Almost there

No baby yet. 

We had the sonogram this morning but didn't get official results in time for my checkup. BUT - the baby looked good and wasn't off the charts big so we're assuming things are fine unless we hear otherwise. Dr. A wanted to check fluid levels etc... and was going to call if anything was concerning. The tech was wonderful and it was nice to see the babe.

We got some City Bites between the appts. =) Yum.

My blood pressure was on the high side again but not nearly as high as last week (thank goodness). Still, it was high enough to warrant another blood draw and a 24-hour urine collection (yippee). Because my bp has been high and unstable, she will induce next week if the baby isn't here yet. I'm pretty anti-induction but I know that bp isn't something to mess with and I'd be past 40 weeks anyway so that makes me feel a little better about it. She's supposed to call with my lab results and the induction date tomorrow. I also drop my pee jug off up there tomorrow afternoon. We'll see how it goes! I was 3-4 cm dilated this time so I am definitely progressing. Dilating is all that's left - everything else is exactly where it needs to be for baby go-time. =)

Midweek Randoms

• After my appt. Wednesday, I just sort of took it easy.

• Thursday, of course, was Thanksgiving! We started out the day lazying around and watching a bit of the parade. We did lunch at my Grandparents'. Delicious as usual! =)

• Later that afternoon we went to Dac's parents' house for a very tasty round two! Needless to say, I overdid it and ate too dang much. Oy! I just couldn't help myself. Aside from the belly ache, the day was great and we enjoyed lots of visiting.

• Dac did yard work Friday while I continued to be lazy... that afternoon my parents came over and my mom decorated for Christmas. I almost decided to forego it altogether this year but I'm really glad she talked me into it and of course that she did the work. =)

•  Ol' Peety boy celebrated his 6th birthday! He's been with us over 5 years now. Even with his OCD tendencies, I sure do love this guy. =) He's such a great buddy and I'm so glad he adopted us. 

• Saturday was more lazy and we started watching Touch on Netflix. I also started watching Revenge. #ateupwiththenetflix

• I kept up with the Bedlam game too. Unfortunately, OSU lost. BUT in overtime during a game that OU never led until the very end. Sad panda. 

• Sunday wasn't nearly as lazy. I actually did some housework, Dac did more yard work here and at his parents'. Kayla picked me up for an ice cream date so I actually stepped foot out of the house for a bit.

• Monday was my first official day of maternity leave. Given the whole blood pressure thing and the fact that I can't stand for more than a couple minutes at a time, I think it was time. haha! I still showered and fixed my hair (winning) and did the dishes so I wasn't a total bum. I also watched lots of Revenge - I'm caught up now. I also like to take a stroll around the house a few times a day. My route typically goes like this: get up from the recliner, fold the blanket I was covered up with and will no doubt cover right back up with, throw any trash away and put any dishes in the dishwasher, pick up anything that's sitting out, go to the bathroom, pick up cinnamon spray and walk to the front of the house, look at Christmas tree, look outside, walk the remainder of the house spraying the cinnamon spray and then return it to the bathroom. Next, I fill up my water bottle, sit back down, and resume Netflix. =) Hey, it helps me feel accomplished.

• That evening Dac's dad came over to help with some house stuff and Cori brought us supper! =) Hot dogs, cheetos, and s'mores! Perfect!

• Yesterday was much more eventful. After getting a little more sleep Monday night,(THANK YOU LORD) I woke up, went to my chiropractor appt., got gas and an oil change (and a sonic drink), did a couple loads of laundry, actually put some of those lothes up, did dishes, ran the dishwasher, put drawer liner in the baby's dresser, got a few diapers ready to go in the top drawer, and even washed (in the most piping hot water ever #sensitivepaws) a couple varieties of 4 oz bottles and pacifiers. Maybe it was my last little burst of energy everyone talks about?? 

• As far the baby's concerned... there's still lots of contractions and more false labor. They've been sporadic throughout the day and pretty constant/consistent starting in the evenings. I also think the baby might be even lower now. Ay yi yi. 

• We'll know more later today. I have a sonogram late this morning and my normal check-up after lunch. My prayer for the day is that the baby has plenty of fluid, is still healthy and growing, oh and that my BP is back to normal. =) I'll be sure to report back!

Monday Morning Pop Tart

Week 39 - It’s been a busy week and yet, we had lots of rest time too. I got my toes did and enjoyed the massage that came along with that. I also got my hair cut... makes me just that much closer to ready. =) Everybody is SO excitedly waiting for your arrival. Heck, we are too! You managed to stay in this long and we’re thankful. We had a great Thanksgiving and have been enjoying some much appreciated downtime since. Looking forward to meeting you... soon!!

Highlights

How Far Along: 39 weeks

Size of baby: Watermelon

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  I forgot to ask the total but I do know I didn't gain this week!

Maternity Clothes: Clothes shmothes. I think I'll just forget them for now. 

Gender: We'll find out soon! =)

Movement: Yes.

Sleep: Ha! My nightly routine still includes a Benadryl and I sleep sitting up in the recliner with a big pillow behind my back. It's the only way. This is also how I'm spending my evenings (and, ok, since I've been off work... my days too...)

Symptoms: Contractions, cramps, stabbing pains, headache, cough, cough, cough.

What I miss: 

Cravings: WATER.

Best Moment this week: Thanksgiving

What I am looking forward to: Baby day!

Doctor Date

This was more of a blind date with a doctor I've never met before. My doctor is gone this whole week for Thanksgiving so I saw another doctor in the practice. She was very nice at least. =) 

I didn't gain any weight this week... holla! =)

On a not-so-good note, my blood pressure was high. =( I'm pretty sure this is the first time it's ever been high in my life - total surprise. My bp always tends to run on the low side if anything. During pregnancy it's ran around 115/60. Today it was 150-something over 100. Yikes. I hadn't even been doing anything this morning. I've had a headache the past few days and I had a quick vision issue yesterday but I thought those were due to coughing attacks. Who knows. They had me lay on my side for quite a while then checked it again... still high... so they sent me to have blood work done. She was hoping it would give them a better idea of what might be causing it. Unfortunately it's a long weekend and I haven't heard from anyone yet. Sigh. I guess I'll just take it easy this weekend and try to check my bp every now and then. 

As for the baby, the heart rate was 147. I'm dilated to 2.5 cm this week, still 90% effaced, and baby is still at zero station (ie: super-stinkin'-low). We're just hanging in there! =) 

Enjoy the heck out of Thanksgiving!! We will and we certainly have tons to be thankful for!

Midweek Randoms

• Oh me oh my - days are starting to run together. 

• Let's see... you know I had my doctor's appt. After that, Dac and I made a quick trip to Target and ate soup and sandwiches at Panera. That night he and I watched Criminal Minds and that was that!

• Thursday was the work dinner and shower! That night, my grandma came over to measure some curtains for me and my mom and Dad came to help with some other chores. I'm so thankful for the help we've been receiving. I cooked for what I'm sure will be the last time pre-baby. =) Made mini meatloaves, mac-n-cheese, and had leftover rolls from the work dinner. I had also made pumpkin muffins the night before so we had those for dessert.

• I was apparently up and around too much that night because I started feeling absolutely miserable later and was still struggling a bit the next day. =( Lesson learned. 

• Friday, I worked then went home and I don't think I did much else. I guess I finished up some thank you cards... just a few more to do (we've seriously been so spoiled!) and caught up on a couple shows I missed during the week. Here's my "sit-on-my-buns-all-night" station.

• Saturday, I started watching Glades on Netflix. My aunt had started hemming my curtains so my grandma came by to iron them for me! Dac started feeling pretty sick later in the day and was running an over 100 fever. =( So we both had a bit of a lazy evening.

• Sunday, my aunt and grandma both came over with complete curtains!! They are officially all hung up. =) This wasn't just one room either... practically the whole dang house. It makes such a difference!! Thankful thankful thankful! 

• I went with Val, Cori, and Charli to Wichita. We ate lunch at BJ's, paid a visit to the Fresh Market (in love), picked up some baked goods, got our toes did (mine are bright orange), made a quick trip by Target and the Quik Trips, then headed home. That was enough for me. =) It was fun and I'm so glad I got to get out and do that! I pretty much sat on my buns the rest of the night watching more Glades while Dac worked on the baby's dresser, photos, and picking up some stuff. He was such a worker bee even though I know he still didn't feel the best.

• Monday, I took the plunge and told work I wouldn't be back next week - baby or not. We have Wednesday - Friday off this week for Thanksgiving (having that many off is new this year). I just think it's time. I was struggling to be at work and this way hopefully I can get a little more rest in before baby day.

• That night I threw together some spaghetti with some leftover sauce and worked on a little Christmas craft. =) I'm not done yet - but I think they're turning out cute.

• Yesterday I had a chiropractor appt. and a hair appt. And a date with the TV.

• I have a dr's appt. this morning and we have two Thanksgivings tomorrow! 

Monday Morning Pop Tart

Week 38 - You’re still in my belly and seem to be doing great! You are just moving right along and apparently have a good-sized noggin. =) Brain power baby! There’s a little concern about you being on the big side but we’re certainly not too worried about it at this point. Every day I wonder if this will be the day I meet you. We’re getting so close now. You’re sleeping more throughout the day now - or are at least too cramped to move as often. If I haven’t felt you in a while, your dad will get real close and talk to try and wake you up. Sorry about that. =) I’m sure you’ll pay him back in the middle of the night once you’re here! Hang tight Pop Tart, we’ve just about got this!

Highlights

How Far Along: 38 weeks

Size of baby: Pumpkin/Watermelon (this explains so much...)

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  I forgot to ask again. Just know that it's a lot... still.

Maternity Clothes: I still live only in my maternity yoga pants and a couple shirts I wash constantly.

Gender: We'll find out soon! =)

Movement: Yes.

Sleep: My nightly routine includes now includes a Benadryl and I sleep sitting up in the recliner with a big pillow behind my back. 

Symptoms: Contractions, cramps, mega back pain, heartburn, some nausea... Perks = hair not shedding! I'm gonna miss that.

What I miss: Being able to get up and do things. I'm dying to tackle some projects and just can't do it. When I try, I pay for it big time.

Cravings: WATER.

Best Moment this week: Lots of sweet messages from family and friends, learning my cousin Courtney is going to be able to fly in after Christmas, and a surprise shower at work!

What I am looking forward to: Thanksgiving and meeting the babe.

Worksgivingshower

Our office always does a pot luck around Thanksgiving... then we do a huge open house for Christmas. Everyone's pretty good cooks too so it's pretty tasty.

I ate my weight in goodies.

During the lunch, they surprised me with a baby shower. =) Those sneaky girls. We got lots of great stuff.

My cousin Carina made this cake for it. Divine. It was a pumpkin walnut cake with caramel cream frosting.

And here I am. Still jumbo size. =)

I'm thankful to work with people who care. They're all SO giddy and excited about the baby, it's hilarious. =)

Doctor Date

I had my weekly checkup today. Everything was really good. My BP was around 118/60 and baby's heart rate was 140. 

I'm still dilated to 2cm, still almost completely effaced, and baby's at zero station (was -2 last time) so definitely progress being made in that department. 

So what does this all mean? Nothing really! She still thinks I could deliver any day but there's still a decent chance I'll hang on until later in the month. She is gone from Saturday-Saturday so I'm kind of hoping to avoid next week altogether but Pop Tart will come when he/she dang well pleases I suppose. =) 

Also, she's pretty sure we got big headed baby. haha. We think he/she gets that from Dac. =) We have a sonogram scheduled the week after Thanksgiving (two days before I'm due anyway) to double check baby's size. Hopefully not tooooooo awful big. 

In other news I'm feeling better than I was this weekend. Total score. 

Midweek Randoms

• As you know, I had a Dr's appt last Wednesday. Afterwards, Dac and I stopped at Target to pick up a few essentials. Apparently I had a nesting moment and thought we needed to buy them out of paper towels... ha! Kayla and Heather came over afterwards to hang out and watch Criminal Minds. That was fun!

• Thursday was Wii Night which was followed by an all-nighter and a trip to L&D - which you've likely already read about.

• SO - Friday we took off work and stayed home. We both slept for about 3-4 hours then Dac worked on photos while I lazed around in the chair. I was just so dang tired and it hurt to be up and around.

• My Grandma paid me a surprise visit that afternoon. She even brought me a little something special. When I would stay the night with her I would get a bowl of yummy peach ice cream (just like Grandpa) of maybe even pie a la mode, I'd curl up in the chair with her and she'd always read The Sleepy Puppy to me. I had it memorized. Then, she'd make me a bed on the comfiest couch to have ever existed. I loved staying with them. ANYWAY, she brought me The Sleepy Puppy book along with a sweet note. =) It will have a special place in the nursery and I can't wait to read it to our baby. While we're on the topic - I was pretty dang blessed to have awesome grandparents and have great memories with each of them. I know Pop Tart will too. =)

• That night, Austin came over and he and Dac picked up KFC for us to eat. Austin's funny b/c he is kind of protective of me and the baby. =) We also got our pack-n-play in the mail that day so they got that set up. It's currently hanging out in the family room. 

• I slept pretty good that night - probably still exhausted from the night before - and woke up feeling pretty good. I thought, what the heck, I'll go to the Wal-Marts. BAAAAAAAD mistake. It kicked my hiney and I don't think I can do it again until the baby's here. I hurt so bad after that and for the rest of the day. I could barely do anything. I just sat in the chair watching the latest season of Psych on Netflix and even took a little nap. Kayla did pick me up for a little ice cream date - so that was nice! Then, that night, I started throwing up and was in some awful pain. Thankfully, it pretty well went away by morning. 

• We supported our Pokes that day too - oh - and did I mention I went 12-0 on my football picks last week?!?! THAT'S RIGHT, THAAAAT'S RIGHT!!! =D

• Sunday was kind of a repeat. I was still hurting pretty bad - only a little differently - and couldn't do much of anything. It was COLD too. We went to Dac's parents house for a quick yummy lunch, then came home and Dac worked on photos while I sat and did nothing... again.

• I was STILL hurting pretty bad Monday too and it was a long work day. Not cool. I made it though. =)

• Yesterday, I finally starting feeling a little more normal. I still couldn't be up a whole lot but otherwise I felt ok. I ran with Kayla to meet her newest niece and nephew. Amanda had Ahri last week and Mindi had Eli Monday. 

• Today I go to the chiropractor and to my weekly checkup w/ Dr. A. Here's hoping it goes well! 

Maternity Pictures

We are officially on the countdown to Pop Tart. I think the people around us are counting down even more than we are. Since I know they're all anxiously waiting the arrival - I've been trying to post more frequent updates to tide them over. =) 

SO - today, I'll share more maternity pictures!! Our sweet photographer friend Laura of Elephant Juice Photography took them and we are tickled pink (or blue) with them!! =) We had a great time with Laura, as usual, and treated it like a little date complete with Braum's afterwards. I can't wait to get a canvas in the baby's room. Now I just have to decide which one!

Didn't she do a great job!? So I go back for the weekly checkup tomorrow... update to follow.

Monday Morning Pop Tart

Week 37 - Um... this is kind of a big deal. We technically made it to “full term”. =) Well done Pop Tart! Of course, we know I’m all for keeping you in there as long as you need but it’s nice to know that if you made your debut now, you’d probably be just fine and dandy cotton candy. There’s not much to talk about this week... just been sick mostly and trying to make progress around the house and finish up photography projects so you can have our undivided attention. Oh - that and our fun little trial run to labor and delivery. Wasn’t quite your time. =) Your dad and I can hardly believe you’ll be here soon and that regardless of when you get here, it’ll be before Christmas. We will have a baby (that’s you) at Christmas!! Unbelievable.

Highlights

How Far Along: 37 weeks

Size of baby: Winter Melon

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  + 47

Maternity Clothes: Unfortunately, not much fits anymore. A couple of my favorite full-coverage tees have stains all over the belly I can't seem to get out. Sad day friends, sad day. 

Gender: Boy or Girl.

Movement: Yes. Becoming more and more painful too. 

Sleep: Not really happening.

Symptoms: More contractions, heartburn, digestive issues in general, uncomfortable skin, pressure and major pelvis pain. AND this cold/whatever the heck it is I can't shake.

What I miss: Having "control" over my schedule. It's hard for me not to know when this baby is coming. I love that I don't know - I mean, that's half the fun and I certainly prefer the not knowing to a scheduled induction or c-section. BUT - I also like to plan and know that I have time to wear those pants and get them washed again before they need to go to the hospital... and that I'll be able to deliver that photo CD tomorrow... and that I'll start maternity leave on THIS day... you know, just the little things like that. I'm becoming more and more OK with the unknown though. 

Cravings: WATER and ice cream still.

Best Moment this week: Massage! 

What I am looking forward to: Finishing up projects and hopefully spending some one-on-one time with Dac before we have to share.

Ready... Set... NOT YET

Before we get started, I'd just like to say that business casual has taken on a whole new identity. I promise to be professional again when I return from maternity leave!

So yesterday was Wii Night. It was fun/needed to hang out and I'm so glad we have these friends. After a tasty tasty meal of pork burgers, homemade fries, and Cheetos =) I started having some contractions. Some were even painful. I just assumed they'd let up soon BUT they didn't.

I drank tons of water, did a load of laundry, picked up a little bit, finished packing the final necessities in the hospital bag, and decided a bath may help do the trick (plus, I wanted to shave my legs, you know, just in case). The bath didn't help either so I decided I'd better start paying more attention. I started timing the contractions and they were averaging 10-11 minutes apart. Not a big deal right? That's nothing! Thing is - they continued on like that for around 2.5 hours... sometimes getting closer together. While sleeping was certainly out of the question, it was hardly a cause for a hospital trip. Except that I was having was I thought could be fluid leakage. I wasn't super convinced, but it continued for a couple hours and I started to second guess myself. Why do I do that? 

Dac woke up and suggested I call the on-call nurse. I did and she asked me a few  questions before telling me to head to the hospital just to play it safe. I should learn to be more of a risk taker, but I digress. 

Dac hopped in the shower real quick, we loaded the car, and were on our way at around 3:30 a.m. We got all checked in, they did a check (2cm), tested for fluid (negative), monitored the babe and me, and then checked again just to rule out labor (even though the contractions had completely stopped by this point so it was pretty obvious) and I was sent home... but not before the "walk of shame" out of the hospital. =| ha! 

Apparently I fell asleep for a second. Yikes. I was incredibly uncomfortable in that bed - which is probably why I'm making that awful face.

When we got to the hospital initially, Dac said "Hey, if you're in labor, we'll have a baby soon, and if not, we can go on a breakfast date! Win-win" Well when we left, we were both so darn exhausted, we just went through McD's drive-thru, came home, and crashed for a few hours. 

Since then, Dac's been working on photos (and waiting on me) and I've been... a total bum. Don't judge. I watched last night's Grey's Anatomy online, have been writing this blog post, and I had a special visitor... my Grandma stopped by with a very special gift. More on that later. Here's hoping for a much less exciting night. =)

Weekly Check-Up

I had my weekly appt. yesterday. Both baby and I are still normal (relative... I know...) and healthy! =)

Looks like Pop Tart may make his/her world debut a little earlier than originally expected too.  Of course, nothing's for sure and babies have been known to hang on longer than expected but there is great progress being made and baby's down in position. Hopefully that means a nice simple labor and delivery whenever the time comes!

Midweek Randoms

• You already know that Dac and I took a quick trip to "almost" Wichita last Wednesday. We partook in some cheap Halloween food, then came back and helped hand out candy at his parents' new house for a little bit. When we got home we watched Criminal Minds and then I'm pretty sure I just fell asleep in the recliner.

• Thursday, we went to Wichita again and this time actually saw the doctor! =) Success. We ran to Hobby Lobby afterwards and ate at City Bites. While at Hobby Lobby I got some wool yarn to make these dryer balls. Haven't tried them out yet but hopefully they work well!

• Peety had a spa day at the vet. Bath and pedicure. AND a handsome bow tie! =) He still doesn't smell the best, but he sure is soft!

• We finally finished 24. I wasn't in love with how it ended but I'm not sure what I expected really either. Still, loved the series and kinda sad it's over. It's best that it's done though and we can go back to being more productive citizens.

• Friday, I was feeling pretty miserable. Couldn't really even tell you what I did. Oh wait - I went to the doctor. They couldn't really give me anything aside from a nose spray... which I ended up having some leftover at home. Then I took a little nap after work.

• Saturday, I went in for my prenatal massage. It was amazing. It hurt a little and I couldn't breathe to my liking but oh my, it was heavenly. I left feeling so much more human. She worked a ton on my hips and pelvis which was the really sore part - but it was wonderful. After that I went to the store. Yep - even felt good enough to brave the Wal-Marts. The massage was THAT good.

• I had huge plans to clean and get the house ready over the weekend but I just didn't feel up to doing much. I spent much of that day in the recliner while Dac worked on pictures. Oooh - I did make stew though. Success!! Had a big container leftover to freeze.

• Sunday, I made potato soup - and same thing - had a big container leftover to freeze. I also make some twice baked potatoes for the freezer. That wore me out. Then, my parents came down. My dad sanded the baby's dresser to get it ready to paint and re-finish (yeah, STILL haven't done that yet) and my mom cleaned my kitchen cabinets, helped sweep some floors, and do some other cleaning for me! There's still a lot to be done but that was an incredible help!

• Have I mentioned I lost my wedding ring? Yep... I thought it was gone for good. I had been taking it off halfway through the day for a long time - due to the swelling. I should have just put it in a safe place when I had to start doing that but I didn't. Anyway, it was lost for several weeks. Finally, Dac found it!!!! I was so thankful and relieved. I was afraid we'd never find it! =) All is well now and it's in safe keeping until it fits again!

• Monday, I stayed home sick from work. This cold has really been kicking my hiney. I figured surely by afternoon I'd be feeling a tad better and could maybe even get a chore or two done. Um... NO. I stayed in the recliner all day... watched a couple random Netflix movies in the morning then took a siesta in the afternoon... then fell asleep early... then didn't sleep all night. =(

• Yesterday was election day. I'm glad it's over. People can be so rude to each other - and belittling. Just because someone doesn't think like you, doesn't mean they're a moron, a bad person, or even uneducated. Enough of the party line bologna. I personally wasn't impressed with either of the major contenders... just like last election, I found myself more in line with a third party candidate. It is what it is I guess. So am I happy with the election outcome today? No. Do I think we're going to Hell in a handbasket and life is over? Also no. My God is bigger than that. I also have plenty of super conservative friends and plenty of pretty dang liberal friends too and I just so happen to love and respect them all! I really don't even feel the need to argue with any of them most the time. It's doable. =) So there's my two cents. 

• I helped with our district's KIDS VOTE program and once again the students accurately predicted (by the way they voted) the national outcome. They have done so for many elections in the past. Kind of cool.

• I did some house cleaning last night... getting closer and closer to having a semi-clean and safe home to bring a baby home to. I am a little type A when it comes to cleaning and the order of my house. There... admitted. I don't like a lot of "stuff" taking up space. Our decor is very minimal (partly because I can't commit and partly because it would be minimal even if I could! ha!) and I like things to be put away and clean. Anyway, I haven't had the energy to stay up on things like I'd like. Plus, our home is still a bit of a construction zone so it's hard to have things in their place anyway. I keep trying to remind myself that babies are born in some pretty sub-par places every day... they are born with nothing... my baby is going to be just fine. Deep down I know this to be true. It's me I worry about. haha!

• After I exhausted myself and started having some contractions - we decided to take a ride for some ice cream. We ate it, dropping some in our laps with every dip in the road, while we drove around chatting. It was a good time. The contractions eased up and I was actually able to get some sleep!

• Dr. day again today. Hoping for yet another great report! How blessed am I to have had such a healthy pregnancy? Wow. Beyond grateful. 

Monday Morning Pop Tart

Week 36 - Whoa baby! We’re in the FINAL month. I can hardly believe it!! This week we spent time with great friends, attended our final birth class, photographed a couple final sessions, and had our first weekly appointment with Dr. A. We’re both doing good - minus this cold/sinus stuff I’m fighting again. Hope the coughing and nose blowing isn’t too annoying for you. =) Your dad has really enjoyed interacting with you. He shines a flashlight at you - which we’re pretty sure you do NOT enjoy - to see you move and he talks to you. You’ve already brought a whole lot of happy to our lives. =)

(Please forgive my lack of picture. I've been sick with this nasty cold for several days so it just didn't happen this weekend. I stayed home from work today and by the time Dac got home to take it, it was too dark. Sigh. Trust me, I'm still growing.)

Highlights

How Far Along: 36 weeks

Size of baby: Honeydew

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  + 47

Maternity Clothes: I broke down and bought another pair of maternity yoga pants. They're not in yet but I'm sick of doing laundry every day so it had to be done. =)

Gender: Still team green. What's your best guess?

Movement: Yes.

Sleep: Not really happening.

Symptoms: Belly aches, swelling (although that has been improving again!), heartburn, pain, sinus junk. Also, I can no longer really sit like a lady AND I waddle. No denying it. =) Pretty sure the baby has dropped.

What I miss: Still having "plenty of time" to get things done before the baby comes and honestly, this week, I've started to miss the sleep.

Cravings: WATER and ice cream still.

Best Moment this week: Seeing lots of friends and getting a good report from the doctor.

What I am looking forward to: Weekly appointment (it's kind of a pain but it's also nice to have constant updates without the month-long wait) and making some serious progress in the nesting department.

36

I am 36 weeks today. That means in approximately 1 month we will have a baby here! Whoa.

So my Dr's appt. went pretty well yesterday. My BP was still good and the baby's heart rate was 146. I got a my whooping cough vaccine and the Group B Strep test. Since I go back next week, I'll get those results then. 

Otherwise, I'm exactly where I need to be. Not dilated and 50% effaced. Baby is head down, real low, and appears to be doing just fine!

Try Again

Dac and I took off early today to head to my doctor's appt. We go about 45 minutes before getting the message that Dr. A had to go deliver a baby and we'd need to reschedule. =|

Doesn't she know I shaved my legs for this? =) 

Anyway, we turned right around and came home and will try again tomorrow afternoon. I'm interested to see what she'll say. Several people today say it looks like the baby's dropped. It does feel a bit different in there but not quite the difference I was expecting, so who knows. 

Here's a quick crappy screen shot from Sunday:

And one from today:

In other news, I ate 50 cent corn dogs for lunch and a 50 cent cheeseburger for supper. So yay Halloween. AND I ate a TON of candy. =) Milk Duds even!

Midweek Randoms

• The two McCrazy weeks are over!! AND - I survived! =) Oh - and Happy Halloween!!

• PS - Why is it that I always seem to get either too much water in my oatmeal or not enough? Frustrating. As I write this, I'm eating a combo bowl of regular oatmeal and blueberry oatmeal. It's real dry. I'm having a glass of Fresca on the side. It had been years and years since I'd had any Fresca until just a couple weeks ago. I don't hate it. It reminds me that my old babysitters used to have "lemon-lime" soda all the time. Fresca is not lemon-lime soda per se but it just reminds me of that. PLUS - this is a randoms post so it's totally acceptable to get side tracked. =)

• I mentioned in the Pop Tart post that I had some extra swelling creep in this week. Wednesday night I was doing some housework - nothing major, just the usual suspects, when my feet started to swell real bad. I cut my work off early and hit the chair for some Criminal Minds time.

• When I woke up at 3:30 Thursday morning to get ready to go to the conference... the swelling was still there... and again, it was more than usual. I went anyway - choosing sandals in the cold, rainy weather because that's all I could get on. As the morning went on, things continued to get worse and in a hurry. I had to slip my shoes off, my legs became painfully swollen (this was new) and I could feel it creeping up my arms and my face. I knew pre-eclampsia could come on in a hurry so I figured it was worth a call to my OB's office. You know that from there - I was sent to L&D. 

• When I finally got home, Val came and picked us up to grab some food downtown. I was STARVED since I hadn't ate in well over 7 hours and that doesn't cut it for me on a  non-pregnant day. I didn't have to do a ton of walking but the little bit I did do, about did me in. Ha! I wasn't super impressed with my food choices either, so that was kind of sad. Thankfully, I talked her into taking me to Braum's for an ice cream cone afterwards. =) Best SIL ever.

• Friday was another conference day. It was pretty interesting and it's always nice to be with people who understand and do what I do. 

• That night was the big Class of 2002 10-year reunion. We went, I caught up with a few friends I haven't seen in years, ate some BBQ and cake, drank a Dr. Pepper. It was fun. It would have been more fun had I felt better and could have hit the dance floor - but hey - could have been SO much worse.

• Here's me all ready to go... and you'll notice my hot kicks for the night... sad.

• When we left, we swung by Kayla's so I could pick up my new 31 Bag purchases. I got a new cross-body purse and an organizing tote I plan to use as kind of a diaper caddy around the house and maybe eventually a daycare bag, etc... I'm loving the purse already.

• Saturday, was day two (and final day) of childbirth bootcamp. It really was kind of fun. We're both glad we chose to take the classes. Like I mentioned before, the other couples were all really nice and the teacher was good. She even brought us cookies... bonus!! This week we did more breathing/position practicing, a LITTLE more massage practice, talked about all the meds, interventions, things that go wrong, C-sections, postpartum, and toured the hospital. We also ate lunch at Jimmie Johns again just b/c it sounded good. =)

• After class, we hurried back for a night of soup, cookies, and fun time with Matt, Kelly, John, and Anna over at Matt's parents' house. They are always so gracious to host us. We chatted for quite a while, I got to open some fun baby gifts, and we played Settlers of Catan like only real nerds can. haha.

• At that point, it had been a good 2-3 days since I was really able to be off my feet and have them propped up so things were looking a little sad in the feet and legs department. =( Hurting too!

• Sunday morning we went to church to see the twins get baptized! =) They looked so sweet in their fancy dresses and even Charli coordinated - looking like a rockstar as usual. =) 

• After church we said goodbye to Matt and Kelly then did a family session for John, Anna, and miss Ruby. Oh my, she sure has grown!! Loved seeing her be even more of a big girl this time. A couple outfit changes later - the session was done - and we went to Braum's for lunch (and a treat).

• I was so dang worn out that I went home a took a nap. Spent pretty much the entire rest of the afternoon/evening in my chair, feet up, watching TV. Productive I was not but I think I was doing exactly what I needed to be doing.

• I actually did some grocery shopping Monday! Holla!

• I also had an impromptu date with the chiropractor (and just to clarify, by date, I mean appt.) My pelvis feels like a wishbone being snapped in two so we are seeing a lot more of each other these days.

• Last night, we shot a family session for fellow photog friend Jennifer up in Wichita. 

• I had another 9-3 week for my football picks! YEAH! I'm still not moving up in the ranks, but maybe there's still hope! =)

• I can still (barely) paint my toe nails. I painted them dark grey Monday night and they actually looked alright. I'm done with that though - it hurt like heck and was like a total-body cardiovascular workout. Next time they will be done by a professional following a nice foot rub. Period.

• I kinda love these two boys. Just a little morning love pug time. When have back rolls ever looked this good? =)

• Lopsided, contracted belly... I'm thinking baby butt there on the left??

• Dr. appt today! Should be good times. Fully expecting a good report. I, of course, will be back with an update for those of you who are wanting to stay in the loop.