37.3 Week - FULL TERM! and my Dr. Appointment

So now I go to the Dr every week.

Today, I went in and had my what should have been quick appointment but lasted longer. Not because anything was wrong....but because my Dr. has been on her honeymoon/wedding and this week has been crazy busy for her.

I walked in and waited. The nurse Heather called me back and I pee'd in a cup (sorry TMI) so they could check it for protein (for PIH). Then I sat down and got my blood pressure taken. 118/74 - Perfect.

Before I sat down I got on the scale and saw that I am now 213 pounds - HUGE but only a 43 pound weight gain from the start. I am tall. ok. But plan on getting down to the 150's after he is here. (yeah right).

I went back to the room, undressed from the waist down and waited. And waited. And let me tell you, sitting straight up at 37 weeks is very uncomfortable. Sitting any way is uncomfortable but I eventually laid down on the table like a big beached whale! I am not complaining. Just thinking about how I must have looked when Dr. Romberg walked in.

She came in, told me I am GBS - (yay! no antibiotics during labor for me!), listened to Henry's heart rate which was caught during an acceleration (L&D dork out reference) at 144 bpm and then she checked my cervix. Still 3 cm, 80% and -2/3 station. It is mid-positioned and very soft she said which is good! I actually love when my patients have a cervix like this because it is very easy to find. TMI - probably.

I am so thankful for such a wonderful pregnancy. I have had a really reaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllly great pregnancy. I am so blessed. God's timing is so perfect. God is perfect.

I love being pregnant. Although I am tired and uncomfortable, I know that I only have a few more weeks/days of feeling our first baby moving all around. I love my belly and people are SO nice to me. Especially Asians. They LOVE pregnant people! I can't believe it is almost over. I can't believe I'll never be pregnant again with my first baby. How sad! I am ready to meet him and can't wait to see what he looks like. When I think about it, I start to cry and get an overwhelming love for Lane that I can't explain.

Henry has stopped getting the hiccups as often. I actually haven't felt them in a few days at least. I am finally accepting the stretch marks and know they will fade. I am thankful they aren't as bad as a lot of women that I have seen. I am thankful for a March baby. We were curious as to whether he would come early at the end of February or if he would stay put until March. When I think of March, I think St. Patricks Day and Spring. So I am excited about this month which use to be my least favorite season - Spring. Now, it may be my favorite.

Henry, I love you. I am scared and nervous but I love you.

37 week pictures:

The donut hole that I got from the Asian lady at the donut shop - She gave it to me because she saw my stomach:

Henry and I waiting for the Dr.

36 Week Dr. Appointment

This week started my weekly Dr. appointments. I will go every week until Mr. Henry arrives!

This week our Dr. wanted us to have a growth sonogram because she was curious as to how big Henry is as she said at my 34 week appointment that I was measuring ahead. (As mentioned in my previous post).

Lane went with me which I was happy about and it was the last time we will get to see him on sonogram before he comes! Sad and weird and crazy and exciting and scary all at the same time!

He was just hanging out like always and measured 6 pounds 12 oz which was about 37.1 weeks so not even a week ahead. I was a little relieved because the doc said he wouldn't be 10 pounds which I have thought all along he would be since his father was 11. I was 7 pounds 9 oz so if he stays in until his due date he would probably be around 8 or 9 pounds or so (that's just my guess).

However, she checked my cervix and I am already 80% effaced (the thinness of your cervix for all you non OB people out there - 100% is the goal - and I am 2-3 cm dilated. Now, there are plenty of people who go weeks walking around like that so it really doesn't mean anything but the fact that things have already started and I am just about 37 weeks means that I 1. Probably won't make it to my due date (although it is totally possible I could) and 2. Won't need anything like cervidil to get the cervix going if I am induced.

We got our stroller, nap nanny (Cat pushed me over the edge to get this since her baby Ava loves it) and I got another changing table for downstairs (thanks again to Cat for the suggestion since we both have 2 story houses). We don't have any other big ticket items to get and with just a few small things left to do are pretty much ready.

I am still working although lesssssssssss than ever. I have called in sick twice the last month because of not feeling great. I have been feeling lots of pressure and nausea more so then I have the entire pregnancy. Although this week I feel better. Last week I didn't. I was working last night and they let me go home at 10 pm so that was good. I only have 4 or so more shifts probably before he comes. It is very uncomfortable to be at work and has been since about week 33/34. All the pressure and pains I have been feeling from being on my feet 12 hours are for sure what has gotten my cervix where it is today. Maybe genetics since my mom was 3 cm at 7 months which I wonder how long I have been like this.

Lane and I have gone on a few walks although after finding out about my cervix I am going to stop those until March. I stepped on an uneven part of the pavement and fell down on my knee the other day but I was ok. That is the second fall this pregnancy! I'm such a fool!

The last 3 or 4 nights/days I have been having contractions. I am not sure if they are just Braxton Hicks or if some of them are real. My face gets really flushed when I am getting them and they come about once an hour or so and don't go away with position change/sitting down or drinking water. Some of them are a little painful but they are very mild. I am sure they would show up on the toco if I were hooked up.

Belly Shots:

Changing Table Shots:

Stroller: City Select

Weekend Update....

Last weekend we, scratch, Lane did a ton to get the nursery in working order. We, scratch, Lane installed the car seat and so I am feeling more ready than ever! It feels nice to have some things done and know that if he were to come now we would be decently ready. Henry's nursery still needs some work (like pictures in the frames) and other touches to add some flare to the mix. Right now it is a little boring and Lane seems to think if I add anything else it will "junk it up". I disagree. Lane had a great idea to add fishing lures as pulls for the fan. It turned out cute!

Lane and I on Saturday morning feeling our little guy shake it:

To the car we go!

All finished!

Nursery

We got a leather laz e boy recliner to rock Hank in. It is amazing.

I am waiting on a changing pad cover much cuter than that blue terry cloth one. I am having someone on Etsy make it.

We also got a different lamp for the changing table. That one was hard to turn on and off because it is so compact.

Henry, Lane wants to hold you!

We also had dinner on Valentines. We went to Luby's. That's right. I am a romantic and still think Valentines Day is GAY. Really, you think you are special because your boyfriend/fiance/husband buys you 2 dozen red roses and tells you he loves you? C'mon, get real people. And off my soap box I jump.

I worked the night of the 13th which was also my Dad's birthday. Happy Birthday DAD! When I got home and went to sleep, this was on my pillow. It was a letter from Lane. I cried.

The special, oh yeah!

It actually was crowded. We were one of a handful under 50.

Thats a lot of carbs. And one of the biggest chicken fried steaks I've ever seen.

We came back to the house afterwards, took a few belly shot photos and then went and sat in Henry's nursery. We like to just go sit in there and look around. I put Mona in his crib to test it out. She hated it. Yes, I rewashed the sheets.

35.2 Belly Shots

Mona got really stiff and wouldn't move.

A little update on Henry and I.

Last week when I went to my Dr. she estimated him around 6 pounds based on Leopolds maneuvers. Which are not reliable. But she ordered for me to have a sonogram next appointment which is when I'll be 36 weeks and so we get to see him again! YAY! They will check my cervix and do a GBS screen (they do on everyone). Then I'll start going every week until he comes! I can't believe it is the final countdown. Man that went fast.

My blood pressure is good. No protein in my urine. And she only mentioned (again) that I need to watch the carbs and sweets. I had gained 41 pounds so far. OOPS.

I am getting really nervous about the L&D part. I know too much.

I am still afraid I am going to die.

I get leg cramps in which I always think its a DVT and as soon as I get up it will dislodge and I will die. (doesn't help that I have had a patient in the last few weeks with one of these).

My stomach is huge. And I have a few stretch marks below my belly button which I am really bummed about. They aren't bad but it is causing my skin to itch like crazy. It could be a lot worse.

I am tired because I don't sleep all that well. I toss and turn every 2 hours and go to the bathroom about that often too. I sleep with a million pillows. Last night, Lane and I decided to have a slumber party in the guest room. I woke up in the middle of the night and he had all the pillows. I was so uncomfortable so I abandoned him and came upstairs to my massive amount of pillows including a body one that is my best friend. Besides Lane and Mona of course.

Work is getting really really hard. Being on my feet 12 hours and working L&D which is a lot of physical torture makes carrying this extra weight and belly almost impossible. Not to mention I am very forgetful and absent minded right now and as a nurse that is B-A-D.

I waddle.

Henry moves a lot. Still!

In fact, tonight he is moving A LOT! I am videoing my stomach moving and sending it to my friend Danielle at work. Here is a shot: (dont mind the blonde belly hair being highlighted by the computer screen)

Will try to post it later. I dont know how to post videos!

He still gets the hiccups a lot.

If you push on his body part, he will move it!

I love you H! Just a few more weeks!

Hiccups

Baby Henry has been getting the hiccups for a while now.

He hiccups between 0-3 times a day! I was at my parents house not last weekend but the weekend before for a little lunch that my moms friends had for me and he moved so vigorously that he got the hiccups! He gets them randomly so I can't really tell when he will get them. Today he got them when I woke up and hadn't eaten yet and then he just got them again post dinner by about 3 hours.

They say hiccups is a sign that they are practicing breathing so hopefully his diaphragm is getting a good workout!

Belly Update

I am missing Christmas and my Dallas and Houston showers but here is a little update. I will post about those soon!

I am 32 weeks today! I can't believe it and I am thrilled that I have made it this far knowing what I know! Baby Henry moves A LOT. He is crazy! My mom always said I moved a ton in utero and I am thinking Henry is taking after me on that. He kicks and wiggles and is really strong! I am impressed. When I am up on my feet he doesn't move a whole lot and my stomach gets really tight. As soon as I sit down, he starts moving! It is really funny. He has also gotten hiccups in the last few nights. He has gotten them 3 times in 2 days! Last night, I was at my parents house in Katy and he was moving like crazy. So much so he worked himself into a frenzy and got the hiccups! I have gotten heartburn more and more over the last few weeks but nothing terrible. My back hurts a lot too but again, nothing terrible. I flop back and forth from side to side all night and get up to go to the bathroom a lot too. Almost every time I come back, Henry gives me a little nudge to let me know he is still there. I love this little guy so much. I can't wait to see and meet him.

I now go to the Dr. every 2 weeks. My Mom went with me to my last appointment where we heard his little heart beating and she said I looked great! No protein in my urine and my blood pressure was great. I am still eating horribly and I just can't help it! Nothing sounds good unless it is bad.

We have been getting our house ready over the last few months. I will post about that too soon. Lane has worked really hard moving things around. We have put together the crib and the changing table and moved all Lane's clothes from the old guest room to our room so Henry can have his own closet (with a few of our items in it). Our house is sooooo small!

Here are the last 7 weeks of belly photos!

Tomorrow we go for our 3D/4D ultrasound. I decided to do it because its the only time we will see him before he gets here! Exciting!

Some weeks between 25-29!

29 Weeks

30 weeks

31 weeks

32 weeks

Christmas x's 3

Oh wow I am behind.

Oh wow I love Christmas!

Christmas this year was with Lane's family but we got to go down the weekend before to spend it with mine. We had a great Holiday season. Very eventful as my Christmas queer'hood was in full effect (or is it affect?). I get those wrong every single time. You'd think by now with two degrees and being almost 30 I would have it down. But I don't.

I love Christmas. It is my favorite time of year by far. I love the feeling of being cozy and the decorations and the sales and the excitement. I have wonderful memories of Christmas from when I was a little girl and when December rolls around, I sometimes can still feel like that little girl on the front porch looking for Santa with my dad.

SO here is how December went.

My best friend Anne came up for a weekend to hang and shop. One of the funniest things about her is that when we go Christmas shopping together she ends up spending and buying more things for herself than for anyone else. It is hysterical. I usually do the same but she takes it to a whole different level. We shopped and got to spend some quality time together. I eat A LOT and she had a hard time keeping up in the eating department but we had a blast, like always. Peds and shopping with your best friend, what is better?

Then on the weekend of the 16th, we went to Katy to have Christmas with my family. We had a great time and my parents did entirely too much for us. We got a new Canon camera that I am stoked about for the Bambino and a TON of other stuff including but not limited to the entire pots and pan collection of Rachel Ray.

Then we had Christmas in Decatur with Lane's family who spoiled us too! Little Henry got some great stuff from both sides and had a present pile higher than ours. Which is how it will be from now on :). We ate, went to Christmas Eve service, hung out, made fires in the fire place and it was very relaxing and fun.

The following weekend was Festivus. Every year that Christmas is at Lane's we do Festivus with his cousins. They all come in town with their families and we hang out. It is a great time to see everyone and catch up. This year it was at Nancy's house which is in Rhome with a wonderful yard and lots of space. Watching Lane's cousins kids is so much fun. There are 6 of them, all different ages and they are just hysterical. It was also New Years and I had to work New Years Eve which made me miss a lot of the Festivus stuff but I did get to see everyone at least for a few hours. Not enough time but I didn't have to miss the entire thing.

I continue to feel so blessed by the people in my life and the family I have been given.

I'll post some pictures in a bit!

Thanksgiving

I can't get too deep in this one or I will start to cry.

We have so much thanks to give that mentioning it seems pointless since it doesn't do it justice.

I am so thankful for absolutely everything in my life: That I know God, that I have the best family and friends, that my little boy is growing and perfect. I am not wanting anything. I have everything I could ever need and I am fulfilled.

I am thankful for Gods timing. Which I am reminded every day how perfect He and it really is.

This year, we had to stay in Dallas for Thanksgiving. We were suppose to go to Katy and spend the holiday with my family. I was really really looking forward to it but since I was on bedrest I asked my Dr. if I could still go and she looked at me like, "No, you idiot!". SO, Lane said, "I'll make everything!" And BOY, he did. My husband saved the holiday and went to the store, cooked and cleaned for me. We had a sweet family meal that we will never forget because our first to have on our own.

Lane made a few non traditional items that he was pumped about and they were delish! He had a Corn pudding which was similar to stuffing and a brussels sprout au gratin dish that was to die for!

Lane prepping the Turk:

Adorable husband and the finished Turk:

Cutting the Turkey while the dogs are praying for some to drop:

My Dad in Katy, Texas with his Turk and William Sonoma timer that we got him last year. Lane had the same one this year. You carry this around on your pants and it says, "Your turkey is done!"

Mona, cutest dog in the world, waiting patiently for some scraps:

Mona in a food coma after she got some:

The food and a huge pregnant belly:

THANKS JESUS FOR A WONDERFUL LIFE!