Conner:
Size - Conner is about 18 inches long and weighs apx. 6 pounds at the beginning of 36 weeks!
Activity – Conner is continuing to move around quite a bit and is really making waves for mommy. I can feel his feet, knees, spine, and neck.
Labor signs - A few contractions. I will get 2 intense ones right next to each other and then won’t feel another one for about an hour. I can feel that they are definitely getting stronger and longer. They are not patterned at all, so real labor has yet to begin.
Conner is getting bigger by the moment (and so is mommy!). He gains about ½ pound a week and is right on track. He is fully viable now so he is welcome to come at any time. At 37 weeks, he is considered to be full term and can stay in there from 37 weeks to 42 weeks… so a big eye roll to all those who think that 9 months is a full pregnancy. It is much more like 10 to 10.5 months –so there. Otherwise Conner is healthy and I have no worries about his ability to come into this world as a perfectly formed human.
Me:
Size – OK – it should be pretty obvious now that I am ready to be done. Not to say that I am not happy and loving being pregnant with my little dude, but I am getting to the point where I just want to meet him and feel normal again – not that I really remember what that even means. I am getting pretty big… most people, when they see me, make comments to my belly stating that I am “ready to pop”. That pretty much sums up how I feel. I feel like I am physically and mentally ready for Conner to come and my body agrees.
What I am wearing –Not that it really matters at this point, but I am still trying to wear all my maternity clothes. I spent a lot of time acquiring this maternity wardrobe and feel the need to wear as much of it as I can until I won’t need it anymore. I am aware that I will most likely be wearing some of it after Conner comes, but I am not going to lie – I am looking forward to zippers and buttons.
Strange stuff – Well… besides my face looking so puffy I barely recognize myself, my hands and feet swollen to the point of no return, and my boobs resembling a National Geographic photo I am really doing OK. I am having a little trouble staying asleep and am pretty much married to the bathroom – but these are all boring normal things that every pregnant woman goes through. The only things now that I think about are all the baby dreams that I have been having. For a long time I was never pregnant in my dreams. I seem to have skipped my pregnancy altogether and gone straight to motherhood.
Food cravings – Girl scout cookies! Water, pineapple, peanut butter, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Dave’s grilling
Status of belly button – a visible outie now!
What I miss – Green, lilacs, sleeping through the night, wine, seeing my feet, being able to move without thinking about it first, and my friends.
In General:
Best movement this week – I love feeling his little feet move across my belly. It kind of tickles from the inside and I look forward to it. I can really get him to respond to my touch and can predict exactly when he will be awake and sleeping. He seems to like the early evening and mornings for sleepy time… maybe I will luck out!
Most looking forward to – Meeting my son and watching Dave hold him for the first time. I am tearing up even writing this now. I cannot wait to be a mommy and I know Dave is excited too. He even made a pancake shaped like a teddy bear today in practice for a little one.
Words to live by –Stay busy. I have learned that my pregnancy has flown by because I have been able to occupy my time fairly well. I have especially tried to do that for the last month knowing that I don’t want to sit too idle just waiting. I have tried to stay active, make lists at home of things I can do and take full advantage of my nesting impulses. I have tried to make contact with as many friends as possible, made lots of time to be with Dave, taken classes, and worked on getting organized for my time off. All of these things make me focus on the task at hand and not the weeks to come that can seem a bit daunting.
Milestones – I am in my last month. Today is exactly one month away from my due date and to me that is so crazy. I never thought that I would get here… it never seemed real. I felt like I would be pregnant forever! I knew the whole time my pregnancy was going to be great and that Conner and I would make it though strong and healthy, but 10 months is a long time. You start to forget what it feels like to not be pregnant. Really, by the time my leave is up – I will have been out of commission for an entire year. I am happy and excited though. I am not groaning that I am so ready to be done, but I am looking forward to the finish line; I am OK waiting a few more weeks too. Whatever is best for Conner and I…
Homestretch! My to-do list from last week has pretty much been completed. I have registered at the hospital, mailed all my thank you cards from the shower, washed and put away all of Conner’s things, packed my hospital bag, and am now focusing on last minute details. I just have to put a few things away in the nursery, clean a few rooms, have the car seat checked, and just relax. It is so nice to have everything ready to go!
Dave is convinced that Conner will come on the 14th. I looked at the weather for that day and noticed that it is a full moon – the only one in April, so he may just be right. I was originally set at the 16th for a due date – we will just have to see. That means only 22 more days!
Peace,
Pinner
Monday, March 22, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Preggo Update - Week 34
Conner:
Size - Conner is about 18 inches long and weighs apx. 4.7 pounds!
Activity – Conner is getting a little cramped in there I think. He isn’t moving around quite as much, I am feeling more general movements than kicks and rolls. When he does decide to roll over, my entire belly moves. He is definitely getting larger!
Labor signs – A few contractions here and there. Mostly when I am active after relaxing for awhile or when I am walking. Nothing that is turning into a pattern, but they are getting stronger.
Conner is pretty much gaining weight at this point. He is very close to being fully developed and if he were to be born between now and my due date, there would be minimal risk. His lungs are developed, he move his eyes, mouth and nose, his nervous system is developed and his bones are strong. He is just kicking back right now and waiting for the big day! We had our 34 week ultrasound last week and all is great with Conner. He received an 8/8 health score for fetal movement, amount of fluid, muscle tone, and heart rate. He is measuring right where he should be for a 34 week gestation but his head is a little big – 80th percentile. So mama might have a little harder time with him on “labor day” but I am not too worried. I am tough. Otherwise we received all great news about Conner and we even got the chance to see his face via 3D technology. He is beautiful.
Me:
Size – At this point, my belly is so big I feel that everything else is getting smaller. I am wearing a ½ size larger shoe size and my wedding ring has taken permanent residence on a chain around my neck. I am looking really pregnant – like REALLY pregnant.
What I am wearing Well, I am trying not to leave the house unless I absolutely have to, so my outfits mostly consist of a ponytail and sweats. If I absolutely have to step out, I try. I do try. I am still wearing all the same stuff. Luckily it is starting to warm up here a little, so I don’t have to bundle up quite as much. I light scarf and a cardigan has kept me warm the past few weeks. I even sported a pair of flip flops and capris yesterday!
Strange stuff – I am never hungry. Instead of normal hunger pains, I feel nausea. When that happens I realize that I need to eat. Granted, I rarely get to that point as I try to eat every couple of hours and I drink a ridiculous amount of water – and I am thinking the water may have something to do with my lack of tummy grumbles. (Great tip to remember for after breastfeeding and wanting to lose some weight!) I have been getting wicked heartburn if I eat greasy food, so that is working to my advantage as well. As long as I stick to healthy whole foods, I don’t have too many problems.
Food cravings – the entire bakery at the grocery store, pineapple, water, and pizza hut breadsticks
Status of belly button – a visible outie now!
What I miss – working in the yard, being able to lift and move things, a clean house, skinny thighs, cheekbones, my hammock, and a poop free backyard (it really does accumulate over an entire winter)
In General:
Best movement this week – Like I said, Conner is beginning to become a little quieter. I can definitely still feel him moving around, but nothing too crazy. I do love feeling his little tiny leg bones and feet move across my tummy…
Most looking forward to – New baby smell… I used some of his J&J shampoo for my bubble bath last night and it was the best smell in the world. I just adore that scent and it reminds me of everything tiny, precious, and warm.
Words to live by –Take some advice with a grain of salt and allow yourself your own experience. A lot of people have been feeling the freedom to explain in gruesome detail exactly how my pregnancy and birth and first 6 weeks will go. I appreciate the advice if it is asked for, but for total strangers coming up to you in the grocery store or in line at the pharmacy – the details are not welcome. I also think that a new golden rule should be established for all - if I don’t talk to you about my pregnancy, birth, etc… I don’t want to hear about yours (or your daughter’s, or your granddaughter’s) you get the idea. Sometimes, just because you communicate with someone- boundaries need to be respected. Just because I am pregnant does not give you full reign to comment on the status of my health, my size, personal choices, or my child’s health. Sorry, this is a huge soapbox issue for me. I can’t stand nosy and overly opinionated women. Just be happy for me and keep it to yourself… thanks!
Milestones – I just have so much to say about this. I am feeling like a totally new, or maybe redesigned, woman. I think it has sunk in that I am going to be a mommy and there will be a baby in our house. I feel my patience has been strengthened, my need for perfection has loosened, and my desire to be home with my family has increased. I feel less focused on myself and more focused on the big picture. My imaginary happy place has shifted from me alone sipping a beer in my backyard in the dead of summer to me working in the yard with Conner in his stroller and daddy coming home and giving us both a big kiss – still summertime. I go there a lot… it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Mostly because it will come true.
Remember my entry titled “Lucky Duck”… well, I am still in awe of Dave. I won’t go into too much detail as he prefers I tell him to his face and not through my blog, but he is amazing. I picked the perfect person to start a family with. I am completely convinced of that. I have never known a man to be so supportive, kind, understanding, and accommodating. Not only is he an amazing husband, but he will be an incredible father. I have no doubt in my mind.
So now we wait. All I have left to do is pack my hospital bag, wash Conner’s clothes and bedding, pre-register at the hospital, and have the car seat inspected. I have 2 Lamaze classes left to attend (one of which is tonight), an infant survival class, and a breastfeeding class. I only have 5 doctor appointments scheduled until my due date. I cannot believe that I am getting so close. I cannot believe it!
Peace,
Pinner
Size - Conner is about 18 inches long and weighs apx. 4.7 pounds!
Activity – Conner is getting a little cramped in there I think. He isn’t moving around quite as much, I am feeling more general movements than kicks and rolls. When he does decide to roll over, my entire belly moves. He is definitely getting larger!
Labor signs – A few contractions here and there. Mostly when I am active after relaxing for awhile or when I am walking. Nothing that is turning into a pattern, but they are getting stronger.
Conner is pretty much gaining weight at this point. He is very close to being fully developed and if he were to be born between now and my due date, there would be minimal risk. His lungs are developed, he move his eyes, mouth and nose, his nervous system is developed and his bones are strong. He is just kicking back right now and waiting for the big day! We had our 34 week ultrasound last week and all is great with Conner. He received an 8/8 health score for fetal movement, amount of fluid, muscle tone, and heart rate. He is measuring right where he should be for a 34 week gestation but his head is a little big – 80th percentile. So mama might have a little harder time with him on “labor day” but I am not too worried. I am tough. Otherwise we received all great news about Conner and we even got the chance to see his face via 3D technology. He is beautiful.
Me:
Size – At this point, my belly is so big I feel that everything else is getting smaller. I am wearing a ½ size larger shoe size and my wedding ring has taken permanent residence on a chain around my neck. I am looking really pregnant – like REALLY pregnant.
What I am wearing Well, I am trying not to leave the house unless I absolutely have to, so my outfits mostly consist of a ponytail and sweats. If I absolutely have to step out, I try. I do try. I am still wearing all the same stuff. Luckily it is starting to warm up here a little, so I don’t have to bundle up quite as much. I light scarf and a cardigan has kept me warm the past few weeks. I even sported a pair of flip flops and capris yesterday!
Strange stuff – I am never hungry. Instead of normal hunger pains, I feel nausea. When that happens I realize that I need to eat. Granted, I rarely get to that point as I try to eat every couple of hours and I drink a ridiculous amount of water – and I am thinking the water may have something to do with my lack of tummy grumbles. (Great tip to remember for after breastfeeding and wanting to lose some weight!) I have been getting wicked heartburn if I eat greasy food, so that is working to my advantage as well. As long as I stick to healthy whole foods, I don’t have too many problems.
Food cravings – the entire bakery at the grocery store, pineapple, water, and pizza hut breadsticks
Status of belly button – a visible outie now!
What I miss – working in the yard, being able to lift and move things, a clean house, skinny thighs, cheekbones, my hammock, and a poop free backyard (it really does accumulate over an entire winter)
In General:
Best movement this week – Like I said, Conner is beginning to become a little quieter. I can definitely still feel him moving around, but nothing too crazy. I do love feeling his little tiny leg bones and feet move across my tummy…
Most looking forward to – New baby smell… I used some of his J&J shampoo for my bubble bath last night and it was the best smell in the world. I just adore that scent and it reminds me of everything tiny, precious, and warm.
Words to live by –Take some advice with a grain of salt and allow yourself your own experience. A lot of people have been feeling the freedom to explain in gruesome detail exactly how my pregnancy and birth and first 6 weeks will go. I appreciate the advice if it is asked for, but for total strangers coming up to you in the grocery store or in line at the pharmacy – the details are not welcome. I also think that a new golden rule should be established for all - if I don’t talk to you about my pregnancy, birth, etc… I don’t want to hear about yours (or your daughter’s, or your granddaughter’s) you get the idea. Sometimes, just because you communicate with someone- boundaries need to be respected. Just because I am pregnant does not give you full reign to comment on the status of my health, my size, personal choices, or my child’s health. Sorry, this is a huge soapbox issue for me. I can’t stand nosy and overly opinionated women. Just be happy for me and keep it to yourself… thanks!
Milestones – I just have so much to say about this. I am feeling like a totally new, or maybe redesigned, woman. I think it has sunk in that I am going to be a mommy and there will be a baby in our house. I feel my patience has been strengthened, my need for perfection has loosened, and my desire to be home with my family has increased. I feel less focused on myself and more focused on the big picture. My imaginary happy place has shifted from me alone sipping a beer in my backyard in the dead of summer to me working in the yard with Conner in his stroller and daddy coming home and giving us both a big kiss – still summertime. I go there a lot… it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Mostly because it will come true.
Remember my entry titled “Lucky Duck”… well, I am still in awe of Dave. I won’t go into too much detail as he prefers I tell him to his face and not through my blog, but he is amazing. I picked the perfect person to start a family with. I am completely convinced of that. I have never known a man to be so supportive, kind, understanding, and accommodating. Not only is he an amazing husband, but he will be an incredible father. I have no doubt in my mind.
So now we wait. All I have left to do is pack my hospital bag, wash Conner’s clothes and bedding, pre-register at the hospital, and have the car seat inspected. I have 2 Lamaze classes left to attend (one of which is tonight), an infant survival class, and a breastfeeding class. I only have 5 doctor appointments scheduled until my due date. I cannot believe that I am getting so close. I cannot believe it!
Peace,
Pinner
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Preggo Update - Week 33
I have to apologize for not updating last week. Things have been a little crazy around here and I have been trying to keep up with it all, but here is the best I can do :)
Conner:
Size - Conner is about 17 inches long and weighs apx. 4.5 pounds!
Activity – Conner is definitely growing into a big strong boy. He moves most after I eat and when I lay down, but even when he is sleeping I can feel his little movements. He gets the hiccups all the time and I can feel him all the way up to my rib cage. He love s it when I am around people talking… he jumps around in there like a little bean listening in on all the juicy conversation. He also kicks when I laugh.
Labor signs – I have been keeping a fierce eye on anything out of the ordinary and as of now everything is AOK. A few contractions here and there, but just practice ones, so nothing to worry about.
There is no doubt there is a baby in there! Conner is so big now that I can feel all his little body parts and sometimes I just sit and rub his back. His brain is growing so quickly that the size of his head has grown by 15% this month alone. His skeleton is hardening and he is gaining weight every day. He gains about ½ pound every week from now until delivery.
Me:
Size – Well, I have gained weight – a pretty normal amount, and otherwise feel awesome. I am getting used to my body and am enjoying my belly.
What I am wearing – I am on a never ending hunt for comfort. I feel super uncomfortable in jeans – as all the waistbands fall down and they are just too restricting. I am looking around for yoga pants and sweats, but my pride still has me in jeans. I have never been one to wear my PJ’s out of the house, but I may soon have to change my opinion on that one.
Strange stuff - Peeing has become my number one priority. If there is not a bathroom within close walking distance, then I will not be there. As weird as that sounds, it is the truth! It is like every fifteen minutes… I do drink about 140 ounces of water a day, so that may be the main contributor, but peeing has become my life. Seriously.
Food cravings – water, grapefruit, cupcakes, fruit, cheese, pasta, and chips.
Status of belly button – a visible outie now!
What I miss – jeans that stay put, my previous shoe size (my feet resemble Shrek’s minus the green), being able to see my feet, wine, my cheekbones, energy, and the ability to bend over without grunting.
In General:
Best movement this week - what I heard to be called “crotch lightning. When Conner decides to move his arm or hand quickly and because he is heads down, the arm is punching me in the you know where… it hurts and usually catches me by surprise. I just thought the name for it was hilarious... because it's true.
Most looking forward to – Ok, now I can say it… BABY! Conner will be here in 6-8 weeks and I have everything ready for him that I can possibly think of. He has a room, stroller, car seat, bouncers, enough diapers for an entire nation of pooping babies, wipes, toys, clothes, bathtub, he even has a pretty impressive book collection. All the things that have been marking my time have come and gone – setting up his nursery, the shower – now I am ready to relax and enjoy being pregnant and wait for my little man to come out and say hello!
Words to live by – Stop yourself from missing your “old self” before it is too late! I literally spent 45 minutes the other day looking through my Facebook pictures comparing recent ones of my big pregnant self to pictures of my much thinner tanner self from last summer. This is not healthy. I ended up thinking I went from a cute young looking girl to looking like the woman who has had so much plastic surgery she looks like a cat. I have since realized this and try to make a point of not only looking in the mirror and seeing how great I look, but also stopping myself from pouring over old pics of me that will be me again in a few months. It IS only temporary and I cannot start complaining now, so I deal with it and I will work hard when Conner gets here to feel sexy again!
Milestones – Like I mentioned earlier, Conner’s nursery is complete and his things are all ready to be used and abused. I feel like I need to make a few last minute purchases and maybe a to do list but for the most part I am feeling prepared. The shower was beautiful. That was the time of my life. I felt like a princess and everyone that came and spent some time were people that I genuinely wanted to see and talk to. The gifts were overwhelming and the generosity was more than I could have ever imagined. Conner is a lucky boy! Great grandma made him an embroidered pillow, a burp cloth and a handmade bib. Grandma knit him a hat and a beautiful wool blanket and Aunt Dana… well only a picture (which I will post soon) can describe the work that went into her gift. She cross stitched an entire quilt for Conner. It is so beautiful – he will have that forever. Everyone was thinking of Conner and I when they bought and gave their gifts and the love was awesome. It was so nice to be surrounded by all these women that I adore and trust. It was a wonderful day.
Now we are on the last leg of my pregnancy and I am starting to feel so many different things. I am feeling a little blue that I will not be pregnant for too much longer, excited to meet Conner, scared that I am not prepared or that something could go wrong, nervous and anxious about labor, and calm when I think about coming home with my son in my arms. I have started to sit in his room and read to him while listening to music – in an attempt to start some sort of sleep schedule and to let him know I am here. The rest of my little family – Dave, Dot, and Daisy are all excited and the dogs can feel it in the air, although they have been so amazingly good and well behaved the past nine months. Like they know I am a little more fragile these days and I need more puppy love. Dave is so excited as well, although he is the strong one – he is keeping me grounded and focused on the things that matter and not on the what-if’s. His practicality is one of his strongest qualities and is really helping me right now. My mother has also been great – she and I always have the best talks about whatever comes to mind and she has been able to whittle some of my fears of the unknown down to almost nothing. My sister is helping me keep things light and airy and fun. She makes me smile and reminds me that you can laugh at anything. I am so fortunate to have such a strong support system that has been able to help me through everything that I have come across in the past months. Perhaps that is why this pregnancy has been so easy for me… I love you ALL!
Peace,
Pinner
Conner:
Size - Conner is about 17 inches long and weighs apx. 4.5 pounds!
Activity – Conner is definitely growing into a big strong boy. He moves most after I eat and when I lay down, but even when he is sleeping I can feel his little movements. He gets the hiccups all the time and I can feel him all the way up to my rib cage. He love s it when I am around people talking… he jumps around in there like a little bean listening in on all the juicy conversation. He also kicks when I laugh.
Labor signs – I have been keeping a fierce eye on anything out of the ordinary and as of now everything is AOK. A few contractions here and there, but just practice ones, so nothing to worry about.
There is no doubt there is a baby in there! Conner is so big now that I can feel all his little body parts and sometimes I just sit and rub his back. His brain is growing so quickly that the size of his head has grown by 15% this month alone. His skeleton is hardening and he is gaining weight every day. He gains about ½ pound every week from now until delivery.
Me:
Size – Well, I have gained weight – a pretty normal amount, and otherwise feel awesome. I am getting used to my body and am enjoying my belly.
What I am wearing – I am on a never ending hunt for comfort. I feel super uncomfortable in jeans – as all the waistbands fall down and they are just too restricting. I am looking around for yoga pants and sweats, but my pride still has me in jeans. I have never been one to wear my PJ’s out of the house, but I may soon have to change my opinion on that one.
Strange stuff - Peeing has become my number one priority. If there is not a bathroom within close walking distance, then I will not be there. As weird as that sounds, it is the truth! It is like every fifteen minutes… I do drink about 140 ounces of water a day, so that may be the main contributor, but peeing has become my life. Seriously.
Food cravings – water, grapefruit, cupcakes, fruit, cheese, pasta, and chips.
Status of belly button – a visible outie now!
What I miss – jeans that stay put, my previous shoe size (my feet resemble Shrek’s minus the green), being able to see my feet, wine, my cheekbones, energy, and the ability to bend over without grunting.
In General:
Best movement this week - what I heard to be called “crotch lightning. When Conner decides to move his arm or hand quickly and because he is heads down, the arm is punching me in the you know where… it hurts and usually catches me by surprise. I just thought the name for it was hilarious... because it's true.
Most looking forward to – Ok, now I can say it… BABY! Conner will be here in 6-8 weeks and I have everything ready for him that I can possibly think of. He has a room, stroller, car seat, bouncers, enough diapers for an entire nation of pooping babies, wipes, toys, clothes, bathtub, he even has a pretty impressive book collection. All the things that have been marking my time have come and gone – setting up his nursery, the shower – now I am ready to relax and enjoy being pregnant and wait for my little man to come out and say hello!
Words to live by – Stop yourself from missing your “old self” before it is too late! I literally spent 45 minutes the other day looking through my Facebook pictures comparing recent ones of my big pregnant self to pictures of my much thinner tanner self from last summer. This is not healthy. I ended up thinking I went from a cute young looking girl to looking like the woman who has had so much plastic surgery she looks like a cat. I have since realized this and try to make a point of not only looking in the mirror and seeing how great I look, but also stopping myself from pouring over old pics of me that will be me again in a few months. It IS only temporary and I cannot start complaining now, so I deal with it and I will work hard when Conner gets here to feel sexy again!
Milestones – Like I mentioned earlier, Conner’s nursery is complete and his things are all ready to be used and abused. I feel like I need to make a few last minute purchases and maybe a to do list but for the most part I am feeling prepared. The shower was beautiful. That was the time of my life. I felt like a princess and everyone that came and spent some time were people that I genuinely wanted to see and talk to. The gifts were overwhelming and the generosity was more than I could have ever imagined. Conner is a lucky boy! Great grandma made him an embroidered pillow, a burp cloth and a handmade bib. Grandma knit him a hat and a beautiful wool blanket and Aunt Dana… well only a picture (which I will post soon) can describe the work that went into her gift. She cross stitched an entire quilt for Conner. It is so beautiful – he will have that forever. Everyone was thinking of Conner and I when they bought and gave their gifts and the love was awesome. It was so nice to be surrounded by all these women that I adore and trust. It was a wonderful day.
Now we are on the last leg of my pregnancy and I am starting to feel so many different things. I am feeling a little blue that I will not be pregnant for too much longer, excited to meet Conner, scared that I am not prepared or that something could go wrong, nervous and anxious about labor, and calm when I think about coming home with my son in my arms. I have started to sit in his room and read to him while listening to music – in an attempt to start some sort of sleep schedule and to let him know I am here. The rest of my little family – Dave, Dot, and Daisy are all excited and the dogs can feel it in the air, although they have been so amazingly good and well behaved the past nine months. Like they know I am a little more fragile these days and I need more puppy love. Dave is so excited as well, although he is the strong one – he is keeping me grounded and focused on the things that matter and not on the what-if’s. His practicality is one of his strongest qualities and is really helping me right now. My mother has also been great – she and I always have the best talks about whatever comes to mind and she has been able to whittle some of my fears of the unknown down to almost nothing. My sister is helping me keep things light and airy and fun. She makes me smile and reminds me that you can laugh at anything. I am so fortunate to have such a strong support system that has been able to help me through everything that I have come across in the past months. Perhaps that is why this pregnancy has been so easy for me… I love you ALL!
Peace,
Pinner
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