Our Greatest Adventure: Week 36

6/4/2013

How far along: 36 weeks

How big is baby: Again I’m seeing Reese is about the size of a honeydew melon or head of lettuce. Reese is losing the coat of hair as well as the waxy substance that was covering body in preparation for birth. Additionally, her liver and kidneys are in working order and the circulatory and immune systems are basically good to go. Reese’s bones are getting stronger, but still pliable so she can make her way through the birth canal.

Total weight gain: Well, I went to the doctor and I've actually dropped 2-3 lbs. Trust me, I think this is weird and I asked if it was ok; the nurse told me some people do drop weight at the end of their pregnancy.

Maternity clothes: Since I've been hanging around the house lately I find it hard to motivate myself to get out of comfy clothing. I don’t remember the last time I put on jeans. :)

Sleep: Oh sleep, you've been hard to come by lately. It takes me forever to get comfortable and actually fall asleep. Then, when I get up to go to the restroom, it usually takes me about 30 min to fall back asleep.

Notable moments of the week: 

1) On Tuesday I had my big appointment to see how my bp was doing and get the results of my 24 hr test. I had been watching my bp with the cuff we bought and it seemed to be doing better. But, the morning of the dr appointment it was really high. I think it’s cause I knew the importance my visit. When we got to the dr’s the first thing we did was a sono. The tech looked at my fluids and did some measuring, but all during the sono Reese was just snoozing away and did not feel like moving. Unfortunately, they have some score on movement they see, and if they don’t see any a non stress test (NST) is sometimes done. So, the tech told Husbandy and I to go walk around, eat something sweet, and try to wake her up. Eating something sweet did sound good, so we got an ice cream cookie sandwich. I always feel like she moves more when I’m sitting, so I sat like I would a work and saw her move a couple times, so we rushed back to the sono room. Well, once there, she wasn't feeling it again, so the tech told us she would just have to tell Dr B what she saw (or didn't see). Ok, well this certainly didn't help my bp and that was the next thing that was done. Of course it was high, even though I tried to calm myself down. Husbandy kept saying, just calm down, there is nothing to stress over. Ahhh! That is really easier said than done! Next we met with Dr B. My results had come in from the 24 hr test and I was border line, again (like the glucose test). So, he said I had mild pre-eclampsia.

Based on Reese not cooperating, my bp, and results from the 24 hr test, Husbandy and I were sent down to L&D to do a NST, blood work, get a better sono, and for them to check if I’m dilated. Our nurse, April, was so nice and helpful…we liked her a lot. We also had a more private room this time, which was nice. Getting the sono done again was cool, cause the sono machine was waaaay better than Dr B’s. He should seriously upgrade. I believe it was Dr Reinhart we saw, he did see some movement and said Reese looked fine. Finally, some reassuring news. Back in L&D I was checked and told I was not dilated. At this point, knowing I might be induced very soon, I was hoping I might be dilated some…but no. Hopefully my body kicks it into gear soon. Anyway, after some monitoring of my bp and contractions (I was having some, but nothing painful), April called Dr B and he said we could go home. It was actually still daylight when we got out, so that was nice. 

2) I did stay on bed rest and was told to do another 24 hr test. Some girls at work knew I might be coming back on Wednesday, and when they didn't see me they emailed. I was really thankful for their concern and that they asked me how I was doing! I really am blessed to work with such great people.

3) On Thursday, we went back in to see Dr B. There wasn't anything too new discussed at this appointment. Blood results came back from Tuesday and they confirmed that I am showing sign of pre-eclampsia. Dr B said we will wait to see what my 24 hr test results say. If my protein levels stay the same or rise, we will be inducing next week (Monday night/Tuesday)! If they fall, then there is a chance we could give it a few more days. Again, I’m praying my body starts this process on its own. 

4) There were exciting things that happened this week too! Like, I had two showers!! I made sure with Dr B that going to them was ok, and he was fine with it as long as I wasn't playing some crazy game or running on a treadmill. The shower on Saturday was for family and family friends. I was overwhelmed with all the stuff we got! Most of the people there had just been to Becca’s shower not too long ago, so it seemed like deja vu. 

Shower hosted by Aunt Carol, Aunt Stacy, Rosanne Dworaczyk, and Patty Stewart

Sunday’s shower was for all my friends. Becca, Nancy, Lauren, and Courtney did such a great job with the books/letters theme. All the food was inspired by a book. For instance, we had cookies for If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and meatballs for Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. All the guests brought a book (they also did this at the shower on Saturday), so Reese has lots of books to read! Also, I was inspired by this nursery, so I’m creating my very own letter wall. Luckily, I have some super creative friends cause they were all assigned letters for me to hang and they turned out so cute! I’m missing a few, so we haven’t hung them yet….but once we have everything I’ll take a picture of the finished product!

Food cravings: I have been very very blessed as Husbandy was able to work from home on Wednesday and Thursday. On Wednesday, I surprised him with a delivery from Tiff’s Treats! Oh wow, they smelled so good. I did indulge in one while they were nice and warm...so.good. 

Food aversions: I think Husbandy has been sneaking some garlic on our broccoli. So far, no big reactions, but I’m still not ready to go full throttle on the garlic yet.

Symptoms: I’ve noticed some lower left back pain this week. Luckily, it was just one day. On Friday, I also had a breakdown…just started crying. I think it freaked Husbandy out a little. Knowing that this time next week we could have a baby, here, for us to take care of, wow. Not knowing how labor is going to go. So much is up in the air and it freaks me out! I know I just have to trust in the Lord’s plan. If he didn’t think we were ready to be parents, I know we wouldn’t be sitting here 36 weeks pregnant. I just pray that I’m able to live up to be the mommy He wants me to be. Thankfully I have a strong Husbandy who is very confident in my abilities to birth a child and to be a wonderful mom. :)

Movement: I still make sure I feel her throughout the day. I love seeing my tummy move all over the place, it’s so fun.

What I’m looking forward to: Hmm…Reese being here!

What I miss: Not missing too much. Knowing my pregnancy could end so soon has got me thinking about things I will miss about being pregnant! These past months have FLOWN by, oh here I go starting to cry again. We will just leave it at that.

Next appt: June 10th

Workout/Fitness: Same.

EDD: At this point I feel like her arrival date is now mid June! And I was worried about a 4th of July baby….

Our Greatest Adventure: Week 35

5/28/2013

How far along: 35 weeks

How big is baby: About the size of a honeydew melon or coconut. The kidneys are fully developed and the liver can process some waste products. Here is an interesting fact I read, my uterus has grown about 1,000 times its original size!

Total weight gain: 15 lbs

Maternity clothes: Mostly just wearing lots of pajama pants, t-shirts, and sweat pants. 

Sleep: I have trouble getting comfy when trying to sleep, once I’m there I usually sleep pretty good until I wake up needing to pee.

Notable moment of the week: 

1) I had a dr appointment on Tuesday. I went in thinking things were fine, but turns out my blood pressure was a little high. This concerned Dr B and he had me do some blood work as well as a 24 hour test to take a look at my protein levels. He also mentioned maybe having to induce at 37 weeks. This freaked me out some, being induced is not exactly in my plan.

2) On Thursday I went up to the hospital to turn in my 24 hour test and ended up talking with Dr B. At that point he had gotten results from the blood work and didn’t like some of the numbers, soooo he officially put me on bed rest. He said there is a chance that the 24 hr test results will come back ok and I can go back to work, but for now I need to stay off my feet. He also talked about inducing again. While this still freaks me out, I know high blood pressure is not good for Reese, and getting her out is best for both of us. Plus, at the time he’s saying we will induce she’ll be 37 weeks and full term. I’m just really hoping I can still make it to my showers!

3) Husbandy and I went and bought a blood pressure cuff so I can now monitor things at home. It bounces all over the place, so it's hard to see a pattern.

Food cravings: I had a Schlotzsky’s sandwich this week and it was sooo good. I miss sandwiches.

Food aversions: I haven’t tried garlic in a while, but I’m guessing it still wouldn't taste good. 

Symptoms: I’ve had some pain in my lower abdomen, I think it’s stretching. I guess I’ll go ahead and put high blood pressure and just feeling large in general.

Movement: She still really likes my right side. Sometimes I feel like she wants to push past my side and make it around to my back. I know that’s not possible…but she get waaay over there.

What I’m looking forward to: I’m still looking forward to my showers, just hoping I make it to them!

What I miss: Not being surprised at every dr appointment I go to. :)

Next appt: June 4th 

Workout/Fitness: Same.

Our Greatest Adventure: Week 34

5/21/2013

How far along: 34 weeks

How big is baby: The size of a cantaloupe or butternut squash. Reese is continuing to build fat layers which will help her regulate her body temperature. Also, her central nervous system and lungs are maturing.

Total weight gain: Still sitting around 15 lbs

Maternity clothes: I finally finally finally found a dress that I like! After too much time spent at Target, I found it. It’s nothing too fancy, but it’s something I can wear to work and to my cousin’s wedding in June.

Sleep: I had my first labor and delivery dream. Thankfully things went well. I birthed in a pool, but it wasn't a labor and delivery pool, it was a big swimming pool type thing, so that was kind of strange. But, Reese did come with just one push! How nice. :) Good news is, it was actually a baby that came out. A lot of women say they dream of birthing a puppy or something like that, but not me, mine was a sweet baby girl with brown hair (when I told Husbandy she had brown hair he was kind of surprised….I think he’s expecting a blonde). I do remember Husbandy holding her strangely, but other than that I was satisfied with the dream.

Best moment of the week: 

1) On Thursday, Merit hosted our first shower! All the decorations were super cute and we were overwhelmed by the love we were shown! Most people formed groups and bought lots of our big ticket items! We also got some cute Aggie bloomers and a Nalgene for when Reese is a little older. We obviously cannot wait to bring her down to College Station. :)

2) On Saturday, Husbandy and I went up to Papa Joe’s with my mom, Aunt, and Brooklyn. I had just been thinking the other day I hadn't seen him in a while, so I was excited to get to go up to Anna. We didn't do much, just sat around talking and being entertained by Brooklyn.

3) On Monday morning we met up with Lauren to take some maternity pictures. Our first stop was Presby Hospital (conveniently where we are also delivering) to take some pictures with the “B G”, Husbandy and I were the “I”. We then headed over to the same park we took engagement pictures. I thought that would be cute and stuff. :P I haven’t seen any of the pics we took (well, not edited), but I know they are going to turn out really well and I’m so excited to see them!

4) Husbandy and I spent the rest of Memorial Day at my Uncle and Aunt’s house. We were both really excited to go over there because they are always so much fun and we hadn't seen them in a while. The day was spent outside on their patio with good food and conversation. There was of course entertainment provided by Brooklyn too (sadly Aidan was in Houston visiting Jason’s side of the family).

Food cravings: I still want sweets, pasta, and pizza. I think it’s mostly cause these are things I shouldn't eat.

Food aversions: Same.

Symptoms: I've noticed I am no longer the coldest person in the room. The other week I was at a conference and everyone was commenting how cold the rooms were. I had noticed they were cool, but I only had to put my sweater on once. I’m also now the person who is requesting the fan to be turned on or turn down the air. Husbandy is shocked. I’m also sleeping with less covers than Husbandy, it’s strange. I've also had some aches in my lower abdomen. It feels like my body is stretching in preparation.

Movement: Ha! Look at this video I captured at work on Friday. I think she was having trouble getting comfy.

What I’m looking forward to: The rest of our showers!

What I miss: Not feeling so large. Bending over is an issue which makes laundry not fun. I remember my sister saying something about noticing how easy it was to pick things up after having Aidan, so I’m ready for that feeling!

Next appt: May 28th 

Workout/Fitness: Same.