Induction update

Hi friends! Blogging from my hospital room, of course. We got here yesterday at 8pm, got settled in and found out that I was contracting on my own. My midwife let me continue through the night without any interventions in case I was already in labor on my own. Unfortunately I wasn't. They stopped in the middle of the night. At 5AM they gave me Cervidil to help soften my cervix. I was 2 centimeters when they started it. It fell out around 3PM today and I was 3 centimeters and really softened. I opted to have a Foley Catheter inserted. THAT was not fun, not really painful, but definitely not comfortable. It was to stay in for 12 hours, but fell out about 45 minutes ago. I'm currently waiting on my midwife to come back in and check me again. So, long story short, still no baby. But I feel good, positive, excited. Hoping to rest up so I can be ready to get this little guy out! Sorry for any typos, blogging from my iPad.

Updates

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. A lot has been going on lately. I came down with a horrible sinus infection and went to the hospital last week for some relief. While there, they noticed that my blood pressure was high and sent me to Labor and Delivery for monitoring. My blood pressure was REALLY high. It came down a bit while I was there, but they wanted to admit me. Thankfully, I was able to go home, but not without having to do a 24 hour urine collection. I turned that in on Saturday morning and was told to return to the hospital for labs at noon. Went back and found out that I am right on the cusp of pre- eclampsia. My urine was full of protein. Because of that, I have had non stress tests every other day, and am scheduled to be induced tonight.

I'm really nervous about the induction. I really don't want to end up with a c-section. Overall, I just want to meet my baby and I hope he is healthy.

We are ready, well, as ready as we can be. Our bags are packed, car seat is installed, big sis is being taken care if, house is clean, and car is fully gassed up. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I'll update once baby bit arrives!

38 week bumpdate (w/ pic)

How far along:  38 weeks, 3 days

Total weight gain/loss:  27 lbs

Sleep:  Last night was great, but usually it's tough to fall asleep because little man is moving so much and I have to get up to use the restroom.

Food cravings:  My appetite seems to have decreased.  Yesterday I only ate a pop tart and two small bags of chips while I was at work.

Best moment this week:  I have a few:  My baby shower and the out pour of support we received.  The baby dropping to the point that I can actually take a deep breath, and last night when Yorlee hugged and kissed my belly and said, "Goodnight baby!" before she went to bed.  Love it!

Movement:  Yes, yes and YES!  I think it's a struggle to get comfortable in there, and a struggle for space.

Gender:  Boy.

Labor signs:  Losing some mucous plug pieces (yuck...), Braxton Hicks, baby dropping, nesting.

Belly Button in or out:  The same way it was last week.  :-)

What I miss:  I'm actually in a really peaceful mood these days and I don't really miss anything.  I'm so happy to be at this point in pregnancy, and just hope that things continue to go smoothly.

What I am looking forward to:  Meeting my little guy, of course!  This is my favorite part of pregnancy, and due to my attitude, I almost forgot that.  The anticipation that you feel right before delivery is such an amazing feeling.  Being this close to meeting this little person that I've carried for 38 weeks, seeing his face for the first time, holding his hand, kissing his cheeks.  That's what dreams are made of!  I love it.  I just dream about meeting him for the first time, and already am so in love with him.  I keep telling myself to just relax, not rush the last few days  and just enjoy these moments.

Milestones:  Being less than two weeks away from my "due date".  And feeling so relaxed about the fact that he could come after that.  With Yorlee, it was such a race to get her out because I was so eager to meet her.  Now, I'm just patiently waiting for baby boy to decide when he would like to meet us.  It's so funny how things change!

Weekly Wisdom:  Relax, enjoy the moment and don't rush.

Symptoms:  Too many to list.  I can say without a doubt that I "feel pregnant".  My feet are so swollen even my beloved house shoes are screaming and feel tight.

Emotions:  Today, good.  I'm just taking it day by day.

Can you tell he dropped?

37 week bumpdate

How far along:  37 weeks and 3 days pregnant (FULL TERM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Total weight gain/loss:  I now weigh more than my husband.  Enough said....

Sleep:  Pretty bad.  My daughter is sick, so she's been getting up in the middle of the night wanting cuddles.  Which, I don't mind, but it's hard when she's up at 1:30AM, and then again at 3:30AM and I have to be up for the day at 5:30AM.  Also, you have to add in the bathroom trips that are absolutely mandatory at this point because baby boy's head is directly on top of my bladder.

Food cravings:  Junk, sweets, junk, carbs, junk, cake, junk, ice cream, junk, cookies.

Best moment this week:  The baby was moving and pushing body parts out of my belly, it was really uncomfortable so I said, "Ouch!"  Yorlee came up to me and said, "You okay Mommy?"  When I told her that my tummy hurt, she looked so concerned, came over and gently placed her tiny hand on my stomach and rubbed it and said, "Mommy, tummy hurt?  Mommy, tummy better now?"  It was SO sweet and cute that I could just cry thinking about it.  The hug she gave me afterwards was awesome as well.  I just adore her!

Movement:  Yes!  All the time, he is running out of room.  I'm so glad that I blogged during my last pregnancy and can go back and read about how active Yorlee was as well.  It's reassuring.  The movement can be so painful at times!!

Gender:  Boy

Labor signs:  Lots of pressure down under, Braxton Hicks and baby dropped significantly.

Belly Button in or out:  This question gets on my nerves for some reason.  Hormones.  It's out, and will stay out.

What I miss:  I usually don't like to say that I miss things.  But right now, I do!  I miss my SHOES, I miss being able to wear something other than a pair of house shoes everywhere.  I miss being able to sleep through the night.  I miss being able to breathe!  I miss having a wardrobe that didn't consist of belly bands.  I miss being able to do my job without difficulty because of carpel tunnel (new development).  I miss being able to walk and not be in pain.  I miss being able to pick up my toddler without excruciating pain in my hands and back.  Sorry for the rant, this pregnancy is just really giving me a run for my money.

What I am looking forward to:  Looking into my baby's eyes for the first time, and meeting the little person that is causing my body to go crazy.  I know all it will take is one glance, and I'll forget all the aches, pains and hormonal meltdowns that I've gone through.  I can't wait to feel that instant love, to hold his tiny body, kiss his cheeks, cuddle him, and just stare at him.

Milestones:  My baby is FULL TERM!  Meaning, his chance of survival outside of the womb is really good at this point.  However, I'd prefer that he stay put for at least another week.  Even though I'm going through a lot, I really want him to be fully cooked, and ready to take on the world when he arrives.  I'm mentally prepared to go to my due date, even if I complain all the way there.

Weekly Wisdom:  Pregnancy is tough on husbands also, make sure you let them know that they are appreciated.

Symptoms:  Swollen feet, hands, and face. Heartburn, indigestion, shooting pains everywhere, Braxton Hicks, and too many others to name.

Emotions:  I'm a mess!  I thought I was doing well, but a lack of sleep and a surge of hormones really got the best of me this week.

37 weeks!

Here I am at 37 weeks...

Image via Google

Don't I look so cute?


Okay, I'm a drama queen.  I know it, but I certainly am feeling pretty huge these days.  Actual 37 week bumpdate will be done tomorrow.  In the meantime, I'm going to try to suck in my chipmunk cheeks, and try not to waddle... :-)

Today

Today, I'm going to do my best to enjoy every minute.  I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, irritated and on the verge of tears for really no reason at all.

The aches and pains of this pregnancy are starting to get to me, but I have to look on the flip side and see that I am so fortunate to have this tiny person in my belly.  Even though my sciatic nerve is sending shooting pains down my legs, my esophagus is burning, my fingers and toes and nearly everything else is swollen, the skin on my stomach feels as though it will split, my nose is wider than it has ever been, my pelvis is pleading with me to stop moving and I feel as big as a house.  All of those things are temporary.  And they are worth it.

I remember after Yorlee was born, I looked back at my pregnancy and wished that I had been more calm, more patient, more understanding of my limitations.  Instead I was riled up, irritated, and pushing myself to do more, clean one more room of the house, do one more load of laundry, cook one more meal.  Why did I do that to myself?  And why do I continue to do it when I know better?   No more of that.  I'm going to try to soak up the last few moments of this pregnancy.  Today, I'm going to rub my belly more than I ever have.  I'm going to note and appreciate every single movement.  From hiccups, to karate kicks.

Last night, when my toddler was running around the house, Hulk Smashing the piles of laundry that I had neatly folded, throwing the tables and chairs from her dollhouse, and spilling juice all over the carpet.  I thought I was going to lose my mind.  I was sick of hearing my own voice over and over again, telling her to sit down, stop it, don't jump on that, don't eat that, don't touch that, don't do that.  Finally, I realized that she just wanted some attention.  I reached out to her while she was flinging herself from one side of the living room to the other and she jumped back because she thought she was going to get in trouble.  Instead, I gave her a hug, and she tightly hugged me back.  I told her that I was done with the laundry, and we were going to cuddle.  She was so excited!  I gave her a sippy of warm milk, and we both got into her tiny toddler bed.  She was so happy I was there.  That made my day.  That made me realize that no matter how much the laundry needs folding, or the dishes need washing, our little ones need us too.  My daughter's days of being an only child are coming to an end.

So today, when I get home from work, instead of rushing off to clean things up, I'm going to scoop up my little one for some cuddles, rub my belly, and put my feet up.

36 week bumpdate!

How far along:  36 weeks, 3 days

Total weight gain/loss:  You already know how I feel about this...

Sleep:  Not so good lately.  Little man has decided to poke out every limb possible the minute I get comfortable in bed.  Which means, Mama can't sleep.  It literally feels like he is trying to push his way out of my belly.

Food cravings:  Cake, cookies, cheese, sweets.  I've been a baking fool!  And for a person who doesn't usually bake, that speaks volumes.  I made oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies from scratch.  I want to bake a cake, so I'm trying to find a recipe that speaks to me.

Best moment this week:  Watching my baby girl learn and grow.  I need to start talking about her more often on here and post some pictures.  I'll try to get to that later on this week.  She is talking up a storm, and so opinionated.  I absolutely love this stage and can't wait to see her become a big sister.

Movement:  Nonstop, startling at times.  I've also started to feel him start practice breathing.  Which scared the heck out of me at first.  It felt like a pulse, that wasn't mine, and I could see my belly rising and falling quickly.  After visiting Dr. Google, I realized that he was practice breathing.  I really don't remember feeling that with Yorlee, but I probably didn't know what it was.

Gender:  Boy oh boy!

Labor signs:  The Braxton Hicks have been picking up lately.  I had them five minutes apart for a little bit yesterday.  In trying to prepare myself for labor, I don't focus on them, but instead focus on breathing.  Braxton Hicks have always been painful for me, which explains why my contractions were absolutely excruciating.  Seeing as though I plan to birth without an epidural this time, I need to really focus on some relaxation techniques.

Belly Button in or out:  Out.

What I miss:  Alcohol!  I know that sounds super vain, but my mouth has been watering for a sip of wine, or beer, or margarita.  The sad part about it, is that I recall from when I had Yorlee that alcohol didn't taste as good as I thought it would once I was able to drink it.

What I am looking forward to:  Hitting 37 weeks, and then meeting my baby boy.  So many people have been having their babies early lately.  I'm trying to prepare myself for the fact that I may go through 40 weeks of pregnancy again.  Whatever is best for him, that's my motto.

Milestones:  Being 9 months pregnant!  And boy, and I feeling it.  My husband kept noting the fact that I'm REALLY waddling now.  But I can't help it, his head is so low and my feet are so sore that I can no longer walk without looking like a duck.

Weekly Wisdom:  Relax, and keep calm.  Our basement got water damage over the weekend (it's finished), and I about flipped out thinking about having to rip out all the drywall, carpet, etc.  And the water came from the bathroom so I was stressed about having to pull out and replace the tub.  Come to find out, our jetted tub is cracked, but repairable.  And hubby only had to take out about a foot of drywall starting at floor level.  The carpet dried in time and was treated with mold prevention. What we thought would cost us thousands, only ended up costing about $200.  So, I tell myself going forward, relax, and keep calm!

Symptoms:  Pain everywhere, exhaustion, irritability, Braxton Hicks, swelling, Buddha belly, etc.

Emotions:  I'm an angry bird.  For really no reason at all, other than the fact that I'm hugely pregnant.  So, sorry in advance!

Happy (possible) birth month Baby V 2.0!!!

I can't believe that, more than likely, I will be meeting my little prince this month!

Full term is just around the corner, and I know that these next few weeks are going to fly by.

Did anyone else get really mean during the end of their pregnancy?  I know that women are emotional creatures by nature, but geez, add some pregnancy hormones to me and I turn into a monster.  I recall feeling this way with Yorlee also, but even  knoweledge doesn't help me rationalize my feelings.

Oh well, all these hormones are for a good cause! :-)

35 week belly pics

I've really been slacking in the belly pic department.  As usual, I took some pics in the bathroom of my job.  :-)  Well, something is better than nothing, right!?!

(Edited to add:  Okay, so, I visited a few other blogs where the ladies are due around the same time as me and WHAT GIVES?!  My belly is huge compared to theirs!  Seriously, I look like a torpedo Buddha belly.  I'm only a few days to a little over a week further along than them.  Sigh...)

Week 35 bumpdate!!

How far along:  35 weeks, 4 days.  (I totally missed the whole 35/35 excitement.)

Total weight gain/loss:  Still unsure, it's gotta be over 20lbs by now.  I have an appointment next Friday.

Sleep:  For the past few days it has been pretty bad.  I have a cold which made my throat hurt, nose stuffed, head ache, etc.  So when you mix not being able to breath and pain swallowing with nightly bathroom trips, you get one sleepy/irritated Momma.

Food cravings:  Oatmeal with butter and brown sugar.  My husband (bless his heart) tried to make me some last night, but he put things in it that I didn't want.  I didn't say anything and ate as much of it as I could, but it really didn't hit the spot at all.  I want it exactly how I want it, no variations.

Best moment this week:  Buying the newborn necessities that we didn't have.  Such as, newborn sized diapers, a new coming home outfit, and socks.  I still need to get a car seat cover though.

Movement:  The movement has been super crazy!  I know he doesn't have much space in there, but at times it feels like he is trying to escape.  Knees and elbows are constantly poking out.  Rubbing them back in helps a bit.

Gender:  Better still be a boy!

Labor signs:  Braxton Hicks have been increasing.  Feeling more pressure, and seems like I've dropped a bit as I haven't had as hard of a time breathing and the acid reflux/indigestion has calmed down a bit.

Belly Button in or out:  Still out, and VERY tender.  Can belly buttons break?  I'm pretty sure mine will any day now... :-)

What I miss:  Sadly, my husband's grandmother.  She passed away very early on Saturday morning.  I'm so grateful that we were able to visit her right before she passed, and that she is no longer suffering.  I really enjoyed her company while she was here, and she will truly be missed.

What I am looking forward to:  Meeting this little person in my belly.  Also, hitting 37 weeks, only a few more days until we are there!!!

Milestones: Having only one more milestone to meet before delivery.  Week 37, here we come!

Weekly Wisdom:  Wear slippers to work.  Not only are they great for swollen feet that can't fit into regular shoes, they also make people think twice about asking you to do something.  During my last pregnancy, I was off work at this time due to bed rest.  It's hard being here now...

Symptoms:  Most of them.

Emotions:  Pretty stable for the most part.

Belly pic to come, I was too lazy to take some...