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.

Baby Shower

So back on September 22, I had the cutest, most perfect baby shower! It was perfection and I couldn't be more thankful for the special event and more importantly, for the extra special friends that hosted.

Here's a shot of their dorky, not-nearly-enough hostess gifts. 

The theme was "Things that Pop" - so fun.

Centerpieces

A few of the diaper cakes entered in the competition...

Snackages

I thought this one was particularly funny...

Mini Pop Tarts for my Pop Tart.

My personal fav... =)

Favors

Opening the LOADS of gifts. We were seriously SO spoiled it's almost unreal. We could not be more thankful for the love and support everyone has shown us. Would you look at all that stuff?!?

I found this little gem on the camera when I got home. =) Natalie and Amber keepin' it classy.

I had a couple pretty cute helpers! =)

We got so many great books with sweet notes in them. The little one already has a fantastic library.

Me with all the diaper cakes. Everyone went way above and beyond!

The hostesses and some of the best friends a girl could ask for. Heather, Kayla, Cori, and Valerie.

My mom and I =)

Grandmas!

Great Grandma Jo (Dac's grandma) and Great Grandma Millie (mine). Wish we could have seen more out of town family too but of course, understand why we couldn't.

My mom, Grandma, and Aunt Debbie!

Lifelong friends from my days at OSU. Beth, Julie, Natalie, and Amber! Love these girls.

Missing Erika and Jana - but here's the rest of the high school (and before) gang: Heather, Tabitha (who just had her sweet girl!), and Kayla (and Felicity of course!) =)

My Goddaughter Journey. =) Cute, no? And check out my nails. That's right. They're painted. I almost NEVER have painted fingernails... toes? Always. Fingernails - not so much. Also notice that wedding ring? Yeah - no longer able to wear that. =|

My Charli girl! =) Apparently I could still squat down then! ha!

It was SUCH a fun day seeing everybody and celebrating who's sure to be a cool kid! =) If I do say so myself. So thanks to everyone again for making it perfect... now I just need to finish up those last few thank you notes! =)

Monday Morning Pop Tart

Update - You may remember I've had some swelling (even bad swelling at times) for the majority of this pregnancy. I noticed it getting worse Wednesday night. I had been up doing a little cleaning and then kicked back in the recliner but that wasn't helping. I wasn't able to sleep it off either- my feet were still pretty swollen Thursday morning. I went to my work conference and things just continued to get worse and worse - even my legs and arms were swelling quite a bit. SO - since I was up in Wichita and my OB's office is right there by the conference location, I called. I was expecting to be called in for a blood pressure check (if even that) and told to kick my feet up (which I couldn't do) and that'd be the end of it. Well, the nurse was concerned because it was getting so much worse so quickly and because it was clearly moving up my body. SO - she told me to go to L&D at Wesley. I left the conference early and headed that way. I got all checked in and the nicest nurse came out to get me. Wouldn't mind having her there on the big day! I got all gowned up, peed in a cup, got the external baby monitors strapped on, and got my blood pressure checked all while answering a ton of questions. I felt kind of silly being there but she insisted it was best. Anyway, bp was good - a little high for me - but still very normal. My heart rate was pretty high. I run a little high on that anyway but it was kinda up there so she had me rest a while and we did some timed tests with me sitting on the edge of the bed. The heart rate eventually went down and the bp continued to be good too. I had no other signs of pre-eclampsia either so I was free to go. I'm just supposed to keep my feet up as much as possible (easier said than done I'm afraid). We're very thankful it was an essentially worthless trip! =) The swelling has continued to stay bad though and while keeping my feet up helps a little - it certainly doesn't make it go away plus I can't keep my feet up all day. I'm presuming it'll be here until the baby is.

Week 35 - Hey! We’ve had quite a week little one. We took our first childbirth class and actually had some fun! =) We also got some family/maternity pictures taken! There was lots of busy work stuff this week too and I also had a conference in Wichita. The first day of the conference was also our first (and hopefully last until it’s the real deal) trip to Labor and Delivery at the hospital. My swelling got a little out of control and they just wanted to rule out any other issues. I got a good report and so did you! It was Arkalalah this week and though we basically missed all of it, we did grab some fried food downtown one night. Happy 35 weeks! We’re getting closer and closer to full term.

Highlights

How Far Along: 35 weeks

Size of baby: Cantaloupe

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  A lady never tells... haha

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes - but just a few items left that still fit - none of which are shoes. =|

Gender: Surprise. At our birth class Saturday, everyone just came in and picked a seat. Then we went around and introduced ourselves, when we are due, what we're having, etc... The class was split in half... one side of the room happened to be having boys... the other side - girls. We were the only couple who didn't know the sex but we were sitting on the girl side. So maybe it's a girl?

Movement: Yep - although it sort of seems to be dwindling - or at least not as noticeable. Probably due to lack of room.

Sleep: It's still pretty hit or miss. I may have several painful, wide-awake nights followed by a night or two of pretty good sleep. I'm still functioning so it must be working and that's really all that matters.

Symptoms: Nausea and other stomach issues, hip/back/pelvis pain, major swelling, heartburn, exhaustion at times, and itchy stretched skin.

What I miss: Still having "plenty of time" to get things done before the baby comes.

Cravings: ICE CREAM. Can't get enough of it right now. Also, water! 

Best Moment this week: A whole day with Dac and our maternity session. 

What I am looking forward to: A status report at my next appt. and a (hopefully) calmer schedule.

Midweek Randoms/Recap

• The first of two incredibly busy, jam-packed weeks is complete. This coming week is the busier of the two but I can do this. I can and I will and I'll even have fun. So there.

• Crickets have taken over my office. It's gross, loud, and did I mention gross? Ick!

• I'm over the political mumbo jumbo but I did get the biggest kick out of these. Funny. I don't know why but the ones with the Clintons crack me up the most.

• Well, Heather came over for a bit of Criminal Minds watchin' last Wednesday. That particular episode took place in Kansas. Of course they had all these people speaking in funky accents on there. Come on now. We don't talk like that.

• Thursday, I went to a forum for our local candidates. It's part of the KIDS Vote program we do with the help of the Optimists every four years. It was hard for me to sit in the uncomfy chairs for too long so I ended up leaving early and hitting the recliner instead. Thursday was also this crazy windy day complete with dust storms and everything. Wild.

• Friday, I met Kayla and her girls at Grave's for lunch. That evening, Dac and I went out to eat then I went to Kayla's 31 Bags party. I may or may not have ordered a couple. We ended the night with a little 24-watchin'. 

• Saturday was a big long day. We got up early so we could get gas, grab a bite to eat, and head to dun dun dunnnnnnnnn - birth class up at Wesley. I was a bit skeptical about the class b/c I'd heard, in general, these types of classes aren't useful and I was afraid it'd be real cheesy and ridiculous. BUT - this particular class came highly recommended by my doctor and a couple of other people I know who have taken it there. I must say, it was actually kind of fun. The other couples in the class were all pretty cool, it was laid back - lots of laughing - and there was lots of hand, feet, and back massages being given so, for that reason alone, I'd call it a success. haha! =) We also learned some things too though. Lots of stuff I'd read about but it's different to have it told/shown to you. Over lunch a lot of us went to Jimmie Johns. It was like a prego parade up in there. haha! Kinda funny. 

• After the class we had a photo session with a past bride+groom. It was toasty out and we walked around in their neighborhood to get pictures with their pups - then hiked around downtown taking some more. Oh my. I was downright exhausted afterwards. It was kind of pathetic - it was hard for me to move and to top it off, I got bad blisters on my heels. =( Sad panda. I was also having some uncomfortable contractions. We still had lots of shopping to do, so needless to say even though neither of us were real hungry, we hit up Old Chicago anyway, just so I could rest a bit. We shared the fish and chips (LOVE THEM) and spicy fried pickles and even that was too much. Also not the smartest move for someone with raging heartburn. Anyway, it was good and nice to chill. Then we went to Target where I had a huge list of things to get but I couldn't bring myself to work that hard. So I got the bare necessities (including some Tums) and  that was that. We ran into Kohl's for just a minute and skipped Babies-R-Us altogether, opting for a Quik-Trip stop instead before heading home. I was miserable. And paid for it the next day too. I've got to learn to take it easier. I don't know how to do that exactly, but something has got to give.

• Sunday, we were LAZY. I mean BAD. There was some 24 watching, then lunch. Then more lazy. Then getting ready for our maternity session. I had a major hair crisis. It was seriously so bad. Note to self - don't try an awesome new pinterest tutorial for the first time on picture day. Duh. In fact - just don't try them ever. You don't do hair well and will most likely always be disappointed. Note taken. Photos were fun though and it was great to catch up with Laura. I don't know if it will ever NOT be kind of weird to be on the other side of the camera. It's weird but really fun too! =) It was SUPER windy and I think that may have worked in my hair's favor! ha! Laura got some beautiful shots and we are just thrilled to death with them! =) Here's just a little sneaker for ya. I'll share more later!

• After pictures we went to Braums for supper and ice cream. Nice end to the weekend.

• Monday = work and a board meeting. 'Nuff said. I went to the chiropractor that morning which was very helpful except that I still hurt super bad. So much so that I ended up leaving work a couple hours early to lie down before the meeting. Thankfully the meeting was short b/c I was sitting in a tiny kids chair. Yikes! The nap must have did me a little good, because I was at least able to get through some photos when I got home.

• Yesterday I didn't feel real good either. Major upset stomach. Thankfully it improved a little as the day went on. I was able to go visit my friend Tabitha and her sweet new baby girl - who has a head full of blond hair just like her mama! =) Then I ran a quick errand with Dac and Val, visited the Deill fam, held a baby, and ate a double dip cone. (cookies-n-cream and hot chocolate ice cream) After a day of toast, it was totally acceptable! We watched a couple episodes of 24 when we got home and then I actually got a pretty good night's sleep. SO thankful.

• It's Arkalalah week and I'll be missing most of it. =( Kind of makes me sad. October has just been so full of stuff that it's hard to really catch and enjoy any of it. I have a work conference the next couple days, our final birth class, and a couple sessions this weekend and next week. After that, things slow down a bit... you know, except for having a baby and all. =)

Monday Morning Pop Tart

Week 34: Had a rough start to the week... several days of sickness and just overall not feeling well. The good days are definitely becoming fewer and farther between but when one does come around, it’s that much more of a welcome gift! =) I’m starting to get a bit nervous about getting things done before you arrive. And boy does everyone seem to have a thought on when that might be! ha! Your mama is big so that is warranting all kinds of comments about you coming today. I know when it comes down to it, you’ll be here when you get here and it will be just the right time. BUT - it wouldn’t hurt my feelings any if you just hang in there for these remaining six weeks. No need to rush! =)

Highlights

How Far Along: 34 weeks

Size of baby: Butternut Squash

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  Second verse, same as the first...

Maternity Clothes: Yes - what few things are still covering the bump. (Is it ok to still call it a "bump" at this point? It's more like a boulder...) I officially live in my maternity yoga pants and cute shoes are beyond non-existent at this point.

Gender: Still don't know.

Movement: Yes - lots of stretchy-type movements. Must be crowded in there... haha

Sleep: I've been doing a combo of a couple hours in the recliner and the remainder of the night in bed. It helps ensure I don't get as uncomfortable as early. I'm doing lots of flopping from side to side and taking plenty of pee breaks.

Symptoms: Nausea - especially at night, hip/back/pelvis pain, swelling, heartburn.

What I miss: Still having "plenty of time" to get things done before the baby comes.

Cravings: Cereal, muffins/breads, ice cream

Best Moment this week: Time at the salon.

What I am looking forward to: Fatty Arkalalah food and seeing friends.