3rd Birth Class Done

We had our 3rd and final birth class last night. It was an interesting class, and very educational. Chris made some comment about me being post partum and him being post traumatic, which made me, and the couple next to us , laugh. I know that he's hoping that when the time comes and I am actually in labor, he'll be able to use some humor to make me feel better. He's pretty good at making me smile, so there's a chance.

It's been really cool and rainy in Denver this week. Our overnight low the other day was 47!! The upside has been my feeling better in terms of swelling, but the downside is that Chris has to work on Saturday to make up for the not so great days.

I'm pretty sore. My hips ACHE from laying on my sides. Poor Chris is going to lug my chair upstairs so that I can try to sleep in that in our room. I am so used to laying on my back, and I can't, and my body has just had it. I wake up and it takes me forever to crawl out of bed and hobble to the hallway. I am stiff and sore and generally over it. And, I have absolutely ZERO patience, which has been less than pleasant I am sure. I've apologized to Chris, and to my bosses and co-workers more than once. I was 33 weeks yesterday, so we're down to just under 7 weeks left to go.

Just Some Photos

A few photos to tide everyone over for a while. Let me just say, that trying to sort short sleeve stuff from long sleeve stuff and all of the pjs and the onsies with decorations and the onsies without decorations left me with quite the headache. And we all know how OCD I am, so this should have been a delight, like being on vacation, but, it wasn't. It was fun to look at all of the cute things and wonder when he'll be too big or too small for something. I am sure once he's here my organization will go right out the window, but at least for now, I can safely say everything is where it belongs!!

Update From Dr. Appointment Friday

I had a doctors appointment on Friday. My blood pressure was up, again, and the doc is, quite honestly, perplexed at what to make of things. Sometimes it's down really low which is good. But, other times it's higher, and that's bad. Aside from my trial run to labor and delivery, when it was ridiculous, it's never been horrible. 130 something over 80 something. I've heard that as long as I keep it in the 80's and out of the 90's, that's a good thing. I've hit 88 a few times, so definitely walking the line there.

Anyway, Dr. Logan has ordered an ultra sound for my appointment in 2 weeks. She will check his growth, but also check the level of amniotic fluid, and my blood pressure, and we'll talk. She's not happy, I do know that, but she was comfortable enough to go another 2 weeks, so that has me breathing a sigh of relief. But, she said that if my fluids were low, and/or my blood pressure was high, then we'd talk about closer monitoring. I am not sure if that means weekly appointments sooner, or bed rest, or what. So, if you've got some good vibes you could send our way, we'll take em!

We spent the weekend working on baby's room. We have been given a truck load of hand me down clothes from Angela and Moni, so I spent the weekend washing and sorting and hanging. His drawers are all full, and his closet has all of his jammies hanging up. I held some of the items up to my belly - it's amazing to think he's going to fit into something so small when my tummy seems so big.

I will try to post a few pics later. We have a day care interview tonight (our 3rd) and tomorrow we are interviewing the first of 4 possible pediatricians. And Thursday is our last birthing class. I will be happy to see August roll around for a variety of reasons . . . . our shower and seeing family and friends is a big one, but getting some down time is also up there!!

2nd Birth Class Done

Last night we had our 2nd birthing class. Most of the class was about breathing. If any of you know my father, I am sure you can well imagine the thoughts that ran through my mind. A mixture of my dad and Bill Cosby.

Anyway, we were all sitting around, silent, breathing, our partner counting how many breaths we took in a minute. I got through mine just fine. Then she had us switch and the mom's counted the dads. Chris and I weren't 10 seconds in when I got the giggles. And generally when I get them, Chris gets them. So, we regained our composure, and I start counting again (no idea why either since I'd completely blown it the first time) and next thing I know, I am giggling again! I felt bad, everyone else was quiet and concentrating. Not us!! Maybe it was the milk shakes we had for dinner since it's been a horrible week at work and I wasn't in the mood to deal with dinner and dishes in the 45 minutes we have to spare before we have to leave for class?? Note to self . . . do not let Chris order Jack In The Box with a large chocolate shake, and then go to birthing class. The rest of class will not appreciate it.

I've been having some braxton hicks contractions the last few days. My stomach muscles tighten up and my tummy gets rock hard. There does not seem to be a real pattern to them - they just come and go. But, I also don't have any pain with them. My feet are the size of bowling balls, which is less than attractive. Good thing I have an OB appointment today. I am feeling ok, but work is getting to me, as is the heat. How, in the world, my mother in law was 9 months pregnant, in Phoenix, in August, without committing murder, I will never understand!

1st Birth Class Done

Chris and I had our first of three birthing classes last night at the hospital. There were lots of August and September moms and even a few October ones. We even had 2 who already had kids, but hadn't taken the class and wanted to. Our instructor is a labor and delivery nurse. She was very funny, very honest, and not afraid of questions. Chris asked something about if my water broke at home, did he have the time to pack us up in the car, or should he just throw me on the back of his motorcycle and jam on in. Leave it to my husband to be the class clown.

We talked after class, and as much I joke that I want an epidural while we fill out the paperwork in the lobby, I know that I need to stay upright as long as possible to let gravity work with me and not against me. So, we decided that I'd have a word (which we haven't picked yet) and that until I say the word, when I ask for an epidural, Chris will help me work through the contractions and change positions and whatnot and not let them just bring me one. But, the second I say the word, he won't fight me. I don't want to labor for 20+ hours cause I wimp out when I can take the pain for a while longer and maybe even end up with a c-section because I am too tired to push. So, that's our plan.

I asked if how a woman labors and delivers is hereditary, and she said somewhat, yes. Boy, are we in trouble! My mother worked a 12 hour shift at the hospital the day I was born. And, she practically had my little brother in the lobby. My grandmother delivered triplets drug free. Ya, I'd say there are some good genes on my side for sure!!

Finished Product - Well, Mostly

YAY!! We're done!! Who knew it would take an entire freaking day to install chair rail in one room?!? Seriously?!?! But, doesn't it look great? Chris did all of the cutting and I ran to Home Depot when he measured once and cut twice and did all of the painting. I was a little worried about his skills with the saw, but he did great! We have a few finishing touches still in terms of hanging some art and putting the chair in the room, but for the most part, it's done. It's been a long hard Sunday and I am in desperate need of a foot massage.

We start some of our interviews now. This week, we interview a daycare provider, and start our birthing classes. Chris is less than thrilled, but I know when the time comes, he'll be a rock star. The classes are 3 hours long, 3 Thursdays in a row. I am excited to learn about getting this little guy out of me. As much as I can't complain about pregnancy, I am ready to be done. 67 or so days to go.

Nursery In Progress

Chris and I had a busy 4th of July weekend. Friday we had the carpets cleaned. My mom's dog had a few accidents while they were here, and I've been wanting to do it for a while now, so we just bit the bullet and booked someone. They look great! Friday night we taped the nursery, and on Saturday we painted. At one point, Chris held a Jersey up to the blue on the bottom half of the wall, and I tell you, it was spot on with the color. Chris has the chair rail, but it's not up yet, so you will have to stay tuned for updated photos. I know he'd like it if I waited to post them. Sunday we put the crib together, and then Chris put the bassinet together while I ran to the grocery store. The room is really coming together well, and I think it hit home that we were decorating our son's future bedroom. What a crazy concept! We tested the monitors that Rod and Ang gave us and even went to American Furniture and got the chair that we'll put in the nursery. Right now, it's in the living room and has become Chris' new perch. Hopefully this weekend he'll put the chair rail up and I can post the rest of the photos.

Belly Shot

Here is a much anticipated belly shot for everyone. Looking at this makes me realize just how pregnant I am. In fact, I skipped my chapter last week with my parents being in town, and I honestly can't even say for sure how far along I am. I think 28 1/2 weeks. Gah, looking at that, and thinking I have 11 1/2 weeks to go is a scary thought! I am feeling ok - though I will admit that sleeping has become a bit of an issue. My back is way out of whack and so I toss and turn a lot. Baby is doing great - we see the OB on Friday. Other than kicking the crap out of his mother, he seems to be pretty content in there.