Fully Full Term

I'm pretty much here, tomorrow is my due date, and as everyone and their mother loves to remind me- most first baby's are late. Blah, blah, blah- they obviously don't have 8+lbs of baby bruising their ribs. I am well aware of the statistics, but it doesn't change the fact that I am SO ready to have this baby. As I type Peapod has the hiccups, and it's so cute, and I just wonder what those hiccups look like outside the womb, you know?

Anyway, this will give you the run down:

How far along? 39 weeks, 40 as of 12:01am tonight.
Total weight gain/loss: 20lbs. yeah! Love the 3rd trimester, I keep eating, and just not gaining. I do however throw up from time to time again, yucky.
Stretch marks? sigh
Sleep: sleep? I pretty much wake up every hour or so, to go potty, or from a contraction.
Best moment this week: Knowing without a doubt that no matter what, it will not be more than 14 days until I have my baby.
Movement: Movement is pretty decent. A little slower, but still happening.
Food cravings: Still loving spaghetti.
Gender: ???
Labor Signs: Irregular contractions, for the past two evenings I have about 2-3 hours in which I get contractions between 2 and 10 minutes apart. But then I go to bed, and it's over.
Belly Button in or out? Innie!
What I miss: Thinking about things other than going into labor.
What I am looking forward to: Ummm, labor beginning!
Weekly Wisdom: It's ok to feel impatient at the end. It doesn't mean that you don't like being pregnant, or that you can't take it. It's natural.
Milestones: Week 40!

Giving With Open Hands and Hearts

"As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 'I tell you the truth,' he said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.'" Luke 21:4

What can be better than someone putting their money where their mouth is? I recently read about Sandra Bullock giving $1 million to Haiti earthquake relief. That is a huge donation, and I don't want to minimize that- but. And (as my freshman history teacher would say) it's a big but. Various media outlets report that Sandra makes around $15 million per movie. Which means that in 2009 she made a minimum of $45 million. What's more, her donation has been heavily publicized.

I personally believe celebrity's have a responsibility to give big since they earn big. However my morals regarding giving are shaped by the Bible, and I can't hold everyone to that. It makes me wonder though- what about the single mom who cries over images of orphaned children in Haiti, and gives $10? Her own children may do with less for the week, but she has given what she could and no one may ever know about her donation.

This is a lesson I will probably learn and relearn throughout the course of my life. I am constantly trying to loosen my grip on my money, and on all of my belongings.

I would like to suggest that giving with an open hand, and without expectation of recognition or equal return is more rewarding than just about anything.

I recently told Kevin that I will always tell our children that "you will never regret buying a meal for a friend." It's true, I have never paid and then wished that I hadn't. The conversation, and laughter that are shared over a meal or a cup of coffee outweighs the few dollars spent.

Now I just need to learn to give when I am not directly benefitting from the gift.

Taking My Own Advice

On Wednesday of last week I told my boss that I can't keep working until my due date. Fact is, I'd like to be done with work already. But, I decided to make my last day before leave Friday, which is about 10 days before my due date. I had high hopes of working to the bitter end, thinking that it was the only option. But after Christmas I returned to work, and felt horrible. I am so thankful that I made this decision, and I am looking forward to having a week at home before the baby comes. I obviously won't be disappointed if the little one arrives earlier than that either. But, being my first I assume February 2 or later. In recent weeks my doctor has gone back to the original due date that he gave me, so that if the baby is late we can wait as long as February 18 before inducing. So he says February 4, and I say February 2, or the first week of February. I would really like the baby to have a February birthday, and so in my perfect world (where I control everything) I would go into labor on Sunday, Jan. 31 so that I get to February. I am not sure why- but I'm sort of stuck on February.

Anyway, I think we are done getting ready for the baby. This weekend we bought our stroller/car seat, finished the details of our "birth preferences" to get signed off by our doctor, and given to the nurses when we arrive at the hospital, and we even created a gift basket for buttering up the nurses who are on duty the day I am in labor. It is a cute plastic pink tote that includes four starbucks frappucino's, a bag of mint milano cookies, two bags of dove chocolates (dark and milk) a jar of cashews, and a box of apricot fruit leathers. We plan to stick our "birth preference" document in the gift basket just as a thank you.

How far along? 37 weeks, 38 tomorrow!
Total weight gain/loss: 20lbs., according to my last appointment I lost 1 pound
Stretch marks? sigh
Sleep: Sleep is ok, I get up frequently, my hips hurt from laying on either side too long, and I am feeling anxious about labor which keeps me awake sometimes.
Best moment this week: Peapod's little foot has been sticking out on my right side, and lately I like to run my hand along the heel. Sometimes I can almost make out how long the foot is.
Movement: Movement has slowed as baby and I are running out of room, but I "count the kicks" as my doctor instructed me, and I have nothing to worry about.
Food cravings: I was craving nachos, and fulfilled said craving.
Gender: ???
Labor Signs: Contractions are picking up, and I have started vomiting again, which just says to me that my body is preparing for labor- not that it is beginning!
Belly Button in or out? Innie!
What I miss: brie, I think I'll eat a wedge of brie after I have the baby.
What I am looking forward to: Holding my baby and listening to it as it sleeps on my chest.
Weekly Wisdom: It is SO worth it to get things done ahead of time. I have special hospital toiletries, snacks/drinks for while I labor at home, and I bought some cute socks for walking around the hospital in. Peapod's "going home" outfit is clean and laid out, and I bought a brand new (maternity, because I live in reality) top to wear home from the hospital, and feel pretty in. And also snacks for Kevin to eat at the hospital. You may think I'm crazy, but I feel relaxed and confident about my labor beginning.
Milestones: Pretty sure the baby dropped this week, and contrary to what I'd been told- it doesn't feel better, now I'm uncomfortable in new ways.

I Don't Get It

Warning: This post may sound a little whiney.

I have been sick for 8 days, and yesterday my symptoms changed, and not for the better. My throat swelled, swallowing became painful, and an inspection of my throat revealed an enlarged tonsil covered with icky white spots. Kevin and I both came down with colds shortly after Christmas, which was very frustrating as we had carved out time to set up our new apartment, and make some big shopping trips to finish buying what we need for the baby. We returned to Pasadena only to spend our days laid out on the couch. "Ok," I thought "We'll get over this, and finish getting everything done." But I didn't. Well, I haven't yet. And what's more frustrating is that I have worked hard to save sick and vacation hours for my maternity leave, and I am burning through them as I stayed home yesterday and today. I will go see a doctor today, and I am hoping he can give me something to help get me well. But in the meantime my boss is back in the office today, and I have my final event before maternity leave next Friday. I feel the pressure of needing to get things finished for that event while I am experiencing the reality of being 4 weeks from my due date, and I'm sick. I've felt ambitious through my entire pregnancy to be someone who works until the very last minute. But now that I am four weeks out- my back hurts a lot, and I am tired, and I get contractions when I do too much. And now? I'm not so sure I'll make it through four more weeks of work. I am trying my best to let things go, and take care of my body- it's what's best for me and Peapod, at least that's what Kevin is trying to help me learn.

How far along? 36 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 21 lbs. Over the 20 pound mark, but feel good about my weight gain.
Stretch marks? Yeah
Sleep: I still sleep well, praise Jesus. Seriously, I wake up about 3 time a night for bathroom breaks again, but I go right back to sleep after.
Best moment this week: We did get some baby shopping done, including our crib mattress, mattress pad, sheets, bumper, and a few other items. We have been so incredibly fortunate with our purchases, that I plan to devote an entire post to it.
Movement: All the time, and baby is so big now that every once in a while a little rear end pokes out of my side, and I feel little knees and elbows drag slowly across my belly. Sounds weird, but it's actually a lot of fun.
Food cravings: This week I was hit with the craving for beef stew and biscuits, so that's what I ate. I've also been back to popsicles, and loving granny smith apples- peeled and sliced only. I know that probably removes at least 50% of the nutrition, but I hate the skin on a granny smith.
Gender: ???
Labor Signs: Don't think so. I am working off the assumption that I will go on or after my due date, so that I don't get too ancy.
Belly Button in or out? Still in, and with four weeks left, I think I get to keep my innie.
What I miss: Sleeping on my tummy, and getting out of bed without having to roll out of bed.
What I am looking forward to: Holding my pink screaming new born, and falling in love for the second time in my life.
Weekly Wisdom: If you work full-time, give yourself a break, and make the start of maternity leave flexible.
Milestones: 36 weeks = 9 months, technically (9x4) and I am celebrating that!

Oh, The Swelling

I wrote this post last week, and never published it- oops!

I am nearly (tomorrow) 33 weeks. I have not been blogging for various reasons. But this weekend I had a baby shower, my mom in town for the shower, and we moved to our new apartment.

I left off last time mentioning our upcoming Thanksgiving trip, and let me tell you- if you're invited you should definitely stay with A&W. I am not even kidding when I say that we felt like we stayed at a bed and breakfast. They are the best hosts, and so fun to hang out with. We have already looked at Southwest for deals to get back to Dallas to see them again. After our first night of sleep at their place we opened our bedroom door in the morning to hear the coffee pot beeping to let us know there was fresh brewed coffee, and we found a tray of cinnamon rolls on the kitchen table. I wish every morning started that way! I was feeling like I was coming down with something, and as soon as I mentioned it, Whitney was handing me a glass of Emergen-C. We toured the "Dallas Palace" together, and had tons of fun. I have lots of pictures that I can't show you because I lost the cord to my camera. I need to buy a USB memory card reader, but I just haven't yet. Anyway, thanks to Andy and Whitney for a wonderful time.

Kevin and I got pretty sick somewhere between Texas and Arkansas, and arrived at his parents house feeling horrible, complete with fevers! An ER trip, an urgent care trip, and a bunch of antibiotics later- we're all better! And as a bonus- it wasn't H1N1!

I will save my post about the baby shower for another time, but for now I'll say that some of my dear friends that I have known for a long time made great efforts to drive from various parts of SoCal to be at the party. It was so great having them here.

But the real star of our weekend was my mom! She came down to attend the shower, but she got roped into helping us move, and clean! Kevin packed almost our entire apartment by himself due to my major lack of energy, and the ability to lift heavy items. Then, he and three guys packed a moving truck, and unloaded all of our belongings into our new place. So by Sunday he was totally exhausted, and we still needed to clean the old apartment. I think my mom put in about 5 hours of cleaning. She saved our lives. There is no other way to say that. Thanks mom!

How far along? 33 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: I have an appointment tomorrow, and I guess I'll face the scale then.
Stretch marks? Yep.
Sleep: Sleep is still pretty good except for the 2 times/night potty break. Also, sometimes baby and I disagree on when we should be sleeping. :)
Best moment this week: The baby shower, my friend put so much thought and care into all the details of the event, and I felt totally spoiled.
Movement: Yes, seems like we've still got plenty of room for the baby to roll around.
Food cravings: Yesterday I suddenly wanted ambrosia salad- umm, eww. I did not indulge.
Gender: 7 weeks 'till we know for sure.
Labor Signs: Nope.
Belly Button in or out? In!
What I miss: Food tasting like it should. Chinese food tastes like wet cigarettes to me, and pizza still makes me vomit.
What I am looking forward to: Putting away tiny baby clothes. I washed a few things before we moved, and I just love the teeny tiny little socks.
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy the time the baby is inside, it can only last so long.
Milestones: My ankle swelling has reached new heights. I don't know that this is a milestone, but it is shocking for me.

29 Weeks or 11 Weeks Left

For some reason this is the first week I've started to think about time left, versus time passed. And 11 weeks seems like such a short amount of time. And at the same time, my friend Erin's due date just passed, and she still waiting and I can't imagine being there! Confusing.

How far along? 29 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Ok, I'll fess up. I have gained 15 lbs. At my last appointment, my doctor seemed very pleased with this, which in turn makes me feel proud. He set a goal for me for the rest of the time, but said that if I go over it's ok too. But at this point he figures I'm on track to gain 20 lbs total. I'm good with that!
Stretch marks? Yes, yes, yes. I hate them!
Sleep: Still going strong on the sleep front. Last Friday night I slept for nearly 11 hours. I also have a new habit of taking short naps over my lunch hour. I sleep for about 30 minutes, and it's pretty much amazing.
Best moment this week: Feeling Peapod roll back and forth. Now that Peapod is nearly 3lbs, those rolls are definitely felt, and seen. One night I changed position and the baby was not amused, and starting punching, or kicking so hard. Kevin got to feel this little in-utero tantrum.
Movement: See above.
Food cravings: Still lemonade, but I am having a minor love affair with milk- the colder the better. I like to leave the milk in a glass in the freezer for a few minutes before drinking it. Oh, and spaghetti! With meat sauce, mmmmmm.
Gender: We'll certainly know in 11 weeks!
Labor Signs: Nope, but the braxton hicks contractions are getting a little more serious, and sometimes uncomfortable.
Belly Button in or out? Holding strong as an innie.
What I miss: With the holidays just around the corner I am missing wine, and brie.
What I am looking forward to: Maternity leave! My boss and I have not even talked about this at all yet. I don't even know if they will hire a temp for while I'm gone. In the mean time I am trying to organize my computer and files to make things easy and accessible for whoever may be sitting here for those few weeks, at least I hope someone will be.
Weekly Wisdom: The only thing that helps my swollen ankles is drinking 16oz of water every hour, and sweating it out at the gym.
Milestones: This week for the first time ever being pregnant slowed down my workout. I was on the elliptical and after only 5 minutes I started to get a painful contraction, so I slowed down- but it didn't help! So I am officially a walking on the treadmill only kind of girl. Sigh.

On Monday we leave for Dallas to see Andy & Whitney and then we're driving from there to Arkansas. I could not be more excited about this trip. Dallas, here we come!

We're Moving!

Do you remember this? Or this? We're doing it again! By now it must seem like we love oven cleaning, trips to goodwill, and packing boxes. This will be our fourth apartment in three years! The best part about this new apartment? We have a dishwasher, a garbage disposal, and a fenced private patio. We will also be able to have cable again, and it even has a breakfast bar. We are moving further from campus, and though it will be less convenient, it will be so good for us. We are planning to move on December 11-13, which is pretty much the best weekend with how busy things are otherwise. I will also admit that preparing is a great outlet for my nesting urges.

I am starting to pack and clean, focusing on our kitchen first. It's always that thing that sneaks up on you during a move. Books, and wall decorations are the easiest, while all the random things- cold medicine, extra bottles of hand soap, check boxes, etc. prove to be the most annoying. We are moving back into a one bedroom, and this means we will have room for a full size couch! I already have it picked out, and I'll let you see it once it is purchased, set-up, and being used in the new place. We may even have space for a table and chairs to eat at! Don't get me wrong, I'm sure we'll still use our tv stands on select occasions, but it will be nice to actually sit across from each other again.

Oh, and during this move I will be nearly 33 weeks pregnant. Yep. I'm doing the packing, while Kevin will be doing the actual moving with the help of some friends. It's hard to let go of that control, and letting it all happen while I'm at work, and distracting myself with my mom's visit here. But, I will label my boxes well- and knowing Kevin, it will probably go better than I could even hope.

I'm totally stealing this, but it's a great way to give pregnancy updates.

How far along? 27 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I've gained weight, and you know what? It's not fun seeing new territory on a scale. I don't like seeing it there, and I'm not ready to post it here. If you really need to know, email me.
Stretch marks? Yep. I have very very sensitive skin that does not like to be messed with. I've had stretch marks since, oh I don't know- the positive pregnancy test? No, really probably week 15.
Sleep: Love it thanks to my snoogle. Though this week my body does this thing where during my every-two-hours potty break, I wake up like it's 7am. I sit up totally awake and ready for the day, but it's like 2am. So I grab snoogle, and fall right back to sleep. Can't complain.
Best moment this week: Finding our new apartment, and (this was really last week) buying our crib that we found on Craigslist.
Movement: Pretty much all the time, last weekend Peapod head butted my mom's hand, such a good baby. I love lifting my shirt and watching random parts of my belly jump with action. It's so weird, but I love it.
Food cravings: Meh. I've never been driven by the need for a specific food as of yet. But I will take a huge glass of ice cold lemonade (fresh, not powdered) with extra lemon slices any time of day. It really can't be too sour for me.
Gender: Jury's still out. A friend of mine just gave birth, and her girl was in fact a boy. They didn't have a name picked for him, and he came home to a very pink crib, and some precious dresses. Oops.
Labor Signs: None thankfully, it's too early! But, I do get Braxton Hicks contractions these days, in fact I had 11 in 12 hours the other day. But, they are not painful at all, and I welcome them because they are preparing my body for labor- so bring it. Random- playing Rockband gives me these practice contractions too.
Belly Button in or out? In, and it really doesn't even look that different yet.
What I miss: Advil!
What I am looking forward to: Laying in our bed with our newborn, and just staring and marveling at those tiny fingers and fat feet.
Weekly Wisdom: "sleep in, go on dates, and go out to movies" wisdom provided to me by a mom who was missing the days pre-baby.
Milestones: Third trimester, and we started our childbirth class.

Sort of related- strangers definitely put their feet in their mouths when it comes to pregnancy. I have a friend who is almost 7 months pregnant, and the other day a woman she just met said "oh, are you 8 months pregnant?" My friend said "no, about 7." the other woman then said "is that only one baby?" So, let's all remember to keep our stupid assumptions and guesses to ourselves when it comes to hormonal pregnant women.