29 weeks 2 days

This past Monday night Gregg and I attended our first childbirth class at the medical center. There were at least ten other couples who joined us. Sad to say, but the married women were definitely in the minority. There were two ladies who were at least engaged, but the rest were young women who brought their moms with them. Nearly all of us said in our introductions that we're having boys! After class, Gregg chuckled that "Bubba" is going to have a lot of competition for girls. The class was pretty much split between those due in July and those due in August. Mine was the latest due date out of everybody by one day.

We learned about the different phases of labor, birthing positions, and relaxation techniques. We were given a visual of how much your cervix actually dilates before you can begin pushing. If I had any questions before about just how big 10cm is, I certainly don't now! Yikes. The instructor showed the men and moms how to massage their partners, and Gregg was really good at it.

We concluded the class with a video about labor and delivery. It wasn't the stereotypical, cheesy film I'd remembered from junior high health class, thankfully. It was like a slightly more graphic Baby Story, which featured three vignettes of women giving birth. I can say that after watching it, I feel less excited now about going into labor. I do however, have a greater understanding of how difficult and intense it is, but I feel confident I can get through it with the help of my husband, my doctor, and the epidural if need be. Call me crazy, but I think I actually want to have a natural childbirth. I'm not ruling out pain medications if things get really unbearable, but I at least want to give it a shot.

I'm starting to realize that I just can't do certain things anymore without feeling uncomfortable. Being in my seventh month, standing for more than an hour gives me back pain and climbing the stairs to our second floor leaves me winded. I have to remember that I'm strapping on about twenty extra pounds around my middle these days, and need to take it easy. I look at pictures of myself pre-preggo, and I'm amazed that I ever had such a tiny waist and tummy. Now I can barely see my feet! Speaking of feet, I noticed them starting to get a little puffy. Oh the joys of pregnancy.

Yesterday we had another doctor's appointment, and surprise! It was raining out, as usual. I found out I've gained three pounds since our last visit. After seeing the number, I said to Gregg, "Yikes!" So far my weight gain is right on target, but the number still freaked me out a little. The results of the blood sugar test came back normal, and everything else looked good. Heartbeat is in the 140s and I could hear it much louder & clearer than before.

The only downside to our appointment is that we found out the doctor we've been seeing for the past several visits, who we really like, is moving to Las Vegas at the end of June. The practice still has three other OBGYN's and three midwives on staff who rotate seeing patients, so I wouldn't necessarily have had this particular doctor deliver me, but now she won't be there at all. We go back for another checkup on the 20th.

We are seriously having a heatwave here. Temperatures have been in the high 80s during the last couple of days, and it's going to be in the mid-90s from today until Tuesday. Yay. With the need to stay cool and hydrated over the next few months, I got one of those 52 oz. water bottles with a sippy straw that I can carry along with me. It has a removable ice pack thing to keep the liquid cold throughout the day. Last night we ran some errands after dinner, and it was starting to get difficult keeping up the pace with Gregg. I kind of just waddled around the store. While he went into Target, I just stayed in the car with the A/C on full blast and waited for him to come out.

Baby Boy is really starting to pack a punch now. Sometimes it feels like he's trying to come out of my stomach! I can't believe I'm only 11 weeks away from my due date. Gregg and I were discussing last night how it's been almost six months since we found out we were expecting, and time has just flown by. Our son will be here before we know it!!

28 Weeks:

28 weeks 2 days

Yesterday morning, I downed the lovely bottle of glucola syrup for my gestational diabetes test. It tasted like slightly fizzy orange soda. Then I drove to the lab to have the blood work done. I hate getting blood taken, but the procedure was over very quickly. I'll get the results at our next doctor's appointment this coming Friday.
We begin childbirth classes on Monday night! Or as Gregg says, "we're going to learn how to poop out a baby". They last for three weeks and conclude with a tour of the hospital. I'm both excited and nervous. I think I've underestimated the pain and physical toll of labor, and I'm fearing I might learn otherwise. It's good to be prepared though, right? I know that no matter how bad it could be, I'll have Gregg right there by my side the entire time supporting me. I have no doubts about his ability to be a great labor coach. He can be calm and steady while I freak out, ha ha.
I am still amazed at how well this pregnancy is going. Already two-thirds of the way through, and I've only experienced minor discomforts so far. Those of you who have already had children are thinking, "Ha. She's so naive. Just wait for months seven through nine!" Yeah, I know it will probably be a different story in the August heat & humidity, when my stomach is stretched to the max and my feet are the size of beach balls. Women who have given birth in August made no bones about how hot and miserable I'll be. Thanks, ladies.
I really can't wait to finally meet our little boy, who we've affectionately been calling "Bubba", because we haven't yet decided on a name. Next weekend we're going to get cracking on the nursery, and I know I'll spend time in there over the coming weeks daydreaming even more about what it will be like holding our son, feeding him, dressing him, and just loving him to pieces.

27 Weeks

Hello, third trimester! I can't believe I'm here already. Just three short months away from welcoming our son into the world. I'm amazed at how large my belly has become. I promise to post a picture soon... the batteries in our digital camera are completely dead and I don't have any to replace them with! Baby Boy seems to be moving around all the time now. Yesterday I thought he was doing a headstand on my bladder. Yet another side effect of this latter stage of pregnancy- having to go potty at least ten times a day. I feel such joy when I think about what life will be like with our little guy. All the things we'll experience with him, share with him, teach him. I know the first few months will be hectic, but I'll want to enjoy every minute of them. I try to think of such things when life gets stressful and busy, reminding myself that I am incredibly blessed by a loving God.

Down to Double Digits

Down to double digits on the countdown already! Where does the time go? Looking at it the other day, I thought to myself "Oh, I still have ninety some days". But then I realized that ninety days equals three months and almost had a mini panic attack. I seriously don't know where all these weeks are going.Two weekends have passed without blogging, and that's primarily because I've been so busy at work lately. We did go up to NJ for Mother's Day as planned. Gregg and I met up with my mom and stepfather for dinner that Saturday night. My mother chose The Cheesecake Factory, which was located at a mall about halfway between their house and my in-laws'. The place was mobbed. I really don't remember the mall ever being that crowded before. I'm so glad we don't live in Jersey anymore. The wait at the restaurant was almost an hour, and parking was nearly impossible to find. While we waited, I showed my mom and stepdad the latest pictures from the ultrasound and opened a gift for the baby from them- blue socks, hats, and onesies with teddy bears that were absolutely adorable!The next day the ladies enjoyed a fabulous meal cooked by the men in Gregg's family at his parents'. There was steak, chicken parm, fruit salad, biscuits, veggies, mashed potatoes and two different kinds of dessert. Enough food was left over for an army. We received more goodies for baby boy from Gregg's mom and aunt; a rattle, a wearable blanket, creepers, onesies, hats, socks, bibs, and washcloths with little footballs and racing cars. My MIL even bought us the Winnie the Pooh border for the nursery and a stroller for when he can sit up by himself. I tried on the "dummy" dress she had finished making me for my sister's wedding. There are a few alterations needed and I'll obviously grow some more before July 19, but it came out great. I'm looking forward to waddling down the aisle in it. This past weekend we spent in town, running errands and having dinner with friends. On Saturday we picked out paint samples for the baby's room. We'll probably leave the off-white color that's already there on top, add the border in the middle and a shade of blue on bottom. I can't wait to get started decorating! Today first thing at 8am was my sixth month check-up. The nurse checked the usual: all were good! I've gained a total of 20 pounds since the start of my pregnancy. I honestly don't feel like I've put on much weight at all, though. Before the doctor came in, I was given a bottle of that glucola syrup to take home for the gestational diabetes test. They told me I can drink it and have the blood work done sometime next week before coming in again. Fun, fun. The doctor shared the results of my last ultrasound and said that everything with the placenta is normal. It ended up rising on its own, so it won't cause any problems during labor and delivery. She used the doppler to listen for the heartbeat, which is in the 140s. Now that I'm approaching my third trimester, my appointments will be every two weeks. We left the office scheduled for a bunch of dates right up through the middle of July. I'm starting to develop a case of baby brain. I'm so scatter brained at work, I feel like I can't keep things together. When I went to pick up my new prescription glasses at Walmart the other day, I couldn't find the right words to tell the clerk what I was there for. Gregg had to rescue me. Well that's all for now. Check back soon as posts will get more frequent and baby's arrival is coming quickly.

24 Weeks and counting

We had another ultrasound this morning! The sonographer took measurements of the baby and he's doing growing right on schedule- actually a little ahead of schedule. He's measuring at 24w5d and weighs 1 lb 11 oz already. Our little guy was a bit camera shy, and wouldn't let the tech get close shots of his face. He kept putting his arms and hands up in front of his face, just like last time.

Next, the sonographer checked the progress of my placenta since the doctor was slightly concerned it was too low. We'll find out what the status is at our next routine check-up on the 20th. She printed out a bunch more pictures for us to put in the baby album and downloaded a few images onto a CD.

I can't believe I'm nearly done with my second trimester. It still seems so far away until our son enters the world, but that countdown on the top of the blog is getting close to double digits. My belly appears to grow by the day now and it's becoming harder to bend down. It's a challenge to find tops that cover my entire tummy!

Overall, pregnancy is treating me well. We are truly blessed with this little miracle God has given to us. I think about the kind of person he'll grow up to be often. I daydream about holding him in my arms for the first time and wonder what features of mine and Gregg's he'll have. For now, he still remains "nameless" as we continue to discuss what we should name him. We each have our favorites, and a "compromise name" picked out, but nothing is settled yet. 16 more weeks to decide! Go ahead, use the comments section and let us know what names you suggest. : -) Maybe you'll be surprised to find out Baby "B" is named a name that you choose.

And now we know Baby "B" is....

Well, today we had an hour long ultra sound where they look at every aspect of Baby "B". Baby looks like all is growing and gowing well. Baby is now measuring larger than average, about 1 week ahead. So with all the looking around at Baby, it is now clear that Baby "B" is a BOY. Baby's first "clear" pictures and video are hear for your viewing pleasure.

Eighteen Weeks

We had another prenatal checkup this morning. Everything is going very well. The heartbeat was picked up by the doppler machine right away- a strong 140 BPM.

We've been feeling the baby move around! Marisa more so than Gregg. :) He or she is very active.

We're looking forward to finding out the gender of our tiny dancer in less than two weeks.