Well, we're just about there. Thank you Jesus for letting us get this far. There were many many moments when I didn't think I'd be here, 38w5d pregnant. This is the most pregnant I've ever been, or ever will be (Thank you permanent birth control!), since Nathaniel was born at 38w3d.
This week has been interesting, to say the least. On Saturday, I went for my BPP and NST at the hospital. The parking garage was closed and I had to park 2 blocks away and walk. OMG it was hot and I was so tired! But I got in there and went to do the monitoring. The u/s went well and then I went upstairs to do the NST. Much to my surprise, that went well too. Normally it takes me about 90 minutes to get the 25 minute test done, but I guess she was being a good girl since we needed to get back for Nathaniel's birthday party.
So we got home around noon, which was great becasue the party was starting at 1 pm. Had a great time, ate some great food and hung out with our family. But I was really ready for everyone to leave when it was over. I was exhausted!!!
Sunday passed pretty uneventfully, as did Monday. But then came Tuesday. I got on the scale and it said I had gained three pounds overnight. Dr. A. called and said that I had to go for another u/s and NST to make sure that everything was fine. I tried to explain to the nurse that I was wearing clothes, but he's the boss so off I went. Unfortunately, that meant I needed someone to pick up Nathaniel from school. I called my mom and she was able to get him, thank goodness. I had called her around 10:45, when the office called me, because I knew that there was no way I'd be in and out in three hours.
I was right. Turns out I had to do bloodwork and a pee test as well as the u/s and NST. I got to the hospital at 11:30 and left around 3 pm. Then it took me well over an hour to get home (damn construction). I was just beat.
I was super pissed too, since yesterday was the last day I had to really get anything done before Veronica is born. (I had a doc appointment today, and tomorrow is N's birthday. Then we'll be at the hospital having her!) I was also pissed because I physically felt good for the first time in months and I had to waste the day in L&D. But whatever, better safe than sorry, right? At this point I have about 42 hours to go. I can't wait to be done with this part of our life.
Today is Wednesday, and Pat was off today, so after my appointment, we were able to go out for lunch, just the two (and a half) of us. It was really nice to just be together. It will be a long time until we get to do that again. I also got to enjoy one of my last hot meals. I remember that really well from when Nathaniel was a newborn.
I hated the newborn phase. I hope that it passes quickly. I think I just have to try to remember that it's only temporary. Maybe because I've gone through it once (and know how fast it goes in reality) it won't be as bad this time. That's my hope anyway.
So just a little under two days to go. I will of course post some pictures here and type out the birth story, because I like to have a record of it, but I don't know exactly when that will happen. Right now, I just have to get through tonight and tomorrow and try not to melt. (102 degrees tomorrow. Ick!) Goodbye life with one child. Hello to life with two!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
38 weeks- Pumpkin
Holy fuck, there's a pumpkin inside my belly!!!
Actually, that explains a lot. What a week it's been. Tuesday night, I had some bad pains in my right side, but didn't do anything because I was going to the doctor on Wednesday morning, as usual. I got there, and they hooked me up to the NST machine, but I was hurting really bad so they sent me to the hospital to get checked out.
I had another BPP of Veronica, and she was doing well, and then they did an u/s of my liver, gall bladder, kidney and pancreas. Everything looked normal on the u/s. It wasn't her feet casing the pain, because I was in pain when she wasn't moving them. I was sent up to labor and delivery to be monitored there.
Once again, I was hooked up to the NST machine, but I was just there. For three hours I was there. Around 3:30, they decided to keep me overnight for observations. At this point, Pat was already on his way to the hospital, and my mom had already picked Nathaniel up from school. My pain was subsiding, but I wanted to know what the heck was going on.
I was transferred to an LDR room, and started a 24 hour pee catch. I also had an IV lock put in (in case I needed the IV) and they took 8 vials of blood. 8!!! I was given dinner at 5:15 and scarfed it down in record time. Unfortunately, since I hadn't eaten since 8 am, it made me sick. I ate too fast. I will try to remember that come next Saturday night, when I should be able to eat after the c/s. They tested my blood sugar at 7:30 and asked how my pain was. I told them it was pretty much gone. The nurses called Dr. A. with my lab work results, blood sugar, and pain level (when I went in it was 6 to7 on a 1-10 scale). At 8:30ish, the nurse came in and said that I could go home if I wanted to, since the pain was gone and the labs looked good. I was quite pleased to go home, even if it was with Veronica still inside. I was really ready to have her out, though, I can tell you that.
So home we went, to find Nathaniel wide awake and jumping all over the place (thanks, Grandma), but happy to see him. I really missed him when I Was in the hospital. I don't know how I will actually do it when I will be gone for three days! But he was really excited to see us too.
So, long story short (too late) they couldn't figure out what was giving me so much pain. And I went home, for the second time, without an outside baby. I have to wait until Friday the 29th after all. It's just one more week, so I think we can make it. It will be kinda cool for my kids to have back to back birthdays, so we'll focus on that. Tomorrow will be N's birthday party (after another trip to the hospital for monitoring, like I do every Saturday), and then Wednesday's appointment with Dr. A. 7 more days!!!
SO here's what's going on inside this week.
Yow! If you feel a sort of lightening bolt running up and down your legs (and in your crotch), don’t freak out. At 38 weeks, baby’s probably sitting pretty low in your pelvis, which means he’s bumping into all kinds of nerves down there -- including some pretty sensitive ones you might not know you had. Be on the lookout for signs of labor, including contractions that come on stronger, at more regular intervals, and the “bloody show.” It could happen any day now -- or it might not be for a few weeks. Until then, try to relax.
Your baby's the size of a pumpkin! Baby is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. Her head is now about the same circumference as her abdomen.
She may have about an inch or so of hair already. She's slowly shedding that white goo on her skin (called vernix caseosa) but you might see some of it at birth
Actually, that explains a lot. What a week it's been. Tuesday night, I had some bad pains in my right side, but didn't do anything because I was going to the doctor on Wednesday morning, as usual. I got there, and they hooked me up to the NST machine, but I was hurting really bad so they sent me to the hospital to get checked out.
I had another BPP of Veronica, and she was doing well, and then they did an u/s of my liver, gall bladder, kidney and pancreas. Everything looked normal on the u/s. It wasn't her feet casing the pain, because I was in pain when she wasn't moving them. I was sent up to labor and delivery to be monitored there.
Once again, I was hooked up to the NST machine, but I was just there. For three hours I was there. Around 3:30, they decided to keep me overnight for observations. At this point, Pat was already on his way to the hospital, and my mom had already picked Nathaniel up from school. My pain was subsiding, but I wanted to know what the heck was going on.
I was transferred to an LDR room, and started a 24 hour pee catch. I also had an IV lock put in (in case I needed the IV) and they took 8 vials of blood. 8!!! I was given dinner at 5:15 and scarfed it down in record time. Unfortunately, since I hadn't eaten since 8 am, it made me sick. I ate too fast. I will try to remember that come next Saturday night, when I should be able to eat after the c/s. They tested my blood sugar at 7:30 and asked how my pain was. I told them it was pretty much gone. The nurses called Dr. A. with my lab work results, blood sugar, and pain level (when I went in it was 6 to7 on a 1-10 scale). At 8:30ish, the nurse came in and said that I could go home if I wanted to, since the pain was gone and the labs looked good. I was quite pleased to go home, even if it was with Veronica still inside. I was really ready to have her out, though, I can tell you that.
So home we went, to find Nathaniel wide awake and jumping all over the place (thanks, Grandma), but happy to see him. I really missed him when I Was in the hospital. I don't know how I will actually do it when I will be gone for three days! But he was really excited to see us too.
So, long story short (too late) they couldn't figure out what was giving me so much pain. And I went home, for the second time, without an outside baby. I have to wait until Friday the 29th after all. It's just one more week, so I think we can make it. It will be kinda cool for my kids to have back to back birthdays, so we'll focus on that. Tomorrow will be N's birthday party (after another trip to the hospital for monitoring, like I do every Saturday), and then Wednesday's appointment with Dr. A. 7 more days!!!
SO here's what's going on inside this week.
Yow! If you feel a sort of lightening bolt running up and down your legs (and in your crotch), don’t freak out. At 38 weeks, baby’s probably sitting pretty low in your pelvis, which means he’s bumping into all kinds of nerves down there -- including some pretty sensitive ones you might not know you had. Be on the lookout for signs of labor, including contractions that come on stronger, at more regular intervals, and the “bloody show.” It could happen any day now -- or it might not be for a few weeks. Until then, try to relax.
Your baby's the size of a pumpkin! Baby is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. Her head is now about the same circumference as her abdomen.
She may have about an inch or so of hair already. She's slowly shedding that white goo on her skin (called vernix caseosa) but you might see some of it at birth
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Tired of Stupid People
I know it's the worst thing in the world to be tired of, because they will never go away, but seriously, I just want to take people and shake them or slap the ever-loving shit out of them. Like the people who see my big old belly and ask if this is my first child. I could see people asking that if I were alone, but did they not see the three year old child in the cart that looks just like me and calls me Mommy????
Or the people on the online community I belong to asking if each little ache and pain is the beginning of their labor. My crystal ball says "call your fucking doctor!"
Or, on the same community, the people that swear that babies are born during the full moon, and then get all butt hurt when I tell them that yes, ALL babies are born during a full moon. EVERY SINGLE LITTLE FUCKER ON THE PLANET.
So obviously, I have just no patience left.
The heat doesn't really help anything, nor does this pain. I have had a few contractions today, nothing regular, or I'd be at the hospital, but painful enough to make me nauseous. Maybe she'll come earlier than the 29th. WHich, for those keeping track, is 10 days away.
Yeah, shit gets real when you can see the prediction for the weather the day your kid is scheudled to be born. Or when you can say "Next week" when sane people ask when you are due/having your baby. Yes, next week. That sounds so close. On Saturday, I can change that to "Friday."
In the event that I do go early, I have Nathaniel's bag for swim day at school all ready to go, which is Thursday, along with his birthday bags, which is next Thursday. So at least I have something accomplished, right? I really should repack N's suitcase, in case of an emergency like last week.
Bottom line, I really do have tons of stuff to do, but no desire or energy to get any of it done. At least tomorrow is Patty Melt Wednesday. Mmmmmm...
Or the people on the online community I belong to asking if each little ache and pain is the beginning of their labor. My crystal ball says "call your fucking doctor!"
Or, on the same community, the people that swear that babies are born during the full moon, and then get all butt hurt when I tell them that yes, ALL babies are born during a full moon. EVERY SINGLE LITTLE FUCKER ON THE PLANET.
So obviously, I have just no patience left.
The heat doesn't really help anything, nor does this pain. I have had a few contractions today, nothing regular, or I'd be at the hospital, but painful enough to make me nauseous. Maybe she'll come earlier than the 29th. WHich, for those keeping track, is 10 days away.
Yeah, shit gets real when you can see the prediction for the weather the day your kid is scheudled to be born. Or when you can say "Next week" when sane people ask when you are due/having your baby. Yes, next week. That sounds so close. On Saturday, I can change that to "Friday."
In the event that I do go early, I have Nathaniel's bag for swim day at school all ready to go, which is Thursday, along with his birthday bags, which is next Thursday. So at least I have something accomplished, right? I really should repack N's suitcase, in case of an emergency like last week.
Bottom line, I really do have tons of stuff to do, but no desire or energy to get any of it done. At least tomorrow is Patty Melt Wednesday. Mmmmmm...
Saturday, June 16, 2012
37 Weeks- Winter Melon (and FULL TERM!!!!)
We have made it to full term!!!! Veronica is 37 weeks gestational age and can come at any time. Speaking of that, Pat and I went to Labor and Delivery (L&D) at the hospital last night. I couldn't feel her moving at all, and was really worried. Fortunatley, she passed the NST and they let us come home. Unfortunately, she passed the test and they sent us home. I think we were both really ready for her to be born. Acording to today's u/s, she weighs at least 6.5 pounds and could be up to 8.5 right now. I hope she's on the smaller side, to be honest. I have lots of NB sized clothes that I'd like her to wear. But, so long as she is healthy, it's all going to be good.
Now, here's what's going on now.
Get excited. At 37 weeks, your baby has reached full term. That means he’s developed his most crucial functions. Of course, he’ll get even healthier and stronger over the next few weeks, so don’t get too impatient. Around week 37, many moms-to-be find themselves organizing cupboards and scrubbing their floors. That’s the nesting instinct kicking in as your body senses baby will be here shortly. It also might be your brain’s way of making sure you’re prepared for just about anything, so you can feel like you have an extra edge on this whole new parent thing.
Your baby's the size of a winter melon! Yay! Baby has reached full term. He likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. He's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day.
He's practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking. He's getting his first sticky poop (called meconium) ready for his first diaper.
Now, here's what's going on now.
Get excited. At 37 weeks, your baby has reached full term. That means he’s developed his most crucial functions. Of course, he’ll get even healthier and stronger over the next few weeks, so don’t get too impatient. Around week 37, many moms-to-be find themselves organizing cupboards and scrubbing their floors. That’s the nesting instinct kicking in as your body senses baby will be here shortly. It also might be your brain’s way of making sure you’re prepared for just about anything, so you can feel like you have an extra edge on this whole new parent thing.
Your baby's the size of a winter melon! Yay! Baby has reached full term. He likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. He's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day.
He's practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking. He's getting his first sticky poop (called meconium) ready for his first diaper.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Ketchup
OK, technically, catch up, but ketchup sounds good right now. I am going to try to catch up on stuff that's been going on for the past few weeks, but my mind is not what it used to be and I'm pretty sure there will be some back and forth going from thing to thing, with some holes thrown in there for good measure.
After my growth scan at UIC, in which Veronica measured 4 pounds 11 ounces, I started going for twice weekly NSTs and BPPs with Dr. A. During my first one, everything was fine. I didn't write down the measurements that they said she was, but whatever. I went the next week and at the u/s ,the tech asked if I had any fluid issues. I told her at one point it was low, but she said that now it was high, and that she was weighing 3006 grams. (about 6 and a half pounds.) So of course, I freak out and want to talk to the doctor about it.
When I talked with Dr. A. about it, he said that there are so many things that could make the numbers off, and that she should be a bigger baby because of the diabetes. I was worried because that was the same size Nathaniel was when he was born! I don't want her to be a fat girl. all I know of life is being a fat girl and I don't want that for her.
Well, I went back the next week and my fluid was still high. But she is now headdown, which was surprising, since Nathaniel didn't do that until 38 weeks. Yeah, it's not comfortable, in case you're wondering. It, in fact, really fucking hurts. She also measured at 2948g, with a margin of error of 489g. That means she weighs between 5.5 and 7.7 pounds. Hopefully closer to the 5 than the 7, but at this point, it is what it is. I will be measured again this Saturday, and that should give me a good idea of what she'll weigh at birth. (I'll have one more other than this week before she's born.)
But I got some super good news today. I am officially done with bed rest! I will be full term on Friday (2 days) and the doctors won't do anything to stop labor, so it's all good to go. The c/s is scheduled for June 29th, which is just 16 days from now. I really can't wait for this part of mey life to be over. I want her to get here and be happy and healthy, whenever that might be in the next 16 days. So I think this is just about all. I know there's been a lot more, but I just can't think anymore and I am a bit tired.
Getting off bed rest makes me very happy, but now I have to work on building my stamina again. I haven't walked around in a long time, longer than a fwe minutes, so it's going to tkae a whiloe to get back there. I want to get up and walk as much as I can, so that after she's born, I can be up and around. Wish me luck!
After my growth scan at UIC, in which Veronica measured 4 pounds 11 ounces, I started going for twice weekly NSTs and BPPs with Dr. A. During my first one, everything was fine. I didn't write down the measurements that they said she was, but whatever. I went the next week and at the u/s ,the tech asked if I had any fluid issues. I told her at one point it was low, but she said that now it was high, and that she was weighing 3006 grams. (about 6 and a half pounds.) So of course, I freak out and want to talk to the doctor about it.
When I talked with Dr. A. about it, he said that there are so many things that could make the numbers off, and that she should be a bigger baby because of the diabetes. I was worried because that was the same size Nathaniel was when he was born! I don't want her to be a fat girl. all I know of life is being a fat girl and I don't want that for her.
Well, I went back the next week and my fluid was still high. But she is now headdown, which was surprising, since Nathaniel didn't do that until 38 weeks. Yeah, it's not comfortable, in case you're wondering. It, in fact, really fucking hurts. She also measured at 2948g, with a margin of error of 489g. That means she weighs between 5.5 and 7.7 pounds. Hopefully closer to the 5 than the 7, but at this point, it is what it is. I will be measured again this Saturday, and that should give me a good idea of what she'll weigh at birth. (I'll have one more other than this week before she's born.)
But I got some super good news today. I am officially done with bed rest! I will be full term on Friday (2 days) and the doctors won't do anything to stop labor, so it's all good to go. The c/s is scheduled for June 29th, which is just 16 days from now. I really can't wait for this part of mey life to be over. I want her to get here and be happy and healthy, whenever that might be in the next 16 days. So I think this is just about all. I know there's been a lot more, but I just can't think anymore and I am a bit tired.
Getting off bed rest makes me very happy, but now I have to work on building my stamina again. I haven't walked around in a long time, longer than a fwe minutes, so it's going to tkae a whiloe to get back there. I want to get up and walk as much as I can, so that after she's born, I can be up and around. Wish me luck!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
36 Weeks- Honeydew
I promise to make an actual blog post sometime this next week. I have a lot that I need to get out of my head, and a lot that I want to remember later. (Like the worry about her coming early and how big she's going to be.) So until then, this will have to suffice- what's going on inside.
Your due date is just four weeks away. Hasn’t time flown? Your once-poppy seed would probably be able to breathe on his own if he was born right now. (If not, he’d probably need some TLC, but he’d likely be okay.) Most of his systems are in working order at 36 weeks. Since baby really could decide to make his arrival any day now, try to put in a little prep work. For example, if you took a child birth class a few months ago, you might want to reread any materials you were given and practice some of the breathing techniques you learned with your partner. Go over your plan for getting to the hospital, and all the what-ifs (like, if you go into labor while you’re at work, will you go home first or straight there?). You might also want to remind your boss and colleagues of the status of all your work projects, so they know exactly where to take over if you’re suddenly out of the office. Week 36 is also a good time to enjoy a date with your partner. We’re guessing you won’t be up for dancing, but a nice dinner might be just what you two could use.
Your baby's the size of a honeydew! She's still in the 17.2- to 18.7-inch and 4.2- to 5.8-pound range and continues to beef up.
your baby at 36 weeks She's getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on her own. Her skin is getting smooth and soft and her gums are rigid. Her liver and kidneys are in working order. Circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too.
Your due date is just four weeks away. Hasn’t time flown? Your once-poppy seed would probably be able to breathe on his own if he was born right now. (If not, he’d probably need some TLC, but he’d likely be okay.) Most of his systems are in working order at 36 weeks. Since baby really could decide to make his arrival any day now, try to put in a little prep work. For example, if you took a child birth class a few months ago, you might want to reread any materials you were given and practice some of the breathing techniques you learned with your partner. Go over your plan for getting to the hospital, and all the what-ifs (like, if you go into labor while you’re at work, will you go home first or straight there?). You might also want to remind your boss and colleagues of the status of all your work projects, so they know exactly where to take over if you’re suddenly out of the office. Week 36 is also a good time to enjoy a date with your partner. We’re guessing you won’t be up for dancing, but a nice dinner might be just what you two could use.
Your baby's the size of a honeydew! She's still in the 17.2- to 18.7-inch and 4.2- to 5.8-pound range and continues to beef up.
your baby at 36 weeks She's getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on her own. Her skin is getting smooth and soft and her gums are rigid. Her liver and kidneys are in working order. Circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
35 weeks- Coconut
Just gonna keep this simple, since I should have done this one 5 days ago. Here's what's supposed to be going on inside.
Growing, growing, growing. Yup, baby and you. You’ve reached 35 weeks, and your uterus has grown about 1,000 times its original size, a number that might sound exaggerated to everyone else -- but to you it probably feels more like a million. You can expect to gain about a half-pound a week before birth, and baby’s beefing up, too. At 35 weeks, some moms-to-be feel like they have a ton of stuff left to do before baby’s arrival. Others can barely wait for baby to make his debut. Either way, try not to stress. Baby will show up when he’s ready, and he won’t care if you haven’t checked every little detail off your list.
Your baby's the size of a coconut! He's about 17.2 to 18.7 inches. From here on out, he won't get much longer, but he's plumping up. He's now about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds, and he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth.
your baby at 35 weeks Now, his hearing is fully developed, and he responds best to high-pitched noises. If it's a boy, his testes have probably fully descended.
Growing, growing, growing. Yup, baby and you. You’ve reached 35 weeks, and your uterus has grown about 1,000 times its original size, a number that might sound exaggerated to everyone else -- but to you it probably feels more like a million. You can expect to gain about a half-pound a week before birth, and baby’s beefing up, too. At 35 weeks, some moms-to-be feel like they have a ton of stuff left to do before baby’s arrival. Others can barely wait for baby to make his debut. Either way, try not to stress. Baby will show up when he’s ready, and he won’t care if you haven’t checked every little detail off your list.
Your baby's the size of a coconut! He's about 17.2 to 18.7 inches. From here on out, he won't get much longer, but he's plumping up. He's now about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds, and he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth.
your baby at 35 weeks Now, his hearing is fully developed, and he responds best to high-pitched noises. If it's a boy, his testes have probably fully descended.
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