Thursday, January 14, 2016

Week 33

Size: Honeydew melon. 4+ pounds. I'm adding a pound a week; he's adding 1/2 pound per week.

Movement: With less amniotic fluid, I have been able to feel a significant increase in movements.

My rockin' bod: Over the last week or so, I have started to feel more uncomfortable. It's significantly harder to tie my shoes or roll over in bed. I guess this might be the beginning of the discomfort that comes with the third trimester. For some reason, I'm still wanting a March baby {so how uncomfortable can I really be?}... we'll see if that changes and when I get to a point of being officially "over it."


Symptoms: Weird dreams continue about everyone not realizing I actually had the baby. But now that I've been to our child birthing class, it seems like it would be hard for people to miss all the drama.

This week:
Ryan and I went to an all-day child birthing class through my OB's office, lead by a Labor & Delivery nurse with 25+ years experience.

All in all, we learned SO much... How to count contractions, pain options, general timeline of events, medical terms to know, what to expect specifically at our hospital, when to call the MD office {and ALWAYS to call them first, no matter what time}, use the Green parking garage, which door to enter, newborn evaluations, etc, etc, etc. 

Ryan would have been fine jumping into it, "he's a risk taker like that." However, I knew less than 2% of what she went over; I am a firm believer that knowledge is power. Ryan and I were even able to talk through a general birth plan after. I wouldn't say I'm excited {I definitely got a little scared}, but I feel exponentially better and more prepared. {Do I really have to wait 6-7ish more weeks??!? I'm ready to get this show on the road}. 

I'd say I'm most anxious about having nothing to eat for 15+ hours in labor and then going straight into such a physically demanding task. {How is that even possible??!} I feel like I'm getting ready for another soccer preseason and won't be allowed to eat for a week through all the work outs/practices. I plan to eat a last meal before going to the hospital. 

The To Do list: It seems important to document big things I've checked off my list! The child birthing class and basic breastfeeding class - done. Also done... Nailed down a pediatrician. Pre-registered at the hospital. Submitted my leave request at work. Got a haircut. Completed and submitted the continuing education units for my ATC certification. Renewed my ATC license for Virginia. Called the insurance company. Made OB appointments through my due date!!! Ah. Have a tentative birth plan!! Ahh. Worked on our baby registry {on babylist} which included picking out a crib, pack n play, stroller/car seat, diapers, pacifiers, coming home outfit, and diaper bag. {A baby registry is a TASK, there are reviews and opinions on EVERY item.}

Still to come... getting ANY of the essential baby items listed above, Christmas returns, nursery set up, line up ordering a pump, pediatrician orientation meeting, getting Wrigley's ears and teeth cleaned, meeting with anesthesiologist, make & freeze lactation cookies.... and pick a baby name.

Looking forward to: 
An ultrasound at 36 weeks to see position and get an estimated weight. I can't wait to see our little guy! I have been so curious about his position and what has been bulging into my right rib. I would put money on it that he's head down and can tell you exactly where I think his butt is {up by my right rib with good leverage to for his legs/feet to kick}.

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Week 31: Christmas!!

Size: Over 3 pounds. Baby is at full birth length {which I think is tall because he is ALWAYS in my right ribs}. Packing on the pounds at a rate of 1/2 pound per week to add fatty tissue before birth.



Sometimes I get really enthusiastic when trying to take a bump picture. 
Symptoms: Pressure on my diaphragm/ shortness of breath. Nightly calf cramps. Increased bathroom trips. Can't lay on my back without losing blood flow to my lower half. Abdomen tightening episodes, especially when I move around quickly or bend over/squish my belly. 

Pregnancy nightmares: {apparently it's a thing}. Last night I had my first scary baby dream. It was the first couple of days after the baby was born and no one would let me feed him! Somehow I forgot to start nursing him and therefore I had no idea if he was getting any food. And no one could answer my questions or bring him to me. Nevertheless, I woke up and realized how irrational it was to think I wouldn't remember to feed him... Guess I've got breastfeeding on my mind. 

Mood: Eeeeeeepp! Two months?!?? Doing well overall! I had an episode of crying at the most random time that turned into laughing because I had no idea where it came from. Ryan handled it well. 

Food: My favorite meal over the holidays was definitely ham on a roll with honey mustard. {Maybe a craving that was easily fulfilled?!} I also enjoyed some other favorites: coconut cake, frozen fruit salad, green beans, broccoli/cheese soup, pretzel salad, sausage balls and orange rolls.

Movement: When we got home from our trip I had two days of serious movement all day. I think he was shy when we were around lots of new people and voices in Alabama. 

Nursery: Ready to clean out my parents "study" and make room for a baby!! We're going to clean out some boxes, set up a changing station, make a place for baby clothes and a nursing chair/rocker. I can turn into a slave driver when it comes to house projects... I promise to try to stay calm. 

Name: Tired of hearing I can't decided?! Samsies.

Baby Daddy: He got this new momma some great Christmas gifts, including a bump/pregnancy pillow, Vera Bradley weekender bag {aka hospital bag}, and a motherhood jacket to fit my bump or a baby under my jacket.

What we did this week:
Ryan, Wrigley and I got to travel to Alabama for Christmas again this year! I'm so glad we didn't miss out on ALL the family traditions. We had a special Christmas morning with our two nieces, Becca & Diana, {and of course sausage balls and orange rolls for breakfast}, spent time with my Granddad {who is doing so much better}, had the whole Huff side in one place and a tour of the Decatur Christmas lights and lots of yummy food.



Low country boil with the Frickies

ALL the Huffs