5 Days Post Due Date

Posted on July 2, 2014 by playinghousewi

Last night I woke up at 11:30 or so from my first “painful” contraction. I put the word painful in quotes because I know it will get worse and really, it wasn’t terrible. Anyway, I had the thought of, “this could be it,” but thankfully was able to get back to sleep. Alas, this was not it and here I am on day 5 post due date.

Today I am back at work after having Monday and Tuesday off, which has been nice. I’ve been trying to get as much done as possible and really tie up loose ends. My productivity was interrupted; however, by an appointment to go see my friend’s momma who has SO GRACIOUSLY offered to attempt to fix my dress for the wedding I’m in this weekend.

I had been putting off getting the dress tailored until I had a better idea as to what my body would look like. As you might imagine, I did not think it would look like it does today, which is ginormous. In fact, I was hopeful that I’d have a 2-3 week old baby by the time the wedding hit. Clearly not the case.

Anyway, I didn’t think it was going to be a huge job because last time I tried on the dress, it seemed like everything fit but the chest portion. Turns out, this is not the case anymore. My friend’s mom is adding in 5 inches of fabric from top to bottom in attempts of making this dress fit. The challenge? I only have extra fabric for the top, chiffon layer, not the bottom layer of fabric. So, while we did the best we could to match, the underlay fabric is a bit darker. Oy. I’m going to be a fat, sweaty, disheveled mess. Hopefully it will magically turn out perfectly.

As a little pick me up, I did grab an ice cream cone form Baskin Robbins on my way back to work. So that was nice… maybe not what I needed, as I’m clearly pretty giant, but helpful… from a mental standpoint. I’m feeling great again 🙂

Minus my feet that is. Holy smokes. Yesterday I spent about 6 hours sitting at our kitchen counter and when I finally looked down at the damage to my feet, it was too late! They were SO swollen… like, I’ve never seem them look worse… they’re flippers.

I’m sorry, but what is that limb? I don’t recognize it…

Oy. They’re a little better today, but I can literally feel them jiggle when I walk. That’s just not good. Other than that, check out these fun pics I rediscovered yesterday from our honeymoon…

Swinging in Fiji

My hubbers.

Perfection in a single sunset.

Pre-Honeymoon Cali Goodness… Look how agile I was.

Me & my guy.

Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are!

Posted on July 1, 2014 by playinghousewi

So, I’m now 4 days post due date and still feeling pretty good… HOWEVER, I’m a little anxious. Honestly, not totally horrible, but definitely a little anxious. My remedy for such anxieties is simple… 1) stay super busy and 2) try anything and everything. So, here’s what I’ve been trying…

Of course, I’ve been continuing the regular natural induction methods I’ve been employing for the past few weeks. These include

bouncing and rolling my hips on the birthing ball
squats & pelvic tilts
sex
spicy food
tons of walks
Perineal Massage with almond oil
As strange as this whole concept is, I think it’s actually working. If nothing else, it’s teaching me how to relax the right muscles during discomfort in the region.

But, I’ve added some additional ones. Now, before you go off trying all of these, I am no doctor and have no idea if they work or if they’re safe for you. Anyway, here’s what I’ve been doing:

Massage & Chiropractor – Yesterday I had a massage and the woman pressed all of the labor inducing pressure points. She also worked on my hips. I’ve also been going to the chiropractor more regularly (1-2 times per week). I saw her yesterday and she said she thinks my hips are ready. I don’t know about that, but I’m definitely feeling ready.
Swimming – On Saturday, I took a nice swim. I also tried to do some squats in the pool. No idea if this helped, but it sure did feel nice… also, gave me quite a few contractions.
Evening Primrose Oil – I’ve read that you can stick these capsules in your lady parts, but that’s just not my thing. Instead, I’ve been taking one pill three times a day with food daily for a couple days now.
This is supposed to help with dilation and effacement.
Clary Sage Oil – my friend swears that this worked for her. 1-2 drops of the oil on a cotton ball and then applied to your feet at bed time. Then, put the cotton ball under your pillow. I did it last night and will continue tonight.
Dates… I can’t remember why or really much about this one, but I’ve been eating a few dates each day.
Mmm..
My doula also recommended some exercises, which I’m going to try today:
http://spinningbabies.com/baby-positions/flexion-or-a-tucked-chin

http://spinningbabies.com/techniques/activities-for-fetal-positioning/abdominal-release

http://spinningbabies.com/techniques/activities-for-fetal-positioning/side-lying-release

http://spinningbabies.com/techniques/activities-for-fetal-positioning/abdominal-lift-and-tuck

Obviously, this babe is going to come when she wants, but in the meantime, I’ll keep doing all this weird stuff that likely has no effect on when my body and baby will be ready.

Symptoms

Yesterday I went in for my first Non-Stress Test. The test was pretty darn easy… I laid on a recliner chair and relaxed while hooked up to two monitors. One measuring baby’s heartbeat, one measuring contractions of the uterus. Then, I had to push a button every time baby moved.

All hooked up.

Baby has no stress, which is great. I figured as much… she seems to be happy as a clam.

As for me, I think I’m doing pretty darn well. Sleeping isn’t amazing these days, as my hips get pretty sore and I’ve had a little insomnia, but I can’t complain too much. And my mood, it’s been pretty good I think. Maybe double check with my husband on that one?? But really, I think I’ve been staying pretty positive. I find that I get crabby or down when I’m not doing anything.

As for how I feel the baby is progressing, it’s so hard to say. I definitely feel more pressure in my pelvis, but I don’t know if it’s much different than it was last Thursday. And I don’t think my belly looks much different. So really, I don’t know. I’ll be back at the doctor on Thursday, at which point, we’ll do another Non-Stress Test and schedule an induction if she hasn’t come yet. I really hope that if she doesn’t come this week, I’ll be able to keep my calm. As time ticks away, I can see the anxiety building up.

But, at least it will be a VERY busy weekend if she doesn’t come. My friend, Ashley, is getting married and I’m in the wedding. So, we’ll have rehearsal dinner all afternoon/evening on Friday and then wedding on Saturday. It’s such a hard struggle. On one side, I REALLY want her to arrive right now, but on the other side of things, I REALLY want to be at and be a part of my friend’s wedding. Definitely a very strange mind struggle going on… not that I have a choice either way. So I guess there really is no struggle?

Post-Due-Date Weekend #1 Update

Posted on July 1, 2014 by playinghousewi

It feels a little cruel to have neglected my blog for the 4 days post-due date. I’m sorry to say, it isn’t because I’m sleep-deprived with a new baby. While I might be a touch sleep deprived, baby is still inside.

So, here’s our weekend:

On Friday, I had lunch with this hot momma! Only 3 months post-partum and she looks this good! And check out that little man… such a cutie!

Baby Phoenix!

Momma & Baby!

Friday evening, Marky and I went out for a delicious seafood dinner (complimets of my aunt and uncle who gifted us with a very geerous gift card!) to celebrate the big due date. After, we stopped by Mark's mom's house to say hi and visit with this cute little lady pup.

Friday evening, Marky and I went out for a delicious seafood dinner (compliments of my aunt and uncle who gifted us with a very generous gift card!) to celebrate the big due date. After, we stopped by Mark’s mom’s house to say hi and visit with this cute little lady pup.

Saturday morning I went for a mani/pedi with mom, sis and my sweet niece. I chose a salmony pink.

Gabbers drying her nails.

After nails, Marky and I went for lunch with Pop, Mark’s 97-year-old gramps! (And Toby of course.)

It was humid… check out those feet… and it was only 1pm (ish)

Hence, while Mark fixed some wires at Pop’s house, I rested my ogre feet.

After Pop’s, Marky and I relaxed a bit, went for a nice walk with pups, and then went swimming. I swam laps for a little over an hour. It felt amazing. And my feet even recovered a little. Temporarily of course.

Big Belly Selfie. After swimming, we had dinner with my parents and then Mark and I went to the park to catch the local fireworks!

After such a busy day/night, ice was a requirement for those feet.

Sunday pretty much looked like this or the inside version of the same position.

While hubs worked on our financials.

At some point during the weekend, we had our chair delivered. And… I don’t like the color. Urgh.

My attempt at a panoramic of the room. The chair is too similar in color to the walls. And I don’t know that I like the fabric.

On Your Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda Been Your Birthday…

Posted on June 27, 2014 by playinghousewi

Dearest Baby Girl,

What better time to write you a letter than today… your due date? This is a day that your pops and I have been counting down for nearly 300 days. This is the day we had hoped to meet you. But really, knowing that you’re half me and half your father, how could we have ever expected you to be early or even on time? A very known secret about your parents… we’re pretty much always late. It seems as if you might follow in our footsteps.

But don’t worry, while we may get angry at you for your tardiness in the future, today, we are not. We are so grateful for you – whether inside my belly or outside in this world – and we know that when you’re ready to grace this world with your beautiful presence, you will. And when you do, the world and our lives will be better because of it. We love you so much already. You already make us laugh, we already enjoy playing with you (yes, when we’re poking and prodding you through my belly, we consider that playing), and you’ve already changed our world for the better. So as you prepare to enter this world, remember how much we love you and know that it will surely be a celebration when you arrive.

We are lucky, sweet girl. You and I have been able to share a gift that is more special than anything; the gift of life. You lived off of me and I lived for you. And soon, we will work together again to bring you into the world. It might feel weird and it might be a little uncomfortable and mommy might scream some words that you’re never to repeat, but remember, that I’m working for you and that I will keep you safe. Together, we can do anything.

So, happy shoulda, woulda, coulda been your birthday. I love you more than you’ll ever know.

Can’t wait to kiss your sweet toes,

Mommy

40 Weeks… 10 MONTHS! (June 27, 2014)… THE due date!

Posted on June 27, 2014 by playinghousewi

40 Weeks… 10 Months! (June 27, 2014)… THE due date! It doesn’t feel real AT ALL to think that today marks my 280th day being pregnant. HOLY SHIT. That’s what I have to say. Honestly, I guess I would have thought I’d feel disappointed if she didn’t arrive on or by today, but really, I woke up really happy. Today is a huge milestone and it’s just so exciting. Plus, I feel good! Some mild aches and pains, but I feel really good and more importantly, really happy. By the way, that’s a very weirdly shaped and GIANT belly… but, enjoy it! It could be the last of the belly pics… or there could be two more!

Another Day, Another Cervix Check

Posted on June 26, 2014 by playinghousewi

Well, today was my last pre-due-date appointment with my OB. After the past two disappointing visits, I wasn’t really looking forward to this one and really had pretty low expectations for progress. I can’t say I was way off, but miraculously, I don’t feel the same devastation as my last visits.

Something about today’s visit made me feel optimistic.

So, my measurements… I’m now officially 1 cm dilated (I could feel the difference, as it didn’t feel like she was poking the back of my eyeballs this time), I’m “more effaced, ” but forgot to ask for the actual number, and she’s still in the -3 position… BUT, my doc can feel that she’s coming down into the canal. After she optimistically said all this, I questioned how this was good even though everything was pretty much the same and this was her response (and just another reason why I really like her):

It always gets a little confusing when I stop lying. But this time, you’re really 1 cm and she is coming down. It feels like there’s more room in there than I had originally thought.

So, I’ll take this as good news. I mean, I can feel that she’s in a different position. She did say that she doesn’t think it’s going to happen until at least next week, but sheesh who the hell knows anymore. I’m just hoping that she comes when she’s ready and that it happens to be within the next two weeks. Also, my doctor is off from tomorrow until next Thursday. And one of my best friends is getting married on July 5th. Oy. So many dates to avoid.

Time to let it all go, right? Whatever will be will be.

Symptoms

Mentally, I feel really good. I don’t know how or why, but I’m not asking questions. Physically, I’ve been a bit uncomfortable today. My back is a bit achy (I NEED to go to the chiropractor) and I’m feeling crampy and pretty tired. BUT, it’s really sunny out and a temperature that is actually enjoyable… aka, I can be outside without insta-sweat. It’s wonderful.

Also, despite the fact that our due date is tomorrow, I just set up a baby pool online. The website is www.babyhunch.com and it’s seriously so fun/silly/entertaining. I’d recommend doing one. It’s free and just a silly thing to do with friends and family.

Other than that, tomorrow is Friday (the due date). Hubs and I are going to go for a nice dinner and then maybe go to this pottery place near us. I’m excited. Should be a fun weekend together. Also, lots of walking.

That’s all for now!

SHE’S GRABBING MY INTESTINES!

Posted on June 25, 2014 by playinghousewi

Okay, that is probably not true or even possible, as my husband reminded me, but I swear that’s what it felt like last night. My stomach has not been amazing the past 2-3 days… feeling nauseous at moments or uneasy or bloated like I’ve never felt before. A lot of awesomeness. Anyway, last night I decided to try sleeping in more of a sitting position as I had done very successfully the night before, but then all of a sudden I got the weirdest discomfort. I swear to you, it felt like she was using those mini paws to squeeze my innards. I started whining at a somewhat loud and panicky volume to the hubs… he rubbed my belly and ultimately, I found that laying on my side relieved the discomfort.

I’m sure she wasn’t actually grabbing my insides, but yikes, that was not pleasurable.

It’s funny, while I have not been enjoying any of my GI challenges these days, I can’t help but think in the back of my mind, “is this it? Does this mean she’s coming?” I try to put a kabosh on all similar thoughts, becuase they’re just not productive, but it’s impossible. Every new feeling provokes the, “is this it” thought. The positive… one of these times, the answer is going to be yes!

In other news, I really enjoyed my two maternity leave days this week. Yesterday I got my hair done and I even started working on the ruler growth chart I mentioned at the end of this blog post. Maybe I’ll even get to finish and hang it before her arrival.

I put different widths of tape on the board and left some wood exposed. Then used a mini roller to paint on one color (2-3 coats). Next, I’ll take another “set” of tape off, cover up the first color with tape and roll again. This will continue until all four colors are applied.

My make shift craft table set up in the living room. This allowed me to not only paint, but also watch “terrible tv” as my husband calls it.

I know it seems like most of my maternity leave time has been go-go-go, but I’m not going to lie, there has been a lot of this…

Lounging…

And snuggling…

And more lounging…

And snoozing.

The Pre-Due Date Weekend

Posted on June 23, 2014 by playinghousewi

This past weekend was the final pre-due date weekend… A little hard to believe, huh? Okay… A lotta hard to believe. We’ve had quite a few things on the to-do list, so I was anxious to get them done this weekend.

On Friday, we just lazed around the house and did a little laundry.

Saturday it was time to finally hang up my DIY pics in the nursery.

Hubs the handyman.

And voila! The pics and the AMAZING dream catcher my (very talented) cousin made for the little lady all hung up!

Admiring his handy work.

Toby was pumped for movie time and waited patiently for dropped popcorn.

The next morning, I was giving my guy a little love and he grabbed the phone to capture our love. Sweet, beautiful love.

After some errands, it was off to visit Milly and her new pup.

Cute face!

She’s so cute.

Chin nibble

Snuggle puppy

After Milly’s, we went downtown to watch the World Cup game with some friends and have dinner. It was a great night out with friends.

Today I decided to whip up some egg mcmuffins to freeze for baby time. I used sandwich thins, baked eggs, turkey bacon, and rainbow chard sautéed with green garlic.

To bake the eggs, set the oven to 350 degrees, crack eggs in greased muffin tin, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake for 20 or so minutes (or until set).

Symptoms im actually feeling pretty great lately. Tired for sure, but in good spirits and just happy and excited. I don’t think the little babes has moved a bit, but that’s okay. She will I’m sure. .. Eventually. And for now, I get to enjoy my sweet husband and animals. Our lovely doula stopped over this weekend to bring us a relaxation cd and the feta scope to help us determine whether the baby is breech or not. Supposedly, if you hear the heartbeat below the belly button, she is head down. If you hear the heartbeat above the belly button, she is head up. Wouldn’t you guess that we could hear her heartbeat RIgHT in line with my belly button. Oh this little girl. She’s toying with us. Regardless, it was fun to hear her…

Listening to my little gal’s heart.

Dr. Hubs

He’s so cute.

39 Weeks (June 20, 2014)

Posted on June 20, 2014 by playinghousewi

39 Weeks (June 20, 2014). Somehow it’s already a week before the due date; however, I’m not going to lie, knowing that my doc will let me go another two weeks makes it feel like we’ve still got some time. I’m starting to think my womb might be like the Ritz… this girl just doesn’t want to check out. So she continues to grow – as do I – and now measures (according to my phone app) 20″ long and weighs about 7.25 lbs. That’s crazy.

Symptoms

Well, I’m sure it’s no surprise that I’m feeling a bit emotional/sensitive today. I really am not overly concerned with going late, as long as I go naturally, but somehow, after receiving the news last week and again this week that my body and baby have made no real steps towards labor, I can’t help but feel really sensitive/worried/anxious/insecure/etc.

I did talk with my doula yesterday, which helped a lot. She’s going to bring over another relaxation CD on Saturday and her fetoscope, which she’ll use to confirm baby girl’s position. That makes me pretty happy. The other positive is that we still have three weeks for my body and this baby to get ready to go. That’s a long time.

The selfish part of me definitely has waves of, “Are you f’ing kidding me? 3 more weeks??” I’m getting pretty sick of sweating and just find that I recognize myself less and less in this giant, sweaty body. To help make it through, I did break down yesterday and buy two new pairs of shoes. If I have three more weeks to go, I just couldn’t keep wearing those tennis shoes. I know it’s vain, but the frumpier I feel, the more emotional and blah I feel. SO, you’ll notice in my belly pic above, I purchased a pair of black slip-ons with a small wedge and I also bought a pair of camel colored ballet flats. It definitely helps a little. What wasn’t helpful was how un-fun my shopping experience was. I LOVE shopping. But I did not love it last night. I was hot and uncomfortable and sweating and had to try on about 5,000 pairs of shoes before finding some that fit. Ugh.

I think the timing of my half-time maternity leave and my last day working out kind of made me feel like D-Day was just around the corner and then the appointment yesterday just squashed that. Hopefully with Friday afternoon through Tuesday off, I’ll get my positivity and “peace” back.

AND, even if I do go three more weeks, that’s just more time to rest and relax, right? It’s time to be more positive. Really, no matter what, this is all great. We have a really healthy baby swimming around and we will meet her in less than a month. I’m done complaining… for today!

Progress Check Update

Posted on June 19, 2014 by playinghousewi

All of my bouncing and squatting and stressing don’t seem to be working. I’m pretty much the same as I was last week… the new stats:

Dilation: 1/2-1 cm (doc “did me the favor” of poking her finger all the way through the cervix, which technically makes me 1 cm, but not really. This is pretty much where I was before, although my doc didn’t poke through last time. She said that sometimes just “getting a finger in there” helps to get things moving. We’ll see. The thing I know for sure is that it wasn’t comfortable.)

Effacement: 70-80% (so, this is a little higher, but doesn’t really get me too jazzed)

Position: -3… AGAIN! (this is what totally makes me growl. I know, I know… the mantra. She’ll come when she’s ready. But can’t she just give me a little peace of mind by coming down a smidge?)

Weight: 1 lb gain. (I’ve stopped stressing about this. At this point, I’m so f’ing giant it’s not even worth the worry. What’s another pound?)

So, the gist of the visit is that I will likely be taking at minimum the full 40 weeks and up to 42 weeks. My doc, who originally said she’d let me go 10 days past my due date, is now saying she’ll let me go to the full 42 weeks, which brings us to July 11th. That seems like an eternity. But really, it’s not that I feel like I need her to come today or even next week, I just want to feel like we’re making progress. But apparently, she’s not ready… so, we’ll wait. Patiently… ish.

Obviously by the tone of my post, you can tell that my mantra didn’t really work. I can’t help but feel disappointed. I was definitely feeling worse right after my appointment than I am right now. I’m still a week out from my due date, so there’s still time. And ultimately, there is nothing I can do but, well, nothing.

The one little predicament is that my doctor is 90% sure she’s head down, but because of the baby’s very high position, she can’t be 100% sure (because she can’t get a good feel of the baby). She’s given us the option of getting an ultrasound because if the baby is breech, I’ll have to have a c-section. Last night, I had a dream that all of a sudden, I felt her head on top and in unison, the few people around me said, “<GASP> You need a c-section!!” This makes me want to get the ultrasound, but really, it doesn’t feel like she’s head up. I swear I feel kicks and knees and butt on top. So, I think we’ll end up skipping it.

Anyway, I guess it’s time to relax and enjoy my quiet time because once she comes, I’m sure it will be a thing of the past.