It's a BOY...Abram's Birth Story

I have to start with a picture of Mr. Handsome. He looks just like his brother.
I know my last post was my 36 week update so I will do a little back tracking up to Abram's birth.

Shortly after we found out we were pregnant and found out the estimated due date I had a gut feeling that I was pregnant with a girl and I had a feeling that I would have a Valentine's Day baby. So as my pregnancy progressed and things went further along, and my OB put me into the waiting game my thoughts of having a Valentine's Day baby were getting closer to happening. I had a doctor's appointment on the 13th and I was 3 cm dilated, 50% effaced and my water could break at any moment were my doctor's words. Now I'm getting excited maybe my feeling was right.
Valentine's Day was NOT a good day for me. I woke up very excited hoping this was going to be the day. When no constant contractions happened and I didn't feel a sudden gush (as in my water breaking) I took things into my own hands. I decided to walk up and down the set of stairs in our house as much as I could. I can tell you after this experience that there are 12 stairs. I also deicded that when Allen went down for a nap that I was getting on the treadmill and going to walk until I could walk no more! I did jumping jacks, I pumped (very weird), I jumped up and down, and then I had a dance party in the living room with Allen bouncing on my belly. He absolutely loved this. Still no contractions, still no gush! I went to bed that night rather disappointed.
Side note I had been asking friends and family to pray for us and to pray specifically for me with patience. I was being tested in my patience that is for sure.
I went to bed and the last thing I remember thinking is I should go upstairs and eat a bowl of cereal. This had become my nightly routine because in the middle of the night I would wake up with terrible headaches because I was hungry.
I woke up at 12:50 with a contraction, I laid in bed until I had another one and realized that they were pretty close together. I went on to track my contractions and they were 5 minutes apart. I woke Adam up and told him what was going on. He was very sleepy and asked what time it was and when I told him it was a little after one, his response was "in the afternoon" I told him "no in the morning, now get your butt out of bed." We woke Nana up and let her know what was going on, grabbed our stuff and out the door we went. We tracked my contractions on the way to the hospital and they were at a constant 4-5 minutes apart. Walked into the ER let them know what was going on and was wheeled up to L & D shortly after. I was taken to a room by my soon to be nurse and went through the initial check in. My contractions spaced out and Michelle (the nurse) was trying to talk to convince me that more than likely these weren't consistent contractions and my adrenaline was playing a factor. She reassured me that she would vaginally check me just to double check before I was sent home. I was checked and was a loose 4 almost 5 cm and 80% effaced and my water was bulging. I was told I wasn't going anywhere and I was going to have a baby sometime today.

I was excited about the news that we were staying!
This is when the busy bee effect went into play. I had a tech setting up all the materials for baby, I had a nurse on my arm setting up my IV, I had Michelle (the other nurse) finishing up my admittance. A little bit of chaos ensued due to the team finding out how quickly my first labor went. My first question after everything was when can I start to walk. Shortly after I was given the go to walk. And so walk we did. I made 3 laps up and down the L & D wing and wanted to go back to my room. I swayed through a contraction in the middle of my room and then felt a drip down my leg. I instantly looked at Adam, told him what I felt and went on to say "no I did NOT just pee myself..I think my water just broke." I continued to have my normal sense of humor throughout this process because I felt that in the midst of what was going on it was a time to be happy and cheerful. I was hooked back up to the monitors checked again and my water did in fact break. My mother-in-love (it's in-love not in-law that's what we call it anyways) aka Mom showed up shortly after this and we filled her in on everything that was going on. My contractions were getting stronger and more intense and laying in bed was not helping. I wanted to stand, but wanted something to lean on at the same time. The bed was too low, and too squishy. I felt a little like Goldilocks (too squishy, too hard, just right) you get my drift. As soon as the bed was raised I tried leaning on it and it was still to squishy. Where my IV was in my wrist/lower arm when I leaned it was bending my IV line and it hurt. I turned around and looked at the sink counter and walked right over to it. This is where I went through most of my strong contractions. A little glimpse into my room I had Michelle at my side, Adam on my other side, the tech in the back, the baby nurse was paged, my doctor was hanging out by the bed because no other women were in active labor, and my Mom on the other side of the bed. There were a lot of people. Michelle must have had a gut instinct to ask me what I was feeling in the middle of a strong contraction because my reply was "I feel..." basically no response at all. She then told me that I needed to get back into bed and I told her I don't want to. At this point Michelle grabbed one arm and Adam grabbed the other and I was gently pushed backwards into bed. I sat on the edge of the bed finished my contraction and was instantly checked and told I needed to push. The tech and nurse were frantically breaking my bed apart and I was told to push on my next contraction. Two pushes in and baby was crowning. At this point the doctor told me if I tell you to stop, I need you to stop. I nodded in approval. By my third push the head was out and the doctor was doing what she had just pre-warned me about and told me to stop. I was somewhat loudly telling her I can't. My Mom was in my ear at this point telling me to breathe, you don't want to tear, you can stop, just breathe. So, I somewhat stopped and in my last push made it past baby's shoulders. Baby came out with its legs crossed so I'm in hopes and hanging on every word as to what the sex is. The doctor finally got the legs open and I was able to see it was a boy!!! Abram was instantly put onto my chest and the baby nurse was right there. I had instant tears and so did Adam. I couldn't believe we had another boy!
Abram Thomas Jamerson was born at 6:42 AM weighing in at 7 pounds 2 ounces, measuring 20 inches long, after just shy of 6 hours of labor and only pushing for 13 minutes!!! No drugs and no epidural. My L & D couldn't not have gone smoother!
Man was my gut wrong. Boy and a day after Valentine's. Michelle had joked with me shortly after I was admitted that I should have this baby before the shift change because she wanted to know what I was having. Well she got her wish.
Within the hour I was up and getting cleaned and changed and moving rooms. I was moved down to the Mommy and Baby rooms. Shortly after getting settled I recieved this picture.

Allen is happy to be a big brother.
We were discharged from the hospital the next day and by mid afternoon we were getting adjusted to being a family of four.
Allen is becoming a great big brother. He is so helpful and so sweet. He's very curious as to what Abram is eating when he's nursing. It's cute to see Allen try and figure it out.

This picture was taken yesterday, day 5 and I think it shows how well we all are getting adjusted. I love being a mommy and things couldn't be going any smoother

36 Week Checkup

I'm on weekly appointments now to check and see how munchkin is doing. Today was a normal checkup and I was scheduled for an ultrasound to check the growth of baby. As the week went on I became more and more nervous. I don't know exactly why. This isn't my first pregnancy. I guess I was a mix of emotions more than just nervous.
When I was pregnant with Allen I never got this ultrasound, and I was already having complications this late in the game with Allen.
Everything seems so new this time around. Weird how same mama, different pregnancies/babies and things are all of the sudden so different. I was also nervous because as many know we are not finding out the sex of our baby, but every time an ultrasound gets brought up I play the mind game with myself of, do we find out this time??? Adam and I from the get go have NOT wanted to know the sex of our children. We decided it's the one last surprise in life as an adult. Ask me why I still question whether or not to find out every single time, I will probably never have an answer for you. It's probably just the curiosity.
I was also a mix of emotions because at my last appointment my BP was elevated. I had a deep gut feeling that history was repeating itself and at my appointments to come it would stay elevated and I would be induced again. I'm ok with induction. My L & D with Allen after being induced was not bad and it actually couldn't have gone better. Six hours of labor and 40 minutes of pushing and I was able to meet my son.
So I'm sure as you're reading you want me to get to how the appointment actually went. Ok, Ok sorry for the delay. Went and got my ultrasound and baby is STUBBORN. I have one picture and it's a picture looking up munchkin's nose. The technician tried and tried to get a profile or anything other than a nose and lips and baby was not having it. Hmmm, based on this any predictions of the sex? I'm still thinking stubborn girl. I was put into an exam room and was told the doctor would look over the pictures that were taken (the measurements of the baby, since actual pictures were out of the question) and she would be right in to see me. My due date has not changed it still stands at February 19, my BP is normal, and baby is weighing in at a whopping 5 pounds 9 ounces. The doctor said that the baby can gain up to a half pound a week but he or she is averaging small. I will be lucky to have a baby weighing more than 7 pounds. She joked and said that he or she should just fall out. I laughed, but say what an itty bitty. I thought Allen was small at 7 lbs 4 oz and my doctor is telling me I'm most likely going to have smaller!!! She then went on to tell me that this is now a waiting game. Ya, okay now the joke is on me right??? You mean I get to be one of the normal functioning pregnant women that just waits for when her baby decides it wants to come. I don't know how to do that? Yep I will admit it right here and now...I'm impatient! I know it is truly God's plan of when I will actually be going into labor, but I get to wait. Oh geesh.
I see in my near future me trying all the crazy ways to induce labor: jumping jacks, standing on my head, hot sauce, spicy food. You name it I bet I will be willing to try it.
I'm still quite shell shocked that my BP is normal, my pregnancy is going normal, and I get to play the waiting game.
Next doctor appointment is scheduled for the 30th. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Baby Jamerson #2

This is how we announced the news to close family members by letting them know that Allen was going to be a big brother.

Here I am with the positive test confirming that my gut instinct was right and we were in fact pregnant.

After the shock wore off of finding out that we were expecting baby number two sooner than we had planned I got everything set up to see the doctor. This pregnancy everything was different. Different insurance, different health network which meant a new OB. I was not thrilled to say the least. I picked an OB through word of mouth and went to 3 appointments. He was so rude and him and I did not mesh well! I picked a new doctor and loved her. Everything was right on track. My due date was discovered to be February 19, 2014. Nothing like having a baby due right before your birthday...
The end of the year was quickly coming upon us. Adam was offered a job back in Rockford and the whirlwind began.
Adam moved back the weekend of the 14th, I finished up work and moved the weekend of the 27th. Adam's new job meant new insurance and that meant another insurance, different network, and another new OB. Are you seeing a pattern this pregnancy?? So now the true test finding a doctor that will accept me as a patient this far along. I'm into my third trimester and I need a doctor yesterday. After numerous phone calls and suggestions from friends I found a doctor on the second try!
So today was my first appointment with my new doctor. I absolutely love her and the team that she works with.
I'm currently 35 and 2 days
I'm measuring exactly at 35 weeks
Baby's FHR was 156
I've gained a total of 25 pounds
My cervix is shortening and soft, I'm 50% effaced and a half centimeter dilated. The doctor goes on to tell me that I'm two weeks away from being full term. Say whhhhaaat?? She then goes on to tell me to get my last minute stuff in order and get my bag packed. OK I'm switching to full out freak out mode. I guess I forgot how close to my due date and having another baby is literally right around the corner. Oh, and my body seems to like to repeat history as my BP was slightly elevated. Doctor is going to keep an eye on me and we will go from there. I'm on weekly appointments and I am scheduled to have an ultrasound to see how baby is measuring before my normal checkup. Munchkin be prepared I get to see you next Thursday. You have been warned.
Here are some pictures that we have taken through the pregnancy

Baby at 12 weeks

We had a little fun with the baby bump and Halloween. We used Allen's hands

Side by side comparison from my pregnancy with Allen and my pregnancy now. I can't believe how truly different my pregnancies have been.

And this is me currently happy and content at 35 weeks.

It's a BOY! Allen's Birth Story

First I had to show a picture of how perfect he is!
Adam and I went into labor and delivery 5:30 am on Friday. I got checked in and my IV put in right away, shortly after my doctor came in and broke my water. I got a bag of fluid hung, penicillin since I tested GBS positive, and pitocin. I got checked and was dilated to 4 cm and 80-90% effaced. I was taking to the pitocin really well so they upped the dosage. Shortly after I asked to get up and walk around to help push baby against my cervix. Adam and I would walk 15-20 steps and I would get a contraction. I would use Adam's arms to support me and I would blow through the contraction. We made 3-4 laps around the L and D wing and I wanted to go back to my room. My nurse came in and checked me again and I was 5+ cm dilated. They set up the birthing cart and started getting everything ready since I was progressing so nicely. Shortly after that my Mom and Dad arrived and my contractions were getting crazy strong, and very close together. I kept talking to Adam and decided that at this point maybe getting an epidural might be right for me because I didn't know if I would be able to handle much more. This was awful for me to come to a realization about because I wanted to go all natural, no types of drugs. I also told my parents when they got there that I didn't care that they were in the room, but it wasn't pretty since my contractions were so bad. 

I paged my nurse and said that I wanted an epidural and to page anesthesiology. They did and I just had to wait for him/her to get there. This made me break down a little, but I knew I was doing only what I could handle. This is when everything went crazy painful, crazy fast. I had my parents leave and I got checked again and I was 9+ cm and almost ready to start pushing. My mind went straight to thinking about the epidural and how I wasn't going to be getting it. I was excited and upset at the same time. I then screamed and told my nurse I had the urge to push, sure enough I was 10 cm dilated. The anesthesiologist walked in and my nurse goes she's 9-10 we won't be needed you, I waved him goodbye and tried to just breathe. WAY, WAY easier said than done. 

I began to push and my pushes were actually doing something and I could feel everything that I was doing. In between pushes I was put on oxygen to make sure that baby was getting enough. I got to the point of feeling intense pressure and knew that baby was so close. My doctor was brought into the room and after 3-4 more good pushes baby was out. I got to the point where my stomach was flat and I could see what I was doing. I saw the top of baby's head and I didn't care if I was having a contraction to help or not I was not letting baby slip back up. I was getting baby out! 

The umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck and he was slightly blue. Adam was able to cut the cord and they brought baby directly over to the warming table. Before he was brought over it was announced he was a boy and I couldn't help, but cry with happiness. 

Oh I also forgot before my pushes got real intense Katie showed up to help coach me and to take pictures for us. Adam and Katie went over to the warming table with baby and I was left to push out my afterbirth. I was completely exhausted. My doctor assured me that it would only take one small push, nothing like pushing baby out. She rubbed my lower abdomen I gave one small push and the placenta was out. I didn't tear and didn't get an episiotomy either. I got a small abrasion on the inside that required two stitches. 

Allen Lloyd Jamerson was born 10/26/12 at 12:50 pm weighing 7 pounds 4 ounces and 20 inches long.

Shortly after Allen was all wrapped up and I was able to hold my son for the first time. Can you see the joy in my face? Words cannot describe the feelings that were running through me when he was handed to me from Adam. It was so crazy to think that he was inside me and now he's on the outside and he's so perfect!

My labor was 7 hours long and I had 1 hour of pushing. I progressed from a 5 to a 10 in less than an hour. My doctor joked with me that morning that she wanted me to have a baby before 3 we sure did beat that time. My doctor was so happy with how great I did and she told me that I was made to have babies with how my labor went.That was something great to hear. 

Allen and I were doing great after labor. He did so good the first night, he slept well, he fed really well. We were told that we would be able to leave any time after 1 on Saturday. We were discharged at 6 pm yesterday and got to enjoy home. 

My parents helped us once we got home to introduce Allen to the pets. First he met Dexter and Chevy and then met Emma. Ace was last to meet Allen since he was so wound up. My parents are here for the weekend to help us with anything that we needed and take care of the dogs when we were in the hospital. 

Allen's birth story is simply amazing and I can't believe that this is how it all happened. Adam and I have been praying since we found out we were pregnant that the pregnancy and baby would be healthy and that I would have an easy delivery. I don't think I could've asked for an easier delivery. God truly was on our side through labor. I could feel him there with us. That was an amazing feeling as well. God has tenfold blessed Adam and I in our marriage and he has now blessed us with an amazing son. I can't wait to watch him grow.
I'm sure I'm forgetting some things about the amazing day and I will try my best to update this post if I did forget something big and am also going to do my best to update of how life of being a mommy is going!

WAY LATE...WEEK 38

Baby is the size of a pumpkin

How far along: 38 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 37 pounds and I'm super puffy

Maternity clothes: Very big all over so I'm wearing whatever fits

Stretch marks: Just still the one

Sleep: Very restless, more like barely sleeping

Best moment of the week: Finding out I'm getting induced on Friday

Miss anything: Wearing my wedding rings

Movement: Butt poking out and baby rolling 

Food cravings: Any kind of cereal

Have you started to show: Still 36 cm which means baby really did drop

Gender prediction: I think boy

Labor signs: Dilated 3 cm and 75% effaced

Belly button in or out: 50/50

Wedding rings on or off: Off and being worn on a necklace. Thank you hypertension

Happy or moody: Happy with some emotional breakdowns

Looking forward to: Friday

A Long Night and Today a Wake up Call

Oh where to begin, I have so much running through my mind. Yesterday I felt completely miserable. After going to the doctor on Thursday I got a headache that would not go away. I tried to get a hold of my doctor almost all day on Friday and finally got a hold of my nurse. She suggested that with the headache I had that would not go away with necessary measures that I go into labor and delivery to get monitored. I waited for Adam to come home and up to Kenosha we went. I got checked in and directly hooked up to monitors and an IV line was put in in case I was staying overnight. I had blood drawn, a urine sample taken (was told that I would be doing a 24 hour urine sample) interesting to say the least, and had my bp taken every 15 minutes. The doctor on call was in surgery and was being let know what was going on with me. The doctor finally came in and talked to me after which seemed forever. My labs came back ok, but one of my labs was elevated and it was of slight concern. He was also worried about my headache. I was given IV fluid bolus which means I got the whole bag of fluid in an hour, fentanyl to try and get rid of the pain of my headache, and something else to help with my nausea. The doctor told me that fentanyl is some strong stuff and it's like taking some shots followed by a beer, the only problem is that it wears off quickly. So I was given all of this fun and holy crap did the fentanyl hit quickly. I felt drunk almost instantly. It was suggested that I try and sleep. Way easier said than done since I still had the bp cuff on and it was going off every 15 minutes. My pain in my head had not gone down at all. The doctor came back in and was still not happy with how it had not gone down, my nausea was gone completely though. I was asked if I would be able to take an oral pill if prescribed it and I said yes. I was prescribed a migraine medicine to see if that would work at all. I was also given more IV fluid, slower this time though. I was then told to wait to see if this would work. Finally around 1 am my pain was decreased and then shortly went away. We were told they would let the doctor know and go from there. Around 2, I was discharged and sent home back to bed rest and to make sure I go to my doctor's appointment on Monday. They said my bp was ok and that my headache most likely started off as a bp headache and then turned into a migraine. Very happy that my headache is gone. It was a very long night to say the least. Adam and I got home and didn't make it to bed until 3 something. He got up and went to the academy today on roughly 3 hours of sleep, I feel awful. I'm ready for him to get home and get into bed because I know he is tired. So I'm still collecting my pee until 3 and I get to drop it off. They want to know if protein is present in it because that is a sign I'm preeclamptic. Ready for this to be done because it's super weird. Now just to get through the weekend and onto Monday to see my doctor. 

Now onto the wake up call. I have Celiac and have since the first of the year. My diet since finding out has been 100% gluten-free since finding out. Yes I have had the occasional mishap which has not been fun on my system. I just recently found my all time favorite bread. It is made by Udi's Gluten Free Foods. Well today while on Facebook they made a post asking whether you avoid hygiene products and cosmetics that contain gluten. This thought never never never crossed my mind. There's so many products that I use every day that I don't eat but they may contain gluten. These products may be effecting me and I don't even realize. HOLY CRAP!!!!! So now I will be seriously thinking about this, reading labels, and discussing with Adam what he thinks. I may be changing up a whole bunch of items in the house and that's scary. Let alone talk about expensive and with me off of work since Bambino has been crazy since week 34 it makes it even more scary financially. 

Oh the joys of having an auto-immune disease and realizing how much of my life it effects. 

37 Weeks and an Interesting Doctor Visit

Baby is now the size of a winter melon, whatever melon that is I've never heard of it before.

How far along: 37 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 36 pounds and I'm puffy

Maternity clothes: I feel like barely anything fits so whatever covers my belly I wear

Stretch marks: More like mark, one on my belly

Sleep: Sleep has been awful!

Best moment of the week: Seeing that baby dropped

Miss anything: My fleece jackets zipping and sleep

Movement: Turning and moving like crazy

Food cravings: Captain Crunch Berries

Have you started to show: Still 36 cm which means baby really did drop

Gender prediction: I think boy

Labor signs: Still having irregular contractions, dilated 1-2 cm and 50% effaced 

Belly button in or out: 50/50

Wedding rings on or off: Off and being worn on a necklace. Thank you puffy hands

Happy or moody: Happy with some emotional breakdowns

Looking forward to: Monday checkup with doctor

So today before doctor came in my blood pressure was high. I got checked by doctor told that baby did drop so my feeling was right. I am dilated 1-2 centimeters and 5o% effaced. She then told me since my blood pressure was high that she was going to have Gigi come back in and check it again. When it got checked again it came down but was still high for me. My blood pressure has been amazing and super low through my whole pregnancy and for it to be where it was was slightly alarming. My doctor told me I looked puffy and I completely agreed with her. I feel like a balloon and I'm pretty sure I have a slight pregnancy waddle which I am NOT happy about. 

So I go back on Monday to the doctor to get my blood pressure checked and we are going to go from there. I am also basically back on bed rest. From what it sounds like there is a chance that I will be induced on Monday if my blood pressure is still high. I am ok with this because I'm anxious to meet baby A and I want whatever is best for baby and I. I don't want to mess around with high blood pressure/hypertension and it turn into preeclampsia. 

Very curious  to see how the weekend goes and how my checkup on Monday goes.

36 Weeks

Baby is the size of a honeydew melon.

How far along: 36 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 32 pounds and I don't even want to think about it. I think my face is getting fat and I'm NOT happy

Maternity clothes: Mix and match

Stretch marks: Still just one on the front of my belly

Sleep: Extremely restless

Best moment of the week: Being released to normal activity

Miss anything: Good sleep

Movement: Moving like crazy

Food cravings:Chocolate

Have you started to show: Measured at 36 cm today

Gender prediction:Still leaning more towards boy

Labor signs: Contractions have not stopped since last Tuesday. I'm dilated to 1 cm and 25% effaced

Belly button in or out: Close to popping or that's what it looks like

Wedding rings on or off: Mostly off and I'm beyond sad about this

Happy or moody: Happy 

Looking forward to: Figuring some things out after this weekend.

Well I have been released from bed rest for at least the time being. I am to resume normal activity through the weekend and see how it goes. Doctor said I'm in early labor and she does not know how long it could last. If I go from early labor to full active labor they will not stop it. Very exciting but somewhat nerve wracking at the same time. I'm to see how the weekend goes since I'm always having contractions but they aren't consistent yet. Today my contractions have been strong, inconsistent and a pain when they are in my back. As I'm typing I'm having a back contraction. I think those are the worst because it makes my whole lower back hurt. Very curious to see how the rest of the weekend goes with my contractions. If they become too much then I will not be returning to work, and this is very bittersweet for me. I know though that if I can't do my normal activity with my contractions there is no way that I can work full time with infants and have contractions. A lot is up in the air until Sunday and I'm very curious as to what is going to happen. I'm planning on spending the weekend in Freeport this weekend since Adam has a test tomorrow and class on Saturday and Sunday from 7-6. Oh the joys of him being in the fire academy. Since I've been released it will be nice to get out of the house and spend some family time in Freeport. This also might be the last "long distance" trip that I take before baby is here. Also this all depends on how tomorrow goes and what Bambino decides to do. I have always felt like baby would come early I just don't know if I was/am prepared for this early, but if baby is ready there is no stopping him/her and I'm just along for the ride. Updates soon to come with how the weekend goes.

Week 35 and 6 days on Bed Rest

Baby is the size of a coconut. 

This post I'm going to talk more about bed rest than answer my normal weekly questions. Plus I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow that will better answer those questions. Bed rest has been interesting. In the middle of these six days we had another baby shower. It turned out amazing and we got so many great things from our friends and family. Also during bed rest I finished and mailed out thank you's from the first baby shower, and this week I will be finishing off thank you's for this most recent shower. Mailing out thank you's to specifically thank each and every person is super important to me. I have been still having contractions but they are very random and not consistent. I have been doing my best to sit or lay down while on bed rest. I have a book that I have managed somehow to last 6 days, which is so unusual for me. I have found lots of things to keep me occupied so I think that's why I have made this book last so long. 

On Monday Adam and I ran some quick errands and got the last of the items that we needed for baby. The nursery is officially ready and that makes me so excited for baby A. I need to take some pictures of the finished nursery. It has turned out simply amazing.

I am very excited for my doctor's appointment tomorrow to see what she says.

Bed Rest Day 1

Ok so here begins my path of bed rest. Very curious to see how this goes. I'm currently on bed rest until next Thursday. I'm scheduled with a two week appointment then and I was told we will discuss further what she would like me to do. Plus she really is hoping that I can make it to 36 weeks which will be next Wednesday. Hence the bed rest. I have officially hit 35 weeks today.
 I'm still feeling a little overwhelmed about last night and our visit to the hospital. Last nights sleep was very restless and I'm pretty sure I was having some slight contractions while in bed. They were nothing like earlier yesterday so I just tried to get some sleep which was way easier said than done. I'm now under Adam law as Adam likes to call it that if I wake up to go pee, wake up and can't sleep or anything like that, I am supposed to wake him up. With last night being so restless I felt like I was constantly waking Adam up. I hope he's not too tired today and I'm very curious to see how long this law lasts. =] 

When we got home last night and ever since I've been home Chevy will NOT leave my side. I think it's really sweet and it's like he's taking care of me. Bring on the many pictures of Chevy by little Bambino. I asked on Facebook for book suggestions because bring on the reading while I'm on bed rest or I may go crazy. Thank you everyone for the suggestions I have a list to go and check out and see if anything sparks my interest. 

As many of you may know and for those of you that don't know I'm working full time at a KinderCare in the area as the lead teacher in the infant room. Well for right now I'm not working until I get word from my doctor. Nothing I can really do when I'm under doctor's orders and it is probably best for baby and I for me to be off for the time being. I really do so much at work that it's really good for me to have some rest. 

Hoping baby stays calm and that no more contractions come any time soon. I'm dying to meet baby, but for one he or she needs to cook longer, I'm still unprepared for their arrival and I would like to be a little more ready. 

Here's to day one of bed rest and to see how this goes.

Week 34 and a Hospital Visit

Baby is the size of a butternut squash.

How far along: 34Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 30 pounds and I don't want to talk about it

Maternity clothes: Tons of mixing going on

Stretch marks: One on my belly and it's a pain in my rear

Sleep: Restless and getting up at least once a night to pee

Best moment of the week: Maternity pictures

Miss anything: Consistent sleep

Movement: Holy acrobat the last couple days

Food cravings: Hashbrowns

Have you started to show: Still measuring 33 cm

Gender prediction:Still feeling like a boy

Labor signs: Had a lovely evening in the hospital due to contractions

Belly button in or out:In and out

Wedding rings on or off: On and off depends on the day

Happy or moody: Happy 

Looking forward to: Talking to my doctor tomorrow

How I really feel about week 34 thanks to today. 

I am still working full time at KinderCare even with being 34 weeks pregnant. Today at work around 3:10 pm I started feeling super intense contractions. Contractions that I knew were more than just Braxton Hicks. I told my boss and immediately started crying about the unknown of what was going on. I called my doctor's office and left a message with the nurse. In the meantime I tried getting a hold of Adam which wasn't working out that great which was making me even more upset. The nurse then called me  back and asked what was going on. I explained to her that I was having inconsistent contractions and they were getting painful. She told me that since I'm before 37 weeks I needed to go into labor and delivery and get monitored. Adam then finally called me back and we picked a place halfway in between our jobs to meet. I told my boss and headed to the hospital. 

Adam and I checked in and I was immediately hooked up to monitors. I was in fact having contractions and they were not happy with me having them while I'm 34 weeks. The nurse came in and told me that I was slightly dehydrated and they were going to run an IV to give me fluids to rule out dehydration, they also gave me a shot of something I can't pronounce nor do I remember the name to hopefully stop the contractions and relax my uterus. I do know that the shot was not magnesium sulfate. The shot of fun as I will call it gave me instant shakes. I was prewarned that this may happen and man did I ever. Got an IV for the first time ever. I was terrified of getting it done and it honestly wasn't that bad. WHEW. My contractions eventually slowed down and then stopped. I finished off my fluids and was given the okay to head home. Adam had been caring for me and waiting on me hand and foot. I'm calling my actual doctor in the morning to see what she would like me to do, whether it be less hours at work, bedrest, or that I'm ok to go. I have tomorrow off and am looking forward to rest. Thank you to everyone who was worried about us. It was great to hear all of your wonderful thoughts and hearing that you all care so much. Keeping baby in the oven as long as I can. Even though I'm dying to meet the little booger I think he or she can afford to stay in a little longer.

Week 33

Baby is the size of a durian.

How far along: 33 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 23 pounds

Maternity clothes: Still mixing a lot with my clothes

Stretch marks: Still a couple on my sides and possibly one on my belly

Sleep: Sleep has been getting less and less. Thank you big belly

Best moment of the week: Dr. Seuss baby shower on Sunday

Miss anything: Painting my toenails

Movement: Baby is moving less and less due to there being less room, or at least I think

Food cravings: Potato chips, ice cream, and candy corn

Have you started to show: Looking forward to see how much the belly has grown at my two week check up on Thursday

Gender prediction:Really feel like boy

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks every now and then 

Belly button in or out:Very close to pooping out

Wedding rings on or off: On but had a scare the other day

Happy or moody: Happy but more and more emotional lately

Looking forward to: Two week check up on Thursday 

I'm getting to the point where I'm starting to feel more and more uncomfortably pregnant which isn't a bad thing, but I don't want to be uncomfortable all the time. Work lately has been very interesting with my big belly getting in the way of everything or so it seems. Can't wait for my doctor's appointment on Thursday to hear baby and get the official measurements of the belly. The weight gain hasn't been too much of a problem for me seeing the number on the scale has semi-freaked me out, but getting measured and seeing how big the belly actually is has become really fun and exciting. 

Week 32

Baby is the size of a squash. Little Bambino is constantly moving and finding it rather cramped in my belly or so it seems. Getting very excited because this week end is one of my three baby showers. I'm so looking forward to seeing everyone. I'm also really looking forward to making cake pops on Thursday/Friday with Katie.

Being pregnant makes things complicated...

Currently as I write this I'm 32 weeks and sicker than a dog, but let me back track a little.

Baby is the size of a pineapple.

How far along: 31 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 23 pounds

Maternity clothes: Still mixing a lot with my clothes

Stretch marks: Just a couple on my sides

Sleep: Sleep has been awful since I've been sick

Best moment of the week: My two week checkup with the doctor and hearing baby's heartbeat.

Miss anything: My easy going pregnancy. Since getting sick I'm miserable!

Movement: Baby is constantly moving

Food cravings: Chicken noodle soup, mashed potatoes, and cake

Have you started to show: Since my last doctor appointment my belly grew 5 cm. Holy baby bump

Gender prediction:These days I have no idea

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks every now and then 

Belly button in or out:Very close to pooping out

Wedding rings on or off: On

Happy or moody: Happy other than being extremely sick

Looking forward to: Feeling better

On Wednesday I had my usually two week check up with the doctor. Everything with baby is great. My belly grew 5 cm which is still so shocking to me. I went from 28 cm to 33 cm. I didn't realize I grew that much until I looked back at last weeks picture and this weeks and I really did grow. Doctor is overjoyed with my weight gain and says all baby has to do now is grow. Well I told the doctor that since Monday I haven't been feeling well and I have a cough that I know will eventually turn into bronchitis. Needless to say I know my body and know that it's that time of season for me to get my usual bought of bronchitis. She wanted me to go over to the walk in clinic, but I couldn't because I'm on referral to only see her no one else through Aurora Medical, slightly confusing but it's what I have to do have TriCare as my insurance. So she calls over and asks what they are prescribing for the symptoms that I have. I got prescribed cough medicine with codeine that was supposed to help me sleep. So I was recommended to take the rest of the day off of work and just re-cooperate and rest. I was also told that if I start coughing up anything or my symptoms get worse that I should see my normal doctor to get antibiotics. Well low and behold last night my symptoms got worse and this morning I was coughing up yummy green goodness. Gross I know. Can you tell I'm used to having bronchitis. So I call to make an appointment with my normal doctor and the earliest they can get me in is the 21st, well that's just not going to work and if I leave what I have untreated it will turn into pneumonia and then I would really be in trouble. So the appointment lines best thing they can tell me is that I can go to the hospital/ER. I'm not thrilled by hearing this. Well I head into work, stupid on my part I know, but I feel awful for calling in knowing that work is short-staffed and probably really needs me. So now I'm stuck at work feeling MISERABLE trying to figure out how I can go home early. My boss reworked the schedule and I was able to go home, being told that tomorrow I have to come to work. Not excited that I have to go to work tomorrow with as crummy as I feel right now, but oh well. So I call Adam who had today off from the office and he says that he will meet me at the hospital/ER. I get checked in and since I'm coughing I'm required to wear a mask now I really feel great. I feel like some infected person that they are worried is going to get everyone sick. I finally get to see the doctor and let me tell you was he rude and seemed like I shouldn't even be there. I know I'm pregnant, I know that you can't give me a chest x-ray, I know that there are only a couple of antibiotics that you can give me, but will you write me the prescription so I can start getting better. GEESH. He tells me I have bronchitis and wrote me a prescription for amoxicillin. This whole time I have  felt like the only person that has been listening to me is Adam, he knows my symptoms and knows that it can get worse very very quickly if I'm not treated. So finally after going through this whole mess I have an antibiotic and man do I hope it starts working quickly. I'm coughing like crazy and it's so painful I can't even describe it. Sorry for the medical rambling, but it was super frustrating that since I'm pregnant it seemed like no doctor wanted to touch me. Well how about you listen to me and I can tell you what's going on. Apparently I just need to be a doctor so when my usual bought of bronchitis comes I can write my own prescriptions. 

Through this all my husband has simply been amazing. Making sure I'm taking my medicine, making me drink tea with lots of lemon and honey, cooking me whatever I want comfort food wise and just constantly being there. Today we went to the grocery store and he asked what comfort food would make me feel better. My answer was chicken noodle soup, mashed potatoes, and cake. Random yes I know and semi-difficult since it all has to be GF. Well Adam made homemade GF chicken noodle soup, we bought a box of GF cake mix and while making all of this had mashed potatoes getting ready. Let me tell you yummy and everything hit the spot perfectly. I'm still feeling utterly miserable so I'm off to bed. This weekend I plan on uploading my week 32 picture. I haven't really been in the mood to take a picture to say the least.

E I E I O and 30 Weeks

Baby is the size of a cucumber 

How far along: 30 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 20 pounds

Maternity clothes: Still mixing between my skinny clothes and my bump clothes

Stretch marks: A few on my sides

Sleep: More and more restless but still sleeping pretty good for the most part

Best moment of the week: Getting the amazing mural painted in the nursery

Miss anything: A glass of wine or a cocktail would be great

Movement: ALL THE TIME

Food cravings: Funyuns 

Have you started to show: My Dad told me yesterday I looked like I swallowed a watermelon

Gender prediction:The battle with families still continues of if baby is a he or a she

Labor signs: A few Braxton Hicks but none lately

Belly button in or out:Turkey timer almost ready to pop

Wedding rings on or off: On

Happy or moody: Extremely happy

Looking forward to: The Ob'Seuss'ed baby shower on the 23rd 

On Saturday the nursery in the mural officially got painted. This really made it feel like the arrival of baby is right around the corner. Mom and Dad came over to paint and it became a family thing which was awesome. 

Mom and I cracking up about something before we officially started.

Drawing out what we wanted on the wall.

Finally getting some paint laid down.

Mom and I were left to finish.

Getting closer.

Finished!!!

                                  

I'm so in love with it and it is everything that I wanted for the nursery. We now have a one of a kind nursery that can never be reproduced. Adam and I love the nursery so much, now all we are missing is baby being here. 

29 Weeks

How far along: 29 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 17 pounds as far as I know. Dr. appointment this Friday let's see if it changes

Maternity clothes: Mix between maternity and pre-maternity

Stretch marks: Still just a couple

Sleep: Restless but still getting good sleep for the most part

Best moment of the week: Feeling different body parts of baby poking through

Miss anything: Getting comfy quickly. Seems more and more these days that it takes forever for me to get comfy no matter what I'm doing

Movement: When does baby not move?

Food cravings: Chocolate

Have you started to show: You tell me

Gender prediction: Adam had a dream it was a girl and I had a dream it was a boy

Labor signs: Some Braxton Hicks contractions

Belly button in or out:Very very close to popping

Wedding rings on or off: On

Happy or moody: Extremely happy

Looking forward to: Dr. appointment on Friday 

Baby is the size of an acorn squash and will not stop poking and prodding me. On Sunday Adam and I found baby's butt sticking out. Last night we found baby's leg. Man was that weird to find. We found something hard and followed it back to baby's body and then realized we were messing with a leg. This morning I found a leg again and have had a leg and foot pushing/protruding out all day! Needless to say it was a little uncomfortable and tried coaxing baby into a new position and he/she was not having it. 

I'm looking forward to my appointment on Friday, it's so crazy to think that I'm now onto bi-weekly appointments. I literally have no idea where time when. This pregnancy has flown by. Also looking forward to Saturday. We are finally getting the mural painted in the nursery. It's going to feel like the nursery is so close to being done once the mural is up.