Not much has changed in the last week or so. Same symptoms for me, and same active little boy inside! We had our third childbirth prep class last night. We got a thorough tour of the birth center, down to how to operate the hospital beds. We did another relaxation exercise led by the instructor and then afterwards she had the men lead one. She turned up the music so they wouldn't all hear each other. Jack's relaxation exercise took me back to Baby Depot and our adventure furniture shopping. That post will be coming in the near future - it was too funny an experience for me not to have him guest-author the events.
We'd like to shout out a HUGE congratulations to Luke & Ashley who are expecting in February! Woooooo!!! Lots of babies on the way - me & Christie in October, Tina in December, Sara in January, Ashley in February and Frieda in March! Our little ones will have no shortage of friends!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
More reflections...
A few more things I remembered that I forgot to include in the previous blog post. At our last childbirth class the instructor asked what we learned in the first class. I learned how a baby fits through the pelvis. Jack learned "why they waddle". Haha :)
Secondly - we burn 30,000 CALORIES in labor!!! That's like 2 weeks worth of an above average daily intake! It'll help burn off some of the extra junk in the trunk though!!
Secondly - we burn 30,000 CALORIES in labor!!! That's like 2 weeks worth of an above average daily intake! It'll help burn off some of the extra junk in the trunk though!!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
34 weeks!
Wow time has been FLYING. I can't believe it's September already! We get to meet the little guy next month!!!
The past week has brought on or increased some odd symptoms. My fingertips on my right hand, and slightly on my left hand, have been experiencing some numbness. I've read that this is normal and caused by swelling and fluid retention around the nerve in the carpel tunnel. It goes away after the baby is born (thank goodness!). My upper and lower jaws have become slightly out of line so most of the time I can't bite down all the way. (my lower jaw has moved too far forward) This has happened to me before when I've gotten ear infections, but I'm not having any ear symptoms right now. I can line them back up if I sit with my elbow on the table and my chin resting on my hand for a while, but that's not a frequent set-up for me. My stomach is running out of room so I can't eat as much as I think I can anymore. I'm trying to eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. Hip pain is pretty much constantly there, and can get pretty excruciating at times. The drive to and from Maine this past weekend was pretty rough, requiring some creative seating in the car and frequent breaks. It was totally worth it though! Sleep patterns are becoming more erratic, which I guess is good practice. Yesterday I woke up at 5:45 and couldn't get back to sleep so I got up around 6:30. I got tired again around 8 and laid back down and fell asleep until 11:30!
The little guy is still very active. He's really enjoyed launching himself off my hips into my ribs. It's starting to get uncomfortable at times, but usually relieved by changing my position. He also had a good number of hiccup fits again this past week! They can really rock the belly, so he takes after Daddy in that regard. Jack gets pretty violent hiccups when he gets them.
We had our second childbirth prep class last night. We learned about the definite signs of labor, the maybe signs of labor, and the not-so-much signs of labor. We also saw a childbirth video. There was only one graphic moment and the instructor warned us of when it was coming. Jack said he was going to close his eyes - he doesn't even want to see that on me! He's going to be a shoulder birth-coach. Fine with me, as long as he's there! We did another relaxation exercise and I warned Jack not to poke me this time so as not to disrupt the others who are actually relaxing. I didn't really get much out of it - too sore laying on the ground. We're developing our own relaxation methods - mainly consisting of quoting our favorite TV shows. We finished off by learning a hand massage that felt WONDERFUL. Jack is a very good learner with these massages! Next week we should be getting an in-depth tour of the birth center provided there's a free room. We got the quick overview tour before when we attended the open house. It's crazy how much prep we go through for a 3-30 hour event! We also learned that's the range that's still considered a "normal" length for labor. Seems like we should get more prep for what happens AFTER. Oh well, I'm told it all comes naturally!
Took a while before a picture was taken that I didn't look like a PLANET in. I guess I've reached that point!
The past week has brought on or increased some odd symptoms. My fingertips on my right hand, and slightly on my left hand, have been experiencing some numbness. I've read that this is normal and caused by swelling and fluid retention around the nerve in the carpel tunnel. It goes away after the baby is born (thank goodness!). My upper and lower jaws have become slightly out of line so most of the time I can't bite down all the way. (my lower jaw has moved too far forward) This has happened to me before when I've gotten ear infections, but I'm not having any ear symptoms right now. I can line them back up if I sit with my elbow on the table and my chin resting on my hand for a while, but that's not a frequent set-up for me. My stomach is running out of room so I can't eat as much as I think I can anymore. I'm trying to eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. Hip pain is pretty much constantly there, and can get pretty excruciating at times. The drive to and from Maine this past weekend was pretty rough, requiring some creative seating in the car and frequent breaks. It was totally worth it though! Sleep patterns are becoming more erratic, which I guess is good practice. Yesterday I woke up at 5:45 and couldn't get back to sleep so I got up around 6:30. I got tired again around 8 and laid back down and fell asleep until 11:30!
The little guy is still very active. He's really enjoyed launching himself off my hips into my ribs. It's starting to get uncomfortable at times, but usually relieved by changing my position. He also had a good number of hiccup fits again this past week! They can really rock the belly, so he takes after Daddy in that regard. Jack gets pretty violent hiccups when he gets them.
We had our second childbirth prep class last night. We learned about the definite signs of labor, the maybe signs of labor, and the not-so-much signs of labor. We also saw a childbirth video. There was only one graphic moment and the instructor warned us of when it was coming. Jack said he was going to close his eyes - he doesn't even want to see that on me! He's going to be a shoulder birth-coach. Fine with me, as long as he's there! We did another relaxation exercise and I warned Jack not to poke me this time so as not to disrupt the others who are actually relaxing. I didn't really get much out of it - too sore laying on the ground. We're developing our own relaxation methods - mainly consisting of quoting our favorite TV shows. We finished off by learning a hand massage that felt WONDERFUL. Jack is a very good learner with these massages! Next week we should be getting an in-depth tour of the birth center provided there's a free room. We got the quick overview tour before when we attended the open house. It's crazy how much prep we go through for a 3-30 hour event! We also learned that's the range that's still considered a "normal" length for labor. Seems like we should get more prep for what happens AFTER. Oh well, I'm told it all comes naturally!
Took a while before a picture was taken that I didn't look like a PLANET in. I guess I've reached that point!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
33 weeks!
It's been an eventful week! I went to Cooperstown on Saturday with my parents and sisters. We took Dad to the National Baseball Hall of Fame as our Fathers Day present. It was a great time and we all had a blast. Lots of laughs as Mom posed lovingly with a picture of Derek Jeter. My feet weren't very pleased with me by the end of the day though - cankles and sausage toes! As of today I finally have something resembling ankles again! We had a great family day at Moreau on Sunday celebrating all my nieces/nephews birthdays. The weather really didn't look like it was going to cooperate, but we went forward with it anyway and the rain held off and we even had bits of sun throughout the afternoon! Even though we were missing some members, it was a great time with most of the family there. So nice to get in the water too, and it was actually a nice temperature this time!
The little guy seems to be trying to make his exit through my abdomen wall. He's been pushing outward so much lately, it's so crazy to watch and feel of course! I still can't figure out which limbs are protruding. I thought I might be able to figure it out but when I saw his feet next to his head in the ultrasound last week I gave up trying to figure it out. He's just too much of a contortionist!
I pushed myself a little too hard yesterday but at least my efforts were rewarded. I really wanted an aquatic source of relief without having to mooch off people all the time (and to those I have mooched off of - THANK YOU). So I took it upon myself after completing 3 loads of laundry and cleaning the laundry room to actually clean out our hot tub. We had drained it at the beginning of the summer since I didn't think I was allowed to use it. I asked the midwife at my last appointment and she said as long as the water is under 100 degrees it's fine. It had to be drained anyway, we hadn't used it since the ice storm and it was all gross inside. So I drained it completely, scrubbed it out and refilled it. Made me really sore, but made me enjoy it all that much more when Jack and I soaked in the 96 degree water and caught an episode of the Office on the laptop later that night.
We had our first childbirth prep class at Seton Health last night. Jack was still skeptical about their necessity but I knew it wasn't so much instructional as it was informative - letting you know about all your pain management options, and letting you know all of what you can expect. Our class consists of 12 couples, almost all of which are expecting boys! I was a little nervous about finishing up the class only 2 weeks before I'm due, but there are 2 couples in the class that are due before me! Last night's session included the ladies making a list of physical changes they've noticed and the guys making a list of all the emotional/psychological changes they've noticed in their women. I was proud that Jack's contribution to the guy list was that he noticed that I'm so very happy. The nurse who leads the class then went through the items and explained why we're experiencing them. Not surprising that a lot of them are just caused by hormones. She also covered some anatomy while explaining symptoms, and we both learned some new things. We finished off with a relaxation exercise. I was willing to have an open mind, but Jack knew me and knew I wouldn't really get into it so as the instructor was starting to gently lay the groundwork for a scenario to focus on with the plinky planky music in the background and I closed my eyes, Jack pinched my arm. He started to giggle and made me chuckle, and I closed my eyes again. Then he poked me. So much for having an open mind about it. I lost it. The rest of the class is all relaxed and quiet so I'm trying not to distract them, but holding in the laughter was SO hard. I had tears streaming down my face. But all in all we found the first class beneficial.
The little guy seems to be trying to make his exit through my abdomen wall. He's been pushing outward so much lately, it's so crazy to watch and feel of course! I still can't figure out which limbs are protruding. I thought I might be able to figure it out but when I saw his feet next to his head in the ultrasound last week I gave up trying to figure it out. He's just too much of a contortionist!
I pushed myself a little too hard yesterday but at least my efforts were rewarded. I really wanted an aquatic source of relief without having to mooch off people all the time (and to those I have mooched off of - THANK YOU). So I took it upon myself after completing 3 loads of laundry and cleaning the laundry room to actually clean out our hot tub. We had drained it at the beginning of the summer since I didn't think I was allowed to use it. I asked the midwife at my last appointment and she said as long as the water is under 100 degrees it's fine. It had to be drained anyway, we hadn't used it since the ice storm and it was all gross inside. So I drained it completely, scrubbed it out and refilled it. Made me really sore, but made me enjoy it all that much more when Jack and I soaked in the 96 degree water and caught an episode of the Office on the laptop later that night.
We had our first childbirth prep class at Seton Health last night. Jack was still skeptical about their necessity but I knew it wasn't so much instructional as it was informative - letting you know about all your pain management options, and letting you know all of what you can expect. Our class consists of 12 couples, almost all of which are expecting boys! I was a little nervous about finishing up the class only 2 weeks before I'm due, but there are 2 couples in the class that are due before me! Last night's session included the ladies making a list of physical changes they've noticed and the guys making a list of all the emotional/psychological changes they've noticed in their women. I was proud that Jack's contribution to the guy list was that he noticed that I'm so very happy. The nurse who leads the class then went through the items and explained why we're experiencing them. Not surprising that a lot of them are just caused by hormones. She also covered some anatomy while explaining symptoms, and we both learned some new things. We finished off with a relaxation exercise. I was willing to have an open mind, but Jack knew me and knew I wouldn't really get into it so as the instructor was starting to gently lay the groundwork for a scenario to focus on with the plinky planky music in the background and I closed my eyes, Jack pinched my arm. He started to giggle and made me chuckle, and I closed my eyes again. Then he poked me. So much for having an open mind about it. I lost it. The rest of the class is all relaxed and quiet so I'm trying not to distract them, but holding in the laughter was SO hard. I had tears streaming down my face. But all in all we found the first class beneficial.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
32 weeks!
Had an appointment yesterday and got to meet the midwife Kelly. She was able squeeze and squish around and find the baby's head! She gave me some homework... just a few info packs on pain management, and I'm sure we'll learn a lot more when we start our childbirth classes next week.
We had an ultrasound this morning! We got some great peaks of the little guy's face. He's big enough now that he doesn't really fit into a profile picture. Based on the ultrasound measurements he's about 4lbs 6oz already!
It's been a hot week this past week... summer finally hit! I'm so grateful for people with pools - was able to get into one Saturday, Sunday and Monday! Definitely getting good use of the maternity bathing suit! The little guy has been performing some gymnastic feats in the womb. As far as I can tell he's staying head-down, which is good, but somehow he's still rolling all over the place and throwing elbows in the process! He's also had a bunch of hiccups this last week! My navel is starting to protrude, as are little guy's limbs. Cravings? Pop Tarts! I already finished the box and I just bought it 2 days ago :-/ Has to be name brand too, the off brand just doesn't look as good.
We had an ultrasound this morning! We got some great peaks of the little guy's face. He's big enough now that he doesn't really fit into a profile picture. Based on the ultrasound measurements he's about 4lbs 6oz already!
It's been a hot week this past week... summer finally hit! I'm so grateful for people with pools - was able to get into one Saturday, Sunday and Monday! Definitely getting good use of the maternity bathing suit! The little guy has been performing some gymnastic feats in the womb. As far as I can tell he's staying head-down, which is good, but somehow he's still rolling all over the place and throwing elbows in the process! He's also had a bunch of hiccups this last week! My navel is starting to protrude, as are little guy's limbs. Cravings? Pop Tarts! I already finished the box and I just bought it 2 days ago :-/ Has to be name brand too, the off brand just doesn't look as good.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
31 weeks!
I'm still feeling pretty well, although aches and joint pain are really settling in lately to the point of hindering my activities. Getting in the water helps a lot, so thanks to everyone who has been accommodating me in that regard! Sleeping is getting pretty ridiculous at night too. I bought a new body pillow but it hasn't completely taken the place of the old beaten up one so I've been using both... and occasionally an additional pillow under my feet. Whatever it takes to get to sleep! I'm pretty much surrounded by pillows and Jack is probably dangling over the edge to get away from all the fluff! General tiredness is setting in too. I wear out pretty easily, and it's getting pathetic. On Monday a trip out to Target, Aldi, and Hannaford wiped me out and I had to take a nap when I got home! I'm really looking forward to the nesting stage... for the sake of my house. I'm pretty sure Jack is looking forward to me hitting that stage too. I've gotten way too accustomed to watching dust bunnies float by and dishes pile up in the sink. I've decided as of yesterday though, to tackle one room at a time - top to bottom. That way I don't wear myself out and it doesn't seem as daunting a task. So the bathroom was yesterday, our bedroom was today. Does the kitchen/dining room/living room all count as one since they're all open to each other? Oh man, all this cleaning talk has inspired me to do more. Maybe I have hit nesting!
Nothing really new with the little guy. He's still on the move a lot and it's still fun to watch. Occasionally a little uncomfortable but still fun! We'll get to see him again at what should be our last ultrasound next Wednesday.
In other unrelated news, I would like to shout out a congratulations to my sister-in-law who got engaged last Thursday! We're very excited for Regan and Strom and couldn't be happier for them. We also ask everyone to pray for Strom's safety as he gets deployed to Afghanistan at the end of this month.
Nothing really new with the little guy. He's still on the move a lot and it's still fun to watch. Occasionally a little uncomfortable but still fun! We'll get to see him again at what should be our last ultrasound next Wednesday.
In other unrelated news, I would like to shout out a congratulations to my sister-in-law who got engaged last Thursday! We're very excited for Regan and Strom and couldn't be happier for them. We also ask everyone to pray for Strom's safety as he gets deployed to Afghanistan at the end of this month.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
30 weeks!
3/4 of the way there! Had an appointment with a different midwife this morning - Linda, and she was so sweet! I still have to meet two of the others since they rotate at this practice and you don't know who will end up on call when you go into labor! The belly measured perfectly today - 30cm at 30 weeks. Good heart rate of 144, good blood pressure on my part. My glucose and iron levels checked out fine from the screening and bloodwork I had done at my last appointment.
As for the little guy - TONS of movement. Not just kicks and punches anymore, but feeling arms move across the entire length of my belly, feeling what must be feet push out under my ribs, feeling limbs cross over each other as he shifts positions. Not just feeling all this, but seeing a lot of it too. Haven't actually seen the outline of a foot or elbow or anything, but I've seen a bump move around, or I'll watch my belly get rocked around. It doesn't get old.
It's crazy how the reality of it all hits you in waves, or at least it's done that to me. First it was seeing 2 lines on that stick after however many times of seeing just 1. That took a whole day to absorb. Then it was the first ultrasound - totally surreal, but there was actual evidence in front of me of this little one. I didn't really suffer from morning sickness or anything in the first trimester so the next wave of reality hit when the bump started to grow. Then feeling little flutters, transitioning into kicks. Then there was registering, and starting to make purchases - this is the actual stuff that baby boy will be using! Now it's beyond the light flutters and kicks, and into movement of arms and legs, stretching, spazzing and soccer punts! I'm thinking next will probably be setting up the nursery, and then finally meeting the little guy! Can't wait!
As for the little guy - TONS of movement. Not just kicks and punches anymore, but feeling arms move across the entire length of my belly, feeling what must be feet push out under my ribs, feeling limbs cross over each other as he shifts positions. Not just feeling all this, but seeing a lot of it too. Haven't actually seen the outline of a foot or elbow or anything, but I've seen a bump move around, or I'll watch my belly get rocked around. It doesn't get old.
It's crazy how the reality of it all hits you in waves, or at least it's done that to me. First it was seeing 2 lines on that stick after however many times of seeing just 1. That took a whole day to absorb. Then it was the first ultrasound - totally surreal, but there was actual evidence in front of me of this little one. I didn't really suffer from morning sickness or anything in the first trimester so the next wave of reality hit when the bump started to grow. Then feeling little flutters, transitioning into kicks. Then there was registering, and starting to make purchases - this is the actual stuff that baby boy will be using! Now it's beyond the light flutters and kicks, and into movement of arms and legs, stretching, spazzing and soccer punts! I'm thinking next will probably be setting up the nursery, and then finally meeting the little guy! Can't wait!
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