37 Weeks, 4 Days… FULL TERM and then some (June 10, 2014). I can’t believe I’ve somehow made it to full term. I remember thinking 20 weeks felt so far, and now here we are in the home stretch. Our little mini warrior has been growing like a champ and making my belly bulge. And soon, we’ll be kissing her sweet cheeks. I just can’t even wait. As for the tum… it’s giant, still looking pretty high, and forcing me to wear some pretty interesting outfits lately.
I’m sure after my last post of the attack of the killer ankles, you’re all sick of hearing me bitch about swelling… but I’m not quite done 🙂 Sorry! Prior to my swollen bliss, I thought of swelling as just an annoyance. It makes fitting into shoes totally impossible, it looks nasty and makes you feel even more like an umpa loompa (as my friend called it) than you already do, and it makes you feel stiff. BUT, now I know there is a lot more to it. It’s actually quite painful.
For my feet, I am currently only leaving the house in two pairs of shoes. These sexy beasts are my daily go-to’s… go great with every outfit. Wait… no they don’t. They make me look like a pregnant frump in every outfit. I knew it was something…
My sexy sneaks.
The other pair are my tennies and I only wear those for my workouts and walks with the hubs. Thankfully, I’ve still been managing to work out and have been taking lots of walks with Marky & the puppito. That seems to help, even if it’s just mentally. There is something so uplifting and empowering about breaking a sweat and kicking some ass at nearly 9.5 months pregnant.
Anyway, I’ve found that random things will make these feet just go nuts. Usually heat or I don’t know… a misalignment in the stars. But then, all of a sudden, they get SO hot and huge… like the pictures in my last blog. Woof. The only thing to do at that point is lie down. So, that’s my recent foot joy. While I’m complaining a lot, I will say, I think the biggest bother is that I can’t wear cute shoes. So, hopefully that puts it in perspective. Manageable in terms of pain, frustrating in terms of my vanity.
My hands… that issue is a little bigger because it’s not the swelling that’s an issues, it’s the Carpal Tunnel I’ve developed due to the swelling. I literally sleep with one of these beasts on each hand… every night… making me feel like a damn seal. I have flippers for goodness sake.
Seal flippers.
Then, when I wake up, my hands are so stiff/numb/in pain/etc. that it takes a good hour for me to actually be able to make a fist without excruciating pain. That makes brushing my teeth very interesting. And while things improve greatly after that first hour, I still have total numbness in three of my fingertips on my right hand (all day, every day), tingling up and down both hands to my elbows, and an inability to put too much pressure on my wrists. It’s so special. Now, again, this WOULD be manageable; however, it makes me pretty nervous about childbirth. I’m hoping and praying that the pain will subside before that point, otherwise I feel I will be at a disadvantage. Alternative birthing positions rely on supporting yourself with your hands/wrists/arms.
Mark has been trying to give me acupressure on my hands/wrists/arms, I have two chiropractor appointments this week and am thinking of trying out acupuncture. Hopefully this blend of activity will help relieve a little pressure on my sausage fingers.
Today was my 37-Week Appointment with the doc. At my last appointment, I was feeling a little discouraged because while I had effaced a bit (50%), the baby was positioned pretty high (-4 position) and my cervix was closed for business.
Since then, I’ve been bouncing and rocking on my ball, walking, and doing everything else I could to keep things moving.
Anyway, almost instantly upon entering the exam room, I got one of the delightful hot flashes I’ve been battling these days. I’m talking full on sweat. By the time the doc came in and listened to the heartbeat, my face was literally sweaty. Thankfully, my amazing husband grabbed a pamphlet about god knows what off the wall and started fanning my face. Umm… can we say already an amazing birth partner? That fan literally saved me from a VERY uncomfortable experience.
After the doc listened to the heartbeat, it was time for her to get up in there. I’m not going to lie, it took my words away. My nervous chatter turned to silent wincing. It wasn’t terrible, just not comfortable. BUT, totally worth it for the update I received. Once she removed her bloody… yes, bloody… fingers from my lady parts, she informed me that I had progressed! Not a ton, but any progress is great news in my book. I am now 60% effaced and 1/2 a centimeter dilated! She said she could have probably gotten the finger in there to make it 1 cm, but I wouldn’t have enjoyed it… so 1/2 it is! AND, our little babes has moved down a bit and is now at the -3 position. Still a ways to go, but I’m just over the moon that we’re making progress. I feel a resurgence of confidence in my body.
On a sillier note, my doc came in saying, “I had a dream about you last night!” She continued to explain her dream…
You came into the hospital thinking you were in labor. I checked you and it appeared as if you were. I had to finish something, so I left your room for a little and when I got back, you were gone. The nurse said that there was a new hospital policy that required patients to labor in one room and deliver in the OR. So, I went searching for this OR, but could not find it. Finally, I found it (and you) and you had delivered your baby. You were totally pissed at me for missing your delivery, but I was really happy that it went so quickly for you and was so easy. It meant things went according to your birth plan. Then I think my cat must have woken me up.
Honestly, I REALLY liked the fact that I had gotten into my doctor’s head so much and that she is concerned about giving me the delivery experience we are hoping for. Makes me feel like she actually cares and that it is somewhat of a priority to her. SO, all in all, today was a great appointment. I feel like progress was made in all areas… with my body, the baby, and my doctor.
Symptoms
Holy swelling. I gained 3 lbs this week, which my doc is pretty sure is directly related to the swelling… and of course our sweet girl beefing up. But really, my hands and feet are pretty damn thick and my ankles are starting to really look like cankles. Sexy momma over here.
But, besides the recent thickening, I really feel great. The hubs has been amazing and I’m feeling good and happy. Definitely pretty damn tired, but I think that’s just the way it is now. It really does go in waves. From about 2-6p, I’ve been feeling pretty zombie-like. Before and after that point, it’s more manageable.
And as for my back, it’s been SO great! I think I’m going to make an appointment to see the chiropractor just to proactively address any back issues, but really, I feel good.
A few weeks ago, I briefly mentioned that we were unhappy with our doctor after a visit. My doctor had made a comment about wishing I was bigger because my size makes me more prone to needing a C-Section. I was instantly upset/angry/frustrated/discouraged/etc. After we left the appointment, my husband and I decided that maybe – at 35 weeks – we should check out another birthing venue option. So, a few days later, we went to check out the Columbia Center Birthing Hospital.
The facility was really nice. It’s separate from the actual hospital, but still run by the hospital. Supposedly, it gives you a birthing center feel with the security of a hospital. However, you’re still cared for by doctors versus midwives, as in a traditional birth center. When we left the facility, I was feeling really great about the spa-like qualities of the birth center, but was not convinced that any of the doctors were any better than mine.
The hubs and I stopped at one of my favorite lunch spots to grab a quick bite and ran into a friend from high school. As we were catching up, we mentioned our recent visit to the Collumbia Center and she started raving about it. That’s where she delivered – after switching to that hospital at 31 weeks. She said her doc was totally more midwife than OB and was VERY open to natural births and alternative birthing methods. It literally felt like fate that we ran into her. I did a 180 in the restaurant and was totally ready to sign up with this doc.
Unfortunately, when I finally got a hold of the doctor, I discovered that she was totally booked and unable to fit me in for even a visit until July. That wasn’t going to work. I had also considered this guy doc who was recommended, but ultimately, I just couldn’t get over having a guy deliver my baby. SO, I decided the only thing left to do would be to talk to my doctor about her comment and how it made me feel in hopes of getting past the whole thing.
So, at the end of my last appointment, I said to her, “Dr. Kostic, at my last comment, you made a comment about my size making me more prone to C-Sections, and I have to be honest, I left feeling really uncomfortable.” She quickly said, “I like to make sure that my patients are aware of some of the risks beforehand, so I’m not springing things on them at the last second.” This makes sense to me. I continued, “I get that, but with all the negative stories people tell you and the judgey looks I get when I say I want a natural birth, I just really want to know that you trust in my body to do this. I don’t want you going into my labor with this preconceived notion that it’s going to end in the ER.”
She said, “absolutely not” and explained that she is actually known for trying EVERYTHING before resorting to a C-Section.
Ultimately, I think I feel good about the whole thing. I really do like my doctor and while I wish I could have some hippy midwife deliver our girl, I think this option is a pretty good one. It really seems like my doc will work with us to give us the experience we are hoping for… god-willing of course.
So I guess that’s the gist. And really, the little diversion led us right back to where we were before… although maybe a bit more comfortable with our doc.
Symptoms
I’ve still been hard at work trying to bounce, workout, squat, etc this baby down a bit. Now, don’t get me wrong… I’m not doing any natural induction methods… just trying to help her move into position to improve the chances of a natural birth. Other than that, things are pretty good.
My hands and feet continue to be my biggest issue. My hands get the worst during sleep and when I wake up… it’s crazy. I’ve been trying to sleep with braces on my hands/wrists, which is supposed to help with the pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel, but sometimes that’s just way too uncomfortable. It’s literally to the point where it hurts my hands to hold my toothbrush in the morning. I’m definitely ready to have my old fingers back.
And my feet. Today I’m wearing tennis shoes at work. For those of you who don’t know me, that probably means nothing. For those of you who do know me, you know that I only wear tennies when I’m working out. Or at least that used to be the case. These feet just can’t be smushed anymore. It hurts way too much.
BUT, on the positive, the hands and feet are manageable and besides that and the fact that I’m a little achy and feeling large and in charge, I feel great!
Anyway, my uncle sent some better pics from the wedding weekend… enjoy!
The sister, mom, & I – with a hubs photo bomb!
The sister, mom, & I – with a gramps photo bomb!
The ladies with Grams & Gramps.
Dad with his girls and their men.
Cheers to Grandpa! We miss you.
Puffy eyes & the hubs enjoying the beautiful evening.
Full bod shot. Buddah belly.
Gorg sunset.
The bride and groom with our fam.
The bride and groom with both families.
This weekend was my brother’s wedding and also the weekend my Grandpa passed away. Talk about a weird and confusing string of events. But, remembering all the excitement and pressure of my own wedding, I did everything I could to refocus my energy from mourning to celebrating.
Grandma, Gramps & I at the rehearsal dinner. Grams was doing so well! It was really nice to see… especially since I felt like I had been neglecting the two of them lately with all my focus being on my other gramps.
The family took a shot of scotch in Grandpa’s honor. My cousin Amy did not enjoy it. I enjoyed her disgusted face… and my Sprite 🙂
The bride and her mother.
The bride & groom during their photo sesh. My brother, Mr. Photogenic 🙂
Signing the Ketubah (Jewish marriage license).
The flower arrangement.
Hubs & I… 9 months prego makes it hard to look good.
Close up. He’s SO cute.
Happy Tobes.
Kitty/Puppy time.
All in all, the weekend went very well. My Aunt and Uncle were in town and stayed with us, which is always my favorite. I just love them. And yesterday, we all got together for brunch and my cousin and I were able to hang out.
But now, Tuesday morning, I’m sitting at work as my parents and sister are in Florida at Grandpa’s funeral. To say it’s a little difficult is a bit of an understatement. Because I’m so far along in the pregnancy, I’m unable to fly, which meant I couldn’t attend the funeral. We’re going to have a memorial service this week when my family gets back, but still. It’s hard to find focus through everything. Not to mention, I feel like I spent the whole weekend ignoring reality and I find that it kind of shows its face randomly and without warning.
Anyway, I know Grandpa would be happy to be reunited with my Grams.
Symptoms
Physically, I’ve been feeling pretty good lately. My back has REALLY improved, which is amazing. The biggest issue is my hands and feet… they are swollen sausages. In fact, this weekend, I had to go out and buy a new pair of shoes for the wedding because I couldn’t jam my feet in ANY of my shoes. I had to get a FULL size bigger than I usually wear. Sheesh.
Other than that, I’ve been doing all of my exercises to try and get baby to drop. I’ve worked out, taken a few walks with hubs & pup, done my squats and pelvic tilts, sat and rolled out my hips on the birthing ball… the whole nine yards. I don’t think she’s budged an inch, but regardless, I’m sure it’s all good stuff.
The other thing we tried this weekend – WARNING, this might be too much info for the mommas – was the perineum massage. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been 100% avoiding this. Not that my husband hasn’t been acquainted with my lady parts (hence me being pregnant), but it just seemed like such an awkward activity. In fact, while it was awkward preparing for it, the actual act was not a big deal. We used almond oil, as I’ve read that it helps to prep your parts, and honestly, seemed like it could be beneficial. The whole gist is that he makes the area uncomfortable – almost a burning sensation – by applying pressure on the muscle and I have to use breathing or whatever to relax. And then it continues. We followed the instructions in the book, The Birth Partner. All in all, it can’t hurt, so might as well give it a whirl.
Today was my 36-week appointment, which meant the drawers were dropped and I was assaulted. At this point, my cervix isn’t dilated a bit, but is thinning. Also, our sweet little girl is still very high. Obviously, I’m not over-the-moon about that part. What’s she doing way up there? It’s time to come down and “engage” as they say.
I’ve decided to help her make her way down, I will be adding in a few practices into my daily routine…
1) Walks – Maybe a quick, 30-minute walk will help. I feel like I could pretty easily add this into my morning or evening… or even a mid-day walk over lunch?
2) Sitting/Bouncing/Rocking/Squatting on my exercise/birthing ball. This is supposed to help loosen up the hips/pelvis and permit baby a bit more room to squeeze on down.
3) Squats – I feel like I do a lot of squats… at least on my workout days… but I think it’s time to maybe add in 20 in the am and 20 in the pm, just for good measure.
4) Pelvic Tilts – I do these sometimes… but not regularly and not enough. It’s simple, get on all fours and move the pelvis forward, into neutral, then back.
5) To my momma/momma-in-laws… please skip this one. That thing that got me pregnant in the first place. Supposedly this helps her get into position? Whatever. I won’t question it. I’m always happy to give love making some purpose other than the obvious.
Other than that, I had to get my Strep B test. That wasn’t too pleasant either. A nice swab to the Va-hoo-hoo and the butt. Lovely. I’m hoping and praying this comes back negative. I really do not want to be a) hooked to an IV during labor or b) on antibiotics.
In the weight department, I LOST .6 LBS! Such joy. I should also mention that last appointment, I had gained 5 lbs in 2 weeks. So a .6 lb loss was only fair.
In other news, here are some photos I’ve been hoarding.
This weekend, I went to my little friend Erica’s Wine Bottling Party. How cute is she? Also, why is my face so puffy? I should probably make sure she gains 30 lbs before we take another photo together.
I officially took my rings off (just to be safe) and replaced them with this GAUDY (fake) rock. I’m already regretting buying such a huge ring. It kind of… attracts attention. It’s created quite a few blushing/sweaty moments explaining that it’s fake and my fingers are just a little fat for my real ring.
Thoughts on this diaper bag? I bought it at Nordstrom Rack and think I really like it. Decisions…
Baby/Puppy Baby/Mommy snuggles. Best thing ever.
He’s so cute.
Mom/Dad/Pup hammock snuggles. My favorite activity ever.
My boys.
Silly face.
The hubs setting up shop in the dining room. Toby trying to make work a little less painful.
The boys snoozing.
I’ve started filling the frames for the nursery gallery wall with DIY creations. Thought this one turned out well. Just hearts cut out of scrap book paper.
Almond Butter, All-Natural Berry Fruit Spread & Banana Sandwich… the only thing I want to eat for the rest of my life. MMmmmmm!
35 Weeks (May 23, 2014). Another week has gone by and now there is literally only 5 left… that feels absolutely crazy. Baby is a giant, mommy is a giant… everything is big now. My belly button is working hard to stay an inny, but definitely pokes out… it’s not on outy, but it looks like a volcano.
Symptoms
So, I didn’t post yesterday. I had a crabby day and didn’t feel like sharing my crabby. Pretty much the gist of it is that I had a crappy doctor’s appointment. Everything is good with baby and I, but I was just not happy with my doc. More on that later. For now, a few cute things to set the tone for a great (and long) weekend!
TINY bun bun that was hanging in the front yard. Hi bun bun!
Toby, Baby and I crashing over lunch one of those rough days this week… can’t remember which.
Okay, my back has taken this whole painful and uncomfortable third trimester thing to a whole new level today. Last night I made it to the gym, but ended up taking a tylenol beforehand. I’m guessing that was stupid. I have been so good about not taking medicine, but I was so uncomfortable and really thought a workout would help. Anyway, when I got home, the hubs helped me do 1 minute ice, 1 minute hot on my back for 10 minutes or so. However, when I woke up this morning, I wasn’t feeling any better. And, by the time I got into work, I was seriously uncomfortable. My back pain has gotten to a point where it almost takes my breath away and today, was making me pretty nauseous. I literally sat at work staring blankly trying to figure out what the heck I was going to do. I had my hot and ice packs with me, but nothing was working.
Finally, at around noon, I decided to call it quits and try working from home. Unfortunately, the only position that seems to relieve the pain is of the horizontal nature… not a real powerful working position. Needless to say, I haven’t gotten anything done today, my back still feels terrible, and I’m not sure what to do.
I have an appointment with my chiropractor tomorrow at 5 pm and just got a referral for an acupuncturist. It’s time to get creative. This pain is definitely NOT sustainable for 5.5+ more weeks.
If anyone has other suggestions, please share… I’m struggling.
On Friday morning, I woke up with my right hand much more swollen than my left. I thought it was a little weird, but attributed it to the fact that I woke up on my side, meaning my hands were in different positions, bearing different amounts of pressure.
As the day went on, my back was progressively more achy, to the point where the pain seemed to wrap around to the front / top of my belly. At this point, I started to get a little worried about preeclampsia… not that I actually thought I had it, becuase my BP has been perfectly low, but my symptoms were starting to add up. Then, around 3:30, my vision became very weird. It was almost as if I was getting a migraine, with a line of flashing lights in my left eye. This sent me into a panic.
I was working at my parents’ company that afternoon, so I went in and asked my mom if she had a portable BP machine. She said no, but told me to run over to my general practitioner who is literally 2 minutes away. She said they would take my blood pressure for me, no problem. My brother – who was in town for wedding stuff – offered to take me, and so fighting back tears, I headed to the doc. Of course, my blood pressure was fine. My doctor was nice enough to see me for a few minutes and tell me there was nothing to worry about. She did, however, advise me to tell my doctor about the swelling AND suggested I stop wearing heels. Urgh. I don’t know if I’m ready for that… although, I think my back is.
Anyway, that night, my Milly took me on a birthday date to the Milwaukee Ballet to see Mirror, Mirror, a rendition of Snow White. The show was perfect! Beautiful dancing, compelling story… just a wonderful performance! AND, our seats were great. Couldn’t have asked for a better end to such a weird day.
Saturday was my birthday celebration day with the hubs! But, before we got started, I met my mom and sis for manis. I decided to go outside my comfort zone for something a little crazy…
A HOT PINK kinda day…
When I got home, the hubs and I jumped in the car to head to the first stop on our birthday celebration… Wellspring. Wellspring is the farm where we will get our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares. The farm was hosting tours and gardening classes, so Marky and I had a visit.
Gardening Class… Let me tell you, we were out of our league. These people were talking about food forests… Mark and I were looking for simple planting bed instructions. Regardless, it was interesting and enjoyable!
Checking out the seedlings and plant grafts.
Silly rooster rolling in the dirt.
Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE roosters? Such weird and beautiful little creatures.
His name is Frank. Or at least it should be…
Tomato plants and other delicious things!
Our source for produce this summer! I think that’s lettuce coming up! We get our first share in 2 weeks!
After the farm, we went back to the house for a little rest. Thankfully my hubs recognizes that although I’d like to be on the go-go-go, my body can’t really handle that these days. So, we took a nap, loved on the puppy, and got ready for the next stop… PRENATAL MASSAGE!
This was like music to my ears. My back has been excruciating. I can’t even explain the pain, but it’s sharp and it’s constant and it creates this reaction in my body that leaves me constantly feeling like I’m fighting back tears. Anyway, I went to Massage Envy for a prenatal massage and let this guy literally abuse my back. There were moments where I was practicing my labor techniques for pain because the dude was pushing so hard on my back. But, no pain, no gain, right? I figured, attack the back and I’ll feel better later. Now, it wasn’t all painful, it was pretty enjoyable and I left feeling really good. I also felt justified in my complaining because Brian the massage man said my back was horrific.
Anyway, after dinner, my guy took me to a delicious and very nice dinner. We had soft-shelled crab, which was shockingly delicious, and fish and just yum. Then, we went to Baskin Robbins for dessert… After way too many samples, I decided on Cookies & Cream… the flavor I ALWAYS get.
Then Sunday, we had brunch with my sweet friend Marci and her hubs, Jesse. It was really fun to catch up and chitter chatter with them. Once we parted ways, Marky and I ran a few errands and went back to the house to do some chores. For me, that meant excessive amounts of laundry and folding. By the end of the night, we decided that I overdid it. My back was killing me. AND, due to my very hard-pressure massage, it hurts to the touch, so I’m not really able to receive more massages until it’s less sore. Oy. Third trimester problems for sure.
All-in-all, it was a REALLY great weekend. Too bad it’s Monday.
Symptoms
All I can think about is my back. It’s killing me. I’m starting to wonder how the heck I’m going to survive the next 5.5 weeks if this continues at this rate. I’m planning to go to the gym tonight in hopes that it will help stretch out my muscles and offer a little relief. We’ll see. If not, I’ll just continue icing/heating my back.
Toby keeping me company as I heated my back. He always climbs all over the baby…
34 Weeks (May 16, 2014). Well, it’s somehow been 8.5 months already, which just seems like SO long. This week I feel like my belly has really “popped” so to speak. I feel giant-sized. It’s getting difficult to put shoes and socks on, my back is aching like crazy and I just feel VERY pregnant. With that said, I also feel like we’re in the home stretch now. Only 6 more weeks… and 2 more weeks until I’m 9 months pregnant. It’s just crazy. According to my phone app, she is weighing in at around 5 lbs (no wonder my back hurts) and measuring at nearly 18 inches. So crazy…
Symptoms
Besides it being hard to put my socks and shoes on and my back feeling pretty terrible, I’ve also been noticing some swelling (mostly in the morning or late at night) in my hands and feet… sometimes face, too. My wrists are also really sore, too. I read something on Babycenter I believe that said this was normal and to try to stop to do wrist and hand stretches throughout the day. Also, my doula advised eating lots of protein and drinking TONS of water. She said to factor how much water you need to drink, you take your weight, divide by 2 and that’s how many ounces you should drink. For example, let’s say that I weighed 130 lbs, then I should be drinking 65 oz of water per day. This includes water that goes into your tea/coffee/etc. I’m REALLY going to try to drink more. I can feel that I’m not getting enough water. It’s just such a pain. If I’m actually drinking enough water, I have to pee every 30-45 minutes instead of the normal 1-1.5 hours.
Wow. That was a very whiny post, huh? I’ve been feeling a little off this week. I have spurts of chipperness, but as a whole, I feel pretty worn out. I could really go for a mental health day to just sleep all day. In theory, I should do this on the weekend, but our weekends are SO packed with activity and events. Not that I don’t love that… again, I just feel a little drained mentally and physically.
To end on a more positive note, I am a very lucky gal. Our baby is growing like a little champ and my husband is amazing. Every night, after he reads our girl her bedtime story, he’s been reading The Birth Partner. He really is the best birth (and life) partner I could ever ask for.
Playing House 