Peanut Tracker: Week 35 Update- It's the Final Countdown!!!

It's finally here! The last 30 days of my pregnancy...well, 29 to the due date anyway. Next Sunday Charlee will officially be considered full term. And I have never been happier!

The best way to explain it was said by a friend yesterday: "I would keep getting pregnant and having babies if pregnancy didn't last so long." Being pregnant is wonderful and joyous, but it is also exhausting and painful. 40 weeks is a long time, believe me! It seems especially long now that we are on the final leg of the journey. Each day crawls as we wait with anticipation and my symptoms are getting worse. My hormones are completely out of control. I cry over everything, I snap at little things, and I get annoyed over almost anything. Let me just take this opportunity to apologize to anyone who has been on the receiving end of those emotions. Especially Eric. He is one super trooper!

I am sleeping less than ever before because I just can't seem to get comfortable. My back and hips ache all the time and my shoulders hurt from sleeping on my side. I wake up every 60-90 minutes for bathroom breaks. I try to nap during the day, but it still isn't enough. People keep telling me to get lots of sleep while I can. Well, I would LOVE to sleep 9 hours a night and take 2 hour naps every day without waking up, but it just isn't possible. I guess it's just time to realize that it will probably be years before I have another normal nights sleep...

I also have an interesting new symptom: dark armpits. It's weird, I know. I wasn't even aware of it until Eric pointed it out (and I cried because he pointed it out). Turns out that it is actually a normal symptom of pregnancy (thanks to hormones) and it should go away within a few months of delivering the baby. Which is good, because I don't like looking like I don't shave my armpits! Between that, constantly scratching my belly, popping Tums like they're candy, and my super waddle (the pressure is continuing to increase), I must be one sexy sight!

With the due date quickly approaching, Eric and I have made sure to be very productive! Sunday night I completed my labor music play list and I really hope it helps me relax! On Monday morning I completed our hospital pre-registration so that if we have to run to the hospital all of the paperwork is completed in advance. That evening we had our Newborn Awareness and Safety class. It was taught by the same crazy hippie lady who taught our previous class. She told so many stories that had nothing to do with the class that I feel a little cheated. But they covered a few things that will come in handy once Charlee comes home.

Tuesday morning Eric installed the car seat into my car. It was such a nice surprise to wake up and find out it was in there. I tried to have it inspected that afternoon, but the firemen were on a call and didn't come back for quite a while. Eric installed the base into his car today, so hopefully we can get them both inspected this week. On Wednesday Charlee's take home outfit came in the mail! It's so cute. We still need a little sweater to go with it, but luckily we already had tights, socks, mittens, and a hat for her! We also had another scare on Wednesday morning. I hadn't felt the peanut move since sometime around 10pm Tuesday night. So, after drinking cold water and trying to eat some ice cream to get her moving, I called our OB to get in for some monitoring. The nurse immediately made room for us and we were in the office within 30 minutes. And, in true Charlee fashion, she started kicking around as soon as they hooked me up to the monitor! Of course, she stopped again as soon as we left the office, but she has been doing fine since. She has a strong heartbeat, is measuring accurately, and my blood pressure is perfect, and my weight gain is on track.

Eric's fancy new truck

Friday I got my robe for the hospital in the mail, so I washed it and put it in my to go bag. Eric finally packed his and, minus a couple minor items, we are ready to go if necessary! I kept harassing Eric about getting the nursery finished, so we said we would finish it on Saturday. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. However, Eric did get a fancy new truck! I am so happy for him because he's been wanting a truck for a long time. I am also happy for me because it is much more practical and easier to get in and out of with a baby than a Cobalt!

The tutu and headpiece

I spent yesterday afternoon at Malory's baby shower. Her sister-in-law hosted it with a Halloween theme and it was adorable! She really paid attention to detail from dry ice to make the punch smoke, to making a "spider web" on the dip with sour cream, to little "blood drops" on the cupcakes. Malory and I were able to drink "Fo-mosa's" (non-alcoholic champagne and orange juice), which was a nice treat. Part of her gift was a tutu that I made along with a matching headpiece. I was so happy to be able to make it and can't wait to make more! After I got home and watched the Noles win another game, Eric and I went to find dinner. Every restaurant was packed, which was strange for after 9pm. We settled on Outback because everywhere else had a really long wait. Not long after we were seated a kid at the neighboring table puked all over the floor. I immediately turned green. So Eric and I went to the hostess station to ask for another table. The hostess looked at me and said "I don't know where to sit you because, no offense, I don't want your cute bump to be squished by the table!" The crazy part was that I wasn't offended, I was thankful she was so considerate! How things change in just a few weeks...

The only other news this week is that my mother's mother (Grammie) had a stroke. We were really worried about her, but she seems to be recovering ok. Hopefully she continues to recover and won't put up too much of a fight when it's time to go home. My father's father (Pepere) has also given us a scare. He was having some lung issues earlier this week and I just found out he is in the hospital with possible congestive heart failure. I really hope he comes through ok. It would mean so much if you could keep them in your thoughts and prayers!

35 weeks 6 days

Now that I've written a novel, it's time for the peanut related news! This week she will grow to approximately 5.75-6.5 lbs and about 18.75 inches long, or about the size of a crenshaw melon. She is still gaining weight and getting chubbier. She is also still practicing swallowing and digesting with amniotic fluid so she is ready for her first feeding. At this point she should be head down. We should find out her position during our appointment next week!

Current cravings: chocolate, ice cream, cinnamon, beef

Current aversions: raw tomatoes, onions

Peanut Tracker: Week 34 Update- It's All Coming Together

The countdown is now at 36 days until Charlee's due date. I can't believe how far we've come! But it still seems like forever until she will be here. I want to meet her, hold her, and breath normally again!

We have been very busy this week! Which is great because the more we get done now, the more we can relax later. I would like to kick back with my feet up for a week or two before the peanut joins our little family. I went shopping with our gift cards from the last baby shower and picked up most of the remaining items that we needed. Now we have the car mirror, car window shades, changing pad and covers, rectal thermometer (yay parenthood), and diaper pail. I also picked up some items that I will need like PJ's that button down the front, nursing pads, slippers, etc. Eric also ordered the butterflies we liked for her wall decorations. The only things we have left are the breast pump, curtains and curtain rods, her take home outfit, and a couple items for her first aid bucket. It feels great to know that the massive purchasing is almost over and we will soon be ready for her to join us!

I had wanted to get the car seats installed this weekend, but that didn't happen. However, I am pre-packing our hospital bags tomorrow. Hopefully I will clean my car and get the car seat bases in each car next weekend. The fire house down the street is also a certified car seat inspection site, so we won't have to go far to get them checked!

I had my 34 week appointment on Wednesday. Thankfully nothing too exciting happened. My weight gain is good, my blood pressure is great, Charlee is measuring on track, and her heartbeat was a strong 164. After hearing such good news, I was determined to be productive. So I went to get my windshield repaired because there was a chip in it. Because of the size of the crack, they had to replace my whole windshield. Which meant I had to sit in the waiting room for 2 1/2 hours. That is something I do not suggest for any preggo! By the time my car was ready I had set up a little fort with chairs, water bottles, snacks, and my knitting. I must have been quite a spectacle! Unfortunately I was trapped with a receptionist who kept telling me graphic details of her labor and delivery experience. I never engaged in a conversation with her. She just started talking and never stopped. She also basically told me that anyone who wants an epidural is a terrible person and they are destined to have tearing. Really? I didn't know that most OB's also work as Glass Pro receptionists...

Baby kitchen cabinet!

I spent Thursday organizing the nursery some more. I finished washing all of her clothes and blankets and put them all away. I also washed all of her baby toys in baby safe dish detergent. The most exciting thing all week was opening the bottle boxes and washing the bottles. That really made it feel like she will be here soon! I showed Eric how to put the bottles together and organized the cabinet space we'll be using for them. The items we will be keeping on the shelf above the bottles: coffee and coffee filters. I think they fit in perfectly next to the free formula we got in the mail!

Friday morning around 3:45am was probably one of the scariest moments for Eric so far. I woke up moaning and writhing in pain. It felt like someone was stabbing my side. Eric was in the bathroom and I started yelling that he needed to hurry up. He came out and I told him "it hurts!" and that he would have to help me out of bed. I basically crawled to the bathroom while he kept asking "What hurts?! What hurts?!" through the door. The answer? I had fallen asleep around 11:30pm and hadn't woken up until that point to use the restroom. If you are or ever have been pregnant, you know that not waking up every 1 1/2- 2 hours is unheard of. Turns out this is why. That was honestly the closest I've ever been to peeing the bed since I was about 5 years old!

Friday afternoon we had our first meet and greet with a local pediatrician's office. I took my pages of questions with Eric in tow and headed over there. The office was clean with separate waiting areas, the staff was friendly, and we loved the doctor. He didn't judge us for our situation and he answered most of my questions without me asking. The practice agrees with what Eric and I want for delivery, continuing care, vaccinations, medications, and breastfeeding. So, we decided that office is where Charlee will be going. It was so great to find the perfect place on the first try!

Saturday morning Eric and I had our labor and delivery class at Trident Medical Center. It was a long day and poor Eric had been awake since 11pm the night before. But we survived! We did have to watch two live births. I think I was more disturbed by them than Eric was. However, most of the dad's in the class pulled out their cell phones while the videos were on so they wouldn't have to watch. We also practiced some relaxation and breathing techniques. They worked so well that Eric started snoring at one point and I had to shake him awake. The only downside to the class was that our instructor was really long winded and tended to tell us stories that had nothing to do with the topic. She also pushed her ideals on us. She gave about a 10 minute lecture on how important it is for the daddy's to be involved. Ummm, these dads are in a labor and delivery class. I'd say that's a pretty good start. However, she kept talking about how her divorce scared her children and it was all her ex husband's fault. She also kept talking about how we all need to avoid C-sections at all costs and epidurals should only be used if we absolutely cannot handle the pain. She was also very condescending about women who won't be breastfeeding. I just wanted to yell at her that we are in a hospital and everyone has a different situation! I'm glad I didn't though because she's instructing our newborn care and safety class tomorrow night!

34 weeks 6 days

On the peanut side of the story, she will be growing to about 18 inches in length and about 5.25 lbs this week! That's about the size of a honeydew melon. Her major organs are nearly complete. Her kidneys are developed and her liver is functioning. She won't be getting much longer in the coming weeks, but she will continue to fatten up (hopefully not too much)!

Current cravings: chocolate, ice cream, cinnamon, beef
 
Current aversions: uncooked tomatoes, onions

Peanut Tracker: Week 33 Update- Crafting, Shopping, and Celebrating

Since this week's post is a day late, there are only 42 days to go until Charlee's due date! I can't believe in about 6 weeks she will be here. If I go into labor now, the doctors will just let things progress. So strange. So exciting!

Closet dividers

This week I enjoyed some pretty girly activities. After I finished painting Charlee's letters last weekend, I decided to make some closet dividers to make closet organization easier. I cut up some scrap cardboard, painted, and voila! We have store-like closet dividers so I don't have to keep checking tags and hangers for the size of the peanut's adorable outfits once she is here! I also did some research and found out how to make the cutest tutu's and can't wait to buy the supplies and make one!

Maternity photo shoot

Earlier in the week we also received word that the rest of our maternity photos were finished and we could pic them up. So Eric and I went to the Air Force base to get them. Some of the pictures weren't that great, but we did get a few more good ones. Now I am even more excited to have the newborn session once Charlee is here!

On Tuesday I went to Publix and finally got my flu shot. My doctor recommended getting one and since Eric hadn't been feeling well, I was extra motivated to finally go get one. The following day I felt like I had been hit by a bus, but other than that, no negative side effects. I also went to the Medicaid office this week. Since I haven't been getting paid since May and won't be receiving my disability pay until I deliver (because HR wants to make my life difficult), I decided that having Medicaid pay for the difference after my insurance was the best option. It took me all day because I had to go to the office, get paperwork started, then go back for an interview in the afternoon. I did have to wait for 45 minutes after my scheduled appointment, but the whole process was relatively painless. The only part I'm worried about now is the pain in processing paperwork for the remaining balances after my insurance!

Charlee's Christmas dress

Wednesday night was a time I had been looking forward to since June. It was the annual consignment sale in Mount Pleasant. Once a year all of the local consignment retailers bring their baby clothes, toys, games, and other baby items and sell them in a massive consignment sale at the Mount Pleasant convention center. I went to have dinner with Malory and Brian, then the three of us headed to the sale. Inside was pure chaos! There were hundreds of women and men hunting racks, fighting over table items, and dragging laundry baskets they were using as shopping carts behind them. It was hot, crowded, loud, and there was nowhere to sit or get something to drink. Not the best place for women who were 8 months pregnant. I really wanted to look through the clothes, but the racks were about 20 inches apart and it was a tight squeeze for me, my belly, and the other women who were trying to shove past me. There was a time when a glass of wine or two would've made me feel more comfortable in that situation. Unfortunately, I can't cope with the anxiety that way in my current state! I did find a couple outfits (including Charlee's Christmas dress) and a few toys. Mal and Brian made out like bandits finding a stroller, embroidered diaper bag, wipe warmer, and books. We did have to stand in line for an hour and a half and I was ready to collapse when I got home. Maybe next year when I'm not pregnant and better prepared it will be a better experience.

Saturday morning Eric's cousin met up with us for our trip to his home town. We got some lunch and hit the road, dropping her off on the way to Eric's parents house. We sat around and caught up for a little while before Eric had to pick up his brother and go to the USC vs UAB game. I bought the tickets for Eric and I before I knew I would be 8 months pregnant at this point. Since I knew I would be miserable at the game, he took his brother for some much needed "guy time". That night I went with my future mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law and Kathleen to a candle party at my future sister-in-law's house. I got to play with my future niece and meet and catch up with some women I rarely get to see. After the party we got some groceries, went home and ate a pizza, and hung out until Eric came home. All-in-all, it was a pretty good day.

Diaper wreath

Yesterday was a wonderful day! It was Eric's mom's birthday, so we had a delicious lunch and a cake to celebrate with her at home. That afternoon was our baby shower. Charlee is already so spoiled and loved. She received some great gifts that will definitely come in handy! We were treated to an ice cream sundae bar (the perfect shower food for this pregnant lady) and had a great time catching up. I was able to play with my future niece a little more. I was sad to say goodbye to everyone, but the weekend really did me in and I was exhausted. We didn't get home until close to 10 last night. That was definitely the last trip I will be taking before Charlee joins the world!

Opening gifts

In peanut related news, she is growing beautifully! This week she will grow to about 17.75 inches and approximately 4.75 lbs (or about the size of a cantaloupe). Her vernix (the waxy coating that protects her skin) is becoming thicker and her lanugo (the tiny hairs all over her skin) may be completely gone at this point. Her lungs will continue to practice how to breath and as she gets fatter, her skin is smoothing out. This week is also when many babies move from the breech position into the head-down position.

33 weeks 5 days

Current cravings: chocolate, ice cream, peanut butter, beef

Current aversions: uncooked tomatoes, onions

Peanut Report: Week 32 Update- Productive Procrastination

Only 50 days until Charlee is expected to meet the world! 

 

I always thought that at this point in my pregnancy I would be glowing and energetic. I was so very, very wrong. I am exhausted all of the time. I'm sure it's partly due to the increasing pelvic pressure, constant back aches, aching hips, and subsequent insomnia. However, it's causing me to procrastinate a lot more than ever before. I have so much to do and just can't find the energy to do any of it. Hopefully I will find a way to get it all done an itty bitty bit at a time. 

Some exciting things have happened this week. On Wednesday we had our 32 week appointment. I hadn't felt the peanut kick since before I went to bed the night before, so they hooked me up to the fetal monitor. Eric had to help hold it because Charlee was hiding low and back, which is why I couldn't feel her. The nurse put a little vibrating buzzer on my belly for just a moment and that kicked Charlee into high gear. After 20 minutes of being abused the doctor came in to say that the baby is healthy with a strong heartbeat, my blood pressure and weight gain are right on track, and to keep doing what I'm doing. That was such a relief!

3D/4D ultrasound

On Thursday we had a 3D/4D ultrasound and it was amazing! I got to drink a coffee (the first one I've had since March) and we got to see the peanut! The tech had a difficult time finding her because she was nuzzled up between the placenta and the uterine wall. So much that her nose was all squished the whole time! However, I finally got a glimpse of what she looks like and I am so in love with her already! I think her face looks like mine but she has her daddy's eye line area. We don't know what her nose or ears look like yet, so that will be a fun surprise! She already has big, chubby cheeks and a head full of hair. She gets those from her daddy! Now I am even more excited to meet her!

Daddy skillz

I have also done some work on the nursery this week. Eric put the pack-n-play together downstairs and I filled it with changing supplies. I also put the filled diaper bag and Boppy in it so they are convenient for an unexpected trip to the hospital. The only thing the bag is missing is her take home outfit (which we have yet to find). I also got some bins that match the bins we have on the changing table for the tv console we decided to use in the nursery for extra storage. I also put out the lamp and a new clock on the end table we got for the rocker. The room is really starting to come together! I finally bought the letters for her name above her crib and have been painting them all weekend. Each letter takes several coats, so it's taking longer than I hoped. But, it will be worth it once they are on the wall!

Now that Charlee is almost here people keep asking me if I'm ready. I want to meet her, to hold her, to take care of her. But I don't know if anyone is every really ready to become a parent. There's no way to know what it will be like until it happens. But in all honesty, I'm more scared of delivery then of parenting. I keep having nightmares that I die in labor or during a C-section. I know it's just anxiety, but they aren't helping the situation! Hopefully they will stop soon!

32 weeks 6 days

In peanut related news, this week she will grow to about 17 inches long and about 4.25 lbs. That's about the size of a pineapple! She will continue to gain about a half a pound each week over the next four weeks, then she will slow down before delivery. Her skeleton is hardening and she is beginning to store iron in her liver to prepare for her debut. 

Current cravings: strawberries, chocolate, peanut butter, ice cream, beef

Current aversions: uncooked tomatoes, mushroom, and onions

Peanut Tracker: Week 31 Update- I Don't Think You're Ready For This Belly...

Another week has flown by and only 8 weeks (57 days) remain! Although I am getting more uncomfortable and excited to meet the peanut, I am really hoping she sticks to the plan and doesn't surprise us with an early arrival. I need every second I can get to prepare for her to change my whole life!

This past week was a great week for getting back to feeling like "me" again. Eric surprised me with a gift certificate for a full body prenatal massage. Within minutes I called and scheduled an appointment to cash in! The massage was simply amazing. My back, neck, and shoulders didn't hurt, my arms and legs weren't cramping, and I could walk without pain. My masseuse is a miracle worker! Eric also surprised me with a new pregnancy pillow because the one I had been using has become a deflated mess. With the massage and pillow combined I have finally been sleeping like I did in my first trimester.

The most exciting thing that happened this week was that we had our maternity photo shoot yesterday. It was so much fun! I spent most of the day getting my hair, nails, and makeup done before Eric and I hit the road to meet the photographer at the Old Naval Yard. Our appointment was at 6pm and when she didn't show up until after 6:30 I was frustrated, hot, and upset that my hair was losing its style. However, we made the best of it and got some cool shots. The photographer already sent a preview of a handful of pictures and said we will have the others available when we get our disc. She is also doing Charlee's newborn pictures and I am getting excited to take those too! After the photo shoot Eric took me downtown for a nice meal at Lana's to finally celebrate our engagement. It was a wonderful day!

This week hasn't brought a whole lot of change. I am more prone to swelling in my feet and hands if I go into the heat and I have still been experiencing lots of pressure. My belly is also popping out waaaaay more than it has been. There's no disputing there's a baby in there anymore! Next week we have our 32 week appointment and the 3D/4D ultrasound. I am so excited to see what the peanut looks like!!!

31 weeks 5 days

Over the next week the peanut will continue to pack on the fat and soon she will start developing soft and smooth skin. She also has finger nails, toe nails, and hair! She will grow to about 3.75 lbs and 16.7 inches (or the size of a large jicama).

Current cravings: chocolate, peanut butter, cinnamon, beef
Current aversions: uncooked tomatoes and onions