At a week and 4 days my baby has lost her umbilical "stump" (I'm sure Grammie knows the proper term for it)
I still haven't finished the birth story... I apologize for the delay.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas! I hope Santa was good to everyone... look what he left under our tree!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
So proud of her already!
She's only 6 days old and she is already gaining weight!! The nurse said not to worry if she's under her birth weight because it usually take about 12 days before they surpass their original birth weight... not for this little one!! She's already 7lbs 9oz (birth weight was 7lbs 4oz)
I am currently writing up a birth story but wanted to blog about Lana's big accomplishment!
I am currently writing up a birth story but wanted to blog about Lana's big accomplishment!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Lana's Birth Story
Monday morning I went in for my 39 week appointment where I was so happy to hear that I was 2-3 cm's dilated and Dr. Brown was able to strip my membranes. He got my hopes up saying that he probably won't see me at my next appointment but to schedule one for next week, just in case. After I booked that appointment I decided to go for a long walk to try and get some contractions going - off I went to West Ed (It was a Monday so Robbie was at the day home). I walked back and forth and got some mild contractions here and there along with some pains in my bum that shot down my leg... but nothing to call home about. Later that night I was getting some more painful contractions but nothing worth timing, I started getting extremely tired and went to bed around 9pm unfortunately the contractions fizzled out and I was left a little disappointed.
Tuesday morning Robbie and I went to Sherwood Park Mall and did a bunch of walking. He was really excited to see Santa and was gabbing his ear off while he was trying to smile for pictures with other kids. I picked up some raspberry leaf tea and primrose oil while we were there, I've read/heard that if your body's ready it can get you into labor. After a couple hours of walking and some sore feet we came home for Robbie's nap and I guzzled down my first cup of tea. I was going to take the primrose before bed (never did get the chance to take it) When Colin came home from work we had some dinner and I was noticing a little moisture in the britches (to quote Colin) after going to the washroom I noticed a big gob of jelly mucus plug, I was jumping for joy! Every time I lost more of my plug I had to change my underwear because it got soaked after changing my undies for the third time I slapped a pad on. I noticed that I was starting to leak every now and then so I called Grammie to see what she thinks, she said to go get checked out... better safe than sorry. So we called Nan to get her on her way so that she could come and watch Robbie while we were gone, after we made that call I was certain that it was my water that had broken. We were putting Robbie to bed and I got down on my knees and leaned forward to tuck him in and give him a kiss when all the sudden my pants were soaked! All the way down the leg to the sock, so I had to cut my good night's short with Robbie. I ran to the toilet and just sat there while the fluid kept leaking, my pads weren't quick enough to absorb it and it was soaking my undies... so I just sat there on the toilet until the leaking got under control. Thankfully it slowed down right around the time that Nan came (9pm). By the time we got our shoes on and I was walking out the door I got my first real contraction.
We hopped in the car and we were on our way to the hospital. I had a couple of contractions during our 20+ minute drive to the hospital but nothing serious. We drove around the hospital looking for the emergency entrance and Col and I both agreed that we should have done a trial run to figure out where to park and get our barrings straight. Thankfully we found a parking stall close to the hospital and Colin went running to the meter he told me to stay into the car but of course I didn't listen to him. I got out of the car and grabbed my hospital bag and just took it all in... I was going to meet my little girl today. It was such a perfect night, there wasn't any wind and the snow was so soft as it hit the ground... it was so serene. I remember telling Colin what a perfect night to have a baby.
We made our way into the emergency room and it was full of sick people half asleep and bundled up in blankets. We went to the Administration desk and she took my information, I turned around and there was a guy with a wheel chair ready to take me up to labor and delivery! I told the guy that it wasn't necessary, I was still in pretty good shape and didn't see the reasoning behind it but the guy insisted. So I felt like a gimp as he wheeled me through the hospital and up to the third floor where he took me into the triage room. I was greeted by Natalia, a Russian nurse, who was quite new to the hospital and country. You could tell she was a little nervous as she told me to change into the hospital gown in her broken English... it was sweet. Her mentor, Sarah, came in and elaborated a little more with what I was suppose to do. She asked me to leave a urine sample and my pad in the washroom and to put the hospital gown on. I was a little iffy about leaving my knickers off as I was still leaking fluid spontaneously so as soon as I got that gown on I ran to the bed where there was a large pad on the bed. They hooked me up to the monitors and gave me a little handheld button to push every time I felt the baby move, as Col and I were in the triage room we could hear the girls in the bathroom playing around with my pad. Sarah was explaining to Natalia that if there was amniotic fluid on the pad that it (she must have had some sort of stick) would turn blue and that it was turning blue. Colin and I both got excited after hearing that.... we were going to be having our baby within 24 hrs!! Sarah came back and said "yep, your waters did break" so she wanted to check me to see how dilated I was and gave me two options: 1) Natalia check me and then Sarah check me to confirm Natalia's numbers or 2) Sarah check me. I said I didn't mind if Natalia checked me, she did her thing and told me I was 4 cm's. Colin's face was in awe as she retracted her hand... I guess it was drenched in fluid. Sarah the followed and said I was 3 to 4 cm's and said she was going to call the Dr and see what he wanted to do. As we were waiting to find out the verdict there was another girl that got wheeled into triage and oh boy did I feel for her. She was in some serious pain and all she could do was yell, needless to say they admitted her. We could hear Sarah talking to the doctor on the phone and when we heard that he wanted to keep us we got even more excited! Sarah came back in the room and gave us the good news and said that once she got me settled into my birthing room that she wanted me to go for a 30 min walk. We made our way into room number 3 and I strapped on some of those nylon panties with a monstrous pad and off we went walking! I was quite surprised to find my contractions picking up and lasting longer, Col was super thirsty so we made our way to the waiting room to get something from the vending machine for him. It was a little frustrating seeing that there were two vending machines but nothing to create change for a $10 bill. So I told Colin to go down to the first floor and get himself something while I walked around the unit. Colin quickly ran to the elevator to get some change and I started my hike... it was like my body was waiting until Colin was gone, right after he left they started picking up and stopping me in my tracks. I remember wishing I had put my bra on, it was so chilli in the halls! A couple of nurses would walk by me on their way to their break and they'd just smile at me. Colin came back upstairs and found me half way around the unit, even though I was getting belly contractions I was getting some brutal shooting pains starting in my bum and shooting down the back of my thigh.. owies. On our way back to our unit we stooped into the empty waiting room where Colin whipped out his cell phone to call Grammie/Grampie and Nan to give them a status update and that their Grandaughter will be born sometime in the next couple of hours! My contractions were getting closer together and I just wanted Colin to get off the phone and help me out but he was chatting it up with excitement so I left the waiting room and started my trek back to my room, with several contraction stops along the way. Colin met me right outside of our birthing room and once I got into the room I got another contraction, Natalia was quick to offer me the epidural. It surprised me how fast she was willing to offer it to me, I was still walking and talking and in good spirits. I kindly declined and the hopped onto the table for the girls check me to see how much I had progressed... I was 5cm's, I've got to tell you I was hoping for at least a 6. They strapped me up to the monitors and wanted to record a contraction and they wanted to feel my belly to see where my contractions were. So I laid there waiting for a contraction and Natalia just stood there with her hand on my belly and staring at the monitor. I told her that all I had to do was sit up and I'd get one, so we raised my bed up and lone behold... I got a contraction. Sarah told me that I could go walking for another 30 minutes if I wanted and at first I thought that was a good idea, I mean I did dilate a centimetre within an hour. I told Colin I was going to pee before we went for a walk so I sat there and relieved myself and then got this HORRIBLE contraction... it was all in my hips, it was so crippling. I sat there on the toilet and was immobile all I could do was grab the walls and shake my head. After that one I got up and told Col that I don't think I should go for a walk.. I made it two steps and got another contraction right in the doorway of the washroom. My hips hurt so bad as I leaned into Colin, I think this was the first contraction where tears started. After that contraction I made my way to the bed and had just enough time to sit on the bed before I got another one, I think that was the worst position I was in during my whole pregnancy but I just couldn't move. Sarah and Natalia came in to tell me that they were going for a 3hr break and another nurse was going to be helping me... unfortunately I was contracting so I wasn't really up for a conversation with the new nurse, I don't even remember her name. Back to my contraction... I tried to relax myself and try to zone out but I was so uncomfortable, I had my hands supporting me as I leaned back and my wrists were hurting so much by supporting so much weight but, again, I couldn't move for the life of me. I was stuck sitting on that bed for several contractions, I felt so bad for Colin... I couldn't control myself, I buried my head into his chest and held onto his hands and squeezed the life out of them as I cried. All I could say was "not nice" (that's what Robbie says when he knows he's been bad). The nurse came in and suggested the shower because she could see that I was on the brink of loosing it, so I agreed and she started the shower. I got naked and got into the shower, there was a little stool with a towel on it so I sat down. It was nice to have the hot water on my belly but I wish it would have been a little bigger of a shower, it was a stand up shower with a detachable shower head. I had a couple of contractions in the shower and then called it quits... I couldn't do it anymore. I felt like I was a prisoner of the chair, I couldn't move and the water wasn't helping me one bit... my contractions were just as strong as they were before (maybe even a little bit stronger), my belly was warm but the rest of my body was freezing cold. I told Colin that I was sorry but I needed the epidural, I felt so guilty... here it was, 2:30am you could see he was tired and I kept on squeezing the crap out of his hands and making him worry. I felt like I should have just signed up for the epidural from the beginning so that he could have had gotten some sleep. The nurse had me stay in the shower while she got everything ready for the epidural and IV, she told me to stay sitting while she poked my hand with the IV. I think my contractions were so strong that I don't remember the IV hurting that much. By the time the epidural lady came my contractions were back to back, I had some how gotten myself dried off and sitting on the bed... I forgot how much I hated sitting on the damn bed. The epidural lady came in and she was super sweet, a younger gal with very minty breath (lol!). They had my feet on a chair while I sat on the bed and leaned over. She was going through all the side effects and hazards of having an epidural and I just wanted her to get this show on the road, I hated sitting on that bed and her ramblings were just prolonging it. I kept on getting more contractions, Colin asked her not to start while I was having one but it was inevitable... I think I had three while she was doing her thing, that was the hardest time the whole pregnancy. I'm not to move my back, my head, my feet... nothing. All I could do was cry and moan, I remember my nurse telling me to breath... really? you want me to breath? thanks tips (please note the sarcasm) After she was done I laid back and got another contraction, thankfully each contraction got less and less intense. I remember the nurse coming to introduce ANOTHER nurse that was taking over for this one, I think I was able to say hello and smile to this one. At 2am she checked me and I was 8cm's at this point Colin was able to get a little shut eye and I was able to handle the contractions on my own, I was still feeling them but nothing that some slow deep breaths couldn't handle. It seemed with each contractions they were slowly getting stronger to the point where I was gripping the handle bar in pain. The nurse came in after an hour and asked if I was feeling any pressure, I had been feeling a lot of hip pressure but I haven't been having any urges to push so she decided to check me to see what's going on and lone behold I was fully dilated. She said that she was going to call the doctor and get things set up. After a couple of minutes Sarah and Natalia came marching through the doors ready for action, I asked them if they had a good break and I guess the nurse called them back to help me deliver (that was nice of them to come back, I had built a relationship with them) So Sarah had me grab my knees and see what kind of progress I can do. My first push felt really different then it did with Robbie, I felt a BUNCH of rectal pressure and kind of took me by surprise so I didn't give it my all. After the third push she told me to stop because the head was right there and she wanted to wait for the doctor... that's like telling someone to stop peeing in mid stream. There I was feeling VERY uncomfortable with my hands on my knees waiting for this doctor come in to catch the baby. Finally the doctor (my regular OB wasn't on call that night) came in with an intern and got ready for me. I wasn't too impressed with that OB... I felt more like he was there to teach the intern than to help me. I had four hands "helping" me get this baby out, I remember feeling that ring of fire and the intern was stretching my skin even more and it hurt SO BAD... nothing like I had with Robbie. Colin asked me in between contractions if he could take pictures of what was going on down there, he convinced me to say yes (looking back I'm glad I agreed to it) With the next contraction her head was out and I pushed again out came little Lana. The intern held her while Colin cut the cord and I just laid there in tears, my sweet nurse (Sarah) asked the doctors if we could put the baby on mom. It felt like an eternity waiting for that warm blanket, finally they draped it over me and Lana laid down in there. She was screaming her lungs off, I remember hearing some fluid in her cry and thinking it was a little odd that they didn't suction her mouth and nose out... in the grand scheme of things I didn't care, I was holding my little girl. After a little bonding I gave her to the girls for them to do all their measurements, weighing and tagging. I laid there while the two doctors held onto the cord waiting for the placenta to detach... the OB was VERY impatient. He kept pushing down on my belly and wiggling the cord trying to get it out, I remember reading that it can take up to 30 minutes for it to detach, thankfully it came out on it's own with one little push. After the doctors left the girls gave us some time alone. Colin took that time to go call the family and share the good news with them and I was egar to nurse her as she was rooting. She latched on like a champ and nursed until Sarah and Natalia came back to check on us. Sarah was quite surprised that I already offered her the boob and that Lana was actually nursing. Colin came back and we took some pictures and then it was time for us to go into our postpartum room. I was able to take a step from the bed to the wheelchair and then Lana was given to me, Colin grabbed our bags and then off we went to our private room!
*I'll write my postpartum story later on*
Tuesday morning Robbie and I went to Sherwood Park Mall and did a bunch of walking. He was really excited to see Santa and was gabbing his ear off while he was trying to smile for pictures with other kids. I picked up some raspberry leaf tea and primrose oil while we were there, I've read/heard that if your body's ready it can get you into labor. After a couple hours of walking and some sore feet we came home for Robbie's nap and I guzzled down my first cup of tea. I was going to take the primrose before bed (never did get the chance to take it) When Colin came home from work we had some dinner and I was noticing a little moisture in the britches (to quote Colin) after going to the washroom I noticed a big gob of jelly mucus plug, I was jumping for joy! Every time I lost more of my plug I had to change my underwear because it got soaked after changing my undies for the third time I slapped a pad on. I noticed that I was starting to leak every now and then so I called Grammie to see what she thinks, she said to go get checked out... better safe than sorry. So we called Nan to get her on her way so that she could come and watch Robbie while we were gone, after we made that call I was certain that it was my water that had broken. We were putting Robbie to bed and I got down on my knees and leaned forward to tuck him in and give him a kiss when all the sudden my pants were soaked! All the way down the leg to the sock, so I had to cut my good night's short with Robbie. I ran to the toilet and just sat there while the fluid kept leaking, my pads weren't quick enough to absorb it and it was soaking my undies... so I just sat there on the toilet until the leaking got under control. Thankfully it slowed down right around the time that Nan came (9pm). By the time we got our shoes on and I was walking out the door I got my first real contraction.
We hopped in the car and we were on our way to the hospital. I had a couple of contractions during our 20+ minute drive to the hospital but nothing serious. We drove around the hospital looking for the emergency entrance and Col and I both agreed that we should have done a trial run to figure out where to park and get our barrings straight. Thankfully we found a parking stall close to the hospital and Colin went running to the meter he told me to stay into the car but of course I didn't listen to him. I got out of the car and grabbed my hospital bag and just took it all in... I was going to meet my little girl today. It was such a perfect night, there wasn't any wind and the snow was so soft as it hit the ground... it was so serene. I remember telling Colin what a perfect night to have a baby.
We made our way into the emergency room and it was full of sick people half asleep and bundled up in blankets. We went to the Administration desk and she took my information, I turned around and there was a guy with a wheel chair ready to take me up to labor and delivery! I told the guy that it wasn't necessary, I was still in pretty good shape and didn't see the reasoning behind it but the guy insisted. So I felt like a gimp as he wheeled me through the hospital and up to the third floor where he took me into the triage room. I was greeted by Natalia, a Russian nurse, who was quite new to the hospital and country. You could tell she was a little nervous as she told me to change into the hospital gown in her broken English... it was sweet. Her mentor, Sarah, came in and elaborated a little more with what I was suppose to do. She asked me to leave a urine sample and my pad in the washroom and to put the hospital gown on. I was a little iffy about leaving my knickers off as I was still leaking fluid spontaneously so as soon as I got that gown on I ran to the bed where there was a large pad on the bed. They hooked me up to the monitors and gave me a little handheld button to push every time I felt the baby move, as Col and I were in the triage room we could hear the girls in the bathroom playing around with my pad. Sarah was explaining to Natalia that if there was amniotic fluid on the pad that it (she must have had some sort of stick) would turn blue and that it was turning blue. Colin and I both got excited after hearing that.... we were going to be having our baby within 24 hrs!! Sarah came back and said "yep, your waters did break" so she wanted to check me to see how dilated I was and gave me two options: 1) Natalia check me and then Sarah check me to confirm Natalia's numbers or 2) Sarah check me. I said I didn't mind if Natalia checked me, she did her thing and told me I was 4 cm's. Colin's face was in awe as she retracted her hand... I guess it was drenched in fluid. Sarah the followed and said I was 3 to 4 cm's and said she was going to call the Dr and see what he wanted to do. As we were waiting to find out the verdict there was another girl that got wheeled into triage and oh boy did I feel for her. She was in some serious pain and all she could do was yell, needless to say they admitted her. We could hear Sarah talking to the doctor on the phone and when we heard that he wanted to keep us we got even more excited! Sarah came back in the room and gave us the good news and said that once she got me settled into my birthing room that she wanted me to go for a 30 min walk. We made our way into room number 3 and I strapped on some of those nylon panties with a monstrous pad and off we went walking! I was quite surprised to find my contractions picking up and lasting longer, Col was super thirsty so we made our way to the waiting room to get something from the vending machine for him. It was a little frustrating seeing that there were two vending machines but nothing to create change for a $10 bill. So I told Colin to go down to the first floor and get himself something while I walked around the unit. Colin quickly ran to the elevator to get some change and I started my hike... it was like my body was waiting until Colin was gone, right after he left they started picking up and stopping me in my tracks. I remember wishing I had put my bra on, it was so chilli in the halls! A couple of nurses would walk by me on their way to their break and they'd just smile at me. Colin came back upstairs and found me half way around the unit, even though I was getting belly contractions I was getting some brutal shooting pains starting in my bum and shooting down the back of my thigh.. owies. On our way back to our unit we stooped into the empty waiting room where Colin whipped out his cell phone to call Grammie/Grampie and Nan to give them a status update and that their Grandaughter will be born sometime in the next couple of hours! My contractions were getting closer together and I just wanted Colin to get off the phone and help me out but he was chatting it up with excitement so I left the waiting room and started my trek back to my room, with several contraction stops along the way. Colin met me right outside of our birthing room and once I got into the room I got another contraction, Natalia was quick to offer me the epidural. It surprised me how fast she was willing to offer it to me, I was still walking and talking and in good spirits. I kindly declined and the hopped onto the table for the girls check me to see how much I had progressed... I was 5cm's, I've got to tell you I was hoping for at least a 6. They strapped me up to the monitors and wanted to record a contraction and they wanted to feel my belly to see where my contractions were. So I laid there waiting for a contraction and Natalia just stood there with her hand on my belly and staring at the monitor. I told her that all I had to do was sit up and I'd get one, so we raised my bed up and lone behold... I got a contraction. Sarah told me that I could go walking for another 30 minutes if I wanted and at first I thought that was a good idea, I mean I did dilate a centimetre within an hour. I told Colin I was going to pee before we went for a walk so I sat there and relieved myself and then got this HORRIBLE contraction... it was all in my hips, it was so crippling. I sat there on the toilet and was immobile all I could do was grab the walls and shake my head. After that one I got up and told Col that I don't think I should go for a walk.. I made it two steps and got another contraction right in the doorway of the washroom. My hips hurt so bad as I leaned into Colin, I think this was the first contraction where tears started. After that contraction I made my way to the bed and had just enough time to sit on the bed before I got another one, I think that was the worst position I was in during my whole pregnancy but I just couldn't move. Sarah and Natalia came in to tell me that they were going for a 3hr break and another nurse was going to be helping me... unfortunately I was contracting so I wasn't really up for a conversation with the new nurse, I don't even remember her name. Back to my contraction... I tried to relax myself and try to zone out but I was so uncomfortable, I had my hands supporting me as I leaned back and my wrists were hurting so much by supporting so much weight but, again, I couldn't move for the life of me. I was stuck sitting on that bed for several contractions, I felt so bad for Colin... I couldn't control myself, I buried my head into his chest and held onto his hands and squeezed the life out of them as I cried. All I could say was "not nice" (that's what Robbie says when he knows he's been bad). The nurse came in and suggested the shower because she could see that I was on the brink of loosing it, so I agreed and she started the shower. I got naked and got into the shower, there was a little stool with a towel on it so I sat down. It was nice to have the hot water on my belly but I wish it would have been a little bigger of a shower, it was a stand up shower with a detachable shower head. I had a couple of contractions in the shower and then called it quits... I couldn't do it anymore. I felt like I was a prisoner of the chair, I couldn't move and the water wasn't helping me one bit... my contractions were just as strong as they were before (maybe even a little bit stronger), my belly was warm but the rest of my body was freezing cold. I told Colin that I was sorry but I needed the epidural, I felt so guilty... here it was, 2:30am you could see he was tired and I kept on squeezing the crap out of his hands and making him worry. I felt like I should have just signed up for the epidural from the beginning so that he could have had gotten some sleep. The nurse had me stay in the shower while she got everything ready for the epidural and IV, she told me to stay sitting while she poked my hand with the IV. I think my contractions were so strong that I don't remember the IV hurting that much. By the time the epidural lady came my contractions were back to back, I had some how gotten myself dried off and sitting on the bed... I forgot how much I hated sitting on the damn bed. The epidural lady came in and she was super sweet, a younger gal with very minty breath (lol!). They had my feet on a chair while I sat on the bed and leaned over. She was going through all the side effects and hazards of having an epidural and I just wanted her to get this show on the road, I hated sitting on that bed and her ramblings were just prolonging it. I kept on getting more contractions, Colin asked her not to start while I was having one but it was inevitable... I think I had three while she was doing her thing, that was the hardest time the whole pregnancy. I'm not to move my back, my head, my feet... nothing. All I could do was cry and moan, I remember my nurse telling me to breath... really? you want me to breath? thanks tips (please note the sarcasm) After she was done I laid back and got another contraction, thankfully each contraction got less and less intense. I remember the nurse coming to introduce ANOTHER nurse that was taking over for this one, I think I was able to say hello and smile to this one. At 2am she checked me and I was 8cm's at this point Colin was able to get a little shut eye and I was able to handle the contractions on my own, I was still feeling them but nothing that some slow deep breaths couldn't handle. It seemed with each contractions they were slowly getting stronger to the point where I was gripping the handle bar in pain. The nurse came in after an hour and asked if I was feeling any pressure, I had been feeling a lot of hip pressure but I haven't been having any urges to push so she decided to check me to see what's going on and lone behold I was fully dilated. She said that she was going to call the doctor and get things set up. After a couple of minutes Sarah and Natalia came marching through the doors ready for action, I asked them if they had a good break and I guess the nurse called them back to help me deliver (that was nice of them to come back, I had built a relationship with them) So Sarah had me grab my knees and see what kind of progress I can do. My first push felt really different then it did with Robbie, I felt a BUNCH of rectal pressure and kind of took me by surprise so I didn't give it my all. After the third push she told me to stop because the head was right there and she wanted to wait for the doctor... that's like telling someone to stop peeing in mid stream. There I was feeling VERY uncomfortable with my hands on my knees waiting for this doctor come in to catch the baby. Finally the doctor (my regular OB wasn't on call that night) came in with an intern and got ready for me. I wasn't too impressed with that OB... I felt more like he was there to teach the intern than to help me. I had four hands "helping" me get this baby out, I remember feeling that ring of fire and the intern was stretching my skin even more and it hurt SO BAD... nothing like I had with Robbie. Colin asked me in between contractions if he could take pictures of what was going on down there, he convinced me to say yes (looking back I'm glad I agreed to it) With the next contraction her head was out and I pushed again out came little Lana. The intern held her while Colin cut the cord and I just laid there in tears, my sweet nurse (Sarah) asked the doctors if we could put the baby on mom. It felt like an eternity waiting for that warm blanket, finally they draped it over me and Lana laid down in there. She was screaming her lungs off, I remember hearing some fluid in her cry and thinking it was a little odd that they didn't suction her mouth and nose out... in the grand scheme of things I didn't care, I was holding my little girl. After a little bonding I gave her to the girls for them to do all their measurements, weighing and tagging. I laid there while the two doctors held onto the cord waiting for the placenta to detach... the OB was VERY impatient. He kept pushing down on my belly and wiggling the cord trying to get it out, I remember reading that it can take up to 30 minutes for it to detach, thankfully it came out on it's own with one little push. After the doctors left the girls gave us some time alone. Colin took that time to go call the family and share the good news with them and I was egar to nurse her as she was rooting. She latched on like a champ and nursed until Sarah and Natalia came back to check on us. Sarah was quite surprised that I already offered her the boob and that Lana was actually nursing. Colin came back and we took some pictures and then it was time for us to go into our postpartum room. I was able to take a step from the bed to the wheelchair and then Lana was given to me, Colin grabbed our bags and then off we went to our private room!
*I'll write my postpartum story later on*
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Here we go
off to the hospital.
My water broke around 8pm. At first it was just a bunch of mucus plug but after my 4th change in undies and all this fluid it's quite apparent that my water broke. Now the question is do they keep me or send me home and tell me to come back... we shall see!
My water broke around 8pm. At first it was just a bunch of mucus plug but after my 4th change in undies and all this fluid it's quite apparent that my water broke. Now the question is do they keep me or send me home and tell me to come back... we shall see!
Warning - Post may contain too much info
Well I'm pretty bummed that the contractions fizzled out, I had another poopy sleep where I was up from 12-5am. I made tea biscuits for Robbie this morning and cleaned the bath tub and was really disappointed with the lack of contractions that my body was producing so I decided to bundle Robbie up and we shoveled the drive way (which Colin always gets mad at me for but it's good exercise and it could trigger things again) then we went to the mall and we walked around for a good 2hrs. Robbie was in heaven as he waved to Santa and showed off his box of Kleenex that had penguins over it, I picked up tome raspberry leaf tea along with some evening primrose oil. Came home and put Robbie down for a nap and then went to the washroom... there was a giant gob of mucus plug that looked just like jelly (I warned you that it could be too much info!) There was no blood in it so I'm wondering if there's still more to come. Regardless I have high hopes for the tea, they say that it won't work unless your body is ready for the next stage... I don't know how it isn't with all these new developments that have been going on.
Cross your fingers, toes, eyes, nose, hair, etc!
Cross your fingers, toes, eyes, nose, hair, etc!
Monday, December 15, 2008
39+ week appt
YESSSSSSSSSS I am one happy mama.
Here's a recap:
- I didn't gain a pound since my last appointment!
- baby's heartbeat was at 148
- I'M 2-3 CM'S DILATED!!
- Dr swept my membranes (aka stretch and sweep)
- Got a little bit of spotting from it... totally normal
- Dr seems to think that I'll have her within the week :)
After the appointment I went walking around West Ed for a couple of hours. I had some mild contractions along with a shooting pain going from my groin down to my calf... interesting.
Cross your fingers that the membrane sweep works!!
Here's a recap:
- I didn't gain a pound since my last appointment!
- baby's heartbeat was at 148
- I'M 2-3 CM'S DILATED!!
- Dr swept my membranes (aka stretch and sweep)
- Got a little bit of spotting from it... totally normal
- Dr seems to think that I'll have her within the week :)
After the appointment I went walking around West Ed for a couple of hours. I had some mild contractions along with a shooting pain going from my groin down to my calf... interesting.
Cross your fingers that the membrane sweep works!!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
So tonight we were over at Auntie Char's and Uncle Ron's to help remember Bill's passing. We were having a great little get together with them along with some family friends. They were asking me how I was doing and I had made a comment about how I'm really sensitive about my figure right now and how everyone seems to think that I'm ready to pop. They were all really sweet and said that I look wonderful for being so close to the end.
During dinner they were all talking about the government while I was trying to get Robbie to eat when someone ends the conversation with "it's not over til the fat lady sings". Then one of the family friends turns to me and asks me if I'm going to start singing anytime soon. I was almost in tears. Even if it wasn't intended in a malice way... why even go there when I had just told you earlier about how I was emotionally feeling?!
I was crying to my sister over the phone at the beginning of the week about the insensitive comments (thanks for being such a great listener Alison!) and she sarcastically said that I should just stay home until baby decides to come... I'm seriously starting to think that this is my only option at this point.
During dinner they were all talking about the government while I was trying to get Robbie to eat when someone ends the conversation with "it's not over til the fat lady sings". Then one of the family friends turns to me and asks me if I'm going to start singing anytime soon. I was almost in tears. Even if it wasn't intended in a malice way... why even go there when I had just told you earlier about how I was emotionally feeling?!
I was crying to my sister over the phone at the beginning of the week about the insensitive comments (thanks for being such a great listener Alison!) and she sarcastically said that I should just stay home until baby decides to come... I'm seriously starting to think that this is my only option at this point.
Friday, December 12, 2008
39 weeks
Wow. 1 week left or 7 days... insane.
Today is the full moon and Grandpa Bill's one anniversary of his passing. We miss you Bill, Colin and I often talk about you and how much you'd get a kick out of Robbie and some of his mannerisms.
I feel like poop - constantly. I feel like a big blob of pregnancy, my face is round and I have a lovely double chin, none of my clothes fit me, my big boy can't sit on my lap because I've got a belly resting on it... the list can go on and on. I tried to wrestle with Robbie and Colin last night but my belly kept getting in the way and suffocating them. I can't wait for the day that I can hop into my sons bed and read a story to him again.
Tonight we're going over to Auntie Sex's house (Auntie Char = Auntie Sex... I have no idea how Robbie came up with that one) and tomorrow Colin and I have a date night. We're going out for dinner and then to the hockey game, Colin's making me bring my hospital bag for both nights - just in case. Although I'd love for it to happen sooner rather than later, I have a history of overdueness so I'm not holding my breath.
Monday is my dr's appt. If I haven't dilated I'm going to ask for cervidel and if I am then I'm going to request a stretch and sweep. I need his help to kick start this labor thing!
Today is the full moon and Grandpa Bill's one anniversary of his passing. We miss you Bill, Colin and I often talk about you and how much you'd get a kick out of Robbie and some of his mannerisms.
I feel like poop - constantly. I feel like a big blob of pregnancy, my face is round and I have a lovely double chin, none of my clothes fit me, my big boy can't sit on my lap because I've got a belly resting on it... the list can go on and on. I tried to wrestle with Robbie and Colin last night but my belly kept getting in the way and suffocating them. I can't wait for the day that I can hop into my sons bed and read a story to him again.
Tonight we're going over to Auntie Sex's house (Auntie Char = Auntie Sex... I have no idea how Robbie came up with that one) and tomorrow Colin and I have a date night. We're going out for dinner and then to the hockey game, Colin's making me bring my hospital bag for both nights - just in case. Although I'd love for it to happen sooner rather than later, I have a history of overdueness so I'm not holding my breath.
Monday is my dr's appt. If I haven't dilated I'm going to ask for cervidel and if I am then I'm going to request a stretch and sweep. I need his help to kick start this labor thing!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Why don't people stop and think before they speak? Between the heartburn, the false labor, the sleepless nights, etc etc I'm a little sensitive and people (even random strangers) feel the need to ask how far along I am and put their two cents in. I'm REALLY sensitive about my weight right now and for someone to say "wow, you look like you're ready to pop" and "you can't get any bigger" really doesn't sit well with me. What kind of reaction are you looking to get from me?! Is that suppose to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside? I just don't understand. Why can't someone walk up to me and tell me that I look beautiful or that I'm glowing... rather than "you look like you're ready to have this baby any day". Colin's great at telling me I'm beautiful... but that's his job, lol.
More tears have been shed today, unfortunately. I devoted today to finishing our Christmas stockings (decided to hand make them) but I was only able to do the kids when I had to stop because my fingers are too fat and I can't thread the needle and every time the sewing machine got jammed I broke down in tears because my fingers were too fat to get in there and pick out the jammed thread.
We're/I'm also starting to get the phone calls and emails asking me if there's any baby yet. Come on people, do you not think I'd let you know?! When this little one decides to make an appearance I'm going to be shouting it from the roof tops.
As you can tell, I'm done. I'm ready to claim my body back. I'm ready to snuggle with my new little peanut. I'm ready to get rid of these stupid hormones that are all over the map. I'm ready to be able to have Robbie sit on my lap again.... I'm ready.
More tears have been shed today, unfortunately. I devoted today to finishing our Christmas stockings (decided to hand make them) but I was only able to do the kids when I had to stop because my fingers are too fat and I can't thread the needle and every time the sewing machine got jammed I broke down in tears because my fingers were too fat to get in there and pick out the jammed thread.
We're/I'm also starting to get the phone calls and emails asking me if there's any baby yet. Come on people, do you not think I'd let you know?! When this little one decides to make an appearance I'm going to be shouting it from the roof tops.
As you can tell, I'm done. I'm ready to claim my body back. I'm ready to snuggle with my new little peanut. I'm ready to get rid of these stupid hormones that are all over the map. I'm ready to be able to have Robbie sit on my lap again.... I'm ready.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
I have no idea what came over me on Friday, it felt like I had the baby blues all over again... 'cept this time I didn't have a baby. All I could do was get hugs from my boys and cry in the comfort of my husband's arm.
Saturday was a fantastic day for me. We took Robbie outside to shovel the snow, I did all our laundry and linens, cleaned the kitchen, swept and moped the floors and made a yummy dinner! Sunday was more of the same thing except with lest "zest" in my step, I even got the chance to spot clean some of the carpet on my hands and knees! I kind of spooked Colin out with everything I got done this weekend, I'm usually a "I'll do it later" kind of a gal... not these past couple of days!
I meant to note that my swab came back negative, so I won't be needing any antibiotics when she's born! We went to schedule my next appt at the front desk and it turns out my OB is off next week (watch, I'll go into labor when he's not there... just like with Robbie) the front desk chick was humming and hawing over where to schedule me in with another OB, so I booked myself in for next Monday... I'll be 39 weeks and 3 days by then!
Saturday was a fantastic day for me. We took Robbie outside to shovel the snow, I did all our laundry and linens, cleaned the kitchen, swept and moped the floors and made a yummy dinner! Sunday was more of the same thing except with lest "zest" in my step, I even got the chance to spot clean some of the carpet on my hands and knees! I kind of spooked Colin out with everything I got done this weekend, I'm usually a "I'll do it later" kind of a gal... not these past couple of days!
I meant to note that my swab came back negative, so I won't be needing any antibiotics when she's born! We went to schedule my next appt at the front desk and it turns out my OB is off next week (watch, I'll go into labor when he's not there... just like with Robbie) the front desk chick was humming and hawing over where to schedule me in with another OB, so I booked myself in for next Monday... I'll be 39 weeks and 3 days by then!
Friday, December 5, 2008
38 week appt
Baby's measuring great and heartbeat was 142.
I'm very emotional and sad today, I have no explanation as to why... just very depressed.
Sorry for the short update.
I'm very emotional and sad today, I have no explanation as to why... just very depressed.
Sorry for the short update.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
16 Days to go
Wow, the numbers keep dwindling down!
I've had this cough that just wont go away, I'm assuming it's my little girl in my lungs. I get a tickle in my lungs and can't help but cough.
Sleeping is really wishy-washy. One night I can sleep from 9-7 and not even have to get up to pee... other nights (well, I guess morning) I'm up around 3:30-4am. When you count up the hours it's not too bad, I average about 4-6 hrs on a "bad" night.
She's still as active as ever, thankfully it's mostly in the belly area. She's discovered a nerve in my left buttocks, it feels like someone's jabbing my bum with a large pin - owies! I've gotten Colin to massage my bum, it sounds silly but it feels soooo good. All those muscles are being worked over time with carrying all my extra weight and it feels good on my hips too.
Robbie and I went to Walmart yesterday and picked up the rest of the stuff that I needed for my hospital bag, I'm pretty much ready to go now. The only thing that I have left to do is type up a little Robbie instruction manual for Nan when she comes to watch him while we're at the hospital.
Everyone keeps asking me if I'm getting excited, nervous, etc for new baby. No, I'm not. I'm still not ready to have her (mentally), I'm not ready to say good-bye to this pregnancy and hello to my little girl. This pregnancy has been so much better compared to Robbie's (it's amazing how the season plays such a large factor in your comfort).
I've had this cough that just wont go away, I'm assuming it's my little girl in my lungs. I get a tickle in my lungs and can't help but cough.
Sleeping is really wishy-washy. One night I can sleep from 9-7 and not even have to get up to pee... other nights (well, I guess morning) I'm up around 3:30-4am. When you count up the hours it's not too bad, I average about 4-6 hrs on a "bad" night.
She's still as active as ever, thankfully it's mostly in the belly area. She's discovered a nerve in my left buttocks, it feels like someone's jabbing my bum with a large pin - owies! I've gotten Colin to massage my bum, it sounds silly but it feels soooo good. All those muscles are being worked over time with carrying all my extra weight and it feels good on my hips too.
Robbie and I went to Walmart yesterday and picked up the rest of the stuff that I needed for my hospital bag, I'm pretty much ready to go now. The only thing that I have left to do is type up a little Robbie instruction manual for Nan when she comes to watch him while we're at the hospital.
Everyone keeps asking me if I'm getting excited, nervous, etc for new baby. No, I'm not. I'm still not ready to have her (mentally), I'm not ready to say good-bye to this pregnancy and hello to my little girl. This pregnancy has been so much better compared to Robbie's (it's amazing how the season plays such a large factor in your comfort).
Saturday, November 29, 2008
37 Weeks
Yep... still pregnant. Lets start with the good stuff first:
I had an AMAZING Wednesday with a full day at a mommy orientated spa, thanks to my amazing husband. He got me a gift certificate for all this pampering back for Mother's Day but I decided to hold on to it until I really needed/wanted it and I'm so thankful and happy I did it when I did. Just walking into Sweet Mama (name of the spa) I knew it was the real deal, I got introduced to Amanda who'd be taking care of me for the majority of the day... what a sweet girl, she was friendly and didn't make me feel uncomfortable about my yucky body. My first treatment was a "body polish", she exfoliated my feet, legs, belly, back, and arms then set me to have an amazing shower where they had yummy smelling organic shampoo, conditioner and body wash. After my shower I was given a bath robe and sandals and then sent to another girl for an hour massage... oh my goodness, talk about heaven. They had me lay on a water bed which was super comfy (but hard to switch positions in) she did my back, legs, bum (best part of the massage), and neck. Then I was sent for a pedicure back with Amanda, I have really ugly toe nails and was prepared to tell her that I didn't want her to paint the nails but I was just so comfortable with her I just let her do what she does best... I'm really glad I did, I ended up getting jewels on my toes!!
Half way through my pedicure another lady came in with a trolley on munchies for me! Herbal tea's, caramel muffin, fresh strawberries, and a bottle of water... yummmm. I felt like a queen! I felt bad eating while she was working on my toes and even offered her some of my goodies, she kindly declined.
After my feet she did my facial. I LOVED IT. I don't think I've ever had one before, it felt so nice!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU COLIN. I definitely felt rejuvenated and fresh... ready to tackle the last couple of weeks.
Now on to the poopy stuff:
- Wednesday night I was woken up about three times before 2am with contractions, mildly painful ones, enough to get me up for the rest of the night/morning. Colin was up that night with food poisoning, so neither of us were feeling that great.
- Thursday I was a walking Braxton Hicks. While Grammie and I went out to run some errands, they were constantly bothering me. I had this massive rock hard basket ball of a belly that is so hard to maneuver.
- Friday. I had my Dr's appointment. Waited over an hour (again... grr) I now weigh a whopping 169lbs. Baby's heartbeat was 130. I had the GBS swab done, a cervical check and a VERY fast u/s. If the swab comes back positive then I'll have to be hooked up to an IV and administered anti-biotics when baby's born. I'm not dilated but he said the cervix is very soft and the head is "right there". He whipped out a little ultrasound machine that fit in his backpack, put some gel on my belly and put it on my pelvis to confirm the head was there... that was it. I didn't really understand the point of that one, I mean, baby's so big now you can tell where her bum and head are just by feeling around. He gave me my hospital paperwork that I'm suppose to start carrying with me and will bring to the hospital when it's "my time". I also go weekly now... it's the final countdown!
- This weekend I've been exhausted. Friday night I slept 10 hours and felt like I could sleep for another 5! Also... warning, perhaps too much info... I've been tooting/pooping a bunch. I've got constant (mild) pressure on my "bottom".
On a more positive note... I have 19 days until my due date!!!! I'll try and post belly pictures in the next day or so, I still don't think I'm THAT big. Colin thinks that there's not much more room for her to grow but after looking at old pictures when I was pregnant with Robbie I realize that I could be a lot bigger!
I had an AMAZING Wednesday with a full day at a mommy orientated spa, thanks to my amazing husband. He got me a gift certificate for all this pampering back for Mother's Day but I decided to hold on to it until I really needed/wanted it and I'm so thankful and happy I did it when I did. Just walking into Sweet Mama (name of the spa) I knew it was the real deal, I got introduced to Amanda who'd be taking care of me for the majority of the day... what a sweet girl, she was friendly and didn't make me feel uncomfortable about my yucky body. My first treatment was a "body polish", she exfoliated my feet, legs, belly, back, and arms then set me to have an amazing shower where they had yummy smelling organic shampoo, conditioner and body wash. After my shower I was given a bath robe and sandals and then sent to another girl for an hour massage... oh my goodness, talk about heaven. They had me lay on a water bed which was super comfy (but hard to switch positions in) she did my back, legs, bum (best part of the massage), and neck. Then I was sent for a pedicure back with Amanda, I have really ugly toe nails and was prepared to tell her that I didn't want her to paint the nails but I was just so comfortable with her I just let her do what she does best... I'm really glad I did, I ended up getting jewels on my toes!!
Half way through my pedicure another lady came in with a trolley on munchies for me! Herbal tea's, caramel muffin, fresh strawberries, and a bottle of water... yummmm. I felt like a queen! I felt bad eating while she was working on my toes and even offered her some of my goodies, she kindly declined.After my feet she did my facial. I LOVED IT. I don't think I've ever had one before, it felt so nice!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU COLIN. I definitely felt rejuvenated and fresh... ready to tackle the last couple of weeks.
Now on to the poopy stuff:
- Wednesday night I was woken up about three times before 2am with contractions, mildly painful ones, enough to get me up for the rest of the night/morning. Colin was up that night with food poisoning, so neither of us were feeling that great.
- Thursday I was a walking Braxton Hicks. While Grammie and I went out to run some errands, they were constantly bothering me. I had this massive rock hard basket ball of a belly that is so hard to maneuver.
- Friday. I had my Dr's appointment. Waited over an hour (again... grr) I now weigh a whopping 169lbs. Baby's heartbeat was 130. I had the GBS swab done, a cervical check and a VERY fast u/s. If the swab comes back positive then I'll have to be hooked up to an IV and administered anti-biotics when baby's born. I'm not dilated but he said the cervix is very soft and the head is "right there". He whipped out a little ultrasound machine that fit in his backpack, put some gel on my belly and put it on my pelvis to confirm the head was there... that was it. I didn't really understand the point of that one, I mean, baby's so big now you can tell where her bum and head are just by feeling around. He gave me my hospital paperwork that I'm suppose to start carrying with me and will bring to the hospital when it's "my time". I also go weekly now... it's the final countdown!
- This weekend I've been exhausted. Friday night I slept 10 hours and felt like I could sleep for another 5! Also... warning, perhaps too much info... I've been tooting/pooping a bunch. I've got constant (mild) pressure on my "bottom".
On a more positive note... I have 19 days until my due date!!!! I'll try and post belly pictures in the next day or so, I still don't think I'm THAT big. Colin thinks that there's not much more room for her to grow but after looking at old pictures when I was pregnant with Robbie I realize that I could be a lot bigger!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
This girl wants OUT
Holly Crow! She seems to like hurting me.
Last night my hips were really bothering me, I was up at 3am and couldn't get back to sleep. Unfortunately my tossing and turning must be waking up Colin because he looked exhausted this morning :( I think I'm going to start sleeping downstairs, he shouldn't have to compromise his sleep for my aches and pains.
Today I was busy cleaning the house and trying to get the house in some kind of order, I started with the bathrooms and was cleaning our shower when I stood up to catch my breath and she started to throw a temper tantrum in-utero. It felt like she was reaching her hand downward and pushing/scratching my cervix and to top it all off I'm constantly getting Braxton Hick's! OWIE (not the contractions, just the baby's movements)
Last night my hips were really bothering me, I was up at 3am and couldn't get back to sleep. Unfortunately my tossing and turning must be waking up Colin because he looked exhausted this morning :( I think I'm going to start sleeping downstairs, he shouldn't have to compromise his sleep for my aches and pains.
Today I was busy cleaning the house and trying to get the house in some kind of order, I started with the bathrooms and was cleaning our shower when I stood up to catch my breath and she started to throw a temper tantrum in-utero. It felt like she was reaching her hand downward and pushing/scratching my cervix and to top it all off I'm constantly getting Braxton Hick's! OWIE (not the contractions, just the baby's movements)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
With 26 Days to Go
My rings came off today =( I was really hoping I was going to dodge the swelling this time around... pooey. My feet don't feel too swollen, thankfully.
Friday, November 21, 2008
36 Weeks!!!
Your baby is still gaining weight
-- about an ounce/ 28 grams a day. She weighs nearly 6 pounds/ 2.7 kilograms and
is 19 inches/ 45 centimetres long from head to toe.
You may begin to feel an increased
pressure in your lower abdomen and notice that your baby is gradually dropping.
This is called lightening or engagement, and your lungs and stomach will finally
get a chance to stretch out a little -- breathing and eating should become
easier. However, walking may become increasingly uncomfortable -- some women say
it feels as if the baby is going to fall out. Also, you may still feel as if you
need to go to the loo all the time. Stock up on those last minute nutrients with
our eating well guide.
The good news is that by the end of
this week, your pregnancy will be full-term and you could give birth any day
now. (Babies between 37 and 42 weeks are considered full-term -- a baby born
before 37 weeks is premature and after 42 is post-term.) At your weekly visit,
your doctor or midwife may check to see if you've started dilating (when the
cervix opens) and effacing (when the cervix thins). The doctor or midwife will
also check what position the baby is in, in order to estimate how far the baby
has dropped into the pelvis. This information will be entered into your
maternity notes so that your midwife in hospital will know the position of the
baby when you go into labour.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Cervical (?) Pain
- Yesterday I was out and about doing Christmas shopping (and getting into the festive spirit) but I found the more walking I did the more sharp pains I got in my inner pelvic region.
- I think baby's dropping (or has dropped). I'm breathing a little easier and I haven't taken a Tums in about 3 days now!
- If I can direct you to my "ticker", the baby has moved into it's last box!!! VERY EXCITING!
- I got another leg cramp last night, thankfully Colin was already up and getting ready for work so my sporadic flailing didn't wake him up.
- I picked up Vit D for the baby (recommended for babies that are breastfed) and I got myself some super absorbent pads.... blech, I'm not looking forward to that part. I really enjoy not having a period.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Mucus Plug
This morning I was pleasantly surprised to see a small amount of my plug! It's nice to know that my body is slowly starting to prepare itself for the birth of this little one.
Aches and pains are still there but I think I might have found a different use for my Snoogle, I'm sleeping on top of it which gives my hips a little bit of extra cushion... the only downside is I'm mostly sleeping on my back, which they don't recommend. At this point, I don't care how I sleep just as long as I get some!
I'm in the market for some new shoes. The only shoes that still fit me are my sneakers and they're not the easiest to tie up! I'm thinking about buying crocs. My feet aren't swollen (yet) they just seem to be getting bigger (that happened with Robbie too)
Aches and pains are still there but I think I might have found a different use for my Snoogle, I'm sleeping on top of it which gives my hips a little bit of extra cushion... the only downside is I'm mostly sleeping on my back, which they don't recommend. At this point, I don't care how I sleep just as long as I get some!
I'm in the market for some new shoes. The only shoes that still fit me are my sneakers and they're not the easiest to tie up! I'm thinking about buying crocs. My feet aren't swollen (yet) they just seem to be getting bigger (that happened with Robbie too)
Friday, November 14, 2008
35 wk Development
Your baby now weighs about 5.25
pounds/ 2.4 kilograms and measures approximately 18 inches/ 45 centimetres from
head to toe. His elbow, foot or head may protrude from your stomach when he
stretches and squirms about. Soon, as the wall of your uterus and your abdomen
stretch thinner and let in more light, your baby will begin to develop daily
activity cycles.
This week, your little one is now
sporting fingernails and has a fully developed pair of kidneys. His liver can
also process some waste products.
There's much less amniotic fluid
and much more baby in your uterus, which has expanded to a thousand times its
original size. You've probably put on between 25 and 30 pounds/ 11 and 13.6
kilograms and your weight gain has hit its peak. Even your belly button has got
bigger and has popped outward. You may be feeling breathless now that the top of
your uterus is up under your ribs. Try getting down on all fours to take deeper
breaths. Although the pressure on your bladder will make the bathroom your
second home, don't drink any less water -- your baby needs the fluids. But you
may like to cut down on diuretic drinks like tea and coffee, which will make you
have to urinate even more often.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
35 wk appt
Baby's heartbeat is 142 bpm. He's able to find her heartbeat in seconds, it's so strong and loud now!
It was another "uneventful" Dr's appt, she's measuring right on target and she seems to be still head down (when he wiggled her head I could feel it knocking up against my pelvic bone).
I go in two weeks where he forewarned me that they'll be doing the swab, an internal and a quick in-office ultrasound. I'm really eager for this appointment, I'll be in my final stretch and I'll be considered full term!
It was another "uneventful" Dr's appt, she's measuring right on target and she seems to be still head down (when he wiggled her head I could feel it knocking up against my pelvic bone).
I go in two weeks where he forewarned me that they'll be doing the swab, an internal and a quick in-office ultrasound. I'm really eager for this appointment, I'll be in my final stretch and I'll be considered full term!
My first fall
"Heather, how bad do your hips hurt?" You may ask.
This morning I stood up to go get Robbie, I took one step with my right leg and then one with my left, I got a shooting pain in my hip and it gave out on me, I litterally crumbled to the floor.
I took a Tylenol last night because that's the only way I can seem to sleep through the night and that must have numbed the pain enough that I slept on it the wrong way... and now I'm paying the price today. I go to the Dr's today and I'll mention it to him but I don't expect him to resolve my issue, the only reason I'm having this pain is because of the baby and I'll continue to have this pain until she's born.
Tonight I'm going to try sleeping in my red chair tonight, I'm always so comfy sitting in it. Keep your fingers crossed!!
This morning I stood up to go get Robbie, I took one step with my right leg and then one with my left, I got a shooting pain in my hip and it gave out on me, I litterally crumbled to the floor.
I took a Tylenol last night because that's the only way I can seem to sleep through the night and that must have numbed the pain enough that I slept on it the wrong way... and now I'm paying the price today. I go to the Dr's today and I'll mention it to him but I don't expect him to resolve my issue, the only reason I'm having this pain is because of the baby and I'll continue to have this pain until she's born.
Tonight I'm going to try sleeping in my red chair tonight, I'm always so comfy sitting in it. Keep your fingers crossed!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
December 12th
Interesting... I've just discovered that we're set to have a full moon on Dec 12th, exactly one week before my due date.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Ouchies
I've been avoiding making this kind of post, I've been trying to be optimistic and thankful that I get to go through what I'm experiencing... but it's so hard some times.
My sleeping is going down the tubes, I've had to get rid of my Snoogle because it's giving me back problems and I can't lie on my sides because of the extra weight (and I'm sure my pelvis is getting ready for labour) so I've resorted to a pillow under my legs while I lay on my back. It's so hard to get my body into this position and have it be comfortable. As I lay on my back baby floats up to my lungs and I find it harder to breath (and then I get heartburn too). I have 39 days left... I can do it! 39 days with lack of sleep and then a couple months of no sleep... not a problem! I took a Tylenol at 10 last night and didn't fall asleep until 2... on the couch. I woke myself up around 3 and was able to crawl into bed.
I'm having a hard time breathing, too - I don't know if it's the weight of my massive boobs, the baby in my lungs or a combination of the two... but some times when eating I have to sit back and catch my breath.
I've got about one month and one week left, I can do this. I need to stay positive and strong.
My sleeping is going down the tubes, I've had to get rid of my Snoogle because it's giving me back problems and I can't lie on my sides because of the extra weight (and I'm sure my pelvis is getting ready for labour) so I've resorted to a pillow under my legs while I lay on my back. It's so hard to get my body into this position and have it be comfortable. As I lay on my back baby floats up to my lungs and I find it harder to breath (and then I get heartburn too). I have 39 days left... I can do it! 39 days with lack of sleep and then a couple months of no sleep... not a problem! I took a Tylenol at 10 last night and didn't fall asleep until 2... on the couch. I woke myself up around 3 and was able to crawl into bed.
I'm having a hard time breathing, too - I don't know if it's the weight of my massive boobs, the baby in my lungs or a combination of the two... but some times when eating I have to sit back and catch my breath.
I've got about one month and one week left, I can do this. I need to stay positive and strong.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
34 Weeks
This is a BIG milestone for me. As of today, if I go into labour they won't try and stop it. One more week and I'm half way through the 30's and three more weeks until I'm considered FULL TERM! Hooray (as I do my little happy victory dance)
I have been feeling some serious pains in the nether region, I was walking around Michaels yesterday and had some pain that almost had me stop in my tracks. It felts like she was punching... maybe even scratching my cervix. It was a sharp pain. I'm still having a good amount of braxton hicks' (daily). I find that if I get up too fast I always seem to get one, I've stopped letting Colin know because it just seems to spook him out.
I picked up a new cover for the bucket this week. I recently discovered that the bunting bag that we used for Robbie actually voids the car seat's warranty, so I went over to our local baby store (which I'm slowly becoming addicted to) and picked up one of these:
This guy is all weather proof and reversible! I can still put blankets inside to bundle her up to make sure she's nice and cozy. I know Robbie's going to love opening and closing that little window (playing peek-a-boo), hopefully she doesn't mind!
Speaking about Robbie, I think he's in denial. Every time I lift up my shirt to rub the belly, scratch it, etc he's quick to try and pull my shirt down again and say "no belly, mommy" or "no baby". Does it spook him out? Does he not want to acknowledge it?
Sleeping has becoming increasingly more difficult. Every time I need to flip over I have to wake myself up, hold my breath and use every ounce of my muscles to raise my belly up and over.
My next doctors appointment is Thursday, I'm curious to see what he's going to do. At 36 weeks they usually do the Strep B swab so will he start me on weekly visits after next week? or will he have me wait another 2 weeks and then start weekly visits? Time will tell!
Your baby now weighs more than 4.7
pounds / 2.2 kilograms and is 18 inches / over 45 centimetres from top to toe.
She's filling out and getting rounder -- she'll need her fat layers later to
regulate her body temperature.
If you don't already talk to your
baby, this is a good time to start -- at 35 weeks her hearing is fully
developed. Don't feel ridiculous if you're already chatting in baby talk. Some
evidence shows that newborns pay closer attention to high-pitched tones.
If you've been nervous about going
into premature labour, you'll be happy to know that 99 per cent of babies born
at week 35 can survive outside the womb -- and most have no major problems.
Although your baby's central nervous system is still maturing, her lungs are
nearly fully developed by now.
Many women start to notice a
tingling sensation or numbness in the pelvic region or pain as they walk. This
may be caused by the pelvic joints loosening, ready for labour
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
First Signs of Pain
I told myself that I won't complain with the aches and pains that go along with the third trimester, so this post is purely for documentation. I was almost convinced that I was blessed with a painless pregnancy...
A couple of nights ago I did something to my Achilles tendon. It was so painful to put pressure on it so, I ran myself a warm bath and massaged it which seemed to take away some of the sharp pain but there was still an achy sore feeling to it so I took a Tylenol. That night was the first night that the Snoogle didn't help me :( My hips were so sore and every time I tried to switch sides they made me moan with pain... very uncomfy.
Tonight was the first time I've had a leg cramp this pregnancy, I can't believe I forgot how painful these things are!!! I must have pointed my toes while trying to roll onto my other side and it felt like someone just punched me in the calf. Poor Colin was woken suddenly by my "ouch"es and squirms. My calf was ROCK HARD! I tried to sit up to massage it but of course, I was like a fish out of water... what pregnant woman with this big of a belly can sit-up by herself?! Thankfully Colin gave me his hand and I was able to sit up and rub my knuckles over the calf muscle. Now it feels like a bruised muscle... awesome.
I guess these are all good signs - I'm that much closer to meeting this little girl!
A couple of nights ago I did something to my Achilles tendon. It was so painful to put pressure on it so, I ran myself a warm bath and massaged it which seemed to take away some of the sharp pain but there was still an achy sore feeling to it so I took a Tylenol. That night was the first night that the Snoogle didn't help me :( My hips were so sore and every time I tried to switch sides they made me moan with pain... very uncomfy.
Tonight was the first time I've had a leg cramp this pregnancy, I can't believe I forgot how painful these things are!!! I must have pointed my toes while trying to roll onto my other side and it felt like someone just punched me in the calf. Poor Colin was woken suddenly by my "ouch"es and squirms. My calf was ROCK HARD! I tried to sit up to massage it but of course, I was like a fish out of water... what pregnant woman with this big of a belly can sit-up by herself?! Thankfully Colin gave me his hand and I was able to sit up and rub my knuckles over the calf muscle. Now it feels like a bruised muscle... awesome.
I guess these are all good signs - I'm that much closer to meeting this little girl!
Friday, October 31, 2008
33 Weeks
You know what's depressing... I just bought this white shirt about a month or two ago and I had AMPLE room! Now I've got to wear my belly band so that my gut isn't sticking out :P
Your baby now weighs about 4.2
pounds / 2 kilograms and measures approximately 17 inches/ 44 centimetres from
head to toe. Your baby should already be getting ready for delivery by turning
upside-down -- his head should be pointing down.
Your doctor or midwife will be
paying careful attention to your baby's position in the coming weeks -- some
babies do decide to turn back round again. Your baby's skull is still quite
pliable and not completely joined, in part so he can ease out of the relatively
narrow birth canal. But the bones in the rest of his body are hardening. Your
baby's skin is also gradually becoming less red and wrinkled.
If you're a first-time mother, your
child's head may move into the pelvis this week and press firmly against your
cervix. (This happens for about half of all first-time mothers.) If you're a
second-time mum, you can expect this to happen a week before labour -- and for
some this won't happen until the start of labour.
You may notice that your feet and
ankles are quite swollen by the end of the day. Water retention, also known as
oedema, is often worse in warm weather and late in the day. Surprisingly,
keeping hydrated helps reduce water retention. Your body -- particularly your
kidneys -- and your baby need plenty of fluids, so drink up. If you suddenly
feel swollen or puffy in your hands or face, however, call your doctor -- it may
be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
50 Days Left!
Oh goodness, this due date is creeping up on me.
I'm starting to feel the regular aches and pains associated with the third trimester. I find I have to pace myself in my regular house hold duties and I've got to sit down a lot more than usual, my stamina isn't like it use to be.
My hips are a major ouchies right now. I can't lie on my side anymore, I find that if I'm playing with Robbie on the floor and go to get up I'm in some serious pain. I had the same kind of pains when I was lying in bed with Robbie while I read a bed time story to him, so now I sit on the floor right on the edge of his bed :( It's not the same as crawling into bed with him and cuddling.
This little girl loves to boot the *beep* out of me... especially around 8-9pm, that's her peak time. I forgot why pregnant women put their hands on their bellies, to keep the baby from bursting out of the skin! It seriously feels that way, especially on my right side. She pushes so hard and so fast that I'm quickly pushing her back because it feels like she's going to rip through my flesh!
For the past couple of mornings I've been wide awake right around the time that Colin gets up to go to work (6am) it's kind of nice to see him off to work and then I get to watch the news before Robbie wakes up.
A little side note, I'm part of an online pregnancy message board and three (yes, 3) of our December moms have already had their babies. Two of them weighed 3lbs and a bit and the other one weighed 7lbs (and he was just 33 weeks old). Crazy, hey?!?!
I'm starting to feel the regular aches and pains associated with the third trimester. I find I have to pace myself in my regular house hold duties and I've got to sit down a lot more than usual, my stamina isn't like it use to be.
My hips are a major ouchies right now. I can't lie on my side anymore, I find that if I'm playing with Robbie on the floor and go to get up I'm in some serious pain. I had the same kind of pains when I was lying in bed with Robbie while I read a bed time story to him, so now I sit on the floor right on the edge of his bed :( It's not the same as crawling into bed with him and cuddling.
This little girl loves to boot the *beep* out of me... especially around 8-9pm, that's her peak time. I forgot why pregnant women put their hands on their bellies, to keep the baby from bursting out of the skin! It seriously feels that way, especially on my right side. She pushes so hard and so fast that I'm quickly pushing her back because it feels like she's going to rip through my flesh!
For the past couple of mornings I've been wide awake right around the time that Colin gets up to go to work (6am) it's kind of nice to see him off to work and then I get to watch the news before Robbie wakes up.
A little side note, I'm part of an online pregnancy message board and three (yes, 3) of our December moms have already had their babies. Two of them weighed 3lbs and a bit and the other one weighed 7lbs (and he was just 33 weeks old). Crazy, hey?!?!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Ultrasound Day
Well it was quite a good visit. The tech was asking me why I was coming back for another u/s and I told her that I was told I had a low lying placenta, as soon as she started looking at my placenta she said that it's not even close to the cervix.... hooray! I asked her to confirm the sex, it is a girl. Her head is down and she is weighing.... get this.... 4lbs 7oz!! eeeek! I'm not going to lie, I left the building and had a little bit of a break down. I remember reading that the baby usually gains a pound a week (give or take), so that would make for one massive baby, but after doing some research she's just under a pound over the average weight for her age... so I'm happy that I probably won't be having a 10lbs baby! Her heartbeat was a surprising 136, very low compared to the ones recorded in the past.
It's pretty depressing when your maternity shirts don't cover you any more. I have a handful of shirts that still fit me and they're my cheap shirts boughten from Old Navy, all my Thyme and Motherhood (maternity store) brands don't fit me! I think it's a conspiracy for me to have to buy more clothes from them (which I refuse to do when I've got less than 2 months to go!) I'm hoping I can find a good sale at Old Navy or H&M so that I can get at least one more pair of pants (my jeans are the only pants that fit me now, aside from my PJ pants)
It's pretty depressing when your maternity shirts don't cover you any more. I have a handful of shirts that still fit me and they're my cheap shirts boughten from Old Navy, all my Thyme and Motherhood (maternity store) brands don't fit me! I think it's a conspiracy for me to have to buy more clothes from them (which I refuse to do when I've got less than 2 months to go!) I'm hoping I can find a good sale at Old Navy or H&M so that I can get at least one more pair of pants (my jeans are the only pants that fit me now, aside from my PJ pants)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
My belly button resembles....
It's official, I have an outie now. It's not prominent as it just popped out, but give it a couple of weeks and I'm sure you'll be able to see it through my shirts.
Friday, October 24, 2008
32 Week Development
Your baby now weighs approximately 3.75
pounds/ 1.7 kilograms and is about 17 inches / 42 centimetres long from head to
toe. Although his lungs won't be fully developed until just before birth, your
little one is inhaling amniotic fluid to exercise his lungs and practise
breathing.
Some babies have a head of hair already,
others have only a few wisps. Thick hair at birth doesn't necessarily mean thick
hair later on but children with fine hair in childhood usually have thinner hair
in adulthood.
If your baby is a boy, his testicles
should be descending from his abdomen into his scrotum. Sometimes however, one
or both testicles won't move into position until after birth. In two-thirds of
all baby boys who have undescended testicles at birth, the condition corrects
itself by the boy's first birthday.
You're probably gaining a pound/ 450 grams
a week, largely because your baby is likely to gain more than half his
birthweight during the seven weeks before delivery. Make sure you are eating
well in these last few weeks.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
I'm sick.... again
I think I'm going to live off of soda crackers, ginger ale and water for the remainder of my pregnancy.
Woke up at 4 with the EXACT same thing I got during Thanksgiving. Vomit and diarrhea. This may get too detailed (stop now if you've got a sensitive stomach) My food was partially digested so when throwing it up it stung my throat SO BAD and now my teeth feel... raw? Does that make sense? I don't know how bulimics do it, then again - they probably don't wait 8-9hrs before getting rid of it.
I was hoping to get a full nights sleep because I didn't get the best of sleep last night... I guess not. Hopefully I feel better by tonight. I got Colin to go out and pick me up some ginger ale to sip on, it hurts to sip. My throat is raw.
Sorry for the whining, I just hate vomiting.
Woke up at 4 with the EXACT same thing I got during Thanksgiving. Vomit and diarrhea. This may get too detailed (stop now if you've got a sensitive stomach) My food was partially digested so when throwing it up it stung my throat SO BAD and now my teeth feel... raw? Does that make sense? I don't know how bulimics do it, then again - they probably don't wait 8-9hrs before getting rid of it.
I was hoping to get a full nights sleep because I didn't get the best of sleep last night... I guess not. Hopefully I feel better by tonight. I got Colin to go out and pick me up some ginger ale to sip on, it hurts to sip. My throat is raw.
Sorry for the whining, I just hate vomiting.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Dr's Appt @ 31wks 5days
This is so depressing.... I weigh 161 lbs. I swear, I've got at least 10 lbs per boob.
Doctor's happy with the progress, I'm measuring bang on and her heart beat was 147. Colin asked him if her head was still down and he said yes, he mentioned that he'll do a quick ultrasound around the 36 week mark to determine where baby's positioned. This Monday I go for the big ultra sound to find out if the placenta's moved or not! (keep your fingers crossed that there's no issues)
I see the Dr again in 2 weeks time :)
Doctor's happy with the progress, I'm measuring bang on and her heart beat was 147. Colin asked him if her head was still down and he said yes, he mentioned that he'll do a quick ultrasound around the 36 week mark to determine where baby's positioned. This Monday I go for the big ultra sound to find out if the placenta's moved or not! (keep your fingers crossed that there's no issues)
I see the Dr again in 2 weeks time :)
I'm Exhausted!
Between this little peanut and Robbie, I haven't been getting as much sleep.
Robbie's started experiencing night terrors, thankfully he doesn't seem to traumatized and he's fairly easy to get back to sleep. But it seems like I can't get to bed before midnight because this little baby keeps on beating me up and when I get up to take care of Robbie she decides to wake up and start making herself known again!
I guess she's just preparing me for when she actually joins this family.
Robbie's started experiencing night terrors, thankfully he doesn't seem to traumatized and he's fairly easy to get back to sleep. But it seems like I can't get to bed before midnight because this little baby keeps on beating me up and when I get up to take care of Robbie she decides to wake up and start making herself known again!
I guess she's just preparing me for when she actually joins this family.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
31 Weeks
Your baby's arms, legs and body
continue to fill out -- and they are finally proportional in size to her head.
She weighs about 3.3 pounds/1.5 kilograms and looks more like a newborn. She
measures about 16 inches/ 41 centimetres from crown to toe.
You may notice your baby isn't
moving around as much. Don't worry; she's just running out of space in your
uterus. As long as you can feel her squirming, you'll know she's just fine.
Believe it or not, she still has plenty of growing to do. You can expect her to
gain at least two more pounds/900 grams before delivery.
Your baby's organs are
continuing to mature and she is passing water from her bladder: good practice
for the urinating she'll do after she's born. Soon you can wonder what your baby
is wishing for -- brain scans have shown that fetuses have periods of dream
sleep around month eight. You've probably gained three to four pounds / 1.3 to
1.8 kilograms this month. Gaining a pound/450 grams a week is quite normal
during the last trimester as your baby has a final growth spurt before
birth.
Well this week has been pretty good. I still feel great compared to Robbie's pregnancy. This week she's started kicking me... to the point where I let out yelps. Seriously, I think she bruises me from the inside. Yeasterday we were visiting with some friends, I was in the middle of a conversation when all the sudden she booted me just bellow my right rib and I almost cried, everyone looked at me like I was crazy and then Colin pipes up and says "NOT YET! I'M NOT READY!" We moved the two beds downstairs so we're officially in nursery mode. Robbie's been currious about all the new bedding, bumper pads, pillows, etc. I've been letting him play with them as much as he wants, I don't want any resentment. He took her bumper pads and laid it out on the floor, he had a blast walking on it like a tight rope while calling it "a bridge".
I go for another Dr's appointment on Wednesday, hopefully it won't be an hour and a half wait again.
OH! I moved into another box! If you look at the ticker I have one more box left!!!!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
On a Happier Note
The baby's crib bedding and her Christmas dress came in the mail today! Now that we've got the bedding we're going to start assembling the nursery!! Hooray!!
Mommy's Sick
We had a great Thanksgiving dinner with all of our family (Colin's side) after I had two MAJOR helpings my back starting acting up so we decided to head home so that I can take a Tylenol and relax my back. Once I got home I was feeling really off and stayed up a little later than Colin did. At 2 am I woke up and was constantly burping up turkey, at 2:30 I threw up everything in my tummy. Half an hour later I got the urge to vomit again, but all that came out was bial... my body was trying to expel something that wasn't there, I couldn't stop my stomach from contracting. I finally went to bed around 4am with the shakes, thankfully I was able to get a couple hours of sleep before Robbie woke up. When I got up I had some serious diarrhea and felt like I had just been hit by a train, I had some toast to try and get some nutrients back into my body - at first I wasn't sure if it was going to stay down but it thankfully did. After about an hour or two I started feeling a little better... just physically tired from what my body had put me through the night before. After I having a little nap when Robbie napped I felt a little better, my tummy seemed to be back to normal... boy was I wrong.
I was up 5 times throughout the night last night with diarrhea and still have it this morning. I called Grammie and she said to stick to a clear diet, I obviously have a bug and if I eat heavier foods it's just going to keep nourishing the bug. So I'm making Jello right now and for meals I'll have soup, ginger ale and Popsicles.
Through everything my body's been through it seems like baby's still doing well, she's still kicking up a storm and keeping me up at nights.
I was up 5 times throughout the night last night with diarrhea and still have it this morning. I called Grammie and she said to stick to a clear diet, I obviously have a bug and if I eat heavier foods it's just going to keep nourishing the bug. So I'm making Jello right now and for meals I'll have soup, ginger ale and Popsicles.
Through everything my body's been through it seems like baby's still doing well, she's still kicking up a storm and keeping me up at nights.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Yay!!! 10 more weeks to go!!!!
Baby's bedding should be her next week so once that gets here we're going to start setting up the nursery, the two beds will go downstairs and I'll start washing the clothes that I have for her. I'm quite impressed with how much mobility I still have, the Snoogle has healed all my hip pains! I do get heartburn once in a while but nothing that a tum or two can't handle! I'm still able to get up on my own (usually) and I'd like to think that my belly doesn't slow me down that much. I'm still getting a fair amount of Braxton Hicks', yesterday I got 3 back to back - one of which hurt. Colin gets worried every time I get one, it's pretty cute to see him get nervous. You can see the wheels in his head turning every time I get one "what else do we need to do before this little girl arrives?" He just sits there and makes a mental list.
Baby's bedding should be her next week so once that gets here we're going to start setting up the nursery, the two beds will go downstairs and I'll start washing the clothes that I have for her. I'm quite impressed with how much mobility I still have, the Snoogle has healed all my hip pains! I do get heartburn once in a while but nothing that a tum or two can't handle! I'm still able to get up on my own (usually) and I'd like to think that my belly doesn't slow me down that much. I'm still getting a fair amount of Braxton Hicks', yesterday I got 3 back to back - one of which hurt. Colin gets worried every time I get one, it's pretty cute to see him get nervous. You can see the wheels in his head turning every time I get one "what else do we need to do before this little girl arrives?" He just sits there and makes a mental list.
Your baby's lungs and digestive
tract are almost fully developed. While your baby may soon slow up growing in
length, (he measures about 15.7 inches/ 40 centimetres from crown to toe by
now), he will continue to gain weight until he's born.
This week your baby continues to
open and shut his eyes. He can probably see what's going on in utero,
distinguish light from dark and even track a light source. If you shine a light
on your stomach, your baby may move his head to follow the light or even reach
out to touch the moving glow. Some researchers think baring your stomach to
light stimulates visual development. But don't expect 20/20 vision when your
baby is born -- newborns can see a distance of only about 8 to 12 inches/ 20 to
30 centimetres. (Children with normal vision don't reach 20/20 vision until
about age 7 to 9.) To complete the picture, your baby now has eyebrows and
eyelashes.
A pint and a half/around a litre of
amniotic fluid now surrounds your baby but that volume decreases as he gets
bigger and has less room in your uterus. As you and the baby continue to grow,
don't be alarmed if you feel breathless, as if you can't get enough air; it's
just your uterus pressing against your diaphragm. There is a light at the end of
the tunnel though. At about 34 weeks (or just before delivery, if this is your
second or third pregnancy), your baby's head will move down into your pelvis as
the baby gets into the right position for birth. That will make breathing and
eating a lot easier
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Worst Night EVER!!
I can handle the sore hips, I can handle the heartburn... hell, I can even handle the insomnia.
What I'm having a really hard time with is my emotions. There are times when I just can't explain to Colin why I break down and cry all of the sudden. I feel so bad for him because I know he just wants to help but I just can't stop the tears.
Last night I started crying right after we put Robbie to bed (at 8:30) and I decided to go to bed too because I didn't sleep well the night before. Well I ended up sleeping from 9-6:30.... great, right?! NOPE. I don't think I should have gone to bed crying because I think that relayed into my dreams. I dreamt (damn it, here come the tears again) that Robbie and I were in a sky rise building that came crashing down. We lost each other in the mayhem of people pushing and shoving while trying to get out... I got out, my baby didn't. How could I produce such a horrible thought? Why is my body doing this to me?! I don't want to even think about something like that happening, let alone visualizing it.
Of course, I woke up in tears asking Colin for a hug. Poor Colin, I go to bed crying and wake up crying.
What I'm having a really hard time with is my emotions. There are times when I just can't explain to Colin why I break down and cry all of the sudden. I feel so bad for him because I know he just wants to help but I just can't stop the tears.
Last night I started crying right after we put Robbie to bed (at 8:30) and I decided to go to bed too because I didn't sleep well the night before. Well I ended up sleeping from 9-6:30.... great, right?! NOPE. I don't think I should have gone to bed crying because I think that relayed into my dreams. I dreamt (damn it, here come the tears again) that Robbie and I were in a sky rise building that came crashing down. We lost each other in the mayhem of people pushing and shoving while trying to get out... I got out, my baby didn't. How could I produce such a horrible thought? Why is my body doing this to me?! I don't want to even think about something like that happening, let alone visualizing it.
Of course, I woke up in tears asking Colin for a hug. Poor Colin, I go to bed crying and wake up crying.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Dr's Appt
Well, after waiting AN HOUR AND FIFTEEN MINUTES! We were finally seen by the doctor.
Here's the stats:
Hearbeat - 162
Mommy's weight - 157lbs (I gained 5lbs in 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Baby's measuring right on target and is still facing down. I passed my gestational diabetes test (the blood work I did on Wed) so I don't have to get poked any more!!
Funny story:
While we were waiting, there was a mom there with her 6 week old son - Colin got COMPLETELY spooked!! Reality hit him upside the head right then and there that we're going to have one of those. He seems to have forgotten how to handle a newborn, how to feed, etc. Then he started thinking about Robbie and adding a newborn into the mix... he was VERY overwhelmed, he didn't like it when I told him that we've got 10 weeks to go come Friday.. hahahaha!
My next appt will be in another 2 weeks and ultrasound is booked in the last week of October (to check placenta status).
Here's the stats:
Hearbeat - 162
Mommy's weight - 157lbs (I gained 5lbs in 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Baby's measuring right on target and is still facing down. I passed my gestational diabetes test (the blood work I did on Wed) so I don't have to get poked any more!!
Funny story:
While we were waiting, there was a mom there with her 6 week old son - Colin got COMPLETELY spooked!! Reality hit him upside the head right then and there that we're going to have one of those. He seems to have forgotten how to handle a newborn, how to feed, etc. Then he started thinking about Robbie and adding a newborn into the mix... he was VERY overwhelmed, he didn't like it when I told him that we've got 10 weeks to go come Friday.. hahahaha!
My next appt will be in another 2 weeks and ultrasound is booked in the last week of October (to check placenta status).
Friday, October 3, 2008
29 weeks!
Hooray for us, we've made it so far already!! Baby's holding up really well, she's always moving on the right side of my belly... very rarely does she kick/jab on the left side which always catches me off guard because I've become so use to her movements.
Went for my blood work on Wednesday and this Monday I go for another Dr's appointment, It feels like I just saw him yesterday!! I've booked my follow up ultrasound for the end of this month, hopefully the placenta's on the move (upward!)
We're slowly starting to accumulate clothing for this peanut. Grammie's knitting itch is in full swing, she's already knitted two little hats for her! It's still hard for me to look at pink and come to terms that I'm having a girl, just yesterday I came across the sweetest little outfit but opted not to get it because.... I really don't know why, it's just unfamiliar territory. (I know, I'm crazy!)
Went for my blood work on Wednesday and this Monday I go for another Dr's appointment, It feels like I just saw him yesterday!! I've booked my follow up ultrasound for the end of this month, hopefully the placenta's on the move (upward!)
We're slowly starting to accumulate clothing for this peanut. Grammie's knitting itch is in full swing, she's already knitted two little hats for her! It's still hard for me to look at pink and come to terms that I'm having a girl, just yesterday I came across the sweetest little outfit but opted not to get it because.... I really don't know why, it's just unfamiliar territory. (I know, I'm crazy!)
Your baby's head is getting bigger and his brain is developing billions of
neurons (important for later learning) at an amazing rate. His nutritional needs
are growing too. To meet his body's demands, you'll need plenty of protein,
vitamin C, folic acid and iron. His bones in particular are soaking up lots of
calcium right now, so drink your milk (or if you don't like the taste, try
calcium-enriched orange juice).
Monday, September 29, 2008
28 Weeks
By this week, your baby weighs nearly 2.3 pounds/ a little over 1 kilograms and
may measure 14.8 inches/ 38 centimetres from top to toe. At about this time,
your baby can open his eyes and turn his head in utero if he notices a
continuous, bright light shining from the outside. His fat layers are forming
and his fingernails appear.
I came home from a weekend visiting Grammie and Grampie and some of Colin's first words were "wow, you got bigger" and "yep, you're pregnant!" I am feeling a lot bigger, I'm noticing that some of my clothes don't fit me like they once did.
My hips are SO much better now, thanks to the Snoogle (a pregnancy pillow). I could easily sleep the whole night through... if I didn't have a little girl doing jazzersize at 4 in the morning.
I'll be going for my blood glucose test on Wednesday and I'll be booking another ultrasound sometime this week.
I picked up a birthing book this weekend. I want to teach myself how to relax while birthing and my goal is to do it without any medication. I realize that there may be complications or I may just not be built to do it, but i'm going to make a serious attempt.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Braxton Hicks
I've been getting them daily for the past 3 days now. I usually get about 4/day they're usually not painful - just uncomfortable. As long as there isn't a pattern and I'm not spotting then I'm in the clear. I don't remember ever having them with Robbie, it's nice to know that my body's already preparing for the baby's eviction!
Monday, September 22, 2008
...
For those of you who want to hear the heartbeat or download your own pictures you can go to this website: http://prebirthphotography.com/gallery/login.php username: heather password: baby . Part of our package is that we have an online photo gallery for 2 months.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
3D Ultrasound - IT'S A GIRL!
We had our 3D ultrasound today and I've got to say it was a great experience. The little turkey was moving around SO MUCH, for the first little bit she had her legs up to her head (along with her hands)... yes, I said "she"!!! We've got a 40min DVD of her along with a bunch of pictures that can be seen here: http://s367.photobucket.com/albums/oo114/missstasiuk/ultrasound%20pictures/?start=0
Enjoy!
27 Week Development
Hello, heather!
This week, your baby weighs almost
2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her
legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and
closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue
developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still
immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if
she were born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a
case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually
lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the
tickle
Friday, September 19, 2008
Dr's Appt @ 27 weeks
First off... HOORAY FOR BEING 3 MONTHS AWAY AND IN THE 3RD TRIMESTER!!!
Here are my/our stats:
Weight: 151.6 lbs (gained 8lbs in one month and 13lbs since my first Dr's appt)
Heartbeat: 152
He wants to see me every two weeks now (very exciting), things are going to seem to go a lot faster now. I have to go to get blood work done in 1.5-2 week to see if I have gestational diabetes, some people hate the taste of it but my sweet tooth loves it!
The Dr's also has written a requisition to have another ultrasound done in 6 weeks, looks like I have a low lying placenta. He said he's not worried about it, I guess as the uterus continues to grow so does the placenta and it usually moves itself out of the way. So he wants to keep an eye on it... just in case. (cross your fingers it moves!)
I told him about my hips because they're still bugging me - my left one especially. He suggested going to a chiropractor. My left hip has absolutely no strength and I find myself in quite the predicament when I'm playing with Robbie on the floor and then I have to get up. Speaking about Robbie... she knows and reacts to him!! It's so cool. Colin was kissing the belly and making his strange sounds and then Robbie wanted to copy him, as soon as Robbie put his lips to the belly and started mumbling she went BONKERS! She already likes him and she's never met him yet :)
From now on expect bi-monthly updates now!
Here are my/our stats:
Weight: 151.6 lbs (gained 8lbs in one month and 13lbs since my first Dr's appt)
Heartbeat: 152
He wants to see me every two weeks now (very exciting), things are going to seem to go a lot faster now. I have to go to get blood work done in 1.5-2 week to see if I have gestational diabetes, some people hate the taste of it but my sweet tooth loves it!
The Dr's also has written a requisition to have another ultrasound done in 6 weeks, looks like I have a low lying placenta. He said he's not worried about it, I guess as the uterus continues to grow so does the placenta and it usually moves itself out of the way. So he wants to keep an eye on it... just in case. (cross your fingers it moves!)
I told him about my hips because they're still bugging me - my left one especially. He suggested going to a chiropractor. My left hip has absolutely no strength and I find myself in quite the predicament when I'm playing with Robbie on the floor and then I have to get up. Speaking about Robbie... she knows and reacts to him!! It's so cool. Colin was kissing the belly and making his strange sounds and then Robbie wanted to copy him, as soon as Robbie put his lips to the belly and started mumbling she went BONKERS! She already likes him and she's never met him yet :)
From now on expect bi-monthly updates now!
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