Pregnancy Tracker - 39 weeks

Well here we are.....the last week.  I actually started having some contractions Friday, AT WORK.  That was certainly an experience!!  And it certainly sent me into a panic because that was the one night my doctor wasn't available.  Fortunately, the contractions faded away by the end of the work day, and haven't reappeared since.  Whew!!

I treated myself to a "day before the baby arrives" pedicure yesterday.  It was amazing....those massage chairs are something I need to invest in.  They are definitely my favorite part of a pedicure.

Here's what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 39 weeks:

Your baby's waiting to greet the world! She continues to build a layer of fat to help control her body temperature after birth, but it's likely she already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of her skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

And, having said that, she IS ready to see the world.......TODAY in fact.  We're off to the hospital to bring this baby girl into the world.  Updates coming soon!

Pregnancy Tracker: 38 weeks

*sigh*

One more week.  One more week.

ONE MORE WEEK??!!!!  That's it?

I have hit panic mode.  Everything in the house is ready to go for the baby.  The hospital bags are packed.  We have a tentative plan of action for Carter.  But the part that is now freaking me out (because I've moved beyond being scared of the surgeries) is the part where we come home.  I suddenly have this fear that I won't remember what to do with a newborn.  How often are those feedings?  What does this cry mean?  How do I develop a sleeping schedule like we did with Carter?  When do they get their first bath?  And on and on and on.  All of these things wake me up in the middle of the night and I spend hours obsessing over them.  Usually between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 5-something a.m.  Which isn't the most ideal block of time to be thinking of this stuff.  I should be sleeping while I can, before the baby arrives and throws off the sleep patterns of everyone else in the house.  But no.  These fears are haunting me.  And I know it'll all come back to me and we'll be just fine.  Logically, I get that.  I just can't seem to quash the fears.

Physically, I'm actually feeling okay this week.  No rib pain.  The back pain comes and goes....though when it's here, it's beyond excruciating.  Right this moment, I don't even feel pregnant.  Until I look at my swollen feet.  Ew. 

I have a plan with this baby.  I know, shocking.  Jenn has a plan?  With lists?  But I also know that babies don't follow plans.  I got my hair done last night - new cut, new color.  I am working next Monday and Tuesday, and that's it.  Wednesday is MY day.  I plan to get a mani/pedi because if I'm going to be laid up in a hospital bed for days, my toes WILL be cute.  But then I think, "what if the baby decides to come early?"  "What if my water breaks"  AT WORK?!!!  How awful would that be.  And how awful would it be to NOT get my pedicure?!  I know, I know....priorities.  A newborn, chubby baby is way better than a pedicure....but MY plan involves a pedicure first, then a baby the following day.  I just hope the baby understands the plan.  ;)

My check-up this week went well.  My blood pressure is up and my doctor told me to figure out how to de-stress as much as I can.  Easier said than done, doc.  The fact that I had just knocked out two photoshoots didn't help, and he was sure to tell me to back off and rest as much as I can.  So, no photoshoots this weekend.  Cross my heart.  My couch and I will become good friends again, this I assure you.

Enough rambling.

Here's what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 38 weeks:

Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long. She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

Pregnancy Tracker - 37 weeks

Tick tock.  Tick tock.  I'm definitely counting down the days.  This mama is D.O.N.E.  I had a check-up this week and everything looks perfect.  The baby measures right on track and the heart was strong.  I'm still battling the back and pelvic pain on a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week basis.  Makes for one hell of a long day, that's for sure.  And the nights are even longer because it's downright impossible to find a comfortable position.  And swollen ankles?  We won't even go there.  I'm ready to have my body back!

We got everything in the house put together last weekend.  The baby's room is ready to go.  I will do a picture post this weekend after we get the wall decor in place.  The room is super cute - we just need a baby to go in there now!

Here's what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 37 weeks:

Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three (TWO) weeks away. If you go into labor now, her lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)

Your baby most likely weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

Pregnancy Tracker - 36 weeks

Well here I am - officially at 9 months.  The best month....and yes, that's dripping with sarcasm.  Anyone who is around me on a regular basis can tell you that I'm hating life right now. Yes, I'm excited for the baby.  And yes, it's fun putting everything together as we prepare for a new life.  But I HURT.  I don't remember this magnitude of pain with Carter.  Pregnancy amnesia?  Quite possibly.  But it doesn't lessen my pain this time around.  I know my body is preparing for a regular birth, as it doesn't know any better.  I just wish I could get some sort of reprieve.  Tylenol is a joke.  It doesn't even dull the pain.  Lying down feels the best, but let's face it, I'm a working mom.  Lying down isn't a regular part of my day.  Ever.  I'm hoping these last few weekends can be filled with rest in preparation for the chaos that is about to be my life.

Here's what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 36 weeks:

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

Now that your baby is taking up so much room, you may have trouble eating a normal-size meal. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point. On the other hand, you may have less heartburn and have an easier time breathing when your baby starts to "drop" down into your pelvis. This process — called lightening — often happens a few weeks before labor if this is your first baby. (If you've given birth before, it probably won't happen before labor starts.) If your baby drops, you may also feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen (oh yes), which may make walking increasingly uncomfortable (oooohhhh YES), and you'll probably find that you have to pee even more frequently. If your baby is very low, you may feel lots of vaginal pressure and discomfort as well (check, check, and check). Some women say it feels as though they're carrying a bowling ball between their legs!

You might also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now. Be sure to review the signs of labor with your practitioner and find out when she wants to hear from you. As a general rule, if you're full-term, your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and your water hasn't broken, she'll probably have you wait to come in until you've been having contractions that last for about a minute each, coming every five minutes for an hour. Of course, you'll want to call right away if you notice a decrease in your baby's activity or think you're leaking amniotic fluid, or if you have any vaginal bleeding, fever, a severe or persistent headache, constant abdominal pain, or vision changes.

Even if you're enjoying an uncomplicated pregnancy, it's best to avoid flying (or any travel far from home) during your final month because you can go into labor at any time. In fact, some airlines won't let women on board who are due to deliver within 30 days of the flight.

Pregnancy Tracker - 35 Weeks

First off, I would like to point out that the tracker on the top of my blog has changed to reflect the correct amount of days I have left.  This has thrown off the pregnancy in "weeks", however.  It shows 36 weeks, but I'm really at 35.  I wanted the "days left" to be accurate with the surgery date though.....which is the week before my actual due date of April 28th.  Make sense? Or am I just rambling?  ;)

No huge changes from last week - TUMS are still my best friend.  And this belly is out of control!  It's everywhere I need to be.  I had some serious cramping last Friday night, which I addressed with my doctor at the check-up this week.  It definitely wasn't contractions - it was a steady, intense pain for about 30 minutes.  Carter was soooo sweet too - I was on the couch, crying my eyes out, and he brought me a blanket, covered me up, and gave me a kiss.  Such a sweet boy!  Anyway, my doctor reminded me about what I should be doing if contractions do start up, so I'm pretty much on high alert since the cramping.  And the swollen ankles have set in too - totally sexy!  My wedding ring doesn't fit anymore either - bummer!  I've gained a total 18 pounds, which is half of what I gained with Carter.  But let me just say, this girl is READY.TO.BE.DONE.  The baby shower is this weekend, so as far as I'm concerned, after that's over, this baby can come any day!  ;)  My brother put in the first guess for weight for the baby at 6 lbs 13 oz.  AND, for those who like to torture me......we have officially picked a name.  And no, we are still not sharing. You will find out the name when you come to meet her.  :D

Here's what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 35 weeks:

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore (uh, I beg to differ!), but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight. 

Your uterus — which was entirely tucked away inside your pelvis when you conceived — now reaches up under your rib cage. If you could peek inside your womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your other internal organs, too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and may be dealing with heartburn and other gastrointestinal distress. If you're not grappling with these annoyances, you're one of the lucky few.

Here is the belly, at 35 weeks.

 And my shirt says this:

 And just for shits and giggles:

Eric has this strange ability to push his stomach out beyond what should be possible for a man in good shape.  Don't ask me how he comes across these.....unique.....talents.

Pregnancy Tracker - 34 weeks

34 weeks?  Where did the time go??!!  In 5 weeks, we will be holding our little girl.  Eeeeeee!!!!  It still seems very unreal to me, even though everything is coming together.  We got in the dresser, so her bedroom is that much more complete now.  The baby shower is next weekend, so I'm excited to see all of the new things she gets.  Nothing like spoiling a baby!

I'm fairly certain she has flipped, and is now head-down (normal positioning).  I had to stay home from work on Monday because I was dealing with so much nausea from all the movement of her flipping.  I guess we'll confirm at my next doctor appointment if my suspicions are true. 

I'm still feeling incredibly cramped for room - naturally.  The last month or so is the absolute worst.  Standing up or lying down are about the only positions that are comfortable to me.  Sitting is the worst - extremely painful.  Unfortunately, I sit all day at my job.  So that doesn't help.  By the time I'm ready to go home for the day, my ribs and back are on fire from the pain.  And trust me, the Tylenol does nothing......doesn't even dull the pain.  :(  I just look forward to the hospital stay, when I get the good drugs.  ;)  I'm also experiencing extremely painful groin pain - which I'm told is the (TMI alert) spreading process.  Basically the birth canal getting ready for delivery......which drives me nuts since I don't be delivering the baby that way.  But my body doesn't know that, so it goes through the normal prep.  The normal prep, though, is excruciating.  I don't remember having this pain with Carter.  Chalk that up to pregnancy amnesia.  ;)

Here's what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 34 weeks:

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

By this week, fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable. Now's the time to slow down and save up your energy for labor day (and beyond). If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you feel dizzy.

Pregnancy Tracker - 33 weeks

Well here we are - 33 weeks into this.  It's no secret, these last few weeks have been HARD for me.  The difference between this pregnancy and when I was pregnant with Carter?  REST.  Or a lack thereof.  Being pregnant with a 3 1/2 year old is night-and-day different than just being pregnant with your first child.  With your first child, you get to relax any time you want.  Example - the minute I would get home from work when I was pregnant with Carter, I would be in my jammies, hair up, and either lying down on the couch, channel surfing, or I would be in bed, going to sleep for the night.  The house didn't fall over if I didn't make dinner.  I could wake up on the weekends and lounge....ALL.DAY.LONG. 

Now?

Not so much.  The minute I get home from work, sure, the jammies still go on and my hair goes up, but that's when the paralegal duties stop and the mommy/wife duties start.  Dinner.  Bath.  Playing.  Teaching.  Brushing teeth.  Cleaning up.  Putting kid to bed.  And sometime around 9:00, I finally get to relax for the first time!  Oy!  It's a whole different ballgame this time around.....let me tell ya.  And while I still do enjoy being pregnant, it's hard this time.  These past few weeks, I've been in constant pain.  As in, the minute I wake up, it begins.  It doesn't stop until I fall asleep.  Back pain.  Rib pain (since she's breech, I'm pretty sure it's her shoulders, and THAT feels oh so good digging into my ribs).  Every.waking.moment.  Tylenol does nothing.  Tylenol has always been a joke to me.  Unless it's Tylenol #3....which I'm certainly not allowed to take!  My walking has slowed down.  Yes - I believe the waddle has set in.  I hate dressing up for work now.  I can't wait for warmer weather....even just a tad....so I can wear capris, a loose shirt and flip flops to work.  It's already approved.  I just need spring to show up and stick around so this can happen.

Things around the house are slowly coming together as well.  The crib is put together.

And I bought this super cute bouncer on Craigslist for a whole $15.  It's soooo cute and it was way too good of a deal to pass up.

The dresser in Carter's room was bought to match the crib (when he was a baby), so we'll be moving that dresser into the baby's room.  I have a bedframe and matching dresser on order for Carter.  So his room will also be receiving an upgrade.  I also dug out all of Carter's baby toys that I kept.  I need to stock up on batteries - that's for sure!  So we've been buying (and selling) as the paychecks allow.  I think the plan is to stop for a bit to see what the baby gets at the baby shower.  Then we will take another inventory at that time to see where we stand.  It is a huge relief to have most of the big items already saved from when Carter was a baby.

Here is what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 33 weeks:

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

Pregnancy Tracker - 32 weeks

We have arrived at 32 weeks, which is the start of 8 months.  After the scares last week, I'm happy to report that the blood sugar problem is very much under control.  No more passing out feelings!  Though I have to eat the minute I wake up in the mornings, most often with just one eye open (I'm NOT a morning person), it's soooo worth it as opposed to the shakes and noodle legs, etc.  The back pain and rib pain are still very much a constant, and I count down the hours until I can get home from work and lie down on the couch.  The couch or my bed seem to be the only places that fully relieve the back/rib pain.

I had a check-up this week - everything looks and sounds great.  The baby is currently breech, which, since we are doing a c-section, isn't a problem at all.  We discussed an additional procedure at the time of the c-section, and officially got that on the books.  And we also discussed a few other questions that have been weighing on my mind.  I love my doctor.  He's just so reassuring and I feel 100% at ease with his care and treatment.

Here's what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 32 weeks (8 months):

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus (gee, ya thing?!). You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb (oh great). She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

Here's an 8 month picture.  Hubby and I are heading out this weekend with the camera to grab a cute shot I have been putting together in my head.  Hopefully it comes together nicely!

Pregnancy Tracker - 31 weeks

Well the last week has been the worst week so far.  My body decided that I needed to get sick again, so here I am, battling another terrible sinus cold.  And the fainting episodes are getting much worse - yesterday's lasted an hour and was followed by a phone call to my doctor.  He seems to think it's a blood sugar issue, and wants me to eat right when I roll out of bed in the morning (as opposed to waiting until I get to work).  The baby clearly needs more calories and sugar, and isn't being sustained overnight from the time we eat dinner until the time I eat breakfast.  So hopefully eating a little snack first thing in the morning will eliminate these concerning episodes.

Other than that, we put together the crib the other night - and let me tell you, THAT certainly made things real.  Like, less than two months from now, there will be a baby in this house.  And that brought on a whole list of fears that kind of snuck up on me.

How do you go grocery shopping with two kids?

Will we give equal attention to both?

How do we make this easier for Carter so he doesn't feel remotely "left out"?

Will the baby crying for a feeding in the middle of the night wake up Carter?

And on and on - a thousand questions and concerns went flashing through my head.

Here's what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 31 weeks:

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Pregnancy Tracker: 30 Weeks

Well here we are at 30 weeks - exactly 9 weeks left!  The last week has been progressively harder for me - needless to say, I'm ready for April to be here!  The back pain is kicked into high gear.  The baby is constantly up in my ribs, which is incredibly painful, and the feeling like I'm going to pass out is getting worse.  I had the worst (so far) episode the other morning at work.  I'm starting to think it's a blood pressure issue - at my last appointment with my doctor, the nurse had to try three different times to get my blood pressure - nothing was registering. And I was in the middle of one of those fainting episodes.  The blood pressure was just so low that it wasn't even registering.  So I need to discuss that with my doctor next time we are in because it's really starting to concern me and those around me.

We have started gathering stuff for the baby's room.  My aunt gave us several items from when her girls were babies, so it's to the point where we need to put the crib together and start arranging the room.  One of my other aunts has offered to have a baby shower, so another thing to add to the list is going to get a registry started.  So many things to do!  :)

Here's what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 30 weeks:

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds. A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off. Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can actually cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in some new shoes in a bigger size.

Pregnancy Tracker - 29 weeks

Well here we are at 29 weeks, meaning I have 10 more to go until the scheduled c-section.  Just a little over 2 months left.  Eek!!  I seriously need to get moving on getting her room fully put together.  Seems like I got a serious head-start on it, and then got busy with other stuff.  Looks like I need to make some goals.  No big changes from last week - though I think we have informally settled on a name.  The kicks are becoming quite stronger - a few have actually been painful.  Speaking of pain, my back pain has kicked into high gear. More pillows have made their way into our bed, and my wedge pillow will make its journey to my work chair tomorrow.  I have officially reached the point where I'm sick of being pregnant.  :(  It's not cute or fun anymore - it's just uncomfortable ALL.THE.TIME.  I'm ready for April, and spring weather, and a chubby baby girl!

Here's what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 29 weeks.

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Some Facts about C-Sections

I came upon this article today and thought to share the link.  It's a very accurate article (though clearly some of the people who commented on the article don't agree).  Just remember, every woman and every birth is different.  However, I do have to say that based on my first c-section, reading about these items definitely bring back memories.

http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/child-labor-delivery/articles/the-truth-about-c-section-delivery-and-recovery.aspx

Pregnancy Tracker - 28 weeks

Has it seriously been a week since I posted the 27 week update?  I feel like it's been 1.5 days.  This last week has flown by! 

We had a routine check-up earlier this week, which included the glucose blood draw.  The blood draw was quite painful, as they all have been this pregnancy.  I think I just have crappy veins.  We also sat down with my doctor to make a final decision on vbac versus c-section.  I know it's not a shocker, but yes, I opted for the repeat c-section.  If you don't agree with it, I frankly don't care.  I'm not asking for opinions on the subject anymore. 

We also discussed the difference in the anesthesia I had with Carter versus what I will be having this time.  Since I was in full-blown labor with Carter, I had an epidural.  An epidural means they insert a catheter with the needle to keep the drugs flowing, simply because no one ever knows how long labor is going to last.  With a planned c-section, I will be given a spinal instead of an epidural. No catheter - just a one-time shot of the anesthetic, which my doc tells me will last approximately 2 hours.  More than enough time for the c-section procedure.  However, the thought of meeting up with that needle AGAIN, with no adrenaline of labor in my system, has me understandably FREAKED out.  And my doc assured me that I will have a chance to meet with the anesthesiologist beforehand to discuss my concerns (fears) and hopefully they will put them at ease.  Uh, doesn't change the size of the needle, now does it?  No-sir-ee.  But this is the choice I have made and this is what comes along with it.

I also thought we would all be sitting down with our calendars to pick out the baby's birth date.  No.  Didn't happen like that.  I forgot the minor detail of having to schedule an OR at the hospital, so I was really put off when the doc said the nurse would call over, get a date/time, and call me with said date/time.  In a way, I guess I'm glad it happened that way because I really didn't want to PICK my own child's birth date.  And when it came down to it, I didn't pick it.  Sure, it seems quite impersonal, but again, it is what it is.  So we have our date (with the needle......see, I just can't let it go) and will plan accordingly.

Also, NO, we have not picked a name yet.  My grandmother and mother are giving it their best effort to tease, guilt, manipulate, guess, corner the name out of us.  ;)  Ain't happening.  (1) we seriously do NOT have a name picked from the list.  (2) trust me, I won't let my child remain nameless forever.  (3) it's a fun secret for Eric and I to share.  I will tell you this:  I have run the three potential names through Carter and he doesn't like them.  He wants the baby's name to be Tiki.  Like Tiki Torch.  Good thing I have VETO power!

Here's what babycenter.com has to say about the pregnancy at 28 weeks:

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

You're in the home stretch! The third and final trimester starts this week (crap! I didn't even realize that). If you're like most women, you'll gain about 11 pounds this trimester.  (Yeah, let the big weight gain begin.  I gained 40 pounds total with Carter. I have been determined to gain less than that with this baby, simply because it's not necessary. I think I have gained 10 pounds total, so far.  So I'm definitely on track to gain much less than with Carter.)

Pregnancy Tracker - 27 Weeks

So we are now at 27 weeks.  I feel 9 months pregnant already. Seriously - there is no room and I'm constantly feeling uncomfortable, especially sitting down.  The only time I feel great is when I'm laying in bed or on the couch.  It's pretty miserable - not to complain too much!  ;)  I got a pretty painful kick from the baby today - I'm pretty sure it was a straight shot to the spleen or something.  But hey, who needs a spleen, right?

Next week, we get to pick the surgery date.  It'll most likely be the week before my due date, so we are looking at anywhere from April 18-22.....or on the weekend before or after, I suppose.

I also thought we were down to just two names in the baby-name race, but after yesterday, we might have added a third again.  Nothing is jumping out at us yet, so we might be back to the idea of just taking the names with us to the hospital and seeing which one fits her the best.  I certainly don't have a problem doing that, but we sure are feeling the pressure from others to divulge a name!  And if we had one, I wouldn't tell.  But since we don't have one picked yet, I CAN tell you just that - there is no name picked.  :)

Here's what babycenter.com says about the baby and pregnancy at 27 weeks:

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

The second trimester is drawing to a close, but as your body gears up for the final lap, you may start noticing some new symptoms. Along with an aching back, for example, you may find that your leg muscles cramp up now and then. They're carrying extra weight, after all, and your expanding uterus is putting pressure on the veins that return blood from your legs to your heart as well as on the nerves leading from your trunk to your legs. Unfortunately, the cramps may get worse as your pregnancy progresses. Leg cramps are more common at night but can also happen during the day. When a cramp strikes, stretching the calf muscle should give you some relief. Straighten your leg and then gently flex your toes back toward your shin. Walking for a few minutes or massaging your calf sometimes helps, too.

(I put Eric behind the camera for this shot, so excuse the fuzzy quality - even on the tripod, he managed to move the camera around.)

Taking the "EASY" way out?

**DISCLAIMER**  This is an emotionally-charged blog post.  This is a post about childbirth - so if that makes you uncomfortable for any reason, please stop reading.  I share my opinions, some research, some sarcasm, and I might even drop some f*bombs.  So if any of those offend you, stop reading now.  Otherwise, I welcome and invite you to read along and share your thoughts.

So I've been hearing an (unwelcome) comment quite often lately, when asked if I plan to do a vbac (vaginal birth after a cesarean) or a repeat c-section.  My first thought when asked this question is, frankly, why is it any of your business how I give birth to my child?  And there are two people who ask me this question - one type who is just curious, and the other type who wants to debate and shove their own opinion down my throat.  Anyone who knows me know how much I thoroughly enjoy the second type of person.  Don't get me wrong, I love a good debate.  The delivery of my child, however, is not a debate I'm going to have.  It's a personal decision that in no way, shape, or form involves anyone but me, my doc, and the life inside my body. 

Nonetheless, and despite my diplomatic attempts to avoid the debate, there are those out there who insist on pressing the issue, asking what research I've done to come to the conclusion that this is the safest delivery method for my unborn child, shoving their own personal experience and research down my throat, etc. To those people, I offer a big, fat fuck you.  I know, I know - harsh?  Maybe, if they were being polite.  However, these labor and delivery nazis are in no way being polite to me.  It takes the form of a personal attack, like I am being admonished for CHOOSING a repeat c-section.  How dare I, right?

I know there are those people out there who thoroughly enjoy childbirth - no joke.  I have a close friend who found it to be the most euphoric experience in her life.  And for those people who thoroughly enjoy it?  Good for you.  I WISH it was like that for me.  And who knows, maybe I'm just not "strong" enough, but those 15 hours I spent in labor were nowhere near euphoric.  And let me just clear the air right now - I'm NOT having a repeat c-section to make this entire process easier on myself.  I'm not that selfish.  Carter was in some serious distress during those 15 hours, flat-lining countless times, due to the umbilical cord being wrapped around his chest.  The cord would literally squeeze the life out of him with every contraction I had.  After many hours of monitoring this, my doc called for an emergency c-section.  And after Carter was brought into this world, my doc shared with me the fact that my pelvic cavity was too narrow and I could not have delivered Carter vaginally no matter how hard I pushed.  It would have put him in the position to use other  tools, such as forceps or even vacuum extraction.  Gee, neither of those sound potentially harmful to a baby, do they?

A lot of people feel that doctors push repeat c-sections on mothers via scare tactics.  First of all, if I felt my doctor was using scare tactics on me, he wouldn't be my doctor anymore.  My doctor did, however, present me with concrete statistics for BOTH delivery options given my prior c-section.  And since my doc was educated at Johns Hopkins, among other places, I'm going to go ahead and put more weight on his facts and opinions versus a nosy, rude person who can't mind their own business.

So yes, I understand there are serious risks involved with a c-section, as with any surgery.  But I also recognize that there are serious risks to my attempting a vbac as well, which include rupturing my scar tissue, which can lead to bleeding in the brain.  So really, it comes down to the old risk-benefit analysis.  And that analysis, coupled with my own research and discussions with my doctor, is no one else's business.  The choice is mine.  And while I'm more than willing to discuss the safety features on my child's carseat, I'm NOT willing to discuss my reasoning behind opting for a repeat c-section.  What I do or don't do with my vag and uterus really shouldn't be open for debate.

Pregnancy Tracker - 26 weeks

Well here we are at 26 weeks.  The competition for space in my body is one that I'm quickly losing. I can tell the baby is growing because at times, I feel like my belly is quite stretched when she's in a specific position.  It's very uncomfortable.  The kicks are getting stronger.  And Carter told me last night that he can see the baby's feet through my belly button.  Ha!  What an imagination!

We have officially knocked one name off of the baby name list.  So we are down to two names.  And no, we still are not sharing.  Formal introductions will come at visiting time in the hospital.

Here's what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 26 weeks:

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel.

If your lower back seems a little achy lately, you can thank both your growing uterus — which shifts your center of gravity, stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, and may be pressing on a nerve — as well as hormonal changes that loosen your joints and ligaments. Plus, the extra weight you're carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why you may feel worse at the end of the day. Walking, standing, or sitting for long periods, as well as bending and lifting can all put a strain on your back. A warm bath or hot compress might bring relief. (Some women, though, find cool compresses more comforting.) Try to maintain good posture during the day, avoid activities that require bending and twisting at the same time, take frequent breaks when sitting or standing, and sleep on your side with one or both knees bent with a pillow between your legs, using another pillow (or wedge) to support your abdomen.

There is also talk on babycenter.com about birthing classes and creating a birthing plan.  We aren't taking a refresher course for the birth, simply because we are opting for a c-section, and I know all there is to know about that.  I go in for my next check-up in about a week and a half, so at that point, we will pick the date and get everything officially on the calendar.

Pregnancy Tracker - 25 weeks

Well here we are at 25 weeks.  I'm definitely starting to feel the battle for room in my own body.  Yesterday was particularly uncomfortable - it felt as though the baby was laying from my spine to my belly button, with her feet pushing out on my belly button.  Not the most pleasant feeling, and I know it's only going to get worse.  :(  She's still very active - moving and kicking quite often.  I'm still battling this cold - which seems to have a grip on my system.  But it would appear that it's finally making a (slow) exit, so hopefully by the weekend, I can feel 100% again.

Here's what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 25 weeks:

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga (I seriously had to look up what that even is!), but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat (yay for fat babies!!!). As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

Your baby's not the only one with more hair — your locks may look more full and lustrous than ever. It's not that you're growing more hair, but thanks to hormonal changes, the hair that you'd normally shed is sticking around longer than usual. Enjoy the fullness while you can — the extra hair will fall out after you give birth.

You may also notice that you can't move around as gracefully as before (uh, DUH). Unless your doctor has advised you otherwise, it's fine to continue to exercise, but follow a few safety rules: Don't work out when you're feeling overly tired and stop if you feel any pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Don't lie flat on your back and avoid contact sports as well as any exercise where you're apt to lose your balance. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and make time for both warm-up and cool-down periods.

When you have your glucose-screening test at 24 to 28 weeks (coming up on Feb 1st), a second tube of blood may be taken at the same time to check for anemia. If blood tests show that you have iron-deficiency anemia (the most common type of anemia), your caregiver will probably recommend that you take an iron supplement.

Pregnancy Tracker - 24 weeks

So this marks my 24th week - the beginning of the 6th month.  4 months to go!  We ventured out tonight to the 70% off clearance rack at Penny's - they had the CUTEST stuff!  It was fun shopping for this little girl.  :)  I also had a checkup yesterday, where we discussed my episodes of feeling like I'm going to faint.  NOT FUN.  Basically, another talk about increasing my water intake....which I figured was coming since I had the same problem during my pregnancy with Carter.  Bottom's up!

My next appointment is set for the beginning of February, and at that time, we will schedule the date for the c-section.  I still don't like the idea of picking my child's birthdate, but it is what it is and a c-section is the option I feel most comfortable with given the complications Carter and I both had during his labor and ultimate emergency c-section.  And who knows, we may pick a date and this little girl could come the day before - wanting to make her own grand entrance!

We have narrowed it down to three names......we won't pick a name until she is born and we can decide which one fits her.

Here is what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 24 weeks:

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

Stay tuned next week.....I'm going to put Eric behind the camera again for some updated pictures.

To Shower, or Not To Shower.......that is the question.

So I've been reading a lot lately about the taboo that is associated with second baby showers.  Meaning, a baby shower for second, third, fourth, etc. children in the same family.

On the one hand, we have people who are of the strict belief that baby showers are specifically for the first born.  It's a "welcome to motherhood" rite of passage.  Some people feel tt's greedy to have multiple showers for the same baby, let alone a shower for each child you may have.  They feel you are already a parent and should have the essentials to welcome subsequent children.

On the other hand, second baby showers are becoming more widely accepted, especially if the second baby is the opposite gender as the first child.  Many people feel the shower for the first child only rule is simply an archaic one, stating that each baby is unique and deserves their own party and special attention.  Some people feel that the second shower should be more of a celebration of the latest addition to the family, since the parents should have the basics from the previous child, i.e., crib, dresser, changing table, etc.  Therefore, the gifts, if any, should be more practical things like diapers, car seats if the parents didn't keep the first, clothes, essential safety items, bottles, and the like.

What are your thoughts?

Is it greedy?  (and is it still greedy if someone else throws the shower for you?)

Does each baby deserve their own special celebration?

Pregnancy Tracker - 23 weeks

Well here we are at 23 weeks.  No big changes from last week, though the movements are becoming more pronounced.  We had one incident where Carter was laying his head on my belly and took a kick to the face.  Didn't hurt either of us, but we all sure got a big laugh out of it!  And he was talking to the baby last night and said "this is your big brother, come play baseball" then paused, and said "she's not talking to me" and walked off.  Apparently he was expecting a response from his little sister!  Too funny!

Here is what babycenter.com says about the pregnancy at 23 weeks:

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

You may notice that your ankles and feet start to swell a bit in the coming weeks or months, especially at the end of the day or during the heat of summer. Sluggish circulation in your legs (oh yes) — coupled with changes in your blood chemistry that may cause some water retention — may result in swelling, also known as edema. Your body will get rid of the extra fluid after you have your baby, which is why you'll pee frequently and sweat a lot for a few days after delivery. In the meantime, lie on your left side or put your feet up when you can, stretch out your legs when you sit, and avoid sitting — or standing — in one place for long periods. Also, try to exercise regularly to increase circulation, and wear support stockings (put them on first thing in the morning) and roomy, comfortable shoes. You may be tempted to skimp on liquids to combat swelling, but you need to drink plenty of water because staying hydrated actually helps prevent fluid retention. While a certain amount of edema in your lower extremities is normal during pregnancy, excessive swelling may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Be sure to call your midwife or doctor if you have severe or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, swelling in your face, or puffiness around your eyes.

I had Eric snag a quick picture of me this last weekend, though it's not the best.  Here we are at 22 1/2 weeks.  (forgive the quality)