One more item off the "to do" list!

After work today, Sandy installed the base for the car seat (Ryder helped!). It took us a little while to figure out how to do it properly. Sandy cursed a few times .... I laughed and made fun of him (I'm sure that helped the process!).

We both agreed that we were happy to have done it now so that we weren't in the hospital parking lot trying to install it! Overall, the seat fits in the car well and I'm pleased with the universal anchor system and how secure it holds the base (one of the reasons we purchased the new car).

One more item crossed off the "to do" list!

Well, that didn't work out very well...

I went to bed tonight at 9:50pm (very early for me) thinking that I would have an opportunity to get a great sleep and wake up feeling rested and ready to face the day ... and my massive "to do" list!

It didn't work out very well. First, I am sooooooo thirsty these days. I literally cannot drink enough water. So, after drinking massive amounts of water all day/evening, you can imagine what follows .... many trips to the washroom.

Also, I have been instructed to lie on my left-hand side as much as possible to encourage baby to get into the right position. This is comfortable for about oh ... 5 seconds. After that, I want to shift and lie on my back, stomach, right-hand side .... any other way!!! Lying on my back is probably the worst for getting the baby to shift so I really try to avoid that, lying on my stomach is pretty much impossible, and lying on my right-hand side feels so weird. That's where the baby is lodged and I kind of feel like I am lying right on top of it.

So, between the 3 trips to the washroom that I've made in the last 1.5 hours and the constant shifting, my great plan to get to sleep early hasn't really worked out so well. Here I am .... downstairs .... on the computer .... updating the blog (complaining :) .... considering what to do next. Either back upstairs to toss and turn or surf the web for a while longer. It's a pretty exciting life that I lead!

Some things are better left unsaid.

Yesterday afternoon I went for a walk with my friend and her Mom. I know them both quite well and they are really kind people. Although, the situation that unfolded was a prime example of the fact that some things are definitely better left unsaid!

When I first met them, my friend's Mom said to me, "Oh my goodness, you are HUGE!" I agreed with her and laughed it off. It probably would have been okay if that had been the end of it, but she spent the whole 2 hour walk telling me how HUMUNGOUS I was and she just couldn't believe how BIG my belly had grown.

She is a really sweet lady and I know she didn't mean any harm. Her daughter (my friend) may weigh 100 pounds soaking wet, so of course I look big next to her! Plus, my friend had her baby at 36 weeks, so I'm almost 2 weeks further than she was at her biggest.

Anyway, I think the whole situation gave me a bit of a complex! I wasn't feeling that large beforehand, but last night all I could think about was how big I actually am, how much weight I have gained, and how I must look to others. I just have to remind myself that I am healthy and the baby is healthy and that's what is really important.

Today's appointment

I had a midwife appointment today (I feel like I am always going there now! Although, once a week is quite often, so that's probably why).

Here are the stats:

Me: No more weight gain (yes!); blood pressure a little higher than usual, but still totally normal.

Baby: Heart rate was 128 beats per minute (much lower than last time, but maybe baby was sleeping or resting); head is lower down in my pelvis, but still not engaged; baby's back is still on my right side with arms and legs on the left side.

There is still 2.5 weeks until baby's due date, but I was curious so I asked about Joanne's policy regarding overdue babies. Basically, up until my due date, it's just waiting (and hoping!!!) that it happens naturally.

At 40 weeks, 3 days, she will order a non-stress test to see how the baby is doing. At 41 weeks, she orders an ultrasound to check on fluid levels and health of the placenta. At 42 weeks, it's time for a medical induction.

I would love it if the baby decided to come in maybe ... a week to ten days ... that would be just perfect! .... If only it was up to me to decide. ;)

Sam and Ryder

Yesterday afternoon I babysat for my friend Sonja. Her baby boy is 6.5 months old and his name is Sam (he's very cute!).

Anyway, I had to go to the washroom, but I wasn't sure what to do with Sam. So, I just propped him up in the corner of the crib (he started crying when I layed him down).

When I came back into the room, this is what I found! I guess Ryder wanted to get a closer look .... he's going to get more than he bargained for when our little baby comes home and stays for good!

Ouch!

This may be too much information, but I am in pain ... specifically in the pubic bone region. I looked this up in one of my pregnancy books and apparently it's totally normal ... who knew?

The book says that there are actually three bones that make up the pubic bone. During pregnancy, they can separate to make room for the baby to come through. After delivery, the bones go back to where they are supposed to be and everything is fine.

So, it actually seems like a good thing that it is happening, but it definitely does not feel very good!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Today is our second wedding anniversary. We celebrated this past weekend with a trip to the Tigh-Na-Mara in Parksville. We stayed in a little log cabin so Ryder got to come along. We spent most of our time walking on the beach. It was so wonderful to get away and have it be just us for two whole days!

Two years ago, we were celebrating our marriage and now we are *weeks* away from welcoming our first baby into this world. :)

37 weeks!!! .... FULL-TERM!!!

Week Thirty-Seven

This week, the average size is about 6.3 pounds (2859gm) now and 19.1 inches (48.6cm) length.

She is official full term now but can still benefit from extra days in the womb.

Your baby continues to practice breathing movements. Isn't it amazing how she can breathe "under water?"

Grasp is firm now. It won't be long until you'll feel that strong little fist confidently grasping your finger (or tightly clenching your hair)!

A few weeks ago, your baby would move her eyes toward light. Now she turns towards light outside the uterus.

" As the uterine wall stretches and thins allowing more light to permeate, he develops definite daily activity cycles. You will want to be sure to establish good patterns yourself at this time, thus encouraging them in your child. Ever heard of a baby getting his days/nights mixed up? Now's the time to try to avoid that!

Definitely getting there

Even if I wasn't aware of how far along I am, I think that I would still know that we were nearing the end. As I mentioned yesterday, I have started to experience some swelling in my hands and feet. It is worse in the evening and it doesn't feel that great. Basically, it makes me feel even more massive!

I have also noticed a few stretch marks beginning to form on my hip/thigh region. They really aren't too bad at all, but I still hope they are the only ones that show up.

My maternity clothes are starting to get tight ... that's a bit scary!

I have to go to the bathroom even more now (didn't think that was possible!). And, if the baby shifts and hits my bladder, I have to go NOW!

And, for the finale, I think am starting to waddle!

Happy Easter!

Our last holiday before baby arrives and we spent it being purely indulgent! Sandy went for breakfast with his friends and then golfed Men's morning. Heather and I went to the Kingfisher Spa for pedicures (our birthday present to each other this year ) - it was a wonderful experience and we both truly enjoyed it.

This afternoon we went for a walk and now we (and by "we", I mean Rob and Sandy!) are making Easter dinner....prime rib, yorkshires, potatoes, and vegetables....yum!

I am starting to feel more excited/impatient to meet our little one. This is due partly to the fact that I now have sausage fingers and toes (swelling has officially set in and let me tell you, it's not pretty!) and partly to the fact that I've been pregnant for 36 weeks 5 days and I am ready to meet this baby!!!

"Happy Birthing!"

That is how our pre-natal instructor ended our class last night. It struck me as kind of funny at the time and I had a little giggle about her saying that, but the more I think about it, it seems like kind of a nice thing to say.

So, yes, we finished our pre-natal classes last night. It was a four week long session that ran for two hours each Thursday. That sounds like a lot of time, but there is a lot to cover! We went through early labour, active labour, transition, actually having the baby, and last night's class was about the "other" types of things that we may experience: pre-term labour, induction, cesarean sections (all things I am really hoping to avoid, but I suppose it is still good to be informed).

The classes were very informative and I think that Sandy and I both learned a lot. He found the details about each stage interesting. Things like how I'd probably be feeling/acting (like a crazy person!), what was going on with the baby, and comfort measures he could provide that may help me cope with the pain.

I've been doing a lot of reading throughout this pregnancy so had a pretty good idea about all of that stuff, but it was helpful for me to hear that there is a wide spectrum of "normal" when it comes to childbirth. There are lots of different things that can happen and they are all part of the process (some of them are pretty gross, so I'll spare you the details ... although, if you have children, you know what I am talking about!).

So, here's hoping for "happy birthing"!

Midwife appointment

*Another* appointment today! And, good news .... no weight gain since last week! (It's only been one week so really, there shouldn't be any, but still!)

Baby's heart rate was 156 beats per minute. Joanne said the baby seemed "happy" ... I have no idea how she can tell, but it is a nice thought anyway. Fundal height was 35 cm, blood pressure was good, so everything was just fine.

Another good thing is that she said it seems like the baby has turned a little bit and it's back is more facing towards the front now .... all of that walking, swimming, and lying on my side is paying off!

A very special gift

On Monday, a purolator delivery person came to the door and gave me a package. I was so excited to open it and even more excited when I looked inside the box. A very special gift awaited me .... a blanket, toque, and bear for the baby! Knitted especially for our little one by my Grandma Arn. As you can see from the pictures, these items are so precious. They will forever be treasured by both the baby and me. Thank you Grandma.

36 weeks!!!

Your baby is almost ready and most likely, so are you! The only organ still to mature is the lungs. While certainly you are both growing anxious to meet, remember that each day (up to 42 weeks), that your little one stays within your womb will multiply his chances to breathe on his own.

If he hasn't already, this week your baby may drop into the birth canal. While breathing for mom becomes easier, walking may be the exact opposite! If he's not your first baby, this "lightening" may not occur until right before labor.

Fat is dimpling your baby's elbows and knees, and forming creases in the neck and wrists.

His skin is growing smooth and, shall we say it, "baby" soft.

His gums are very rigid. It won't be many months before you'll see his teeth.

She has a fully developed pair of kidneys and her liver has begun processing some waste products.

Your child's average size is now 18.66 inches (47.4cm) and 5.78 pounds (2622 g). Between now and birth she will gain about an ounce a day

Put on your sunglasses ....

Because these t-shirts are BRIGHT! My parents recently returned from a vacation in the Bahamas. It's no secret that my Dad has a penchant for "loud" clothes (think of the orange shorts!) so he chose the orangey/yellow/blue swirl one for himself. The little blue t-shirt with the rainbow v shape is for the baby. I absolutely cannot wait to see them side by side wearing their Bahamas t-shirts!!!

Woo Hoo!!!

Today was the last day of school before Spring Break ... two weeks off for the students! And, the beginning of a year off for me! Even though it feels early, I am starting my maternity leave on Monday. I feel like I could teach for another couple of weeks, but with Spring Break being two weeks long this year (because of Easter), I'll be 38 weeks when school starts up again. I'm pretty sure I won't feel like teaching then!

Appointment today

Baby's heart rate = 132 beats per minute (much lower than it usually is, but still well within the normal range).

My blood pressure = can't remember the exact numbers, but it's fine.

Fundal height (uterus) = 36.5 cm .... usually one cm for every week, so a bit big since I am 35 weeks. At my last appointment (3 weeks ago), the measurement was 32 cm, so a big jump!

Weight gain = 38 pounds!!!! That is so much ... I don't even know what to say about it! Actually, yes I do ... I am going to have to work really hard to get rid of it all!

Baby is still head down, but it's back is now on the left side with the feet and arms on the right side. The baby is lying kind of sideways, but it's back is facing too much towards my back (for an optimal delivery position). So, I am not supposed to lay on my back at all anymore ... only on my left-hand side to encourage the baby to shift a little more so it's tummy is facing my back. I can also go swimming and float with my belly down to create more of a hammock for the baby to fall into ... that actually sounds kind of nice right now!

35 weeks!

Week Thirty-Five

The average baby weighs almost five and a half pounds now.

Most babies born now will survive and without many long-term problems.

Fat accumulations plumps up the arms and legs this week. These layers of fat will help him regulate his body temperature. They also provide those cute little dimples on elbows and knees!

Her hearing is fully developed, so be sure to talk to your daughter. Do you find yourself speaking in a high-pitched tone? That's okay since some studies show babies respond better to higher pitches.

It's getting crowded! Your baby is now taking up most of the uterus and you may even feel like your chest has run out of room! Soon enough though, baby will move down and you'll be able to breathe easily again (just not walk so easily! Ha!).

Your baby is 18.2 inches (46.2cm) long and weighs 5.3 pounds (2383gm).

Maybe it is all part of the preparation...

We are not getting ANY sleep these days! It takes me so long to get comfortable and when I finally do, the baby starts kicking up a storm and I have to move or I have to get up to go to the washroom or the alarm goes off.

Sandy has been a good sport about the tossing and turning ... although, he did call me a "floundering fish" last night!

Maybe this is nature's way of preparing us for the extreme lack of sleep that is sure to come our way one day soon.

Busy little bee ...

Both me and the baby!

This weekend I painted the front and back stairs, finished the roman shade for the baby's room, touched up all the trim in the house, vacuumed and mopped all three floors, did six or seven loads of laundry, cleaned both bathrooms, scrubbed the blinds, made muffins, and took Ryder on lots of walks! It was a busy weekend, but it feels great to have accomplished so much.

Tonight I was lying on the couch and Sandy was sitting on the carpet beside me talking to the baby. The little one started going crazy .... kicking and moving around all over the place! It was really nice to see all that movement because the baby has been kind of quiet the past couple of days. We were laughing so hard because whenever Sandy rested his head on my tummy, the baby karate kicked him in the side of the head.



*** On a separate note, my Grandpa underwent a major surgery today and came through successfully. We are very grateful to still have him with us....he's a tough one!

Week 34!

Week Thirty-Four

Your baby acts completely like a newborn, with her eyes opened when awake and closed when sleeping. You may also find her settling into more of a routine for sleeping & awake times.

She has learned to blink. She can also see more clearly when there is a bright light on your stomach and probably has the outline of all your organs memorized!

Antibodies from your blood are being tranferred to him. These immunities continue to build until birth. Then breastmilk will add even more protection against disease.

Your baby may have already turned to a head-down position in preparation for birth. If he is your first baby, he may be settling into the pelvis with his head pressing against your cervix.

Fingernails have reached the end of the fingertips now. She may scratch her face even before she is born!

Your little one's length is 17.7 inches (45cm) and weight is 4.7 pounds (2146 g).

oof!

I make that noise a lot these days. As the baby grows, it takes up more and more room (makes sense right? :) Our little baby has been head down with its bum up around my rib cage/diaphragm since the beginning. This is great news for a successful delivery, but it is also starting to get really uncomfortable!

The baby likes to push its little bum up and out (often!). So, there I'll be going about my daily business when all of a sudden, "OOF!" The right side of my belly goes way out and is rock hard...the baby's bum is right there...being pushed out as far as possible. Obviously, the baby really likes to do this because it happens A LOT.

It's still pretty cool to see the movement, but I feel like my torso needs to be a lot longer to accomodate this particular move. I wonder what it's going to feel like over the next couple of weeks as the baby gets even bigger!!!

33 weeks 5 days

That's how far I am today. And, here is the crazy part .... a good friend of mine had her baby 6 weeks ago when she exactly this far along. Her due date is actually tomorrow! She spent two weeks in the hospital with her baby boy but he is home now and doing well. When he was born, he weighed 5 pounds and now he is up around 7 pounds. We are very happy for their family.

At the same time, I can't believe that is about how big our baby is right now!!! Until this little one is actually born, I think I will still be in a bit of denial about the fact that we are really and truly going to have a baby!!!