No baby, and 2 days from D-Day!

I know I've been absolutely horrible about blogging. Things have been crazy between pregnancy, work, getting the house in shape, and everything else that goes on in life!

I'm 2 days away from my due date, and still no baby. Last week, I was 2cm and 75% effaced. I'm hoping to have some good progress this week -- my OB will induce me at 3cm and has already told me that my body will most likely respond to a low dose of pitocin.

About 10 days ago, I was in L&D. We were worried about pre-eclampsia, but I ended up just being dehydrated. We found out I was having contractions 7-10 minutes apart but wasn't feeling ANY of them. If I had been 3 cm at the time, he would have given me the pitocin and we would have had a baby!

So, he restricted me to no exercise and just kind of take it easy. He said keep an eye on my heart rate and don't let myself get out of breath. So, that's what I've been doing since. He's letting me work at the flower shop still - only done 2 days since then - because I can sit throughout the day.

Sunday night, I was 15 minutes away from deciding to go in again for contractions. I felt like they were on top of each other and while they weren't the "worst" pain I've ever felt, they were uncomfortable and seemed never ending. I told David "1 more hour, then we'll go" so that he could lay down and rest for a bit. 45 minutes and they stopped. Completely. I mean, I could still feel my stomach tightening, but those are the ones I've been having that I don't feel! Last night, I had a few sporadic painful contractions, but nothing consistent and they stopped after a couple hours. Maybe tonight they'll start and not stop!

David just had his year anniversary at the nursing home! He celebrated by turning in his FMLA paperwork so he can have 2 weeks leave when baby does come! We're just kind of hanging out, waiting for this little guy to make his appearance. I've tried convincing him that it's WAY more fun out here than it is in there, but so far, he hasn't listened.

Even though I haven't been the best about posting, I promise to update once he's here with pictures! I'd add some pics now - we did maternity pictures 4 weeks ago and they are amazing - but David is taking me for spicy Mexican food and I need to shower!

24 Week Update

Yes, I'm a horrible blogger. I just realized I haven't blogged about this miracle growing inside me since February 15th!

Yesterday, I hit 24 weeks pregnant. I have 16 weeks to go! And today, I had my monthly appointment...

My BP is a little raised. It was high last month also, so if it's high again at 28 weeks, I'll probably be getting meds. He said he will try that before we go to bed rest, so that's a plus! In a month, I gained 11 lbs. EEK! Since my 12 week appointment, I've gained 21 lbs, so I guess technically I'm averaging just under 2 lbs a week. But, my first two weights were only 5 lbs a month. Next month, I will get my screening for diabetes.

Because my BP is raised, he did a scan to make sure the baby is growing appropriately. He is measuring 4 days ahead, and has a head circumference of 24 cm (about 9 in). And baby is still a boy! He scanned past his lower extremities, and then says "Oh, you know what you're having right?" I smiled and said, "If I didn't, I do now!" My son is an exhibitionist! During the scan, I realized how big my baby is! His feet are all the way down low and his head is up just above my belly button. It's amazing how big he's gotten!!!!

So, my plan is increasing my water aerobics from 1 day a week to 2, maybe 3. I'm hoping for 3, but my energy level makes things tough during the week! Now that it's starting to get nicer, I can take dogs for walks, too. We're going back to eating healthy tomorrow, and trying to cut out the amount of processed/frozen food I eat (usually 1, sometimes 2, a day) to lower the sodium.

Oh, and the nesting has kicked in! The other night, I was relaxing, watching TV. All of a sudden I HAD to clean! Not WANT to clean, or "I should clean," but I HAD to clean. David came home and was very surprised! Last night, I did both bathrooms. Now, if you know me... I will do ANYTHING to not have to clean the bathrooms! I will clean every other room in the house by myself before I do the bathrooms! But, I did them. By myself. Without complaining (well, the toilets smelled, but I survived).

If anybody is reading this: What are your tips for keeping my weight gain under control? And what can I do about my BP? And please keep us in your prayers -- all these things have me worried. I'm trying to stay calm, but all I can think of is the worst!

Lots going on!

I'm trying to get better about blogging this pregnancy. I want it for my baby, our SON, but life seems to keep getting in the way!

Last weekend, we hit a huge clearance sale and got lots of winter clothes (9 & 12 month sizes and a good return policy) for next year. We also bought a dresser and rocker for the nursery. We narrowed the paint choices down to 2, and are about ready to paint.

We also registered for our birthing classes. With David's crazy schedule, we were pretty limited on dates - so we either started at 28 weeks on Monday nights or 32 weeks on Thursday nights. 32 was pushing it a little too much for me when it's a 6 week class.... So, Mondays at 28 weeks it is! I have a huge goal of going all-natural during labor, so we're also taking a 1-night Lamaze class in April!

And, today, I got to be the over-paranoid mommy. I noticed a bump that was kind of circular, but about 3 inches wide kind of close to my belly button. At first, it just was a little sore, but by about 1:00 it was hurting pretty badly, especially if I pushed on it. I called Dr. K, and the receptionist pulled her usual "Can you come in?" instead of just letting me talk to the nurse or OB to make sure coming in is necessary!

So, I got permission to leave work and headed to the dr... And the verdict... It's normal! The abdominal muscles are starting to seperate as my uterus is finally above my belly button (baby is still under though so I knew it wasn't baby)... Sometimes, the intestines will get irritated because of the movement and new-found "room" to move. It should go back to normal after the baby is born, but it's just another one of the lovely side effects I am dealing with so that I can be a mommy!

I did apologize to my OB for being "THAT" pregnant woman! He was totally honest with me, told me that it's his job to make sure I'm okay and baby is okay. Plus, he'd rather me call during the day than let my worry get worse through the night and then call at 3:00 in the morning, waking him AND his wife up! Plus, we worked so hard to get pregnant - went through so much to have this baby growing inside me - that he "expects" the uncertainty, the paranoia from me. I love my OB!

Team Green?

Not so much! I really, really, really wanted to be Team Green - I was ADAMENT that we did not find out the sex of the baby. But, for David, he said he feels like he can't bond without knowing the sex. He also wants to plan, even though all the big stuff and nursery decorations are gender neutral.

So, our compromise: leave it to baby! Friday was our appointment -- I told the tech my rule: show me the shot, and if I could read the ultrasound without anyone telling me, that we would know. If I couldn't, then it would stay a mystery (even though David would probably know because he can read scans).

Well, our baby is not shy! Here is a collage of my 4 favorite pictures:



That's right! We're having a boy!!!!!! While Mother's Intuition said "girl," I am over the moon excited that I'm having a little boy. And check out the spine picture: He is already pretty long! We also got a picture of his feet, and his toes look long (or maybe it was bones we were seeing, but either way, they are LONG!). He is measuring about 10 oz and one day ahead - so on Friday, he was measuring 19 weeks, 2 days. She couldn't get a length because he wouldn't stretch out and hold still.

I think my favorite part was getting to watch the heart beat. She zoomed in and we could see the 4 chambers beating together. She tried to get the 3 cord vessel, but he was squirming all over and kept moving his hand in her way. But, she said that is a hard one to see unless baby is sleeping and Mom is farther along (like 21-23 weeks).

I'm also starting to feel him kick. I've been feeling it for a week or so, but thought it was muscle spasms/growth. But, during the ultrasound, he kicked and I felt it. He doesn't like when I sit or lay on my right side for very long. I love the feeling, so I purposely sit just to make him kick me!

I haven't updated much lately. Things have been busy! We are doing great... David is back to Weight Watchers, so I'm eating healthier too! As of last week, I had gained about 5 lbs from pre-pregnancy weight. Although, that means in 19 weeks, I had lost and regained 8 lbs, plus 5 more (13 lbs). My OB said to aim for 20-30 lbs but nothing bad will happen if I go over. I will get an "official" weight at our appt on Friday. Hopefully I don't gain 6 lbs in a month like I did last month!

Oh, and to finish the post off, here is a belly shot collage:

15 weeks!

So, I haven't been the best about blogging the last few weeks. Sorry! (But is anybody out there reading anyways????) I was evaluated by the state at work and we were busy with the holidays. David's brother and his family were here for 2 weeks from New York, so my internet time was limited to some degree.

We had a great Christmas. David found the baby a few things for Christmas, and my mom did as well. I also got some of the clothes that were made for me when I was a baby, and some blankets and booties that my grandma made before she passed away a few years ago. These will probably be the most treasured things in our nursery!

I did the biggest no-no for my body on Saturday. I sat in straight back chairs most of the day. I didn't even think about it. We were sitting and talking with my parents. At some point, I went to get up, and my back was a little sore. It only got worse. 2 chiropractor visits, a prenatal massage, and a trip to the OB later... I'm still sore, was given Tylenol 3 to use sparingly, and keep laying as flat as is comfortable as much as I can. And rotate heat/ice to help keep the muscles calm.

Anyways... onto the 15 week update!

From BabyCenter: Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")

How far along: 15 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still down 2 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Lovin' the pants! I can still wear my regular shirts. I have the "Is she pregnant or fat?" look going on right now. Most of my shirts are long enough to cover the "lack of" waistband. But, the pants are SO comfortable!

Stretch Marks: None that I've seen

Sleeping: I'm getting my energy back, so fewer naps. I wake up 3-4 times a night to go to the bathroom, and because of my back, I wake up tossing and turning a little more than usual. Once that's back to normal, I'll be back to my normal 3-4 times and right back to sleep!

Best moment of last week: Christmas with the family. The baby stuff is SO cute!

Symptoms: Extra trips to the bathroom, itchy/sore boobs, increased appetite

Food cravings: Mexican, salad, and cottage cheese & pineapple

Gender: It's still a mystery! If we decide to find out, it will be at our February 4th appointment.

What I'm looking forward to: Even though I got an ultrasound today just to check on baby with my back... My OB does quick ultrasounds at every visit, free of charge. So, we will get to see the baby again!

And pics...

15 weeks -- Fat or pregnant?? The top "flab" can still be sucked in -- the baby bump is the bottom "flab."

A progression from 6 weeks to today!

12 weeks!

From BabyCenter: The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.
Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

How Far Along: 12 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Well, yesterday's weigh in at the OB was up a little, but still down 2 1/2 lbs from pre-pregnancy. This morning's weight (I weigh every Thursday morning before my shower), I was down from yesterday morning. If I go by that weight, it was 4 lbs down from pre-pregnancy.

Maternity Clothes: No, but I'm wearing the bella band every day! I'm having issues with keeping it low enough to keep my pants comfortable, but high enough that it won't roll up my butt. So, I may be going to maternity just for simplicity! I have lots of clothes now though!

Stretch marks: Nope!

Sleeping: Still lots! I'm hoping to start getting my energy back soon.

Best moment of last week: First OB appointment and first external ultrasound! And picking up the baby gear and bag of maternity clothes from friends.

Symptoms: Exhaustion, mild constipation, HORRIBLE mood swings

Food Cravings: Mexican, big salads with lots of goodies on it, cottage cheese with pineapple; today: fried pickles, which is NOT unusual for me. It's actually unusual that this is the first time in 3-4 months that I've wanted them!

Gender: Still too early to tell. David still says boy. The nurse at my OB's office said my early symptoms indicate girl -- and she said, "I've only been wrong 2 times in 6 years."

What I'm looking forward to: Getting my 2nd trimester energy! Next OB appt is January 7th

Oh, and here's the latest belly pic. I think it "shows" more because it's a close up - I gave up waiting for David to be home at the same time as me to take the picture!

Baby Gear Score!!

A friend of mine has a friend who is cleaning out their basement and getting rid of baby stuff! Guess who scored? ME!!!!



Bouncy seat - I love the toy bar, and the music is really cool and fun. Pattern is alphabet blocks.


Graco Travel System with 2 bases! It's grey and a really dark purple.


This swing can change orientation. So, if baby wants to go back and forth, s/he can! Or we can go side to side. Music, lights, nature sounds, etc... We tested it out last night and we could probably fling baby across the room on the highest speed!

This AWESOME pack & play has wheels on one side, storage pockets on the side, and a removable bassinet AND changing table! Perfect for the living room when baby first comes home and I'm too tired to go upstairs to change diapers and can't get down on the floor yet!

I also got some really nice clothes - my friend is a stay at home mom, so she only needed a handful of dress clothes. I tried the jeans on tonight, and the inseam is too short, but another friend of mine will be able to wear them. The other pants I still need to try on, and if nothing else -- just the cost of the tops alone, I STILL saved money!