Week 38/Still Preggers!

Hello!

So, who all thought I had the baby?!?  "She didn't post Sunday!" She didn't post Monday!" "Did she have the baby and didn't say anything?"

Nope :)

I wore myself to exhaustion on Sunday, so I didn't feel like taking my pic or spending time on my  computer.  So I planned to blog yesterday.  But Comcast had other thoughts; their internet was messed up.  Another day without blogging.  I know some of you were taking bets that I'd go into labor on the full moon (which was yesterday).  That didn't happen either.  So here we are, at Week 38, just playing The Waiting Game.

Had a doctor's appointment today.  Everything looks good (weight, blood pressure, etc).  I'm dilated 2-3 cm and around 75% effaced.  Dean's arrival is coming up so fast!

We had maternity pictures taken!  Thank you again Thornhill Photography for the awesome pictures!  I'll get some of those posted once we get the disc.  Anyone that needs a photographer, either here or in the Asheville area, I can recommend a good one :)

Let's see the update on Dean!

Size:  The length of a leek!  Dean's about 6.8 pounds and over 19.5 inches long.

Physical Features:  Dean has a firm grasp,  His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

How I'm Feeling:  Tired, as per usual.  I can tell Dean's getting into position.  My mid-back has been getting sore, and I'm having to use a jacket or a pillow while I'm sitting at work to ease some of the pressure.  I haven't been doing my exercises/stretches like I know I should be :(  I'll do better about those this week.

What I'm Thankful For:  Having the time to "wrap up" everything.  We still have a couple things left to do, but it's all minor.  Glad we got the major stuff taken care of.  And thanks again to everyone who helped us get to this point!

Appointments and Upcoming Events:  Next appointment is set for next Wednesday, so that John can come with me.  As far as upcoming events, just waiting on Dean's arrival!

The bump pic!

Oh!  I do have one picture from the maternity shoot: 

Can't wait to see the rest of them!

Have a great week!

Week 37/The Last of the Showers

Hello everyone!

Week 37...means Dean is now considered full term!

As you noticed, I did not make my update yesterday.  My apologies :)  I feel the slow-down as this pregnancy draws to its near conclusion.  Can you believe we are 3 weeks from the day of Dean's arrival (give or take)?!?  So many feelings, both physical and emotional.  (I'll talk more about that later)

Last week, John's work threw us a baby shower!  It was great.  And they were gracious enough to host it at the branch across from where we live, even though John's not at that branch anymore.  I'm so appreciative of the food and gifts they gave to our expanding family.  And John was excited to get to open some gifts, lol!  

Today, my work threw us a baby shower! :)  It was planned for today thinking John would be off for President's Day.  But while banks were closed, the credit union was not :(  Still, we had a great time, and I'm very thankful for the generosity my work showed me today.  You guys are incredible; thank you so much!

So, now that the showers are over, I am in full organizational mode!  I've already sorted and organized the diapers by size (as well as the wipes), hung up some of Dean's clothes, and set aside the bath items.  We have more clothes now, so those will need to be washed and sorted by size (oh yes, all his clothes are sorted by size).  This week we'll get the car seat installed (and checked by the fire dept) as well as the monitor.  Those are John's jobs :)

Everything's coming together!

Oh, one thing before the update: a lot of people have been asking me how I know how much Dean weighs, if the doctor's check it every week, etc.  The doctor's don't necessarily measure him, they measure my belly to make sure I'm on track.  Generally, how far along you are in weeks is how much you should measure out to be.  For example, when I went at week 34, my belly (uterus) measured 34 cm.  To get his length, size, weight, etc, I get that info off an app on my phone.  

Let's see what Dean's up to this week:

Size:  The length of a stalk of Swiss chard (yeah...)!  He weighs around 6.33 pounds and measures just over 19 inches.

Physical Features:  Since he's now considered full-term, Dean's lungs are likely mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb.

How I'm Feeling:  Oh, the adjustment's my body is making in order to make room for Dean's delivery.  By the end of the day I just want to put my large, swollen feet up and do my best to relax.  Saturday I stayed home for the majority of the day, and I could tell a difference in how I feel when I run around like crazy and when I take it easy.  Of course, I felt much better after taking a day to just rest.  

Sleeping has also become an issue.  Once I get home from work, I am ready to roll over and just fall asleep.  Although sleep doesn't always come easy.  I try to get as comfortable as I can, but between bathroom breaks my large belly (which makes it interesting to turn at night), I have a dog who stays on my feet and a husband who loves to get as close to me as he can.  Assuming we have another child, we will have a King-size bed :)  

All that being said, I know I've been blessed with a great pregnancy, and I'm grateful for everything :)

What I'm Thankful For:  My mommy!  In going along with trying to take it easy, she came over yesterday and helped me clean!  She's been offering to come help, so I finally took her up on it. I did a few things here and there, but she did a majority of the work.  It was great to not only have her help me clean the house, but to spend some time with her as well.  Thank you again mom!

Appointments and Upcoming Events:  Doctor's appointments are now every week, so my appointment this week is tomorrow.

Bump pic!

Props to my mom for taking this pic yesterday!  She cleans and takes pictures!  As you can see, Dean's all in the front.  This is what makes turning in the middle of the night an adventure.  

Have a great week!

Week 36/ It's The Final Countdown!

One month to go, it is indeed The Final Countdown!

I must say that I have been blessed with a wonderful pregnancy.  For the most part, I have felt great and was able to continue regular activities.  That being said…I feel that I have now entered my “uncomfortable stage” (as my mom observed).  Changes are happening as my body is preparing for The Big Event.  This past week was the first time I've really experienced cankles and dude, those are not pleasant.  Between the cankles and soreness, pain and tiredness, I know Dean’s getting himself ready.  As I keep reminding him, he needs to cook just a little longer.  So for that to happen, I know I've got to do more to slow down and take care of myself.  It’s in his best interest, right? :)  Keeping my focus on a happy and healthy baby boy!

Speaking of happy and healthy, I watched Dean’s knee move across my belly this week!  Wow, was that a cool thing to see, if not a bit painful, lol!  John got to feel the action the other day.  It was so precious.  He looked at me, smiled, and apologized for how strong Dean is, lol!  He is a strong baby.  Dean and I still play our games; when he pokes and punches and knees, I poke him right back!  I’m so excited to hold him and kiss his precious little face!

Another sign of the changes is that Gizmo has been hanging around me more than usual.  He’s around me a lot (a bit of a mama’s puppy), but lately whenever I sit down he’s right next to me, when I get up and come back he’s laying in my exact spot.  I think he’s finally learned that mommy’s got something going on and that his life is about to change!  I read dogs can be a good indicator of when labor is imminent, so as he’s keeping an eye on me, I’m keeping my eye on him.

On to Dean’s update!

Size: Crenshaw melon!  Dean now weighs right around 6 pounds and is more than 18.5 inches long.

Physical Features: Dean is shedding most of the downy hair that covered his body.  Many of his systems are pretty mature (at least in baby terms) and just about ready for life on the outside.

What I’m Thankful For:  A wonderful support system made up of family, friends, and my wonderful husband, who has taken on a larger role around the house to help me out. 

How I’m Feeling: Re: above

Appointments and Upcoming Events:  Doctor’s appointment tomorrow, and every week from here on out!  Also have a massage tomorrow, YAY!  We’re suppose to have our maternity pictures on Saturday…we’ll see if the weather will cooperate.  That’s right people; they’re calling for more snow this coming weekend.  Hoping that system will pass us by!

And the Pic!

As you can see, standing up straight has been a bit of an issue lately.  :P

Hope everyone has a wonderful week, and a fabulous Valentine's Day!

Week 35/ Another shower!/ And more snow!

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

I didn't start getting into football (and I use that term loosely) until I met John, but I always enjoyed Super Bowl Sunday.  Half the fun is the food, the other half divided between the halftime show and the commercials.  But now that I'm understanding the game more, I'm looking forward to watching the game as well.  Who am I rooting for?  The San Francisco 49ers, of course!  Go home state team!

Yes people, the snow just. Won't. Stop.  Well, hopefully this'll be it for a while (it better, I have a work event on Saturday and I am not rescheduling it again).  The snow started late yesterday morning and snowed up until this morning, but the temp's gotten a bit warmer, the sun is out (I can see blue sky!), and it's all melting away.  Thank goodness.

My pregnancy update told me (yes, it speaks to me...no, not really) that because Dean's gotten so big I probably won't feel him moving around as much.  Well, no one told Dean :)  today I got to see a limb move across my stomach!  It was the coolest thing.  Usually I just see the nudges that make waves across my belly, but this time it was either an arm or a leg.  And he just keeps moving.  I love it!  I'm really going to miss those movements after he's out.  But then again, I'll get to see him move around minus the restriction of my uterus :)

Had another baby shower yesterday!  Thank you again to Alex, Crystal, and Angela for hostessing!  I had a great time, and everyone else seemed to as well.  Thanks to everyone, we are getting more and more prepared for when Dean comes.  And for what we need to prepare for his arrival.  Thank you everyone for coming out and sharing this special occasion with me!!!

To the update!

Size: Little Dean Honeydew!  He's just over 18 inches long and about 5.25 pounds.

Physical Features:  Dean's kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Basic physical development is now mostly complete, and his main job over the next few weeks is to put on weight!

What I'm Thankful For:  John's help.  You'll see why below.  He's really stepped up to not only help me out around the house, but to make sure I'm as comfortable as I can be.  Love you babe!

How I'm Feeling:  Overall, still feeling great.  I have reached the point where I'm limited in physical activity, and some tasks I'm finding are difficult to achieve.  Also, I feel my body making "the changes" in preparation for birth.  It's not been the most pleasant, but stretching seems to help.  By the time I get home from work, I don't move around much.  It's time to start making freezer meals not just for after Dean comes, but for when I don't feel like cooking after work.  

Appointments and Upcoming Events:  Next appointment isn't until Feb. 11, and we'll have one more shower (John's work is throwing one for us!) the day after.  Maternity pics have been scheduled for Feb. 16.  Looking forward to those!  I'm hoping it'll be the one day in the middle of winter it'll be 70 degrees.  It's ridiculous, but I can sure dream!

The Bump Pic!

Have a wonderful week!