Baby Shower

Saturday was Baby Shower Day! While I was looking forward to it, I was also really nervous. I had no idea how I would handle a shower since I've never really been a shower type of girl - I even managed to avoid having a bridal shower! Added to my nervousness, I hadn't had much sleep thanks to my frequent loo trips. So when Aidan drove me over to his mom's house, I was hoping for the best.

Well, it was the best and then some. Emily, Aidan's mom and my mom put together a very comfortable and enjoyable tea party. The food was superb - finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, banana bread and a lovely red velvet cake made by Jeane. There was also punch and tea - and I made sure that I had a bit of everything - YUM! The food was amazing but the guests made me so happy. I was overjoyed to see family members and friends from all aspects of my life. I tried to catch up with as many people as possible. I couldn't stop smiling because it was great to have everyone around me.

Emily had a scrapbook that people were writing advice and best wishes. She put the pages in the book at the end and it is such a lovely keepsake. I also had a guestbook that they recorded the gifts to help me with the thank you cards. The gifts were lovely- granted, I will have to figure out what to do with some of them. I guess that's par of the learning curve of this whole journey. And then came the most amazing part of the afternoon - my Aunt had flown in from Georgia as a surprise!!! My mom didn't even know she was coming. I was so shocked and happy and just burst into happy tears. I can't even describe how wonderful it was to have her there!

I am just so grateful for such wonderful family and friends and to have everyone share in this event. I couldn't have planned a better event.

Week 30

Date/Week: November 3; week 30 (7 weeks (49 days) to C/S)

Total weight gain/loss: 

Milestones: [B] We've made it to 30 weeks and I am not overseas, not on bed rest and sproglet is still inside of me!!! Believe me, there was a time at the beginning when I was afraid that I wouldn't see this week without it being associated with adversity. I am so grateful to have gotten this far, this mobile and this happy.

We also participated in a maternity photo shoot last Thursday and selected images last night. And we've booked (and paid for) the newborn photo shoot (8 weeks away!) 

I had the oGTT last week and hope the results will be good. I'm also on iron supplements (3x per day) and it has been interesting getting used to them. And we put the crib together to see what it will look like. Now we need to sort out the rest of the room. Perhaps we'll do that during the Nov 11th holiday after the parade.

Physical Progress: I feel like my proportions are a bit better. Looking at the photo shoot proofs, I was stunned to see so much belly but in comparison to other pictures in the studio, everything works well together. No, my legs and arms are not as streamlined as they ordinarily are but they do not show excess weight either. My face is a bit more filled out though.

Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; occasional soreness in the pelvic area ; dry nose; stuffed up nose; heartburn; mild siatica; nausea; fatigue

How do I feel about my body: I am actively trying to savour the experience of having sproglet moving so much. I try to stop, particularly at work, and pay attention to what he is doing. Using the hiccups as a direction, I think I know where his head, butt and feet are located. Aidan also has been in awe over the movement, particularly in the morning before we get up. He is amazed at how much he moves.

Food cravings/aversions: pears, peaches and french toast 


Sleep: Still getting up about every two hours to go to the loo (a blessing and a curse); thankfully it's getting cooler; dreams are getting vivid again; I'm up pretty much at 4.30am and can't get back to a restful sleep... I did a lot of napping over the weekend to try to catch up on some rest

Energy level: I'm slower and I am coming to terms with that. I know I need to slow down as it is if I want to get through the next 7 weeks. My goal is to work up until the end (we'll see if that is realistic over the next month or so...)

Exercise: prenatal yoga; highland dancing warm-ups and teaching; water aerobics; walking

Baby Movement: He loves to move to sounds so I think I may download an instrumental Christmas album for him to enjoy for the holiday season (Aidan also needs to put together a classical music ipod that will be used for him). I think he's going to be one of those children that is always moving - which is no surprise because both of us were like that too.

Thoughts and Feelings? I'm trying to work on the dissonance between being excited about sproglet almost being here and my fear of being in the hospital. While I know that it will be (i) a positive experience, (ii) a festive time and (iii) full of mental and physical support from family and friends, I am just trying to get over the things that I know that I do not like about hospitals. I just keep praying that all goes well and we're released at the lower end of the average time a person is in the hospital for a c-section.

On a positive note, I am very excited that the holiday season is starting. It will aid in my continued positive feelings, particularly when the music and lights kick in...

What I am looking forward to: baby shower on Nov 6; holiday events ; working towards milestone #3 (Nov 17) and #4 (Dec 15); spa afternoon on November 21; ordering our Christmas tree (have to do that by Nov 12)!!!

What am I reading / things I’m learning: Reading about c-sections, both from books and other's experiences. Need to therefore plan what will be in my downstairs "nest" to aid in my c-section recovery.

Week 29

Date/Week: October 27; week 29 (8 weeks (56 days) to C/S)

Total weight gain/loss: +3 (+22 lbs total)

Milestones: [B] Set-up the local shower registries. I also ha my milestone #2 treat - an afternoon at the spa. The reiki was amazing. I have a feeling that I'll be doing the massage/reiki for milestone #4. Finally, it appears we have a c-section date - December 22nd. Now we can focus on working towards that goal - plus we get to order our Christmas Tree now that we have a date!

Physical Progress: I'm still 'neat' even as the belly gets larger... 

Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; soreness in the pelvic area ; dry nose and nosebleeds; heartburn; mild siatica; nausea; leakage from the bbs and even more the regions below (I swear, I should buy stock in pantiliners...)

How do I feel about my body: I go back and forth between being in awe over the movements that I am feeling and frustration over my physical limitations and the pain. I often wonder what normal feels like. I also wonder if I will forget what it feels like to have someone moving inside of you.

Food cravings/aversions: cheese and crackers 


Sleep: between being kicked, having the white cat sleeping on me and running to the loo many times a night, I miss what it feels like to have a proper night's sleep. I would love to sleep in and actually sleep and feel rested at the end of it.

Energy level: I have energy for maybe 1/2 of the day. If I don't rest, I feel like I am falling apart. Weekends are tough because I am used to just going and going until everything is done and at the moment I can't do that.

Exercise: prenatal yoga; highland dancing I'm not jumping - really!); walking

Baby Movement: In addition to the kicking, he is also moving about and pushing his body parts out all over the place. Sometimes it startles me and sometimes it even tickles. When I am at work it is weird to feel so much movement while I am sitting still. Aidan is enjoying feeling the movement.

Thoughts and Feelings? I'm happy to have a c-section date but I am a little disappointed that I'll probably be in the hospital for Christmas. Aidan and I have discussed it and we know we'll make the best of it. Ultimately, it is the best Christmas present that anyone could have given us and we're just grateful to be experiencing this at such an amazing time of the year. And yes, the Christmas Season kicks off in our house after Guy Fawkes (Nov 5th) this year - and I plan to enjoy every second of it!

What I am looking forward to: doing the maternity shots with Aidan on October 28; baby shower on Nov 6; 4 holiday events between Nov 13 and Dec 9th (I have 3 dresses and they all look pretty good thus far); working towards milestone #3 (Nov 17) and #4 (Dec 15)!!!

What am I reading / things I’m learning: Reading about the oGTT since I have to take it on Oct 28th. I need to learn how to do the front wrap cross carry (fwcc) for my Didymos woven wrap and how to tie the knot on the rebozo.

Looks Like We Have A Date...

Doctor's appointment was good. It looks like I'll be having the c-section on December 22 at 37 weeks (he wanted to push me to full-term, which I expected he would do). December 29th is option #2 but he thinks he may be off Island for that date. He's consulting with my pediatrician and the high-risk OB in Boston and I will most likely end up receiving steroids for lung development in the lead up to that date. In any case, it looks like I'll be delivering at home but I may not be home for Christmas).

Week 28

Date/Week: October 20; week 28 (9 weeks (63 days) to C/S)


Milestones: Milestones #2 We're one step closer to being able to deliver on Island. As of this week the hospital would be willing to deliver us. We're not sure if our OB is on the same page (he may want 32 weeks) but we'll find out when we see him on Tuesday morning. In any case, we're pretty psyched about reaching this goal!

We've attended a class that covered c-sections and the subsequent recovery and also met with our post-partum doula. I've also had a baby shower at work that showed me that I still really have no clue what I need in the house for a baby...

Physical Progress: The kicking and sleeping patterns are more consistent and at times body parts are starting to stick out - Aidan and I spent a bit of time over the weekend trying to identify which body part was protruding but couldn't agree on what it was.

Symptoms: feet and calf cramps; soreness in the pelvic area and round ligament pain; dry nose and nosebleeds; heartburn; mild siatica; nausea (it's back!)

How do I feel about my body: Looking at myself in the mirror before I get dresses, it is kind of weird to see how my belly fits into my frame. It's all rather neat and it makes sense when I think about how I move in yoga class. As for the boobage, I notice in the morning that they have leaked overnight now. I guess we're getting prepared for their new purpose...

Food cravings/aversions: Portuguese donuts

Sleep: the weather has changed so it is more comfortable. The quality of my sleep still sucks though.

Energy level: I've been fighting a cold so I've felt like death warmed over...

Exercise: prenatal yoga; walking

Baby Movement: The kick counting is a bit better. His kicks and rolls are more definite. Aidan can feel them now and says it really makes everything seem more real.

Thoughts and Feelings? I'm calmer than I was last week. Sure, we need to sort out the whole diaper changing station situation but other than that most things are ready - I even have some decent nursing nightgowns (Belabumbum - they're really lovely). I really would like to have a c/s date though because it is the ultimate goal for us to focus on. Still, as Aidan says, we have to take things day by day and week by week and we've been doing pretty well doing that too.

What I am looking forward to: setting up the shower registry on Oct 23 (or so) with my friend, my mom and my MIL; massage and reiki at 2pm on October 24; possibility of sorting out the c/s date on Oct 26; doing the maternity shots on October 28; baby shower on Nov 6; possibly wearing some dressy maternity gowns to some holiday events that are coming up (it remains to e seen how excited I'll be about these gowns); working towards milestone #3 (Nov 17)!!!

What am I reading / things I’m learning: Started reading 'Happiest Baby on the Block'; Learned how to tie a Moby Wrap

Week 27

Date/Week: October 13; week 27 (10 weeks (70 days) to C/S)


Total weight gain/loss: -1.25lbs

Milestones: We're in the third trimester!!!!!!! Oh my goodness, it is a wonderful milestone to achieve and to still be at home. I am so very grateful and thankful to have made it to this point.

We've also taken the maternity ward tour - that certainly makes it feel more real to see the place where we're going to meet our son face to face!

Physical Progress: I think I had my first experience of sciatica on Saturday - it scared the crap out of me.

Symptoms: feet cramps; soreness in the pelvic area and round ligament pain; nosebleeds; heartburn; mild siatica

How do I feel about my body: I've been trying to find a sequined top for my maternity shots and it has made me really self-conscious about my boobs - they're huge compared to my frame. One size fits all does not fit them... I got a L/XL and it fits like a bandeau across my boobs and a regular tube top on the sides and from behind - very odd looking. I got upset (hormones) and started rethinking how to pull this off in 2 weeks...

Food cravings/aversions: dried apricots

Sleep: Crappy and sweaty

Energy level: Up and down - looking forward to yoga tonight because I need an energy boost.

Exercise: prenatal yoga; aqua aerobics; walking

Baby Movement: I have a boogying baby!!! At church on Sunday he would go crazy when the sining was taking place and then calm during the speaking parts. I'm still not enjoying the kick counts but he is kicking - averaging 60 kicks in an hour.

Thoughts and Feelings? I've been freaking out this past week. Between hospital anxiety and early delivery anxiety - and then overseas delivery anxiety (decreasing) and not being home for Christmas anxiety (I'm such a baby) - my brain has been working overtime. I am trying to stay calm, get through each day (and each week). I am praying hard that we don't meet sproglet until December!

What I am looking forward to: Theatre tonight to celebrate making it to the 3rd trimester; Massage and facial for the week 28 milestone - still need to book October 24; doing the maternity shots on October 28; setting up the registry (need to decide which stores - the online registry is live); working towards milestone #3!!!

What am I reading / things I’m learning: Babywearing will be a great resource; the private room in the maternity ward is available on a first come, first served basis upon request (we are so requesting it when we get to the hospital on eviction day).
 

And the outfit he'll wear home

Week 26

Date/Week: October 6; week 26 (11 weeks (77 days) to C/S)


Total weight gain/loss: +2.25 lbs

Milestones: I think we've found a pediatrician - just need to fill out all of the paperwork; the crib has been put together; I've started putting together email addresses to give to one of my friends for the shower; have to do kick counting going forward

Physical Progress: I have a proper belly! And with the belly, the boobs are finally in proportion. It's all pretty cool!

Symptoms: leg and feet cramps; soreness in the pelvic area and round ligament pain; nosebleeds; heartburn

How do I feel about my body: Another good week. I'm enjoying some of my fall/winter turtlenecks with jeans - I feel that I look better than in the maternity shorts.

Food cravings/aversions: apple cake; vegetarian croquettes

Sleep: Still having really wild dreams. I'm going to the bathroom every 2 hours or so.

Energy level: It's been pretty good in the last week but I am still slowing down walking-wise.

Exercise: prenatal yoga; aqua aerobics; walking

Baby Movement: He's still moving a lot. My first kick count session was interesting. He did the required 10 kicks in less than 3minutes 30 seconds. In an hour he had done about 63 kicks. Kick counting is pretty tedious so I need to start integrating other activities while I do it (I have a feeling that I'll say the same about pumping in a few months...)

Thoughts and Feelings? I go back and forth between feeling ready for this pregnancy to be over and wanting more time to prepare for the next step. I am not 'loving' being pregnant but that is probably more of an anxiety thing and less physically based. I've spent a little time thinking about whether I would do this again and in that case would I enjoy it more since I would know the drill. I really don't know. In any case, I am going to really try to enjoy the rest of this trimester (a week to go!) and as much of the 3rd trimester as possible (sure, I say that now - we'll see what I'm saying in a month!!!)

What I am looking forward to: Massage and facial for the week 28 milestone - need to book October 24; starting to make the nursery look like we're going to have someone living in there; doing the maternity shots on October 28; setting up the registry (need to decide which stores - the online registry is live)

What am I reading / things I’m learning: Still reading 'The Baby Book' and planning to read the LLL book next. We have the LLL meeting about bring baby home on Saturday so that should flesh out what I've been reading in 'The Baby Book'. We also have the hospital tour on Saturday... that should freak me out adequately (thank goodness we're going to the SPCA Fair in between the two sessions)