Baby Update....37 weeks

How far along? 37 weeks
Total weight gain: 12 pounds, still 10 pounds down from when I first got pregnant
Maternity clothes?: For sure.
Sleep: Broken throughout the night. Between getting up to pee almost every 4 hours, and now the heartburn, not sleeping through the night anymore.
Cravings: salad and orange juice
Best moment this week: Learning that the babes is head down. She is starting to get herself ready for her big entrance ;)
Movement: LOTS! Even with her but just below my diaphragm this girl is such a wiggle worm. Gender: Pink!!!
Labor Signs: Contractions on and off since 35 weeks. More so today than last week. I am currently 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Guess these contractions are doing their job.
Belly Button in or out? Still in, although every day it looks like it will pop out.
What I miss: The thing I miss the most this week...sleep
Weekly Wisdom: My body knows what it is doing, be strong and have faith that it knows what it is doing
Next Monday the sweet babes, gets measured again. Keep posted.

Today is the day...

No, not THAT day. Today is my baby shower. While I only know where it is, when it is and who was invited, I have NO idea who is coming, and that makes me excited! I know my mom planned it and will just be relieved to have it over but I am thankful that my sisters and niece and nephew will be there as well. It wouldn't be the same without them. 3 more weeks until THAT day. Just know that there will be pictures taken and then I will be able to share with you. Hope you have a happy Saturday! Whatever you are doing, have fun, be safe and stay warm. It's only 31 degrees here today!

Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I hope you all have a great day. Remember to give thanks for the things most important to you. I will be giving thanks for my friends and family and for our soon to be sweet babes. I will also give thanks for all the blessings God has given me. Looking forward to spending time with the family and taking LOTS of pictures. Can't wait to see everyone and document the day to share with the babes. Have a wonderful holiday!

On another note, I don't usually ask for much, but if you could spare a moment today, please say a little prayer for my Aunt who is in the Intensive Care Unit for Diabetic Ketoacidosis. She has a long road to recovery, but with prayer all things are possible.

Babes update

As you may or may not know, I go to the OB twice a week. Mondays, I get an Ultrasound, then a stress test, then finally I meet with the doctor. On Thursdays, I get an ultrasound and a stress test. So, today, being Monday...I was at the OB. The babes weighed in at 7 pounds 2 oz, and I was down 2 pounds. The did the second Hep B swab and that was it. Since Thursday is a holiday, I go back at 10:30 on Friday. Then it's repeat the final week. As of right now, they are not concerned about the babes. Her ETA is still 3 weeks away (I am 36 weeks tomorrow, but since I am on insulin, 39 weeks is the longest they will let her incubate). So, yeah, that day will come sooner than later. OMG! No contractions since last Wednesday...now...off to drink more water, elevate my feet, and attend our last Lamaze class. Happy Monday!

Why...

Hubs and I were having a chat on the way home today. Nothing unusual, unless you look at the topic.

Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?

Why are packages traveling by car called a shipment, and by a boat cargo?

Why does a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance?

That is all we talked about so far...what thoughts do you have?

Hope your Sunday went well. Here's to a good week!

Lamaze

So, I just realized I didn't post about Lamaze class this past week. Well...I actually learned something. I learned how it doesn't matter what you say when you exhale (he, he, ha) it just matters that you make it a pattern so that you can focus on it. I also learned that my husband rubs backs really well, and I might have it do it more often. We were also taught positions that we can be in while in labor, and my favorite is sitting in front of the hubs leaning on him and breathing. I am not a fan of laboring on all 4s, nor did I really enjoy sitting on an exercise ball and "breathing" I mean I know that the exercise ball will help with gravity, but to me, just doesn't seem like the right thing to do. But, I don't really know what the right thing is...I have never been in this place before. All I know is that I want to try to labor sans medication, but no worries, I am the first one to say enough is enough and ask for it. Keeping the baby safe and healthy is the most important thing to me.

On another note, no more contractions since Wednesday. Maybe this little girl will wait until December to make her appearance after all. Her daddy already asked her to wait until Christmas...he wants to have off the week of Christmas. We know she won't wait that long, the doctor's won't let her...but...who knows...Only time will tell.

I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week! Where did November go? Wait...where did this year go?! I still feel like the hubs and I just found out we were pregnant, and now..I only have 3.5 weeks left! Yikes! Have a great Saturday!

Practice

Today was the first of many "new" things. This is how the day progressed. I felt contractions all day. Well, not all day. Sporadically throughout the day, so I thought nothing of it. Continue to drink my water (2 liters a day) and continued working. That's when it started. I got in my car and began the drive home. I looked at the clock 4:19...and felt a contraction. Felt another one, looked at the clock 4:23. Continue to watch them on the entire drive home. For the next 20 minutes, I had 10 contractions. Texted my go to people, called my friend who recommended that I call the OB. But, I DON'T want to be one of those women. What if it was the real deal. However, I did call. The advice they gave me was...take 2 extra strength Tylenol, drink water and lay on my left side for a half hour. So, I did that. And the contractions stopped. I guess my sweet babe is not ready to come out yet, but man....my uterus is warming up for big day. I cannot wait!

35 Weeks

How far along? 35 weeks

Total weight gain: 12 pounds, still 10 pounds down from when I first got pregnant


Maternity clothes?: For sure.

Sleep: Broken throughout the night. Between getting up to pee almost every 4 hours, and now the heartburn, not sleeping through the night anymore.

Cravings: Fruit.....


Best moment this week: Learning that the babes is head down. She is starting to get herself ready for her big entrance ;)

Movement: LOTS! Even with her but just below my diaphragm this girl is such a wiggle worm.


Gender: Pink!!!


Labor Signs: Nope. No leaking, no bleeding, no contractions. Nothing

Belly Button in or out? Still in, although every day it looks like it will pop out.

What I miss: The thing I miss the most this week...sleep

Weekly Wisdom: My body knows what it is doing, and it is ok to labor without medications, or augmentation.

Next Monday the sweet babes, gets measured again. Keep posted.

Home made Christmas

This year, I am trying to make my own Christmas presents. Let me restate that. I am making pacifier holders for the hub's niece and of course for our sweet babes. Since the hubs and I have been together we have never had matching Christmas stockings. This year, with the babes coming, we are hoping to get matching Christmas stockings. But not just any Christmas stockings.. we are trying to support stay at home mom's or well, at least people who make their own stuff. Walmart and Target and Kohl's will be getting enough of our money with Christmas gifts, they don't need it for our stockings too. So, here is my plea...does anyone know anyone who makes Christmas stockings? Etsy? Anywhere? Suggestions greatly appreciated. And no, I cannot make it myself. I have limited arts and crafts ability, and making stockings is not one of those talents.

PLEASE HELP!!

Do you remember..

Do you remember when I posted this? I asked you to try to figure out what I was making?! Well, without further ado, and pictures to follow later today (I mean it isn't even 6am yet), I will let you in on the little secret. I learned how to make...

Pacifier holders!

Yep, that is right pacifier holders. My brother in law's girl friend had a baby in August, and that is what prompted me to learn to make them. I wanted their child to have something I made for Christmas. And while I gave them the holders as I made them (I gave them Halloween and Thanksgiving ones) I thought it would be cool to make some for every day. Yes, I do plan on giving our sweet babes a pacifier, some day, and when that day comes I plan on using these holders.

Ok, I better get ready for work. Have great Friday! 42 days until Christmas!

Thoughtful Thursdays

So, for the next month, Wordless Wednesdays will be maternity pictures of me, in the meantime, I wanted to share another one this week. This is the picture that we will be framing and hanging in the sweet babe's nursery.

Maternity Photos

As you may know, I had a friend take maternity photos of me. As you may also know, that said photo session was horrible, frightening to say the least. So, I spoke with one of my other friends who is trying to start her own business and she offered to do photos for me as well. This friend did research. She scouted out the location, looked up ideas and even bought props. Needless to say, I believe these photos turned out great. Actually, looking at these photos, actually make me feel like I am pretty. Well...let's let them speak for themselves. I won't show my absolute favorites because well 1 is going to be made to hang up in the babe's room and the other is going to be used for my 'thank you cards." The rest, will be printed and placed into my baby photo album which will be on display at the shower. Please, enjoy the photos. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with my friend, let me know. Without further ado...

Can't wait to show you more photos! Once the shower is here, I will share with you my 2 favorite photos. I am so excited. Now...only 5 more weeks to go!

Lamaze class

Monday was week 2 of Lamaze class. What a joke I think this class has been so far. I signed up this class with every intention of learning life lessons and lessons on how to cope with delivery. However, what I learned is that our instructor has an opinon on many things and does her best to tell us. We did review the how do I know I am labor, and what to tell the doctor when and if your water breaks. Then, we toured both Labor and Delivery and the Mother Baby Unit. When I was in nursing school, I used to work on Labor and Delivery as a nurse's aide. Therefore, I was familiar with the unit. It was a good review, but still disappointing that I didn't learn anything. Well, wait, I did learn something, I learned that the televisions they have in the rooms are from like the 80s, every room is a private room, and that we are encouraged to snoop out the room. I also learned that the televisions do not have a dvd hookup and while I don't plan on watching movies, it would be nice to have for distraction. So, the hubs and I have decided to take our MP3 players and just listen to music. I also learned that there is one community whirlpool for the entire unit, and that the rooms have their own showers.
Still haven't learned how to breathe or all that fun jazz. I did learn what 5:1:1 means and what COAT stands for. Stay tuned, next week we are supposed to actually learn stuff!

Flu Season

Flu season in well in swing. This is your friendly reminder to go get the shot and to let you know you are in luck this year. This flu season there is only one shot needed, H1N1 and the Flu are included in one shot this year. The shot is also mercury free. (why did I just tell you that, well thanks for asking, I will tell you in a moment). So what are you waiting for...go get the shot! The health network that I work at does a mobile flu clinic. No, the clinic doesn't move, but the people just drive up to certain stations, put their cars in park, roll down the windows, roll up their sleeves and we administer the vaccination. We then give you a reciept that you can give to your doctor to let him/her know that you go the flu shot. We even answer questions, for example "I want a mercury free single dose vaccine because I am pregnant." Me- "I only have 5 weeks left of my pregnancy and I had the standard dose." Patron- "well, that is you. My doctor told me to get a mercury free single dose." Me- "Ok, pull up here, park your car and I will find out the answer." Me to pharmacist "there is a lady that wants a single dose mercury free vaccine. She is pregnant." Pharmacist-"they are all mercury free, where do people come up with this stuff?" Me to patron "I talked to a pharmacist and a doctor, they are all mercury free." Patron -"fine, if you say so." REALLY!! Why would I lie to you? What would I have to gain. I only have 5 weeks left until I have my baby and I just ran across a parking lot to find out an answer to your question and you act like you don't believe me!!!! Whatever!



Anyway, the mobile flu clinic was at Coca-Cola park, as the Sunday always is. Yesterday was at Dorney Park and while they tried to get into the Guiness Book of World Records, we fell short by 1500 vaccinations. Not a lot of patrons today...maybe 5000, last year was WAY more. So, next year, if you want a free flu shot, and you want it in the comfort of your home, make sure you check out our mobile flu clinic.

Christmas..

So, Christmas this year is all about the kids. We are spending most of the monies allocated per family to the kids. Some wonderful ideas keep running through this head of mine. Worse part, I HAVE to be finished by the end of Nov. Why? Because I only have about 5 weeks left until this sweet babes comes, and Christmas shopping with a newborn is not something I want to do this year. Anyway, one thing for sure...this kid is already spoiled. I can't justify spending money on me, but on her...no problemo! However, I think I am getting her one more thing and then she is finished. For her, the hubs and I picked out the perfect outfit for Christmas Eve mass with the family... we even have her outfit for when we go to my parent's house for Christmas dinner. I just have to decide now if I want her to wear her Christmas dinner outfit for Christmas mass when I go to the Church I go too. Or, is just one Christmas mass ok, and the Church will understand. Hmm...the decisions. I can't believe that there is only 19 days until Thanksgiving! Soon, we will be rearranging the living room to get ready to decorate for Christmas, and this year...we will be celebrating a lot of miracles this Christmas season.
Quick update...we found our pediatrician. We met with only one, but hubs and I LOVED him! He seemed so smart, and really his practice seems to be what we were looking for. Also, I go to the doctor's again twice this week (no big surprise) but now I have a better understanding of why it is so frequent. Also, Monday is week 2 of lamaze class and this week is our tour of the labor unit and then mother-baby unit. Then Thursday is our Baptism class. I thought it was better to get it done and over with now, rather than have to bring a newborn.
Oh, and did I mention how much I loved how dark it was at 0700 this am! I am soo looking forward to turning my clock back tonight!

I've got a feeling...

Well, actually it wasn't me that had a feeling...I felt a feeling. Yeah, something like that. Today while at the doctor's the sweet babe got the hiccups. It was the first time I think she ever had the hiccups, and it was absolutely adorable. Well, in a weird feeling kind of way. My stomach kept jumping up and down...and then every time she had the hiccups you could "hear" it on the heart beat monitor. It was awesome. Too bad hubs wasn't there, although it did last for about a half hour and every time she did hiccup, my stomach moved up and down. It's amazing what she does in there. Oh, yeah...I also wanted to share that today, during my ultrasound the babe was laying completely outstretch across my belly. OK, that is all I have to share today. Oh, and we started Christmas shopping today. And, we are almost finished. WOW!

33 weeks...

How far along? 33 weeks

Total weight gain: Not sure, I lost so much weight at the beginning, that I am not quite sure how much I have gained. I will ask Monday at my next appointment. Speaking of appointments does everyone go to the doctor's as often as me? I mean crap, I go twice a week every week from now until the little miss comes. Is that normal?


Maternity clothes?: For sure.
Sleep: Sleeping great, I still get up 2-3 times to pee, but I slept great!
Cravings: No true cravings....


Best moment this week: All of the moving she's doing. I have no clue what she's doing in there but holy cow! I wish I could see hher and see what she was doing. At the appointment on Monday, the bottom of her feet were pressed to the top of my belly...
Movement: LOTS!


Gender: Pink!!!


Labor Signs: Nope. Does everyone feel Braxton Hicks Contractions?


Belly Button in or out? Still in, and hoping it stays that way!
What I miss: eh same ol same ol..... mostly my other clothes.
Weekly Wisdom: None this week... sorry

As of last Monday, the sweet babe was 5 pounds 3 oz...

'Twas the night on Halloween

'Twas the night of Halloween , when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The curtains were hung by the window with care,

In hopes that the baby soon would be there;

The clothes were all laundered,

While visions of sweet babes is all that was wondered;

And Shel in her 'jams and Penguin in his shorts,

Had just settled down to watch some sports.

When in her belly there arose such a clatter,

O' how the baby's feet went pitter patter.

Shel laughed with excitement and giggled with glee,

And wondered if the babes was in there saying "whee."

With 32 weeks in there and only 7 more to go,

Ma waits for the moment when it is time to go

To the hospital with her hubs in tow.

We'll know in a moment it must be the time

To push and push until I just rhyme ,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called her by name;

Makayla Noele it's your birthday

Your mommy and daddy are excited this day!