Practice Labor!

Sunday was going along like normal, with hardly any Braxton Hicks contractions.  Josh and I went and watched the Seahawks game with our friends DJ and Kristina, and then came home to hang out for the evening.  Around 7:30 - 8 PM, I started getting some pretty strong achiness in my lower back, which then radiated around to cramping in my pelvis.  These were by far the strongest contractions I had ever felt.  I just figured my body was practicing for the real thing, and that I would have a few and they would go away.

Around 9 PM, we decided to try timing the contractions, to see if where they stood regarding frequency and duration.  I could tell one was coming by the pain in my back, and then my belly would get rock-hard.  It was sometimes tough to tell when one ended though, as the back pain never went away.

They started out around 10 minutes apart, and lasted about 30-45 seconds.  They then progressed to 6-7 minutes apart, and lasted for 1 min - 1 min 30 sec.  I could still walk and talk through them, but I couldn't hold still when I had one.  I would be lying in bed, one would start, and Josh would start applying counter-pressure to my low back.  The counter-pressure felt great, but I just couldn't lie still.  So, I would jump out of bed and start pacing the house, yelling at Josh when to stop the timer.  Around 10 PM, I decided to finish up the laundry I had going in the washer, and just generally clean up our bedroom and bathroom, in case this was really it.  I also threw a few things into my half-packed hospital bag, and Josh fished out the paperwork we had gotten from the hospital regarding when to come in, which entrance to use, etc.

We decided around 11 PM to call the hospital, and ask what they recommended we do.  The nurse was wonderfully helpful, and didn't make me feel dumb for thinking I was in labor when I probably wasn't.  She told me to drink as much water as I could tolerate in the next hour, and to wait until either I couldn't walk/talk through the contractions, or they were 2-4 min. apart.  So, that's what I did.  We went to lie down, and both tried to fall asleep.  And wouldn't you know it- the contractions slowed down.  By the time I fell asleep, they were 14+ min. apart and slowing down further.

Needless to say, that was our first "practice" labor experience!

Full Term

Full term.

This is a term I've been waiting to be able to use, and a milestone I've been waiting to hit.

Just like waiting for that 13-week mark, to be "safely" in the second trimester.

Just like hitting 20-weeks, and finding out our anonymous baby is a sweet, strong boy; as well as being halfway through this pregnancy.

Just like the arrival of 24-weeks, and knowing our baby wad considered viable, if he chose to arrive then.

Just like 27-weeks, and making it into the third and final trimester.

And now, at 37-weeks, we are considered full term. 

My pregnancy book says labor is "normal and expected" from this point on.

It is so strange, and reassuring, knowing my son won't be premature, and more than likely won't have to stay in the hospital more than the standard 24-48 hours. It's comforting to know I've contained him safely in my body for the past nine months, and that we will soon be meeting him.

So, sweet son of mine, feel free to arrive now, or continue baking a little longer.  The choice is yours now!

Testing, Testing

I just upgraded my phone, and I now have a Blogger mobile app!

So, this post is serving as a test of this app :)

A Letter to My Unborn Son

Dear sweet, unborn child of mine,


You have spent the last 9 months growing inside of me, developing from a mere speck to a 6+ pound kicking, hiccuping, squirming little boy.  You and I have this bond that you cannot have with anyone else; I have nourished you with my body, and you have slept right next to my heart.  Now that your due date is approaching, I know our days of being together constantly are numbered.  


In the beginning, I anxiously waited for each appointment with the doctor, wanting to make sure you were okay.  I wanted to hear your heartbeat, see you wiggling around on the ultrasound screen.  Since I couldn't yet feel your movements, I needed that reassurance.


Now, I can feel the slightest movements you make, from stretching out your strong legs, to curling your body into a ball and sticking your little round butt out.  I can even see you move, stretching my belly with each contortion to make.  I can feel you hiccup, and can tell when you're sleeping and when you're wide awake and ready to move.


Sometimes we "play" a little game, and you poke a body part out against my belly.  I push back on that part of my belly, and you pull away.  As soon as I stop pushing, you poke it back out, and we repeat this again and again.  To me, its another way we get to bond before you're actually born, and just another way you let me know everything is okay in there.


Each morning, when I've just woken up and start feeling your first movements of the day, I rub my belly, and tell you, "Good morning buddy!".  Throughout the day, I repeat this rubbing, saying, "Hi buddy!".  And each night, when I'm about to fall asleep and you're still rolling away like you always do at bedtime, I rub you a little more gently and slowly, and whisper, "Good night, buddy.  I love you.". 

Your dad loves your movements too.  Since he doesn't get to feel you constantly like I do, its always a special treat when you "perform" for him.  You'll sometimes kick his hands, or push your little rear end out against him.  You've showed off your hiccups for him, and Dad is always amazed at whatever you do.


I've had such a fun time decorating your room, and picking things out for you.  Your dad has enjoyed it too, and has contributed many, many ideas.  He wants everything to be perfect for you, and above all, for you to be safe.  We have everything ready for you, from your car seat installed, to your diaper bag packed, to your coming home outfit decided on.  Dad can't wait to see you in camo :)


So, little man, we are ready for you.  We want you to stay inside as long as you need, but we cannot wait to meet you.  We want to kiss your sweet cheeks, count all of your fingers and toes, smell that one-of-a-kind baby smell, and embrace being your parents.  You are 50% of me, and 50% of your dad, and 100% perfect already.  


We love you, Lane.

36 Week Appointment

Yesterday was my 36 week, 3 day checkup. It still seems so weird to be going every week- feels like I'm ALWAYS there!!

Little man was measuring right where he should be, and I didn't gain any weight this past week. I will say I've gained a little more than I would have liked to this pregnancy, but I'm still within the normal range. I used to always stress and whine about gaining weight, and then Josh gave me a little "talking to" and I've since changed my ways. He made me realize that as long as I was being healthy and not going to extremes, I should be enjoying this opportunity to not stress about what I'm eating, how many calories I'm consuming, etc. It is my job to make sure this baby is healthy and growing appropriately, and my vanity falls to the wayside. So now, even though I hate the weigh-in at each appointment, I no longer stress or worry. I just chalk it up to the whole pregnancy experience.

The kiddo's heartrate was a steady 140 bpm, and he's still very much head down. I'm still only 1cm dilated, but now closer to 75% effaced. She did say his head is lower this week though, which makes him closer to coming OUT!

I also had a blood draw to test for Rh antibodies, and received my RhoGAM shot again (I received it the first time at 25 weeks due to my car accident, its only good for 12-13 weeks).

This Saturday will put us at 37 weeks, which is considered full-term. I still can't believe we're about to hit this huge milestone!!!

Back to the doctor next week for another checkup. I only scheduled through September 20th, which will put me at 38 weeks, 3 days. I neglected to schedule one for past that due to my wishful thinking that he'll be here by then. :) Let's keep our fingers crossed!

35 Week Doctor Appointment

I had my weekly checkup on Wednesday (so weird to be going weekly now!), and everything looked just great!  Little man was measuring right at 36 weeks, and had a heartrate of 140 bpm.  He was squirming all over the place!  I gained a little more than I had wanted to do this 2-week period, but oh well.  My doctor said my weight gain is still right on track, so if she's not worried, why should I be?

I knew I was going to be getting my Group B strep test that day, and when the nurse asked if I wanted my cervix checked for the first time this week or next week, I opted for this week.  I figured if I had to undress anyways, why not kill two birds with one stone?

The good news is, WE HAVE PROGRESS!  Not much (which I'm thankful for, because I don't want a too-early baby!), but I am (was) 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced.  She said its "a great start".  No indication on whether he'll come before or after his due date, but that bit of news made me feel like at least we're headed in the right direction. 

I go back in on Tuesday (which seems so soon!) for another check and some blood work.  I have to have my RHOgam shot again between 36 and 37 weeks (I had it at 25 weeks due to my car accident), so that will probably be given next week as well. 

My cousin (and BFF) Jessica and her husband leave for their honeymoon September 8th, and don't return until late on the 13th.  Josh's aunt and uncle leave for a vacation on September 10th and return on the 13th also.  So the kiddo has strict instructions to NOT arrive during that window!  Also, Josh's mom leaves for a business trip on the 20th until the 23rd, so that time frame is out too. 

So baby, if you're listening, let's shoot for the 14th - 19th, or the 24th or later, okay?  Thanks!

35 Week Survey

How far along? 35 weeks and 4 days
How big is baby? According to The Bump, 17.2 - 18.7 in. and 4.2-5.8 lbs; roughly the size of a honeydew melon.
Total weight gain/loss: Up 27 lbs.
Sleep: Same as last week: "Still having the RLS, but its hitting me more during the day now. I get so stiff in the middle of the night, that it causes serious pain and takes major effort to change positions. We camped this past weekend, and slept on an air mattress that kept losing air. I had the HARDEST time rolling around on it! I've given up on sleeping in, as I get tired of lying in bed being uncomfortable."
Best moment this week: Having a HUGE baby shower with so many friends and family.  Also, Josh spent some time "hanging out" with the belly a few nights ago, and little man was being very active for him.  He talked to the kiddo, and gave him good night kisses.  Totally melted my heart.
Movement: He's constantly moving.  Sometimes when he pushes out against me, I push back with me hand, and he moves away.  As soon as I move my hand, he does it again.  Its our little bonding time.
Symptoms: Oh you know, just all the regular stuff.  With the addition of major cankles, swollen feet, and headaches.
Symptoms I DON'T have: Carpal tunnel syndrome (or any of the symptoms) and heartburn.
Food cravings: Just food
Food aversions: Nothing that I've found.
Gender: Boy!
Labor Signs: None, except for increasing Braxton Hicks contractions.
Belly Button in or out? Still flush with the rest of my belly, with the exception of one small area right above the "pucker" of skin that is the belly button.  That part sticks out.  Its like the protrusion and the skin don't match up!
What I miss: Being able to move like a normal person, and my regular clothes.
What I am looking forward to: Being one week closer to delivery!
Milestones: Installing the carseat and putting his diaper bag and the Boppy pillow in the car.