Two Turkeys In The Oven

We met with the second pediatrician tonight and I really liked him a lot. We have gotten several recommendations from friends for Seaside Pediatrics and I can see why.  Dr. Horger has a small practice and only accepts a maximum of 10-12 new patients each month.  There were 8 soon-to-be parents/couples there tonight for the open house newborn class that the practice hosts.  He comes to the hospital and visits/exams all his new patients and there are a couple other practices that he works with to be on-call for weekends.  There is always an office that we can go to on a Saturday or Sunday.  Also, there is a separate newborn waiting room, well child and sick child areas.  He seems to be very involved with patient communication for after-hours calls and the rest of the staff seemed great too.  I got a really good vibe from the whole experience.

The first part of the Babies R Us order arrived today!  We got the Boppy pillow, closet organizers, Sleep Sheep, baby blankets, changing pad cover, play yard sheet, and bibs.  I will get the last bit of new clothes and bedding washed and organize her closet this weekend.

Yesterday Will got a ton of projects done around the house. I love it when he has a day off. That mug is so productive! I go into work a little later today so on my to do list is to finish organizing Hudson's closet and changing table (I had to make another trip to Target to get more canvas storage bins). I also am going to put together Hudson's bouncy seat, and get stuff organized and straight on the new shelves Will built in the linen closet. The nursery is almost complete. I need to get some prints blown up and have them matted, framed, and hung. Yesterday I felt pretty good but today I feel super tired. I had weird dreams last night and got up to pee the most I think I have since I've been PG so I didn't sleep very well. I just feel super tired and depleted. I can't wait for Hudson to be here. I can't wait to meet him. When I think about it - it gives me chills. And of course for very selfish reasons I can't wait to have my body back!! Last night I had the worst backache ever and my feet, ankles, and legs are so swollen, sore, and tender. Last night when we finally got in the bed I literally felt like every bone in my body hurt but it felt so good to stretch out. Tylenol is for the birds so I didn't even mess with it. A little rubdown and my body pillow seemed to bring some relief.

Today marks 35 weeks! I feel like I wake up and my belly is bigger every day. All those weeks where I wasn't showing are definitely catching up now!

I haven't posted any belly pics lately, so here are a few...

*not sure why Blogger is not posting pictures correctly...sorry!
  

32 weeks at Wrightsville Beach



34 weeks - me and my little Gamecock



35 weeks and big as a pumpkin!



I have not been very committed to blogging the past week. This week was super busy and I've been super tired. However it was a good productive week and we really got a lot accomplished. I had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday and we had our last ultrasound. Hud was doing great and weighing in at 7 pounds 10 ounces. He is such a big baby and has a big head like his Daddy - 33 cm in circumference!! With at the time of the appointment about 4 weeks to go the doctor guesstimated he would gain 2 more pounds by his due date. She talked about scheduling an elective c section - which I am totally against unless there is a true medical need for it. She also talked about inducing me a week before his due date. I would rather Hudson come on his own and let nature run it's course. Induction usually does not work unless your body has started preparing for the delivery by the softening, thinning, and dilation of the cervix - then the meds to induce you can be helpful. I have heard it can make contractions worse since it's jump starting your system with synthetic drugs to help your body dilate but we'll see what Hudson decides to do in the next few weeks. As of Tuesday my cervix had not started thinning or dilating. However I also didn't stop taking the precardia (the meds I've been on to prevent pre term labor) until Friday so that may make a big difference. I've still been doing the hypnobirthing cd and plan on doing that and then getting an epidural. Putting together the pack and play proved to be a huge pain but we got it set up, got the sheets,and found a spot for it in our bedroom. We are going to keep the baby in the room with us during the first month or so for easier late night feedings, ect. At the beginning I was just going to put Hud in his crib from the get go - but for us that makes no sense - plus I think the baby will like the companionship of his mommy and daddy while adjusting to his new little world. My baby shower yesterday was wonderful. Last night and today I spent most of my time washing all stuff baby, organizing Hudson's closet, and re cleaning his room. Will and I got the monitors figured out and ready to go. The infant care class was really helpful - I"m so glad that we took the time to take all these great classes the hospitals offer. Back to work tomorrow. Doctor's appointment on Thursday. I am really contemplating if I should work right up until I go into labor or if I should give myself a week or so before. I'm taking 7 weeks of maternity leave starting the delivery date. FMLA gives you 12 weeks but short term disability only pays for the required medical time off. Going to talk to my doctor about that when I go in this week. On another note my body is busted ... I am so big and achy and tired by the end of the day! I am swollen everywhere I could possibly be swollen, I have cellulite, and spider veins on my thighs. Pregnancy is not for the vain or the faint at heart!

My co-workers are guessing when Banks will actually arrive...here's what we have so far. Feel free to comment and give your best estimate!

Due Date: Sunday, November 21st

My guess is November 16th, but I think that November 11th would be really cool because she would turn 1 on 11/11/11

"Aunt" Kat is going with November 10th


My coworkers think...
Andy - 11/7
Tray - 11/17
Liz - 11/20
Thomas - 11/21 around 4pm
Amanda - 11/23
Danny - 11/24
Jeremiah - 11/30

Tonight was my breastfeeding class.  It was good info and although I still feel a little anxious about it, I definitely feel more prepared.  We went over different nursing techniques and how to use the pump.  The Breastfeeding Center is great and the staff has been so helpful already.  If I do have a problem I feel comfortable knowing that there is a support center in town.  I looked at some nursing bras, but my size was out of stock, so I will get that in a couple weeks.

After a 3 hour work meeting, full day of work, and 3 hour class I am 100% exhausted.

As busy as we have been, it is really making the weeks fly by!  Only 6 more weeks to go!  The weekend was good because Brian was home.  He is trying to get a lot of travelling out of the way so that he won't have to travel closer to my due date 

We did some chillaxing on Saturday and watched USC beat Bama!!!  I'm so glad that we will have our Carolina Girl.  She already has several Gamecock outfits that I can't wait to see on her.  On Sunday, I felt ambitious so I planted pansies and mums and got the front porch ready for fall.  I definitely think I overdid it a little bit because I am paying the price with my lower back.  Oh well, Tylenol and Biofreeze to the rescue!

Tomorrow I get my flu shot.  I was happy to learn that by me getting the vaccine it will protect Banks for 6 months.  I also have my breastfeeding class tomorrow, so that should be interesting...

The breastfeeding class last week went really well and was very informative. I am still a little anxious about it - you hear so much stuff about babies that don't latch well and there are so many different positions it's like you have to get the baby just right. It also will be quite exhausting especially the first couple of weeks but I'm up for the challenge. I'm really glad I took the class. I most definitely feel more prepared. Today I went to Target and bought a nursing bra and these nursing cami's and some cute, comfy clothes to wear while at the hospital. I also went to Baby Depot today to scope some stuff out and they are having some fantastic sales on all kinds of stuff - including the Medela breast pump and the pack and play I want. I'll wait until after my shower on Saturday and hit 'em up style! I thought that I had Hudson's going home outfit all situated but when I went to pick it up from the monogramming place - my baby's monogram looked awful - so tomorrow I'll take some new stuff up to a different place on the West side. I hate when people don't follow directions or take pride in what they do. Tomorrow I also have a doctor appointment. They will do a growth ultra sound, blood work to check for Beta Strep, and then check to see if my iron levels have come up any since I started taking the iron supplement a few weeks ago. I expect that it will be a pretty long appointment. After this visit I will start seeing my doctor every week. Wednesday marks 4 weeks until Hudson's due date!! I have a meeting in Columbia for work on Wednesday - and even though a month prior to the due date you really aren't suppose to travel I didn't think an hour and some change would be that big of a deal. Thursday night of this week Will and I have an Infant Care class at the hospital that I think will be really helpful. Will got a free pass from the breastfeeding class however if I had known how much support you need for breastfeeding I would have registered him for it as well. Between working, trying to get the house and everything ready for Hudson, on top of normal everyday stuff Will and I are both exhausted. I am seriously contemplating taking off from work a week or so before the due date - with everything else wearing me out I'm worried if I wait until the bitter end I won't even have the energy to push!!:) Swollen feet and ankles, and this god awful backache aren't helping my energy levels or my mood!!

Today I met the first of 2 pediatricians that we are checking out.  I liked her, but I am not making a decision until we meet the other doc on October 28th.  Dr Austria was really nice and there are a lot of things I like about her practice and her approach to patients.  I also had my infant care class tonight.  It was really good to be around other first time parents and realize that I am not the only one questions.  I've been getting paperwork in order too - copies of license and insurance card, admission form for the hospital, and healthcare power of attorney.  I am exhausted and so ready for the weekend.  I just want to relax!

Today we are exactly 35 weeks. The final week in the 8th month. The third trimester of pregnancy is most definitly the toughest. I am not sure how my body is going to make it 5 more weeks. I am experiencing back pain for one of the first times ever and it is God awful! I know most of my ailments are associated with the extra weight I'm lugging around yet with the baby gaining a half a pound a week the mama is gaining significantly more. I am excited about having a day off tomorrow. One of my awesome neighbors hooked me up with some fall/winter maternity clothes last night so I'm going to take some time to put up summer stuff and get my closet straight. I am still reading the hypno birthing book and doing the meditation cd and excersices a few times a week. I think it will really help but I'm wondering to what extent - especially when at the end of the day I'm whining about lower back pain, achy joints and sore feetsies - compared to labor I'm sure all of that is a walk in the park. At least labor will be a bit more short lived. Latley I have had such a thing for yogurt, fruit cups, and veggie subs however I have also had a thing for most anything that is sweet. I usually don't have a sweet tooth but I have chomped down on oreo's and milk this week like it's nobody's business and baked two apple pies last night. I did give one away- thanks! but came to bed with a big slice of pie topped with ice cream. Breastfeeding class tomorrow night - I hope to come out feeling prepared. I had anxiety dreams last night about not being able to get Hud in his car seat, not being able to breastfeed him, and basically not being able to do any of the things a Mom should be able to do. It was awful and I woke up in a bad mood. Off to bed.

I had a check up at the doctor today and all is good!  Banks's HR was at 138, my iron level and BP were fine, and she is measuring right on track for my November 21st due date.  I had to wait an hour for a 5 minute appointment which just made me feel tired for the rest of the afternoon.  While I was waiting, Banks was a total wiggle worm!  She is getting so big now that she won't be able to flip and float as much, so I guess the real kicking will begin. 

The pack n' play and diaper bag arrived today, so that was a nice surprise when I got home.  We have a few more things to get, but I am waiting for my discount coupons for my registry completion.  Last weekend, I set up her crib bedding, washed all of her clothes and got them hung up in the closet.  I wish that washing our laundry was as much fun as washing hers.  I organized everything by size and we got a few more 0-3m clothes to have her covered for the first month or so.  It is all so darn cute, but the Christmas outfits we got for her are just adorable!  I can't wait to dress her up - I will be picture crazy!

I am freaking out a bit because I still have so much to do before Hud's arrival. I have been making lists like crazy to help myself get organized and know what needs to be done and what I need however sometimes time and money are not my friends!! I had a really nice weekend off. On Friday night my sister in law came over and we got the nursery decorated. Really there are only a few final touches that need to be done. It looks great. Pics to come when I get it all completed. I had a family reunion on Saturday so it was nice visiting and seeing everyone and then I had a co baby shower dinner on Sunday night with my work peeps and another friend of mine that is having a January baby. Will worked super hard getting the basement insulated to keep Hud and Mommy warm on Saturday and pressure washed the house and the porch, sidewalk, and driveway. It looks awesome. Since the front of the house looked so good I was inspired to get some mums and re paint my terra cotta pots. It was nice spending time outside in the cooler fall like weather- and hanging with Will is always a good time;) I started having some cramping while I was at work yesterday afternoon and called the nurse at my ob office who instructed me to go home lay on my left side, drink plenty of water, and time the pain. It was not intense cramping but you know you are not supposed to have cramping in pregnancy until the bitter end. So after being at work for an hour drinking a ton of water and having my feet propped up and still cramping I decided to go home. I took a warm bath, kept drinking fluids, curled up on my right side, talked to people that knew what was going on and had been in labor before, and read my pregnancy books. The cramping finally subsided late last night there was never any real rhyme or reason to the cramping so I stopped timing after a few. I think I was just kind of scared since I don't really know what to expect. Since I had that cervical surgery years ago and had the cramping around 21 weeks and was put on the meds to prevent pre term labor - all those factors didn't help my fears. So due to all that my doctor wanted me to come in today. Everything looked good and was normal. Hudson is starting to drop which is leading to the pressure in my pelvic area and some of the cramping and lower back pain I'm experiencing. Sunday night and yesterday he was moving around like crazy it almost felt like he was burrowing down. In one of my pregnancy books it gives you the signs of pre labor, false labor, and real labor - very helpful info - especially if it's your first rodeo. All of my signs fell under the pre labor - which is just your body prepping for the real deal. The baby usually drops about 2 to 4 weeks before delivery and the pre labor can start a month or more before delivery. I still have my appointment for next week where they will do the last ultrasound for growth. I'm anxious to see how big he is. Oh, toxemia urine tests came back negative as well. Tomorrow marks 35 weeks!!

I am sorry for not blogging for 10 days!  There has been so much going on...baby shower, record breaking rainfall, childbirth classes, my work, Brian travelling like crazy, shopping for Banks and getting things at the house organized...and the list goes on! So, lots to catch up on this week for the blog!

Also, catching up are pregnancy ailments!  I have had a pretty smooth ride through out my pregnancy, but now I am suffering from some of the regular complaints.  Plus, it seems to take me longer to get things done, including getting ready for work in the morning.  I am so used to just go-go-go at top speed and that isn't happening now.  Here is a list of what has been slowing me down...

Heartburn - Its not terrible, but annoying!  I feel the burn every time I bend over to tie my shoes, pick up something, load laundry, wipe dog feet, etc. Banks is just pressing on my stomach and there's no where to go.  I can't eat salads right now because I just burp too much and of course, no spicy food, which is a bummer.  Tums are on my desk at work, in my purse, and on stand by at the house.

Back Pain - Not surprising, but definitely making sleeping less comfortable.  I have a body pillow and that is helping, but there's just no avoiding this one.  I am still doing my low back exercises and I try to watch my posture and avoid any chairs without back support.  This has become a deciding factor when we are deciding where to go watch football.  Mama needs to be comfy!

Feet - They hurt at the end of the day!  My heels are really hurting and I know its because of the extra weight.  If I am at the house on the hardwood floor I have to wear some kind of shoe/flip flop for cushion.  Brian has been travelling a lot during the week so my foot rubs have been minimal...it doesn't feel as good to rub your own feet and Wrigley is of no assistance...ha!

Swelling - Not too much, but a little.  I knew it was coming, so I am just going to keep chugging water (although it is hard because I am so tired of water.)  My rings are a slightly tighter than normal and there is some swelling in my feet...but I still have ankles and toes :)

Insomnia - I know...its nature's way to get me ready, but it still makes me tired with these 10 hours work days while I'm growing a human!  I wake up to pee at 3am, then start thinking about all the things I need to get done, then Banks is moving around, then I'm thirsty, then I'm on the couch watching Law & Order at 4am, take a nap from 5am-6:15am, then up to get ready for work.  I get home around 7pm, feed the dogs, and sit down.  I try not to doze off, but it happens...so I sleep for an hour and then can't get to sleep until midnight...arrrghhh!

We have a check up on Wednesday - I can't wait to hear that little heartbeat!  33 weeks along - just 7 more weeks until she is here!