Guess what?

Emily is going to be a big sister!!! (due June 2017)

p.s. -- Yes, we're all still alive despite being MIA for months.  :)

Post Baby Body

I want to address this post to all the pregnant women and mommies out there.  I remember reading the below OpEd last summer, after seeing Kate Middleton all aglow -- hair blown out, fully made up in a designer dress and her signature wedge heels -- while introducing the world to Prince George, a mere day after giving birth.  This was before I was pregnant with Emily, yet even to me it seemed unrealistic that someone would, or should, look so "put together" after going through labor and delivery.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joy-gabriel/kate-middleton-and-the-mom-in-the-mirror_b_3672553.html

To my surprise, apparently more people were stunned that she still had a pregnant-looking belly one day postpartum than at the fact that she was made up to look like she was attending a charity luncheon instead of leaving the hospital.  I get that she's a celebrity, but it still surprised me that she didn't take a day off from looking perfectly made up.  I guess I shouldn't be so naive.

Do you want to know what I looked like leaving the hospital?  I had showered, but hadn't washed my hair, which was pulled back into a frizzy ponytail.  I was wearing loose-fitting cropped maternity yoga pants with a ruched t-shirt, under a zipper hoodie.  No make-up whatsoever and huge bags under my eyes from not sleeping for a couple days.  Shep took a photo of me before we left the hospital, which shows me sitting in a wheelchair with an inflatable donut seat between my knees, holding my sweet little baby girl asleep in my arms.  And I had a huge smile on my face.

Here's another great read that I wanted to share:  http://www.momof4istired.com/2013/11/this-blog-is-going-to-embarrass-my.html

Source

Our society is focused way too much on physical appearances, which can make it hard for anyone who feels less than their "best" self, whether it be due to weight, hair color, height, illness, a life-changing event like giving birth, etc.  Giving birth is exactly as the phrase says -- you are bringing another life into this world!  Your body formed, grew, nourished, and then produced another entire human being.  It's pretty remarkable.  It doesn't matter what size your jeans are, that you have some extra weight or stretch marks on you, or some newfound wrinkles or eye bags.  What matters is that you gave life.  Your amazing body did that!

The authors of the above-linked posts did a beautiful job of explaining why mothers should look different than they did before they had their babies, and each story brought tears to my eyes when I first read it.  I hope you'll enjoy reading these viewpoints as well; and for those of you struggling with any self-image issues, I hope these women help you feel better about your perfectly wonderful self!  Your babies love you just the way you are.

So smile your best smile, and don't think twice about what you look like before you get in that photo {click to follow link} with the littlest love(s) of your life!

xo

One Year Ago

One year ago today, we started an otherwise ordinary Saturday morning in a big way:

Here's what I wrote in my journal that day:

POSITIVE PREGNANCY TEST!!!! I took the test as soon as I woke up, and though I meant to lay it face down and do the 5-minute-wait with Shep before we both looked at the results, it turned positive WHILE I was still peeing on it!!!! Wow, not sure what that means but I hope it’s good!!

Well, it turns out it was a good sign, and we now have an amazing little girl to prove it.  ;)  Shep and I were both a little hesitant to get our hopes up too high about the positive test after having gone through a miscarriage just a few months prior, but though fear lingered in the back of our minds we were still both excited, and cautiously optimistic, at the wonderful news.  We spent the morning together, quietly thinking about our future and daydreaming of a healthy, happy baby.

The next day we attended a family celebration -- a Christening for my cousin's baby.  It was a little tricky keeping such positive news {pun intended!} to ourselves in the presence of dozens of extended family members -- part of me wanted to shout with joy and hope from the rooftop, but it was still very early so we kept our lips sealed.  At the reception after the mass, we were sitting at our table chatting with other family members when my cousin came over and randomly handed the baby of honor to me to hold.  There must have been at least 50 other guests there, so I found it a bit ironic that of all the people there she handed ME the baby, especially given our new secret news.  My face must have turned 27 shades of red, and Shep gave me a sly grin, but luckily nobody noticed.  I remember hoping that it was a little sign from the universe that I'd soon enough be holding my own baby in my arms.  And thankfully, that's exactly what happened!

366 days ago we had no idea what our future family would look like.  Now, we can't imagine our family, or our lives, without Emily in it.  It's amazing how in a matter of just minutes {5, to take the test} and weeks {39.5, waiting for her to arrive}, life is forever changed.

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Hospital Bag Checklist

One of the most important items on a mommy-to-be's "to do" list before the big day arrives is to pack a bag of all the necessities and nice-to-haves for her hospital stay.  This was something I procrastinated a bit on when I was expecting, partly because I hate packing and partly because I was a little overwhelmed.  I scoured the internet looking for tips on what to pack, and the lists seemed endless.  Finally, when the clock was ticking and I didn't think I had much time to spare, I got my bag packed and helped Shep with his.  Below is the list I compiled for myself, from a bunch of different sources on the web.  Feel free to use it if you're expecting {here is a printable version}, and also let me know if I've left anything off that you found helpful during your hospital stay if you've already had a baby!

For Mom-to-Be

__ ID + insurance card

__ Birth preferences sheet (3 copies) -- Just in case one gets lost/accidentally discarded!

__ 1-2 bed pillows with favorite cases -- I ended up not bringing these, and fared fine with the hospital pillows.

__ Lotion or massage oil (unscented)

__ Back massager tool

__ Soothing picture for focal point

__ Sugar-free lollipops/hard candies/lozenges for a dry mouth

__ Lip Balm for dry lips

__ Paper fan -- In case the room is hot

__ Refillable water bottle + favorite bottled water -- I am a little of a water snob so this was a treat I enjoyed!

__ Bendy straws (to drink from cup while laying down or sitting back)

__ Brown paper bag (to breathe into in case of hyperventilation) -- Luckily I didn't end up needing this!

__ Music and music playing device for labor, birth, and nursing the baby -- I worked so hard on creating my play lists during the last week before I had Emily, and then never used the music! D'oh!

__ Bathing suit top for shower during labor

__ Flip flops for shower (disposable)

__ Warm socks (disposable) -- My hospital provided slipper socks with rubber grips on them so I didn't end up needing the socks I brought or my slippers

__ Slippers (disposable)

__ Nightgown(s) that opens in the front for nursing (2) (disposable) -- I ended up just wearing the hospital gown during my entire stay, which had snap closures in the front for easy nursing access

__ Bathrobe -- I decided at the last minute to leave this home because I didn't want it to get ruined and didn't miss it at all

__ “Granny” panties and nursing bra -- I didn't end up using these either. The mesh panties that the hospital provided worked great for me, and I didn't need to wear a nursing bra in the hospital since my milk didn't come in until I got home

__ Breast pads and lanolin cream -- The hospital provided breast pads along with saline solution for soreness

__ Mouthwash, toothbrush, tooth paste, breath mints -- These will be the first step in helping you feel like a human again!

__ Shampoo, Conditioner, Face Wash, Face Moisturizer, Body Wash, Body Moisturizer

__ Hairbrush & hair ties

__ Sleep Mask & ear plugs -- Extra helpful if you have to share a room

__ Makeup -- I didn't end up using this at all..... not even for our first photos with Emily taken by the hospital photographer, which I now regret. ;)

__ A notepad and pen to record important information -- It's amazing how quickly things can happen and how details and information can get forgotten quickly in the post-birth chaos/excitement.

__ Comfortable / loose clothes and shoes to wear home -- You will still look pregnant, so stretchy pants and a loose top are musts!

__ Bag for taking extra items home -- The hospital provided us with a cloth bag to take supplies home and we still needed our extra bag! They really stocked us well before we left! {More about that on a coming post!}

For Your Partner

__ Snacks for labor (yogurt, nuts, bars, dried fruits) & drinks -- It's important for the coach to stay energized.... though probably not a great idea for your partner to eat in front of you if you're not allowed to. ;)

__ Electronic devices (e.g., phone, tablet) + chargers

__ Reference handouts from childbirth class -- In case you forget any breathing or relaxation techniques!

__ Camera + spare battery for birth and baby photos and video

__ Change of clothing & pajamas

__ Toiletries, including razor

__ Glasses/contact case/saline/eye drops

__ Baby name books -- If like us you're totally unprepared to name your newest favorite tiny person!

__ Swimsuit & t-shirt, flip flops (in case mom-to-be wants to stand in shower during labor)

__ Towels for shower (optional) -- The hospital towels are less than soft, but we didn't end up having room in either of our bags to pack our own towels so we fared with the hospital ones.

__ Magazines & pens

__ Change for vending machines

__ Money for food delivery / take out

__ Prescriptions

For Baby

__ Blanket & beanie hat for hospital photos -- Doesn't need to be anything elaborate, but if you have a blanket or outfit or headband or hat that is special to you, bring it for baby's first photos!

__ Going home outfit w/ legs, including a hat, socks and receiving blanket -- It's important for baby's outfit to have legs so that you can strap the baby properly into the carseat. Newborn babies don't hold their body temperature well, so it's important to ensure you dress baby warmly enough... layers are helpful. I read that it's best to dress baby in the amount of clothing you'd be comfortable in and then add one more layer, like a thin blanket.

__ Car seat already installed in the back seat of the car -- Check with your local police station, fire department or hospital if you need help installing it or getting it checked to ensure it's installed properly! You don't want to wait until the last minute for this!

__ Information of pediatrician on note card -- The hospital will need this information; we found it easiest to just hand them a card with the information on it rather than repeating it to different hospital staff members.

__ Baby memory book (for footprints) -- We didn't end up doing this, but I've heard that some hospitals will put baby's footprints directly into the memory book if asked. They need to take baby's footprints anyway for their own records, so save yourself the mess of applying ink to baby when you get home! ;)

Well, that's my recommended list!  So tell me, experienced moms -- what did I forget???  :)

My Pregnancy Product Picks

I recently realized that I never shared my list of favorite pregnancy products!  Well, without further ado, here they are, in no particular order -- my pregnancy product picks!  Say that 10 times fast.  ;)  These are the products that kept me sane/rested/healthy/comfortable during my pregnancy:

Tums

For that never-ending nausea I experienced!

*****

Prenatal Vitamins

To keep Mommy & Baby healthy!  I found these easier to swallow than the Rx vitamins my doctor provided samples of, and they contained a more complete array of vitamins than most of those samples did as well!

*****

Snoogle Pregnancy Pillow

Shep bought me one of these for my birthday back in November and it was soooooo comfy!  It especially came in handy as my belly started getting bigger and I couldn't sleep on my back or stomach.  Cuddling up with this thing definitely gave me some additional Zzzzzzzzzs.  I even used it for about a month postpartum!

*****

Nine Naturals Body Wash

This stuff smells great and is 100% natural.  My skin is sensitive, but this wash is mild so I was able to use it daily without any problems.  In fact, I still use it and plan to keep buying more as I run out -- I love it!

*****

Clarisonic Mia

Pregnancy can wreak havoc on anyone's skin, and mine is sensitive and prone to blemishes on a good day.  I bought this little doodad about 1.5 years ago and it has seriously changed my life.  Well, it's at least changed my skin.  ;)  You use your normal cleaner with it, and the soft bristles ensure that all make-up and dirt is lifted from your skin, while allowing the cleanser to really penetrate the surface of your skin.  After using it, my face feels smooth as a baby's bottom, which helps my moisturizer absorb better.  I love my little Mia!

*****

While we're on the topic of skin, I've been using these products from Dermalogica for over 5 years now and have been really happy with the change my skin saw once I started.  If you're in the market for a new cleanser/moisturizer, I recommend trying these out.  They're a little on the pricey side, but a little product goes a long way and I can always find a 20-25% off coupon for one of the online skin product stores that sell this line.

*****

Old Navy Low Panel Jeans

Moving on to clothing...  I'm so lucky that I get to wear jeans to work, and even luckier that I came across the super-comfy low panel maternity jeans at Old Navy pretty early on in my pregnancy.  The price can't be beat, and they have different styles and colors.  I think I bought a total of 7-8 pairs and loved them.  Since I started wearing maternity jeans in week 9 {gulp!} and lived in them all week long for many months, I definitely got my money's worth out of them.  In fact, truth be told, I don't ever want to wear "regular" jeans again!  Seeing the shape of pants buttons stick out under shirts is a huge pet peeve of mine, and this elastic band solves that!!  ;)  They say to buy your regular size in maternity clothing, but I purchased the next size up in these jeans.  During the second half of my third trimester, I bought 1-2 additional pairs in the next size up from that {so 2 sizes above my normal size} because the ones I'd been wearing were getting very snug.  Could've been the fact that I put them in the dryer, or my growing belly.  ;)

*****

Skechers Flex Appeal

I'm normally not a sneaker-wearing kind of girl.  I don't really love the way traditional sneakers look, and don't find them very comfortable either.  That was until I met these blue bad boys.  First, they're blue.  Instant score.  Second, they're made with memory foam.  Whaaaaa???  Yeah, you heard me.  They feel like slippers, I swear!!!  Even my swollen achy third trimester pregnancy feet felt great in these things walking to and from work in the city every day, and they feel even more comfy now that I have my old feet back again!  I lived in these things from the time I bought them in early April through my delivery of Emily.  And let me tell you, as soon as the weather gets too cool to wear sandals again, these are going to be my new old best friends again.

*****

Source

And last, but certainly not least, prenatal massages.  Ahhhhhh....  Most physicians and massage therapists will advise you to wait until your second trimester for a massage, but the wait will be oh-so-worth-it once you finally get on that table.  I am definitely a spa-loving girl, and have had more than my fair share of professional massages.  I was a little nervous about getting a prenatal massage, but as soon as I got one I wanted another!  There are so many benefits to massage, and if pregnancy isn't a time for pampering oneself, then I don't know what is!  Just be sure you see a therapist certified for prenatal massage, as there are certain trigger points in the body they'll want to avoid.  Once your belly is too big to lay comfortably on your front or back, they can prop you up with pillows in a side-lying position.  Alternatively, some spas will have special tables or pillow bolsters that have a cut-out for pregnant bellies.

*****

So tell me ladies -- what is/was YOUR favorite pregnancy product/pampering tradition/splurge?

*****

Disclaimer:  I have not been paid or otherwise compensated in any way for writing this post.  The opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

On Our Bookshelf: Pregnancy

In order to prepare for the arrival of our little bundle of joy, Shep and I each did some reading.  I thought I'd share a list of books we read in case any of you are looking for some reading material while you're expecting!

Source

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We enjoyed reading "The Pregnancy Countdown Book" together each night before bed -- it was a fun way to bond and wind down each day.  "What to Expect" and "Your Pregnancy Week By Week" each had similar weekly formats and content, but each had their own strengths and weaknesses.  I really liked the exercises included at the end of each weekly chapter in "Your Pregnancy Week By Week", though of course I didn't do them all thanks to that never-ending nausea I had!  Shep relied on "The Expectant Father" to translate things I was telling him into "man speak".  ;)

And then of course, there were these:

Source

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Have you read any of these books?  How did you like them?  Any recommendations for other books I don't have listed here?  Please do share!

39 Weeks!

. . . and still in one piece!  For now.  ;)

Source: The Bump

Coincidentally, we saw a watermelon in Target today!  So of course Shep picked it up and we had to snap a photo.  Yeah, we're that weird couple.

See the resemblance?

It's just about the same size!

This may very well be my last week of pregnancy, and the not knowing is hard to handle!  All day Thursday I had a really weird really nervous feeling.  I couldn't even sit down and watch TV like a couch potato, despite numerous attempts!  I was pacing around and felt like I was going to jump out of my skin with suspense!  It felt like one of those thriller movies where the girl walks down a dark hallway with creepy music playing and a boogeyman jumps out from around the corner.  Except there was no music, and instead of a boogeyman we're expecting a really cute cuddly baby to make an appearance.  But you get the point.  ;)  I felt like I could have just screamed out loud, and I almost did!  I felt like I was walking around on egg shells all day!  I mean, I'm still nervous about the whole labor and delivery thing, but Thursday I felt like I was going to BURST.  Good thing that overwhelming fear has subsided a bit.  Don't get me wrong... I'm definitely looking forward to meeting this little guy or girl, I'm just not in any rush to do so!

No contractions so far {that I can feel anyway}!  I've had a little heartburn, and some more pelvic pressure though.  Since Thursday I've been really sluggish and tired every day, even though I've actually been sleeping pretty well these last few nights, surprisingly!  I haven't had the "nesting" burst of energy that I've read so much about though, so maybe it's not yet time.  Or maybe I won't get it?  It's anybody's guess really!

Today's To Do List

Thanks to getting up to pee a bunch of times, random bouts of insomnia throughout the night, and being uncomfortable while laying down, I didn't get much sleep last night.  There are probably at least a couple things I should try to get done at home, but I'm pretty tired today so I've decided to go with this to-do list instead...

Source

Hurry Up and Wait

As of yesterday afternoon, I'm 80% effaced and 1 cm dilated.  Baby's head is at Station 0.  Labor could begin any day, or it could still be a couple weeks away.  I'm an information kind of person.  I need data, and lots of it -- the more, the better.  It makes me feel informed; helps me to know what to expect.  The funny thing about this information though, is it doesn't really mean anything!  Women have gone from 0 cm to 9 cm dilated in hours, while some women walk around 2 or 3 cm dilates for weeks.  It's a good sign that my body is starting to prepare for labor, but yet still there is no telling where or when it will be "show time"!  It could be tonight, tomorrow, or early June.  Talk about suspenseful!  ;)

I recently came across this blog post, which I thought was an interesting description of the last days or weeks of pregnancy:

The Last Days of Pregnancy: A Place of In-Between
http://www.mothering.com/community/a/the-last-days-of-pregnancy-a-place-of-in-between

While I can definitely relate to the painful pelvis, squished bladder and swollen ankles, I don't really feel "irrelevant".  I mean, now that almost everything on our to-do list is complete, and I'm in my third week of maternity leave, it's kind of odd sitting around just waiting to go into labor.  But I so appreciate this quiet time, and I'm so lucky to have a job that offers me this "waiting time" maternity leave.  I know I will not have this much time to myself for a very, very long while, if ever again.  :)  I savor each 20-minute shower I take each day.  And staying in bed in the morning after Shep has gone to work for the day.  Sure, it gets a little boring at times, but I won't complain.  In fact, I think it's good for me.  This afternoon I felt especially tired, and I'm thankful I get to be lazy on the couch when I need to be.  I'm trying to get in as much R&R as possible, while I still have the chance!

38 Weeks!

Hello, pumkpin!

Source: The Bump

Symptoms:

In terms of symptoms, I still have a bit of swelling in my right foot, but I've noticed it's actually not as bad if I walk around outside for a bit or keep my foot elevated while sitting.  I'm also still having that PMS-achy feeling in my abdomen, mostly at night.  The doctor said last week that this might be my version of Braxton Hicks contractions.  I was surprised by this diagnosis because it doesn't actually feel like a tightening or contracting of my uterus though so much as a light ache, but this does make sense given that the body naturally releases more oxytocin at night, and that's when I typically feel it.  Though I'm thankfully down to about 3 potty breaks a night on average these days {from 6, phew!}, I'm still having a bit of difficulty sleeping because I can't get or stay comfortable for long thanks to these lovely aches.  I've been alternating between laying on my side and propping myself up against the wall using a husband pillow, trying my best not to wake hubby too much as I toss and turn around, since he's still got to get up for work every morning!  It helps a lot that I'm able to sleep late in the morning; I find this is when I get most of my sleep so I actually don't feel as exhausted as I was feeling a couple weeks ago.

Shockingly, baby is still very active and moving around a lot, despite the fact that it must be cramped quarters in there!  I'm glad this little one is still having a jolly good time in my belly; I just hope s/he keeps its head down!  I'm really curious to see how squirmy and squigly this baby is outside of the womb, and whether the "real world" activity level will be the same or totally different than in utero!

So far, no signs of labor that I can determine.  We'll see what the doc says tomorrow though!  I'm certainly not in a hurry; practically though I'm not sure how much longer I can walk waddle around carrying this pumpkin before I tip forward!  I'm huge!

Bump Watch Alert!

To-Do List:

In other news, we have made some EXCELLENT progress on our to-do list over the past several days.  Here's where things currently stand:

Baby Prep To-Do List:

• Finish baby shower thank-you notes
• Type out birth preferences sheet & put in hospital bag
• Print out calming photos to use as focal points
• Pack my hospital bag
• Pack Shep's hospital bag
• Install baby's car seat
• Get postpartum supplies for me
• Finish washing and putting away baby's clothes & linens
• Assemble glider & ottoman
• Assemble baby swing
• Assemble baby stroller
• Buy small bookshelf for baby's new library {it still needs to be painted but that can wait!}
• Review childbirth class materials & practice breathing/relaxation techniques {in progress}
• Prepare short list of baby names {in progress}
• Create song play list for delivery room {in progress}

P.S. -- If anyone reading has yet to fill out your hunch about baby's gender and arrival information, time is ticking!  :)

We Don't Know What It's Like

Over the past year or so, we've thought a lot about what it would be like to have a baby of our own.  We have read about various parenting theories, we've listened to stories from friends and strangers alike, we've spied on watched families with babies and small children out in public...  We've done all of this "research" to prepare, as best as we can, for the life-changing journey we're about to start together as parents.  We think we've got a pretty good idea about the kind of changes we're in for, and we hope we have realistic expectations.  But the truth is, we don't KNOW what it will be like.

The thing about the unknown is that it can be scary.  For many of us {ahem}, change is simply terrifying.  You can prepare and prepare, but there are certain things or situations or factors that can't be predicted, practiced or accounted for.  I'm sure any soon-to-be or new parents out there can relate... everyone has a story for you and everyone has advice about what to do when X comes up, or you find yourself in Y situation with no advanced warning.  And though all of the advice is coming from a well-meaning place, it can be overwhelming to keep hearing about all the things that can or will be difficult or challenges that lay ahead, when you haven't even yet held that snuggly baby in your arms for the first time.  And so, at a certain point, we just need to try as best we can to make ourselves okay with the fact that we might not have a CLUE about what we're actually getting ourselves into, but leap into it wholeheartedly anyway, knowing we have the best intentions and are as prepared as realistically possible given the world of unknowns.  At this point is when the palms get sweaty, fears race through our brains like lightening, and we start to wonder:  Are we sure we're up for this life-long challenge?

With only a couple weeks left until our little one is due to arrive, I'm looking forward so much to meeting our newest little family member -- but all of these "what ifs" and thoughts and fears are at the front of my mind.  I think I started getting ahead of myself by focusing too much on them {what if our baby has colic? what if s/he isn't a good eater or sleeper?  what if we're terrible parents?} instead of the sheer anticipation and excitement of our little one's arrival!  Thinking about all of this, I remembered a video ad I'd seen back in December, so I looked it up and watched it again.  And lo and behold, it made me feel better....

By any account, that family's life is stressful!  The house is a mess, the parents look frazzled and exhausted, the kid {though adorable} is into everything.  And then they find out they're having another little miracle, and instead of feeling overwhelmed or scared, they're deliriously joyous.  The stress can {and will!} come later, but for right now, I'm going to soak up the last couple weeks of this pregnancy, coo over every little onesie or outfit as I wash and put it away in baby's new room, and think about how full of love and excitement our hearts were when we first found out we were pregnant.  Those are the feelings to savor and focus on.

Don't get me wrong... I'm generally not one for burying my head in the sand.  I know it's going to be challenging to enter the realm of parenthood, and that there will be some very difficult and sleep-deprived days and nights ahead, but I shouldn't get ahead of myself -- first we need to actually get there... to the point where we have our precious baby in our arms!

37 Weeks

37 weeks and still in one piece!

Source: The Bump

It's funny how wide of a span each different baby's weight could be at this point.  A 3 pound difference is a HUGE difference for a newborn!  The entire pregnancy, the one thing I've consistently wished for is a healthy baby.  But recently I also added "not too large" to that wish list.  ;)

Symptoms:

• I definitely feel increased pressure in my abdomen.  It doesn't seem there's much room at all left in there for this little one -- I'm pretty sure I feel every stretch, wiggle and turn from baby these days!  Lately I've felt some kicking up near my left rib, especially the past couple days, though I can't imagine there's much room in there for acrobatics at this point!
• I'm still waking up to pee an average of 5-6 times a night, so haven't been getting much sleep {which explains why I look so, as Shep very gently put it last night, "tired and worn out"}.  I just keep telling myself that this is extra good practice for the sleep deprivation I'll be getting over the next several months once this little guy or girl makes an appearance, and practice makes perfect!
• My right foot has been swelling on a daily basis over the past week.  According to my OB, it's common for women to experience swelling more on one side than the other, especially if the uterus is tilted toward that side, which can apparently happen.  I guess that makes sense since the baby's back and butt appear to be on my right side {which are the heavier parts} and the legs/feet appear to be on the left.  But, as long as there is no pain or tenderness in the calf, there shouldn't be anything to worry about.
• I've been having a weird pressure feeling in my head when I lay down at night.  It almost feels like the kind of head rush you'd get from being upside down, even though my head is not actually lower than my body in the bed.  According to my OB, as long as I don't have any vision changes or increased blood pressure, it shouldn't be a concern.  Boy, is it a weird and slightly disconcerting feeling though!

This week's check-up was relatively uneventful, which is very good news at this point!  My blood pressure was nice and low, weight gain is good, GBS test was negative {hooray!}, fundal height measurement was "on target", baby's heart beat was a strong 140, and my cervix is still closed {phew!}... all in all a positive report!  After my appointment I treated myself to a manicure to celebrate.  ;)

Bump watch alert!

To-Do List Update

We're making sloooow but steady progress on our to-do list!  Shep got the pack 'n play with changing station and mini rocker together:

And I got some tiny baby clothing laundry done!

I also washed the baby's crib skirt, sheets, changing pad covers, burp cloths and receiving blankets!

To-Dos Still On the Agenda:

• Write and send out baby shower thank-you notes (1/2 way done)
• Purchase remaining items for and pack my hospital bag
• Install baby's car seat (Wednesday)
• Review childbirth class materials & practice breathing/relaxation techniques  (in progress)
• Fill out birth preferences sheet (in progress)
• Prepare short list of baby names (in progress)
• Wash baby's crib skirt, sheets and changing pad covers
• Start washing baby's clothing!
• Finish washing and putting away baby's clothes
• Create song play list for delivery room

That's my to-do list.  Shep also needs to assemble the glider for me and the baby's swing.

You know what they say.... slow and steady wins the race.  Hopefully baby doesn't beat us to the finish line!  ;)

One Regret...

"Be bold and courageous.  When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did."

~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I'm annoyed at myself about a regret I have.  I regret that I let my fear about all the things that could potentially go wrong with this pregnancy prevent me from fully embracing, from day one, with nothing but complete excitement, the baby we are about to have.

I was a ball of nerves the entire first trimester, and most of the second as well if I'm being honest.  Even after getting great results at our NT scan, seeing with my own eyes a very healthy anatomy scan, and receiving clean bill of health after clean bill of health at all my many doctor's appointments, I never really allowed myself to relax and soak up the pure joy of being pregnant.  If I'm being totally honest, I envy the women I know who began their pregnancies with unfiltered hope in their eyes, and who shouted their blessed news from the rooftops to anyone who would listen as soon as the pee dried on the stick, without a second thought to it!  I wish with all my might that I had as much confidence in the outcome of my pregnancy, and didn't spend so many months worrying about worst case scenarios...

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This cartoon sums it up so perfectly.  I spent so many months worrying that something bad would happen instead of diving head first into book reading, gift registries, nursery decor, name planning and all the other excitement that pregnancy brings.  I was too afraid to choose paint colors, sheets or little layettes too soon though.... and so instead I waited too long!  Now all of the things I could have, and should have, been doing to prepare all along are crammed into the span of a few weeks.  Not only does that increase my to-do list, but it takes away from the joy of planning and the anticipation.

If I could go back and change my outlook and my behavior, I would.  I'm glad that I finally had the courage to start believing sometime during this third trimester that our baby would continue growing on schedule and that she or he will hopefully make a healthy appearance in late May.  I just wish I'd adopted this completely positive attitude -- and banished my irrational fears -- sooner!

36 Weeks

Helllloooooooooo Honeydew!  {Picture that in Oprah's signature voice.}

Source

Symptom tracking:

• Trouble sleeping: Sunday and Monday nights were particularly bad.  I simply could not get comfortable, no matter how many pillows I used, how I proppsed myself up, or how many times I tossed and turned.  Sunday morning I got up out of bed at 6:30 am after I realized laying there was not going to induce more sleep.  Yesterday morning I willed myself to go back to sleep from 5 am - 6:30 am, and finally did for an hour or so at about 8 am.  Thankfully, last night brought a bit more sleep and I was able to sleep some more this morning after Shep left for work, so I'm feeling semi-normal again today.  I guess on the bright side maybe this practice with lack of sleep will make the frequent feedings less hard since I'm already used to being a zombie? Maybe? I'm hoping. ;)
• Swelling in right foot/ankle:  I've been lucky in that I haven't had to deal with much swelling so far during this pregnancy.  But, over the past week or so I've definitely noticed some puffyness, especially in my right foot, on almost a daily basis.  I've been gulping down extra water and propping my foot up when I notice it to help ease the swelling.  Yesterday the swelling was pretty bad; I'd say the worst it has been to date.  But, today it's better.  I'm just thankful I haven't had to deal with this throughout more of the pregnancy.... I feel for women pregnant in the hot summer!
• Frequent peeing:  Like, 6 times per night!!!  It's insanity.  But it's expected and normal, so I'm trying to be cool with the many potty trips that are definitely not helping me sleep any better.  :)

In other news, baby has dropped!  WOOHOO!!!!  Shep and I have been a bit concerned about that since I've still felt a lot of moving around and what I thought was kicking way down low as recent as this past weekend.  But, according to my OB, the baby's head is in the down position {let's hope it stays that way!} and is in my pelvic area where s/he belongs, which was a big relief for us to hear!  When I asked the doctor if this meant baby might be coming soon, her response was:  "Nope, it just means you have a nicely-shaped pelvis".  Um, thanks I think??  Due to this new development, it's a bit easier to breathe {yay!}, but those many potty trips are becoming even more frequent {if that's even possible!}.  According to the Pampers website, my uterus is now 1,000 times its original volume!  Wowzers!  From here on out, I will have weekly doctor visits until baby arrives!

This week I got my Group B streptococcus (GBS) test, and the results will be ready by my next appointment.  If I test positive, they'll administer antibiotics to me through an IV for at least 4 hours before baby is delivered, to prevent the bacteria from passing to baby during delivery.  According to the American Pregnancy Association, approximately 25% of healthy adult women carry this infection.  Though the bacterial infection is not harmful to adults, if passed to baby it can cause severe breathing and other complications, which is why physicians include GBS testing as a routine part of prenatal care during the late third trimester.

To-Dos on the agenda:

• Write and send out baby shower thank-you notes
• Purchase remaining items for and pack my hospital bag
• Wash and put new waterproof mattress pad on our bed
• Pre-register with the hospital {turns out my OB office did this for us; score!}
• Install baby's car seat
• Review childbirth class materials & practice breathing/relaxation techniques
• Fill out birth preferences sheet
• Prepare short list of baby names
• Wash baby's crib skirt, sheets and changing pad covers
• Start washing baby's clothing!

My first week of maternity leave is going pretty well.... I haven't really gotten much done at home yet this week, but I have been able to catch up on some television, keep my foot propped up, do a little bit of laundry, and start writing out my baby shower thank-you notes.  I still have lots more to do, but I'm taking things one task at a time.  Either it will all get done, or it won't!  Baby doesn't care whether the to-do list is complete or not... s/he will make an appearance when ready!  :)

Bump Watch Alert:
Whoa, belly!

Baby Class

Nicole may have mentioned that we have been taking a birthing class at our hospital for the past few weeks. We learned what to expect during the stages of labor (early, active, and transition and pushing), breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. We (meaning me) learned how to diaper and change a baby. We didn't have any live models, but the dolls they provided were life-like enough. Nicole said I did a great job changing and diapering the baby, even though I got the tape stuck to the diaper a few times. I held the baby like the instructor said to, and supported the neck (which was better than another expecting father in the class who held his "baby" like a sack of concrete). Nicole even tried to bump up the difficulty level for me by jiggling the baby doll while I changed it so as to simulate a more life-like changing experience. At one point, I said to her: "come on, unless this baby is getting changed in an earthquake, I think you're going overboard on the jiggling". Right??

35 Weeks

Source: The Bump

We made it to 35 weeks, and our baby is currently the size of a COCONUT?!?!  Wow, that's huge!!!  No wonder why it's increasingly hard for me to get out of bed from a laying position -- I basically have a small bowling bowl inside my mid-section weighing me down!

By now, baby's hearing should be fully developed, and according to The Bump s/he apparently responds best to high-pitched noises.  I guess that's good since I've been trying to shriek sing to baby more often.  ;)  In all seriousness, I have been reading aloud to baby more frequently, so I hope my voice is getting through!

I've been reading a Dr. Seuss book that my best friend sent me as a gift when she first learned I was pregnant.  It's a compilation of various Dr. Seuss stories, adapted for the baby-to-be, and is quite adorable!

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My favorite part is the end; I get a little teary each time I read it.  Here's a little excerpt so you can see how sweet it is:

It's a scrumptulous world

and it's ready to greet you.

And as for myself . . .

well . . .

I can't wait to meet you!

In terms of symptoms, I am SUPER tired -- mainly because I've been waking up as many as SIX times per night to pee.  Yes, SIX!!!!!!  It's quite ridiculous really.  I've also noticed over the past week or so that my ankles and feet {my right side in particular} has started swelling more frequently; a couple times per week.  When I notice it happening, I elevate my feet and try to drink additional water.... but some times it feels like I'm going to float away if I drink any more!  I have felt some pressure on my abdomen wall, but I don't think I've had any Braxton Hicks contractions yet -- it feels more like the baby stretching out or pushing against me.  I'm definitely waddling and wiggling when I walk, even despite my best efforts not to.  Interestingly, the four flights of stairs I climb ever morning from the train when going to work have gotten harder on my legs {because I'm lugging more weight}, but I don't find myself as out of breath as I once did!  Other than that, I've had a couple twinges of back/hip pain when I stand too quickly from the sitting position; but luckily nothing too bad so far.  I'm sure that will get more interesting over the next few weeks though as my belly continues to grow!  The only other weird new thing I've been noticing is that when I lay down at night to go to bed, I get a weird head rush / head pressure sensation, along with more noticeable heart beats, almost like palpitations.  It only lasts for a minute or two, and I assume it's related to my increased blood and fluid volume, but I'm going to ask my doctor about it at next week's appointment just to be sure.

This is my last week at my job before my maternity leave starts -- I can't believe I only have 2 more days!!  I think it will be bittersweet for me -- I consider all of my teammates friends and will miss seeing and talking to them on a regular basis.  But, I'm also looking forward to having some time to myself before baby arrives to get our home in order {i.e., try to cure the "reverse robbery" situation we currently have on our hands}, brainstorm some baby names, relax and sleep in more while I still can, wash the baby's linens and clothes, and generally prepare as much as possible for our little one's arrival.  We'll see once I stop "working" whether I:  (a) get bored staying at home alone, (b) turn into a total couch potato who refuses to get dressed, or (c) actually get anything from our to-do list accomplished.  I'll be honest -- it might be a combo.  ;)

And on that note, here's my 35 week bump watch photo!