Ugh, no change.
But I guess that's fine. I don't think I can get much more than 80% effaced.
The doctor couldn't tell how dilated I am because my cervix was moving around. What does that mean??? She didn't seem concerned, so I'm not either. I'm just happy that she didn't keep trying!!
I am negative for Group B Strep.
I wonder if anyone will notice if I take a nap now. It's not like I'm being productive with work!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
38 Weeks
The good: A healthy moving baby. Nothing can be better than this!
The bad: I’m uncomfortable and sleepy all that stuff. But it’s not going to last forever.
The ugly: I’m getting afraid again. I spend so much time just being thankful for what I have. The May birth board is full of sad stories right now – it seems so many babies are suddenly not moving and the moms have to go to the doctor knowing what they will hear. Each one breaks my heart and can’t imagine just starting this journey now – and with a heavier heart. I’ve started avoiding the board because of the sad stories. I shouldn’t complain about any of my minor aches and pains. They don’t matter.
Tomorrow is my 38 week appointment. My MIL wants to go with me since M is in training. I don’t want her to go. I know she would love it, but I’ll be getting an internal check and sitting there with that paper towel that cannot cover me anymore. She said she could come and just sit in the waiting room… I don’t know. She stresses me out because she constantly voices her fears about things. I can’t be the one to calm her down when she is stressed out about MY labor. If the baby is having a good day tomorrow, I’ll be fine. If the baby is quiet all day, I’ll ask her to be there in the waiting room. She’s not really the person I would want by my side in case of bad news… but she’s better than being alone. She’s a great person, but I would feel the need to comfort HER – that’s too hard.
The bad: I’m uncomfortable and sleepy all that stuff. But it’s not going to last forever.
The ugly: I’m getting afraid again. I spend so much time just being thankful for what I have. The May birth board is full of sad stories right now – it seems so many babies are suddenly not moving and the moms have to go to the doctor knowing what they will hear. Each one breaks my heart and can’t imagine just starting this journey now – and with a heavier heart. I’ve started avoiding the board because of the sad stories. I shouldn’t complain about any of my minor aches and pains. They don’t matter.
Tomorrow is my 38 week appointment. My MIL wants to go with me since M is in training. I don’t want her to go. I know she would love it, but I’ll be getting an internal check and sitting there with that paper towel that cannot cover me anymore. She said she could come and just sit in the waiting room… I don’t know. She stresses me out because she constantly voices her fears about things. I can’t be the one to calm her down when she is stressed out about MY labor. If the baby is having a good day tomorrow, I’ll be fine. If the baby is quiet all day, I’ll ask her to be there in the waiting room. She’s not really the person I would want by my side in case of bad news… but she’s better than being alone. She’s a great person, but I would feel the need to comfort HER – that’s too hard.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Nursery Pictures
Here are a few pictures of our little nursery. It is a tiny room in the front of the house.
Another view of the room with the new bookshelf and the glider. It all just barely fits!
The cute crib and the froggie pictures. I kept a calendar from 2007 to use in the baby's room. I think it looks so good!
My changing table. Am I actually looking forward to changing diapers???
Another view of the room with the new bookshelf and the glider. It all just barely fits!
Childbirth Class 4
I graduated from childbirth class! Hooray!
I don’t have much to say about the last class. We had a pediatrician come in to talk for a little while. She was nice and talked about the normal stuff. I didn’t agree with everything she said, but I liked hearing her opinion on things. My mom was with me (she’s a nurse) and she asked a few questions. She already knew the answers to the questions, but she’s also an educator… so she asked for everyone else.
Then we went on the tour, which I did with M a few weeks ago. Nothing new there. I cried when I saw a baby. My mom liked seeing everything and knowing where she had to go.
We finished the nursery on Sunday (pictures soon!) and installed the car seat. I sterilized all the breast feeding equipment. I love it! My house looks like we could have a baby in it soon!
M is away this week for his training and I’m holding the baby in. I’m emotional about not seeing him and feeling good about the baby not coming during this week. We’re almost halfway through! He’s stressed that I’m going to call him in the middle of the day and he’ll miss the birth. I told him not to worry. This trip is so strange. His old job had a lot of travel, but it was usually half-way around the world. I couldn’t talk to him for long, but we could email because he had a blackberry. This time, he’s still in the same time zone (and really close – I used to have a longer daily commute!). We talk a few times a day. Four nights isn’t really that long. Just two to go!
I don’t have much to say about the last class. We had a pediatrician come in to talk for a little while. She was nice and talked about the normal stuff. I didn’t agree with everything she said, but I liked hearing her opinion on things. My mom was with me (she’s a nurse) and she asked a few questions. She already knew the answers to the questions, but she’s also an educator… so she asked for everyone else.
Then we went on the tour, which I did with M a few weeks ago. Nothing new there. I cried when I saw a baby. My mom liked seeing everything and knowing where she had to go.
We finished the nursery on Sunday (pictures soon!) and installed the car seat. I sterilized all the breast feeding equipment. I love it! My house looks like we could have a baby in it soon!
M is away this week for his training and I’m holding the baby in. I’m emotional about not seeing him and feeling good about the baby not coming during this week. We’re almost halfway through! He’s stressed that I’m going to call him in the middle of the day and he’ll miss the birth. I told him not to worry. This trip is so strange. His old job had a lot of travel, but it was usually half-way around the world. I couldn’t talk to him for long, but we could email because he had a blackberry. This time, he’s still in the same time zone (and really close – I used to have a longer daily commute!). We talk a few times a day. Four nights isn’t really that long. Just two to go!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
37 Week appointment and internal check
I’m progressing! Hooray!
1-2 centimeters dilated! 80% effaced! Baby has definitely dropped!
Ok, so here is my experience with the Group B strep and the internal check. I was so afraid that these things were going to be painful and terrible. I was sweating like crazy. I told M that this was going to be bad.
The Group B test was about 2 seconds. She stuck the swab up there and then just barely skimmed the outside of my butt. Nothing went up that one. I actually laughed a little and told her that was nothing like I was prepared for. Whew! Do not be afraid of the Group B test!
The internal check was a little more involved. She said the baby’s head was in the way so she had trouble reaching my cervix. It was less uncomfortable than a pap smear. So I don’t want one every day, but also it is no reason to panic.
1-2 centimeters dilated! 80% effaced! Baby has definitely dropped!
Ok, so here is my experience with the Group B strep and the internal check. I was so afraid that these things were going to be painful and terrible. I was sweating like crazy. I told M that this was going to be bad.
The Group B test was about 2 seconds. She stuck the swab up there and then just barely skimmed the outside of my butt. Nothing went up that one. I actually laughed a little and told her that was nothing like I was prepared for. Whew! Do not be afraid of the Group B test!
The internal check was a little more involved. She said the baby’s head was in the way so she had trouble reaching my cervix. It was less uncomfortable than a pap smear. So I don’t want one every day, but also it is no reason to panic.
37 Weeks
The good: The kid is doing great. Lots of movement! I feel like my stomach is one of those massage chairs. If you have any back pain, just lean against my right side and a foot will give you a deep tissue massage.
The bad: I don’t like riding in cars now. Anything more than 15 minutes is terrible. Bumpy roads make me want to cry. The baby HATES seatbelts, so I kind of hold the lab belt out from the bottom of my belly the whole time.
The ugly: I’m angry a lot. I’m still happy, but my fuse is shorter than normal and I’m more likely to say the mean sarcastic comments that I’m thinking. Sorry about that, everyone I know (sort of).
Today is my 37 week appointment. I’ll get my first internal check and the Group B strep test. I’m not excited about either of those, but I do want to know if we have any progress. I’m hoping for something. M hopes the baby will be late.
My MIL called M last night while we were at Ikea (hooray!). She called our house at 7 pm, M’s cell at 8, and again at 9. By the time he answered the last call, she was FREAKING OUT. She thought I was in labor and we hadn’t called them. This makes me want to not call them when I go into labor.
The bad: I don’t like riding in cars now. Anything more than 15 minutes is terrible. Bumpy roads make me want to cry. The baby HATES seatbelts, so I kind of hold the lab belt out from the bottom of my belly the whole time.
The ugly: I’m angry a lot. I’m still happy, but my fuse is shorter than normal and I’m more likely to say the mean sarcastic comments that I’m thinking. Sorry about that, everyone I know (sort of).
Today is my 37 week appointment. I’ll get my first internal check and the Group B strep test. I’m not excited about either of those, but I do want to know if we have any progress. I’m hoping for something. M hopes the baby will be late.
My MIL called M last night while we were at Ikea (hooray!). She called our house at 7 pm, M’s cell at 8, and again at 9. By the time he answered the last call, she was FREAKING OUT. She thought I was in labor and we hadn’t called them. This makes me want to not call them when I go into labor.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Childbirth Class 3
Last night’s childbirth class was much calmer than the one we had last week. We just sat in the chairs and listened and watched videos. We learned all about epidurals and c-sections and all the other gory things.
We watched a video that showed a birth with narcotic medication, a birth with an epidural and a c-section. They were not gory or graphic (thank goodness). I cried every time the baby came out. I might have thrown up a little in my mouth when I got to watch a model of a c-section. But anyway, I was kind of embarrassed about my crying. M did not cry. I am going to be a mess when this baby gets here. Those little slimy, wrinkly babies! I’m crying a little now!
In other news, I had a good night of sleep last night. I think my exhaustion finally caught up with me. I’ve given up on my alarm clock and just get up close to when I am supposed to. I’d rather get 30 minutes of sleep than be on time for work. I’m so lucky that I don’t have set hours that I need to be at work. Whew!
We watched a video that showed a birth with narcotic medication, a birth with an epidural and a c-section. They were not gory or graphic (thank goodness). I cried every time the baby came out. I might have thrown up a little in my mouth when I got to watch a model of a c-section. But anyway, I was kind of embarrassed about my crying. M did not cry. I am going to be a mess when this baby gets here. Those little slimy, wrinkly babies! I’m crying a little now!
In other news, I had a good night of sleep last night. I think my exhaustion finally caught up with me. I’ve given up on my alarm clock and just get up close to when I am supposed to. I’d rather get 30 minutes of sleep than be on time for work. I’m so lucky that I don’t have set hours that I need to be at work. Whew!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Middle of the night ranting
This might not make sense. I apologize in advance. It's 1:27 am and I am wide awake. I'm so tired that I'm almost in tears. I'm freezing cold and my back is sweaty. I want to sleep for days, but I just can't.
I think my time is almost up. My MIL told me yesterday that the baby dropped. Who knows if she's right. I can breathe better and the baby's movements are lower than before.
I can't stop thinking about what I need to do. My list for stuff at home really isn't that long and isn't anything to stress over. I need to pack my bag and sterilize my pumping stuff. That is all I feel that I NEED to do before the baby gets here. I'd like to have the interior windows all painted, but that's not on MY to-do list anyway. My work list is crazy long, but all I really need to do is sit down with the people taking over the projects and give them an update. Then I can leave work with a clear conscience.
I have spent 5 of the last 6 days with my inlaws. Do I really need to say anything else about that? They are amazing people and did SO much work. We have 17 windows and doors in our house that needed the interior trim finished (wood filler, caulking, some drywall work, priming and painting). 14 of those are finished because my inlaws were helping M. Two of the last three are in the basement. Ideally, they'd all be done before the baby arrives, but the main work is complete and what's left can be done without disturbing an infant.
I just wish I could sleep.
I think my time is almost up. My MIL told me yesterday that the baby dropped. Who knows if she's right. I can breathe better and the baby's movements are lower than before.
I can't stop thinking about what I need to do. My list for stuff at home really isn't that long and isn't anything to stress over. I need to pack my bag and sterilize my pumping stuff. That is all I feel that I NEED to do before the baby gets here. I'd like to have the interior windows all painted, but that's not on MY to-do list anyway. My work list is crazy long, but all I really need to do is sit down with the people taking over the projects and give them an update. Then I can leave work with a clear conscience.
I have spent 5 of the last 6 days with my inlaws. Do I really need to say anything else about that? They are amazing people and did SO much work. We have 17 windows and doors in our house that needed the interior trim finished (wood filler, caulking, some drywall work, priming and painting). 14 of those are finished because my inlaws were helping M. Two of the last three are in the basement. Ideally, they'd all be done before the baby arrives, but the main work is complete and what's left can be done without disturbing an infant.
I just wish I could sleep.
Friday, April 16, 2010
We will prevail
Today is another remembering day for me (and lots of others). April 16, 2007 is high on the list of the saddest days in my life. I’m thinking of all those families missing their children or their parents. I remember feeling so shaken, that something like this could happen at a place that I hold so close to my heart. The Virginia Tech campus has always been a safe place for me, like home, where you just feel free to breathe. Could one person take that away from all of us? I don’t think he did. We’ve been to Blacksburg twice since the shootings. The first time was hard – we walked through the memorial and wondered how engineering students spent their days now that Norris Hall doesn’t have classes anymore. I have so many memories (not all good) of that building – classes and tests and stress and friends. I got asked out on a date in there. You know how when you read a book and you picture the setting, and that setting is usually a place you are familiar with? When I read a book that has a classroom scene, it is always a classroom in Norris Hall. You can’t even look at that building, in the center of campus, without remembering.
I guess you never really lose the fear that something will happen to your child. I was afraid last night when the baby wouldn’t wake up for M when he finally had a minute to relax. I was fairly sure all was well – I’d just felt hiccups 10 minutes before. I’ll always be nervous when this baby is out of my sight. I’ll have to trust that s/he will grow up with a strong sense of right and wrong, but what about other people? I can’t always be there…
So all you Hokies out there … Let’s Go! Hokies!
Who ever thought that a football cheer would stir up so many emotions?
I guess you never really lose the fear that something will happen to your child. I was afraid last night when the baby wouldn’t wake up for M when he finally had a minute to relax. I was fairly sure all was well – I’d just felt hiccups 10 minutes before. I’ll always be nervous when this baby is out of my sight. I’ll have to trust that s/he will grow up with a strong sense of right and wrong, but what about other people? I can’t always be there…
So all you Hokies out there … Let’s Go! Hokies!
Who ever thought that a football cheer would stir up so many emotions?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Belly Pics
So I promised to put up some pictures. I think if I didn't have this blog, I would never take pictures. So thanks for that.
We'll do side by side.
34 weeks is in blue pants, which make my butt look ginormous. Black pants ( at 36 weeks) truely are slimming!
We'll do side by side.
34 weeks is in blue pants, which make my butt look ginormous. Black pants ( at 36 weeks) truely are slimming!
Next, we can take a look from the front. It looks like no change from this view.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
36 Weeks
Ok, I was supposed to have everything ready by today. I am a little bit behind and I am placing all the blame on home renovation projects. The nursery is set up again, but it’s not finished and cute yet. I’m not sure how to convince M that getting a bookshelf is more important than painting the interior trim in the living room… I guess I’ll have to wait on that one.
The good: Baby dreams. I have dreams a few nights a week that I have a normal, healthy newborn. This is totally crazy for me. Up until now, most of my dreams have been wacko children that are full grown or talk to me in a deep voice or whatever. I am also craving jell-o. I made a huge batch and I just leave the spoon sitting in the bowl in the fridge. It satisfies my hunger and thirst in one! It is refreshing! It is green!
The bad: The usual. Hips hurting and bad sleeping. I’m huge. I will be taking a belly picture tonight and I will do my best to actually post it.
The ugly: I think this baby wants to be born through the top of my uterus, or possibly the side. The baby is constantly pushing out. I think it is stretching and it is painful! Today isn’t so bad, but yesterday made me feel like I was getting beat up. I’m pretty sure my birth experience is going to be less like the books and more like the movies.
My new favorite blog. I hate that she stopped posting a few years ago.
The good: Baby dreams. I have dreams a few nights a week that I have a normal, healthy newborn. This is totally crazy for me. Up until now, most of my dreams have been wacko children that are full grown or talk to me in a deep voice or whatever. I am also craving jell-o. I made a huge batch and I just leave the spoon sitting in the bowl in the fridge. It satisfies my hunger and thirst in one! It is refreshing! It is green!
The bad: The usual. Hips hurting and bad sleeping. I’m huge. I will be taking a belly picture tonight and I will do my best to actually post it.
The ugly: I think this baby wants to be born through the top of my uterus, or possibly the side. The baby is constantly pushing out. I think it is stretching and it is painful! Today isn’t so bad, but yesterday made me feel like I was getting beat up. I’m pretty sure my birth experience is going to be less like the books and more like the movies.
My new favorite blog. I hate that she stopped posting a few years ago.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Childbirth Class 2
Well, we simulated labor for an hour last night. It wasn’t a bad labor, we had to put our finger in ice for the duration of each contraction and the guys had to keep track of time and rub our backs. I don’t know if we really learned anything new last night. She reviewed everything from last week. It was good for M, he likes to know what job he needs to do. He didn’t complain when we left last night. I don’t think it really prepared me for labor – when my finger went numb, I decided that the drugs were working. We do know what to do now. I’m ready to be in labor. I’m weirdly looking forward to it.
Monday, April 12, 2010
L&D Tour
M and I must be pretty special. We had a private tour of Labor and Delivery at our hospital on Saturday. The day was insane. We had painters at our house at 7:30, M had a MBA seminar in the morning, our house was torn apart for the window stuff and we had the tour scheduled for 2:30. I was already exhausted from cleaning when we got there, but I was so excited.
The woman giving the tour (Sergeant J) is the same woman who is leading our childbirth class (aka boot camp). We were the only people signed up for the afternoon tour, which was kind of nice. Except that M didn’t really like the personalized service. She started every sentence with M! This is where you will be walking when you arrive! M! Do not attempt to take any other elevators! M! Floor 3! I thought it was funny.
Highlights:
We now know where to park and what door we need to go through. M was worried about after hours, but now we know.
The walk to the elevators is longer than the walk from the parking lot to the front door. I think they do this to help with labor.
The entire hospital smells like Subway
The NICU starts renovation at the end of this month. This means I need some extra prayers that Baby will be fine.
Standard practice is to give me the baby immediately after birth, skin to skin, and to try breastfeeding. I am so happy to know this.
I will get a special lactose-free menu.
I will probably request that they completely remove the huge-ass mirror on wheels from the room. I don’t even want to look at my funky nipples right now. There is NO WAY I want to see myself split in half. I’ll wait a few extra minutes to see the baby.
When we were leaving, the nurses said, “See you soon!” and I almost cried. I cannot wait.
So, in other news, my house has all new windows and all new, freshly painted exterior trim. It looks amazing. I am so proud of our little house. Of course, with the fresh paint, parts of the outside look shabby and now we are going to get the house pressure washed, but that’s a small thing. I am so happy this is done! However – the inside is still insane. We did have the interior trim put back in, but the finish work is pretty expensive and we already burst the budget with everything else. M is caulking and painting all the interior trim by himself. I’m so lucky to be married to a man who can fix anything. The nursery window is already done! He did a great job. I spent all weekend cleaning up the construction mess. I pretended I was nesting, but washing sawdust from the bottom of the toilet doesn’t really strike me as “preparing for baby.” This week I will scrub the nursery from top to bottom and then I FINALLY get to set up the room. I will be in heaven!
Today is April 12th. I am supposed to have a baby in one month.
The woman giving the tour (Sergeant J) is the same woman who is leading our childbirth class (aka boot camp). We were the only people signed up for the afternoon tour, which was kind of nice. Except that M didn’t really like the personalized service. She started every sentence with M! This is where you will be walking when you arrive! M! Do not attempt to take any other elevators! M! Floor 3! I thought it was funny.
Highlights:
We now know where to park and what door we need to go through. M was worried about after hours, but now we know.
The walk to the elevators is longer than the walk from the parking lot to the front door. I think they do this to help with labor.
The entire hospital smells like Subway
The NICU starts renovation at the end of this month. This means I need some extra prayers that Baby will be fine.
Standard practice is to give me the baby immediately after birth, skin to skin, and to try breastfeeding. I am so happy to know this.
I will get a special lactose-free menu.
I will probably request that they completely remove the huge-ass mirror on wheels from the room. I don’t even want to look at my funky nipples right now. There is NO WAY I want to see myself split in half. I’ll wait a few extra minutes to see the baby.
When we were leaving, the nurses said, “See you soon!” and I almost cried. I cannot wait.
So, in other news, my house has all new windows and all new, freshly painted exterior trim. It looks amazing. I am so proud of our little house. Of course, with the fresh paint, parts of the outside look shabby and now we are going to get the house pressure washed, but that’s a small thing. I am so happy this is done! However – the inside is still insane. We did have the interior trim put back in, but the finish work is pretty expensive and we already burst the budget with everything else. M is caulking and painting all the interior trim by himself. I’m so lucky to be married to a man who can fix anything. The nursery window is already done! He did a great job. I spent all weekend cleaning up the construction mess. I pretended I was nesting, but washing sawdust from the bottom of the toilet doesn’t really strike me as “preparing for baby.” This week I will scrub the nursery from top to bottom and then I FINALLY get to set up the room. I will be in heaven!
Today is April 12th. I am supposed to have a baby in one month.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
35 Weeks
The Good: I may be complaining about being awake all the time, but I don’t mind it when this little booger is awake, too. My hiccup-y baby is so cute. I feel so bad for this little thing jumping all over the place a few times a day. I don’t think s/he likes the hiccups very much. I spend the time rubbing the mass that I assume is a baby back and try to soothe it, but I might just be making it worse.
The Bad: I’m sweating all the time. Like SWEATING. My coworkers are wearing jackets. I had to go buy new shoes so I would have some sandals that don’t have high heels. That has helped, but the bottom of my feet are going to stink by the end of today. My hands and feet are getting a little puffy today. My rings went on fine, but I think I’m going to need some cold water to get them off tonight. It’s not sausage-y yet. I’ll keep an eye on this.
The Ugly: Still not sleeping. I’m so tired, so I go to bed early. All that does is mean I wake up before 4:30 in the morning. Either I’m crazy uncomfortable or too hot or my hip hurts or the baby is having a dance party. The dance party is fine, but all the rest make me nuts. I know this is only temporary… only a few more weeks and I’ll be not sleeping for a much better reason.
If you say something in the comments about this sleep “preparing me” for the baby, I’m going to reach through the screen and throw sand in your eyes.
The Bad: I’m sweating all the time. Like SWEATING. My coworkers are wearing jackets. I had to go buy new shoes so I would have some sandals that don’t have high heels. That has helped, but the bottom of my feet are going to stink by the end of today. My hands and feet are getting a little puffy today. My rings went on fine, but I think I’m going to need some cold water to get them off tonight. It’s not sausage-y yet. I’ll keep an eye on this.
The Ugly: Still not sleeping. I’m so tired, so I go to bed early. All that does is mean I wake up before 4:30 in the morning. Either I’m crazy uncomfortable or too hot or my hip hurts or the baby is having a dance party. The dance party is fine, but all the rest make me nuts. I know this is only temporary… only a few more weeks and I’ll be not sleeping for a much better reason.
If you say something in the comments about this sleep “preparing me” for the baby, I’m going to reach through the screen and throw sand in your eyes.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
34 Week Appointment
This appointment was quick, so I don’t have much to say today. I’ve been crazy busy at work… so that’s why I’m not commenting as often, but I am reading and supporting and thinking about you guys.
The doctor came in and measured me… 34 weeks, which is technically ok. This is the first time a doctor has something other than “right on time” so I guess it’s fine. The baby’s heart rate is still in the 130s. She told me to stop the baby aspirin at 36 weeks. I hate that idea. I don’t want to stop the baby aspirin! I’ve banked this entire pregnancy on this tiny pill and I’m afraid to stop. But I will because I always follow the rules.
My only question today was about the process when I go into labor (the lady at class last night told us to ask). The doctor gave me the last month information sheet so I could read ahead. I liked that.
The next appointment will be at 37 weeks exactly. I’ll have my Group B strep test, my first internal check and we’ll have a conversation about labor with my labor coach (or, as I like to call him, my husband). Sounds exciting!
Laura, my to-do list at the beginning of this pregnancy was insane. I got a list of classes from the hospital and I think I signed up for every single one. M grumbles about them all, but I love them! It makes me feel like I’m doing something. I got excited today when I scheduled the extra L&D tour since he won’t be able to make the last class. I can't wait to hear about your experiences!!!
The doctor came in and measured me… 34 weeks, which is technically ok. This is the first time a doctor has something other than “right on time” so I guess it’s fine. The baby’s heart rate is still in the 130s. She told me to stop the baby aspirin at 36 weeks. I hate that idea. I don’t want to stop the baby aspirin! I’ve banked this entire pregnancy on this tiny pill and I’m afraid to stop. But I will because I always follow the rules.
My only question today was about the process when I go into labor (the lady at class last night told us to ask). The doctor gave me the last month information sheet so I could read ahead. I liked that.
The next appointment will be at 37 weeks exactly. I’ll have my Group B strep test, my first internal check and we’ll have a conversation about labor with my labor coach (or, as I like to call him, my husband). Sounds exciting!
Laura, my to-do list at the beginning of this pregnancy was insane. I got a list of classes from the hospital and I think I signed up for every single one. M grumbles about them all, but I love them! It makes me feel like I’m doing something. I got excited today when I scheduled the extra L&D tour since he won’t be able to make the last class. I can't wait to hear about your experiences!!!
Childbirth Class 1
We started learning how to give birth last night. M thinks this is ridiculous. I think it is necessary. So I win and we’re going every Monday in April to the community room in the hospital.
The class last night was a little intense. The instructor is a small woman with an intimidating personality and sometimes it felt like we were in trouble. Like she was lecturing us. “Gentlemen! You must get her to change positions!” M was a little afraid. We were expecting something a little more soothing. Oh well. You get what you get.
Things we learned:
The hospital tour (the thing we want most) isn’t until the last class. M is going to miss this class because of training. We’re going to schedule a separate tour.
You are supposed to pee every hour during labor to reduce pain.
TACO if your water breaks (Time, Amount, Colorless, Odorless).
Only 10% of women start labor with their water breaking (or 75% of my friends).
You can use a rolling pin as a back massager.
I am the furthest along in the class.
M is in charge of keeping track of the contractions, making sure I am comfortable and making me change positions.
So last night was laboring at home. Next week is labor in the hospital. Week 3 is medical interventions (C-sections, epidurals… all that). The last week is a pediatrician and the tour.
In our regular life:
M’s training (the last week of April) is for a new job! I am so happy for him. The timing is a little tricky. I’ll be in my 37th week, so labor could start while he is away. But it might not. And he’ll only be in DC, so a little over an hour away if things get going at non-rush hour times. If it starts between 6 and 10 am or 2 and 7 pm, I’ll probably have to wait a few hours for him to get to me. That’s going to have to be ok. And, no, I won’t call my MIL to come labor with me. Our neighbors have already agreed to come over and sit with me if needed. My mom is going to come down to attend the last class with me.
And, since we don’t want to make these last few weeks of pregnancy easy, we are also getting our windows and all exterior trim on our house replaced right now. M called me and said 6 windows on our front bump-out are already gone. I really can’t wait for this to be done. We can’t open most of our windows because they were painted shut or had no screens. And I couldn’t see out of the back windows because the seals were all broken. This is going to be so nice!
The class last night was a little intense. The instructor is a small woman with an intimidating personality and sometimes it felt like we were in trouble. Like she was lecturing us. “Gentlemen! You must get her to change positions!” M was a little afraid. We were expecting something a little more soothing. Oh well. You get what you get.
Things we learned:
The hospital tour (the thing we want most) isn’t until the last class. M is going to miss this class because of training. We’re going to schedule a separate tour.
You are supposed to pee every hour during labor to reduce pain.
TACO if your water breaks (Time, Amount, Colorless, Odorless).
Only 10% of women start labor with their water breaking (or 75% of my friends).
You can use a rolling pin as a back massager.
I am the furthest along in the class.
M is in charge of keeping track of the contractions, making sure I am comfortable and making me change positions.
So last night was laboring at home. Next week is labor in the hospital. Week 3 is medical interventions (C-sections, epidurals… all that). The last week is a pediatrician and the tour.
In our regular life:
M’s training (the last week of April) is for a new job! I am so happy for him. The timing is a little tricky. I’ll be in my 37th week, so labor could start while he is away. But it might not. And he’ll only be in DC, so a little over an hour away if things get going at non-rush hour times. If it starts between 6 and 10 am or 2 and 7 pm, I’ll probably have to wait a few hours for him to get to me. That’s going to have to be ok. And, no, I won’t call my MIL to come labor with me. Our neighbors have already agreed to come over and sit with me if needed. My mom is going to come down to attend the last class with me.
And, since we don’t want to make these last few weeks of pregnancy easy, we are also getting our windows and all exterior trim on our house replaced right now. M called me and said 6 windows on our front bump-out are already gone. I really can’t wait for this to be done. We can’t open most of our windows because they were painted shut or had no screens. And I couldn’t see out of the back windows because the seals were all broken. This is going to be so nice!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
34 Weeks
6 weeks to go!
I’ve had a nice week. My parents had their marriage recognized in the church (my brothers and I decided that we are now all legitimate, even though we are step children and all that mess…). I had to wear a dress. I was very upset about having to wear pantyhose (hello, ugly fat legs!). M suggested that I get thigh-highs. That man is a genius.
The good: The nursery is coming along. I decided it is much more fun to wash baby clothes than regular clothes. It also takes twice as long because I hold everything up and gush about how cute it is. My entire house smells like Dreft. I’ll post pictures once it is finished.
The bad: M won’t let me buy depends for nighttime. I just want to not have to roll myself out of bed two times a night!
The ugly: The next person to tell me “Sleep now while you can!” is going to get a swift punch in the neck. Look at me! Do you think I am sleeping? Are you insane? And do you really I’ll be sitting there at 3 am with a crying newborn all perky and going “Hey, you know what? I’m so glad I slept that extra 30 minutes in March! I’m wide awake now!” Jerks. Shut up.
In other news, my MIL has offered to drive us to the hospital when I go into labor. I’d like to remind you this is the same woman who flipped out when our electricity went out this winter and wanted to come rescue us, even though we have a fireplace and blankets. She is WONDERFUL, but she cannot handle stress. She is the type of person to grab the handle above the window and shriek if the light turns yellow as you drive through it. She is the last person I want driving while I have a contraction. Luckily, M agrees. He doesn’t even really want his parents at the hospital.
I've been thinking about when I had 34 weeks to go... when I was just 6 weeks pregnant and scared out of my mind. 34 more weeks seemed like such a long time to live with the crazy fears that come with pregnancy after loss. All those sleepless nights before doctor appointments. The crying and the constant reminding myself to say IF. Things are different now. I'm not afraid of going to the doctor anymore and getting news that my baby is dead - all I need to do is poke myself in the belly to be reassured. We say WHEN about the baby. We have a room set up. We could have the car seat installed this weekend. Of course I'm still afraid of something happening at delievery or my baby coming too early... I can't read any kind of story about stillbirth or SIDS. Those scare the shit out of me. But I'm not the paranoid mama that I was in September.
My heart is going out to everyone in the early days of pregnancy. You can get through it! It won't be long until you'll be writing about how you are less afraid and how in love you are.
I’ve had a nice week. My parents had their marriage recognized in the church (my brothers and I decided that we are now all legitimate, even though we are step children and all that mess…). I had to wear a dress. I was very upset about having to wear pantyhose (hello, ugly fat legs!). M suggested that I get thigh-highs. That man is a genius.
The good: The nursery is coming along. I decided it is much more fun to wash baby clothes than regular clothes. It also takes twice as long because I hold everything up and gush about how cute it is. My entire house smells like Dreft. I’ll post pictures once it is finished.
The bad: M won’t let me buy depends for nighttime. I just want to not have to roll myself out of bed two times a night!
The ugly: The next person to tell me “Sleep now while you can!” is going to get a swift punch in the neck. Look at me! Do you think I am sleeping? Are you insane? And do you really I’ll be sitting there at 3 am with a crying newborn all perky and going “Hey, you know what? I’m so glad I slept that extra 30 minutes in March! I’m wide awake now!” Jerks. Shut up.
In other news, my MIL has offered to drive us to the hospital when I go into labor. I’d like to remind you this is the same woman who flipped out when our electricity went out this winter and wanted to come rescue us, even though we have a fireplace and blankets. She is WONDERFUL, but she cannot handle stress. She is the type of person to grab the handle above the window and shriek if the light turns yellow as you drive through it. She is the last person I want driving while I have a contraction. Luckily, M agrees. He doesn’t even really want his parents at the hospital.
I've been thinking about when I had 34 weeks to go... when I was just 6 weeks pregnant and scared out of my mind. 34 more weeks seemed like such a long time to live with the crazy fears that come with pregnancy after loss. All those sleepless nights before doctor appointments. The crying and the constant reminding myself to say IF. Things are different now. I'm not afraid of going to the doctor anymore and getting news that my baby is dead - all I need to do is poke myself in the belly to be reassured. We say WHEN about the baby. We have a room set up. We could have the car seat installed this weekend. Of course I'm still afraid of something happening at delievery or my baby coming too early... I can't read any kind of story about stillbirth or SIDS. Those scare the shit out of me. But I'm not the paranoid mama that I was in September.
My heart is going out to everyone in the early days of pregnancy. You can get through it! It won't be long until you'll be writing about how you are less afraid and how in love you are.
Friday, March 26, 2010
CPR Certified
We took our CPR class last night. I expected it to be filled with, I don’t know, teacher type people. But it wasn’t. It was about 90% pregnant couples. It was CPR for all people, not just infants (but that was obviously what most of us wanted). I took out my aggression (bad day at work) on poor Annie and I am SORE today. No one tells you that CPR class is actually a workout. My wrist is aching, my butt is sore (can I talk about butts any more here?). I’m like an old person!
And I think I’m pretty well off. M was amazed looking around at all the pregnant girls. Everyone asked everyone else how far along they were. Most people were about 30 weeks. One girl was 2 days ahead of me. I was one of the smallest girls there. M told me I was lucky, and he’s right. Some of the girls at 30 weeks were carrying so low – they had to do the CPR with the mannequins on the table.
So now I can help someone who collapses. I know what to do if my baby starts choking, I know what to do if my baby is unresponsive. I hope I don’t ever have to use this stuff.
And I think I’m pretty well off. M was amazed looking around at all the pregnant girls. Everyone asked everyone else how far along they were. Most people were about 30 weeks. One girl was 2 days ahead of me. I was one of the smallest girls there. M told me I was lucky, and he’s right. Some of the girls at 30 weeks were carrying so low – they had to do the CPR with the mannequins on the table.
So now I can help someone who collapses. I know what to do if my baby starts choking, I know what to do if my baby is unresponsive. I hope I don’t ever have to use this stuff.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Officially Mutation Free
We have finally received the results of M's CF testing. He is clear!
Read some background here. The short version is that I am a carrier for CF. M's family has a bad history (read: lots of early childhood death) and we decided to check for every single mutation, even the very rare ones. He does not have a single one. It cost us about $700 to make sure, but now we can breathe easy about this. I've been worried, just not talking about it.
All I need to do now is take the baby to the CF doctor a few weeks after birth so they can see if s/he is a carrier and compare that to the results from the early tests we did. Why is this important? It is WAY harder to tell if a baby has the same mutation as the mom. They try to isolate the baby's DNA from mine in the blood, but if we have the same CF markers, that's a little harder. So we still can help a little. And I don't have to worry (about this).
Oh, the *finally* part of the waiting is not because of the doctors or the lab. I've been bugging M to get the blood draw since December. He didn't want to do it. Not because of the blood draw part, but because he would have to go to his doctor's office and most likely get a physical. You know what doctors do to men at physicals? It involves fingers and butts. Once I found out about the group-B strep test, I told him that if I had to go through birth AND get something in my butt, he was going to do this one little thing. You can't argue with that. So he made the appointment and had the finger test. Now he is eagerly awaiting my butt appointment (and you all thought he was just really into butt stuff).
Read some background here. The short version is that I am a carrier for CF. M's family has a bad history (read: lots of early childhood death) and we decided to check for every single mutation, even the very rare ones. He does not have a single one. It cost us about $700 to make sure, but now we can breathe easy about this. I've been worried, just not talking about it.
All I need to do now is take the baby to the CF doctor a few weeks after birth so they can see if s/he is a carrier and compare that to the results from the early tests we did. Why is this important? It is WAY harder to tell if a baby has the same mutation as the mom. They try to isolate the baby's DNA from mine in the blood, but if we have the same CF markers, that's a little harder. So we still can help a little. And I don't have to worry (about this).
Oh, the *finally* part of the waiting is not because of the doctors or the lab. I've been bugging M to get the blood draw since December. He didn't want to do it. Not because of the blood draw part, but because he would have to go to his doctor's office and most likely get a physical. You know what doctors do to men at physicals? It involves fingers and butts. Once I found out about the group-B strep test, I told him that if I had to go through birth AND get something in my butt, he was going to do this one little thing. You can't argue with that. So he made the appointment and had the finger test. Now he is eagerly awaiting my butt appointment (and you all thought he was just really into butt stuff).
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
33 Weeks
The good: A lady offered me her seat when I was waiting for my lunch last week. I look pregnant. Very pregnant. My house is full of baby things. My little kicker is happily moving around right now. We’re busy getting storage things together so we can start setting up the nursery! I can’t wait! My replacement glider is ready to be picked up. I’m going to BRU with the gift card we got from buying the furniture, so I will be set loose with $150! It’s going to be awesome!
I bought my first toy for the baby last night. I know I bought furniture and bedding, but this felt different. I got a little stuffed Eeyore. It was a little scary, since I’m still constantly doubting that this baby will actually come home with me. I have to let this doubt go. This way I am making memories with this baby, no matter what. I can’t miss out on this time just because I’m afraid.
The bad: Oh, my hips. Oh, my ribs. Oh, I’m tired.
The ugly: I had a leg cramp on Friday night. It was the worst pain I have ever had in my life. I woke M up because I was crying and shouting. Yes, I’m a crier, but I’m a quiet crier (you know, ugly scrunched up face and lots of tears, but no noise). I was yelling because of the pain. That finalized my plans for at least one epidural. Has anyone had a leg cramp like that AND given birth? I can’t imagine a pain worse than the pain I felt Friday night. And I’m pretty sure that was nothing compared to giving birth.
I bought my first toy for the baby last night. I know I bought furniture and bedding, but this felt different. I got a little stuffed Eeyore. It was a little scary, since I’m still constantly doubting that this baby will actually come home with me. I have to let this doubt go. This way I am making memories with this baby, no matter what. I can’t miss out on this time just because I’m afraid.
The bad: Oh, my hips. Oh, my ribs. Oh, I’m tired.
The ugly: I had a leg cramp on Friday night. It was the worst pain I have ever had in my life. I woke M up because I was crying and shouting. Yes, I’m a crier, but I’m a quiet crier (you know, ugly scrunched up face and lots of tears, but no noise). I was yelling because of the pain. That finalized my plans for at least one epidural. Has anyone had a leg cramp like that AND given birth? I can’t imagine a pain worse than the pain I felt Friday night. And I’m pretty sure that was nothing compared to giving birth.
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