I was full and Adelle would start kicking. As soon as I moved the doll, Adelle would stop. And then I experienced my first contractions. WTH!? They weren't bad and I had read I might get them after cervical exams, but I guess I wasn't ready for the 2 hour delay. When I would feel them I would put my hand on my belly, close my eyes, and breathe. I only got a few, but they were close together - about 5 minutes apart. When I expected the next one, it didn't come when the others had and then I forgot about them and went on with class. Strange!
Next week is our last Birth and Parenting class and Brian and I can't wait! I don't even remember what we're going to be talking about, but we're both just happy that it's our last.
Shower #3
I have said it before but we are completely blessed to have people in our lives who care for us! Today we had our 3rd shower which was thrown by my co-workers. We had it before school and it was a pot luck event. I love pot lucks!! Not only was there yummy food, there were great people and great gifts!
We got a lot of super cute clothes, a gift certificate, and a couple of books for her bookshelf too. We also got the tub we wanted along with some bath items for her. It was really fantastic and I am so grateful to Diane and Carole for throwing it for me. You are so wonderful, thank you very much!!
Pictures will be added soon!
We got a lot of super cute clothes, a gift certificate, and a couple of books for her bookshelf too. We also got the tub we wanted along with some bath items for her. It was really fantastic and I am so grateful to Diane and Carole for throwing it for me. You are so wonderful, thank you very much!!
Pictures will be added soon!
Sunday, November 29
35 Weeks = Shower #2
Saturday was an awesome day! I slept until 8:20am, which, normally would be FANTASTIC, but Maria was going to pick me up at 8:45 to go over to Bruce and Sharon's house for our second baby shower. Brian thought I would just wake up in time (since I haven't been able to sleep past 7:15am lately) and I thought he was going to set the alarm for me, oh well, it worked out!
The shower was absolutely beautiful! Danielle made us a diaper cake - which is still intact on our dinning room table - that has so many wonderful things on it! A sippy cup, travel items, shoes, washcloths... it's beautiful!! Laura made us all mimosas. No worries, mine was just grape juice but it was still yummy! Another yummy part of the shower was the food! Danielle and Sharon made some YUMMY dishes that left me both full and wanting more. We played a couple of games - What Was Teresa Wearing, Poopy Diaper, Don't Say Baby, and BINGO. Those were a lot of fun and I have to say, I enjoy candy - clearly - but did really poorly at the poopy diaper game! Apparently I need to melt more of my candy then eat it.
We got a lot of great gifts that both Brian and I are excited about. We got the highchair we registered for as well as some super cute outfits! We got a couple of handmade blankets which are beautiful, and a handmade heirloom bonnet too. A basket full of goodies, toys, Tupperware, and a nursing cover. Danielle and Sharon even made us a diaper bag out of one of her old Air Force flight suits! It is so incredibly cool that we can't describe it! One super cool feature of this diaper bag is that, since it's made out of her old flight suit, it's flame retardant!! I told Brian not to "make sure" of that feature :)
We are completely blessed to have such giving people in our lives! Thank you all so very much, especially Sharon and Danielle! You are awesome!
Adelle is growing:
Adelle doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew). Because it's so snug in my womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight. Awesome, I just hope she doesn't take after her daddy by being a 10+ lb baby! EEK! Oh, and my uterus is 1,000 times it's original size! Double EEK!! Only 34 days to go!
The shower was absolutely beautiful! Danielle made us a diaper cake - which is still intact on our dinning room table - that has so many wonderful things on it! A sippy cup, travel items, shoes, washcloths... it's beautiful!! Laura made us all mimosas. No worries, mine was just grape juice but it was still yummy! Another yummy part of the shower was the food! Danielle and Sharon made some YUMMY dishes that left me both full and wanting more. We played a couple of games - What Was Teresa Wearing, Poopy Diaper, Don't Say Baby, and BINGO. Those were a lot of fun and I have to say, I enjoy candy - clearly - but did really poorly at the poopy diaper game! Apparently I need to melt more of my candy then eat it.
We got a lot of great gifts that both Brian and I are excited about. We got the highchair we registered for as well as some super cute outfits! We got a couple of handmade blankets which are beautiful, and a handmade heirloom bonnet too. A basket full of goodies, toys, Tupperware, and a nursing cover. Danielle and Sharon even made us a diaper bag out of one of her old Air Force flight suits! It is so incredibly cool that we can't describe it! One super cool feature of this diaper bag is that, since it's made out of her old flight suit, it's flame retardant!! I told Brian not to "make sure" of that feature :)
We are completely blessed to have such giving people in our lives! Thank you all so very much, especially Sharon and Danielle! You are awesome!
Adelle is growing:
Adelle doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew). Because it's so snug in my womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight. Awesome, I just hope she doesn't take after her daddy by being a 10+ lb baby! EEK! Oh, and my uterus is 1,000 times it's original size! Double EEK!! Only 34 days to go!
Thanksgiving x2
We both love our families dearly, but it is really tough to try to see them both on holidays. We have been trying to figure out how to do it for the past few years and had given up... until this year. We HAD to figure something our because neither one of us wanted to run around with a baby next year.
We celebrated on Thanksgiving Day with Brian's family. It was wonderful! Brian was able to hunt in the morning and then meet up with us later for the actual meal and play time with Isabelle (our beautiful niece). Alright, we also got to hang out with Mike, Danielle, and some other wonderful family and friends. It was great - Isabelle even got to ride a horse!!
Then, Friday we celebrated Thanksgiving with my family. It was the first year that Brian and I have hosted it and we hope we started a new tradition with it. Everything was pretty much set before we went to bed on Thursday night so we got up and did a quick shopping run and then played wii. The only part that was stressful for me was the turkey. For some reason, maybe it was the heat in the roaster, the turkey split - three ways! First, the legs split then the middle (back) of the turkey split both length wise and width wise. Like I said, for some reason this was very stressful for me. I thought it meant we did something wrong so when my dad called and asked how I was doing I just started crying and told him about the turkey. He said everything was ok and that he would look at it when he got there. He did and it was fine but it still made me nervous! Oh, and I forgot about the potatoes until 30 minutes before dinner. Oops! Thank goodness for my wonderful husband and my quick cutting sister, the potatoes were done before I could worry.
Both meals were wonderful and we were blessed to be able to celebrate with both families. Just think... next year we will have another little blessing at the table with us!
YAY!
We celebrated on Thanksgiving Day with Brian's family. It was wonderful! Brian was able to hunt in the morning and then meet up with us later for the actual meal and play time with Isabelle (our beautiful niece). Alright, we also got to hang out with Mike, Danielle, and some other wonderful family and friends. It was great - Isabelle even got to ride a horse!!
Then, Friday we celebrated Thanksgiving with my family. It was the first year that Brian and I have hosted it and we hope we started a new tradition with it. Everything was pretty much set before we went to bed on Thursday night so we got up and did a quick shopping run and then played wii. The only part that was stressful for me was the turkey. For some reason, maybe it was the heat in the roaster, the turkey split - three ways! First, the legs split then the middle (back) of the turkey split both length wise and width wise. Like I said, for some reason this was very stressful for me. I thought it meant we did something wrong so when my dad called and asked how I was doing I just started crying and told him about the turkey. He said everything was ok and that he would look at it when he got there. He did and it was fine but it still made me nervous! Oh, and I forgot about the potatoes until 30 minutes before dinner. Oops! Thank goodness for my wonderful husband and my quick cutting sister, the potatoes were done before I could worry.
Both meals were wonderful and we were blessed to be able to celebrate with both families. Just think... next year we will have another little blessing at the table with us!
YAY!
Wednesday, November 25
Thanksgiving
I wanted to wish everyone who reads/comes across our blog a very happy Thanksgiving. It is one of my absolute favorite holidays and I look forward to it every year. Not only do we get to eat yummy food, we get to hang out with family and reflect on all we're thankful for.
I am thankful that I have a wonderful man in my life who is kind, loving, tender and passionate. God brought us together and I have been happy ever since! I am thankful for the opportunity to carry our first child - thankful that God found us our perfect little soul! It has been an amazing journey and I am excited for the journey of parenting to begin. I am thankful for my family. The strength, support and love they provide is more than I could ask for. I am thankful to have a job that I love. My students make me smile and I really do look forward to going to work everyday. Alright, maybe not every day, but close to it. I am thankful to have a roof over my head and food to eat. I am thankful to be alive! I know that sounds cheesy, but I am!
So Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you have a wonderful day full of happiness!
I am thankful that I have a wonderful man in my life who is kind, loving, tender and passionate. God brought us together and I have been happy ever since! I am thankful for the opportunity to carry our first child - thankful that God found us our perfect little soul! It has been an amazing journey and I am excited for the journey of parenting to begin. I am thankful for my family. The strength, support and love they provide is more than I could ask for. I am thankful to have a job that I love. My students make me smile and I really do look forward to going to work everyday. Alright, maybe not every day, but close to it. I am thankful to have a roof over my head and food to eat. I am thankful to be alive! I know that sounds cheesy, but I am!
So Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you have a wonderful day full of happiness!
Saturday, November 21
34 Weeks = Soooo Sleepy!
Today I celebrate the fact that I am 34 weeks into my pregnancy. I have done everything I can thus far to make sure that our little girl is happy and healthy in there. I have been eating a lot of fruits and veggies and trying to stay away from sweets but figure moderation is the key. I had also been walking more at school but as of this last week I have decided to put that on hold until I talk with my doctor on Monday. If I walk a lot I start to get a pressure below my belly. This pressure sometimes hurts and I have to either stop walking, sit, or sometimes I can get away with walking REALLY, REALLY slowly! I don't think there is anything wrong, I just think it's my body's way of telling me, "YOU'RE 8 months pregnant - WTH are you doing?!" We'll see what our doctor says though.
Another thing that has caught me off guard is the fact that I have become more sleepy. I mean, I could probably go to bed around 7p and sleep until my alarm goes off around 6a. For instance, I got home last night around 7p and was fighting to stay awake the rest of the night. Finally around 8:45p I decided I just needed to go to bed. It was wonderful and I feel great! All I hope is that no matter how tired I get, I hope I feel great after I wake up. That would be just fine with me!
Adelle is growing:
Adelle now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder (which is adorable as a baby). Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. Just 42 days left!
Another thing that has caught me off guard is the fact that I have become more sleepy. I mean, I could probably go to bed around 7p and sleep until my alarm goes off around 6a. For instance, I got home last night around 7p and was fighting to stay awake the rest of the night. Finally around 8:45p I decided I just needed to go to bed. It was wonderful and I feel great! All I hope is that no matter how tired I get, I hope I feel great after I wake up. That would be just fine with me!
Adelle is growing:
Adelle now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder (which is adorable as a baby). Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. Just 42 days left!
Tuesday, November 17
Classes - Number 3
I was COMPLETELY tired and didn't really want to go to this weeks' class. I was worried that I would fall asleep during class and didn't want to snore or drool in front of people I don't really know. You read right - drool. Now that I am pregnant, it seems that I sleep really hard and drool. Every night, all night - it's annoying.
Anyway, we talked about 10 things that could challenge the hospital workers and worry us - the ladies who are pregnant. One of them was, "You are due in 2 1/2 weeks. Your partner is in Canada on a fishing trip and you feel a gush of water down your legs. What do you do?" To this question and some of the others I wanted to say, "Call the doctor - what else would you do?!" There was one that intrigued me though, "You are 2 1/2 weeks PAST your due date. You go to your doctor to discuss a plan. What would that plan be?"
Now, I don't care when she comes as long as she's healthy. I know that is cliche and that women have told me that I will hate being pregnant AFTER my due date, but I have to be honest. I don't care when she comes as long as she's healthy. Sure I might be uncomfortable, sure I might want to hold her a lot and generally want her here, but I have been waiting a long time to become a Mom and now that I am I just want her to be safe. So you can tell me all you want that I will hate being pregnant that long, but I will argue that point as YOU hated being pregnant that long.
I digress.
I was wondering what the doctor would do if I came in 2 weeks past my due date. I know that it would all depend on how our little girl is doing, but it was interesting, and comforting, to hear what they would do.
We also talked about c-sections and watched a video of one. The little baby being born looked like she was being thrown around but the nurse informed us that it's normal for babies to look/move like that while being pulled out. Yikes!
All in all it was a pretty good class because I got to hear about c-sections without getting a picture in my head, which is what happens when I read about them. We also got a virtual tour of the facilities as tours have been stopped due to H1N1. This wasn't great but I am glad she told us where to go.
I am really looking forward to our next class because a pediatrician will be there along with another doctor to answer any questions we have and to talk about their rolls after the baby is born. This, I think, will be quite informative!
Anyway, we talked about 10 things that could challenge the hospital workers and worry us - the ladies who are pregnant. One of them was, "You are due in 2 1/2 weeks. Your partner is in Canada on a fishing trip and you feel a gush of water down your legs. What do you do?" To this question and some of the others I wanted to say, "Call the doctor - what else would you do?!" There was one that intrigued me though, "You are 2 1/2 weeks PAST your due date. You go to your doctor to discuss a plan. What would that plan be?"
Now, I don't care when she comes as long as she's healthy. I know that is cliche and that women have told me that I will hate being pregnant AFTER my due date, but I have to be honest. I don't care when she comes as long as she's healthy. Sure I might be uncomfortable, sure I might want to hold her a lot and generally want her here, but I have been waiting a long time to become a Mom and now that I am I just want her to be safe. So you can tell me all you want that I will hate being pregnant that long, but I will argue that point as YOU hated being pregnant that long.
I digress.
I was wondering what the doctor would do if I came in 2 weeks past my due date. I know that it would all depend on how our little girl is doing, but it was interesting, and comforting, to hear what they would do.
We also talked about c-sections and watched a video of one. The little baby being born looked like she was being thrown around but the nurse informed us that it's normal for babies to look/move like that while being pulled out. Yikes!
All in all it was a pretty good class because I got to hear about c-sections without getting a picture in my head, which is what happens when I read about them. We also got a virtual tour of the facilities as tours have been stopped due to H1N1. This wasn't great but I am glad she told us where to go.
I am really looking forward to our next class because a pediatrician will be there along with another doctor to answer any questions we have and to talk about their rolls after the baby is born. This, I think, will be quite informative!
Sunday, November 15
33 Weeks = Card Making
Yesterday I wasn't able to update the blog because I went to a Stampin' Up event with my Mom! Our demonstrator and a few of her demonstrator friends started this event last year and we were happy they decided to do it again. For $25 we were able to stamp/scrap from 9am-ish until about midnight. Granted, I was going delirious toward 10:15pm but that makes things interesting doesn't it?
Anyway, I was able to make about 24 thank you cards and got another 24 half way done! I am pretty pleased with myself because I went not knowing what exactly to do, had to take lots of breaks to either use the bathroom or walk around, and did I mention I went delirious? I'm not kidding either. About 10pm my mom did something that made me laugh for 10 minutes straight! I was crying and everything and I have to be honest, it wasn't that funny. See?! Delirious!
It was also neat because I got to see lots of different projects being completed by the other guests and got some great ideas for more cards and scrap book pages. I am not sure how many I will actually use since I have a simple style to my cards and pages. I don't like a lot of things on them because I want the focus to be the message (on the card) or the pictures (on the page). We'll see though.
It was fantastic - the perfect end to a hectic week!
Adelle is growing:
This week Adelle weighs a little over 4 pounds (which is the heft of a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood. Only 48 days to go!
Anyway, I was able to make about 24 thank you cards and got another 24 half way done! I am pretty pleased with myself because I went not knowing what exactly to do, had to take lots of breaks to either use the bathroom or walk around, and did I mention I went delirious? I'm not kidding either. About 10pm my mom did something that made me laugh for 10 minutes straight! I was crying and everything and I have to be honest, it wasn't that funny. See?! Delirious!
It was also neat because I got to see lots of different projects being completed by the other guests and got some great ideas for more cards and scrap book pages. I am not sure how many I will actually use since I have a simple style to my cards and pages. I don't like a lot of things on them because I want the focus to be the message (on the card) or the pictures (on the page). We'll see though.
It was fantastic - the perfect end to a hectic week!
Adelle is growing:
This week Adelle weighs a little over 4 pounds (which is the heft of a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood. Only 48 days to go!
Wednesday, November 11
Classes - The Second
We had our second class on Monday and it was... informative. We watched a few videos of births - medicated and natural. This was great because we got to see births through an objective eye. The informative part came when the instructor kept pushing having a natural birth. She would say things like, "We are going to discuss the drawbacks of having a medicated birth. And the benefits." With the 'benefits' part quieter than the rest. I don't mind if you have your opinions - we all do - but the minute you push your opinions on other people, you lose me. Especially when you don't know your audience. She made it clear that natural was "the way to go" and that if you want to be medicated your baby will be sluggish and would have trouble latching on (during breastfeeding). WTH?! Isn't your job as a nurse to tell the drawbacks and benefits (same tone and projection) objectively regardless of your opinions? Then again, maybe she was relaying the hospitals agenda.
We talked about massage during labor and how touch can help relax and soothe. While we were doing our breathing exercises at the end of class the partners were supposed to rub our backs in large ovals. If I wouldn't have had to use the bathroom as badly as I needed to I would have been snoring! It felt so good and was COMPLETELY relaxing! I hope it works like that (or close to it) when I am actually in labor!
Anyway, one of the other couples brought the snack and I have to admit, I tried something I didn't think I'd like and I liked it! They brought cookies (of course I like cookies, but I didn't have those) and chips. Now, if you know me you already know I love chips. In fact I had to give them up for Lent a few times because I would eat an entire bag in one sitting! Well these chips were sea salt and pepper kettle chips. ISH - at first reading and looking. Then at the end of class I had a brownie bite (I tried a small chip) and it was delicious! The instructor told us to take more because she was just going to throw them out so we took a small (really small) plate of chips and ate them on the way home. While eating them I thought of what would make me love them even more... mixing them with PLAIN kettle chips so they aren't so peppery! OH MY GOODNESS, how good would THAT be?!
Despite the agenda from this class - medication=bad, natural=good - I am looking forward to the next class because we are going to be talking about c-sections. Brian isn't looking forward to class because, like I said in a previous post, a lot of what we are 'learning' we already know or is something we had forgotten. He is, however, looking forward to the discussion on c-sections because he said he doesn't know anything about them! We'll see if it's worthwhile.
We talked about massage during labor and how touch can help relax and soothe. While we were doing our breathing exercises at the end of class the partners were supposed to rub our backs in large ovals. If I wouldn't have had to use the bathroom as badly as I needed to I would have been snoring! It felt so good and was COMPLETELY relaxing! I hope it works like that (or close to it) when I am actually in labor!
Anyway, one of the other couples brought the snack and I have to admit, I tried something I didn't think I'd like and I liked it! They brought cookies (of course I like cookies, but I didn't have those) and chips. Now, if you know me you already know I love chips. In fact I had to give them up for Lent a few times because I would eat an entire bag in one sitting! Well these chips were sea salt and pepper kettle chips. ISH - at first reading and looking. Then at the end of class I had a brownie bite (I tried a small chip) and it was delicious! The instructor told us to take more because she was just going to throw them out so we took a small (really small) plate of chips and ate them on the way home. While eating them I thought of what would make me love them even more... mixing them with PLAIN kettle chips so they aren't so peppery! OH MY GOODNESS, how good would THAT be?!
Despite the agenda from this class - medication=bad, natural=good - I am looking forward to the next class because we are going to be talking about c-sections. Brian isn't looking forward to class because, like I said in a previous post, a lot of what we are 'learning' we already know or is something we had forgotten. He is, however, looking forward to the discussion on c-sections because he said he doesn't know anything about them! We'll see if it's worthwhile.
Saturday, November 7
32 Weeks
Adelle has been moving around a lot - kicking, karate chopping, rolling over - and Brian and I get a really big kick out of the fact that we can see my belly moving. It's not my whole belly either, it's part of it! Where ever she is that is the part that moves and it is crazy to see. We giggle sometimes because Brian will tap on my belly and she will move in some way as a response. It's awesome! I have also been feeling hiccups more and more. This is also a crazy thing because I hadn't really noticed them until this week and now I have been feeling them every day.
Here are some other updates:
My favorite thing to eat right now is Heath candy bars and Heath Blizzards from DQ. I can't seem to get enough of them but limit myself to only a few little bite sized bars a day.
I also want carbs - potatoes, noodles, homemade bread, and rice. I haven't had a whole lot of these lately, but they have ALWAYS sounded delicious.
One thing I am disappointed with is that I went to my favorite Vietnamese restaurant, and DIDN'T like what I normally get. I mean, it wasn't good at all and I am afraid to go back and either try it again or something different. I wonder if that is something that will "go back to normal" after baby girl gets here?
Another thing I hope "goes back to normal" after she arrives is my love and ability to eat french fries! I LOVE french fries and could eat them (or any kind of potato I suppose) at every meal. I am serious! But fries are my favorite and Adelle doesn't want anything to do with them! Every time I try them from a different place she kicks the hell out of me enough to where I don't feel well and I get an upset stomach. There have been times I just push past this feeling because I WANT FRIES but that awful feeling doesn't go away. She seems to like other kinds of potatoes though - mashed and tots are just fine. I have to steer clear of french fries and hash browns though! :(
Adelle is growing:
By now she weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama - where in MN do I find that?) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby (great). In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth too. Just 56 days left!
Here are some other updates:
My favorite thing to eat right now is Heath candy bars and Heath Blizzards from DQ. I can't seem to get enough of them but limit myself to only a few little bite sized bars a day.
I also want carbs - potatoes, noodles, homemade bread, and rice. I haven't had a whole lot of these lately, but they have ALWAYS sounded delicious.
One thing I am disappointed with is that I went to my favorite Vietnamese restaurant, and DIDN'T like what I normally get. I mean, it wasn't good at all and I am afraid to go back and either try it again or something different. I wonder if that is something that will "go back to normal" after baby girl gets here?
Another thing I hope "goes back to normal" after she arrives is my love and ability to eat french fries! I LOVE french fries and could eat them (or any kind of potato I suppose) at every meal. I am serious! But fries are my favorite and Adelle doesn't want anything to do with them! Every time I try them from a different place she kicks the hell out of me enough to where I don't feel well and I get an upset stomach. There have been times I just push past this feeling because I WANT FRIES but that awful feeling doesn't go away. She seems to like other kinds of potatoes though - mashed and tots are just fine. I have to steer clear of french fries and hash browns though! :(
Adelle is growing:
By now she weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama - where in MN do I find that?) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby (great). In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth too. Just 56 days left!
Tuesday, November 3
Our Classes Started!
Monday was the first day of our Birth and Parenting class and I have to say - it wasn't too bad! There was a lot of things I already knew, some I had forgotten, and some things that were brand new.
There are 5 other couples in the class with us and one more that was supposed to be there but wasn't. All of the couples seemed nice and the instructor was nice too - which I should hope so with a bunch of pregnant ladies in the room!
This first class was nice because we got to know the other couples a little bit. We shared when our due dates are as well as the joys and challenges of pregnancy. The ladies got together for this and came up with a list, and the guys did the same. While we were brainstorming we were thinking that a lot of stuff should be on both lists. For instance, we put getting the nursery put together on both lists because not only is it very exciting, it is also stressful at times. We also put movement on both lists because while it is amazing to feel the little one move around, kick, and karate chop, when the bladder is involved we could live without it. What would you put on your "Joys" list and what would you put on your "Challenges" list?
The rest of the class was learning about the last part of pregnancy, dilation, effacement and other things like that. Our next class is going to be about the actual stages of birth. I am really looking forward to this because, while I could go on line and look up birthing videos, I would rather have a nurse there to answer questions if I have any and to explain what is happening. I feel more comfortable that way.
The only part I am bummed by, is that we can't have a tour of the Maternity floor due to H1N1. I understand why they don't want us there - we're all carriers (insert evil laugh) - but I really want to see where I am going and what the room looks like. I am completely visual and want to know/see as much as I can to help calm my nerves.
Which reminds me... Fairview hospitals are not going to allow any child under the age of 5 to visit anyone in the hospital! They aren't letting children 6-16 visit without extensive screening either! I don't know if anyone was going to visit me in the hospital but I have extended family who might want to come with their kids and can't now. Which - could be a good thing if they have been around anyone who is sick (since my baby won't have the immune system in tack to fight off those things), but it is still sad, ya know?
There are 5 other couples in the class with us and one more that was supposed to be there but wasn't. All of the couples seemed nice and the instructor was nice too - which I should hope so with a bunch of pregnant ladies in the room!
This first class was nice because we got to know the other couples a little bit. We shared when our due dates are as well as the joys and challenges of pregnancy. The ladies got together for this and came up with a list, and the guys did the same. While we were brainstorming we were thinking that a lot of stuff should be on both lists. For instance, we put getting the nursery put together on both lists because not only is it very exciting, it is also stressful at times. We also put movement on both lists because while it is amazing to feel the little one move around, kick, and karate chop, when the bladder is involved we could live without it. What would you put on your "Joys" list and what would you put on your "Challenges" list?
The rest of the class was learning about the last part of pregnancy, dilation, effacement and other things like that. Our next class is going to be about the actual stages of birth. I am really looking forward to this because, while I could go on line and look up birthing videos, I would rather have a nurse there to answer questions if I have any and to explain what is happening. I feel more comfortable that way.
The only part I am bummed by, is that we can't have a tour of the Maternity floor due to H1N1. I understand why they don't want us there - we're all carriers (insert evil laugh) - but I really want to see where I am going and what the room looks like. I am completely visual and want to know/see as much as I can to help calm my nerves.
Which reminds me... Fairview hospitals are not going to allow any child under the age of 5 to visit anyone in the hospital! They aren't letting children 6-16 visit without extensive screening either! I don't know if anyone was going to visit me in the hospital but I have extended family who might want to come with their kids and can't now. Which - could be a good thing if they have been around anyone who is sick (since my baby won't have the immune system in tack to fight off those things), but it is still sad, ya know?
First Shower
We had our first shower on Sunday and it was a blast! My Aunt Gloria and Cousin Janice threw it for me/us and I can't thank them enough! There was SO much wonderfully yummy food there, great games and a fabulous group of people - it was so much fun!
The games we played were fun too! Mom and I got corsages made up of things Adelle will need like washcloths, a thermometer, q-tip, bib clips, and a number of other things. We had different things on our corsages too! Anyway, we had to leave the room and the guests had to remember and write down what was on each corsage - I don't think I would have been able to do that, baby brain or not!
Another fun game was a baby product price-is-right game. There were 5 trays for us to look at and who ever came closest, without going over, won! The first try was toughest because the guests (and I) didn't know what to even start with but as there were more trays and the hostesses read off the prices, we ended getting pretty close!
I think my favorite game of the day was a Mad-Libs Labor Story. This was HILARIOUS!! The guests were given a list of words to come up with and I had to read the story with their words put in. Man, the things these people came up with!!! We were all laughing throughout the game - it was great!
Not only did we get keep all of the supplies on the 5 trays, we got the crib soother we wanted, our monitor, some adorable clothes and our car seat! Now I can't wait to organize everything and put it all away!!
:)
The games we played were fun too! Mom and I got corsages made up of things Adelle will need like washcloths, a thermometer, q-tip, bib clips, and a number of other things. We had different things on our corsages too! Anyway, we had to leave the room and the guests had to remember and write down what was on each corsage - I don't think I would have been able to do that, baby brain or not!
Another fun game was a baby product price-is-right game. There were 5 trays for us to look at and who ever came closest, without going over, won! The first try was toughest because the guests (and I) didn't know what to even start with but as there were more trays and the hostesses read off the prices, we ended getting pretty close!
I think my favorite game of the day was a Mad-Libs Labor Story. This was HILARIOUS!! The guests were given a list of words to come up with and I had to read the story with their words put in. Man, the things these people came up with!!! We were all laughing throughout the game - it was great!
Not only did we get keep all of the supplies on the 5 trays, we got the crib soother we wanted, our monitor, some adorable clothes and our car seat! Now I can't wait to organize everything and put it all away!!
:)
Sunday, November 1
31 Weeks = Halloween
It's kind of neat that I am 31 weeks on the 31st of October! Alright, maybe I'm just a geek.
We started off the day by going down to Mankato to visit a couple of stores. We stopped at a place called Sweet Peas and picked up a book and a washcloth and we stopped at Hobby Lobby and picked up two piggy banks. Once of the ladies who follows our blog picked one up there and I have been looking for a nice one that wasn't $75 a la Nordstrom. We got two - a mama piggy and a baby piggy and they are so blasted cute I can't stand it!
After that we made our way to my parents' house for some delicious chili and Halloween festivities. We dressed up the dogs and took them on a walk around the block, like we have done every year, and we gave out candy to cute little kiddies in adorable outfits that were mostly covered up by coats and hats (it was super chilly)! There were a couple of kids dressed up and Dad asked, "Are you Jedi's?" and the kids just answered, "No" and started walking down the stairs. Halfway down after he stopped giggling, he said, "Well what are you?" "We're Saints. Saint Agnes and Saint Paul!" Then their little sister came up the stairs, tripping on her costume and almost wiping out. My Mom said, "Wow, we almost had a fallen angel too!"
I love seeing all of the kids dressed up and can't wait for next year when Adelle can join in the fun - even though she won't know what is going on!
Adelle is growing:
She should be measuring over 16 inches long and weigh about 3.3 pounds (which is like carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt! She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because her kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy. She doesn't keep me up but she is definitely more active at night! Only 62 days to go!
We started off the day by going down to Mankato to visit a couple of stores. We stopped at a place called Sweet Peas and picked up a book and a washcloth and we stopped at Hobby Lobby and picked up two piggy banks. Once of the ladies who follows our blog picked one up there and I have been looking for a nice one that wasn't $75 a la Nordstrom. We got two - a mama piggy and a baby piggy and they are so blasted cute I can't stand it!
After that we made our way to my parents' house for some delicious chili and Halloween festivities. We dressed up the dogs and took them on a walk around the block, like we have done every year, and we gave out candy to cute little kiddies in adorable outfits that were mostly covered up by coats and hats (it was super chilly)! There were a couple of kids dressed up and Dad asked, "Are you Jedi's?" and the kids just answered, "No" and started walking down the stairs. Halfway down after he stopped giggling, he said, "Well what are you?" "We're Saints. Saint Agnes and Saint Paul!" Then their little sister came up the stairs, tripping on her costume and almost wiping out. My Mom said, "Wow, we almost had a fallen angel too!"
I love seeing all of the kids dressed up and can't wait for next year when Adelle can join in the fun - even though she won't know what is going on!
Adelle is growing:
She should be measuring over 16 inches long and weigh about 3.3 pounds (which is like carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt! She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because her kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy. She doesn't keep me up but she is definitely more active at night! Only 62 days to go!
Thursday, October 29
Classes!
Our classes have finally been confirmed!!
We are taking a Birth and Parenting class, which will help us meet other parents in the area who are expecting. It will also cover all sorts of topics like, the challenges of a newborn, labor and the process of birth, relaxation and labor support techniques, care of a newborn, and the adjustment to our new role as parents. Along with all of that we will take a tour of the maternity ward at the hospital! I am really excited for this because the more I can be prepared and know where to go and what to do, the more relaxed I can try to be. However, I need to call the sister hospital to see if we can take a tour of their maternity ward as well. I want to do that because if all of the beds at our first choice are full, we will need to go to the other hospital. It isn't too far away, we would rather not have to go, but if they don't have beds, they don't have beds!
Another class we have signed up for is a Breastfeeding class. I know this class is for BEFORE the baby comes, to give you information about feeding as well as techniques and possible solutions if things aren't going well, but isn't it strange to take a breastfeeding class before the baby comes? While I wouldn't want to take the class with a bunch of other people and their children and THEN talk about breastfeeding, don't a lot of mother's still need assistance once their child gets here?
The last class we signed up for is Infant and Child CPR. We won't be certified after this course, but I think it will help ease our minds where if Adelle does choke on something (God forbid) then we will know what to do.
Our classes start soon and I can't wait!!!
We are taking a Birth and Parenting class, which will help us meet other parents in the area who are expecting. It will also cover all sorts of topics like, the challenges of a newborn, labor and the process of birth, relaxation and labor support techniques, care of a newborn, and the adjustment to our new role as parents. Along with all of that we will take a tour of the maternity ward at the hospital! I am really excited for this because the more I can be prepared and know where to go and what to do, the more relaxed I can try to be. However, I need to call the sister hospital to see if we can take a tour of their maternity ward as well. I want to do that because if all of the beds at our first choice are full, we will need to go to the other hospital. It isn't too far away, we would rather not have to go, but if they don't have beds, they don't have beds!
Another class we have signed up for is a Breastfeeding class. I know this class is for BEFORE the baby comes, to give you information about feeding as well as techniques and possible solutions if things aren't going well, but isn't it strange to take a breastfeeding class before the baby comes? While I wouldn't want to take the class with a bunch of other people and their children and THEN talk about breastfeeding, don't a lot of mother's still need assistance once their child gets here?
The last class we signed up for is Infant and Child CPR. We won't be certified after this course, but I think it will help ease our minds where if Adelle does choke on something (God forbid) then we will know what to do.
Our classes start soon and I can't wait!!!
Saturday, October 24
A Few New Things
We went to Kohl's this afternoon to look for some pants that Adelle can wear. But once we got there we realized that, A) I didn't have the clothing list and B) Neither one of us could remember what size/color she needed. Go figure.
Anyway, we decided to look at clothes anyway and ended up getting 3 cute outfits and one cute snowsuit. The outfits are all 9 months while the snowsuit is 0-3 months.
We wanted to get her a Halloween outfit (not costume) but didn't want it to be too over the top. This one is great!
We know that Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles will want to get her outfits/things that say "Baby's First _____" but we couldn't pass on this super cute turkey!
Brian came across this outfit and loved the little deer in the pocket. He doesn't get too excited about stuff so when he actually said he wanted to get this I didn't hesitate to agree!
Here is a picture of the snowsuit. Brian saw this too and said that it was really cute. He saw another one but the other one had a button that I tried to unbutton for a few minutes while Brian saw this one. When he asked my opinion I told him I liked both. He chose this one because of the cute deer with Winnie the Pooh.
This is a close up of the cute little deer and Winnie.
Anyway, we decided to look at clothes anyway and ended up getting 3 cute outfits and one cute snowsuit. The outfits are all 9 months while the snowsuit is 0-3 months.
We wanted to get her a Halloween outfit (not costume) but didn't want it to be too over the top. This one is great!
We know that Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles will want to get her outfits/things that say "Baby's First _____" but we couldn't pass on this super cute turkey!
Brian came across this outfit and loved the little deer in the pocket. He doesn't get too excited about stuff so when he actually said he wanted to get this I didn't hesitate to agree!
Here is a picture of the snowsuit. Brian saw this too and said that it was really cute. He saw another one but the other one had a button that I tried to unbutton for a few minutes while Brian saw this one. When he asked my opinion I told him I liked both. He chose this one because of the cute deer with Winnie the Pooh.
This is a close up of the cute little deer and Winnie.
30 Weeks = 10 Weeks Left!
Once we found out we were going to have a baby, everyone said that the pregnancy would go by very quickly. Has it ever! I can't even believe that we found out we were pregnant in April and now we have 10 weeks to go!
Oh. That is another thing. 10 weeks to go doesn't sound like a lot of time to me. Neither does 2 months and 10 days. 70 days, however, is far less scary (but still a short amount of time) and I am not sure why.
We are getting things taken care of and couldn't be happier with how things are going. Her room is coming along nicely, we have a few baby showers coming up, the registries are finished (we think/hope), classes have been picked out, pediatricians have been discussed, and we still have 10 weeks.
Yay for us!
Adelle is growing:
Adelle is about 15.7 inches long now, and weighs almost 3 pounds, like a head of cabbage. A Chinese cabbage or different kind? A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. Awesome! I wonder if things will look like the reflection in one of those fun house mirrors? Just 70 days to go!
Oh. That is another thing. 10 weeks to go doesn't sound like a lot of time to me. Neither does 2 months and 10 days. 70 days, however, is far less scary (but still a short amount of time) and I am not sure why.
We are getting things taken care of and couldn't be happier with how things are going. Her room is coming along nicely, we have a few baby showers coming up, the registries are finished (we think/hope), classes have been picked out, pediatricians have been discussed, and we still have 10 weeks.
Yay for us!
Adelle is growing:
Adelle is about 15.7 inches long now, and weighs almost 3 pounds, like a head of cabbage. A Chinese cabbage or different kind? A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. Awesome! I wonder if things will look like the reflection in one of those fun house mirrors? Just 70 days to go!
Tuesday, October 20
YAY!
He's on his way home! I can't wait to give him a huge hug - after he's taken a shower of course!! Ok, I don't really care if he showers first. I'll take stink and all!!!
I am so happy!
I am so happy!
Sunday, October 18
The Longest Week Ever
I knew that Brian enjoyed to hunt when I met him 5 years ago. I knew that he had a passion for being outside, watching nature, and the thrill of that chase. I even knew that he goes on week long trips once or twice a year with Bruce. These trips have been harder for me as the years passed though.
The first year (2005) was just fine because, although I missed him terribly, I was living on my own and kept busy the entire time he was gone. It was my second year teaching and it encompassed me. The next year (2006) was harder because we had just bought and moved into a house together. Being alone was tough because, for some reason, I didn't feel ready to be alone in the house. I didn't feel comfortable with it yet - it wasn't ours somehow. 2007 brought a different feeling altogether. We had gotten married a few short months prior to his leaving and when he left I had this nagging feeling that my husband had just left for a week. I mean, I was comfortable in our house but for some reason I missed him more because of the simple fact that he was my husband. Nothing else had changed - it was just that he had become my husband. I felt the same way last year when left. We had been trying to get pregnant and I missed him a lot (like the year before) but I was also a little relieved that we were able to take a break from all of the stress that trying to conceive brought to our lives.
However, this year brings new feelings that I am not sure how to harness. I am certain some of them have to do with the fact that I am 29 weeks pregnant, but I miss him desperately! My mom has said that "absence makes the heart grow fonder" but forget that! My heart is already fond - I love him, I married him, I am having a baby with him - my heart is already fond!! I just want to be able to hug him and have him talk with me and Adelle. She misses him too in fact. When he left he put his hands on my belly and talked with her. He told her that he would be gone for a few days and that he was coming back soon. He said to take care of me and not to kick me too hard. She immediately started kicking and moving at the sound of his voice!! That night, when I started reading she kicked me once as if to say, "You're not the one who should be reading. Where's Daddy?" Now, when I read at night she kicks a little bit, but when I talk about Daddy she kicks more!
Don't get me wrong, I want Brian to "get" an elk while he's out there, but I also want him to be here with us. So until I get that phone call or text, saying that he is on his way back to his uncle's house (the first stop before coming home), it will continue to be the longest week ever!
The first year (2005) was just fine because, although I missed him terribly, I was living on my own and kept busy the entire time he was gone. It was my second year teaching and it encompassed me. The next year (2006) was harder because we had just bought and moved into a house together. Being alone was tough because, for some reason, I didn't feel ready to be alone in the house. I didn't feel comfortable with it yet - it wasn't ours somehow. 2007 brought a different feeling altogether. We had gotten married a few short months prior to his leaving and when he left I had this nagging feeling that my husband had just left for a week. I mean, I was comfortable in our house but for some reason I missed him more because of the simple fact that he was my husband. Nothing else had changed - it was just that he had become my husband. I felt the same way last year when left. We had been trying to get pregnant and I missed him a lot (like the year before) but I was also a little relieved that we were able to take a break from all of the stress that trying to conceive brought to our lives.
However, this year brings new feelings that I am not sure how to harness. I am certain some of them have to do with the fact that I am 29 weeks pregnant, but I miss him desperately! My mom has said that "absence makes the heart grow fonder" but forget that! My heart is already fond - I love him, I married him, I am having a baby with him - my heart is already fond!! I just want to be able to hug him and have him talk with me and Adelle. She misses him too in fact. When he left he put his hands on my belly and talked with her. He told her that he would be gone for a few days and that he was coming back soon. He said to take care of me and not to kick me too hard. She immediately started kicking and moving at the sound of his voice!! That night, when I started reading she kicked me once as if to say, "You're not the one who should be reading. Where's Daddy?" Now, when I read at night she kicks a little bit, but when I talk about Daddy she kicks more!
Don't get me wrong, I want Brian to "get" an elk while he's out there, but I also want him to be here with us. So until I get that phone call or text, saying that he is on his way back to his uncle's house (the first stop before coming home), it will continue to be the longest week ever!
Saturday, October 17
29 Weeks = The List
Since I was organizing Thursday, I thought I would share the list with you. This is so I can try to organize my thoughts a little more and in case any of you want to buy us things and aren't sure what to get. We do have registries at Target and Babies R Us, but we didn't register for many clothes.
I have organized Adelle's closet by size - NB, 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12, 24, 2T - using closet dividers I made. Then I have organized each size by sleeve length - tank, short and long. I haven't seen any shirts with 3/4 length sleeves, but if she gets any they would go between the short and the long sleeve lengths. After that I have organized the clothes into colors - light to dark. See, I told you I was anal retentive! I even do my side of the closet this way and I love it! It is so easy to find things!
So here is the list. I haven't broken the list down into colors... maybe I should do that too?!
NB - 12 articles of clothing
4 onesies - short sleeve without pants
1 onesie - short sleeve with pants
1 onesie - long sleeve with pants
4 sleepers - long sleeve with feet attached
2 sleepers - long sleeve with feet attached and mitten cuffs
0-3 Months - 16 articles of clothing
9 onesies - short sleeve without pants
2 onesies - long sleeve with mitten cuffs
1 shirt - fleece with long sleeve and pants
1 pair of overalls
1 sleeper - long sleeve without feet
2 sleepers - long sleeve with feet attached
3-6 Months - 19 articles of clothing
10 onesies - short sleeve without pants
1 onesie - short sleeve with pants and sweater
1 onesie - long sleeve without pants
2 onesies - long sleeve with pants
1 sweater set (short sleeve shell, long sleeve sweater)
1 shirt - long sleeve
1 dress - short sleeve
1 sleeper - long sleeve with feet attached
1 sleeper - long sleeve without feet
6-9 Months - 25 articles of clothing
1 onesie - short sleeve without pants
2 onesie - short sleeve with pants and sweaters
2 onesies - long sleeve without pants
1 onesie - long sleeve with pants
1 tank top
2 shirts
1 shirt - with undies
1 shirt - long sleeve with pants
4 dresses - with undies
1 dress - tank style with sweater
1 dress - with long sleeve onesie and undies
7 sleepers - long sleeve with feet attached
1 sleeper - long sleeve without feet
9-12 Months - 13 articles of clothing
5 onesies - short sleeve without pants
2 onesies - long sleeve with pants (1 Halloween, 1 Thanksgiving)
1 shirt - long sleeve with pants
3 dresses - short sleeve/tank top
1 tank - with pants
1 sleeper - long sleeve with feet attached
12 months - 21 articles of clothing
7 onesies - short sleeve without pants
1 onesie - long sleeve without pants
1 onesie - long sleeve with pants
2 tanks - with pants
4 shirts - long sleeve without pants
2 shirts - long sleeve with pants
1 dress - with pants
1 dress - with undies
18 Months - 2 articles of clothing
1 onesie - short sleeve without pants
1 dress - tank top style
24 Months - 5 articles of clothing
5 onesies - short sleeve without pants
2T - 2 articles of clothing
2 dresses - tank top style
1 sleeper - long sleeve with feet attached
1 sleeper - long sleeve without feet
Well, there is the list. What are your thoughts? After looking at it again I think she will need pants! There are a couple of sizes where more clothes are a must - look at the later months for Pete's sake!
Adelle is growing:
She is growing rapidly now. This week she weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is getting bigger to accommodate her growing brain — which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in her skeleton, which is now hardening. Just 77 days to go!
I have organized Adelle's closet by size - NB, 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12, 24, 2T - using closet dividers I made. Then I have organized each size by sleeve length - tank, short and long. I haven't seen any shirts with 3/4 length sleeves, but if she gets any they would go between the short and the long sleeve lengths. After that I have organized the clothes into colors - light to dark. See, I told you I was anal retentive! I even do my side of the closet this way and I love it! It is so easy to find things!
So here is the list. I haven't broken the list down into colors... maybe I should do that too?!
NB - 12 articles of clothing
4 onesies - short sleeve without pants
1 onesie - short sleeve with pants
1 onesie - long sleeve with pants
4 sleepers - long sleeve with feet attached
2 sleepers - long sleeve with feet attached and mitten cuffs
0-3 Months - 16 articles of clothing
9 onesies - short sleeve without pants
2 onesies - long sleeve with mitten cuffs
1 shirt - fleece with long sleeve and pants
1 pair of overalls
1 sleeper - long sleeve without feet
2 sleepers - long sleeve with feet attached
3-6 Months - 19 articles of clothing
10 onesies - short sleeve without pants
1 onesie - short sleeve with pants and sweater
1 onesie - long sleeve without pants
2 onesies - long sleeve with pants
1 sweater set (short sleeve shell, long sleeve sweater)
1 shirt - long sleeve
1 dress - short sleeve
1 sleeper - long sleeve with feet attached
1 sleeper - long sleeve without feet
6-9 Months - 25 articles of clothing
1 onesie - short sleeve without pants
2 onesie - short sleeve with pants and sweaters
2 onesies - long sleeve without pants
1 onesie - long sleeve with pants
1 tank top
2 shirts
1 shirt - with undies
1 shirt - long sleeve with pants
4 dresses - with undies
1 dress - tank style with sweater
1 dress - with long sleeve onesie and undies
7 sleepers - long sleeve with feet attached
1 sleeper - long sleeve without feet
9-12 Months - 13 articles of clothing
5 onesies - short sleeve without pants
2 onesies - long sleeve with pants (1 Halloween, 1 Thanksgiving)
1 shirt - long sleeve with pants
3 dresses - short sleeve/tank top
1 tank - with pants
1 sleeper - long sleeve with feet attached
12 months - 21 articles of clothing
7 onesies - short sleeve without pants
1 onesie - long sleeve without pants
1 onesie - long sleeve with pants
2 tanks - with pants
4 shirts - long sleeve without pants
2 shirts - long sleeve with pants
1 dress - with pants
1 dress - with undies
18 Months - 2 articles of clothing
1 onesie - short sleeve without pants
1 dress - tank top style
24 Months - 5 articles of clothing
5 onesies - short sleeve without pants
2T - 2 articles of clothing
2 dresses - tank top style
1 sleeper - long sleeve with feet attached
1 sleeper - long sleeve without feet
Well, there is the list. What are your thoughts? After looking at it again I think she will need pants! There are a couple of sizes where more clothes are a must - look at the later months for Pete's sake!
Adelle is growing:
She is growing rapidly now. This week she weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is getting bigger to accommodate her growing brain — which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in her skeleton, which is now hardening. Just 77 days to go!
Thursday, October 15
The Joys of Organization
I have decided that today is the day that I will work on Adelle's closet, changing table and dresser. We don't have the dresser in the room yet because Brian wants to work on it some more. I guess I should sand it a bit so when he's home he can just stain, gloss and be done but I don't really know what I'm doing. I see a trip to Home Depot in my future!
Anyway, back to the clothes! And no, I don't have ADD.
We have gotten so many clothes since finding out we were pregnant - and since finding out Baby V is a she - that I really don't know what to do with them all. I am not sure what should go in the closet (and be hung up), what should go in the dresser (for me to lose track of), and what should go in the changing table.
I am assuming that all of the cute little dresses and outfits should be hung up in the closet - there are some things I know! I also thought that some sleepers, swaddlers, onesies, hats, mittens, and socks should go in the changing table for those 'quick' changes. The rest should go in the dresser then, right?
This is where everything goes fuzzy for me though.
I've had people ask me what size clothes we need still and what size we don't. Well for Pete's sake, I'm not sure; how many articles of clothing should we have per size range? And if I am supposed to know the answer to what size we still need, I need to have all of the clothes in one spot - or a list of everything we have. Don't get me wrong, I have already started a list but I am so incredibly anal retentive that if we get something new I write - oh who am I kidding TYPE the list all over again. Then I am afraid of keeping the list with me in my purse (and two at home of course) because I don't want to seem crazy!
So I sit here now, with some of Adelle's clothes on the floor and most in the closet wondering what I should do next. Go get more hangers so EVERYTHING can be hung up? Take down all of the onesies and shirts that will go into the dresser? Just separate things by size and figure it out from there? Or start my new list?
Ah the joys of organization!
Anyway, back to the clothes! And no, I don't have ADD.
We have gotten so many clothes since finding out we were pregnant - and since finding out Baby V is a she - that I really don't know what to do with them all. I am not sure what should go in the closet (and be hung up), what should go in the dresser (for me to lose track of), and what should go in the changing table.
I am assuming that all of the cute little dresses and outfits should be hung up in the closet - there are some things I know! I also thought that some sleepers, swaddlers, onesies, hats, mittens, and socks should go in the changing table for those 'quick' changes. The rest should go in the dresser then, right?
This is where everything goes fuzzy for me though.
I've had people ask me what size clothes we need still and what size we don't. Well for Pete's sake, I'm not sure; how many articles of clothing should we have per size range? And if I am supposed to know the answer to what size we still need, I need to have all of the clothes in one spot - or a list of everything we have. Don't get me wrong, I have already started a list but I am so incredibly anal retentive that if we get something new I write - oh who am I kidding TYPE the list all over again. Then I am afraid of keeping the list with me in my purse (and two at home of course) because I don't want to seem crazy!
So I sit here now, with some of Adelle's clothes on the floor and most in the closet wondering what I should do next. Go get more hangers so EVERYTHING can be hung up? Take down all of the onesies and shirts that will go into the dresser? Just separate things by size and figure it out from there? Or start my new list?
Ah the joys of organization!
Monday, October 12
28 Weeks = Putting Together the Crib!
This was an exciting weekend for me - we put together the crib!! Dad, Maria, Brian and I worked on it Saturday evening and it looks fantastic! The dark wood looks great with the pastel colors of the bedding!
The room itself isn't done, we still have a lot of work to do, but it's coming along. We have ABC flash cards that we want to hang up around the room, as well as get the dresser and lamp in there. Oh, and all of the clothes need to be hung in the closet again with all of the clothes we have gotten recently. Maybe I should start washing them so I don't spend all of December washing clothes before she comes home.... We need to find shelving for above the changing table and maybe some artwork. If you - whoever actually reads this other than myself - have any ideas, let us know!
Here are the before, during, and after pictures!
Before
We finished painting the room before we left for Kelly and Derek's wedding, but hadn't gotten back to it until this weekend. Golly, it's like we have jobs or something!
During
Yeah, Maria didn't know I was going to be taking pictures, but really, does she know me at all? I got the camera out and this one was great. She saw it and smiled just in time for me to press the button. I really do like this picture!
It's true, my Dad reads directions! He even stops to ask directions sometimes too - but rarely needs to. This is where I get my navigation skills from.
The three of them work so nicely together! I didn't want to get in the middle of things so I stood back and took pictures.
After
My heroes! THANK YOU SO MUCH for "helping" put together the crib! We/I really appreciate it!
The room looks pretty good, especially since we aren't finished with it!
Close Up Shots
Ahh... the changing table and curtain. I am not sure what is going to go on the changing table shelves (or what is supposed to for that matter) but I am sure I will change my mind after using it a few times. These are on the west wall of the room.
Here is a picture of the crib and trunk. I love how they look together and think that everything has tied in nicely. These are on the south wall for now.
Curtains are the bain of my existence. I will have to have another post for the curtains alone. In the mean time, here is a close-up of a part of it. It is white sheer with colorful little butterflies on it (that are 3D so you can touch them) and little leaves painted on.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bedding and am so happy that we got it!! It looks great, washes well, looks great.... I still love the animal bedding we were going to get, and still look at it when I am at BRU, but I am truly happy we got this one!
This is a picture of the ladybug pillow from Land of Nod and the Bride Teddy Bear that my friends Laura and Pete got us/me for our wedding (sans the bridal gown of course).
The cute flower and ladybug mobile that Bri found for us - it plays the Lullaby Song too!
Adelle is growing:
Adelle weighs about two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage - though what does a regular cabbage weigh?) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which sport lashes (hopefully super long and beautiful like her Daddy). With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world. Just 82 days left!
The room itself isn't done, we still have a lot of work to do, but it's coming along. We have ABC flash cards that we want to hang up around the room, as well as get the dresser and lamp in there. Oh, and all of the clothes need to be hung in the closet again with all of the clothes we have gotten recently. Maybe I should start washing them so I don't spend all of December washing clothes before she comes home.... We need to find shelving for above the changing table and maybe some artwork. If you - whoever actually reads this other than myself - have any ideas, let us know!
Here are the before, during, and after pictures!
Before
We finished painting the room before we left for Kelly and Derek's wedding, but hadn't gotten back to it until this weekend. Golly, it's like we have jobs or something!
During
Yeah, Maria didn't know I was going to be taking pictures, but really, does she know me at all? I got the camera out and this one was great. She saw it and smiled just in time for me to press the button. I really do like this picture!
It's true, my Dad reads directions! He even stops to ask directions sometimes too - but rarely needs to. This is where I get my navigation skills from.
The three of them work so nicely together! I didn't want to get in the middle of things so I stood back and took pictures.
After
My heroes! THANK YOU SO MUCH for "helping" put together the crib! We/I really appreciate it!
The room looks pretty good, especially since we aren't finished with it!
Close Up Shots
Ahh... the changing table and curtain. I am not sure what is going to go on the changing table shelves (or what is supposed to for that matter) but I am sure I will change my mind after using it a few times. These are on the west wall of the room.
Here is a picture of the crib and trunk. I love how they look together and think that everything has tied in nicely. These are on the south wall for now.
Curtains are the bain of my existence. I will have to have another post for the curtains alone. In the mean time, here is a close-up of a part of it. It is white sheer with colorful little butterflies on it (that are 3D so you can touch them) and little leaves painted on.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bedding and am so happy that we got it!! It looks great, washes well, looks great.... I still love the animal bedding we were going to get, and still look at it when I am at BRU, but I am truly happy we got this one!
This is a picture of the ladybug pillow from Land of Nod and the Bride Teddy Bear that my friends Laura and Pete got us/me for our wedding (sans the bridal gown of course).
The cute flower and ladybug mobile that Bri found for us - it plays the Lullaby Song too!
Adelle is growing:
Adelle weighs about two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage - though what does a regular cabbage weigh?) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which sport lashes (hopefully super long and beautiful like her Daddy). With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world. Just 82 days left!
Saturday, October 10
Bella Bambino
Sharon, my mother-in-law, called earlier in the week to tell us of a great baby consignment store in Burnsville called Bella Bambino. They are only open Thursday - Saturday from 9a to 6p so when we were trying to think of a time to go, Friday seemed to be the best option.
We met there around 5p and walked into a building that didn't look like it housed any retail stores. We walked in though and there it was, in the back left corner of the front room. There were strollers and furniture out in the hall and a cute Halloween display by the door. Inside there were TONS of clothes in all sizes, boots, shoes, ice skates, bedding, art work, frames, books, and other miscellaneous items. It was wonderful! We ended up getting an arm full of clothes for Adelle that are really cute. The prices weren't garage sale prices (and I didn't expect them to be) but they were discounted. Here are pictures of some of the things we bought... I think we'll need to get more hangers!
We met there around 5p and walked into a building that didn't look like it housed any retail stores. We walked in though and there it was, in the back left corner of the front room. There were strollers and furniture out in the hall and a cute Halloween display by the door. Inside there were TONS of clothes in all sizes, boots, shoes, ice skates, bedding, art work, frames, books, and other miscellaneous items. It was wonderful! We ended up getting an arm full of clothes for Adelle that are really cute. The prices weren't garage sale prices (and I didn't expect them to be) but they were discounted. Here are pictures of some of the things we bought... I think we'll need to get more hangers!
Friday, October 9
27 Weeks = I Think I'm Sick
We started off this week really nicely. We were relaxed and ready for the week. Now, however, I am not feel the greatest. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I am running around wearing sandals because my feet are so blasted hot. Maybe it has to do with the fact that the after school program that I oversee has started. Maybe it has to do with the weather. Or that I am pregnant. What about all of the above?
Thank goodness I don't have a fever or feel overly tired. Thank goodness for awesome soup like Boater's Stew - it stays hot for what feels like FOREVER! Thank goodness I know when to get rest, and then get it. Thank goodness for husbands who rub your back when you're not feeling well! :)
Because I am not feeling well, I haven't been noticing Adelle move as much - until tonight. Tonight she has been dancing all around! I am not even kidding - Brian even felt her! It continues to be one of the greatest feelings I've ever felt! Knowing that she is in there, then being able to feel her in there... it's awesome!
Adelle is growing:
Adelle weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals - though Mommy hasn't been able to tell when that is yet. She opens and closes her eyes, and she might even suck her fingers - or her thumb like Mommy. With more brain tissue developing, Adelle's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now - but we won't think about that. She will now start to hiccup too! Only 85 days left!
Thank goodness I don't have a fever or feel overly tired. Thank goodness for awesome soup like Boater's Stew - it stays hot for what feels like FOREVER! Thank goodness I know when to get rest, and then get it. Thank goodness for husbands who rub your back when you're not feeling well! :)
Because I am not feeling well, I haven't been noticing Adelle move as much - until tonight. Tonight she has been dancing all around! I am not even kidding - Brian even felt her! It continues to be one of the greatest feelings I've ever felt! Knowing that she is in there, then being able to feel her in there... it's awesome!
Adelle is growing:
Adelle weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals - though Mommy hasn't been able to tell when that is yet. She opens and closes her eyes, and she might even suck her fingers - or her thumb like Mommy. With more brain tissue developing, Adelle's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now - but we won't think about that. She will now start to hiccup too! Only 85 days left!
Monday, October 5
Happy Weekend and Small Babymoon
This last weekend, Brian and I went up to the north shore for a friends wedding. It was cold and rainy when we left to check into our Duluth hotel and when we left for the wedding. It was warm and happy at the wedding (inside) though, then it was back to cold and rainy for the rest of the weekend!
The wedding was beautiful and we were so incredibly happy to be there! Kelly looked so beautiful and Derek looked great too!! :) Her flowers were perfect and I loved the centerpieces! The food was awesome and Brian and I kind of expected that from Kelly and Derek. They know good food and they wouldn't let us (or anyone) eat sub-par food! Steak, chicken, fish... yummy! Instead of a cake they had three types of dessert, apple crisp pie, vanilla bean creme brule, and a chocolate lava cake which was cupcake sized. Oh my goodness - it was so yummy!! I just wish that I didn't get so sleepy so early.
Since the wedding was Friday, Brian and I decided to make the rest of the weekend our Babymoon. A sort of a honeymoon before the baby comes. It was wonderful to spend quality time with each other and while it was raining the entire time, we made the most of it. Saturday we left for the Gunflint Trail. We made it to Betty's Pies for lunch and I had the greatest hot roast beef sandwhich!! I want one now in fact! Brian had only been there once before and we couldn't see anything because it was so terribly foggy that we had to turn around. Well this time, despite the rain and cool weather, we made it to the end and even got out to take a couple of pictures. Yes we had to stop a few times for me but it was worth it. On the way home we stopped for dinner at Sven and Ole's and a really great pizza! The crust is so good there!!
We made it back to our hotel in time to go swimming!! I was so excited! The pool was cooler than I would have liked it to be but it was so much fun swimming and floating in the water. Brian even enjoyed it! There were only a few kids in the pool and they stayed in the shallow end while Brian and I stayed in the deep end - where I could touch AND still have my head sticking out of the water!!! I don't mind that kind of deep end!! It was my first time wearing my maternity swimsuit and it was just fine, I don't know why so many pregnant women have such an issue wearing them.
Sunday we left for home and were able to stop at Toby's for caramel and cinnamon rolls. They are so good there - everyone stops for them! The rest of the drive was pretty much uneventful, which was great. We were happy to make it home though.
What a great way to spend the first weekend of October!
The wedding was beautiful and we were so incredibly happy to be there! Kelly looked so beautiful and Derek looked great too!! :) Her flowers were perfect and I loved the centerpieces! The food was awesome and Brian and I kind of expected that from Kelly and Derek. They know good food and they wouldn't let us (or anyone) eat sub-par food! Steak, chicken, fish... yummy! Instead of a cake they had three types of dessert, apple crisp pie, vanilla bean creme brule, and a chocolate lava cake which was cupcake sized. Oh my goodness - it was so yummy!! I just wish that I didn't get so sleepy so early.
Since the wedding was Friday, Brian and I decided to make the rest of the weekend our Babymoon. A sort of a honeymoon before the baby comes. It was wonderful to spend quality time with each other and while it was raining the entire time, we made the most of it. Saturday we left for the Gunflint Trail. We made it to Betty's Pies for lunch and I had the greatest hot roast beef sandwhich!! I want one now in fact! Brian had only been there once before and we couldn't see anything because it was so terribly foggy that we had to turn around. Well this time, despite the rain and cool weather, we made it to the end and even got out to take a couple of pictures. Yes we had to stop a few times for me but it was worth it. On the way home we stopped for dinner at Sven and Ole's and a really great pizza! The crust is so good there!!
We made it back to our hotel in time to go swimming!! I was so excited! The pool was cooler than I would have liked it to be but it was so much fun swimming and floating in the water. Brian even enjoyed it! There were only a few kids in the pool and they stayed in the shallow end while Brian and I stayed in the deep end - where I could touch AND still have my head sticking out of the water!!! I don't mind that kind of deep end!! It was my first time wearing my maternity swimsuit and it was just fine, I don't know why so many pregnant women have such an issue wearing them.
Sunday we left for home and were able to stop at Toby's for caramel and cinnamon rolls. They are so good there - everyone stops for them! The rest of the drive was pretty much uneventful, which was great. We were happy to make it home though.
What a great way to spend the first weekend of October!
Thursday, October 1
26 Weeks = Glucose Test
Since I am pregnant I got to a glucose test which tests for Gestational Diabetes. While my doctor didn't think I had anything to worry about, it is a standard test. My blood pressure has been perfect, my weight gain has been great, my urine tests have all been negative (for sugar) but some women have no symptoms.
Brian and I went in on Monday for the hour long test. I had to drink a small glass of what tasted like a super syrupy 7*UP without the carbonation. I took the first sip and it wasn't too bad, but by the third I was making faces and Brian was laughing. I finished the cup at 4:48pm and had to wait until about 5:30ish before getting my blood tested.
During that time we were able to see Dr. Hartsough. He said that everything looks great and that my belly is measuring 28cm. He said that was great but doesn't that mean I am measuring a little bit big? I don't know... He said that things look good so instead of seeing me in 2 weeks that he would be fine seeing me in 4! He just assured me that throughout the pregnancy all of my numbers have been right on and that we should be happy/proud of that.
I am happy about that because I want to make sure that I am doing everything I can for Adelle! I want to make sure that she is growing and is healthy! She depends on me to be there for her and I want to make sure I am! It is an awesome feeling.
Before I went to bed on Monday night I checked my email and saw I had one from Dr. Hartsough (on MyChart). I logged in and saw that my glucose number was 118 and the normal range is between 60 and 130! Yay me as I assume that is good!!
Now I get to look forward to our next appointment at the end of October (30th week), painting her room, and experiencing the last trimester!
Adelle is growing:
The network of nerves in her ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both my voice and Brian's as we chat. (We think she's been able to hear for a little while because when Brian reads to her she kicks a lot.) She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber - how is that different from a 'regular' cucumber?) from head to heel. Just 93 days to go!!
Brian and I went in on Monday for the hour long test. I had to drink a small glass of what tasted like a super syrupy 7*UP without the carbonation. I took the first sip and it wasn't too bad, but by the third I was making faces and Brian was laughing. I finished the cup at 4:48pm and had to wait until about 5:30ish before getting my blood tested.
During that time we were able to see Dr. Hartsough. He said that everything looks great and that my belly is measuring 28cm. He said that was great but doesn't that mean I am measuring a little bit big? I don't know... He said that things look good so instead of seeing me in 2 weeks that he would be fine seeing me in 4! He just assured me that throughout the pregnancy all of my numbers have been right on and that we should be happy/proud of that.
I am happy about that because I want to make sure that I am doing everything I can for Adelle! I want to make sure that she is growing and is healthy! She depends on me to be there for her and I want to make sure I am! It is an awesome feeling.
Before I went to bed on Monday night I checked my email and saw I had one from Dr. Hartsough (on MyChart). I logged in and saw that my glucose number was 118 and the normal range is between 60 and 130! Yay me as I assume that is good!!
Now I get to look forward to our next appointment at the end of October (30th week), painting her room, and experiencing the last trimester!
Adelle is growing:
The network of nerves in her ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both my voice and Brian's as we chat. (We think she's been able to hear for a little while because when Brian reads to her she kicks a lot.) She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber - how is that different from a 'regular' cucumber?) from head to heel. Just 93 days to go!!
Saturday, September 26
25 Weeks = Another Meeting? Really?
Since going back to school I have been coming home drained. I am fine while I am at school but I get tired on the drive home and unless I have stuff to do I just want to sit and relax. Well, this week I have had a LOT of meetings. I am not complaining because the meetings I have had were all important and worthwhile, but I have had one -or something- every day after school! Whether it is taking Mom to physical therapy (which I really like doing), going to workshops, ALC or PLC meetings... I haven't gotten home before 5:30 any night this week.
I guess this is gearing me up for when ALC starts in a week. Yes I am still going to run the after school program two nights a week. I have been given the ok to take maternity leave after winter break for the remainder of the year (ONLY for the after-school program) and come back for summer school. Actually, I am really looking forward to it and can't wait for it to start.
I just need to make sure that I have snacks while I am at school that long - darn! :)
Adelle is growing:
Head to heels, she now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture. Neat! Only 100 more days to go!!
I guess this is gearing me up for when ALC starts in a week. Yes I am still going to run the after school program two nights a week. I have been given the ok to take maternity leave after winter break for the remainder of the year (ONLY for the after-school program) and come back for summer school. Actually, I am really looking forward to it and can't wait for it to start.
I just need to make sure that I have snacks while I am at school that long - darn! :)
Adelle is growing:
Head to heels, she now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture. Neat! Only 100 more days to go!!
Wednesday, September 16
24 Weeks = Doctor's Appointment
I don't think I have said it before, but I really like my doctor! He is SUPER soft spoken which is just like me ;) but he is wonderful. Every time we are there he lets us listen to her heart beat and I love it. PLUS he is really incredible at finding her heartbeat on the first try - he doesn't even have to move around. As soon as he puts the thing on my belly, there it is! woosh-woosh, woosh-woosh
He said that everything is looking great and that we are right on track. It was really nice for me to hear because I want to make sure that I am doing everything I can to help her grow and develop.
We have to go back in two weeks because he wants me to take the glucose test when I am 26 weeks. It takes an hour but can rule out gestational diabetes. I think after that we start going in every two to three weeks. That is a little exciting for me because that means she is coming soon!! YAY!!
Adelle is growing:
She is growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon. Just 108 days to go!
He said that everything is looking great and that we are right on track. It was really nice for me to hear because I want to make sure that I am doing everything I can to help her grow and develop.
We have to go back in two weeks because he wants me to take the glucose test when I am 26 weeks. It takes an hour but can rule out gestational diabetes. I think after that we start going in every two to three weeks. That is a little exciting for me because that means she is coming soon!! YAY!!
Adelle is growing:
She is growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon. Just 108 days to go!
Tuesday, September 8
23 Weeks = School Starts
SO I am a little late in updating the blog because school has started and I get exhausted really easily... I'm pregnant people!!!
Anyway, we started our 23rd week by relaxing on Sunday the 6th and doing some running around with Maria. Then yesterday, Labor Day, we had to go to David's Bridal to pick up my dress for Angie's wedding. I was not too thrilled about going back to that place because I haven't gotten good service when I've been there - excluding my last time there, that guy was AWESOME.
I had to go because the dress I was going to wear for the wedding didn't fit. I went in about two, maybe three weeks ago and asked the guy what we could do because I had JUST found out I was pregnant when I got the dress and wasn't aware that certain parts of me would get this big (and I am not talking about my belly). He said, "Oh sure we'll just exchange it! What size do you need?" Well, I wasn't sure so he had me try on two different sizes and even brought out the alterations lady to take a look and give her opinion. We settled on a size and ordered it. It was going to come in any day.
I went to pick it up and wanted to try it on to make sure it fit. The lady had to look for my dress for like, 15 minutes. Then she came out and seemed put off by the fact that I wanted to try it on. I tried it on but couldn't zip it (in the back - go figure) so Brian tried and couldn't zip it. NOT BECAUSE OF MY SIZE THOUGH it was because there was a fabric change and it had always gotten caught up there. We waited for our lady to return but she never did so I asked a different lady to help and she said she'd be right over. During that time I asked Brian to work on it again and he got it! Then I had to go and bend over to try to pick up some shoes and "RIP!!!" the zipper split!
I am SO glad it happened there!
Long story a tad shorter, I had to pick it up and it was fine. They fixed it for free and I am glad that I will never have to go there again!!! When you get married Maria, I am going to buy my dress somewhere else!
After all of that, today was the first day of school! I have 34 kids and I am exhausted and am going to bed! It was a fantastic day and I am luck to have the kids I have!!
Adelle is growing:
Adelle can feel me dance and move! And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), I may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb. Hopefully that is true because I don't want her to be afraid of Zack or Zoey!! Only 116 days left!
Anyway, we started our 23rd week by relaxing on Sunday the 6th and doing some running around with Maria. Then yesterday, Labor Day, we had to go to David's Bridal to pick up my dress for Angie's wedding. I was not too thrilled about going back to that place because I haven't gotten good service when I've been there - excluding my last time there, that guy was AWESOME.
I had to go because the dress I was going to wear for the wedding didn't fit. I went in about two, maybe three weeks ago and asked the guy what we could do because I had JUST found out I was pregnant when I got the dress and wasn't aware that certain parts of me would get this big (and I am not talking about my belly). He said, "Oh sure we'll just exchange it! What size do you need?" Well, I wasn't sure so he had me try on two different sizes and even brought out the alterations lady to take a look and give her opinion. We settled on a size and ordered it. It was going to come in any day.
I went to pick it up and wanted to try it on to make sure it fit. The lady had to look for my dress for like, 15 minutes. Then she came out and seemed put off by the fact that I wanted to try it on. I tried it on but couldn't zip it (in the back - go figure) so Brian tried and couldn't zip it. NOT BECAUSE OF MY SIZE THOUGH it was because there was a fabric change and it had always gotten caught up there. We waited for our lady to return but she never did so I asked a different lady to help and she said she'd be right over. During that time I asked Brian to work on it again and he got it! Then I had to go and bend over to try to pick up some shoes and "RIP!!!" the zipper split!
I am SO glad it happened there!
Long story a tad shorter, I had to pick it up and it was fine. They fixed it for free and I am glad that I will never have to go there again!!! When you get married Maria, I am going to buy my dress somewhere else!
After all of that, today was the first day of school! I have 34 kids and I am exhausted and am going to bed! It was a fantastic day and I am luck to have the kids I have!!
Adelle is growing:
Adelle can feel me dance and move! And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), I may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb. Hopefully that is true because I don't want her to be afraid of Zack or Zoey!! Only 116 days left!
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