Hump Day… Birthday!

Who would have thought that at the same time our Hump Day Bump Day: Week 38 post went live on the blog that we would be in the hospital anxiously anticipating the arrival of our Miss M!?  I’m sure some of you are curious as to the details of her arrival so we thought we would celebrate her 1 week birthday by telling you how she arrived… and maybe have a little bit of cake too!

So grab a piece of cake, a glass of milk or cup of coffee and settle in for the story…

Early in the morning on Wednesday July 17th, {by early I mean around 4am} I woke up for one of my umpteenth nightly bathroom trips. I was doing my business when I felt something… different… happen down there. I went back to the bedroom to wake up the hubs and tell him I thought that my water had just broken.  He asked me something similar to “did you have a big sploosh all over the floor?!” To which I said no and he assumed I was just overreacting.  I went back to bed but got up about a half hour later and felt another small gush.  After about an hour of debating with the hubs and internet researching if it could be that my waters had broken, we decided we should head to the hospital and find out for sure.  So we got dressed and threw the last minute items in the hospital bags just in case and off we went!

We arrived at the hospital, and were directed to the birthing center where I was hooked up to monitors.  I had a contraction here and there but nothing too regular or serious.  I only had a couple that made me pause and start the deep breathing.  The nurse checked me and said she didn’t think my water had broken based on the little amniotic fluid swab test. The doctor came in and did the same test and got the same result but he also checked to see what my dilation was. He said I was at a 3-4 dilation {yay progress!} and then I had another gushing sensation. He said, “looks like you aren’t going home after all!” and then said we would be starting Pitocin because my contractions hadn’t picked up and it had been almost 3hrs since I had felt the initial break.

I was not happy.  Well… happy {and excited!} to know we would finally be meeting our sweet baby sometime soon, but not happy to be starting out with Pitocin.  Since I knew it wasn’t common for waters to break before labor started, this was a scenario I hadn’t even thought through! Also, I had heard contractions that come with Pitocin are especially horrible.  But… I knew there were risks if we kept waiting for labor to start on its own and so we proceeded and moved to our birthing room… with a view!

Once the Pitocin was started, things got going pretty quickly.  At first I was able to breathe through the contractions and rest between them, but they soon went from bearable to coming at me hard every couple of minutes and lasting what seemed like forever. This was around 11am and I hadn’t been checked for dilation progress since about 7am so we thought we still had hours of labor ahead of us and I told my husband I needed the epidural.

Shortly after, I was contracting through the epidural insertion process and begging the nurse to turn off the Pitocin. {she said no btw}  As soon as it took effect I was feeling much better and the nurse came in to check my progress again.  Her eyes got really big and she said “I think she’s complete! Hang on let me check again… ok, now Christina push a little I want to see if I can feel the head… oh.. STOP pushing and don’t do that again! This never happens that fast with a first baby!”  Apparently what none of us suspected was that when I was in the midst of the contractions that wouldn’t stop, I was actually in the transition stage of labor.  If I had known, would I have stuck to our original plan and not gotten the epidural? I can’t honestly say, but it might have been easier to hold off a little longer knowing we were almost there.

Then the nurse told us that the doctor was in a c-section and we had to wait until they were done or close to it to start pushing. Now if I hadn’t had an epidural at this point I think I would have been one furious laboring pregnant lady, but since I had it and was no longer feeling the contractions at all I said ok!  We waited around for about an hour and a half before the nurse came in and said we were going to start pushing.  I pushed for about an hour and our Little Miss was welcomed into the world at 2:03pm. 

From waters breaking to her birth we had about 10 hours and just 7 hours from the start of actual Pit induced contractions. What a whirlwind of a day!  In the end we got to meet this sweet little face… and I wouldn’t change a minute of the experience for the world.

Happy one week birthday Miss Madeline!

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 38

How far along? 38 Weeks, 3 Days
Outfit? regular cardi and maxi dress (gotta love maxis!)
Stretch marks/Belly Button? Belly button is getting very close to popping these days but I’m hoping it doesn’t! Stretch marks are still there unfortunately.
Sleep:  Sleeping ok but the hubs says I’ve started snoring like no one he’s ever met so he’s not sleeping well these days.
Best moment this week:  Friday was great because Grandpa was released from the hospital again.  Monday was even better because we heard the heartbeat again (a strong 160bpm) and the carpet installation began at the house! YAY!
Miss Anything?  The feeling in my fingers.. yup its still gone.
Movement: Mostly kicking in my ribs and out my right side. Although starting to feel more pressure right in the middle of my ribcage like she’s pushing it out.
Food cravings: Fruit is still the clear winner here – especially with the hot weather this week!
Anything annoying?: Hand numbness and swelling in my feet. (hubs says they look like Fred Flintstone feet when they are really bad)
Labor Signs? Still 2cm dilated but now 70% effaced, no real contractions but I did lose my mucus plug Tuesday morning. For some that may be tmi.. so I apologize but at least I didn’t post a picture! Yes if you check Google images you will find several… I don’t recommend it.
Mood? Excited, nervous and anxious to meet my daughter.  
Looking forward to:  Labor or the next doctor’s appointment on Monday… whichever comes first!
Worries & Fears:  Feeling a little more prepared this week.  Probably the only worries or fears would be related to us having an unplanned cesarean section.
Weekly Thoughts/Questions: Membranes were swept at our visit this week and the doctor predicted labor to be in the next couple days.. so far it’s Tuesday night and nada other than the loss of the mucus plug this morning.  He mentioned if I don’t go into labor by the next appointment we will be talking a medical induction.  I’m really hoping to avoid that because I’ve heard its horrible and that it can lead to a series of other unwanted/unplanned medical interventions (epidural because of strong contractions, c-section).  But if that’s the route we need to go, we are staying open to it.  The most important thing is for Miss M to be born healthy.

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 37

Health Stats: blood pressure: 120/72, baby heartbeat 152, weight gain ~27lbs

How far along? 37 Weeks, 3 Days
Outfit? maternity shirt and shorts, regular tank
Stretch marks/Belly Button? I think the innie got a bit shallower this week and the stretch marks a tad longer… belly area is ready to evict it’s tenant I think!
Sleep:  Still feeling like I’m not getting great sleep and when I doze off on the couch, the hubs tends to shout me awake because he thinks it’s funny.  Just wait until the crying baby is keeping him up.. paybacks!
Best moment this week:  My doctor’s appointment on Monday because I heard the heartbeat.
Miss Anything?  The feeling in my fingers.
Movement: Mostly kicking in my ribs and out my right side. She favors the right side of my belly.
Food cravings: It’s hot so fruit (watermelon and grapes) and salad seem to be the winners.
Anything annoying?: Hand numbness and the heat
Labor Signs? A few more contractions this weekend but otherwise not too much action.
Mood? Mostly excited these days and a little scared of what is yet to come.
Looking forward to:  The doctor’s appointment next week Monday because they will check on dilation/effacement status again!  Hoping to have made some progress as we get closer to the due date.
Worries & Fears:  Hmmm the pain of labor, if we forgot to stock something for little Miss that I haven’t thought of yet, and that my hands will be permanently numb after delivery. 
Weekly Thoughts/Questions: We attended a relaxation and breathing for delivery class on Tuesday which focused on natural childbirth techniques. It pretty much reinforced info I’ve gathered from fellow moms, the internet, and some books I’ve read and had good info for the hubs as well. It was definitely worth the time and money spent and I’m feeling like we can go in pretty prepared to go natural unless complications arise.  Going to try to stay in this positive state of “millions of other women have done it and I can too” state for the next 18days…or however many it ends up being until Miss M arrives!

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 36

Health Stats: blood pressure: 112/68, baby heartbeat: 150, weight gain ~26lbs

How far along? 36 Weeks, 3 Days
Outfit? maternity shirt and leggings
Stretch marks/Belly Button? Hoping my innie stays an innie for these last 3.5weeks!  And the stretch marks are fairly well contained to the under-bump area.. hoping that stays that way too!
Sleep:  Somewhat better the last week or so.  Still waking up a lot to flip sides, pee, and wake up my hands but I feel like I’m getting some rest now.
Best moment this week:  My pre-delivery pedi on Tuesday! I would have paid her just to do the massage the whole time but I got pretty polished toes thrown in with the deal.. oh yeah and my polish has diamond dust mixed in so its super sparkly and worthy of the special occasion.
Miss Anything?  Hmmm the ability to stay awake much past 10pm?
Movement: Definitely! She punches my bladder and kicks my ribs – meaning she’s also in position!
Food cravings: Not so many these days other than fruits and salads.
Anything annoying?: Pregnancy carpal tunnel – it really blows. In a good moment I only have 2-3 fingers on each hand that have feeling, in a bad moment only my pinkie fingers have sensation.  My superhero cuff splints don’t really help much either.  Only 3.5 more weeks right?!
Labor Signs? Other than a couple Braxton Hicks and being dilated and effaced slightly.. nope!
Mood? Tired, excited, scared, excited… yes I repeated that one.
Looking forward to:  Spending the 4th of July with family, our Dr appointment on Monday, and having 3 days off in a row this weekend.
Worries & Fears:  That Miss M will make her appearance early.  I know the OB said a few days to a week early… ideally I’d like her to stay cooking until at least the 39 week mark. 
Weekly Thoughts/Questions: This week I’ve been working on packing our hospital bags so thinking about what exactly is needed and what is better left at home.  Also, thinking about not having the nursery set up and should we invest in a bassinet?  Also looking back over all my pregnancy/maternity stuff and what I really liked and what I should have left in the store.. I might do a my favorite pregnancy things post in the near future!

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 35

Health

stats: Blood pressure: 112/80, baby heart rate: 146, weight gain ~25lbs.

How far along? 35 Weeks, 3 Days
Outfit? “regular” dress and tank
Stretch marks/Belly Button? Now that the stretch marks have finally appeared this question isn’t as fun to answer!  Oh but I do still have a shallow innie.
Sleep: Been fairly decent lately but waking up a lot with the numb hands and the urge to pee.
Best moment this week:  Seeing Miss M on our ultrasound on Monday!  Also Friday we got news that my enlarged lymph nodes have mostly disappeared so we are just repeating the ultrasound in Nov/Dec rather than looking at doing a biopsy right now. Also on Friday, my Grandpa was finally released from the hospital and is doing well! That was a stellar day!
Miss Anything? Probably just coffee, sleep and yummy alcoholic frozen drinks
Movement: Still kicking and hiccupping in there
Food cravings: Watermelon and Panera’s Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad – delish!
Anything annoying?: Numb hands, reflux, puffy feet, backache… pregnancy symptoms in general
Labor Signs? Braxton hicks and….. we learned at the doctor’s appointment I’m 2cm dilated and 60% effaced with baby in the head down position!  Really things could happen any day now although hoping for at least 4 more weeks for baby’s sake.  But the Dr said we basically are just waiting for labor to start!
Mood? Tired, cranky, stressed, excited, happy
Looking forward to:  Our next doctors appointment on Monday!
Worries & Fears:  That baby will decide to show up before the house is done.. which by the way it’s done pretty much except for the carpet install.  We have their first available appointment… July 15th.
Weekly Thoughts/Questions: So to go with the fun 2cm dilated and 60% effaced labor anytime news… Currently Miss Madeline is estimated to weigh 6lbs 10oz – which puts her development more like 36wks and in the 89% percentile! My tummy is measuring about 37 weeks. So the doctor says his best guess is we will go a few days to a whole week early and that he thinks she will be 8lbs 8oz at that time. Big but not gigantic thank goodness!  Of course she will come on her own time when she’s ready but our 5 week window is looking more like it might be just 4 weeks. Oh another fun tidbit? The ultrasound tech says Miss M has a head full of hair… I just saw a halo of white around her head but if the tech says its hair, I believe it!  And if all that exciting baby could come at any time news didn’t do it for ya, here is a pic of Miss M’s sweet face (with hand under chin) to make you smile.

Cord Blood: To Bank or Not to Bank?

Since the day I walked out of my OB office with my “Congratulations, you’re going to be a mom!” goodie bag, I’ve been bombarded by pamphlets, emails and contests related to cord blood banking.  Just making my first purchase at a maternity store or registering for baby related items resulted in more pamphlets and emails. (Although they also resulted in free bottles, formula samples, diaper and wipes samples…)  I had no idea what the heck cord blood banking even was – I guess just one of many things that is foreign to a first time parent?

So what is CBB anyway?  Well, cord blood is the blood that is in the umbilical cord and placenta following birth.  It is rich in stem cells which are used in a variety of potentially life saving procedures such as stem cell transplants for leukemia patients.  Sounds like awesome stuff right?  Who wouldn’t want to bank their child’s stem cells as a sort of insurance plan for the future?  Let’s explore that a bit shall we?

First up and the usual reason parents give for not banking is: cost.  The yearly costs vary from private bank to private bank but average somewhere between $100-150 per year.  That is per year until you use it or forever if you don’t.  That doesn’t sound too bad really if it can help your child later in life right? Oh, but you also have the initial costs which include collection, shipping, processing… and those average around $2,000-2,500 at the time of delivery.  You may also incur a fee from your facility and/or OB for their part in the collection process.  At a time when you have poured every extra dime into purchasing things like cribs and changing tables, the thought of another two grand in expenses seems like too much.  Besides, new parents are not generally thinking about the potential health problems that lie ahead for their precious, perfect little baby.

So let’s say you have no problems coming up with the extra money.  Probably still thinking that banking sounds like a really great thing to do for your baby?  Let’s take a look at what the medical field has to say of private cord banking.

The American Academy of Pediatrics have a policy that says there is currently no strong evidence to recommend banking.  Although, they do say it should be considered in cases where a sibling has a condition that could be cured by a stem cell transplant because the chance of a sibling match is greater than one from an unrelated donor.

The American Medical Association tends to agree with the AAP.  They advise that this decision needs to be made well ahead of delivery with consents signed before labor begins so that an informed decision is made.  They encourage the donation of cord blood to public banks but in the case of a family predisposition to specific medical conditions a private bank can be considered.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology doesn’t encourage public over private banking but provides a few good points to think about when considering either option. First thing that stands out is that a child may not even benefit from their own stored cells. If a child is born with a genetic disorder, the child's cord blood cells will also have that disorder programmed in.  This is also true in cases of leukemia which is not generally thought of as a genetic disorder but one’s genes provide the same mutation that caused the disease in the first place.  The other thing that stands out to me is that there is no current data on how long cord blood can be successfully stored and used.

In addition to these statements, there was a study in 2009 published in Pediatrics that points out private banks are rarely used in cases of stem cell transplants for various reasons and few physicians who perform transplants would recommend it.

So if you decide private banking isn’t for you and your family, you still have choices.  You can choose to donate your child’s cord blood to a public bank to possibly help someone else facing a life threatening disease. (public banks are where most stem cell transplants originate from) Or you can choose to do things the old fashioned way and not worry about banking at all – also known as birth, clamp cord, cut cord, done. Or you can choose to delay cord clamping and cutting just a bit.

Why would you choose to delay the clamping/cutting of your baby’s cord? There is some evidence that a delay in clamping helps prevent neonatal anemia and an extra dose of those stem cells stored in the blood going directly into baby.  ACOG has a good article that discusses delayed clamping in both term and pre-term babies. Basically they say more research is needed on this subject but give a couple things to think about.  Currently in term babies, there is insufficient evidence to support more than a 60 second delay in clamping, but within 60 seconds of delay a child can receive extra iron stores to ward off anemia and jaundice.  In pre-term babies, they say the evidence supports delaying clamping because of the anemia prevention and also because it can reduce cases of infant intraventricular (brain) hemorrhage.

Lots of things to consider!  And if you are a first time mom-to-be like me, your head is already swimming with all these new decisions to be made.  I don’t know what we plan to do just yet but doing some research has at least armed me with information to make this decision just a bit easier.

So what did you or are you choosing to do?

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 34

Ok so let me just say the drawing just didn’t work this week!  That is supposed to be a 5lb bag of sugar… if you look REAL close you can make it out… kind of… ;o)

How far along? 34 Weeks, 3 Days
Outfit? Maternity Dress
Stretch marks/Belly Button? Still an innie… but I am very sad to report that stretch marks have finally reared their ugly streaks. I was so hoping I would be able to get through the whole pregnancy without a mark but apparently my 34yr old skin had different plans. So far its just a few and they are at the very bottom of the bump – hoping that is the full extent.  Although with 6 more weeks of growing and stretching ahead I’m not too optimistic!
Sleep: Still a distant memory and I’m in a constant state of tiredness now.  I also wake up with hands that are very painful and/or numb and can’t even grasp and pull my sheet or pillow at times.  They joys of a thing called pregnancy carpal tunnel.
Best moment this week:  Giving the hubs his father-to-be Father’s Day present!  I made him a Daddy Emergency Kit – complete with everything from diapers and Butt Paste to a mini digital HD video camera.  I know I will probably regret giving him the video camera at some point…
Miss Anything? Mostly just sleep.  Also missing my family this week.
Movement: Lots of rolls, lots of rib jabs and lots of hiccups going on.
Food cravings: Still going on watermelon & cantaloupe.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Stupid reflux when I eat after 8pm… sometimes even if I don’t eat after 8pm – UGH!
Labor Signs? Braxton hicks contractions.
Mood? I’ve been an emotional roller coaster this past week.
Looking forward to:  Still looking forward to setting up our nursery.  The paint really looks great (thanks to the in-laws!) and we just need the carpet and we can move everything into place.
Worries & Fears:  Still need to get that hospital bag packed!  But part of me thinks that once I do my mind will be open to actually having this baby and I’m just not ready for her to come early.  On the other hand, packing this bag is NOT something I want to leave up to the hubs to do while I’m in labor! I would end up with a bag of something like my pre-prego jeans, my kindle, and maybe a pair of flip flops… not exactly the contents I have in mind for myself! Must do… pack a bag or at least print a list of must haves for emergency packing.
Weekly Thoughts/Questions: Last week I mentioned cord blood banking was my question and I have a full post devoted to that topic coming on Friday.  Lately, I’ve been thinking about epidurals.  Our hospital requires a consult with their anesthesia group no matter if you plan on an epidural or not – mine is next week.  I’ve been in the no epidural camp pretty much from the start.  And I don’t like the mandatory anesthesia consult because it feels like it makes it too easy to change your mind while in the midst of things.  Last week in our childbirth class we had a whole section devoted to epidurals and it reinforced my thoughts about not wanting one.  I’ve talked to moms who have done things with and without one and know that I can’t imagine what the pains of labor will be like until I’m right there.  For me personally, it seems the risks and possible side effects outweigh the benefits of pain reduction and I would rather prepare myself with natural pain management options like breathing and relaxation exercises.  And just as a side note, I hold no judgment for mommas from the other side of the camp – you are all heroes and you did what you felt was right for you and your baby.

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 33

Recently TheBump.com posted their “How Big is Baby: Dad-to-Be Edition.”  (You know, because the dads-to-be out there couldn’t possibly know what size a pineapple or acorn squash or durian fruit is?  Ok I admit, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a durian fruit except on the Travel Channel.)  With Father’s day coming up this weekend and inspired by the Bump article, I decided to go by the daddy size example for the board!  So here you have it… {for the dad’s out there} baby is the size of… 

Notice the tiny little note in the heart that tells you that drawing is the actual estimated length of the baby?! How the hector is that fitting in there??
Health Stats: blood pressure: 118/62, baby heartbeat: 148, weight gain ~23lbs. Bump is measuring 2-3 weeks ahead so next appointment includes an ultrasound to see if Miss M is unusually large.  Her daddy was ~11lbs at birth…

How far along? 33 Weeks, 3 Days
Outfit? Maternity jeans, regular cardi & tank
Stretch marks/Belly Button? VERY shallow innie & no stretch marks yet!
Sleep: Oh sleep is a distant memory… last night was particularly horrible with reflux and Braxton Hicks allowing me a mere 2 solid hours before I got up for work. 
Best moment this week: Friday we found out our insurance company and the local hospital group came to an agreement and we can deliver at the closer hospital where all our preparations were taking place! Also a fabulous day because I had my OB appointment and heard Maddie’s heartbeat!
Miss Anything? Sleep. Being able to get up and down without help or a lot of prep. A full breath. My normal size fingers and toes.
Movement: She’s rolling around a lot in there!  I’m trying to get video of the “waterbed effect” but so far Miss M is camera shy.
Food cravings: Watermelon & cantaloupe.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Stupid reflux when I eat after 8pm…
Labor Signs? Ok I’ve most definitely had false labor or Braxton Hicks contractions 3 times now.  Of course I have downloaded a contraction timer/counter app on my phone in the event of the real deal happening at any conceivable moment from here on out.
Mood? If it’s an emotion or mood… I’ve felt it in the last week.
Looking forward to:  Setting up the nursery!  So far I’ve only been able to visualize it as we finish up painting so we can get the carpet installed. Hopefully just 2 more weeks (?) and we can move the pile of baby stuff from our townhouse to the real house!
Worries & Fears:  Well every pregnancy related email/newsletter/website I’ve read lately says I should have my hospital bag packed.  I don’t yet. Last night’s nightmare had this very fact at its center. I just decided on possible clothing options for baby’s coming home (which now need to be washed) but haven’t worked out the other deets quite yet.  That might become this weeks project…
Weekly Thoughts/Questions: To bank or not to bank is the question of the week… talking about cord blood here.  I know the costs are astronomical so if that’s prohibitive then you have to decide if you want to donate or forgo the process altogether.  I just don’t know.  More research is needed on my end before I can decide!

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 32

How far along? 32 Weeks, 3 Days
Outfit? Maternity jeans and tank, regular cardi
Stretch marks/Belly Button? Still no stretch marks!  And the button is still in!
Sleep: What is sleep? I wake up a lot and most of the time I feel like I’m not getting restful sleep.  The hubs also claims I’m making odd snoring/honking type noises… I say its all lies
Best moment this week: Going to our first childbirth class!
Miss Anything? My wedding ring.  It has been officially retired for the duration of the pregnancy
Movement: Kicking my ribs seems to be Miss Maddie’s favorite pastime
Food cravings: Strawberries and watermelon!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Other than reflux – nope!
Labor Signs? Pretty sure this is still a no.. although I did wake up with some cramping the other night that could have been Braxton Hicks.
Mood? Exhausted. Overwhelmed. Excited. Happy.
Looking forward to: My next OB appointment on Friday!
Worries & Fears: That we won’t finish the house in time.  We have been working as hard as we can and have had lots of help from the in-laws but it seems like the work is never ending.  But to focus on the positive, we won’t be homeless even if baby arrives before the house is finished so I’m trying to just remember to go with the flow!
Weekly Thoughts/Questions: The insurance/hospital battle is still raging on so I’m wondering if I should book a maternity ward tour at the alternative hospital.  We have heard rumors of a *possible* extension of the contract until mid July but baby girl isn’t due until the very end so we would still be in limbo.  Even if they extend it from June 30 to July 31 it would still cause worry/stress because if Madeline arrives later than expected we will still need hospital choice #2.  For now we are forging ahead with anesthesia consults and childbirth classes and tours at hospital #1 and hoping everyone comes to their senses and does right by the patients. Side note: most of the 11 couples in our childbirth class are in the same boat.  Its nice to have some company in this stress!

Puffy

Once upon a time my fingers were long, thin and graceful…
Once upon a time they were described as “piano hands” by others…  
Once upon a time my engagement ring and wedding ring fit on those fingers…

And now?  We have officially entered… the puffy stump zone. 

So much so that my fingers feel stiff when I try to bend them, and my engagement ring and wedding ring have been temporarily removed as they only fit to just about my first knuckle. 

So what’s a pregnant for another 2 months girl to do?

Beg her hubby for a {bigger} replacement ring – or two - of course! 

Don’t worry, I went easy on him and the {two} replacements were under $20 total and totally worth it!  Now I can wear a ring in comfort and not feel like something is missing from my finger.  They are 2 sizes bigger than my original rings and are a bit big but at least I don’t feel like they are cutting off my circulation.  I have the 3 stone one pictured to the right and another yellow “diamond” antiqued looking one.  SO cute!

And? They will be super cute costume jewelry for my other fingers once my hands have been restored to their pre-pregnancy size. Bonus!

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 31

A few minor delays in getting this posted but here we go!

Health Stats: blood pressure: 104/68, baby’s heartbeat: 148, total weight gain ~20lbs

How far along? 31 Weeks, 3 Days
Outfit? Regular dress and cardi
Stretch marks/Belly Button? No stretch marks, still an innie! yay!
Sleep: Seems to be getting better a little? Still waking up a few times each night and flipping from side to side but I feel more rested.
Best moment this week: The whole weekend!  We were in Michigan visiting my family :)
Miss Anything? Energy.  Mine has been zapped
Movement: Feeling and seeing very strong kicks these days!
Food cravings: I still have a thing for strawberries but the hubs mentioned watermelon the other day and suddenly that’s all I can think about
Anything making you queasy or sick: Reflux - ugh
Labor Signs? None as of yet
Mood? Tired but overall happy
Looking forward to: Seeing the newly painted nursery this weekend – the in-laws were busy while we were gone!
Worries & Fears: That baby girl will decide to come early.  I’m just not ready yet!
Weekly Thoughts/Questions: Thinking about my birth plan and how things will go.  Also wondering if I should look into recipes and foods that help boost breast milk supply?  I’ve heard that starting these before baby arrives can help immensely in those first few weeks.

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 30!

How far along? 30 Weeks, 3 Days – Just 10 weeks to go!
Outfit? Maternity jeans, regular tank and tee
Stretch marks/Belly Button? No stretch marks yet and the button is still in.
Sleep: Sleep has taken a very bad turn.  If the position doesn’t hurt I’m waking up to pee or because of crazy dreams.  I’m overly exhausted but can’t seem to get any real rest.
Best moment this week: Will be today at my OB appointment when I hear the heartbeat again! 
Miss Anything? This week it has been wine.  I’ve wanted/needed a glass more than 1 night this week
Movement: Lots of strong kicks on the bladder these days… making frequent bathroom stops!
Food cravings: Strawberries still!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not enough sleep, allergies and sinus drainage
Labor Signs? Not yet… we have a way to go yet though so this can wait!
Mood? Exhausted and very cranky
Looking forward to: Punching out today and knowing I don’t have to punch back in until next week Wednesday!  Also, seeing all my family in Michigan and celebrating at 2 baby showers!
Worries & Fears: That we won’t have all the basics in time for Miss Madeline’s arrival!
Weekly Thoughts/Questions: I can barely put 2 thoughts together these days and I don’t know if its pregnancy exhaustion, regular exhaustion from lack of sleep, the raging hormones or a combination of the three.  Whatever it is, it makes my work twice as mentally exhausting.  Its also getting very uncomfortable sitting in my desk chair for 8-11hrs a day or any other chair for that matter.  Basically work feels like mental and physical torture right now and I can’t wait to be done with this 8 day, 80 stretch!  I so need a break!

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 28

How far along? 28 Weeks, 3 Days
Outfit? Maternity jeans, normal shirt
Stretch marks/Belly Button?  No stretch marks and I’ve got a shallow innie.
Sleep: Sleeping better the past few days or so.. perhaps it’s because I’m purely exhausted lately?
Best moment this week: Later today! {see answer under looking forward to}
Miss Anything? Missing my family this week but I will see them in about 2 weeks!
Movement: Getting stronger and you can now see them from the outside if you happen to be looking!
Food cravings: Strawberries and Jersey Mike’s turkey with cheese, lettuce, oil & vinegar… mmmmm
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really – I have to say I’ve been blessed not to have too much of this since the first trimester!
Labor Signs? None yet… thank goodness.
Mood? Today I’m exhausted and a bit overwhelmed but overall in a decent mood.
Looking forward to: Hearing Maddie’s heartbeat later today at the OB!
Worries & Fears: Still the battle between the insurance company and the local hospital system over more/less money.  Right now as of July 1 all the local hospitals will be considered “out of network” and instead of being covered 100% we will be faced with high {and unexpected up to this point} hospital fees.  Our next step is to try to get a continuance letter from the insurance company.  To do this we need a letter from myself and my doctors petitioning my case and why continuance of care will be necessary after my 36th week through delivery.  Their response {yea/nay} will take another 30-45 days… tell me again why universal healthcare is a bad idea?
Weekly Thoughts/Questions: Where did my feet go?

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 27

Welcome to the 3rd Trimester!!
The hubs suggested I change up the questions so I will be keeping a few and adding a few that are more pertinent as we get closer to Due Day.

How far along? 27 Weeks, 3 Days
Outfit? Maternity jeans, normal tank, normal shirt
Stretch marks/Belly Button? Not yet and still an innie – YAY!
Sleep: Recently its been rough.. my hips go numb or slip out of joint and the other night I woke up {again} with reflux coming up and out – yuck!
Best moment this week: Shopping for baby items and fabric with my mother-in-law – can’t wait to see the dress she makes for Maddie!
Miss Anything? Sleep…
Movement: Everyone is kung fu fighting in there... apparently her opponent is my ribcage.
Food cravings: Recent obsessions: strawberries and Haagen-Dazs Raspberry Sorbet… so delish!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not much.. just if I eat too much in one sitting.
Labor Signs? None yet… wondering if I will get those Braxton Hicks things or not?
Mood? Today I’m grumpy. Very grumpy.  I blame lack of sleep and a long work day.
Looking forward to: A slightly longer weekend – working 9hrs/day so I can work just a half day Saturday and then it’s a fun filled weekend with the hubs!
Worries & Fears: That the local hospital and our insurance company won’t come to an agreement leaving us to scramble to a) find a new OB at this late stage or b) pay out of network fees to continue on.. neither is a particularly enticing option.
Weekly Thoughts/Questions: Researching and wondering about babywearing… what method is best for baby?

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 26

Health Stats: Blood Pressure 118/64, baby’s Heartbeat 156, total weight gain ~15lbs

How far along? 26 Weeks, 3 Days
Maternity clothes? This outfit is maternity jeans and tank with “normal” cardigan
Stretch marks? Nope!
Sleep: Doing ok.  Still have hips that go numb but I’ve been sleeping deeper and dreaming again.
Best moment this week:  Hearing the baby’s heartbeat at my appointment.  It never gets old.   
Miss Anything? Still coffee. Everything is better with coffee.
Movement: My uterus is a gym mat.
Food cravings: Thanks to commercials the new boneless, skinless chicken from KFC.. although I have to report it’s not as good as it looked or sounded.  Will stick with Original Recipe from now on even if it is more “work.”
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not much.. just if I eat too much in one sitting.
Have you started to show yet: Pretty sure that’s a yes
Gender: Gymnastics Darling
Pregnancy Symptoms: Pregnancy rhinitis, reflux, crazy dreams, fatigue… check!
Belly Button in or out? A very shallow innie
Happy or Moody? Today is happy.. tomorrow who knows?
Weekly Thoughts: We are almost into the 3rd trimester.. where the heck did the time go?!
Looking forward to: Getting back out to the house to do more painting!  Its making a huge difference and we don’t have many weeks left!

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 25

How far along? 25 Weeks, 3 Days
Maternity clothes? This outfit is normal fold-over yoga pants with maternity shirt
Stretch marks? None yet.
Sleep: It’s been better, it’s been worse.. I’ve found my bed is the best for sleeping right now though/
Best moment this week: Madeline kicked her daddy in the noggin when he was laying on my tummy.  I think we are in trouble if our sweet little girl is already demanding we respect her personal space.
Miss Anything? Coffee most definitely!
Movement: She’s definitely active in there and has recently decided my bladder is a dance floor.
Food cravings: Chipotle chicken burrito bowl… and the closest one is 85 miles away!
Anything making you queasy or sick: The wonderful daily reflux.
Have you started to show yet: I think so?
Gender: Dancing Diva
Pregnancy Symptoms: Pregnancy rhinitis, reflux, crazy dreams, fatigue… check! 
Belly Button in or out? A very shallow innie
Happy or Moody? I think I’m being pretty happy these days. 
Weekly Thoughts: In light of what happened Tuesday at the Boston Marathon, I wonder what kind of world we are bringing our daughter into.  How will we explain these types of things to her?  How can we protect her innocence for as long as possible in a world where we are bombarded with “real time” new updates, social media, and constant connection?
Looking forward to: Getting back to a normal schedule for a few weeks and getting some more work done at the house… namely painting!  Also? It’s been in the 80’s here but we are expecting more normal temps (60’s-70’s) by the end of the week.  I’ve found that the 80’s are a bit warm for this prego lady so I’m looking forward to the more comfortable temps!

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 24

How far along? 24 Weeks, 3 Days
Maternity clothes? this outfit is maternity jeans with “normal” tank and sweater
Stretch marks? nope!
Sleep: Waking up several times a night, especially if I eat too late.. tums are my friend
Best moment this week: peeing my pants a little when I coughed… yes that really happened. Not really the best moment I’ve had but definitely one of the funniest!
Miss Anything? Coffee… I’m 8days in to a 9 day/80hr work stretch and man I could use some caffeine!
Movement: my uterus has become a boxing gym
Food cravings: Chinese food… and stale marshmallows
Anything making you queasy or sick: Other than the reflux, no
Have you started to show yet: yes definitely
Gender: Little Princess
Pregnancy Symptoms: Pregnancy rhinitis, reflux, crazy dreams, fatigue
Belly Button in or out? A very shallow innie
Happy or Moody? Still moody. I will attribute this to poor sleep and fatigue.
Weekly Thoughts: Starting to worry about gestational diabetes.  Two fellow preggers have been diagnosed in the last 2 weeks with this and my glucose test is next week! EEK!
Looking forward to: Heading to Michigan to see my family and celebrate my Grandpa’s 89th birthday this weekend!

Weeks 15-23 in a Snap!

I was working on prepping tomorrow’s Hump Day Bump Day post when I decided that I wanted to see just how much things have changed over the last 2.5 months. Here ya go.. weeks 15-23 all in one post!  Oh yeah and check back tomorrow around noon for week 24! <3

Hump Day Bump Day: Week 23

How far along? 23 Weeks, 3 Days
Maternity clothes? this outfit is maternity jeans with “normal” tank and sweater
Stretch marks? still none *crosses fingers*
Sleep: Not too bad recently but I still wake up several times a night
Best moment this week: When the hubs felt Maddie kick for the first time!
Miss Anything?  Rum & Coke.. doesn’t that sound so good right now?
Movement: most definitely!
Food cravings: Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn.. I’ve eaten 4 bags in the last 2 weeks!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!
Have you started to show yet: yuppers!
Gender: Girly Girl
Pregnancy Symptoms: Pregnancy rhinitis, reflux, crazy dreams – Check!!
Belly Button in or out? Still an innie! Although its getting shallow and making my shirts sink in.
Happy or Moody? I would say moody this past week… I’ve been in a funk
Weekly Thoughts: See my 5 things post from earlier in the week.  Also, its my birthday next week… I am definitely not a 20-something going through her first pregnancy and I wonder how things might have been different if I was oh 10 years younger?
Looking forward to: Working the next 9 days in a row… not really… but at the end of this stretch we are heading to Michigan!

5 Things I’ve Learned After 5 Months of Pregnancy

No matter how much you read about pregnancy, there are things that you just don’t know until you experience it for yourself.  I was thinking this morning about some of the things I’ve learned over the last 5 months…

1.  Everyone’s pregnancy experience is different. Maybe this shouldn’t be such a surprise but it can be!  For example, morning sickness for some means barfing up everything they eat.. for others it means feeling nauseated all day every day.. and then there are the lucky few who say “what’s morning sickness?!” I had the nausea all day, every day and threw up only once.. oh joy. But the differences go far beyond morning sickness.  Reflux, pregnancy sinusitis, fatigue… the list is endless!  Just know that what happens to your friend may not be what happens to you.  And that it is completely normal. 

2. You will worry, and you need to calm down. I know this seems to contradict what I said in number 1, but I have yet to meet an expectant mommy who had no worries at all during pregnancy. Since there is conflicting information out there about what you should and shouldn’t avoid during pregnancy it can start there.  Is it ok to: color my hair, use hairspray, use non-mineral makeup, eat fish/sushi, drink coffee, eat Jersey Mike’s?  These are just a few of the things that have raced through my brain in the last few days!  During the first 2 months I had bleeding and worried every time I went to the bathroom. I worried that walking around Disney World for 4 days on the family trip had worsened the bleeding/caused a miscarriage. Since feeling her move, I worry that its been too long since I’ve felt the last kick. I worry that I’ve gained too much/too little weight.  I worry our remodeling project won’t get done and we won’t be able to move into the new house in time for Maddie’s arrival. I worry that my enlarged lymph nodes means my cancer is back and has spread.. and how that may impact my family.  I worry in my dreams… I worry, worry, worry.  And then I stop and realize that I am not in control of most of these things, that I can give those worries up to God, and I can be more at peace which is healthier for me and for baby.  And as for the things I can control that I listed above… they have all shown up on various “no-no” lists rampant on the internets and you know what? All of them have been broken by one or more momma-to-be’s at one point or another and their babies turned out just fine.  You can do your best for baby, but you don’t have to live in a bubble while pregnant.

3. It’s never too early to start planning for baby’s arrival.  It should be no surprise to anyone that babies are expensive.. diapers anyone?  What may come as a surprise is just how fast the months can fly by!  It was just yesterday I was staring at that little stick with a slight feeling of shock… of course by yesterday I mean almost 5 months ago!  So start the financial planning from the day you find out you are pregnant.. healthy financials never hurt anyone!  Plan where the baby will sleep, what the baby will eat, how you will diaper them… plan, plan, plan!  And do your research.  How much does an average pack of diapers go for at the various stores?  And notice that diapers come in different sizes with differing amounts of diapers per package.. how much is the cost per diaper per pack at each store? It may seem silly to go to such extremes but most of us will be pinching pennies when income goes from 2 to 1 even if for a short 6 weeks.

4.  Your momma friends and family are your greatest asset!  From the second you find out you are pregnant, advice comes flying from every direction.  While this can get mildly annoying, it is helpful to actually listen too.  Who better to give you helpful hints and tricks than someone who has been there, done that?  After going to 2 major stores to start baby registries where I was given 4 page lists of what I should register for, I decided there was no way on earth every baby needs every item on those pages.  So I asked my cousins who have kiddos what they found indispensible during the baby stage.  To my not-so-surprise their lists were much shorter… and I found that certain specific items appeared on several different lists.  I trust these women and if they say XYZ breast pump is the best, I believe them! After all, they have used them and I have zero experience on those.  Besides after you have 1, 2, 3 kiddos I firmly believe you have worked out what products you would never spend money on again and what things you can’t get enough of!

5. Its “gently loved,” “recycled/upcycled,” “tried and true” not “used” and “cheap”. Speaking of momma friends and family… they can be your greatest asset when it comes to saving some pennies too!  You can start asking every momma you know if you can grab their gently loved baby items now that their babies are into their toddler years, but chances are you won’t have to.  We are getting a breast pump, stroller, car seat, baby swing, baby jungle gym, shopping cart cover… for literally pennies compared to the cost of purchasing new!  I’ve also gone to a couple consignment sales in the area and have gotten never-been-worn-still-have-tags-on outfits in sizes newborn-1yr and other baby items for Maddie for $2-3/each!  These are brand name, quality items!  Babies grow so fast and often are spoiled rotten by grandmas and aunties so its no surprise you just don’t have time to put them in every cutie pie outfit you were gifted.  And for the nursery?  Look around your home or family basements to see what you might be able to repurpose.  Since we are remodeling the home my hubs inherited when his grandma passed, we have also inherited a ton of furniture.  I found a rocker that I’m reupholstering to fit the nursery décor, a shelf I’m painting white and adding a seat pad for a bench seat/storage piece, and an old dresser that I’m painting white that will be Maddies dresser/changing table combo… total cost? A can of paint, a can of primer, some foam/batting/stuffing and some fabric.  MUCH less than purchasing those items new, and they have family roots which make them all the more special. 

and a little extra bonus… you know, because 6 months is just around the corner!

6. At some point you will cry about something completely ridiculous and/or unexpected.  Today for me it was talking with my husband about his leave request for next week that has yet to be approved by management.  We met for lunch and were talking about it and suddenly I’m bursting into tears in the middle of Panera Bread.  We plan to drive to Michigan to visit my family and to celebrate my birthday, my sister’s birthday, and my grandpa’s 89th birthday and I haven’t been home since December so I guess the thought of getting a “no you can’t go” at the last minute is a little emotional… my husband just looked at me funny and said “why are you crying about this right now?”  All I could say to that was “because I’m pregnant!” It really was the only explanation I had!  I’ve cried at commercials and TV shows, books, internet articles, songs, baby items, my own thoughts… it comes out of nowhere and can be completely embarrassing.  But I think that most women who have been through pregnancy will just smile and hand you a tissue because they get it.  Your hormones are out of control and you can cry or start yelling at the drop of a hat, you just have to go with the flow and enjoy.