9 days to go!

I can't believe that Barrett will be here in 9 days! I had my normal weekly doctor's visit last Monday and my blood pressure was up so he wanted me to come back Wednesday. I returned Wednesday and it was higher than before. So, considering my blood pressure, some protein in my urine, how big Barrett's measuring, and a few other things, we've decided it's best we go ahead and deliver on November 22nd. I'll be exactly 39 weeks that day. I'm starting to get a little stressed about it but very excited to meet Barrett and not be pregnant anymore. It's all just a little surreal. I stayed home from work yesterday to relax and get some of my swelling down but I got bored after a little while and ended up cleaning the house. I have definitely paid for it too, since then. The pain is just unbelieveable at this point. It feels like all of my bones from the waist down are broken and the pressure is killer. I've had a few contractions the past couple days but they're irregular and don't last very long which means nothing as far as going into labor goes. I wouldn't mind going into labor before the 22nd but I kind of want to wait until then so that I get Dr. Welsch, as planned. I've worried the whole pregnancy about what doctor would be on call when I go into labor but since mine is scheduled, I know it'll be Dr. Welsch, unless I were to go before then.

As far as work goes, I think I'm done for the most part. I may go in for an hour or so a couple more times but nothing scheduled. I plan on just going in, doing what I have to do, then leaving. Of course, it's mainly because I just don't feel good but I also need to watch my blood pressure and swelling. On a side note, I found Barrett a Thanksgiving outfit last night! I've seen them at Kohls for months now but wasn't sure that he'd be here in time. But now that I know for sure he'll be here, I went ahead and got it. I can't wait to see him in it. It will be nice to get Thanksgiving meals brought to us this year! I can't help but wonder all the time what he's going to look like. He had quite a bit of hair at our last ultrasound. You could actually see each hair this time. Before, we've seen shadows and wondered if it was hair but it was easily seen this time. It seems he has alot more on the back of his head than the top but we'll see! That's exactly how I was as a baby.

I guess I get to spend the next hour cleaning my bathroom. I know I probably shouldn't but SOMEBODY's got to do it! I'll update probably one more time before Barrett gets here. Have a good week!

Barrett is full term!

I'm 37 weeks exactly today so I'm now technically full term. I had a great doctor's visit! My stomach is measuring 41 weeks so they wanted another ultrasound. Barrett's measuring 2 weeks ahead still, at 39 weeks and looked great! He's estimated at weighing 7 pounds 15 ounces right now. We were able to see some hair on his head, which was neat. He was facing my back so we weren't able to get any cute pictures of his face. My blood pressure was a little high so I have to go back Wednesday and re-check it to make sure I'm not developing some preeclampsia. I gained ANOTHER 5 pounds in the last week and am swelling horribly. My appetite has significantly decreased though, so we're pretty sure it's just fluid that's causing the weight gain. The picture below is from today. It seems like my belly is just dropping for the most part, comparing it to my 35 week picture. It definitely feels like it. It hurts to do anything at this point! As far as work goes, I'm still going. Luckily though, I'm able to come and go as I want. On a side note, tomorrow is my birthday! I couldn't have asked for a better (belated) birthday present than Barrett! I'll find out some other stuff on Wednesday as well so I'll update then-hopefully with some good news!

Thank God it's finally November!

I have been waiting for it to be November for about 8 months now! I'm 36 weeks today with only 4 weeks until my due date. Hallelujah! I've really noticed some changes in the past week or two. Being pregnant can do some REALLY weird stuff to your body. It's like I wake up with something new every morning. My teeth are sooo sensitive now, out of nowhere and I've been told it's because I'm pregnant...weird. My fingers, toes, ankles, and wrists are trying to freeze up on me lately. I can't grasp things very well anymore without it hurting. Supposedly, that's due to swelling and the hormone that causes my joints, etc. to loosen up...fabulous. I've also had some tingling in my face and scalp that is SO annoying. However, I went to the doctor today and I was reassured that all of this is normal. I was shocked to see I've gained 5 pounds in the past week and my feet and hands are starting to swell which is pretty painful. The doctor said I was definitely retaining some fluid which explained my weight gain too. She said there was no way I could eat enough to gain that much weight in 1 week, which I figured because I'm not eating any more/different than I have been. I was told to avoid salt to help the swelling and we'd just watch to make sure my blood pressure doesn't decide to skyrocket or protein doesn't show up in my urine, which are signs of pre-eclampsia. I was also glad to hear my Group B Strep test was negative which means I don't have to take antibiotics during labor. It wouldn't be a big deal if I did have to take them but I'd rather not in case they made me feel bad.

Right now, I'm just counting the days. Next Monday, I'll be considered full term which means the baby is fully developed and would be expected to be perfectly fine if delivered at that point. They pretty much just gain weight and mature more after 37 weeks. I asked the doctor how far past my due date they'd let me go and she told me that typically, they won't let you go over 10 days past due. However, if I look ready (I don't think I'll go into detail with what that means ;)), but haven't dilated, they'll induce as soon as a day past my due date. They said it's just easier on me and the baby if I "appear" ready but just need help dilating. I was glad to hear they don't make you wait 2 weeks after your due date nowadays. That seems like forever away! But, I'm hoping that Barrett will at least be here by his due date. Hey, a girl can hope, right?! Realistically, I'm trying not to get my hopes up either way though.

Hopefully if any of you run into me out somewhere, I'm not rude. I've caught myself getting irritated easily these days and I totally don't mean to be like that. It has been nice though, being honest with CERTAIN people about how I feel and having no shame or bad feelings about doing so. In other words, sorry in advance if I act like a you-know-what. I'm putting forth every effort to be as nice as I can. Honestly, I'm usually only rude to people that deserve it anyways and had it coming for a long time ;). Anyways, I'll be back at the doctor on Monday, so I'll update then. Have a great week!

Stick a fork in me...I'm done.

I'm 35 weeks today with only 35 days to go. I feel a little more at ease since I'm done with all of the preparing. I packed our hospital bags last night and put the car seat in the trunk. I doubt I'll actually strap in the car seat until we're at the hospital. I just don't want to look like a weirdo riding around with an empty car seat for possibly 5 more weeks! I went to the doctor today and everything is still going great and as planned. I got my Group B Strep test today and will find out if I'm a carrier at my visit next Monday. I only gained 2.5 pounds in 2 weeks this time, so I'm kinda proud of myself. Ha ha. They expect a gain of a pound a week at this stage so I'm pleased with 1.25 lbs a week. I can always lose the weight after Barrett's here anyways.
Sleep is still non-existent and I'm up odd hours at night. So in other words, if you see me on Facebook or something at 4 am, no, I'm not on drugs...ha ha. I would be able to sleep if it weren't for the pain in my hips and back. I always end up on the couch with ice packs and Tylenol for a few hours and then I try to go back to bed. But the problem with that is, I get hungry while I'm up which leads to heartburn when I lay down. Oh the joys!

So, Halloween is coming up and I've decided I'll just dress up as a pregnant woman. I had considered a real costume but at this point, dressing up isn't so much of a priority. We're still celebrating the occasion though since Ty's still allowed to drink! Oh well, I'll have me a good glass of wine after Barrett's here! I can't wait either... For now, I'm trying to get some stuff wrapped up at work, since I doubt anyone will find the time to do it after I take leave. I kind of do everyone else's crap-work. I also deal with getting proper documentation for Medicare approvals which is a pain but someone's got to do it. I have to strongly force myself to come into work now. I REALLY want to take maternity leave but I don't want to get bored. With all of the baby stuff going on, I totally forgot that my birthday is coming up in 2 weeks. I'm thankful to have had another year on this earth and to have had all these blessings come my way in that time frame. As a side note, my mom did great with her back surgery. We're all very pleased at how well she's done this time around and are very thankful.

Blah...

I'm 34 weeks 1 day with only 41 days to go. I woke up yesterday and have felt totally different than previously. It honestly feels like Barrett's just going to fall out which leads me to walking like a weirdo sometimes. Not to mention, the pain in my hips and back has gotten really intense since yesterday. Sleep is completely lacking and the nausea has set in really good again. I know that these extra 32 pounds aren't helping! On the positive side, Barrett's movements make me happy and knowing that his birth is just a few weeks away makes me feel much better!

I had my last baby shower this past Sunday and I can finally say that Barrett has everything he needs and pretty much all is ready for his arrival. Special thanks to all of my 13 hostesses (between 3 showers) and fab friends and family that came or sent gifts! I can't believe how sweet and caring some people can be! I'm just really glad that I've done all this stuff early. So many people suggest that there's no point in doing everything early but I can't imagine working on his room right now. I need to pack our hospital bags at some point in the next few weeks but I've just been too tired to even mess with it. I had my last prenatal massage last week and have my last chiropractor appointment this afternoon. As far as the chiropractor goes, he prefers not to work on pregnant women this close to labor, so we aren't going to keep scheduled appointments anymore. However, he said if I was having intense problems, he'd work on me. To be honest though, it's getting uncomfortable for me to get on the table and get treatments anyways.

While I was putting up all of the gifts from the shower Sunday, I just kept thinking about how shocked I was that I'm going to have a baby in a few weeks. Women have babies at this stage all the time so it's getting more real by the day. For now, I'm trying to finish up Christmas shopping. If I'm having a hard time going to the grocery now, I know I won't be doing any Christmas shopping in a couple of weeks. My goal to be done is November 1st! Anyways, I hope everyone has a great rest of the day!

Chubby cheeks!

I had my ultrasound today and all was great! Barrett's so big, it was hard to get a good picture of him but you can see above, he's got some chubby cheeks already! I'm 33 weeks exactly today and Barrett measured exactly 35 weeks, so he's 2 weeks ahead. They estimated him weighing 5 pounds 10 ounces, which hopefully is a little on the high end, since they supposedly gain about half a pound a week from here on out. That would mean he'd be about 9.5 pounds by 40 weeks. All of his measurements put him in the 69th percentile, which is great news! I had to get the flu shot again today. I got the H1N1 vaccine back in April but it didn't include the basic flu shot. Well now, they have them together so I got the H1N1 and the flu shot today. I remember last time, I felt like crap after getting the vaccine, so I plan on doing absolutely nothing tonight.

I had my second baby shower yesterday, which was hostessed by my stepdad's sisters and sister-in-laws and Ty's aunt. Everything turned out great and was so cute! I got a ton of gifts which of course, I had to have organized and put up by the time I went to bed last night ;). I have my third and last shower this coming Sunday and can't wait! Ty's mom's friends are hostessing this one so I'm sure it'll be cute. I'm just so lucky and grateful to have so many people willing to have these showers for me. I noticed last night, that Lilly (our dog) is finally realizing that something is going on. She had been in Barrett's room with me, watching intensely, as I put up all of his stuff. I couldn't find her and finally heard her under his crib. I don't know how she even fit under it because it's about half as tall as she is. She also thinks that all of the stuffed animals are for her. She gets this sad look on her face when I put them away and don't let her have them. I need to go out and get her a couple of new toys to make her feel better ;).

For now, I'm just feeling like poo. My hips, back, and feet hurt so bad. I don't sleep but about 2-3 hours a night. The heartburn and headaches are so annoying. I'm just overwhelmed and excited at the same time. I know this is all for Barrett though, so it's alright and I'll cope. I just can't wait to meet and hold him! I would love to go ahead and take maternity leave but I know time will just creep by so I'm still working for now.

My mom's having back surgery on Wednesday, so we're praying everything goes smoothly with it! She'll have about a 4 week recovery so it'll be just in time for Barrett's arrival. I hope everyone has a great week!

And the anxiety kicks in...

I'm 32 weeks today so only about 8 weeks to go! To the right is a picture of my giant-self today. I can't wait for my ultrasound next Monday and see how this boy is measuring. Not to mention, I get to see his sweet face again! I have my 2nd baby shower this coming Sunday and another one the next Sunday. I can't wait! We have an Infant Class Wednesday night. I think it just teaches the basics like how to take care of the umbilical cord and all of that fun stuff. I'm hoping they cover some of the really basic stuff like changing diapers and feeding, since Ty has never changed a diaper nor fed a baby. Luckily, between my 3 nephews, I've had quite a bit of experience with that stuff but it won't hurt to go over it again.

At this point, I'm just excited to meet Barrett but along with the excitement comes alot of anxiety. I mean, it's not just having a baby, it's a life that I'm responsible for for a very long time to come. I've had panic attacks for the past 3 years and it's hard for me to deal with them without my medicine. I've done pretty well since getting pregnant but now they're back with a vengeance and get worse, the closer I get to my due date. I have such a huge respect for people that have ever had mental disorders/problems. I don't think anyone will understand until they've suffered from one themselves. I've had people tell me for so long to think this way or tell myself this and unfortunately, mental problems don't work that way. I thank God for medications that have been invented to help with these problems. However, they can't be taken while pregnant. I guess I'll just have to learn to deal with everything or suffer until I give birth.

I have been obsessive about cleaning my house lately. Me and Ty cleaned the windows yesterday. Of course Ty didn't think they needed cleaning but after seeing the rags I used, he agreed that they needed it! I thought I was done after that but then noticed the garage needed cleaned. So, I organized our storage area where we put cleaners and all kinds of junk. Of course, this led to noticing the garage floor needed scrubbed and cleaned. At that point, Ty determined I was crazy and that it's a garage and supposed to be dirty. In other words, he talked me out of it and it's probably a good thing he did or I'd have lots of back pain today. I think I've just ran out of stuff to clean but I feel like everything has to be perfect before Barrett's arrival. I'm even scared to let someone else clean my house because I'm worried they won't do it like I like it! However, next time the house needs cleaned, I'm going to HAVE to get someone else to do it.