So since I'd been up since 3:15 a.m. I thought I should probably nap in case something else started up. So I laid down at 3:30 p.m. and low and behold 15 minutes later contractions were right back at it. They came every 5-10 minutes, lasted 1-2 minutes long and kept up until 6:30pm. This marks the time when I decided to get up off the bed and walk around and wham, no more consistant contractions. They're now coming about every 30 minutes or so.
Well what in the world? So I called my midwife to see what I was supposed to do, lay there and let myself contract or get up and walk around, slowing/stopping the contractions. Her suggestion was to not lay there as those are just pre-labor contractions and I'm unnecessarily wearing my body out. She said (and this I have never heard of) that once the sun goes down my daytime hormones (what?!) will lessen and my nighttime hormones will take over (m-kay). Then my contractions will more than likely become steady, closer together and be considered "real" contractions. She said that right now I should be relaxing but obviously that can't be done laying down so I should read a book, take a shower, get a massage (my favorite option) or do anything that will conserve my energy and relax me. She also said try to eat something small even if I don't feel like it. I had a fruit salad and a little snack cracker type thing.
I also asked her, "so am I going to have this baby tonight do you think?" and ding! ding! ding! ding! ding! She came up with the winning million dollar answer... "more than likely, yes, not many women take two days once they start out the way you did this morning." Did you see that "yes" in there? I sure did!
So... there you go. My July 21st baby will probably be an August 1st baby which is way way better than an August 8th baby!
Oh and by the way, the contractions are way different that I ever thought they would be. And that's not necessarily a good thing. I've already said to myself and Marco, yes, I can totally see why women get an epidural. LOL Oh wish me strength!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Houston we have liftoff... or do we?
Thursday morning my time here. I woke up at 3:15 with wet undies and I hadn't peed them. ***disclaimer: this next sentence may induce vomiting*** Went to the bathroom and of course did what ever woman in the world would do, took off my underwear and smelled the wet part. It wasn't pee, that was for sure. There was actually no smell to it at all. Changed undies and went back to bed.
About 10 minutes later I had my first contraction. A real one. Then I started having more contractions and they continued until about 8:30 this morning. ***disclaimer: this next sentence may induce vomiting*** In this time I also lost bits of my mucus plug while in the potty.
I called my midwife at 8 to tell her I thought my water had broken and to tell her what was going on. My contractions were about 10 minutes apart and lasting 40 second to 1 minute each. She said she just got a call from another woman with contrax 2 minutes apart so she couldn't come check me now but for me to let her know when they were 4 to 5 minutes apart for 2 hours solid. She also said what I thought was my water could have been just some really wet cervical mucus.
Then just as suddenly as they came, the contractions stopped. The whole wet cervical mucus thing could be true because I haven't had a "leak" since the first one at 3. Now it's 9:17 am and the contractions have really spread out, maybe one every 30 minutes to hour and aren't nearly as strong as they were. I just don't know what to think. I'm more than disappointed to say the least. I'm going to go take a shower to see if I can keep things moving along.
I'll update throughout the day if anything new happens. If nothing new happens then I'm going to try and sleep today since I obviously didn't get any sleep last night. It's already hot and humid as hell here. Should be a fun time.
Good thing the only person I called was my Mom because I wasn't quite sure if it was the real deal. Poor Mom probably isn't sleeping for shit and for no good reason. Sorry Ma! Love you!
About 10 minutes later I had my first contraction. A real one. Then I started having more contractions and they continued until about 8:30 this morning. ***disclaimer: this next sentence may induce vomiting*** In this time I also lost bits of my mucus plug while in the potty.
I called my midwife at 8 to tell her I thought my water had broken and to tell her what was going on. My contractions were about 10 minutes apart and lasting 40 second to 1 minute each. She said she just got a call from another woman with contrax 2 minutes apart so she couldn't come check me now but for me to let her know when they were 4 to 5 minutes apart for 2 hours solid. She also said what I thought was my water could have been just some really wet cervical mucus.
Then just as suddenly as they came, the contractions stopped. The whole wet cervical mucus thing could be true because I haven't had a "leak" since the first one at 3. Now it's 9:17 am and the contractions have really spread out, maybe one every 30 minutes to hour and aren't nearly as strong as they were. I just don't know what to think. I'm more than disappointed to say the least. I'm going to go take a shower to see if I can keep things moving along.
I'll update throughout the day if anything new happens. If nothing new happens then I'm going to try and sleep today since I obviously didn't get any sleep last night. It's already hot and humid as hell here. Should be a fun time.
Good thing the only person I called was my Mom because I wasn't quite sure if it was the real deal. Poor Mom probably isn't sleeping for shit and for no good reason. Sorry Ma! Love you!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
My latest picture at 41 weeks 1 day (so from Tues)
Is it just me or is there a strong resemblance between me and one of Sadie's animals from her mural? You can also see my hair cut although it looks a little messy in the picture... well I'm not going to lie, it looks a little messy all the time.
Still hanging in there. No signs of labor. Not much else to report really. Thanks for all of your emails, comments, well wishes, cheers, prayers... the whole sche-bang! It really means a lot to us!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Acupuncture
I had my acupuncture appointment this morning to try and get labor started. It went well I guess. I'd never done acupuncture before so I didn't quite know what to expect. Most of my time there was spent just giving background information, going over my health and pregnancy history and so on. She was quite surprised/shocked at how swollen my feet were and thought it was strange how suddenly the swelling and redness stopped right above my ankles.
We started the treatment and she inserted 8-10 needles on each leg so 16-20 needles total. They were all in my lower legs (below the knee) with the exception of the ones that were in my hand in the web between my thumb and pointer finger. Inserting the needles didn't hurt but I could feel it when she hit the "spot". Again, it didn't hurt but it was a strange sensation. Kind of like a burning sensation only not hot. I know that probably doesn't make sense but I don't know how else to explain it.
After insertion I just sat there and every once in a while she would come over and twist/move the needles. I asked her how long after a treatment a woman would usually go into labor. She said it's usually that night or within 48 hours. WOOHOO! That sounded good to me.
Then she proceeded to say "but I don't think that is going to happen for you quite yet. Your response to the needles isn't quite what it should be if the baby was ready to come."
Talk about bursting a gals bubble. She set up another appointment for me for Friday to coincide with the midwife stripping my membranes. She seems to think that the two procedures may have a better chance of setting things in motion if done at the same time. She will also set up an appointment with me for the following Monday when the midwife will srip membranes again should Friday's stripping not work.
She also told me that I am not resting enough. I'm too active and I need to rest more. I already feel like a lazy slug for sitting around as much as I do. She did make a good point though. She said, you're not just sitting around, you're housing, feeding and growing a child 24-hours a day. That's a big task. I guess she's right. She was astounded that I actually vacuumed the entire house yesterday evening. Apparently I shouldn't be doing things like that, shopping, etc. She said walking with the dog in the neighborood is really good but all of the other "extra" stuff should be cut out.
I'm really disappointed. Yeah, she could be wrong about the whole labor but more than likely she's not. Yeah this baby will come when she's ready. I don't need anybody to tell me that. I'm just extremely disappointed right now.
We started the treatment and she inserted 8-10 needles on each leg so 16-20 needles total. They were all in my lower legs (below the knee) with the exception of the ones that were in my hand in the web between my thumb and pointer finger. Inserting the needles didn't hurt but I could feel it when she hit the "spot". Again, it didn't hurt but it was a strange sensation. Kind of like a burning sensation only not hot. I know that probably doesn't make sense but I don't know how else to explain it.
After insertion I just sat there and every once in a while she would come over and twist/move the needles. I asked her how long after a treatment a woman would usually go into labor. She said it's usually that night or within 48 hours. WOOHOO! That sounded good to me.
Then she proceeded to say "but I don't think that is going to happen for you quite yet. Your response to the needles isn't quite what it should be if the baby was ready to come."
Talk about bursting a gals bubble. She set up another appointment for me for Friday to coincide with the midwife stripping my membranes. She seems to think that the two procedures may have a better chance of setting things in motion if done at the same time. She will also set up an appointment with me for the following Monday when the midwife will srip membranes again should Friday's stripping not work.
She also told me that I am not resting enough. I'm too active and I need to rest more. I already feel like a lazy slug for sitting around as much as I do. She did make a good point though. She said, you're not just sitting around, you're housing, feeding and growing a child 24-hours a day. That's a big task. I guess she's right. She was astounded that I actually vacuumed the entire house yesterday evening. Apparently I shouldn't be doing things like that, shopping, etc. She said walking with the dog in the neighborood is really good but all of the other "extra" stuff should be cut out.
I'm really disappointed. Yeah, she could be wrong about the whole labor but more than likely she's not. Yeah this baby will come when she's ready. I don't need anybody to tell me that. I'm just extremely disappointed right now.
Monday, July 28, 2008
41 weeks and no sign of Sadie
I had my midwife appointment this morning. It went well I suppose. My bloodpressure was higher than usual for me but nowhere near any danger zone. We have a plan of action now which makes me feel a wee bit better although not much. I think the worst part of the whole thing is just not having control over when anything will happen. I'm not THAT huge of a control freak but it's really driving me batty not knowing anything.
So here is the plan. Tomorrow I will have acupuncture at 10:30 in the morning. Should the baby be ready (all signs point to "yes" she is ready) this should work. I have a good feeling about it although maybe that's just hope.
If she isn't here by Friday the midwife will come to the house and strip my membranes. This, also, should work to get my uterus contracting.
If Friday's stripping doesn't work I have an appointment with the widwife on Monday where she will try, once again, to strip my membranes to get things started.
Should NONE of those options or nature take it's course by Thursday next week I will go to the hospital and see a doctor who will check the baby, the amniotic fluid level, me and then schedule me for an induction probably for Friday, August 8th.
I am hoping to God that it doesn't get that far. Having an induction means I will not be able to have the water birth in the birthing center as I have been planning all along. It means a delivery in a hospital bed, hooked up to and IV and probably given Pitocin (they use Oxytocin here).
I will do whatever is necessary to get Sadie here safely. If she is in danger obviously I have no problems doing whatever is necessary to get here in one healthy little bundle. I am going to try like hell everything I know how to get her here as naturally as possible though, before next Thursday.
So here is the plan. Tomorrow I will have acupuncture at 10:30 in the morning. Should the baby be ready (all signs point to "yes" she is ready) this should work. I have a good feeling about it although maybe that's just hope.
If she isn't here by Friday the midwife will come to the house and strip my membranes. This, also, should work to get my uterus contracting.
If Friday's stripping doesn't work I have an appointment with the widwife on Monday where she will try, once again, to strip my membranes to get things started.
Should NONE of those options or nature take it's course by Thursday next week I will go to the hospital and see a doctor who will check the baby, the amniotic fluid level, me and then schedule me for an induction probably for Friday, August 8th.
I am hoping to God that it doesn't get that far. Having an induction means I will not be able to have the water birth in the birthing center as I have been planning all along. It means a delivery in a hospital bed, hooked up to and IV and probably given Pitocin (they use Oxytocin here).
I will do whatever is necessary to get Sadie here safely. If she is in danger obviously I have no problems doing whatever is necessary to get here in one healthy little bundle. I am going to try like hell everything I know how to get her here as naturally as possible though, before next Thursday.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Sunday July 27th = no baby
No baby but you'll all be happy to know the poop-a-thon hasn't let up. Ugh. We went walking today to try to use gravity to get her out and although I feel like I'm carrying a bowling ball between my legs I don't think it did much good other than making my feet and ankles swell horribly. Marco's going stir crazy and is mad every time he has to walk out the door to go to work. He resorted to bribing our child this morning. It went a little something like this...
"Sadie, this is Papa. If you come out we'll give you ice cream. We also have very cute clothes to put on you. We'll let you swing in your swing all day long if you want. We're having really nice weather too so it's a great day to be born. We'll take you swimming and let you go down the slide as many times as you want."
Ah so sweet of Marco but it's just not working. And I do have to brag about what a wonderful husband he is. The man actually painted my toenails for me yesterday after first taking off the old chipped polish. They were looking pretty grim and it was really bothering me so he was kind enough to paint them and I didn't even have to resort to tears. What a guy! His technique was different, painting side to side rather from bottom of nail to the top but I have to say I have some cute pink little puffy toes today.
So as of 3:31 p.m. Sunday there is no sign of the wee one. If this July baby turns into an August baby... well I'll have to live with it... but I won't be a happy camper!
"Sadie, this is Papa. If you come out we'll give you ice cream. We also have very cute clothes to put on you. We'll let you swing in your swing all day long if you want. We're having really nice weather too so it's a great day to be born. We'll take you swimming and let you go down the slide as many times as you want."
Ah so sweet of Marco but it's just not working. And I do have to brag about what a wonderful husband he is. The man actually painted my toenails for me yesterday after first taking off the old chipped polish. They were looking pretty grim and it was really bothering me so he was kind enough to paint them and I didn't even have to resort to tears. What a guy! His technique was different, painting side to side rather from bottom of nail to the top but I have to say I have some cute pink little puffy toes today.
So as of 3:31 p.m. Sunday there is no sign of the wee one. If this July baby turns into an August baby... well I'll have to live with it... but I won't be a happy camper!
Sunday July 27th = no baby
No baby but you'll all be happy to know the poop-a-thon hadn't let up. Ugh.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Guess what I've been doing yesterday and today
Here is an interesting article brought to you by http://www.parents.com/ called "5 Signs You're in Labor". Let me quote the part that I am most interested in because, as my title suggests, it's what I've been doing yesterday and today (8 times so far today, that has to be some kind of record):
You Get Diarrhea
During the early part of labor, your body begins to release prostaglandins, a group of hormonelike substances that cause the uterus to contract and help soften and dilate the cervix. But prostaglandins can also hyperstimulate the bowels, causing frequent stools or even diarrhea, Dr. Grabowski says.
Yeah, so this better be the early signs of an impending labor. Otherwise it's just a cruel evil joke to play on the already-sitting-on-pins-and-needles mommy to be. So can I get a big ole "hell yeah" for the prostaglandins?
HELL YEAH!
You Get Diarrhea
During the early part of labor, your body begins to release prostaglandins, a group of hormonelike substances that cause the uterus to contract and help soften and dilate the cervix. But prostaglandins can also hyperstimulate the bowels, causing frequent stools or even diarrhea, Dr. Grabowski says.
Yeah, so this better be the early signs of an impending labor. Otherwise it's just a cruel evil joke to play on the already-sitting-on-pins-and-needles mommy to be. So can I get a big ole "hell yeah" for the prostaglandins?
HELL YEAH!
Friday, July 25, 2008
*big sigh*
No Sadie yet but I did get a sassy new haircut today. Of course it looks nothing like I told the girl to cut it but I ended up liking it anyway. Why is it that you can't just show the woman a picture and come out with hair that looks like the picture? When I say my hair will curl and shrink even if it doesn't LOOK curly when I walk in please, for the love of God, believe me. Why would I make that up? And I didn't request a hard haircut. It was a bob. A normal, blunt cut at the chin, no layers, just cut it straight across, bob. I have now a higher in back, lower in front semi-bob with multi layers in the back. Dude, whatever. At least it's cut. If I put on a bra and proper shirt later I'll have Marco take a picture and post it for all to see.
So for now I'm just sitting patiently waiting for the little one... oh and my cheesecake from Becklette.
So for now I'm just sitting patiently waiting for the little one... oh and my cheesecake from Becklette.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Exciting!!!!
Well... sort of... I had two contractions yesterday. Real ones. Then nothing.
Then I woke up at 5:30 this morning from more contractions. Had 3 or 4 of them fairly close together, probably within a 20 minute time span for all of them. I was so excited. Then nothing. They stopped.
So at least my body is doing something. Not everything but something. It's a start. Usually I'm a pretty quick learner so fingers crossed my uterus catches on fast!
Then I woke up at 5:30 this morning from more contractions. Had 3 or 4 of them fairly close together, probably within a 20 minute time span for all of them. I was so excited. Then nothing. They stopped.
So at least my body is doing something. Not everything but something. It's a start. Usually I'm a pretty quick learner so fingers crossed my uterus catches on fast!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
40 weeks 1 day new pictures!
Here's the latest and greatest belly shot! How sick am I of wearing the same two shirts all the time you ask? Very!
11:30 am and all is well
Today is the 22nd. I'm officially one day over due. No sign of munchkin yet. I've made an appointment for next Tuesday with an acupuncturist that my midwife recommended so if I'm not showing signs of labor as of yet she could possibly get things going. If the baby is ready then acupuncture will work, if not the treatment will still give me relief from some of the other things that are not quite right with my body such as my red, puffy, inflamed, itchy Shrek feet and possibly the gas/intestine pains. Overall it will help me relax too. I'm all for that!
I am still holding out a glimmer of hope that she will arrive before the acupuncture is needed. Until then it's just a waiting game. Thanks for all of your well wishes, good thoughts, labor vibes, prayers and comments. It's nice to know people are thinking of us!
I am still holding out a glimmer of hope that she will arrive before the acupuncture is needed. Until then it's just a waiting game. Thanks for all of your well wishes, good thoughts, labor vibes, prayers and comments. It's nice to know people are thinking of us!
Monday, July 21, 2008
A note from Mommy...
Dear Sadie,
Hello sweetheart! This is your Mommy, Sarah. Today is your due date my little pumpkin. That means that this is the day that you're supposed to arrive so me and Papa can finally meet you. We've been so excited for this day to actually get here!
I just got back from my appointment with the midwife (the lady who will help me bring you into the world, she'll be one of the first people you get to meet) and she doesn't seem to think you'll be coming out to play today. That's probably a good thing because it's very rainy right now. Maybe you're waiting for good weather?
Papa's been talking to you a lot lately in my belly. Have you been listening? He's been asking if you're ready to come out and play. I know you can hear him because when he asks you questions you kick me. When you kick me, I kick Papa, just so he can share in the experience. He doesn't like that very much but it makes me laugh. Maybe you're laughing too when you kick me?
We've got everything all ready for you. We've packed two different outfits to take to the birthing center with us in two different sizes just in case you're bigger than we expect. When we got to see you're pretty little face on the 3d ultrasound ten weeks ago the doctor said you were very long for a 30 week old baby so I'm sure by now at 40 weeks along you're even longer and stronger! Don't worry though we have plenty of clothes for you in all different sizes so you just come on out here whatever size you want to be, okay?
We've got your cradle all ready for you too. We've washed the sheets so they're nice and soft for you and it's just waiting there for you at the end of our bed. Every once in a while Papa will rock it and sing a little song just to make sure he's in good practice for when you really are here. We even have a special little doggy for you that plays sounds of the womb to help you sleep. Papa thinks this will be your favorite stuffed animal and that you'll carry it with you everywhere. I think he may be right.
I know you hear your four legged brother Scooter barking sometimes. He's excited to meet you as well. Every morning he goes into your room to eat his breakfast. I think he's just checking to make sure you didn't come through the night without him knowing. He may look a little funny and will probably steal your food when you get a bit older but I think you guys will be best buddies.
Have you been listening to the songs we've been making up for you and singing every day? The 'shoe shine shop' song is a song my Grandpa used to sing to me when I was little. It's a tongue twister! Your cousins, Jordi and Milan, have learned it too and they will sing it to you as well just as soon as you arrive. My favorite song though is the Sadie Sadie song... you know the one... it goes:
Sadie Sadie, such a little lady
Sitting on the porch and drinkin lemonade-y
Who's that girl with the curls in her hair?
Oh that's my Sadie I'd know her anywhere.
Who's that girl with the twinkle in her eye?
Oh that's my Sadie she's my little pumpkin pie.
Sadie, Sadie, such a little lady
sitting on the porch and drinkin lemonade-y.
Papa and I sing that song to you every day. Once we start it gets stuck in our head. I even sang it in my dream last night. I hope you come out soon so we can sing it together while I rock you in my arms. I think you'll like it a lot out here.
Anything you could possibly need we're ready to give to you. We have stored up lots of hugs, kisses, cuddles, laughs, tickles, sways, rocking, bouncing, love... anything you want... we're ready to give to you. We're ready to read you stories. We're ready to change your dirty diapers. (Papa gets super pooper duty!). We're ready to make you feel safe. We're ready to let you feel loved. We're ready to kiss your scrapes and bumps. We're ready to teach you new things. We're ready to watch you learn and grow. We're ready for you sweetie. Just come whenever you can. We're ready to be your Mommy and Papa. We love you Sadie.
Love,
Mommy.
Hello sweetheart! This is your Mommy, Sarah. Today is your due date my little pumpkin. That means that this is the day that you're supposed to arrive so me and Papa can finally meet you. We've been so excited for this day to actually get here!
I just got back from my appointment with the midwife (the lady who will help me bring you into the world, she'll be one of the first people you get to meet) and she doesn't seem to think you'll be coming out to play today. That's probably a good thing because it's very rainy right now. Maybe you're waiting for good weather?
Papa's been talking to you a lot lately in my belly. Have you been listening? He's been asking if you're ready to come out and play. I know you can hear him because when he asks you questions you kick me. When you kick me, I kick Papa, just so he can share in the experience. He doesn't like that very much but it makes me laugh. Maybe you're laughing too when you kick me?
We've got everything all ready for you. We've packed two different outfits to take to the birthing center with us in two different sizes just in case you're bigger than we expect. When we got to see you're pretty little face on the 3d ultrasound ten weeks ago the doctor said you were very long for a 30 week old baby so I'm sure by now at 40 weeks along you're even longer and stronger! Don't worry though we have plenty of clothes for you in all different sizes so you just come on out here whatever size you want to be, okay?
We've got your cradle all ready for you too. We've washed the sheets so they're nice and soft for you and it's just waiting there for you at the end of our bed. Every once in a while Papa will rock it and sing a little song just to make sure he's in good practice for when you really are here. We even have a special little doggy for you that plays sounds of the womb to help you sleep. Papa thinks this will be your favorite stuffed animal and that you'll carry it with you everywhere. I think he may be right.
I know you hear your four legged brother Scooter barking sometimes. He's excited to meet you as well. Every morning he goes into your room to eat his breakfast. I think he's just checking to make sure you didn't come through the night without him knowing. He may look a little funny and will probably steal your food when you get a bit older but I think you guys will be best buddies.
Have you been listening to the songs we've been making up for you and singing every day? The 'shoe shine shop' song is a song my Grandpa used to sing to me when I was little. It's a tongue twister! Your cousins, Jordi and Milan, have learned it too and they will sing it to you as well just as soon as you arrive. My favorite song though is the Sadie Sadie song... you know the one... it goes:
Sadie Sadie, such a little lady
Sitting on the porch and drinkin lemonade-y
Who's that girl with the curls in her hair?
Oh that's my Sadie I'd know her anywhere.
Who's that girl with the twinkle in her eye?
Oh that's my Sadie she's my little pumpkin pie.
Sadie, Sadie, such a little lady
sitting on the porch and drinkin lemonade-y.
Papa and I sing that song to you every day. Once we start it gets stuck in our head. I even sang it in my dream last night. I hope you come out soon so we can sing it together while I rock you in my arms. I think you'll like it a lot out here.
Anything you could possibly need we're ready to give to you. We have stored up lots of hugs, kisses, cuddles, laughs, tickles, sways, rocking, bouncing, love... anything you want... we're ready to give to you. We're ready to read you stories. We're ready to change your dirty diapers. (Papa gets super pooper duty!). We're ready to make you feel safe. We're ready to let you feel loved. We're ready to kiss your scrapes and bumps. We're ready to teach you new things. We're ready to watch you learn and grow. We're ready for you sweetie. Just come whenever you can. We're ready to be your Mommy and Papa. We love you Sadie.
Love,
Mommy.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
2 o'clock and all is well
Or 2 o'clock and all is not well, depending on how you look at it. Still no signs of Sadie. I was awoken last night with stomach pains but they were the same pains I've been having since I was about 30 weeks along. They have nothing to do with me going into labor but everything to do with gas/intestinal problems, a joy of pregnancy. This is the first time I've ever experienced them while sleeping though. They usually strike when I am walking around. I still don't know what causes them. I'm assuming it's lack of room in my stomach so she is pushing or cutting off my intestines somewhere (now THAT'S a pretty thought) causing me the problems but I am definately looking forward to no longer having these problems once she is out and I can reclaim at least that part of my body.
Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend! Tomorrow is THE due date. We shall see if little Miss Sadie Pants is punctual.
Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend! Tomorrow is THE due date. We shall see if little Miss Sadie Pants is punctual.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Flipping the bird
So here I am, 11:59 p.m. on the 18th of July flipping the bird to the day, the full moon and the prospect of it being Sadie's birthday. So much for that theory.
Now I'm onto the theory that she will come on her due date, Monday July 21st. So it looks like I'm giving myself the weekend off of thinking "is that a sign of labor" or "could this be it?" because you know what, it's not labor and no Sarah, this isn't it.
Now I'm onto the theory that she will come on her due date, Monday July 21st. So it looks like I'm giving myself the weekend off of thinking "is that a sign of labor" or "could this be it?" because you know what, it's not labor and no Sarah, this isn't it.
Did you drop something?
Because I did. Sadie has definately "dropped" meaning she is low low low in my pelvis causing obscene amounts of pressure and making mommy walk around like a rodeo rider. Howdy cowgirl!
I was in a lot of pain (more uncomfortableness than pain) yesterday. I had those terrible intestinal pains again on top of her dropping and causing pelvic uncomfiness with every step. The bottom of my belly is extremely sore and tender and I could have sworn that yesterday was going to be "it". Oh how very wrong I was, once again.
I'm no longer leaving the house alone to go long distances because when the pain strikes I really can barely move on my own. We were in the forrest with the dog yesterday when they struck and our normal 10 minute walk back to the car took me at least 25 minutes. Macro was with me luckily but I just don't dare to go running around (HA! more like weeble-ing around) on my own.
Today is the full moon. I hope it does it's magic and brings this baby out into the world to meet us!
I was in a lot of pain (more uncomfortableness than pain) yesterday. I had those terrible intestinal pains again on top of her dropping and causing pelvic uncomfiness with every step. The bottom of my belly is extremely sore and tender and I could have sworn that yesterday was going to be "it". Oh how very wrong I was, once again.
I'm no longer leaving the house alone to go long distances because when the pain strikes I really can barely move on my own. We were in the forrest with the dog yesterday when they struck and our normal 10 minute walk back to the car took me at least 25 minutes. Macro was with me luckily but I just don't dare to go running around (HA! more like weeble-ing around) on my own.
Today is the full moon. I hope it does it's magic and brings this baby out into the world to meet us!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
It's 12:30 here and all is well
No sign of the munchkin yet. I am having some pressure/uncomfortableness in my lower pelvis but I guess that'll happen when you have a baby laying in it. I'm also having what is refered to in the pregnant world as "lightening crotch". It's when you get a shooting pain suddenly, out of the blue, with no warning and it sends your hands directly to your crotch, huntched over in pain no matter how inappropriate of a place you are in to be grabbing your crotch (the grocery store, on a walk in the neighborhood, at your in-laws house). It stikes you so suddenly, in a flash, like lightening, hence the name given, "lightening crotch". Lightening crotch is not fun and I do believe that my cervix will never be the same.
So, so far no Sadie today but you have been updated on the happenings in my genital region. Now you can rest well, no?
So, so far no Sadie today but you have been updated on the happenings in my genital region. Now you can rest well, no?
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
No progress... nothing new to report
As a faithful reader gently suggested, I should probably keep you all more in the loop as the impending birth nears so you all aren't sitting in wonder if Sadie's arrived or not and how we're all doing. So here's today's update... I'm still here and I'm still pregnant. LOL Nothing has changed. Well I may be even bigger and her lungs may be a little stronger now but otherwise not much is different than it was yesterday or the day before or the day before that. I keep meaning to have Marco take another picture of me but I can't seem to find the wide lens for the camera anywhere. HAHA, that was a joke, but really I will try to get a 39 week picture for you guys soon. Possibly tomorrow.
The excitement and anxiety is unbearable at times but I'm trying to keep my mind occupied. This is an almost impossible feat most minutes of the day. Oma and Opa Aarssen are calling daily to check if there is any progress. They are so excited. Today they brought over a little Dutch treat that you give to guests when a baby arrives just so we'll have it already once she comes. (I don't personally care for the treat itself, it's a dry cracker type biscuit about the size of a rice cake and they smear butter on it and then sprinkle it with either pink or blue candy sprinkles that are generally anise flavored but it's a very well know and expected Dutch treat so we will have it!). They're excitement is sweet.
My Mom is emailing daily so her and my Dad can check on us. Today she woke up and had a "feeling" that it could be the day. I hope she's right. She is also counting down the days until her visit which makes it even more exciting.
I'm receiving emails from friends and family double checking on how I'm doing. It's all very sweet and very thoughtful. It's nice to know that we're being thought of by so many people!
In the meantime, Alexandra the Great, my friend who did the mural, finished up Sadie's name to hang above her crib. Here's some pictures!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Still here, still pregnant.
Firstly, thanks for all the really sweet comments on my post below. You guys are the best and sure do know how to make a pregnant woman cry (happy tears!).
My sleep schedule is all out of whack. Usually I'm in bed at 9:30 - 10 oçlock. This is pre-pregnancy. I just am not a night owl. That said, I am a morning person and generally up at the butt crack of dawn ready to start the day. Well here lately around 11 (so already well past my bedtime) I get this spurt of energy. I can't sit still, I can lounge around and relax... I have to get moving. So my sweet sweet darling husband, even with his long hours at work, has been so kind to go on late night strolls with me. We wander around the neighborhood with the dog and it feels so good. It's the best time of "day" for me. I feel energized, my feet don't ache, it's cool outside... it's just a relaxing time. By time the walk is finished I'm usually yawning and ready to try to get some rest. Sometimes I'm able to, sometimes I still toss for a while but for the most part these evening strolls are pretty darned helpful.
Of course when you're not going to bed until 2 in the morning you don't feel quite as perky at...say..7ish. In fact I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't been out of bed before 10 a.m. for the past 4 or 5 days! Some days it's even been (gasp) 11:30! I haven't slept this long since my club-alcohol-dancing until your blistered days and those have been long gone for years now. I would love to feel guilty but I just don't. I feel fantastic actually. Maybe this is what my restless legs have been trying to get me to do for weeks now but being stubborn I just wouldn't give in.
And then, to make things worse (or better depending on if you're a glass half full person) some days I take a nap in the afternoon! Yes, I wake up to welcome the afternoon and by 3 am back in bed sleeping! It's insane. I've never slept so much in my life!
I am wondering how this will effect me once the baby arrives. Is she also going to be a night owl? Is that what my body is telling me? Yes, she is kung fu fighting between 11 and 1 a.m. every evening so maybe this is a given but is this sleep pattern my destiny? It's fine for now while I'm on maternity leave but once I am back to work I don't think my boss or colleagues will appreciate me strolling in around noon-ish no matter how good I feel. Maybe it's my body's way of preparing me for labor? Maybe I'll be pushing Sadie out around 11-1 which explains my sudden spurt of energy.
Who knows... maybe it's just a fluke. Whatever it is, I'm doing what works for me now no matter how bizarre I find the pattern. It's all just a learning curve at this point.
Only 8 more days until my official due date. I'll be 39 weeks tomorrow and will try to post another recent picture. I like to imagine all of your eyes popping out of their sockets as you witness my ever expanding belly. Feel free to leave a comment and post your bets on when little Sadie Marie will be arriving! Winner gets... well you get the satisfaction of knowing you guessed right... LOL Well, unless I can come up with something a little more interesting. I will be busy with a new born and all though, I'm sure you understand. Thanks for all of your wellwishes and thoughts! If you could only send some labor vibes now, that would be wonderful!
My sleep schedule is all out of whack. Usually I'm in bed at 9:30 - 10 oçlock. This is pre-pregnancy. I just am not a night owl. That said, I am a morning person and generally up at the butt crack of dawn ready to start the day. Well here lately around 11 (so already well past my bedtime) I get this spurt of energy. I can't sit still, I can lounge around and relax... I have to get moving. So my sweet sweet darling husband, even with his long hours at work, has been so kind to go on late night strolls with me. We wander around the neighborhood with the dog and it feels so good. It's the best time of "day" for me. I feel energized, my feet don't ache, it's cool outside... it's just a relaxing time. By time the walk is finished I'm usually yawning and ready to try to get some rest. Sometimes I'm able to, sometimes I still toss for a while but for the most part these evening strolls are pretty darned helpful.
Of course when you're not going to bed until 2 in the morning you don't feel quite as perky at...say..7ish. In fact I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't been out of bed before 10 a.m. for the past 4 or 5 days! Some days it's even been (gasp) 11:30! I haven't slept this long since my club-alcohol-dancing until your blistered days and those have been long gone for years now. I would love to feel guilty but I just don't. I feel fantastic actually. Maybe this is what my restless legs have been trying to get me to do for weeks now but being stubborn I just wouldn't give in.
And then, to make things worse (or better depending on if you're a glass half full person) some days I take a nap in the afternoon! Yes, I wake up to welcome the afternoon and by 3 am back in bed sleeping! It's insane. I've never slept so much in my life!
I am wondering how this will effect me once the baby arrives. Is she also going to be a night owl? Is that what my body is telling me? Yes, she is kung fu fighting between 11 and 1 a.m. every evening so maybe this is a given but is this sleep pattern my destiny? It's fine for now while I'm on maternity leave but once I am back to work I don't think my boss or colleagues will appreciate me strolling in around noon-ish no matter how good I feel. Maybe it's my body's way of preparing me for labor? Maybe I'll be pushing Sadie out around 11-1 which explains my sudden spurt of energy.
Who knows... maybe it's just a fluke. Whatever it is, I'm doing what works for me now no matter how bizarre I find the pattern. It's all just a learning curve at this point.
Only 8 more days until my official due date. I'll be 39 weeks tomorrow and will try to post another recent picture. I like to imagine all of your eyes popping out of their sockets as you witness my ever expanding belly. Feel free to leave a comment and post your bets on when little Sadie Marie will be arriving! Winner gets... well you get the satisfaction of knowing you guessed right... LOL Well, unless I can come up with something a little more interesting. I will be busy with a new born and all though, I'm sure you understand. Thanks for all of your wellwishes and thoughts! If you could only send some labor vibes now, that would be wonderful!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
I'm still here...and still pregnant.
Oh yes, I am still here and still very pregnant. Not that I should expect NOT to be still pregnant since I'm not due until the 21st but it would be totally 100% okay with me not to be pregnant anymore and to be holding little Sadie in my arms.
I've been having a bit of a rougher time than usual lately. I am very uncomfortable (I'll post a 38 week 1 day pic below and you'll see why). I can't stand for long periods or even long enough to finish the dishes because my hot-itchy-swollen feet won't allow it. I can't massage them myself because I can't reach them without totally winding myself.
I can't sleep at night. I just can't. It's an impossible task. Prep for baby care, probably.
I am having heartburn like crazy but thank God for Zantac.
I can't sit on the couch because it's too low and squishes up my belly when I sit there making me unable to breath. I've read that oxygen is kind of necessary.
I can't tie my own shoes... again it totally winds me.
I can't walk the dog very far because of aforementioned winding.
Getting up from the bed winds me. For all this winding I could fly a fleet of kites.
Sadie's little kicks are no longer cute little awwwww kicks. They are cowabunga-drop-kicks to various body parts including the crotch and ribs at the same time. The crotch kicks make me feel like I have to pee so each time I get up and pee... well I get up and sit on the toilet and drip.
Not only that, after struggling with infertility for 2.5 years before finally getting our wish to become parents I feel so extremely guilty for not being super miss perky pregnant woman. I know tons of women who would die to be feeling all of the things I am feeling right now but you know what, that doesn't mean it is all fun! Yes, I wanted this baby more than anything in the world and my God I would't give up this time for the life of me, but holy hell I'm ready to be done being pregnant and moving on to the next phase! Bring on the 2am feedings, sleepless nights, colic...whatever you want to throw at me. I'm ready!
Oh and here's my 38 week and 1 day picture. Weebles, they wobble but they don't fall down!
Saturday, July 05, 2008
16 - that's a nice number
16 was the magical age that you received your freedom and the keys to the car!
16 Candles, great Molly Ringwald movie.
16 tons, what do you get, another day older and deeper in debt. (a song my Dad used to sing)
16 is a size I still have to get to. I was almost there pre-pregnancy (18).
16 ounces are in each pound you lose.
And last but not least....
16 days until my due date!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope you all had a happy 4th of July!
16 Candles, great Molly Ringwald movie.
16 tons, what do you get, another day older and deeper in debt. (a song my Dad used to sing)
16 is a size I still have to get to. I was almost there pre-pregnancy (18).
16 ounces are in each pound you lose.
And last but not least....
16 days until my due date!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope you all had a happy 4th of July!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Happy JULY!
I cant believe that THE big month has finally arrived! THE month being the one Sadie s due to be born in! Yesterday in the evening we went and just sat on the floor in her room and looked around, played with her toys, swung her swing and talked about what it will be like to finally hold her in our arms.
Marco's become a pro at putting on the bjorn (baby carrier) and is taking his fatherly role very seriously.
I just can't believe that it's here! July! Yay! I've never been so excited for a month before.
Finally, after 3 years and 4 months from when we first started trying for a baby this journey is finally coming to and end and our new one is beginning! I am one of the luckiest women in the world!
Marco's become a pro at putting on the bjorn (baby carrier) and is taking his fatherly role very seriously.
I just can't believe that it's here! July! Yay! I've never been so excited for a month before.
Finally, after 3 years and 4 months from when we first started trying for a baby this journey is finally coming to and end and our new one is beginning! I am one of the luckiest women in the world!
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