Peanut Tracker: Week 39 Update- The Peanut is Finally Here!!!

This week's update is a day late, but I have a really, really, really good excuse: Charlee Jordan Widener joined the world on Monday, October 22 at 6:17pm!!! She was 9 lbs 5 ounces and 21.25 inches long.

Charlee Jordan Widener

Our adventure began on Monday morning when we had our 39 week appointment and ultrasound at 8am. Eric and I both had a tough time sleeping Sunday night, so when we had to wake up at 6am, we were both pretty cranky. We packed our bags and loaded up the car on the unlikely chance that we were sent to the hospital and headed off to our appointment. My blood pressure was elevated again, slightly higher than the week prior, and the ultrasound estimated Charlee at 9 lbs 6 oz and mostly measuring 40-41 weeks in all areas. Due to both situations, the doctor decided to send us to the hospital for blood pressure monitoring. 

Being monitored

We stopped for breakfast because we hadn't eaten and I was incredibly hungry, then headed up to labor and delivery for monitoring. They monitored me for about 3 hours before my doctor came in to talk with us. She said that I was having contractions (but I couldn't feel them at that point) and although my blood pressure had gone down slightly since we arrived, she was convinced we should go ahead and deliver. She gave us the option for induction but suggested that due to the estimated size a cesarean may be the best option for both the baby and myself. I had a really difficult time making the decision and finally decided around 3pm that I would do the c-section to keep everyone safe. 

Eric's sexy outfit

Eric's parents arrived shortly after we made the decision and spent some time in our room while we anxiously awaited our 5:30pm operating room appointment. After putting on our gear (full body suit with a collar, booties, and mask for Eric and a really sexy gown with a hair net for me), we were taken down to the operating room. Eric had to wait outside of the room while I was prepped with a spinal. They stuck me with a local anesthetic then the spinal needle, but because of my scoliosis, they had to get a different needle. So, they stuck me again and got the spinal going. The doctors were wonderful and we were cracking jokes and swapping stories before they brought Eric back in. Within 5 minutes Charlee was born and it was the most incredible moment of my life. They drew down the curtain and showed her to me and tears immediately filled my eyes. She had fluid in her lungs, so I didn't hear her cry for several seconds and I started to cry again thinking something was wrong. Eric was able to go over and see her while they weighed her and the doctor told me that we made the right decision because I would have ended up in the operating room anyway due to her size. After what seemed like an eternity they brought her over to me and I was able to kiss her before they took her away to neonatal. 

Kissing my daughter moments after her delivery

The rest of the surgery went well and I was in recovery before I knew it. I had a pretty severe reaction to some of the medication and was scratching myself like heroine addict. I still have a few scabs from it. They gave me some benedryl to combat the symptoms, but it made me really groggy, so the first hour or so back in the room is pretty foggy. However, I do remember when they finally wheeled in my daughter and put her in my arms for the first time. It was incredible and there are no words to describe it. She was passed around from me, to Eric, to Granny, Papa, Grampie, and Grammie, then back to me. Then the real fun began!

Being an amazing dad already

Eric was amazing in the hospital. He had never changed a diaper before and quickly learned and changed every diaper in the hospital because I was too sore to stand. He learned to swaddle her and rocked her to sleep in between feedings. On Tuesday I finally got the monitors and catheter removed, was able to walk to the bathroom, and eat for the first time in over 24 hours. Eric brought me a Publix sub (the most amazing meal I have ever had) and my mom, Kathleen, and Chris visited us. Wednesday I was finally able to take a shower and we were discharged after only 44 hours since surgery because I was healing so well and Charlee was doing great. 

Charlee in her take home outfit

Since we brought her home the week has flown by. We have had wonderful visits with Granny, Papa, Wawa, George, Tasha, Kimber, and Lauren. We celebrated Eric's birthday on Wednesday when his family was visiting with a cheesecake (his favorite) and a pretty amazing round of the "Happy Birthday" song. My mom has been an amazing helper by keeping up with cleaning, laundry, cooking and freezing meals, and helping with the baby so Eric and I can get some sleep. I don't know how we will survive once she leaves tomorrow! 

We gave her a sponge bath on Thursday and she handled it surprisingly well. We also took her to her first doctors appointment on Friday. She was cold, so Eric started blowing on her belly and she loved that! She was down to 8 lbs 14 ounces and her bilirubin levels were still elevated so the doctor asked us to take her for another screening on Saturday at the hospital. The next day we went for the screening around 9am and found out that her levels with fine and no more screening would be required. That was a huge relief!

 On a completely random note, Autumn the giraffe (the pregnant giraffe who I have been internet stalking for weeks now) finally gave birth. She delivered a baby boy on Monday night. So, I missed the delivery, but I am now convinced that Charlee and that baby giraffe are linked and we will have to take her to see him one day in the future.

Grampie, Grammie, Charlee, Mommy, and Daddy

I am completely obsessed with this little girl already and can't wait to watch her grow. I am going to continue the blog as she grows, so keep checking back for weekly updates to see what amazing new things she learns!

Peanut Tracker: Week 38 Update- About to Pop!

It's finally here: the final week before Charlee's due date!!!

And I have never felt so huge, swollen, tired, and anxious...

I feel like I've been waiting forever to meet this little girl. And the past week has been the longest week ever. Hours feel like days. And I'm beginning to doubt that she will ever make her debut. 

We had our 38 week appointment on Monday afternoon. My weight gain was good, but my blood pressure was elevated for the first time all pregnancy. It wasn't high enough to send me to the hospital, but it is something the doctor wants to keep an eye on. Charlee is now measuring 2 weeks ahead and the doctor is a little concerned that she's going to be "a big baby." Great. Just as my labor and delivery fears were weaning, I'm told my baby is big. As a result I've been having dreams about delivering ridiculous sized babies all week (like 20 lbs and setting records). I was dilated 2 cm and 90% effaced, so the doctor thought I might deliver over the course of the week. She was wrong! So, we have another appointment scheduled for tomorrow morning. They are going to complete an ultrasound to estimate her size (which is something they typical don't do) and based on that information and my blood pressure they might schedule an induction. I really don't want to be induced, but if it's what is best for the baby and I, I will do it. 

So, I've spent every day this week trying to urge this kid out. We've tried almost all of the old wives tales. I've been nesting and cleaning like crazy and have gotten to the point where I just can't clean anymore. I go for walks 2-3 times a day and try to get out and walk around stores everyday just so I'm moving. Eric and I got hot wings, ate pineapple, and bought an exercise ball so I can bounce gently on it. Nothing is working. She must be stubborn like her daddy! 

Tutu and headpiece

Aside from trying to coax the peanut out, I've stayed pretty busy this week. I finally finished her tutu and headband for her newborn pictures. On Thursday I caught Eric nesting. He cleaned his desk, put a bunch of stuff away, moved the furniture in the nursery and put out the bed for when my mom comes to help, brought the high chair downstairs, and took out the garbage without me asking. I've mostly spent this week trying to evade boredom by stalking the pregnant giraffe, Autumn, at the Greenville zoo on their EarthCam. 

38 weeks 6 days

At this point in the pregnancy, the peanut should be about 20 inches long and about 7.25 lbs (the size of a mini watermelon). She is continuing to build fat, lose the vernix and lanugo off of her skin, and is continuing to develop her brain and nervous system. 

Current cravings: beef, chocolate, peanut butter, rubber

Current aversions: uncooked tomatoes and onions

Charlee, You're Being Evicted!!!

I can't take it anymore. I have to meet my baby. And I desperately need to be less uncomfortable!

I feel like I've been pregnant forever. Bonnie Swanson, the character on Family Guy who was pregnant for 10 seasons, has nothing on me! This week has been so frustrating because the doctor really seemed to think I would have the peanut before Monday, but now it isn't looking that way.

I feel enormous. I thought I felt big before, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to need lights and a backup alarm if I get much bigger.

I've been trying everything to kick start labor! I've been eating spicy foods, cleaning and sitting up instead of laying on the couch, and walking. Lots, and lots, and lots of walking. Eric and I even went for a walk at 11pm last night. Then I woke up and went for another walk this morning! Why isn't gravity working?!!

I am so scared of going to our ultrasound on Monday and being told we're having a HUGE baby. I'm even more scared that the doctor is going to schedule an induction. I don't want to be induced, but if the baby is as big as they think she is and my blood pressure keeps rising, I will need one for the safety of both myself and the peanut.

Please pray that she comes over the weekend. I feel like I'm losing it!

Peanut Tracker: Week 37 Update- Stick a Fork In Me!

15 days until Charlee's due date! Which means: she is welcome to come any day now!!!

At this point, every day is becoming more and more of a struggle. I am sore, exhausted, and beyond ready to meet my baby girl! I am definitely entering the nesting phase in a serious way. Last Sunday night I found a sudden burst of energy when I was already in bed at 10pm and decided to clean the house. By the time Eric got home I was so tired and sore that he had to bring me a snack and help me get in and out of bed! I learned my lesson and will be making sure to take my time when I clean from now on!

Nerd-o-lantern

This week we also finished the nursery, Eric cleared space in the garage, I finally treated myself to a mani/pedi (I don't want people touching my monster feet without a pedi), and we made sure to spend some time together. I've made some great progress on the toddler blanket I've been working on and finally found more tulle to finish the rest of the tutu I've been working on for the peanut's newborn pictures. Last night I finally cleared out a pumpkin, boiled and froze the flesh, and even made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Eric carved it into what I am referring to as the "nerd-o-lantern". But in all seriousness, he did a killer job carving a Darth Vader jack-o-lantern. Today I went grocery shopping, made beef stew, and am in the process of cleaning the house. And I mean CLEANING. I have cleaned the windows, the refrigerator, and even cleaned the washer and dryer! Hopefully we can work on maintaining this work so I won't have to do any more major cleaning until after the peanut comes home!

Lula Belle

This week we did have some sad news. Eric's pet rat, Lula Belle, passed away. He woke me up at 6am Friday morning to tell me he was going to Walmart to buy a shovel to bury her. She died of natural causes at the ripe old age of 1 1/2 ish. When Eric went to bury her in the backyard, he accidentally cut the cable and internet line and caused an outage for us and a few of our neighbors! Time Warner said it would take a day for someone to come out and fix it, so Eric took it upon himself to fix it. Which he apparently did perfectly according to the tech who inspected it yesterday.

We had our 37 week appointment on Tuesday and everything went well. My blood pressure and weight gain  were great and Charlee is measuring perfectly. They checked to see if she is head down and she is!!! I wasn't dilated yet, but they said I was really soft and could start dilating at any time. We have our next appointment tomorrow and I can't wait to find out if there has been any change! We have already tried hot wings, Indian food, and physical activity to get her to come out. Short of chugging a bottle of hot sauce, I'm not sure how else to speed things up!

I have been experiencing some interesting new symptoms over the past week. My Braxton Hicks contractions haven't been coming as much as the week before, but I do have some mild cramping from time to time. Due to my exhaustion lately, I have been attempting to sleep more, which means more lying on my side and more neck, shoulder, and hip pain. My arms and hands also fall asleep after a little while, which is really annoying. Today I had a sudden onset of nausea and vomiting that was very different from the morning sickness that I have been experiencing throughout the pregnancy. I have also had my first experience with Pica and have been craving the smell of rubber. I think about it all the time and want to smell car tires so badly. But, I have been fighting the urge just in case it's harmful to the baby. The doctor checked my iron levels last week, so I assume they are ok, but I'm going to mention this to the doctor just in case I have some other sort of mineral deficiency.

 37 weeks 6 days

At this point the peanut is continuing to develop her brain and nervous system, which will continue to develop into her teen years. She is also producing more surfactant, which is a substance that prevents the air sacs in her lungs from sticking together when she breathes. She weighs about 6.8 lbs and is almost 20 inches long (about the size of a leek). My big girl could make her appearance any day now!

Current cravings: peanut butter, chocolate, beef, rubber

Current aversions: uncooked tomatoes and onions

The Nursery is Finally Ready!!!

We finally did it. We have finally finished the nursery! So that means we are finally ready for Charlee to join our little family!

Eric took his Columbus Day holiday yesterday because our 37 week appointment was so early that he was only able to get a few hours of sleep. So, later in the day he finally gave into my pleading to finish upstairs. He hung the letters, moved the furniture so I could dust and vacuum, and carried all of the trash downstairs (empty boxes, etc). We still have one bare wall over the toys and books area, but we will be putting a large collage picture frame there with pictures from the maternity and newborn photo shoots.

So, without further ado, here is where our baby girl will rest her sweet head:

Curtains and the tie backs that I made

Rocker and the first toy I bought her

Changing area. Notice the doll Eric strapped in, lol. 

Toys and books area. We will be adding the picture frame over the converted console

Crib and the letters I painted just for her

Well, there you have it. That is the room where I will be spending most of my time in the very near future. Hopefully you like it. But most importantly, we love it.

Peanut Tracker: Week 36 Update- FULL TERM BABY!

With 22 days remaining until Charlee's due date, we can say that she will officially be full term tomorrow! This really is the home stretch. And based on how I've been feeling lately, this is wonderful news!

I have been experiencing a lot of cramping and a severe increase in Braxton Hicks contractions this week. The cramping has been getting so bad that it sends me back to bed for hours at a time. The contractions are irregular, but they last for quite a long time and every day when they start up again they are stronger than the day before. Today I have been very sore, cramping, and experiencing a lot of pelvic pressure. There was a time when I would have thought "if it hurts this much now, how am I going to handle labor?" Instead I keep thinking "I don't care how she comes, just let her hit full term and then get the heck out!" However, she better stick around until at least next Saturday or Eric's parents (who are on vacation) will not be pleased!

Although it's getting much more difficult for me to get around, I have tried to be semi-productive this week. On Tuesday I finally had the car seat inspected and received the paperwork for emergency contacts in case of an accident where I am injured but the peanut is not. I can't finish it until after she is born, so I put it in the folder of paperwork for the hospital so we can put it on the car seat for the ride home. Eric installed the seat correctly, but they suggested moving the seat from the middle seat to the passenger side backseat because the middle seat has an arm rest the can come down. I'm not crazy about the position, but it makes sense and I will keep her there if that's the safest place for her!

On Thursday, Eric and I went to the DMV to update our drivers licenses and to update our voter registrations. All I have to say is that I'm glad that DMV moved quickly because standing in line is not fun for anyone this pregnant! Afterwards we went to get wings at my favorite wing place and I had fun teasing Eric that the spicy wings would put me into labor.

Hanging curtains

Friday was fun because Eric and I finally did some work on the nursery. Before we went to search for curtains, we decided to get some lunch at a local BBQ place. When the cashier asked me when we were due, I answered "the 29th", and she joking told me to leave so I don't go into labor during our meal. That's right folks, I've reached the point where I scare people when I venture into public! We found the perfect curtains at Lowe's and came home to put them up. Although it was frustrating, Eric managed to hang the curtains on the big window, both valences on the other wall, and the decorative butterflies and diaper hanger. He started to hammer on picture frame hangers for the letters, but he cracked two of the letters and I had to replace them, so we decided to finish another day. I will admit, when he broke the letters, I cried. Because that's what I do now.

Curtain tie backs

Yesterday I painted the replacement letters and tried to create tie backs for the curtains but they didn't look right. So, I postponed that task until today and went to visit Malory and Brian for some college football and food. It was a rough night for UGA and FSU, but USC played well, so Eric was happy! It was great to get out of the house and it's a little sad to think that could be the last trip out of the house (except for groceries and a meal here and there) for a while.

I really wanted to reveal the nursery tonight, but since we left it in a disastrous state on Friday, I will have to write another entry just for the nursery once it's completed. I just hope that we are actually able to finish the nursery and all of the last minute to-do items around the house before Charlee arrives! I just can't seem to find the energy to do even the smallest tasks nowadays. We have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday and I am anxiously waiting to hear what the doctor has to say!

36 weeks 5 days

In peanut news, she will be full term tomorrow and that means her lungs are more than likely strong enough to survive in the outside world! She is about 19 inches long and 6.5 lbs (about the size of a stalk of Swiss chard).

Current cravings: (decreasing because I can't eat anywhere near the amount I used to) chocolate milkshakes, cinnamon, beef

Current aversions: uncooked tomatoes, onions