37 Week Appointment on Friday

I saw my OB on Friday for a checkup. My blood pressure was down, which is great. It's actually been down the last few times I have seen her, so I am happy about that. My weight was unchanged - still just 8 pounds gained. The swelling in my right foot seems to be permanent. I wonder if I will ever be able to fit into tennis shoes again!!

She checked me to see if I had any progress. Sadly, I didn't. I was not dilated, not effaced, not anything other than pregnant. So, we talked realistically about what I could do to bring labor on, and about an induction date. My parents will be here the 18th, and I need him to be here when they are here . . . they have such a wealth of knowledge and it would really suck if I couldn't take full advantage of it. She is fine to induce me on, or shortly after, my due date, so long as my body has started the labor process and I am dilated some.

She said Raspberry Tea would help, so I bought a 6 pack.

She said walking would help, so last night Chris and I walked to Big Lots and wandered around, and then walked to Las Hadas for dinner and then walked home.

We've Come Full Circle

Wednesday night, Chris and I had our last class - an infant care class - out in Littleton. Parker Hospital (where I will deliver) didn't have any openings before our little guy comes, so we drove out to Littleton Hospital. We had dinner before class at CB & Potts. For those who don't know, that's where we had our 1st and 3rd dates. So it has a special place in my heart. For our 1 year dating anniversary, Chris reserved the booth that we met at, and had a dozen red roses delivered to the table for me. What a guy!! So, Wednesday, I came out of the bathroom, and he was telling the hostess our story and seeing if our booth was available. Sadly, it wasn't. But, he was so sweet to ask her about it. She just smiled at our story of meeting there, and getting married, and now having dinner there before we go to a baby class because we are expecting. Yes, I do believe we've come full circle.

Class was an experience - one that really only showed me I really really have no idea what I am doing when it comes to parenting. I've never changed a diaper. I've never dressed an infant. Heck, I've hardly even held an infant before. Poor Chris, he's going to have his hands full!

24 Days - Getting More and More Tired

I get winded going from one floor of the office to the other! I have to stop half way up the stairs for a break! I can't even imagine being my mother, who worked her entire pregnancy with me, standing and walking for 8 and 10 and 12 hours shifts at a hospital. Seriously, someone give that woman a medal!! There is no way I could do it. Simply no way. The mere thought makes me need a nap!

We had a busy weekend. I put the pack n play together almost entirely by myself, and brought the swing up from the basement. Sunday we took some things back to Babys R Us and got some things we needed from the registry and I did what I swear must be load number 812,396 of baby's laundry. We also picked up a Diaper Champ that I purchased from a mom on Craigslist, and a bookshelf that Chris saw while yard sailing - working on Saturday. His room is pretty much done now, except to move my chair up there, and maybe get a few more decorations.

Oh, and we settled on a name. But, we are keeping it to ourselves, so sorry, you'll all have to wait a while longer.

24 days. I am so utterly and completely over this!

36 Weeks Down, 28 Days To Go

I had an OB appointment yesterday afternoon. Normally, I see Dr. Logan. But, she was on vacation, so I used it as a reason to meet the other OB in their practice who could deliver me. She was very nice, and even a little more talkative than my doctor is. She measured me at 38 weeks, was happy with my blood pressure (117 over 78) and my weight gain (8 pounds so far). She also did my Group B Strep test. And we talked about how baby was no longer way down there, but she said he's still head down, so she said it was ok.

It really didn't dawn on me when she said I measured 38 weeks that I should have only measured 36, so I called the poor nurses this morning. They reviewed my chart and said that every other time, I have measured right on. She said that baby's position, or the amount of fluid I have, can change that measurement from day to day, and so not to worry. I go back next Friday afternoon, and they will measure me again. So long as I go back to measuring on track, then they won't worry. If I am off again, I'll likely get an ultra sound. The idea of a 10 pound baby is enough to scare the pants right off of me!!

I washed and put away all of the great clothes and blankets that we got this weekend from our shower. It was fun to see everyone and to celebrate our little bundle of joy. The house seemed a little too quiet on Monday when everyone was gone.

We're just trying to enjoy our last few days of quiet. Today is Chris' 40th birthday, so we'll go out to dinner. It's funny to think it could be the last time we go out as a family of just 2 for a while til baby is old enough to stay with a sitter.

Today is my 35-35

Another nest milestone that I hear other ladies talk about is their 35 - 35. This means they are 35 weeks pregnant, with 35 days to go. Today is my 35 - 35.

Chris and I put the last few finishing touches on the nursery with what we have so far, and then organized some of the stuff in the basement. We also put the car seat and stroller together. Since Donna and Janelle bought them, but shipped them straight to us, I wanted them to be able to see them outside of the box. So, that was fun to play with a few things last night. It's amazing to look around at all that we have been given by friends and family - we are truly blessed.

Our shower is this weekend. Donna and Janelle, Flow, and Angela all get here tomorrow. I can't wait to see everyone. I admit I am beside myself with excitement to see Angela. My BFF moved to Texas and I haven't seen her in 2 years which is just totally unacceptable. So, we are going to dinner Friday night, just the two of us.

Chris' 40th birthday is also right around the corner. Usually, just after my birthday in February, he will start to drop hints about what he wants or where he wants to go. This year, he has been pretty silent. I think 40 is a big deal for him. I think he thinks he should be further in life than he is. I say he needs to give himself some credit. He lost so many years to drugs and alcohol, he should be proud of where he is. Technically, he's really only turning 30 if you count the 10 years he pissed away. So, he's a 30 year old soon to be father, who owns his own house, has a truck and a motorcycle, money in the bank, and a job that he may not always like, but that pays the bills and has great insurance. I say he has a lot to be thankful for. So, Saturday night after all of my friends leave, we'll turn the house around and throw him a party. It was supposed to be a surprise, but he knows about it now. Which is fine with me.

35 - 35. Wow!!

Good News at Appointment

I had my ultra sound on Friday. She said baby is measuring right on schedule and kept my due date at September 17th. She said he is 5 pounds 1 ounce and put him in the 47%. She saw some hair on his head (which if you believe the old wives tale, would explain my daily intake of Pepcid AC) and we even got a good money shot of his boy parts. Man has he been uncooperative in that regard!! I get a lot of pain on the right side, and a ton of pressure, so I asked her where he was positioned (he's been head down every time) and even she was a little surprised at how far down he was! He's head down, with his butt in my right rib cage, and his legs and arms all tucked in the right side. Apparently he's leaving my left sided organs alone. But, he's killing the right side!

Then it was down the hall to the OB. My blood pressure was up, but down from my normal, which is good. 138 over 86. I am managing to keep my bottom number below 90, and that's what she wants. I started my walks again on Monday and have been going every night after work. I have some swelling and some headaches, but the swelling comes down at night when I sleep, and my headaches go away with Tylenol, so she said to just keep an eye on things. When I go back in two weeks, I will actually see a different doctor since mine will be on vacation.

Our shower is Saturday - a week from today. We have so much to do to get ready for everyone, and can't wait to see some family and friends we haven't seen in a while. My folks won't make it, which sucks, but they are going to be here for almost 3 weeks when baby is born, and I'd rather have the help after he comes, and not before.

Chris and I have signed up for 2 more classes at the hospital, so that will be fun. And we're 1/2 way through the day care interviews, and 1/2 way through the pediatrician interviews. Hard to believe baby will be here in 5 1/2 weeks or so.

I'm Due Next Month

I'm due next month. Say it with me "next month".

Gah, how the heck did that happen?!? Don't get me wrong, I have had a pretty easy pregnancy, and I really don't have too much to complain about (not that that stops me), but I am so very ready to have baby on the outside of me, and my body back to myself.

I've done all of the laundry from the great clothes we've gotten, and his room is mostly put together. Sorry, no more photos . . . . . I want there to be some surprise when people are here next weekend for the shower. We have a car seat (thanks again Donna) to bring him home in, and some diapers to use til he's big enough to fit into cloth diapers. He really could come any day now. My poor mother is having a rough time at work and asked me the other day if I could just have him now so she could be on vacation. Believe me, if it were up to me . . . .

I have an OB Appointment on Friday. I have the ultra sound first, and then see my doc. I am hoping for good news all around. Work has slowed down, so that helps with my blood pressure, and I've tried to be really good about drinking a gallon or more of water a day. I may need to haul a laptop into the ladies room here soon, but I'm trying.

I can't believe I am due next month!!