Pregnancy Update at 36 Weeks

Hmmm... I think I'm done with this pregnancy.  I've reached the point in the pregnancy where I'm constantly uncomfortable.  Only four more weeks, or less!

Due Date: October 15th, 2013 (at the very latest, he will be coming somewhere around October 22nd via C-section; the doctor has put in request for a c-section appointment and I should here something this week)

Weight Gain: I've officially gained 29 pounds so far.  That's over the Kaiser recommended 20 pounds, but I'm okay with my weight gain.  At this point, I'm like whatever... I know I'll have to weight to lose after the birth.  I hope to get out on daily walks when I'm cleared by the doctor.  Thankfully the weather around here should be cooperative.

Symptoms: Lots of uncomfortable symptoms.

• Insomnia — I was sleeping decently and then the last two nights, good sleep went out the window.
• Constant restroom breaks — So far, I haven't peed myself.  I am proud of my body.  But I do constantly have to pee.
• Pressure — Pressure is remaining basically constant. According to the doctor today, the baby is head down and in perfect position.  The pressure won't be letting up anytime soon.
• Carpal tunnel — After a few weeks of no symptoms, the numbness is back with a vengeance.  The other night I woke up three times with numbness up to my elbow on the left side. Not a great feeling at all.
• Plantar fasciitis — Constant feet pain. Thankfully my orange sandals are fairly comfortable.  They're about the only pair of shoes I wear at this point.
• Nausea — It's back!  I feel like I have to throw up most of the day, but I don't.  It's exactly like the first trimester. Ewww....
• Indigestion — Off and on.  I think it really gets me if I try to eat a large meal.  I need to be better about small meals multiple times throughout the day.

What's different this time: Even with my 29 pound weight gain, that's much less than with the twins.  Thank goodness!  I feel like this is much more manageable.  I feel much less swollen and gross. I was looking at pictures from ten years ago and my goodness I was a cow!  I am looking so much better this time around.  I think just that little change has had a positive impact on my entire attitude towards this pregnancy.  Only four weeks ago and I'm trying to hold on to that positive outlook.

Cravings/Aversions: Pumpkin Spice Lattes.  Of course that may be more because it's fall than due to the pregnancy.  But my goodness, I want one every day.  Thankfully I have limited myself to one a week.

Sleep: Hit and miss.  

I am loving: All the cute!  I really started decorating Arthur's section of the room this week and I'm finding way too many cute things.  And I love how his little clothes look laid out on the bed.  Adorable!

I miss: Being able to breather normally.  Since the beginning of this pregnancy, I've had a stuffed up nose.  It's absolutely constant.  And now with lots of pressure and lots of baby, I'm finding it even harder to breathe normally and deeply.  It just doesn't happen at all.  

I am looking forward to: My "secret" baby shower.  Yeah, I know...  but I'll still act all surprised when I arrive.  I can't wait to see everybody.

I'm spazzing about: Not much.  I'm just waiting.  The pregnancy boards have been full of mommas-to-be concerned about this or that.  I'm just sitting here wanting him to hurry up and arrive.  Much calmer than last time.

Best thing about this week: Getting a few deliveries (crib and travel system).  I love getting packages, especially when they are essentials.

Milestones: One more week until the baby's considered full term.  We are pushing for 39 weeks, but anytime is fine.

Movement: Overall movement has slowed down a bit, but now it's more noticeable and hurts more.  He still loves to roll around and punch and kick after I eat, but now there's less room to do so.  It's more of lots of pressure in weird places as he tries to moves.

Exercise/Diet: Still trying to swim, but usually I end up just floating in the pool.  It relieves all the pressure and pain.  

Labor Symptoms: Per the doctor, baby is head down right above my cervix.  However, I am not dilated at all yet.  Didn't really expect to be, but since he was down there I asked him to check.  We discussed the other labor symptoms a bit.  I've had some Braxton Hick's contradictions throughout the weekend, but those seem to have stopped.  My grandmother is convinced that I will go early, but after this appointment I just don't see it happening.

Preparation: I finished 16 different Arrival cards and started organizing things to start his Project Life scrapbook.  I have the inserts and the album.  I want to make the first few pages (ultrasounds, cards, etc) before he arrives so I can dive right into the weekly spreads.  The same goes for the family album, but first I need to get that one up to date from our summer activities.

Without having to be reminded, J put together the crib this weekend.  It's in place and ready for a baby.  Plus, we put together the travel system.  I just need to install the car seat base into the car.  I'm loving the idea of having only one!  J needs to visit Lowe's for some chain to hang the mobile above the crib.  Probably happen next weekend.  I started tidying up the rest of the room, but we still have some random items in there (laser disc player, microphone, pile of receipts) that someone needs to clean up.

Arthur's Stuff: I found and ordered some awesome vinyl decals for above his crib.  We're going with a retro space theme.  I also snapped up a great A-Z Space poster for a blank spot on the wall.  I want to get those on the wall as soon as they arrive. The only blank spot left is the one reserved for his birth announcement print.  I have it all picked out on Etsy, just need to get the details when he arrives.  Once I finish most of the nursery, I'll be posting pics (probably 38 week update post).

I currently have two baby registries: one for Target and one for Amazon.  I thought it would be easier for relatives and friends to have the choice of shopping in store or online.  Amazon is constantly sending me a email telling me that something was bought off of my registry.  It's taking all my willpower not to look at the Thank Yous page to see what was bought.  I want to be surprised, but Amazon, you are not making this easy.

Pregnancy Update at 34 Weeks

Due Date: October 15th, 2013 (at the very latest, he will be coming on October 22nd via C-section)

Weight Gain: According to my last appointment, I had gained 2 more pounds during that last month. I imagine that I've gained a pound or two in the last two weeks.  I'll have to wait until my 36 week appointment to get a scale reading (we don't have scales in our house). Still above my doctor's recommended, but below being a major problem.

Symptoms: For the most part, the same as last update...

• Insomnia — Hasn't been as bad as it was, but I still have nights when I can't sleep at all.
• Constant restroom breaks — The frequency has stayed the same, but the urgency has increased.  Now we I feel the need to use to the restroom, it's an immediate need. Unfortunately, I can only walk so fast to the restroom...  This may become an issue.
• Pressure — Lots and lots of pressure.  My stomach has gotten much hard feeling and every movement can be felt.  When he's active, Arthur puts a ton of pressure on part of my body.
• Carpal tunnel — I haven't had an episode for a few days now. Yeah!
• Plantar fasciitis — Some days I can hardly stand on my feet. I can't wait to get rid of this symptom.
• Nausea — I definitely need to watch what I eat right now.  Anything too heavy and I get nauseous.  From the nausea, I experience a lot of gas and general ickiness.  Not a fun time at all.
• Indigestion — It has cropped up in the last few days.  It got so bad the other day, I thought I was actually going to throw up.  Eww!!  Thankfully, I didn't.

What's different this time: I think I'm much calmer this time. I don't have much anxiety over what's going to happen in the next few weeks.  I'm taking every day as it comes.  This is a much better mindset than last time.  I'm actually enjoying myself a bit.

Cravings/Aversions: No cravings, no major aversions.  Although I friend the day was surprised to learn that I didn't have any weird cravings.  Of course, his example of cravings was pickles.  I love pickles, always have.  Maybe I just always have weird cravings pregnant or no.

Sleep: It comes and goes.  Some nights are good, others are horrible. Last night, I could not get comfortable and therefore, I could not sleep.  Eventually I passed out for a few hours, but it was not a restful night at all. 

I am loving: The few sips of wine I had on Saturday.  We had friends over for a cookout and game day (board games of course).  One of our guests brought a bottle of wine (like we don't have enough bottles of our own, but it was a nice gesture).  I refrained from pouring myself a glass, but I did snag a couple of sips from J's.  Yummy! 

I miss: Energy.  I feel like I am losing energy every day. I just don't want to do anything.  I imagine that this will be an issue for the rest of the pregnancy.  Hopefully I regain some energy after the baby is born.

I am looking forward to: Finally buying a crib and stroller/car seat.  I picked up my paychecks, they are in the bank, funds will be available tomorrow.  So my Wednesday will be filled with shopping and a doctor's appointment.  I already know which crib and travel system I am going to order off of Amazon.  But, I'm still feeling the urge to shop.  I thought I would grab some crafting supplies (mostly snail) and browse at Marshall's or TJ Maxx.  Sometimes I find some great deals there.  And unlike Target, I am not guaranteed to come out with an entire cart full of purchases.

I'm spazzing about: I am a part of the October 2013 board over at Hellobee and one of our members' water just broke at 31 weeks.  They are putting her on bed rest in the hopes that she gets to 34 weeks before delivering.  While I am now 34 weeks, I'm still afraid that he will come early.  A few days is fine, but definitely not weeks early.  I want him to stay in there and grow big and healthy before making an appearance.

Best thing about this week: Over on the Hellobee board, we've all started trying to guess our little one's birthday.  Most of the people are guessing earlier than their due dates.  I decided to predict that Arthur will not make an appearance on his own and will have to be forcibly removed on October 22nd via c-section (no inducing over here).  I know I just wrote about being worried he would come early, but once the panic passes, I really don't think he will. So that's my prediction and bit of fun news.

Milestones: The baby now has all his senses developing.  Last night he kicked me really hard in the side and I started admonishing him to stop.  J's response was "I know he can hear voices, but he can't understand you."  Yes I know... but I keep trying to get him to understand that hard kicks to my spleen (or whatever it was) hurt.

Movement: From the above point, you can guess that he is incredibly active.  As far as I can tell, he's still laying across my stomach.  I get kicks and punches on both sides and occasionally down low.

Exercise/Diet: Still trying to watch what I eat.  Thankfully, I'm not as hungry as I was making it a lot easier to focus on small meals and not overeat.  But exercise (except for the occasional swim) has just about gone out the window.  I'm much too sore to do anything strenuous.

Preparation: I finished 16 different Thank You cards using my favorite little boy combination of Stampin' Up colors: Gumball Green, Marina Mist, and Pumpkin Pie.  I wanted to make my own cards for the fun personal touch.  My next goal is to make arrival card templates to be ready when Arthur makes his appearance.  I'm using the same color scheme, but will obviously change up the messages and such.

On the nursery front, we haven't bought anything useful yet.  However, my plan is to order the crib and travel system this week with my last paycheck (forgot to get from the office, have to wait for bank deposit delay because of holiday).  I've finally decided on models, so we should have the big essentials by the weekend.  Then I just have to get J to put them together...  J also decided that he wasn't fond of the chair we bought from Ikea, so I officially get it for a nursery rocker.  Loving that chair!

Arthur's Stuff: J surprised me by buying a mobile we had seen on Etsy a while back.  Of course, we had to go uber geek and buy a mobile of wooden Enterprises (Star Trek ship for all you nongeeks out there).  It's a beautiful handmade mobile of dark wood that we can use as a decoration long after he's a baby.  Very excited to see it above the crib soon.

Pregnancy Update at 32 Weeks

The other day I realized that I haven't done a detailed pregnancy update since the end of my first trimester.  I always include a little update in my Sunday Sunset posts, but they're always so brief.  As I am now in my third trimester, 32 weeks today, I thought it was a good time to write more.

Due Date: October 15th, 2013 (at the very latest, he will be coming on October 22nd via C-section)

Weight Gain: About 22 lbs.  The doctor is not super excited about my weight gain.  He/insurance company want only a 20 pound weight gain.  Obviously I've exceeded that already, but really most women I know gained more like 30 pounds total.  And 22 pounds is way less than with the twins.  So feeling pretty good...

Symptoms: Where do I start...

• Insomnia -- Some nights I'm okay, but then I will not be able to sleep at all for days on end.  I'm sure J hates my constant tossing and turning to get to sleep, but there's really not much I can do.  I'm just tihinking of this as my body prepping me for more sleep deprivation after the baby comes.
• Constant restroom breaks -- The usual.  Pressure on my bladder has increased my restroom frequency.  5-6 times a night and probably twice that during the day.  I am trying to drink a lot of water (doctor recommended), so that is definitely contributing.  But I'm always so thirsty!  This is just a bit of a nuisance, not really a big issue.
• Pressure -- Over the last two weeks, I had increased pressure in my pelvic region.  The doctor says it's just the baby moving and starting to settle low (good position!), but good graciousness it is uncomfortable!  Almost like near constant menstrual cramping.
• Carpal tunnel -- Back at the beginning of the second trimester, I started waking up with numb hands.  Turns out pregnancy can bring on carpal tunnel due to weight gain and water retention.  Thankfully the numbness is fairly infrequent now and hasn't spread to daytime occurances.  According to the doctor, this should go away after the baby is born.  I hope so.  I hate the feeling of numbness...
• Plantar fasciitis -- Another fun pregnancy induced issue.  This is beyond sore feet.  It feels like knives in the bottom of my feet when I walk.  It occurs more frequently right after waking up and late at night.  Another thing that should go away after having the baby.
• Nausea -- After horrid nausea during the first trimester, I had no issue during the second.  Now it's back.  Thankfully not as bad as the first, but it can be a nuisance.  Just a general feeling of queasiness for the most part.
• Indigestion -- I think this is related to the nausea.  I haven't had any heartburn, but definitely lots of indigestion throughout.  Not very much fun.

What's different this time: Considering I had the boys 10 years ago, I'm convinced that I blocked a lot of the pregnancy out of my mind.  However, I do remember being extremely tired at this point.  I was so big and uncomfortable and it was winter in Indiana.  I'm pretty sure it just made me super tired.  Plus, my mood was all over the place throughout that entire pregnancy.

This time I have lots more energy, though still tired.  I'm also much smaller (thank goodness!).  And my mood has been fairly stable throughout.  I haven't had the crazy mood swings but I do cry at the littlest things (mostly tv and music).  I've been feeling good and excited about what's to come.

Cravings/Aversions: Aversions are mostly gone at this point.  I still crave lots of fresh fruit and water.  But thankfully I can eat just about anything I want.

Sleep: Ha ha!  That's a joke right?  Because of the trouble sleeping and the insomnia, I have resorted to the occasional nap in the afternoon.  Anyone who knows me knows I can't take naps.  This is a big development for me.  I'm certain the naps will increase in frequency until the baby comes.

I am loving: The general comments I have been getting.  Everyone keeps telling me that I've got that pregnancy glow.  I have no idea what they're talking about, but it makes me happy to think that I'm somewhat enjoying pregnancy this time around.

I miss: Wine and sushi...  seriously!  First meal after delivery, I want some spicy tuna and dragon rolls and a nice cab or syrah or malbec.  Yummy!

I am looking forward to: Getting him out.  As improved as this pregnancy is over the twins, I am just about done with the whole thing.  Looking forward to October.

I'm spazzing about: The baby's growth.  I've mentioned before about the doctors finding out that the baby has a two vessel cord instead of a three vessel cord.  Everything is progressing fine so far, but I have to have extra ultrasounds to monitor his progress.  Every time I freak out just a bit before the procedure.  Thankfully he's still right on track for growth.  I have another ultrasound on Sept. 4th, but the doctors keep telling me it's just a precautionary matter.

Milestones: We've made it past the point of questionable viability.  I love that even if he comes early, his chances of survival are very high.  Love modern medical technology!

Movement: Ridiculous!  He is so incredibly active.  My pregnancy emails keep telling me that movement will start to decrease because of limited space, but that is so not true for this one.  He's constantly rolling, punching, and kicking.  My goodness!  I cannot get over how much more active he is compared to the twins.  I imagine part of that is because the boys just didn't have much room to move after a certain point.

Exercise/Diet: Ha ha!  This is another fun category.  I've tried to keep to some type of diet and not over-eat, but I am constantly hungry.  Instead, I am trying to stick healthy snacks and fruit.

Preparation: We are so far behind on this.  On the medical side, I have filled out the birth plan.  I have talked to the doctor about what I want.  We're going to try for a VBAC and only do a C-section as a last resort.  Also, we will schedule a C-section on October 22nd if he doesn't come before then.  There will be no induction.  I've also made a list of things to pack for my hospital bag, but haven't packed it yet.  I did just grab a cheap nightshirt to wear instead of the regular scratchy hospital gown.  I should start getting that stuff together in a pile somewhere...

On the nursery/baby prep side, we are far far behind.  My essentials list is a crib, a stroller/car seat system, a chair (glider or rocker) for nursing, and possibly a bassinet.  Unfortunately, we don't have any of those.  I do have the items I want on the baby registry, I just need to order them.  I'll get to it soon.  And then J gets to put this stuff together.  On a related note, we are currently in a slight disagreement about the chair issue.  I found a stylish and cheap chair at Ikea, but J is convinced that the chair is much too large for the room.  Instead of buying the chair the other day, we bought one for J's new living room chair.  I still think it would fit great in the nursery.  I just need to convince him of it and get us to head back to Ikea.

Here's a pick of the empty room:

Arthur's Stuff: He's acquiring quite a full closet of clothes and random things. J's parents just sent us a box of cute little onsies and socks.  Very cute!  And Arthur finally has a few little hats to keep his head warm.  Plus, we've acquired some small toys and receiving blankets.  Very adorable!  Lastly, I bought a cute cardigan with bow tie outfit for Christmas.  I can't wait to see it on him...

Pregnancy Journal -- First Trimester

I'm starting a pregnancy journal to chronicle the ups and downs of trying to have another child.  This post is a large wrap-up for my first trimester.  I just revealed my pregnancy last week, so I guess this is my big post.  I'm going to try and keep the pregnancy info to a minimum but still making sure to share.

February 8th

We've been trying to conceive since last October, but nothing had come of it.  I didn't want to stress too much, so we weren't really tracking ovulation.  It was more-or-less just a go-with-the-flow attempt.  I was getting a bit frustrated that I wasn't pregnant yet.  Last time, I conceived less than two months after starting to try.  This time it took a little more than 3 months.  I was hoping to be pregnant before Christmas, but nothing.  About a week ago, I started feeling odd.  I was still a few days from my period, but took a test anyway.  It was one of those "one control line, another line for pregnant."  I had one and half lines.  Weird!  I took a pregnancy test today as my period was supposed to start on the 5th.  It's a positive positive positive!  This is super exciting, but at the same time I am scared to death.  My miscarriage happened at 11 weeks after multiple appointments and ultrasounds where everything was just perfect.

After taking the test, I immediately told Josh, but we kept our excitement to basically nothing.  I also informed my mom and called to make an appointment (Feb. 26th was the earliest available).  So I guess I have to wait until then to see what's actually going on...

February 16th -- 6 weeks along

I am exhausted!  I don't remember being this tired with the boys or with the last pregnancy.  Every fiber of my body is tired constantly.  I feel a bit better after eating, but not a huge amount.  I lay down to sleep, but sleep does not come.  As tired as I am, I have insomnia. I also have almost constant headaches.  These seem to be similar to last time.  Lastly, I have lots of gas and stomach pains.  The baby sites say that constipation and gas are very common symptoms.  I've never had to deal with that before, but it seems to be a big symptom this time.  I haven't had much nausea, but haven't ruled that out coming soon.  I hope some of these symptoms clear up in the next few weeks.

As to my general feelings, this pregnancy doesn't seem real at all.  I intellectually know I'm pregnant, but I feel nothing.  I think I've put myself in this mindset because of the previous miscarriage.  Every time I go to the bathroom, I look for blood.  I take most symptoms as the beginnings of another miscarriage.  I don't think I'll be completely involved until after 12 weeks.  I have to make it past the previous pregnancy's end.  Josh knows of course.  But the only other person who knows is mom and she's been sworn to secrecy.  I have given her orders to keep quiet until at least 12 weeks.  Once I feel more confident about getting to the end, I will announce to others.  I just feel too uncomfortable at the prospect of dealing with others in the case of another miscarriage.

February 18th

The nausea has begun! (cue dramatic music)  I have been hit with all day nausea for two days now.  It only abates during and right after eating.  And I am constantly hungry.  Nausea and hunger at the same time is a odd feeling.  Josh doesn't get my crazy, but has been dutifully supplying me with food.  I'm also starting to get some food aversions. Anything too cooked/greasy makes me extra queasy.  I've been gravitating towards lots of Thai and Japanese dishes with rice and sandwiches.  While pregnant with the boys I basically ate salads and Subway for nine months.  I don't really want that to be same this time, but it may be starting.  Who knows?  I could also lose all nausea in a few weeks and be perfectly fine.  Pregnancies are tricky things.  I blame the fickle nature of the growing parasite.

February 23rd

The nausea has not let up.  In fact, it's gotten worse in the past week.  I've tried many things, but nothing seems to work well.  I finally broke down and took a Zofran (left over from my miscarriage and surgery).  The medication helped somewhat, but only to take the edge off.  The past two nights I've gotten a bit more consistent sleep.  But I still have issues of getting to sleep.  My first appointment is in three days.  I can't wait to get some reassurances/clarifications.  I'm just so worried about what the scans will find.  Mom says that the nausea and other symptoms are a good sign.  Looking back, I was very sick with the boys and hardly at all with the last pregnancy.  Maybe there's something to the sickness theory.  I hope so...  else this just sucks.

February 26th

I had my first prenatal appointment today.  I was nervous, but thankfully my doctor is just amazing and reassured all my fears and doubts.  After the requisite general questions, we got on to the business of an ultrasound.  A few tense moments later, the doctor proclaimed everything looking great.  By his calculations, I am 7 weeks along.  My due date is October 15th.  I have another appointment scheduled for March 25th and the required pregnancy class on March 13th.  Right after, I made sure to let mom know, but she's sworn to secrecy until after my next appointment.

March 11th

I had a glass of wine last night.  Oh how I miss it!

March 13th

I had my prenatal class today.  For the most part they just reiterate what's in the informational booklet.  Pretty boring...  But they do order your labs.  So I went downstairs to get my blood drawn and they couldn't find a vein.  It happens every time.  The lab tech finally settled for a vein in my hand.  Ouch!  Of course, the blood took forever to come out.  In that eternity, I started to lose it.  I almost passed out right there in the lab.  I have a huge aversion to needles, but they was extreme even for me.  I'm thinking it was combination of my phobia and low blood sugar.  With the ongoing nausea I find it hard to eat at any regular times.  This morning my nausea was horrid and I didn't really eat breakfast.  Hence, problems.  At least I don't have to do more blood tests until the second trimester.

April 8th

I've made to the end of the first trimester.  Woohoo!  I've made it to the next stage.  The nausea is still here, but it has been lessening over the last two weeks.  Last week I had my 11-14 week checkup.  The doctor did an extra ultrasound to calm my fears of another miscarriage.  Everything looked amazing and was growing perfectly.  I won't be back to the doctor until May 21st (for the big ultrasound!).  Looking forward to the second trimester and more energy.