Another great doctor appointment! 37 weeks!

Yesterday Nic and I went to the doc. We're on weekly appointments now. Everything was spectacular as usual. We saw the missus instead of the mister. I think we'll be back to mister next week. She had us cracking up as usual. We were chatting about all the things that aren't talked about regarding pregnancy, delivery and post partum recovery. It was refreshing to see that she, even as an OB doctor, didn't know everything going into her pregnancy either. It was pretty comical.

We did the typical weigh in, blood pressure and fundle heights. Those stats coming a little lower. She also confirmed what I suspected last Wednesday. The boy did, in fact, drop! How exciting! She felt his head while I was laying down and said that he was most definitely engaged. All signs read go! Another big positive is that I am GBS NEGATIVE! From what I understand, this is a very common bacteria present in the birth canal. It's this bacteria that leads doctors to want baby OUT within 24 hours of the water breaking. Since I tested negative, we aren't too concerned about an infection and I wont need antibiotics during labor. Another nice thing is that I wont be in a rush to get to the hospital. The doc made it very clear that I can stay at home as long as I'm comfortable and if it happens late at night that I don't need to call until morning. Ahhh, what a relief. I really would like this labor to go smoothly and let my body lead the way. I'm very thankful that I have doctors that agree and all three of us feel that medical intervention should be a last resort. It's very comforting.

When we talked about the contractions I've had this last week and where I was feeling them, she gave me a few pointers and positions to try. Turns out, that's exactly what I did. :-D I was feeling it a lot in my back so I got on my hands and knees. A little hip swaying felt much better too. Both things she suggested. She also said that counter pressure would have been a big help too. I couldn't help but chuckle and give Nic a knowing look. The morning after the contractions (when I was telling Nic about them) I had told him that I would have loved to have him pushing on my back but I didn't want to wake him up. It was nice to hear her suggestions and was even more reassuring knowing that my body knew what it needed and I could, again, follow its lead.

So that's the gist of it. This is a belly picture that I took once we got home from the doctor. Getting big and more and more low everyday.


So, here are the stats...
How far along? 37 Weeks 3 Days
Total weight gain: 28 pounds!!! I had a 2 pound increase this week. It kinda washes with the 1 pound increase I had for the 2 week period last appointment. Yeah, that's it! Actually, I think it's because the boy dropped. Since I've had the extra room, my appetite has been out of control. I never feel full anymore. I made myself a 1.5 lb. steak last night and still went back for a giant bowl of cereal. Yeah, cereal has been another big craving lately. I just can't get enough! I told Nic that I could easily see how some women gain 60 pounds! If I felt like this the whole time, I would be a blimp!
Maternity clothes?: Ha! Barely. I rarely leave the house anymore. There's so much to do here and very few reasons to get me out in this winter weather. I have my favorite jeans, several sweaters and shirts to rotate through but at home I'm in tshirts and pj pants. :-D A girl has to stay comfy!
Sleep: What sleep? I kid, kinda. I'm good until about 3 or 4 AM. Then hips ache, arms/hands tingle, full bladder begs to be emptied and contractions kick in. I think the contraction have something to do with a full bladder and lack of fluids those hours that I'm sleeping. As soon as I relieve myself and quench the desert in my mouth, they go away. I do sleep with a liter of water on my nightstand but I don't wake up until the contractions are starting. I still don't know if that's good or bad. All I know is the end is near!
Best moment this week: Nic telling me about his Daddy bonding time with the boy while I was asleep. Such a sweet moment!
Movement: Yes but much less. Of course this isn't a concern to the doctor. He is clearly running out of space in there. I still feel him several times a day and much more in the evening and when I'm getting ready for bed. It wont be a concern unless I feel him less than 3 times in an hour. This boy far surpasses that!
Gender: Boy! Without a doubt!
Labor Signs: What signs don't I have?! I've lost the plug, have dropped, get regular contractions through the night, you name it, I've had it! The only thing I'm lacking at this point is actual labor!
Belly Button in or out? Out by about 1/4 of an inch. Barely anything.
What I miss: Oh many, many things! Belly sleeping, sleeping at all, sitting on the couch comfortably, sitting at all (I can't rotate my hips since he's dropped. I just perch on the edge of chairs) ribs that don't ache, peeing like a normal person, normal sized ankles, hands that don't tingle, feeling my finger tips, typing without a million type-o's, being able to walk upright without back aches, getting out of the house, being productive, having energy, hmmm....I should probably stop now.
What I am looking forward to: The opposite of everything listed above! ;-) Oh and having a precious little boy in my arms.
Weekly Wisdom: The end is hard no matter what! The outcome is worth it!
Milestones: Dropping! Woo-Hoo! Another step closer!
Fundle height: 37cm
Mama's waist size: 42 1/2 inches! Holy crap!!!! It's amazing what a woman's body can do. I look forward to seeing what happens post partum!

OOPS! I swore I wouldn't be the one...

...that had the false alarm! I figured, I know my body. I'll know what it's doing. Hmm...I guess not.

On Friday I had some signs of labor. Not contractions but 'other' signs. I'm leaving out specifics for those that get grossed out easily (Dad, Mara, other squeamish people). I really didn't think it was a big deal but liked that my body was preparing for the tough job ahead. I knew this meant that labor could start anywhere from within the following days to weeks. I really wasn't concerned.

Saturday night, I had some wicked cramping. It woke me from a sound sleep twice. The first time, the pain in my back was so severe, I could only be relieved on my hands and knees. Believe it or not, I actually fell asleep like that. I was on my knees and elbows with my forehead on my pillow and my butt in the air! Talk about funny looking! But I didn't care. I was finally comfortable and it was 4 in the morning! Nic didn't even see me like that (sleeping soundly) so what did it matter?!

Sunday morning, I was having my cup of coffee with Nic on the couch. All of a sudden, I felt...uh...wet. Pregnancy does some strange things to your body. This wasn't exactly a new symptom so I changed my undies and continued with my morning. Within about 30 minutes, it happened again. This time I started to get a little concerned that I had a slow leak. Not my bladder, my amniotic fluid. I knew that it didn't always happen in a gush like the movies because the babies head could act like a plug. I decided to lay down for a little bit and see if it happened again when I got up. Well, it did. Not much but still enough to concern me.

I should also mention that this particular Sunday was the magic Sunday. The one in which I'm officially 36 weeks. The one in which there is a point of no return. Once 36 weeks, if labor starts, my doctor wouldn't stop it! Oh crap! That's when the freak out started. I wasn't ready. I really, really, really wasn't ready. Nic did a great job of keeping me calm and was very supportive but all I kept thinking about was the things I hadn't done yet.

The nursery isn't finished (which isn't so much of a concern) but I hadn't started washing the new baby clothes because I didn't have anywhere to put them. I haven't finalized my order for the cloth diapers we'll be using, meaning we had nothing for this little guys tush. I felt like that house was a mess (really not a big concern but it became an issue when I felt unprepared). It's really not. I just have Christmas boxes around. We still haven't met with the pediatrician. There were a few things that I need to exchange that are baby related. I need the infant insert for the Ergo baby carrier. We still haven't really decided on a name. Oh, the list goes on and on. It's all a bit overwhelming when you thought you had a little longer.

Thankfully my water didn't break and I could relax. While we were at the hospital, they did a NST which is a Non Stress Test. They wanted to hear the babies heart beat, feel him move and see if I was having any contractions. Well, little man behaved wonderfully. His heart rate was averaging 130 and spiked to the 150's (which is what they wanted to see). He moved several times. Even a few that Daddy could see from across the room! I wasn't having contractions but I do have an irritable uterus. I wasn't told to be completely still, so it could be the fact that Nic was making me laugh and I was moving some. In any case, it was nothing to be alarmed about and our wonderful nurse Audra asked me to drink more fluids and rest more. I could manage that.

As we were getting ready to leave, Audra told me that the doc wanted me to call first thing in the morning to set up a time for me to go in for a wellness checkup. I told her that I had an appointment set for Tuesday but she insisted that the doc wanted to see me tomorrow (Monday) and said that she might consider waiting til the scheduled appointment but to call anyway.

I called the office first thing the next day and sure enough, she wanted to see me ASAP. It wasn't anything crazy urgent but she just wanted to chat and check me over. We did all the usual stuff. Check for proteins in the urine...none. Weigh me...only 1 pound in 2 weeks. Yippee! Measure the fundle height...36cm. Perfect Perfect. Listen to the heartbeat...always wonderful! Check for GBS (Group B Strep)...not fun. Should know by our next appointment. She told me that I was perfect and that it's always nice to have a patient so easy and healthy. She also said that she's going to yell at Dr. E for hogging the good patients! She really cracks me up. I love that I'm so comfortable with my docs. We also talked about what happened and said that it's nothing to worry about. Better to be safe than sorry. She also gave me a few tips on what to look for and when it's absolutely urgent to call. So, it's all good.

Overall, even though I feel a little silly, I'm kinda glad it happened. It's lit a fire under my tush to get some baby related things done. I know I can't do everything and I should still be resting but I need to prepare as though it can be any day. There are some things that will need to be DONE when he gets here. I also like that I was able to see the L&D section of the hospital. Of course it's a closed ward but because of the H1N1 hoopla, I couldn't take a tour and meet the staff. It was a little daunting not knowing what to expect. But, I saw it. Not all of it but enough to have a mental picture. I was also able to meet a few of the nursing staff. They were all very kind and personable. I'm glad I'm comfortable with them too. It should make the birthing experience a relaxed one. Exactly what I was hoping for.


So, it wouldn't really be a post if I didn't include some pictures. :-D This is one from a set I didn't care for. The attempt was for a Christmas card photo but Nic was being uncooperative. He laughs and says he couldn't help it. Every time he was needed to look at the camera and smile, he made this awful face because we were looking into the sun. The outtakes are pretty funny but I didn't even bother editing them! It was such a beautiful day and my results were only mediocre. Eh...we'll try again. I'm hoping with enough time to send out Christmas cards!


Here are a couple others from my 35 weeks set. (A week ago.) Nic was the photographer behind these. I think it's a neat little sequence. :-)












Have a great day!

35/35

The Belly! Oy, is it getting bigger! We had a doctor appointment this past Tuesday. everything is going well. I'm growing right on track. Little man is healthy and all is good. We talked about many things. Contraceptives while this little man is still an infant, how big he was at the last ultrasound, what to expect for delivery, swelling, hand tingling...ya know, all the fun stuff.

Here are a couple pictures, then we'll get back to the chatty stuff.




Since I want to exclusively breast feed, it sort of limits my options on birth control. The only 2 choices I'd really consider would be the mini pill (progesterone only) or an IUD. Well, after a good amount of reading the other night. I don't really feel comfortable with an IUD until we're fairly confident that we're done expanding our family. It seems convenient to not have to remember a pill everyday and it can stay in place for up to 5 years but the risks are a little scary. Infection, uterine perforation/implantation, ectopic pregnancy, decreased fertility...not all that comforting considering we'd like to have more children (or a child). Not to mention that it could also eliminate menstrual cycles and take up to 8 months to regulate to the point of being able to conceive. When we're ready to start trying again, I wouldn't want to wait another 8 months and possibly then some to get pregnant again. The mini pill has it's own down falls but they aren't nearly as severe. The biggest one I would see is the timing and effectiveness. It needs to be taken everyday within a 3 hour period of the previous day. Even then, it's only 87-95% effective. Since we would like our kids to be close in age, I would rather a pleasant surprise of being a little closer than planned than having issues conceiving and having them further apart. Nic seems to agree. I realize that these choices aren't uniform for every family but we feel that it'll work for us.

This past doctor appointment was the first since we had the sizing ultrasound. I was finally able to chat with the doctor about his size and what to expect. It turns out that he's measuring in the 82nd percentile for growth. At our 18 week ultrasound he was in the 60th percentile. We can see this little guy is on a steep curve. The doc doesn't seem to be worried though. He says that we don't need to worry about complications until he hits the 95th percentile. He's also guessing that we'll have a baby that weighs mid to high 8's. Definitely do-able.

Even though this dude seems to be growing well the doc seems to think that he'll still be fashionably late. I haven't had any internal exams and wont unless we suspect any issues. The tardiness is just the docs guess based on the fact that I'm a first time mom. By all means, I would like his birthday to be as far from Christmas as possible, I really like his due date and I really don't want him getting any bigger than he needs to be! I'd love to avoid a c-section at all costs. :-) Doc told me that we will talk about induction at my January 12th appointment if I make it that long. I'd officially be 40 weeks 2 days then.

All else is just normal late term pregnancy stuff. I have minor swelling if I'm on my feet for long periods of time. It goes away after a short time sitting or elevating my feet. I have hand tingling that can be pretty uncomfortable. I guess it's a form of carpal tunnel or something. Mainly it's just nerve pressure. It's mostly in my hands but at times I can feel it in my armpits and it effects my arms as well. It's such a strange sensation to have the palms of my hands numb for most of the day. It gets a little frustrating when it wakes me up but that's not often. Only a little longer. I'm trying to enjoy as much of this experience as possible. I know I'm only going to be pregnant so many times and I would like to say that it was a wonderful experience.

Today is a big milestone. It's one of the biggies leading up to labor. It's officially my 35/35! Hmm....do some of you not know what that is? It means I am finally 35 weeks along with only 35 days to go! Whew! It makes me excited and nervous all at the same time. So many things are going to change. So many things are going to be surprises. So many things to think about. So many things still yet to do. He's running out of room and his movements have changed yet again. He doesn't kick me anymore. There aren't sudden pops and pokes. He stretches, rolls and moves. I can tell the difference between a butt and a foot. Knees and feet still feel pretty much the same. It's very obvious when he rolls over but I think that's because he mostly stays head down with his feet on my right. It's rare and short lived that he kicks his feet over to my left. I don't want to wish away this pregnancy because I really have enjoyed it but I'm getting to the point where I want an outside baby. :-) I know he needs to be in longer to be fully developed but I'm eager to cuddle and love on him. Just a little longer!

Another really cool thing happened this past week. Nic was able to hear his heartbeat. We've been able to hear it at every baby appointment and every ultrasound but this was different. On Tuesday the 1st, after our doctor appointment, Nic and I were snuggling on the couch. When I asked him if he could hear the heartbeat he got on his knees next to me and put his ear to my belly. At first he was listening a little high and couldn't hear it. When I told him to position himself over his back (my lower left side) he said he was able to hear it clear as a bell! He then put his head on my chest just to make sure he was hearing the baby and not my heartbeat. He said that it was very different and that mine was much slower. Then he went back to listening to his boy for a while. It's exciting to see Nic experience something in this pregnancy that I can't. For so much of it, it's been me experiencing things that he can't. As much as I would have loved to be apart of that listening experience, I'm glad he got that one all to himself. ;-)

The official updates:
How far along? 35 Weeks! 35 Days to go!
Total weight gain: 26 pounds!!! I'm doing great! I hear it's pretty common to lose a few pounds in the last week too but even if I don't and I keep gaining until the end, I'm happy. I think I've managed myself well and shouldn't have too many troubles getting the weight back off.
Maternity clothes? Yes, for some time now. I was nervous having so few at first but mix it up enough and a little goes a long way.
Sleep: Going pretty well. I still wake myself up when I need to roll over but I think it's just because it's not too easy to get this giant belly to move. Not too many potty breaks either. If I do get up before it's time to get up, it's right before Nic's alarm goes off. Figures. At least I get a little snuggle time in the AM and can groggily keep him company as he gets ready.
Best moment this week: Nic hearing the heartbeat with his ear on my belly. That was really neat!
Movement: Yup and it's changed yet again. The little guy is running out of space in there.
Gender: Boy! Without a doubt!
Labor Signs: None that I'm sure of. We're going to be skipping internal exams so I wont know if I'm dialating and effacing before the actual labor. I have been having a little bit of a crampy feeling in my lower belly (practically in my hip) but it's a constant discomfort not something that comes and goes. It doesn't usually last long. Maybe an hour or two. So far so good and little guy is staying put.
Belly Button in or out? Still pretty flat but out if anything.
What I miss: Belly sleeping, walking without getting tired, going up stairs without getting winded, emptying my bladder completely (the constant urge to pee is quite annoying!), being able to function as a normal person and sitting on the couch without rib and back pain. As soon as I get comfy, this little man desides to play footsies with my ribs which then radiates to my back. Ahh...soon I will miss being pregnant and these little nuances will feel like just that...little nuances.
What I am looking forward to: Having a cute and cuddly little man to hug and kiss!
Weekly Wisdom: I don't think it'll change. Patience, take it easy and everything will come together at the right time.
Milestones: 35/35!
Fundle height: 35cm
Mama's waist size: Going to fill this out as soon as I get my tape!

I'm looking forward to doing a belly cast. I would like to have a reminder of where this little guy came from and what mama went through during the process.

Where have I been?

Shoot it's been a busy week and then some! I've been wanting to BLOG for days...scratch that...weeks!!! So much has happened. Let me share a few things with you.

1) I finally started my career as a professional photographer. It's going to be a slow, long road but I've started the journey. I was asked to take some photos for a real estate project. They decided to buy 7 images! Woo-Hoo!!! That very same week, I signed up on google business. I listed kristiinasheree.com on the google maps as a photographer in Windsor, Vermont. Within 6 days I received a proposal for a wedding next summer. This one hasn't landed in contract yet but I'm on my way.

2) I am done with work. I have mixed feelings on this one. I'm excited to be done. I'm nervous to no longer have the income. I'm relieved I have more time to prepare. I feel the need to pull the purse strings a little tighter which pretty much limits how much I can prepare. I like that I'll be able to relax and enjoy the end of my pregnancy. I can't help but think the decrease in activity will make labor a little harder. So many things spinning around in there... It'll get better. It'll all come together. Even if the nursery isn't done when he gets here, I'll have a couple months before I'll need to use it on a regular basis. Now let if we/I have the time with a newborn.

3) We refinished our wood floors on the whole first floor. Zoinks! What was that? Yeah. The. Whole. First. Floor. What were we thinking? We are on a tight schedule here. The impending birth of our first child only countable weeks away. What were we thinking?! We have had to strip the kitchen floor of peel and stick tiles, plywood and laminate. After a heat gun, various tools, hand scraping and a whole of of sand paper, the kitchen was ready for finishing. We also found a patch in the oak with pieces of maple. Interesting... Thank goodness it's where we intend on putting in a few pantry cabinets. It shouldn't show. I must say. It looks fantastic! It's the original oak to the 1930 build. It looks brand spanking new but with character. The wood in the sun room is fir. That turned out to have a lot more red in it than I thought it would. Also very pretty. Wouldn't you know, we discovered a roof leak in the sun room within days of having the floors finished. Talk about freak out! But all is well, no marks on the floor. It looks so good, we're going to arrange the furniture differently and Nic's itching to do the upstairs too. (but it's been put on the to do list with a much lower priority) It's also lit a bit of a fire under his butt to do inside renovations this winter. He wants to work on refinishing the trim so that it all looks good together. Gotta love that man! I am glad we did it. We got one heck of a deal on it. Only minor inconveniences. I will be happy tonight when I have my kitchen back and the refrigerator is out of the basement. Yeah. The basement. That's where my stove is too. I've never wanted to cook so bad in my life. I'm so sick of take-out, restaurant food and whatever is ready made or microwaveable. Ugh.

4) I harvested carrots. They are too cool. I planted a row of short and sweet. I have so much carrots! I have gumball size that will be frozen for soups and stocks. I have some that will be used for muffins, breads, cookies and cakes. (The way carrots should be enjoyed!) I'm sure I'll use some for salads and dinners too but what fun is that?! I definitely plan on planting another row next year!

5) My checklist of updates:

How far along? 29 weeks 1 day
Total weight gain: 16 pounds so far but we'll see tomorrow at the next check up.
Maternity clothes? Yes, for some time now.
Sleep: Is going well. No midnight potty breaks. Not many aches (hips and ribs on occasion). He woke me up the other morning jumping around. It was the first time his movement disturbed my sleep. Still laughable. Ask me about it again in a couple weeks.
Best moment this week: The nightly belly rubs from Nic. He's been very helpful putting on the cocoa butter before bed and feeling his little man kick.
Movement: Tons and Tons! I've been feeling all kinds of rolls, jabs, kicks, hickups, you name it, I felt it. A lot in the ribs that don't hurt yet and several to the bladder. That is an interesting feeling! I think I can now start to feel body parts. I can tell head from butt from feet. Sometimes it feels like he's stretching his neck and moving his head from side to side. So cool!
Gender: Boy!
Labor Signs: None thankfully. I think I may have felt a few braxton hicks but nothing painful. My belly gets tight for a few moments then it's soft again. I can only guess, that's what it is.
Belly Button in or out? Out. It was mostly flat up until 2 nights ago. Then I noticed that it's ever so slightly an outie now. Hmm...I wonder how far out it will end up going?!
What I miss: Belly sleeping. I love love love sleeping on my belly. Sometimes I just can't get comfy on my side.
What I am looking forward to: Getting more of the nursery finished. I feel so behind.
Weekly Wisdom: Don't spaz. It'll all come together.
Milestones: Identifying body parts from the outside. So cool!


This is me at 28 weeks 1 day. It's flying by!

New Belly Picture!!!

I've been meaning to do a belly picture for a while. Of course the photographer in me wanted a certain shot. I couldn't find my backdrops (still can't find my backdrops) and the days passed by. I hated that the days were passing me by and I wasn't documenting what this growing boy is doing to my body. Hmm...that sounded as though I'm not happy with the changes but that isn't the case. I'm enjoying watching my belly grow and am curious about the new discoveries each day. I still feel great and so far pregnancy is agreeing with me. I'm still having minor back aches and a little discomfort when I sleep but nothing to worry about. I'm still not sure if I'll even bring it up to the doctor at tomorrows appointment.

Oh yeah, since I couldn't find the backdrops that I wanted, I decided to take the picture so that you can see the fall colors outside behind me. I'm standing in our sun room and even Nic thought I took this picture outside. This was a difficult self portrait to take. On this day, I'm officially 25 weeks 2 days...and I must mention that these are NOT maternity jeans! Granted they are a little tight but they still fit. Yippee! Can we say, carrying low? Enjoy. :-)