39 weeks

This past doctor's appointment put some changes in the birth of our baby. The pain I was experiencing was me having contractions, but unsuccessful contractions.. meaning they weren't progressing towards the birth of baby "Z". The doctor noticed that now baby "Z" is currently turned a quarter turn to the right.. she is still head down, but now facing my hip rather than my back. The doctor said that they will wait until I am dilated to a 10, then try to turn her with the vacuum. If that doesn't work, they will probably have to do a C-section. Technically, if I am getting a C-section, I would rather have it immediately rather than go through many hours of pain to try to progress to full dilation just to end up doing the C-section anyways. I asked the doctor if we could schedule me to be induced by next Monday. She said "the way the baby is currently positioned, I understand that you are in a lot of pain. Let's just say if you come to Labor and Delivery sometime over the next week because you can't take the pain, we won't turn you away and will induce you". I then said "I'm ready now.. but I will wait a few more days". The doctor just smiled and said "remember, the longer she stays in, the more developed she will be". My goal is to make it until Friday. I hope they don't turn me away!!! Now for my 39 week update. How far along? 39 weeks Total Weight Gain? 40 pounds. It must be from all those lemon desserts. Maternity Clothes? I have enjoyed not having to work since I am lounging in leggings and dresses. Stretch Marks? Discovered more on my thighs. EEK! But the doctor assures me the red/purple stretch marks go away. I sure hope so, because otherwise, I will be wearing swimming shorts rather than a normal bathing suit. Sleep? I get about 1 1/2 hours at a time. Best moment this week? Staying at my parents house to be able to have lunch with Dave and Jamie (and Annika) on Monday and then Lenessa (Maise Lou and Henry) on Tuesday. Miss anything? Being able to look over my shoulder when backing out my car. Food cravings: I think the lemon cravings are decreasing. That's good, because my weight should stop increasing. Anything making you sick? Believe it or not.. Ketchup. I LOVE ketchup but I saw some the other day and about lost my meal. Gender: Girl Labor signs: Yep, but no further dilation. Belly Button in or out? flat as a pancake. Wedding rings on or off? No rings Happy or Moody? Happy, but trying really hard to get comfortable. Everyone was not kidding when they said that the end of pregnancy is hard. It is uncomfortable to stand for too long but also to sit down longer than 15 minutes. Looking forward to: Maybe having the baby this week!

Are these signs? Or am I being oversensitive

After the doctor on Friday, I'm not sure if the increasing symptoms I'm having are real or not. That doctor has made me second guess myself. I woke up 3 times last night with the worst cramping I've had in my life, that I almost threw up. I was thinking "is this it?" but attempted to go back to sleep each time. I was able to go back to sleep. If anything, I woke up this morning feeling like I got hit by a train, but no more serious cramping. When we went on a walk today, I could barely go half a mile without bending over in pain. Yet sitting here at the computer, the major cramping has subsided, so no labor for me yet. Baby is still active, so no concern there. I am looking forward to starting my stay at my parents house tonight. It will be nice to stay there and just sit and do nothing.. :) I am off of work, so if I don't deliver, I will be able to get things done like an oil change, tire rotation, etc. FYI I hate waiting, so baby Z needs to hurry it along!

You're not my doctor, so how do you know?

I find the end of pregnancy very confusing. All the signs of labor that I've had for awhile are now seeming normal, so how do I know the true difference between "false labor" and "true labor". Usually, looking up information online has been a great help. The problem is that all claims about true labor are vague and finish with "everyone is different, so the best way to determine if you are in true labor (and your water has not broken) is to contact your physician. That's all great, except when your doctor has a day off. My doctor has Friday's off except if there is an emergency (such as a delivery). While filling out my Short Term Disability paperwork on Friday morning, I realized there was a full page that had to be filled out by my doctor. Oops! I went down to the doctor's office to drop it off and requested to ask to someone to help me with their suggestion of what the difference is between "false labor" and "true labor". The doctor that was filling in was one that sent me to the labor and delivery room last week when I was simply asking questions.. and when I said that I was just nervous, she had said "if you were truly nervous, you would already be on your way to labor and delivery". Anyways, this doctor came in and I was asking her for the differences so I could be more aware. Her first comment was "well, you are not in labor right now because you are able to talk to me". I was taken aback because I didn't say I was in labor, just wondering the differences. So I responded "ok, so pain where I can't talk.. what else?" Then she went on to say "you also aren't in labor because you haven't dropped at all". Once again, advice that made her look like she didn't care.. especially because I have dropped down four fingers width (from my sternum to the top of my bump, it has lowered the width of 4 fingers in the past week and a half). So I said "ok. Anything else?" She then said "if you are thinking you are in labor, you need to go to labor and delivery". I then had a little pregnancy hormone surge and said "I can't just go to labor and delivery with every inkling of suspicion because each visit there is $2500 since it is an outpatient procedure. That is why I am asking you what I should be aware of so that I will only go to the hospital when I am actually in labor". She said "well, better safe than sorry". The conversation was obviously going nowhere, so I just said "ok. Thank you for your help". At that moment, I had more love and devotion to my actual doctor. Even when I worry, my doctor will tell me what I need to know rather than tell me I'm being crazy and act like I'm just some elementary student who doesn't know anything.

38 weeks

Today I went in for my 38 week checkup and I am already 2 cm dialated and 15% effaced! The doctor then "stripped my membranes" or some medical activity that is supposed to "help things along". She said that I might not make it to my next Tuesday appointment, that I may deliver before then. I sure hope so because then I can get my max amount of maternity leave possible. Here is my 38 week update How far along? 38 weeks Total Weight Gain? 37 pounds. I have gained no weight! Maternity Clothes? Work clothes no longer fit. Stretch Marks? Since she is sitting on my nerve and artery, the stretch marks on my upper thighs are more serious. They should go away, though. Sleep? Still sporadic Best moment this week? Finding out I'm dilated Miss anything? Energy Food cravings: Not much since I'm always full. Anything making you sick? More than anything, just standing up makes me woozy. Gender: Girl Labor signs: I believe so! Belly Button in or out? Still an innie, but bordering to being flat. It looks like the bottom of a balloon. Wedding rings on or off? I lost the Target ring. :( Happy or Moody? Happy, but just getting tired of being prego. Looking forward to: Maybe having the baby this week!

Tests

On Friday, baby Z was not as active as usual. It had been a noticeable difference of how much she did not move throughout the night. I called the doctor to just ask. Since they didn't get back to me until 4 pm, the dr demanded that I go to the labor and delivery unit again at the hospital. The first time I went, in January, all was okay but I met my medical deductible in one visit. I picked up Nick after work and we went to labor and delivery. After an hour and a half of being strapped to monitors and listening to baby's heartbeat, all was ok. It was good to hear the heartbeat and know all is okay. But, only 3 weeks, if not less!

37 weeks!!!!

I am now considered full term! If the baby decides to come today, it is most likely that she will be fine! I went in for my dr's appointment yesterday and she said that baby "Z" has dropped more (no kidding! I have felt that for awhile), has a strong heart beat, and is perfectly positioned to come out. My mom asked how fast I would post on facebook after the baby comes... I guess we will see how the labor goes. Here are my weekly updates How far along? 37 weeks Total Weight Gain? 37 pounds. I lost a pound since last week. Maternity Clothes? It has gotten to the point where my belly band falls down throughout the day since my stomach is so big. Too bad I can't wear PJ's and slippers to work. Stretch Marks? The ones on my hips are getting worse. I sure hope those go away, or else I will spend a lot of money on Mederma. Sleep? Between my clogged up nose and my compressed bladder, I get lots of exercise throughout the night getting up to go downstairs to go to go to the bathroom. Best moment this week? Training Monica, who will be covering me while I am out. She is definitely smart and I have full confidence that she will be able to keep the account running smoothly until I return. Miss anything? Being able to sit normally. When I sit at a 90 degree angle, her head moves and hits my nerve. If I lean back, my back hurts. Standing would seem like a good alternative, but then my feet hurt. Movement? She moves every day throughout the day. She is most active at night, though. Food cravings: LEMON desserts and cutie oranges. Anything making you sick? Steamed vegetables and potatoes. Gender: Girl Labor signs: definitely. As of yesterday, I'm not dilated, but the cervix is thinning. Symptoms: Cramping, running out of breath quickly, random contractions, constant pelvic pressure, etc. I am also getting sore feet and bad back pain. Belly Button in or out? Still an innie, but bordering to being flat. It looks like the bottom of a balloon. Wedding rings on or off? Even the Target ring is starting to get a bit tight. Happy or Moody? Happy, but really starting to get tired of things. If I spoke everything on my brain, I would be labeled a huge complainer and no one would want to be around me. Looking forward to: Our last weekend of doing nothing.. no plans, no obligations, just Nick and I.

Weekend and pregnancy pains

This weekend was a fun one. On Friday, I went to dinner and a movie with my female coworkers. It was fun and we saw "The Vow". I couldn't enjoy it as much as I would like, though, because I ended up getting some serious back cramps throughout the movie if I sat longer than 10 minutes. Most of the movie I spent standing down by the entrance of the theater, trying to get comfortable. If I sit for too long, I have piercing back pain and her head presses strongly against my lower abdomen. If I stand for too long, my feet get tired of holding up all the weight. With all this pain, though, I am surprised how easy it is for me to walk around. It may hurt, but I don't need to walk at a snail pace or "waddle". :) Hooray for strong legs. On Saturday, Nick and I attended a breast feeding prep class. (Nick was thrilled to go.... not) Luckily, it was free, because most of the stuff that they taught was stuff that I have already read online. Afterwards, we went to Babies R Us to finish buying all the necessary supplies: 1 car seat base for my parents and 1 car seat base for Nick's parents, a Medela breast pump (which I need for when I return back to work in May), security gates (for when baby "Z" starts crawling), a diaper pail, and a few other knick knacks. I would like to believe that we are now fully supplied with baby things. Saturday evening, our neighbors threw us a baby shower. My neighbor cooked some amazing fajitas, we played group games, and had wonderful conversations with each other. It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday. On Sunday, Nick and I went and saw "Safe House". It was a good movie, but I had the same issues as I did on Friday night at the movies. I guess it must be the movie theater seats. Then dinner at my parent's house. Overall, I would say this weekend was eventful and wonderful. This next weekend, we don't have anything planned. This will be the first weekend in months, I think, where we don't have obligations! I started training the lady who will be covering my maternity leave this last Thursday. She seems like she is catching on really quickly. Tomorrow will be the first day that she will be training with me On-Site. While I am excited for Baby Z to come soon, I hope that she will wait a week so that I can fully train my coverage. Nothing would stress me more after having baby "Z" then knowing that I have not fully prepared my coverage for when I am out.

36 week picture

Queue whale sounds!

36 weeks!

I went in for my 36 week checkup today, so I figured I would update my blog today as well. How far along? 36 weeks Total Weight Gain? 38 pounds. Waaaaah Maternity Clothes? Luckily, my neighbor let me borrow some dresses that I can wear. I am barely fitting in my pants anymore. Stretch Marks? They are either stretch marks or vericose veins, but they are at the top of my legs and hips and boy, do they hurt! Sleep? I am starting to realize that I am able to somewhat function on less than 7 hours of interrupted sleep throughout the night. I know I will have to deal with a lot worse, but at least I know I can function. Best moment this week? The baby shower with my MIL's friends. It was a gorgeous day and so much love was in the air. Miss anything? Lying on my back, being able to eat regularly, and turning over while sleeping without having it be a huge ordeal. Movement? She is now centered in the middle and in birthing position. She has also dropped a little. This has resulted in very uncomfortable movements done by her. Food cravings: LEMON desserts and cutie oranges. Anything making you sick? Steamed vegetables and potatoes. Gender: Girl Labor signs: definitely. As of today, I'm not dilated, but she could be coming soon. Symptoms: Cramping, running out of breath quickly, random contractions, constant pelvic pressure, etc. Belly Button in or out? Still an innie, but bordering to being flat. It looks like the bottom of a balloon. Wedding rings on or off? Even the Target ring is starting to get a bit tight. Happy or Moody? Happy, but really starting to get tired of things. If I spoke everything on my brain, I would be labeled a huge complainer and no one would want to be around me. Looking forward to: the chance that she might come early.

Second baby shower!?!

How lucky is baby Z? This last Saturday, a second baby shower was thrown for baby Z by the friends of Nick's mom! The shower was held in Menlo Park and it was a gorgeous day. There were about 18 women there that have been long time friends of Nick's mom. The majority of the women have watched Nick grow up and were really excited for him to become a daddy soon. Baby Z received lots of adorable clothes, toys, and even a car seat that she will fit into until she is 70 pounds. It was great company, great food, and great presents. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by great people who care so much about Nick, me, and baby Z. Baby Z.. we are ready for you now! :)

Letter to baby Z

All the baby books suggest that I write a letter to our baby. What to say, though? And how cheesy would it seem to her? I bet if my mom showed me a letter when I was a teenager that she had written to me pre-birth, I would have rolled my eyes. I'm sure it would have a lot more meaning now, especially since I am about to have my own child. Will our baby girl only cherish a letter from me that far in the future? If I were to write her a letter, it would go something like this: Dear baby Z, Daddy and I are looking forward to your arrival. We don't really know what to expect, but we are ready to take on anything that is thrown our way. We are blessed to have friends and family that love us and already love you. You have already received so many great gifts to help mommy and daddy raise you. Mommy has set up your baby room, folded all your clothes, and prepared everything necessary to prepare for your arrival well in advance. We want you to come ASAP, but we also want you to grow as much as possible to be a healthy newborn. You will arrive when you are ready, but know that you will be received with much enthusiasm by all. We love you unconditionally Love, Mommy

35 week update

35 weeks. Holy cow!! (I look like a cow). Here is the weekly update. How far along? 35 weeks Total Weight Gain? I think I am leveling out. I would say about 40 pounds. Yikes. I've been told it's mainly in my stomach.. but I know it has definitely been in my butt and upper thighs. Maternity Clothes? My work pants are starting to separate (the belly band from the pants). I have to make them last since it looks like I will be needing to wear them when I go back to work in late May. Stretch Marks? On my hips and inner thighs. Sleep? Sleep? What's that? I thought I was supposed to only be losing sleep after the baby is born. Between getting up to go to the bathroom every hour and her kicking, I get about 4 hours of sleep (even though I am in bed at 8) Best moment this week? My baby shower last Saturday. It was filled with friends and family. It was great to see everyone and to receive wonderful gifts to celebrate baby Z. Miss anything? Lying on my back, being able to eat regularly, and turning over while sleeping without having it be a huge ordeal. Movement? She is definitely trying to maneuver, but is running out of space. I am a bit worried she isn't moving as rapidly, but I still feel her move (more like see her move) Food cravings: LEMON!!! Lemon poppyseed cake, lemon bars, lemon bundt cake, etc. Nick is so sweet and brings me home slices of lemon cake whenever they go to the store. So thoughtful. Anything making you sick? Steamed vegetables and potatoes. Also, watching TV specials on bbq. I about threw up watching "America's best BBQ events" on the Food Network. Gender: Girl Labor signs: Braxton-Hicks are still prominent, but there has been a couple of times where I have to stop dead in my tracks and do deep breathing because the pain is so intense. I believe those are real contractions.. where you can't breathe and any position you consider moving into is too painful to consider. Symptoms: Cramping, running out of breath quickly, random contractions, etc. Belly Button in or out? Still an innie, but bordering to being flat. It's funny that you can see the scar of where I had my belly button pierced for a short time. Wedding rings on or off? Even the Target ring is starting to get a bit tight. Happy or Moody? Happy, but today, I am overly upset!! Really upset about this maternity leave issue, but I am staying surprisingly calm externally. I hope I don't explode! Looking forward to: Coming up with a solution to care for baby Z when I have to return to work so early.