36w Update

How far along: 36w1d.

Total weight gain: Holding steady for the last week.  I was down a pound on Thursday, but back up on Monday.  Whatever.  I’m over it.  Being off the one BP med has caused a significant fluid retention, and I’m done stressing over the number on the scale.

General disposition:  I was really, really disappointed over the weekend, when I knew that the date we’d been aiming for – April 26 – would come and go without Baby Girl making her arrival.  But now that I’ve come to terms with the fact that she will be born in May, I’m fine with it.  Her safety has been, and continues to be, my ultimate concern, and if her lungs aren’t ready, we’ll just wait until they are.
 
Sleep:  It’s been great.  The weather has been a little wonky around middle Tennessee lately, so a nightly cocktail of Benadryl and half an Ambein has brought sweet sleep. 

Best moment this week: -- 

Movement:  For the last two weeks, she had been in the vertex (head down) position, so her movement is less than it had been.  However, she tends to keep in one particular position, and her feet are constantly up in the right side of my ribs.  Considering that it doesn’t matter if she is breech or not, I’d actually like her to flip back over.  The kicks were more frequent, but I was much more comfortable.  

Labor Signs/Body Changes of Note:  Dr. M performed an internal at my appointment last Thursday, and noted that I was about 80% effaced.  I’m not dilated at all yet, but my body does seem to be taking the proper steps to get things in motion.  Hopefully, everything will remain stable until we can operate. 

What I miss : Playing with Seth.  I’m really, really uncomfortable now, and even the simplest movements tax me. 

What I am looking forward to: Meeting her…spending time together as a family…being able to sleep on my tummy. =)

Does she have a set birthday:  Set?  Eh, that’s relative.  I am having a repeat amnio on Thursday.   If her lungs are ready – even transitionally ready – we will proceed with a c-section on Monday.  If they aren’t ready….I’m not sure how much longer we will stall.

Does she have a name yet: Possibly.  Jim seems to have settled on a name, and I’m allowing him final say.  However, he hasn’t shared his name of choice with me, so now, I’m waiting, just like the rest of you.

Are we ready: Absolutely, unequivocally, overwhelmingly YES!

As if I needed to stick another needle in my belly

Updated:  Amnio results showed that the baby’s lungs are still immature, and that if delivered, she would be in the NICU with breathing assistance.  No decisions have been made at this point, other than to wait.  I will know more by the middle of next week.

I’m disappointed, but her safety is my main concern.  So…..we’ll just sit tight and see what next week holds.  Maybe she’ll be a May flower after all.

****************

If it weren’t so late at night, after so long a day, I’d make myself take a picture of the 2.5 gallon freezer bag that is chock full of used Lovenox syringes, just for the sake of photographic impact.

Just take this image:

 
Times THREE.  This shot was taken at the end of the first trimester.  21 more weeks, times 7 shots a week…..

Yeah.  That’s a lot of poking and prodding, lemme tell you.

But I digress.

Thursday, I had an even more important needle stuck into me.  For an amniocentesis.

And here’s why.

Three weeks ago, at Baby Girl’s growth ultrasound, she was estimated to weigh 3 lbs., 12 oz., which put her solidly in the 15% for growth.  Which isn’t horrible, except that three weeks before that, she’d been in the 49%, and three weeks before that, she was in the 87%.  We – both as parents and with our physicians – became suspicious of IUGR, and began to plan accordingly.

If Baby Girl’s measurements at this Thursday’s ultrasound had confirmed the downward trending, and dipped her below the “official” cutoff percentile for IUGR, the plan was to proceed with a c-section on Monday, April 26.

Plans were made, bags were packed, fights were booked.  Names were even discussed.  Oh, yes, people.  We meant business.

Imagine the surprise, then, when Baby Girl showed off some on-target 5 lb., 12 oz. measurements that landed her cute little toosh firmly back in the 40%.  Which, even taking into consideration that these ultrasounds can be up to a pound off, especially this late in pregnancy, took her well clear of the IUGR label we were anticipating.

So.  Now what?  Delivery on Monday was no longer a given.  In fact, delivery on Monday would birth her shy of even 36 weeks gestation, which gave us all pause.  It’s a no brainer to pull her out if her placenta is deteriorating…..but if it’s not, the decision to rush her birth could jeopardize her lung ability.

Hence the amnio.

The purpose of the test was merely to extract enough amniotic fluid from Baby Girl’s bag of waters to determine if her lungs are yet mature.  Most likely, tested as they were at 35w2d, they will NOT be; however, amnios for this purpose aren’t Pass/Fail.  We will be able to determine a degree of maturity, so, hopefully, her lungs will be close enough to term to validate a delivery in a week – at 36w2d.

Now, there is still the possibility that her lungs ARE ready, and we can deliver on Monday as planned, and honestly, that is the desire of my heart.  I have been having a lot of emotional struggles in the past few days; my blood pressure is up (still great for me, but up from where it’s been), my weight is again down, and I’ve been having multiple daily panic attacks.  I am ready beyond words to have her safely out of the womb and, if needed, under competent hands-on medical care.  So, nothing would make me happier than hearing that her lungs ARE ready, and that she can come out and play on Monday.

Hope for that with me, will you?

I will try to update this post when I get the amnio results from my ob’s office this afternoon.

35w update

How far along: 35w.  This is a goal that at times I was not sure I’d make.  Now that it’s FINALLY here, all I can think is – GET HER OUT!  And yes, while I’ll admit that I am uncomfortable, tired of doing Lovenox injections, weary of biweekly appointments, missing my little boy, and ready to be out in the real world, my impatience stems more from my concern for BG’s safety than my own wellbeing.

According to BabyCenter.com, this is all we need to know about a baby’s development at 35 weeks gestation:

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

Your uterus — which was entirely tucked away inside your pelvis when you conceived — now reaches up under your rib cage. If you could peek inside your womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your other internal organs, too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and may be dealing with heartburn and other gastrointestinal distress. If you're not grappling with these annoyances, you're one of the lucky few.

Total weight gain: Um, supposedly, I’m up 9 pounds in 3 weeks.  I’m in denial.  Since the baby isn’t growing too well, I can’t blame her, so, that means….the weight is all mine, and it’s probably from too many things with the word “chocolate sin” in the name.

General disposition:  Out.  I want her out.  Get her out.  It’s time for her to be out.  Please, take her OUT!!!  (Any questions?) 

Sleep:  Random.  When it’s good, it’s fantastic.  When it’s bad, it’s awful.  Very few mediocre night in the past weeks; seems to me that we are in the “all or nothing” stage.

Best moment this week: -- 

Movement:  She is bruising me from the inside.  I’m not even joking.  One of the drawbacks of her IUGR is that she still has plenty of room to maneuver in utero, so she is fully capable of doing somersaults, flips, and karate chops, and fully delights in doing so.  Reassuring, yes; comfortable, no.  

Labor Signs/Body Changes of Note:  I keep trying to find adequate nursing bras, and they are all too small.  I’ve reached to point of giving up until I’m back home from the hospital.  Since stopping two of my medications (per doctors’ orders), I’ve noticed an increase in the number of contractions I’m having; thankfully, the intensity hasn’t increased with the frequency.  There have been a couple other indicators that my body is ready to get this show on the road, but I’ll spare you from the explanation that would require multiple uses of the word “mucus.” 

What I miss : Freedom to be and do.  I want to be able to get together with friends, plan dinner parties, head to the park with my boys….but instead, I’m just still in this season of waiting.  Worth it, for sure, but nonetheless, restrictive.

What I am looking forward to: Meeting our daughter; giving her a name.  Introducing her to her grandparents.  Celebrating the completion of our family of five.  It’s hard to imagine that it will be within days…

Does she have a set birthday:  Unless something is drastically wrong at my growth ultrasound on Thursday, Baby Girl will arrive sometime on Monday.  Don’t worry; I will assign someone to update the blog.

Does she have a name yet: No.  I promise.  We’re not just being secretive.  She has not been named, and most likely won’t be until she is in her daddy’s arms.  Sorry to keep trying all y’alls patience.

Are we ready: Absolutely, unequivocally, overwhelmingly YES!

Not a moment too soon….here is Baby Girl’s room!

Does anyone else overanalyze furniture placement besides me and the Nester?  Please tell me, you do, too.

When we put our crib back together in February, I’d deliberately moved it to an adjacent wall, and positioned the glider and ottoman away from the window, in order to establish Seth’s nursery and Baby Girl’s nursery as individual places in my mind and heart.  (I know…it’s just a room.  But humor me.)

The room stayed like this for a while; actually, it was this way up until just this past weekend.

But when it was all said and done, and all the furniture was in place, I realized that when we’d moved in, there was a reason we placed Seth’s crib on the south wall.

It’s just where it works best.

So, back it went.

A close up of the crib skirt I fashioned with the original white PBK skirt from my friend MaryBeth and fabric that matches the valance.

The “Baby Girl” banner from my shower, hanging in her closet.  And no, you’re not going to get to see her closet.  Not because it’s not tidy.  Oh, it is.  But because it is embarrassingly full.

   
One of my favorite areas in her room is the changing station.  I was able to find these coordinating baskets at Hobby Lobby for $7.99.  They are well-made and fabric lined, so I know they’ll last for a good while.  It makes my heart happy to have everything I need at my fingertips, and yet, still have it concealed in a tidy manner.

The mirror was inspired by another blog I read, used in the author’s half-bath.  When she said she’d found it marked down at her local Home Depot, I knew I needed to check it out, too.  For only $24.99, it was just right.  It was the size and shape I’d been looking for, and I love the beveled edges.

Ah, the birdcage.  Who knows where this will eventually land permanently, but for now, it’s on the end table across from the crib.
 

The bookshelves I’d originally intended to flank the crib ended up being just a hair too tall and too long, so…. we improvised.  And I have to admit, I’m really happy with the result.  Thank you, Uncle Fred, for giving us two beautiful pieces that we’ll have for years to come!

Eventually, Baby Girl will have a name, and Kim’s canvas will hang above the glider.

Let me just say, Seth has been none too impressed to see some of “his” toys end up on his sister’s shelves.  We’re working on that.  I figure, he’ll either come to recognize them as her “baby” toys, or, he’ll have something to play with in her room while I’m feeding her.  (Wishful thinking on my part, I’m sure.)

So….there you have it.  It’s indeed been a labor of love, as much as putting Seth’s first nursery together.  In case you’re wondering about some of the particulars of the room, I’ll try to answer as many questions as I can think of.  If there is something else you’d like to know, please leave me a comment, and I’ll update the post as appropriate.

Bedding: Bumper is Pottery Barn Kids (PBK), retired print Mia.  Purchased in March 2009 for $24.97 on clearance, marked down from $89.00!!!  Crib sheet: PBK dark pink gingham, lovingly given by my friend MB.  Crib skirt: PBK pleated skirt in white; embellished with 1.5 yards of butterfly fabric from Hobby Lobby.

Window treatments:  Dark pink drapery panels were purchased for $10 (for the PAIR!) at Dollar General Market.  I love them!  They are fully lined, and room darkening to boot.  The valance is my pride and joy.  A yard each of polka dot and butterfly fabrics from Hobby Lobby, and five metal drawer pulls made this “eyebrow” come together beautifully.

Mirror: Found at your local Home Depot. =)   Original inspiration for the mirror goes to Susie Harris.   Here is how she showcased her crest mirror.

Furniture:  The Baby Italia convertible crib (tea stain finish) was originally purchased from Babies ‘R Us in 2007, as was the changing table.  It doesn’t appear that the changing table is being carried by BRU anymore, but there is one similar to it on their website.

The glider and ottoman were purchased at a baby boutique in Ohio, but are nationally sold under the Best Home Furnishings line.  Our chair in particular is part of their Storytime Series, custom upholstered in Carrot microsuede.

The two bookshelves were built by Jim’s uncle Fred.  I would have been happy with the $15 pre-fab ones from WalMart, but I’m glad Jim asked me to let him have Uncle Fred make them for us, instead.  We were able to stain them ourselves, and I know we’ll appreciate having something handmade in our home for years to come.

Accessories:  The metal wall hangings were found at Hobby Lobby in the garden section.  The big daisies were $5.99, and the smaller daisies with hooks (I think you can only see them in one picture) were $3.99.  Changing table baskets were also a Hobby Lobby find, as was the four-opening frame above the crib.  You can read all about the birdcage here and here.  The clock/radio is my absolute MUST HAVE for the nursery – I love the built-in two-degree nightlight – and I “stole” it from Seth’s room, because, well, I’m cheap and I didn’t want to spend $70 for a duplicate for both kiddo’s rooms.

I think that’s about it!  I’d love to know what you think of Baby Girl’s room.  I wish that the pictures could truly convey how cheerful and bright the room turned out.  I know that many happy, if not sleepless, nights will be spent with her here.  A lot of love and thought and generosity of friends went into this room, and I know that I will rest well, confident that our daughter is cocooned in such a happy, safe place.

Foreshadowing?

Remember how I said that we’d told Seth that when the balloon deflated, the baby would come?

Well….

There’s still some helium in the balloon, but it isn’t floating anymore.  I have an MFM appointment this afternoon; we’ll see how Baby Girl’s ultrasound matches up with her balloon!

Oh…..and while we’re on the subject of cliffhangers….

Tomorrow’s post?

The reveal of Baby Girl’s room!

Wordless Wednesday: Ready and Waiting

33w Update

How far along: 32w6d.  It’s hard to believe that we’ve finally made it to April – Baby Girl’s birthday month!  Though I still don’t know what exact day she’ll arrive via c-section, I know it will be this month…and that is SO exciting! 

Total weight gain: Despite the 6.5  lb. difference between the scale at Dr. M’s office, and the scale at the MFM’s office, I’m happy to report my weight held steady this week!  No gain, so, only up 8 lbs. for the pregnancy.  I’m going to be over the moon if I can keep my total gain under 15 lbs.  Like I’ve mentioned before, having five pregnancies back-to-back hasn’t been the most, ahem, figure friendly thing to do.

General disposition:  I’m pretty uncomfortable; I’m swelling a lot more easily, my shots are getting harder and harder to inject, and my skin is on a break-out rampage.  But overall, I’m just getting so excited.  I know there is a whole new flavor of “difficult” around the corner as we adjust to life with a new baby, and dividing our time and attention between her and Seth, and healing from surgery….but I’m ready.  I’m ready for whatever comes next. 

Sleep: Huh?  What? 

Best moment this week: I’m so proud of the son we are raising.  We have certainly had some moments this week.  He is being exposed to so much more than even a few months ago, what with being at school all day, and then in different homes each afternoon.  His vocabulary is growing, and so, in his opinion, is the size of his “boundaried” area.  But despite the disciplinary firsts we are facing, he is still THE BEST kid. 

Movement:  As sore as I am, from repeated kicks to one certain spot near my right ribs, I’m so thankful for Baby Girl’s consistent movement.  As her growth slows, my fears intensify, and I’m glad for the constant reassurance that she is, indeed, alive and kickin.’ 

Labor Signs/Body Changes of Note: I need new bras.  Again.  I have a completely newfound respect for women who start out, even before being pregnant, well-endowed. 

What I miss : Energy.  Being able to wrestle with Seth.  Speed.  (Do you know how long it seems to take me to walk up the stairs?  Eek.) 

What I am looking forward to: Seeing two carseats in the back of our new car. =)

And since I’ve been a TOTAL slacker when it comes to taking week-by-week belly pictures, here is a stolen one, courtesy of my friend Jessi.

And yes, that is my popped-out belly button that you can see.

32w Update: 80% cooked

How far along: 32w.  The end feels very much in sight.  35w is my next goal/milestone, and that’s just three weeks off.  Three weeks!  That’s nothing!  As of this Thursday, we should know what Baby Girl’s birthday will be; I’m so, so excited to get that date on the calendar. 

Total weight gain: It’s been almost two weeks since my last weigh-in, where I was down a pound.  I expect to be back up one or two (hopefully, no more than that) at my visit Thursday.

General disposition:  Fairly good.  When people ask me how I’m doing/feeling, my general answer has been “just pregnant.”  I can’t really complain outside of feeling big, puffy, and in a constant state of either starving or nauseated (from heartburn).  All my clothes still fit, though even my maternity tops are hardly covering my bump at this point.

Sleep: I’ve found that I do better with a half-dose of Ambien than a full dose, so other than some unsettling dreams, I’ve been getting much better through-the-night rest. 

Best moment this week: Unrelated to pregnancy in anyway, it would have to be the weather.  We have had abundant sunshine and mild temperatures.  There is just something about the definitive arrival of spring that just has risen my spirits. 

Movement:  Like crazy. =)  I thought Seth and Duncan were rambunctious; they’ve got NOTHING on their sister. 

Labor Signs/Body Changes of Note: Still having pretty strong contractions, but nothing too severe or regular.  I’ve started to notice some, um, mammary changes, but I guess that it to be expected.  And I take it as a good sign.  With as many problems as I had with nursing Seth, it’s kind of nice to know my body is already getting into gear for Baby Girl’s nutrition needs. 

What I miss : Freedom of movement.  I feel like I have to plan and execute even the smallest maneuver, like getting off the couch. 

What I am looking forward to: An official countdown to D-day; weekly ultrasounds and time to just “hang out” with my girl.

Fine.

Fine, you win.

I called the doctor.

She said go to the hospital.

So I did.

The nurse I had was mean and rude and made me cry.

My water didn’t full out break, but is leaky.  My contractions are strong, but not regular.  My cervix is soft, but closed.  Translation: Baby Girl is fine.

I fed her Fritos after I was discharged from Labor & Delivery.

I’m home, I’m cranky, and I’ve decided I’m going to delivery the baby myself at home without any mean nurses nearby.

And I’m going to ask Jim to get me McNuggets for dinner.

End of story.

(Imagine me sticking out my tongue……not at you, per se, just at the world in general.)

(I told you I was cranky.)

Like New Year’s Eve, only better

The “It’s A Girl” balloon wrapped itself around Andrea’s mailbox last Saturday.

As we left the party, Andrea encouraged me to grab the balloon; I didn’t want to.  It was raining, and hefting myself out of my mother-in-law’s minivan for a simple mylar balloon just didn’t appeal to me.

But, it should come as no surprise, given that I’m pretty much constantly singing her praises, that Linda saved me the hassle, and got out of the van, in the rain, to grab the balloon for me.

She dried it off, and placed it in Baby Girl’s room, where it has shown no signs of deflating, even though it has been a week.

Not that he understands, but we’ve taken to telling Seth that when the balloon comes down, Nonna and Gramma will come back to stay.

I have no idea if there is even a chance that this solo balloon will stay inflated until Baby Girl makes her arrival; if I had to bet, I’d say no.

But still.

Each time I walk past her room, and see her balloon floating happily above her crib, I smile.  I smile because it is still as high as the day we brought it home, which means I still have time to “prepare.”  I smile, too, because I know that what goes up must come down.

Sooner or later, the balloon is going to deflate.  And I’m going to have a daughter.

30w update

We’re rounding third! =)

How far along: 30w.  It is a little unreal.  I remember trying so hard to make it to this milestone with Seth, and then I did, and then things seemed to move rapid-fire from there.  So….to be 30w with Baby Girl makes me feel like history may repeat itself; that all of a sudden, I’m going to blink, and she’ll be here.  (Which wouldn’t be a bad thing….I just don’t feel ready.) 

Total weight gain: Due to the nastiest 24-hour bug I’ve ever had, I was down about a pound and a half at my last appointment.  And yes, I took perverse pleasure in having the nurse move the weight to the left of the mark I set it on to start with.  It will be short lived joy, I’m sure.  But whatever.  It felt good nonetheless.

Maternity clothes?  Yep.  Almost entirely.  Although I do have on regular yoga pants and a regular sweater today.  Only maternity thing is my tee shirt.  (And really, I think this is the last week I’m going to bother with this question, because, let’s face it, I’m only getting bigger from here on out.  Let’s put it this way: I’ll let you know when I’m completely OUT of maternity clothes.) 

Sleep: Not really impressed with my Ambien script just yet.  I’m only taking half doses, per Dr. M’s instructions, and it seems to take FOREVER to kick in. 

Best moment this week: Taking my mother to my 30w ultrasound.  This is something I’ve gotten to share with all the grandmothers now, and it really meant a lot for me to have her there to see Baby Girl in utero. 

Movement:  Like crazy. =)  She is a little wiggleworm to be sure.  She was head down at my appointment Thursday, but I swear, she already has flipped over again, and is tap dancing on my cervix.

Labor Signs/Body Changes of Note: Nothing notable.  Because I’m anemic and now taking an iron pill, I’m having some serious conversations with my digestive system, but nothing too bad.  Yet. 

What I miss : Eating without heartburn repercussions.  I’m so over TUMS.

What I am looking forward to: scheduling my c-section at my 32w appt. on 4/1.

Stats: B/P: 127/78; heart rate: 128; est. weight: 3 lbs, 2 oz. (49%); next appt: 3/18

28w Update

How far along? 28w2d.  It feels really, really surreal to be this far.  I mean, on one hand, the pregnancy has been eternal, already; but on the other hand, I can remember the day I took the home pregnancy test like it was just yesterday. 

Total weight gain: I’m up 4 lbs since my last ob appt, which puts me at 8 for the pregnancy.  Dr. M continues to assure me that she is still thrilled with my gain – to be this far along and only 8 lbs up.  But the fact remains that all this weight is in the last 5 weeks, and I currently weigh the most I ever have in my life.  I know it’ll come off.  But still.  Any time the scale creeps (up) into a new range, you cringe.

Maternity clothes?  Yep.  Almost entirely.  I did get into a pair of my regular pants last week, and I even got them buttoned.  But I couldn’t breathe normally, so I took them off. ;) 

Sleep: It’s been elusive.  Like, usually only 2-3 hours a night elusive.  So I finally asked Dr. M for an Ambien prescription, and it’s currently being filled at our friendly neighborhood Walgreen’s. 

Best moment this week: Welcoming Eliana Jane, the sweet daughter of my dear friend Stacy.  Her healthy birth is a direct answer to much prayer by many people.

Movement:  Like crazy. =)  She is a little wiggleworm to be sure. 

Labor Signs/Body Changes of Note: Some stretch marks have started to rear their ugly heads, but I’m dealing. 

What I miss : My reflection without puffy, dark-circled eyes.

What I am looking forward to: having my 30w ultrasound with my mother present next week.  I’m sure it’ll be a treat for us both.

Stats: B/P: 120/60; heart rate: 145; next appt: 3/11

27w update

How far along? I am OFFICIALLY in the third and final trimester of my pregnancy.  It’s bizarre, but great.  I wish I knew exactly how much longer I had to go – be it 6 weeks, or 8, or 10, but I don’t.  So today, I’ll just be giddy with happiness that I’ve made it this far with a healthy baby girl, and pray that she stays put until she is good and ready to make an appearance. 

Total weight gain: Since last week, I don’t know, and I don’t care to know.  I have a number in my head that I do NOT want to see on my chart between now and delivery, but I have to keep telling myself that this is just a number, and my body, as history has proven, is just going to do what it is going to do.  The weight will go on, and sure as shootin’ it will come off.  Eventually. 

Maternity clothes?  Can I just say, I need new bras.  That is all.

Sleep: Thanks to a vaporizer and some night-formula cold medicine, it’s been better this past week than in recent weeks.

Best moment this week: Date night with Jim on Saturday.  We had a nice dinner out, saw Valentine’s Day, and spent the night at the Doubletree Suites (thanks to a gift certificate I won at MOPS last spring). 

Movement:  All the time.  In fact, when I discovered that the name Reese means “enthusiasm,” I thought we’d found her name for sure.  It just seemed to fit.  (But then Jim informed me that Reese is a boy name…. Oh, well.)

Labor Signs/Body Changes of Note: Nope.  Yea for nope!

What I miss : Still Seth.  He will be home on Thursday, with my favorite in-laws in tow! 

What I am looking forward to: seeing my MIL this weekend, having an u/s next week, and then having a great time of celebrating Baby Girl with my sweet friends in two weeks.

Baby Girl’s name…

IS NOT:

Eleanor

Erin

Reese

Jillian

Kendall

Stella

Lauren

MIGHT STILL BE:

Tessa

Chelsea

Rachael

Elizabeth

Sara

Gracyn

I’m still very much open to suggestions.  I want something not-too-trendy, and that has a special meaning.  Jim is still completely confused as to why I’m preoccupied with this issue – and I think we’ve just come to the “agree to disagree” point of the discussion: I’m obsessed with naming her, and he thinks we have all the time in the world.

Some of my closest girlfriends are having baby girls, and they’re all named already.  I’m jealous.  If Vivian, Eleanor, Eliana, Abbey, and Rebecca all get to be named, why can’t Baby Girl?

Help?

26w Update

How far along? 26w1d.  I’m closing in on the third trimester! 

Total weight gain: 3 lbs up.  Yikes.  I’ve gained my first pound of pregnancy weight, which Dr. Morgan assured me I can breathe easily over.  To be over 75% done with my pregnancy and to only have gained 3 lbs. is “more than acceptable.”  Especially considering that 2 of those 3 lbs. is all Baby Girl! 

Maternity clothes? Of course.  But I also sported a super cute non-maternity top to the doctor on Tuesday, and felt half-way human.

Sleep: Yes, please.   Sleep would be so much better than the nightmares where I keep getting chased, caught, tortured, and then EATEN by loin-clothed cannibals.  (Yeah; that was Sunday.)

Best moment this week: Finally getting some medicine for my lingering sore throat/sinus and/or upper respiratory infection.  C’mon, pharmaceuticals, do your thing. 

Movement: After a slight change in behavior last week that, admittedly, had me scrambling for the phone to schedule an emergency ultrasound, she has resumed her normal, over-the-top, won’t stop for a minute behavior. 

Labor Signs/Body Changes of Note: Things are pretty stable right now.  (Imagine that; bedrest is actually working.  Obedience is a power thing.)  I have to have some blood work done in 2 weeks, in addition to my glucose test, but I’m feeling fairly confident that all is well under the surface. 

What I miss : Seth.  He is going to be in Toledo for another whole week, and while Jim and I are taking full advantage of this “babymoon,” we both miss our little man.  Only knowing he is having a great time with his grandparents makes this bearable. 

What I am looking forward to: A date on Saturday night, seeing my mom in just a couple weeks, and starting to fill up Baby Girl’s closet thanks to the generous hand-me-downs from Beth and Sara.
 
Stats: B/P: 130/70; BG heartrate: 144; urine: clear (no trace protein); platelets: 99

I can’t even come up with an adequate word…

I’m not usually one to keep up with trends.

I don’t have any real interest in Pandora bracelets (though I think my friend Marybeth has great taste in her beads and looks like a million bucks in her baubles).

I’ve never purchased a Coach purse, though…well, the aforementioned Marybeth gifted me with a sweet little Coach wristlet as a bridesmaid gift a few years ago.  Note: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will actually get ink out of cream-colored leather.  Don’t ask me how I know that.

Even Vera Bradley – which is HUGE down here in Tennessee – wasn’t on my radar, until I was given an awesome weekender bag as a Christmas/going-away gift from my boss last December.  That bag has seen more miles in the last 13 months than any other bag I’ve owned.

That said, the point of this post isn’t to applaud the style of my friends and coworkers.  It’s to tell you that I’m about to fall victim to the temptation that is trendy, adorable, probably-overpriced gear for my unborn, nameless baby girl.

Interpeeps, meet the Vera Bradley Baby Bag.

Isn’t she a vision of loveliness in her Raspberry Fizz print?  It is pink and orange, people!  Nameless Unborn Baby Girl is going to live in a room that is pink and orange!  And she needs this bag!!!

Now, the catch is, I would never – no matter how much I loved it – pay $97 for a diaper bag. Even though it makes more sense to pay $100 for a bag that you use ‘round-the-clock than to pay $200 for a bedding set that you really only purchase to look cute, not function well.  (Not that I did that or anything.)

But still…$97 for a bag?  I can’t do it.

But something about the fact that this particular print is on sale for $65 makes it so much more reasonable, in my opinion.  (Right?  Tell me you agree.)

After all, I have been doing some research on diaper bags, since Seth’s was used to death.  RIP sleek black messenger bag.  You served us well.  Anyway, the bags I’ve kept coming back to average about $50 a pop anyways.  So……

What would you guys do?  Settle for a BRU bag, or (kinda) splurge on the Vera one?  Help?!

24w Update

How far along? 24w.  Our baby girl is “technically” viable.  All this means is that were she to be born alive today,  the attending physicians would be obligated to attempt to sustain her life.  I know that is very scientific sounding, but…..well, given the quality of life that a micro-preemie may have, “viable” just isn’t good enough for me.

Total weight gain: 3 lbs up; I have finally arrived back at my starting pregnancy weight.  I blame Kelly.  She is corrupting me with Barefoot Contessa brownies.  It’s all her fault. 

Maternity clothes? Of course.  Maternity clothes and a rekindled love for fuzzy socks.

Sleep: Yes, please.

Best moment this week: A snow storm that blanketed the entire yard. =)  We got about 6” and it made me happy to see all white and no dead grass poking up through the ice. 

Movement: This child.  Sigh.  I need to name her whatever means “jumps around constantly” or “won’t ever sit still.”  Even Dr. M has commented on how active she is.  Reassuring, yes.  Exhausting, yes, too. 

Labor Signs/Body Changes of Note: I have started yet another blood pressure medicine, but this one seems to be working (for now).  Supposedly, this one (Labetalol) works in a different capacity than my other two, so it should stay effective longer.  Here’s hoping.  My blood pressure has been good, and a week on bedrest has shown us that this is indeed the route to take right now.  Staying off my feet = no contractions = good BP = no hospital.  That is what we want. 

Belly Button in or out? Out-ish.  Things are a-changing.

What I miss : Sleeping on my stomach, and eating freely without worrying about heartburn.
 
What I am looking forward to: the birth of my dear friend Mandie’s Baby Bumblebee.

Stats: B/P: 122/64; BG heartrate: 150; urine: clear (no trace protein); cervix: 3.5

23w Update

How far along? 23w; one week shy of (technical) viability 

Total weight gain: 2 lbs down; 3 lbs shy of starting pregnancy weight. 

Maternity clothes? Yes and no.  Now that I’m on bedrest, my wardrobe has no reason to go beyond yoga pants, sweats, tanks, and hoodies.  So, there are a couple go to maternity shirts I’m loving, and I’d love to pick up several more Old Navy maternity camisoles (I need the length to cover my bump!). 

Sleep: I forgot to ask (read: beg) Dr. M for an Ambien prescription at Monday’s appt., but I’ve actually been so exhausted at the end of each day, I’m sleeping pretty soundly again.

Best moment this week: Confirmation that all the contractions I’m having aren’t doing anything detrimental to my cervix. 

Movement: Yep, all the time.

Labor Signs/Body Changes of Note: Consistent contractions still, but, as mentioned, they aren’t doing anything, so I’m okay with them.  I have had my first really complicated, um, how to say this delicately, morning in the bathroom, which drove me to my knees in a fervent prayer that I be spared the nightmare of recurrent hemorrhoids.

Also, as mentioned, I am now OFFICIALLY on home bedrest.  Dr. M was ready to up my Procardia dosage one more time, but I wasn’t comfortable going that route right now, so she agreed we will be on bedrest at home and give the medicine (that I’m currently on) a chance to do its job before we have to do any more medical intervention.  

Belly Button in or out? Out-ish.  Things are a-changing.

What I miss : Sleeping on my stomach. 

What I am looking forward to: Um….a healthy family.

Stats: B/P: 140/80; BG heartrate: 147; urine: clear (no trace protein); cervix: 3.5

Will she be a mini-me?

I finally have in my possession one of my all-time favorite pictures:

I was probably a few months shy of three in this shot; my brother Adam, a few months shy of one.  This was actually the shot I mentioned that I wished I’d had back in June when I did my Million Dollar Smile post.

Seth looked more like my side of the family when he was teeny-tiny, but as he’s grown into his looks, I see more and more of his daddy’s genes popping through.  It’s hard to imagine that Duncan would have looked different than Seth; I mean, I know he would have looked uniquely like Duncan, but I can’t help but think he would have shared traits with Seth that would leave little doubt as to their brotherhood.

But I’ve started to wonder who Baby Girl will take after; if she will be the child that gets Jim’s towhead curls and blue eyes, or if she, too, like her brothers, will have my darker coloring and stick-straight hair?

I guess only time will tell.  For now, it’s enough to dream.

22w Update

How far along? 22w, 1d

Total weight gain: 1 lb up; 1 lb shy of starting pregnancy weight. 

Maternity clothes? Yep.  I’m attending BlissDom in a few weeks, and I am starting to panic about what I don’t own, and I’m not looking forward to trying to find it in the meager maternity sections of Old Navy and Target. 

Sleep: Rare and precious, harder each night.  I’ve been on the couch a few nights this week, and one night, Seth and I even switched.  He slept with Daddy and I got his bed all to myself.

Best moment this week: Getting Dr. M’s “approval” on what might be BG’s name.  Not that she truly gets a vote, but still, it’s nice when your ob thinks you’ve got good taste in names.
 
Movement: Yep, all the time.

Labor Signs: Well…I have started having contractions.  They aren’t all that regular, but they sure are uncomfortable, and they are causing some issues.  As I’m starting to contract, my BP meds don’t seem to be working as effectively.  My reading at Tuesday’s appt. was a whopping 160/90.  Uh-oh.

Belly Button in or out? Out-ish.  Things are a-changing.

What I miss : good restful sleep.

What I am looking forward to: Naming this baby; after our slight scare this week, I feel like I just might get Jim to nail something down sooner than later.
 
Stats: B/P: 160/90; heartrate: 152; urine: clear (no trace protein)