Full Term and Feelin' Ready

This week, I'm 38 weeks.  I'm definitely anxious to have this baby SOON!!!  Just because I want to go earlier than my due date, the little stinker will probably come a week late.

Yesterday, I had another appointment.  Still looking good.  The doctor is torn on the size.  Just looking at me, he didn't believe that I could have a big baby in there.  Thanks, doc!  That means he doesn't think I'm huge.  So, he felt my belly, to estimate the size that way, and his estimate was about 6 1/2 lbs.  Then, he measured on the ultrasound, and it measured about 7 1/2 lbs.  I guess we'll see when she comes.  It's all estimation anyway, so I'm not stuck on any particular weight.  Just as long as she's healthy, I'm happy.

I was still 1 cm dilated and 50-60% effaced.  No change this week, but that's not an indicator of when I'll have the baby.  Once you go into labor, things can change quickly.  Plus, as the doctor left the room, he said, "I'll see you in a week, if you're still pregnant."  IF I'm still pregnant!  Any day now!

I've noticed a few more things this week.  The baby isn't quite as energetic as she used to be.  She still has her moments, but I'm thinking she is so cramped in there that she just can't move quite so much.  I've been having harsher contractions, and they have been occurring more often.  They're still not quite regular, and they taper off after, at most, a half hour, so no real labor, but it's getting close!

I'm feeling about as ready as I'll ever be to have this baby.  My mother-in-law came yesterday and helped me clean my house.  It hasn't been this clean in a few months!  I've been a little lazy, but honestly, I couldn't help it.  She was a tremendous help, and I appreciate all she does for us.  She also made us dinner.  Wow!  She's the best! 

While she did some cleaning, I set up the bassinet and baby rocker/bouncer.  Don't worry, I wasn't even close to overexerting myself.  I just had to put in a few screws here and there, and viola!  Baby stuff assembled!  So, even though we still have the computer in the nursery, I think we'll be okay to have the baby any time, since she has a place to sleep now.

I've got the hospital bag all packed, except for the last-minute items, of course.  The car seat is by the door.  I'm pre-registered at the hospital.  We've had our childbirth class.  I think we're set.  Now it's the waiting game.  I'm really hoping it's sooner than later, because this baby is so low, it feels like my pelvis is constantly being pryed open.  Ouch!  If I'm hurting this much, I wonder what it's like for her poor face that is doing the prying.  I guess she'll come when she's ready, but if it were me, I'd want to get out of that position as soon as possible.

Well, I'm hoping that my next post will be filled with the good news.  Cross your fingers for us!

Introducing...

I'd like to introduce you to my daughter before she is born.  I've noticed a few things about her during this pregnancy, and I want to share what I've learned.  I realize that she could be totally different when she comes out and as she grows up, but as of right now, this is my view of her.

Remember how we nicknamed her Tiny Dancer?  Well, that name fits her perfectly.  She's a wiggler.  I'm pretty sure her favorite song to dance to is the 3rd Rock From the Sun theme song.  Every time we watch an episode, she starts going crazy in there.  So, I'm pretty sure it's safe to say she'll like jazzy music. (YES!!!)

Her favorite time of day is between 9:00 pm and 10:00 pm.  She is most energetic at this time.  It has been fun to feel her, even if during this particular time of day, it feels like she's a one-person mosh pit.  She thrashes around with tremendous strength.  I can't wait to teach her some sweet moves in about a year.

She takes after both of her parents by not enjoying extreme noise.  Whenever we are around loud noises, she bangs on the walls, probably shouting at us to "Stop that racket!"  She needs her beauty sleep, too!  When we saw The Avengers in the theater, I thought I was going to go into labor right then, because she pushed and kicked so hard.  I'm glad she decided to stay a little longer, so that all her parts could develop properly.

She loves her mommy.  Whenever I get worried that I haven't felt her move in a while (or haven't paid attention in the last little bit), she'll give me a courtesy love tap, just to say, "Mom, I'm still here, don't worry."  She always knows when to put my mind at ease.

I'm pretty sure she'll be a Daddy's Girl.  She likes to stick her bum out to one side and make my belly look lopsided.  It hurts a little to be stretched this way.  If I rub or push on the bump, she won't do anything.  But if Lance rubs and pushes, she'll move for him every time.  She seems to know Daddy's magic touch.  I think he's in for it when she's out.  He is going to melt faster than a popcicle on a sunny sidewalk for this girl.  I may need to take some lessons from her.  Ha ha!

With the cravings I've been having the past few weeks, I'm pretty sure she has a sweet tooth.  That'll make things hard for me to make healthy meals in the future, because I'm the same way...

She takes after both Mommy and Daddy by being prepared early.  She has been head down, face down for the past couple months, waiting in the perfect position for delivery.  Now, if only she'd come out!  I'm definitely ready to meet this girl face to face.  I have an idea of what I think she'll look like.  I'll probably be entirely shocked when she comes, because she'll probably look totally different than what I'm picturing.  I'm sure either way, she'll be darling.

25 Week ultrasound profile view, the last picture that isn't of a femur bone.

Hopefully, I'll be able to really introduce her soon.  Tomorrow I'll be 38 weeks.  This pregnancy has been amazing.  I'm grateful for every moment of it, but I think I'm ready to start the next stage and fall in love with this girl's face just like I've fallen in love with her personality.

My Last Baby Shower

Last night, I had my last baby shower.  It was so much fun!  I've really enjoyed all of my baby showers, not just because I got a ton of baby things, but because I have been able to get together with family and friends.  I am so grateful for all the love and support these wonderful people give me.  Lance and I are truly blessed.

 So, here are a few things I received at the shower.  Once again, I love ALL of my gifts.  I'm just choosing a few to show.

All the gifts lined up

Super cute diaper cake!  The flowers are bows!  And a cute ballerina to top it off!

Books!  I definitely plan on reading to her, so this is perfect!



Now that I've had all of my showers, I think it's time for Tiny Dancer to come.  :)

Get Me Outta Here!!

Yesterday was the 37 week mark.  Only three weeks left until the estimated due date!  She could come any day now, but I'm thinking it will be at least another week or two.  Should I take bets?  No money would be involved, just the satisfaction of knowing your estimate was right.

 

I had another appointment today, of course.  Everything is looking great.  My fluid levels were back up!  The doctor couldn't get a very accurate estimate on the weight, because he couldn't get a good view of the baby's tummy, but his rough estimate was in the 6 lb range.  I'm thinking closer to 7 lbs, since she was estimated at 6 1/2 lbs last week.  I am dilated to a 1, and about 50% effaced.  That means I'm closer than last week (things are definitely changing), but labor isn't expected very soon.  But you never know...  Things can progress pretty quick, or they can be sluggish.  Hooray for anticipation...

 

This week has held lots of changes for me.  We went to a childbirth preparation class at the hospital on Saturday.  That gave me lots of information, and helped me become more ready, mentally, for birthing this child.  The doctor said that the baby is really low, so she's probably as ready to "get outta here" as I am.  Yes, I have hit that point, where I just want her out.  I'm really uncomfortable, can't sleep well, get exhausted any time I stand for more than five minutes, and I've had lots of contractions.  The contractions haven't been very hard or regular, but they're definitely there.  Every once in a while I'll get a more painful one, but not very often.  I feel so lazy lately.  I get winded, start contracting, and have to pee every time I stand, so I haven't been keeping up on my housework.  My kitchen looks awful!  I guess I'm sort of living the dream, but it's not as great as it seems...

 

I bet you're wondering if we're ready with the baby's room yet.  Nope.  Not even close.  But we finally switched dressers, so I was able to put her clothes in her drawers.  I'm slowly getting things organized in there.  The crib is still downstairs in its space-saving state, AKA taken apart.  I don't think it'll be a problem, though, because my wonderful sister, who has given me TONS of her kids' hand-me-downs has also lent me her bassinet.  There is enough room to put that up easily.  We're still working on the family room, but there has been TONS of progress.  We have sheet rock up on the outside wall!  That wall has been framed, wired, and sheet rocked.  Lance and my dad are planning on sanding and mudding said sheet rock tonight.  I can't wait until the entire room is remodeled!  The lights have also been rewired so there are two sections of lights to be turned on, and the back section is on a dimmer.  That will be so much fun for movie nights!  We're also in the process of putting a built-in desk underneath the stairs.  It will be amazing.  I think once we paint the sheet rock, we will be finishing the desk, and then we can finally get our computer out of the baby's room and downstairs where it belongs.  Lance's estimate is a couple of weeks.  Let's hope that's accurate.  Also, thank you to everyone who has helped with our basement.  It means a lot to us!

Well, there's the update.  I hope everything comes together soon.  And I can't wait to get this girl out of me and start an entirely new adventure with her!

Next Month, Tiny Dancer Will Be Here!

Wow!  I can't believe it's already the middle of September!  I'm 36 weeks already!  This pregnancy has been amazing.  I'm almost sad to see it end . . . almost.  Don't worry, I'd much rather meet my tiny dancer than keep her on the inside longer.  Although, that might be easier to take care of her . . .  Nah, I'm much too excited to meet her.  :)

I had my 36 week appointment today.  I go in once a week from now on.  Things are looking good.  Except, I need to drink more fluids.  Yeah, I've noticed my intake has decreased in the past week.  I'm naughty. 

Tiny Dancer is estimated at a whopping 6 1/2 lbs.  We have a little chunker on our hands.  I am so happy for that!  Chunky babies tend to be the healthiest.  She might be one huge slobber clump for the first few weeks, because I'm sure I won't be able to stop kissing those cheeks.

The doctor said that she's not quite ready to come out yet.  I'm not dilated very much yet, like hardly at all.  She is practicing her breathing, which he said is the most reassuring thing about a pregnancy, because that means that the baby is content and her lungs are working well.  He also said that she'll stop practicing within the few days before delivery.  I'm kind of glad she's not quite ready yet, because we need to get a few more things ready out here, too.  Ideally, she could wait a couple more weeks, and that'd probably be perfect. 

The doctor gave me his labor lecture today, about how if I feel pain regularly (like 5 minutes apart) for an hour, or if water keeps leaking, I should go to the hospital because that's most likely labor.  That was a little eye-opening as to how close it is!  It made it seem like she could come any day.  That makes me a little nervous.  I know I've wanted a baby for EVER, but now that it's happening, it's a little nerve-wracking.  Lance and I will be responsible for a tiny human life!  My excitement definitely outweighs my nerves, but still, I'm nervous!  I'm sure most parents go through this, just like before you get married, you're nervous for the dramatic life change, but then you adapt, and life goes on.

Wish us luck that we'll be able to get everything ready for our Tiny Dancer.  I can't believe she'll be here next month!

Michelle's Family and Friend Baby Shower

Saturday, I had another baby shower with my family and friends.  It was a blast!  It was held in my parents' backyard.  The food was delicious, the decorations were cute, and I had a lot of fun catching up with friends and family.

I also got TONS of cute baby things!  These showers are making the excitement outweigh my nerves by a long shot (although, I'm still nervous, only a month left).  I can't wait to play dress-up with the little one!  She is going to be so stylish!

Here are a few pictures of some of my gifts.  Don't think I'm playing favorites.  I loved every single gift!  So far, I have no duplicates of anything.  Some outfits might be close, but there are slight differences, so it works.  And even if there were duplicate outfits, that'd be okay, because you never know when a blow-out will happen.  I can't believe how many cute things are around for babies!  Here you go!

All the gifts lined up

 Baby bouncy seat/toddler rocker.  I think it's awesome that it converts into a toddler rocker!

I can't get over these purple, sparkly shoes!  Ha ha!  So cute and spunky!

Winnie the Pooh coat.  The baby is ready for winter!

 

My sister-in-law crocheted this adorable owl hat.  I can't wait to take pictures of the baby with it on!  I know this is cliché, but what a hoot!

Thank you to all who planned/hosted the shower, came, and/or sent gifts!  I'm so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life!

Currently Remodelling

It's been pretty exciting around here, lately.  I have lots to tell, but not lots to show.  Sorry, but we haven't been very avid picture takers.

We are still not even close with the baby's room.  We're working on the family room first.  I know, that sounds a little random, but we want to put our computer down there, and there wasn't really much room for it, and no power outlets in the place it would maybe fit.  Let's just hope she doesn't come early, so that she has a room to sleep in.

So, our family room is currently under construction.  Demolition started last week.  Lance's dad came to supervise the project on Friday and Saturday.  Lance's brothers also came on Saturday to help with the project.  It went from a conceived one-weekend project to an entire room remodel.  I think I'm a little more psyched about this than Lance is.  I get to pick out paint color and carpet in a while!  I haven't been able to do that yet!  So far, they have framed the outer wall and reinforced a cracked stair.  We plan on replacing the panelling with sheet rock in the rest of the family room, make a drop ceiling with easy access to wires and plumbing, replace the carpet, run wiring to lots of new outlets on the outer wall, fix the area behind the TV with shelves, move the vent pipe up between the floor joists, and make a built-in computer desk underneath the stairs.  It will be entirely different.  I'm so excited!!  However, it may take a very long time.  We're first working on the outer wall, so that we can get our computer down there and the baby's room set up.  Then, when we're ready, we'll do more.

Here are pictures of the family room pre-demolition:

Note the pipe above the TV and shelf area behind the TV.  That will be very different.  Pay no attention to the upside down desk (really, it's a sewing table, but I'll be using it as a desk).  It will be moved upstairs once we can fix the legs.

Note the shelves behind the couch.  They're entirely gone now.  That is where our built-in computer desk will be.

The panelling and carpet will be replaced with a more updated look.  Finally!!

We also were in the middle of a project a long time ago, and are working on finishing that as well.  We want to put lights and power outlets outside.  The only power outside of our house was the porch light, and now, we're almost equipped with three sets of flood lights and several power outlets that surround the house.  I'm so excited to decorate our house with Christmas lights this year!  They have the pipes all mounted and set.  We just need to get the wiring through the pipes and the casings on everything.  There might be more, but since I'm not really that involved, I don't know what it is.  You'd be surprised how much time goes into all this.  Lance was very excited to use the super heavy duty drill to drill through the brick so that electrical wires could get to the outside.  I was inside while he did this, and the grinding made my teeth hurt.  I got a little nervous, but it turned out great, and our house is still standing.

I can't wait for all of this to be done!  It will be so nice!