No Progress, Yet

Today was the 36 week visit at the doctor's office. While the baby is in position, head down ready to go, my cervix is locked up tighter than a vault. As of today, no dilation, effacement, nothing. Although, my doctor told me that doesn't mean anything, and I could very well go into labor tonight. She gave me a copy of my records and will continue to do so every week until I deliver. They are for me to keep for when I go to the hospital to give to the nurses. I told her I have been feeling crampy and having some pressure, and she said that sounds like signs of progression.

My weight gain was six pounds, but some of that is water weight. I have been swollen and can definitely see it in my face. I have been experiencing frequent headaches and seeing flashes of light. Since I conveniently work at an optometrist's office I had my eyes looked at. The doctor seemed to think I was having ocular migraines. My OB said it "could" be that, but with the swelling and headaches she wants to keep a closer eye on me. So, I will be returning to her office on Monday instead of Wednesday so she can watch my blood pressure and water retention. Those symptoms can be signs of pre-eclampsia so she wants to be cautious.

Last night was our second time to meet for our pre-natal class. We watched the live birth video and went over the labor and delivery process. She taught our "coaches" some massage techniques to help us during labor. We used the birthing balls, which were a lot more comfortable than they look. Next week she is planning to discuss all the medical interventions such as c-sections, IV's, and pain relief. I had initially thought I wanted an epidural as soon as the doctor would let me have it, but after going to the class I plan to go as long as I can without it. She has explained to us the benefits of getting an epidural, but also the disadvantages. I have a pretty high pain tolerance, so I'm going to try to wait it out as long as possible.

Jason got the Pack N' Play put together on Sunday. It's in our room next to his side of the bed. We thought it would be a tight fit, but it ended up fitting there perfectly. Hopefully Jason and I won't have to switch sides of the bed since it's on his side. Riley is exactly eye level with the top of it, so I imagine she will be peeking over it a lot once the baby is here. I have caught Possum going into the baby room just to check things out. She was really interested in all the bags and goodies from the shower, too. Jason started working on getting the swing put together but hasn't quite finished. I hope we can find a place to put all this baby stuff in our house!

I finally got some pictures from my shower, so here they are for your viewing pleasure...

Me and the Hostesses, Lucy & Connie

Kay, Stephanie, Sheila

Jason's Family
Michelle, Amanda, Aubree, Brittney, Stephanie, JaJean

Girls From My Office
Cindy, Stephanie, Ruth

Stephanie & Lori

Mom To Be & Nana To Be


Stephanie & Jeania

Someone mixed up the cards!

I Know They Mean Well, but...

honestly, I don't really want to hear it. I have heard everyone's "well-meaning" opinions for eight months now and have probably only asked for 25% of them. Thanks, but no thanks people. Especially if I don't know you, I REALLY don't care! This may come as a shock but, Yes! My husband and I realize our life is going to change in so many ways.... I don't need a constant reminder that I can no longer go out boozing and hooking every other night of the week! Don't tell me to get get used to sleepless nights or to get my sleep while I can, it's not like I can save it and use it later! Things are also a lot different now than when some women had their babies 25, 50, or 100 years ago. So, what was MANDATORY or socially accepted or unaccepted then does not always hold true now. Just because one person thinks one thing is better than another does not mean it is better for me! While I do not have a child at the present moment, I wasn't born yesterday. I have done some research, but also realize that child rearing is a learn-as-you-go process. With that being said, I have already made some decisions and formed my own opinions about how I intend to do things regarding our daughter and do not need to hear your reason for why I should or shouldn't unless I personally ask you. Surely, you do not go up to strangers at Wal-Mart and criticize their parenting abilities. So please don't argue with me over my choices. You're wasting your breath and getting on my nerves. I can handle one or two comments, but after that any unsolicited advice is unwelcome. I have spent the last eight months grinning and gritting my teeth through all the stories and advice, but I might blow a gasket if I have to hear anymore! Don't say it....Let me guess, it's only going to get worse once the baby is here? Heard it all before! So, Thanks in advance for thinking before you speak next time! Now, I'm going to take some deep, cleansing breaths and get my aura in a stable place so that I don't freak out on the next person that tells me my life is really about to change.

A Busy Day!

Yesterday morning Jason and I went to the supplemental classes that were offered with our pre-natal class. I went to the breastfeeding class and he went to the Daddy Boot Camp. I think he and I both agreed that neither of the classes was really worthwhile. I didn't really learn anything new about breastfeeding that I hadn't already read in one of my books. They will have nurses and lactation consultants at the hospital to help me after delivery and a 24 hour help line after we come home. Jason told me his class was the most boring 3 hours of his life that he will never be able to get back. The guy that taught his class wasn't a nurse or doctor or anything, just some guy that talked about his 2 kids the whole time he said. They did get to sit on the floor and learn how to swaddle a doll and he said the guy next to him was falling asleep during the class. Jason said he felt like he was at church camp and thought they were all going to sing Kumbaya. So, needless to say we probably should have slept in. Oh well... our Tuesday night class is much more informative and entertaining.

I had my second baby shower yesterday. Connie and Lucy hosted it for me. They did so much and it was really nice. They really went all out, they may want to consider a career in event planning. There wasn't a huge turnout, but Jason's aunt and cousins all came in. We had a really good time. The weather was terrible so we had it inside. I got lots of good stuff for the baby including the Pack 'N Play, the swing, the baby monitor, blankets, clothes, the bottle set, and some other good odds and ends. I have managed to put most of the stuff away this afternoon. Jason has been asking me if I'm "nesting" since he learned about that yesterday in class. Now I just need to get him to set up the swing, the bouncer, and the Pack 'N Play... and install the carseat. But I think he's decided we are going to take it to the DPS office and have them do it, which is probably the safest option.

I will post some pictures later. I'll have to get them from the people that actually took pictures. I didn't get any with my camera, so I'll post some as soon as possible.

You'll Be Seeing Me On The News Very Soon!

Well, since it looks like they are handing out the Nobel Peace Prize like it's extra change, I'm looking forward to one in my immediate future.

Picture this if you will:

It's 8 O'clock pm, 30 degrees outside, the wind is blowing 20 mph, it's foggy, and it's sleeting. Where is an 8 month pregnant Stephanie?? Nooo, not curled up at home in sweats enjoying the warmth and company of her dogs, but wearing 2 shirts (one that is Jason's), 2 jackets (neither of which can be zipped due to the baby belly), a hat, scarf, and blanket sitting outside "watching" a college football game. That's right people, I'm the next recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for being such a good wife.

And if that's not reason enough, how about for allowing this fetus to permanently squish every internal organ in my body? While I am unable to breathe, eat, or sleep comfortably my unborn child (who I'm sure was very warm and unaware of the Concentration Camp conditions I was in last night) continues to thrive and do the hokey pokey for hours on end every day. While I'm waking up every hour to pee, drink MORE water, and pray the nausea and headache will go away, she continues her peaceful slumber. There is no doubt about it, if Obama can wake up one morning to the news of receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for not doing ANYTHING deserving of one, I should be expecting the Publisher's Clearing House to be at my door any day this week. Therefore, I should definitely take the week off! I'd hate to miss my big prize!

35/35

That's 35 weeks pregnant and 35 days to go. I'll consider that some kind of pregnancy milestone. 35 more days of swelling, back pain, the constant urge to pee, and feeling like I'm carrying a sack of potatoes under my shirt. I actually feel happy when I only wake up 3 times in the middle of the night instead of 5. I sleep with three pillows, one of which is always on my side. I like to keep it crunched up underneath my belly to help "prop it up" at night. The other night I noticed every time I got up (to pee of course) poor Jason was on the very edge of the bed. So, I would take my pillow and scoot back over to my side so he could have some room. Evidently the baby didn't want me sleeping in that position because I always ended up back on his side with a pillow in between us. At least I tried.

Last night was the first night of our child birth class. There are 8 couples (including us) taking the class. I knew one girl and her husband because she used to live with a friend of mine. The nurse that's the teaching the class has been teaching it for 11 years. She is very entertaining and knowledgeable. We went over contractions, water breaking, changes that occur during pregnancy, when to call the dr, etc. Next week we are going over massage and practicing using the birthing balls. We are also going to watch the "live birth video." The nurse said she wants to teach us all the tools to get through labor as well as giving us information about medical interventions so that we have as much information as possible to make the best choices for our labor and delivery. I'm glad we decided to take the class. I think I'll feel more at ease and know more about what to expect.

We have a busy Saturday coming up. I have the breastfeeding class, Jason has Daddy Bootcamp, then my shower, and then the WTAMU Homecoming game. And the high for Saturday is only supposed to be 41! Sunday looks like it will be a day for sleeping!

Crazy, Over Reactive Pregnancy Brain

As of Wednesday, I will have only 35 days remaining until "D-Day" and some panic and impatience is starting to set in. That's only 35 days if she doesn't come early. My mind is racing about what items I could be lacking before the baby arrives. I am having one more shower on Saturday so if I can just be patient until then! We still haven't gotten a baby bath tub or any kind of stuff to wash/bathe her with. While I realize I won't need it immediately, I'm still having some anxiety over these few little things. Once I am past the fact she won't need a bath as soon as she comes home, I start to wonder if she's going to be warm enough. Do I have enough warm clothes for a newborn in November? I have some long-sleeved onesies but not any pants! Hopefully she will do fine with the brand of diapers we have, too. And where are we going to install the car seat? The middle of the backseat or behind the passenger seat? All these little thoughts are looming in the back of my mind and driving me crazy. I hope this isn't foreshadowing to the kind of mother I will be.... obsessive and anxious.

Pre-Registering, Maternity Floor Tour, & New Poll

First of all, I have created and posted a new poll on the side of the blog. There has been some discussion from some people about when the baby will come. Several people have commented that they don't think I'm going to make it to my actual due date. Now is your opportunity to vote on her arrival!

Jason and I went up to BSA in Amarillo today to finish the pre-registering process. I had a folder from my doctor with paperwork to have filled out and my medical records to give them. We finished up some remaining paperwork, and now the nurse's station will have my folder on file for the delivery. We were taken around the floor and shown the rooms and nursery. It was really quiet and slow-paced. There weren't a lot of people out and about, so hopefully it will be that way when it's our turn to go. I didn't hear any blood curdling screams either so that seems to be a good sign.

The nurse that took us around kind of gave us the run down of how things would go... I am allowed to have 2 people in the room with me for delivery. I will labor, deliver, and recover all in the same room. Once I deliver they will give me an hour to spend with the baby before she is taken down to the nursery. She will be taken down there by her daddy the nurse said. Once she goes down to the nursery, I'll be cleaned up and get a new queen size bed. Baby will be put under the light and be assessed. Jason and I will be allowed in the nursery to take pictures of her for her first bath. Jason initially said that they better clean her off before they give her to him. I told him they would wipe her off good, but it doesn't look like she's getting a bath before he gets her. He had a really pleasant look on his face when the nurse said "the baby will get a bath to get all the stuff out of her crevices." He's a medical professional and still thinks it gross. I bet once he sees her he won't care anymore. The nurse told me the baby can stay in the nursery as little or as much as I want and they take all the babies to the nursery for shift changes which can take up to a couple of hours. They said to have a bag packed for 3 days, but we hopefully won't be there that long.

The only thing we are really lacking is installing the car seat. Most people can take their's to the local fire dept for help with installation, but I haven't heard that there's anyone up there that actually knows how to do it. Jason doesn't know how to put the car seat in, but he told me he would inspect it. If you can't install it, you can't inspect it. I'm sure he'll figure it out but I asked him when he was going to put it in and he said not for 2 weeks. He's definitely not feeling any pressure. We will start our classes on Tuesday and finish up with them just in time for her arrival, we hope!!!