MIA- Sorry, I have a newborn!

I know I’ve been MIA lately but OMG this being a mom thing is really hard!! Riley will be 4 weeks old on Tuesday and her one month checkup on Thursday. Where has the time gone? I love seeing her grow and am really trying to appreciate the newborn stage. And though she’s adorably cute right now, I can’t wait until she can do a little more. Like hold her own head up for one thing or hold her own bottle. lol. I mean I don’t want to rush it, but I am excited for her to be more active. 

A little about the first month. I tried breastfeeding…I really did. In the hospital we had issues with her latching as I heard most people do. However, the lactation consultant was with me every day for at least an hour at a time to try and help me out. She had me try all sorts of different things. We even tried a nipple shield and that didn’t work either. We figured out that she had problems sucking because she wouldn’t even suck on your finger. So I pumped every few hours, every day and fed her through a special bottle to try and teach her how to suck. The last day in the hospital I was able to get her to latch on the nipple shield and I was so excited! I thought for sure we’d be set. To make a long story short, because of all the pumping in the hospital I ended up with an oversupply issue which was causing her to have a foremilk/hindmilk imbalance and not gaining weight. Plus I had an overactive letdown so I literally choked her every time she would eat. I tried block feeding for a day and just couldn’t take it anymore. She would fight me every time it was time to nurse and I was tired of us both crying. I dreaded when she got hungry and I thought nursing was supposed to be such a great bonding experience. No one tells you how emotionally straining it is! Anyway, we finally decided to make the switch to formula and we’ve all been happier. Poor hubby was going crazy too since he didn’t know what to do to help and he hated seeing me and her so stressed out!! 

Also the last day in the hospital, we found out she had jaundice. Her levels weren’t high enough to need to be under the lights at the hospital but they recommended she be seen by her pediatrician the very next day. We go and she has her heel pricked and blood taken again and her bilirubin levels were pretty high. Still not high enough to be admitted to the hospital but she needed to wear the billiblanket and had to go back again the next day. We went to the pediatrician 3 days in a row. She wore the billiblanket for 2 1/2 days before we were finally in the clear to take it off.

Now we’re at almost 4 weeks and she has thrush! Seriously!! Can I get a break? We wash bottles almost as soon as they are done being used and sterilize the nipples every day! I know we’ve done everything we could already do to prevent this and it’s pretty common but I just want her to not have any problems. She’s already fussy all day because she’s extremely gassy. Gas drops kinda help but not always. I will definitely plan to talk to the ped at her appointment on Thursday to see if we should switch formula to something a little better on her little tummy. 

One more thing- I believe she has a strawberry birthmark on her back. It’s a cluster of capillaries that usually becomes raised and can be very unpleasant to look at. Luckily it’s on her back so it will be easier to hide. They say that most will go away by the age of 5 and almost all will be gone by age 10. It’s completely harmless but is not pretty. Hopefully it goes away before she gets to the age where kids would bully her for it. Poor thing. Right now it’s actually kinda a cute little red mark but I guess it will grow bigger and then become raised. Guess we’ll just keep an eye on it. Just means she’s special 🙂

Anyway that’s my story. Oh and the post partum hormones are awful!! It makes everything so much worse and harder to deal with. I’ve gotten through it though, thanks to the help of my amazing husband and mom! My husband has been a huge help and I couldn’t be more grateful. He loves being a father and he is always willing to step in and help whenever I need it. Even if it’s just washing some bottles or taking the 1am feeding so I can sleep a little longer. Plus my mom was here for 10 days. Normally she drives me crazy and I can’t wait to send her on her way, but this time I cried the entire drive home after dropping her off at the airport. She was a godsend when she was here. She took night duty one night so I could get some sleep. Watched her so I could run some errands, took care of the housework, etc. I’ve been on my own for about a week now and honestly I have good days and bad days but I’m getting the hang of it. Still have a hard time taking her out places in the car. It’s difficult with a crying baby in the car and there’s nothing you can do since you’re driving and by yourself!! 

Anyway, I’ll leave you with some photos since I’ve already written a book. The last month has been a whirlwind but I love being a mom!! It’s the most challenging yet rewarding thing I’ve ever done 🙂

Advertisements

Our Junebug has arrived!

Birth Story: Finally getting around to writing my birth story.

Back story: At dinner hubby and I were discussing my doctor’s appointment the next day and possibly inducing labor. I wasn’t crazy about the idea but after an hour long conversation we decided that we would listen to what the doctor said but would most likely choose to induce on my due date. Doc was worried about the fact that I had gained 49lbs and that could lead to a bigger baby. I was worried about trying to push out a big baby. So induction was our decision. Plus, I was super uncomfortable and had been having high blood pressure for several weeks. (Um yeah, she ended up being 6lbs 10oz. What was I worried about?)

About an hour after dinner (8:30pm) Monday night, I was laying on the couch reading a book cuddling with the dogs when all of a sudden I started getting a cramp. It was just like all the other random ones I had gotten over the last few days so I didn’t think much of it. The next one was accompanied with a little bit of back pain. I didn’t start timing them yet because I wasn’t sure if it was just the normal cramps or actually something more. Hubby could tell I was in a bit of pain and looked at me and goes…should I go take a shower? I told him it was probably a good idea just in case. I felt like I had to use the bathroom so I got up and sat on the toilet. TMI-had some diarrhea. The pains were getting worse but I still wasn’t sure if it was just from the gas pains from the diarrhea or labor. I had started timing them and they were averaging 4-5 minutes apart but still weren’t that bad. That’s when he came back down to ask how I was doing. He was all dressed and ready to go and even had some of the last minute stuff for the hospital ready. 

I then came back and started sitting on my ball. At this point, about 45 minutes have passed and they are getting a little stronger but still manageable. They are about 4 minutes apart but they hadn’t been lasting for an hour so I wasn’t sure if I should go in. Finally hubby told me…I don’t care we’re going! I went upstairs to put my shoes on and could barely walk. He had to come up and help me not only put my shoes on but walk down the stairs and get in the car. Thank the Lord it was 10pm when we left the house because there was absolutely NO traffic!

We get to the hospital at 10:30 and at this point, they are a minute and a half apart and I’m in a LOT of pain! By the time I get undressed and in the bed, I’m screaming from the pain. They intensified so fast and from here on out it’s a blur. I had no concept of time and everything happened soooo fast! They checked me and I was easily 6cm and 100% effaced. They said they were taking me up to Labor and Delivery and asked if I could get into a wheel chair. At this point I was getting only about 30-45 seconds breaks in between contractions and they were so intense I almost passed out from hyperventilating through them. I was not prepared for the pain. I looked at her like she was crazy and then had another contraction so they had to wheel me up in the bed. 

By the time I get up there I’m 8cm. And Epidural was in the room. They could not have been there soon enough. Felt like it took her forever to get the needle in and um…how do they expect you not to move? I swear, I almost broke the nurses finger. Finally when I was able to lay down, they checked me again and I was 9cm so doc broke my water. That was gross!! Could still feel everything. Right after that…she hadn’t even taken her hand out and I was 10cm and ready to push. Epidural was finally starting to kick in. Of course right…after I’d already gotten through the worst of it. At first I could still feel the contractions so I knew when to push but very quickly I could barely tell. I could feel a little bit a pressure so I knew it was coming on. They slowed to about 5 minutes apart from being so relaxed but apparently I only pushed for about 45 minutes and she was born at 12:59am on Tuesday June 25th 2013 (1 day before my due date). Weighing in at 6lbs 10oz and 19 3/4 inches long. 

It was intense and all happened so fast. From the first contraction to delivery it was only 4 1/2 hours and about an hour and a half of that was at home. Basically the nurses told me that if I had waited another 15 minutes or if there had been traffic, I probably wouldn’t have had enough time for the epidural. And that I should prepare for a natural delivery if I decided to have more children. I am terrified for the next one…still a bit traumatized. I had no idea how bad it would be and quickly it would progress and intensify. I think they were just as shocked as I was. But she’s here and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! She’s perfect 🙂 (just not sure I want anymore at this point…I think I need to really prepare for a natural birth next time and right now…I haven’t quite forgotten the pain and know I couldn’t do it yet. lol)

Lots more to update but will save that for another post…don’t want to overwhelm you. So I’ll leave you with a picture or two of our little peanut. 

 

39 Weeks-Yep still here!

I hesitated to post this because I’m still mad that I’m still here with no baby yet. lol. Then ended up forgetting about it. Ooops. Didn’t want you to think I’d fallen off the face of the earth.

Had my 39 week appointment. 3.5cm dilated-stretchable to a 4 and VERY RIPE. Didn’t give me a percentage, just said that so I’m guessing that means 100% or at least close to it. Um, isn’t 4cm usually considered when you transition to active labor? Basically she told me that if I start having contractions to come to the hospital right away and that I don’t have to wait until the 5-1-1 rule because I’m already so dilated that I will probably start out in active labor or at least quickly progress to that. She said at this point, they would admit me right away. Of course, if my water breaks to come straight to the hospital as well. I’ve been doing EVERYTHING I know to do to try and jump start labor. 

I’ve been taking evening primrose oil 3, sometimes 4 times a day for 3 weeks. That’s supposed to help you efface and since I’m “very ripe” as my doctor puts it, it worked! I’ve been bouncing on my ball which is supposed to help open your pelvis and help baby descend. I’m still at a -1 station but real contractions will help move her down (which of course I haven’t had yet). I go for a walk every day with the dogs which is supposed to help dilate you. I’m almost at a 4 so I guess that’s working. What else is there to do? Hubby and I have had sex 4 times this week. At 39 weeks pregnant, that’s quite the feat! I’ve heard eggplant parm is supposed to help so we went out to Olive Garden last night and I got the eggplant parm. Funny story-the lady at the table next to us was there with her husband and 2 kids. She ordered the same thing and as her waitress was boxing it up for her, she was telling her how she had ordered that same thing at Olive Garden the night before she went into labor. She had heard it was supposed to help so she tried it and it worked. We couldn’t help but strike up a conversation and let her know that’s exactly why we were there. lol. It was delicious too and I have some leftover so will be eating it again for lunch. I also went and got a pedicure yesterday…I know someone who went into labor that evening and someone else was telling me her cousin went into the labor the day after getting a pedicure. I guess the massage triggered it. AND last but not least, tried acupressure. We looked up some acupressure points last night when we got home and we tried them out. 

As you can see, I’m still here on Saturday morning. 39w3d and still pregnant. Sometimes I wish my doctor hadn’t told me that she thought I’d go into labor on my own before my due date. I had it in my mind she meant “any day now” and that was 2 weeks ago. 4 days away from my due date and still waiting for real labor contractions. Tomorrow is the Super Moon though so I’m really hoping that helps put me into labor. lol. I have an appointment scheduled for Tuesday to talk induction. Hubby and I agreed that if I make it to my appointment, we will schedule the induction for Wednesday (my due date) since doc said that’s the earliest she will do it. Yes, i’m uncomfortable but more than anything I am beyond anxious and just ready to have her. Not to mention we have family coming into town from NY to see her and she needs to get here before July 1st. lol. Plus, my husband is taking the first week off of work so he can be with me and Riley and would rather not have my mom be in town (since she’s staying with us) during that time. So regardless, we will have a baby by Wednesday. Just need it to be sooner rather than later. I don’t really want to be induced. *sigh*

Survey

• How far along: 39 Weeks
• Baby is the Size of a: watermelon
• Total Weight Gain/Loss: actually lost a pound at my appointment so 47 I think. I honestly can’t remember anymore. I was so discouraged with how much weight I gained that I really stopped keeping track. 
• The Bump: Looks the same
• Symptoms: Back pain, random nausea here and there, fatigue mixed with bursts of energy, get full faster but then hungry again within an hour. My symptoms are so contradictory lately!! lol
• Food Cravings: ice cream
• Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: nothing in particular
• Sleep: what’s that? thought I actually slept pretty well last night. Only got up once to pee so that’s a plus. 
• What I Miss: everything!! running, having energy, wine, my body, etc. 
• Wedding Rings On or Off: off…wearing a fake ring
• Any Names Picked Out Yet: Riley Izabelle
• Gender: girl
• Movement: she has bursts of energy here and there. she was moving the entire time getting the pedicure yesterday!! lol
• Maternity Clothes: all the time
• Labor Signs: back pain, cramping, and bh
• Best Moment of the Week: spending some last quality time with the husband. 
• What I’m Excited About/Looking Forward to: holding my baby girl in my arms!! 

Looks like no Father’s Day Baby

So I was really hoping for a Father’s Day baby but doesn’t look like she wants to come out any time soon. I’ve been feeling normal but with a little bit of cramping here and there but nothing that indicates labor is imminent. However, Operation: Evict Riley has commenced. I’ve been taking evening primrose oil, and bouncing on my exercise ball. We have tacos planned for dinner for the spicy food. We also need to go to the grocery store for a few things so I’ll probably pick up some pineapple. We had sex last night and will probably try again later today…or as much as I can handle. lol. AND, we plan to go for a LONG walk this afternoon. I mean seriously, something has to start working. 

Though I couldn’t give my husband a daughter for Father’s Day, I did get him a small gift. I got him a nice card, a t-shirt to wear in the hospital that says “I’m The Daddy!”, and a book called Fathers To Daughters with little life lessons for Dad’s raising a girl. He’s already started reading it and he’ll stop and be like, oooo, I like this one! And read it to me. It’s cute. He’s really excited so we’re trying everything we can to get this baby out.

One reason we thought today might be the day was because not only did I have the membrane sweep done at my last appointment AND me being soooooo stinkin close with the dilation and effacement, but my mom delivered 3 of her 5 children 10 days early. Her first included. Today marks 10 days until my due date. I thought for sure today would be the day. But alas…I’m still waiting. Oh, and I’ve been losing pieces of my mucus plug. Little by little. Or at least that’s what I’m guessing it is. I don’t think I’ve ever inspected my toilet paper more than I have in the last few weeks just waiting for it to come out and give me some sort of sign that this baby is ready. 

So here’s to hoping that my efforts work…I really don’t want to go into the office on Tuesday. 

Maternity Pictures

I can’t believe I forgot to post these. Thanks Bianca for reminding me 🙂

My good friend who also did our wedding photos is a photographer. She specializes in newborn so I really cannot wait until our newborn shoot 🙂 Anyway, we took some maternity photos a few weeks ago and here is the sneak peek!!

 

Impatiently Waiting…

I know I said that I’m ok with her coming out when she’s ready but I really thought that the membrane sweep would actually DO something! Here it is 24 hours later and all it did was make me crampy and cause me to bleed. The bleeding is starting to subside now. I think if it weren’t for the fact of knowing 2 people who had it done and within 24 hours were in labor…I’d be ok. However, one girl had it done at her appointment at 10:45am and then by 2am she was in labor. Same thing happened to another girl I know. She had it done at her appointment and the next morning when she woke up for work, she was in labor. I’m not gonna lie, I’m a bit disappointed. Every time I woke up last night to pee, I would try to feel for a contraction or something but nope. I know the doctor said she couldn’t guarantee anything would happen this week but I was really hoping it would be quick. I mean being 3cm, and 75% effaced already has got to be favorable for labor…but alas, no signs of labor at all.

I’m still hoping something could happen by the weekend but we’ll see. Maybe the next time I post it will be my birth story. LOL. Wishful thinking I know! haha

38 Weeks-almost there!

Had my 38 week doctor’s appointment this afternoon. My blood pressure was high AGAIN! But again, after laying down on my left side for a few minutes and they rechecked me, it went back to normal. Not quite sure what’s up with that. It’s been high at every appointment since week 34 pretty much. I’m showing no other signs of preeclampsia. No swelling, and no protein in my urine. Though she was a bit concerned with the nausea I’ve been experiencing today. So she ordered another blood panel just to be sure. Luckily needles don’t bother me because I’ve had my blood drawn more in the past 9 months than I have my entire life. I feel like it will come back normal just like last time but I like that she’s being cautious. She did a cervical check again and I asked if she could sweep my membranes and she did. I’m 3cm dilated, 75% effaced, and baby is at a -1 station. So still progressing a little bit each week. The membrane sweep didn’t hurt as bad as I was expecting. I’ve heard that it was really painful so I was bracing for it. However, it was just uncomfortable. Like a pap but a lot more pressure and discomfort but not exactly painful. Not quite sure how to describe it.  She said everything else looked good and she could see how uncomfortable I was. She had me go ahead and schedule my appointment for next week just in case. She said that she couldn’t guarantee anything will happen this week but but pretty certain I wouldn’t make it to my due date. She said if I’m still pregnant next week we could talk induction but again, she thinks I’ll go on my own before my due date and they won’t induce until after anyway. Of course I would rather go on my own and not be induced but I’m so uncomfortable at this point that I’m glad she’s willing to talk options. Hopefully I don’t make it to next week but we’ll see. I’m still hoping for a Father’s Day baby 🙂

Survey

• How far along: 38 Weeks
• Baby is the Size of a: Pumpkin! -WOAH!
• Total Weight Gain/Loss: Ugh, 47lbs. Bleh
• The Bump: I feel like a blimp but I don’t think I’ve grown any which is ok with me. lol
• Symptoms: Pelvic pressure, constant back ache, my hips are on fire, sleepless nights, fatigue, heartburn, and the list goes on and on. 
• Food Cravings: sweets
• Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nothing in particular but had lots of nausea today for no reason. It started after eating breakfast and I couldn’t eat anything until like 2pm because I just felt so sick. 
• Sleep: What is sleep again? I toss and turn all night because my hips hurt so bad and my side goes numb. I’ve always been a back sleeper so I’ve tried that and there’s just too much weight in my belly that it’s just uncomfortable now. I need to learn to master the art of sleeping sitting up. That’s probably the only thing that would help me at this point. 
• What I Miss: Sleeping on my back and honestly at this point…working out. I miss my body.
• Wedding Rings On or Off: Off…I’ve gained so much weight that they didn’t fit anywhere. My skin was actually starting to peel. 
• Any Names Picked Out Yet: Riley
• Gender: girl
• Movement: she’s been a little wiggle worm lately
• Maternity Clothes: 24/7
• Labor Signs: back ache, cramping, and of course the typical tightening. I think it’s all just practice though, nothing that would turn into labor.
• Best Moment of the Week: Hubby and I had a date night this past weekend. We went out to dinner and to a movie. It was just mexican but it was his favorite and we saw Now You See Me. (I highly recommend it!!) It was really nice to have one last night out with just the two of us. Since we’re not sure when we’ll get the chance again.
• What I’m Excited About/Looking Forward to: Holding my little girl. I know that sweeping my membranes is not magic and won’t send me into labor if my body isn’t ready but I’m really hoping with all the progress I’ve made over the last 2 weeks that my body IS ready and we’ll have our little girl in our arms by this weekend. I’m trying not to get my hopes up and keep telling myself if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work and we’ll try again next week. We’ll see though…

Almost there! 🙂

37 Weeks AKA Full Term!!!!

Had my 37 week appointment this morning and it went amazingly well…aside from the high blood pressure but after I laid down on my side and they rechecked it at the end of my appointment, it was perfect. No protein in my urine and no swelling so she’s not concerned. Just told to rest more. I think I can handle that 🙂

Got the results from the Group B Strep test and it was negative. Yay! My thyroid is perfect as well and that is the last time we’ll have to check it until after baby is born. May need to lower the dose of my meds back to what it was pre-pregnancy. I was also 45lbs lighter then. lol. So we’ll see. Weight is also a big factor when it comes to synthroid. 

She checked my cervix again (I don’t know why some people are so against being checked.) Anyway, I am 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. That’s definite progress from last week and it’s scary but exciting! She thinks I’ll make it to next weeks appointment but as for week 39…who knows! EEK! It’s getting real. Oh and she said her head position is a -1. I had no clue what that meant so I asked and she said that 0 is fully engaged so she’s almost perfectly in position for delivery. Of course she said I could walk around like this for weeks but at the same time…with where I was at last week compared to this week, I’m progressing at a descent rate. She seemed surprised but happy with it. She agreed to strip my membranes at my 38 week appointment to help speed things along if I wanted to. I think I’m going to. I’m so ready to have her 🙂

Hubby finally installed the car seat bases in the car. I don’t want to put the car seat in there just yet…that’s something we can grab when it’s time to go. I’m just afraid of getting into an accident (anything can happen in Nashville traffic) and damaging the car seat and needing to replace it. So much cheaper to just replace the base than the whole thing!! That was the last thing to do. I think we may be a bit overly prepared but we can’t help it. hehe

Survey Time

• How far along: 37 Weeks
• Baby is the Size of a: Wintermelon…whatever that is. lol
• Total Weight Gain/Loss: 45lbs. Let’s not talk about that. I hope it comes off quickly. 
• The Bump: HUGE!
• Symptoms: Sciatic nerve pain (and boy let me tell you, it’s been a rough one today!), fatigue, pressure, etc. You name it, I’m feeling it. I’m so over it at this point.
• Food Cravings: None at the moment. 
• Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: nope
• Sleep: Oh don’t even get me started on my lack of sleep. 
• What I Miss: Being able to walk without pain. lol
• Wedding Rings On or Off: I finally went ahead and took them off. I’m not really swelling, I think I’ve gained so much weight that my fingers are like sausages. They still fit, but were getting tighter and didn’t want to take any chances. I have a fake one on right now. 
• Any Names Picked Out Yet: Riley Izabelle
• Gender: Girl
• Movement: She freaked me out for a few days. Her movement seriously decreased, to the point where I almost called and insisted on coming in. It was almost like she could sense my fear because she started moving a bunch that evening (after 2 days of freaking out) and was like going to town. Then the next day, movement was back to normal and has been normal ever since. I know they run out of room at this point so movement will be few and far between but for some reason stillbirth really scares the crap outta me!!
• Maternity Clothes: I ripped my last pair of maternity jeans that still fit. My hips and widened so much that even my maternity jeans I can’t fit over my hips anymore. Luckily I have a couple pairs of shorts that are a little bigger a friend gave me and I have another friend giving me a pair of capris this weekend so I’ll have enough to get me through the next few weeks! So I’ve been living in dresses and yoga pants.
• Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks have gotten stronger. Still just tightening, and not painful just some cramping but I don’t think it’s anything like REAL contractions. However, doc said that the BH are doing what they’re supposed to and moving her down the birth canal so at least it’s doing some good. 
• Best Moment of the Week: Finding out that I’m progressing and we very well might have a baby earlier than planned 🙂
• What I’m Excited About/Looking Forward to: Meeting my little girl!

I feel HUGE!! So ready…

I’m dilated?? WHAT?

Had my 36 week appointment yesterday. Did the Group B Strep test and will probably find out the results at my next appointment next week. She also did a cervical exam to see how things are progressing. I’m a fingertip dilated and 25% effaced. I honestly think she was a little bit surprised. She told me last week that she was expecting me to be “high and closed”. She also said she could feel her head but she hasn’t completely dropped yet. So she’s head down, but still has some moving to do. For 36 weeks though, I’d say that’s pretty good. I’m kinda curious to see where I’m at next week. Anyone try evening primrose oil? I’ve heard that’s supposed to help with effacement. I probably won’t start until next week though because then I’ll be full term and won’t feel bad for wanting to move things along. I’m nervous to try and start anything too early that could induce labor. I know it’s not magic and my body will do what it’s supposed to and baby will come out when she’s ready but it can’t hurt to try right? lol. I think I’ll pass on the spicy food, this heartburn is no joke and I really don’t want to make it worse. And sex is so uncomfortable that right now, I don’t think that’s an option. So walking and evening primrose oil it is. 

Getting my car fixed today! Yay! I’ve been having some serious squealing going on lately and it’s only getting worse. So gotta replace a belt. Plus, my roaters (sp?) are in bad shape so hopefully that also helps. There’s some metal on metal sound coming from that area as well. Figured better hurry up and get it fixed before baby girl gets here. Luckily we have a friend who fixes cars and he’s going to do it for us for next to nothing. 

Then the in-laws are coming into town this weekend. Haven’t seen them since my baby shower in April and this will probably be the last visitors we have for a while. 

On another note. My mom booked her flight for July 5th. She’ll be here until the 15th to help out with the baby. The latest doc will let me go is July 3rd so it’s kind of perfect timing. I’m hoping Riley decides to wants to come out earlier than that though!!! Then I get a call from my dad saying that he’s trying to plan his vacation for July 1st-8th and coming down. My mom will be staying with us since it’s just her but my dad doesn’t hover…he will get a hotel. I told him as long as he doesn’t mind having his days here overlap with my moms then I didn’t mind. So him and my stepmom will probably come down then. They are going to make a vacation out of it though and visit downtown Nashville, and possibly Chattanooga or Memphis or something of that nature. I’m excited. Things are starting to get real 🙂 

Next will be figuring out when my sister wants to see the baby. I was thinking that Christmas would be the first time that a lot of the family would get to meet her but now my sis is talking about coming down too. Possibly July 19th-? So we’ll see. Going to have a steady stream of visitors so I really hope I don’t get overwhelmed but my family is pretty good at backing off (except my mom) when they can tell I’m getting frustrated or overwhelmed. Anyway, that’s my update 🙂

36 Week-9 Months!

I’ve officially hit the 9 month mark! Woah! Things are really starting to get real. In a maximum of 5 weeks we will be meeting our little girl and I can’t believe how quick yet how slow the time is going. 

Oh and the other night my husband and I were watching tv and a Lowe’s commercial comes on where a couple is painting their bedroom. I make the mistake of saying to him, I wouldn’t mind putting a color like that in the living room. (Side Note: When we bought the house almost 2 years ago, it was used as the model home then a rental property so all the walls are a beige color with flat paint. The color isn’t bad but when every single room looks the same, it’s very boring!) So far the only rooms we’ve painted are the kitchen, downstairs bathroom, dining room and the baby’s room. So of course he asks which color and I pull it up online and show him. His mind starts going 90 miles a minute thinking about how he’s going to make this happen before Riley gets here. He immediately calls his dad who is a contractor to ask if he has some tools he can borrow (since they’re coming to stay the weekend for a last little visit before baby’s arrival). The very next day he asks if we can run to Lowe’s and get a sample of the color so we can paint a few patches and see if we like it. The color is a bright blue and normally I don’t like blue as a paint color…or really bold colors and this one is both. However, I’m feeling adventurous. I’m nervous about painting the entire living room that color but he says we should go for it. So yes, now tomorrow he’s off to buy the paint and get started next week. He gets something in his head, he has to do it. Mind you, I’ve been telling him for weeks that he needs to pack his hospital bag with all electronics, books, magazines, clothes, or whatever he’s going to need when we’re in the hospital and he has yet to do it. Also, I’ve asked him to install the car seat bases in the car since week 33 and he hasn’t done that yet either!! I think his priorities are a little out of whack. He does have a point though, if we don’t paint now…it will NEVER get done! lol. We’ve had the color picked out for our bedroom for a long time and that still has yet to get painted as well. So at least we’re making progress. Which us luck. lol

Survey Time!

• How far along: 36 Weeks
• Baby is the Size of a: Crenshaw Melon- whatever that is
• Total Weight Gain/Loss: 40lbs
• The Bump: I actually think I look smaller this week if that’s even possible. I thought maybe it was because I’ve dropped but I can’t really tell. I don’t really feel any different. 
• Symptoms: Back pain, constant heartburn, feel full and hungry at the same time (didn’t know that was possible), fatigue…you know the usual
• Food Cravings: None really
• Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope
• Sleep: Interrupted
• What I Miss: Everything
• Wedding Rings On or Off: Finally took them off. They were getting tighter and were actually ok to wear, but I didn’t want to get to the point where I couldn’t get them off. So just to be safe I took them off and put on a fake wedding band.
• Any Names Picked Out Yet: Riley
• Gender: girl
• Movement: She constantly moves.
• Maternity Clothes: 24/7 or yoga pants
• Labor Signs: Just a lot of tightening. Getting checked at my appointment today though so we’ll see if things are progressing down there. 
• Best Moment of the Week: It’s been a pretty uneventful week…
• What I’m Excited About/Looking Forward to: Is it weird that I’m actually excited to get checked at my appointment today? I’m just curious if there’s any dilation, if she’s dropped, etc. Just hoping for some sort of progression showing that labor is imminent. lol

36 Week Bump