Thursday, June 18, 2009

36 Weeks and My Crabby Uterus

Apparently I have a “crabby uterus.” According to the nurse I saw yesterday, an irritable uterus contracts more frequently. This would explain why I’ve been having so many contractions over the past week. But it doesn’t mean that things are progressing any faster than they should. My amniotic fluid is low again (as low as it was last Monday), but the nurse and doctor didn’t seem very concerned this time. So I will continue to take it easy at home and drink lots of fluids. This routine is becoming so normal that when I woke up this morning I couldn’t remember what day it was. I’m barely dilated to one; in fact the doctor hesitated to say even that. What we do know for sure is that Nugget’s head is very low. That would explain my awkward waddle that any runway model should envy.

Oh, and I’m up another 3 pounds.

Belly Button Update: Still refusing to give in.

I am very excited to announce that our dear friends Doreen and Eddie are expecting their first little one in December. Christos and I are thrilled and we look forward to sharing many more dinners at Aurelios with them, except at a table for six!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

35 Weeks - Aches and Pains

I’ve slowed down considerably over the past week. The weight of the baby is taking its toll on my feet, back and hips. Don’t quote me on this, but after how much my body has changed in the past week, I have a feeling Nugget will be here sooner rather than later. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of those women that is ready for this to be all over. I’m still really enjoying being pregnant, as I have this entire time. Thankfully I have the flexibility to work from home, so I’ve been able to focus on taking it easy and drinking lots of fluids. At my appointment this week I should learn how far I’ve progressed. Braxton Hicks contractions (aka TBs or Toni Braxtons) have become more frequent, but not consistent. As quickly as I start keeping track of them they subside. When I look down at my belly it doesn’t seem very big, but when I catch my reflection in a mirror or window I think “Whose body is that?”

The pups definitely know something is up. They are so sweet and smart. Sugar hasn’t left my side for the past few weeks. She even plopped down in the middle of the garden bed when I was planting hostas a few weekends ago. I wish I had the energy and stamina to play with and walk them like I used to be able to.




I made more progress on the nursery this past weekend. Lots of organizing, washing and we finally purchased an awesome glider. I’m really excited about it. We still don’t have a crib though. I’ve inconveniently learned by ordering custom from the Amish that there is no guarantee it will arrive when expected. Thankfully we have a few other sleeping options for Nugget.

Christos is scrambling to stay on top of the landscaping in the neighborhood. Just as he finishes one project another pops up. It’s been a huge undertaking (more work than he imagined), but the common areas in our neighborhood look better than they ever have. He’s really busting his butt. Hopefully I’ll get my husband back before too long.


Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Tuesday Changes

A lot can change in a day. I went in for another round of appointments this afternoon. My nurse did another ultrasound and found that my amniotic levels weren't nearly as low as they were yesterday morning. In fact, they were in the normal range. So either the 24 hours of bed rest with major fluid intake did the trick or someone is lying to me. I don't know who to believe anymore. I'm going to continue to take it easy but also continue to live my life.

One thing that is too funny not too note. I was seen by a really wacky doctor today. He stormed into the exam room like Kramer from Sein.feld. He spoke really fast and loud. I was like a deer in headlights. It was quite entertaining. (It was one of those "had to be there" moments.)

I don't need to go back in until next Wednesday.

Onward!

Monday, June 8, 2009

34 Weeks - Nesting and Resting

I spent a good part of this past weekend nesting. Friday night Christos had a soccer game and after we hung out with some of his teammates for a BBQ. When we got home late that night I received a delivery for some baskets that I’d ordered for the changing table. I stayed up late getting baby stuff organized. Saturday morning I was up early and rearing to go. I had a bunch of things I wanted to accomplish. Nesting being at the top of my list. I got quite a bit accomplished and then Christos and I ran some more errands before enjoying a nice quiet dinner together.

Sunday afternoon was my last baby shower. Christos’ mom and sister (Sue and Maggie) hosted a beautiful day filled with gorgeous flowers, delicious food and great company. Although it was gloomy outside, my home was filled with lots of love and sunshine. It was so great to see family and friends that we don’t see very often. We are very grateful to have such wonderful and generous people in our life. Thank you Sue and Mags! P.S. Just so we never forget, my counter tops and floor are still a little sticky from the margarita explosion. It was worth it though. The extra-virgin margaritas were awesome!!

This morning I went in for a scheduled ultrasound and NST (fetal monitoring.) Nugget cooperated during the ultrasound. Proved that s/he is trying to take breaths on his/her own. We even caught him/her sucking on the umbilical cord. The sonographer also got a picture of Nugget’s “chubby toes.” The unfortunate result of the ultrasound showed that the amniotic fluid is even lower than last week. Last week it measured 9.5 cm. This morning it measured 5.3. Off to the MAC (maternal assessment center) I went. Fetal monitoring showed that Nugget is active and getting enough oxygen. A few tests for my water breaking and preeclampsia came back negative. Since those results were good I was sent on my way with instructions for modified bed rest. I go in tomorrow for a previously scheduled appointment with the perinatologist. Then I’ll have to go back for more fetal monitoring again later this week. Until then, I’ll be sitting at home with my feet up and drinking lots of fluids.

Just in case, I will be packing my hospital bag tonight!





"Chubby Toes"
34 Weeks
Look! My NKOTB t-shirt still fits! (kinda)

Monday, June 1, 2009

6 1/2 Weeks and Counting

Oh my goodness, I’m having a baby! No, I’m not in labor, but my due date is quickly approaching. June is here already! It dawned on me yesterday at my baby shower and this morning at my doctor appointment.

Becky and my dear friend Doreen threw me a baby shower yesterday. I spent the afternoon with all of my favorite gal pals. Women who mean so much to me and I’m so grateful to have their support and friendship. It was a beautiful afternoon. I came home with a stash of goodies for Nugget. If s/he decided to arrive early we’d be set. (Except that we don’t have a crib or rocker.) Thank you B and D. Yesterday was so very special! I’ll post some pictures once I get my hands on a few. Also a big thank you to Molly and Kelly who made the long trip to be with me. You are good friends and it was a treat to see you both. I hope you had a beautiful weekend with your family and friends.

This morning we met with the perinatologist. She agreed that Abbott would be the best place for me to deliver. Although everything has gone smoothly up until this point, the “what if’s” in this scenario would be better handled at Abbott. She confirmed that she and her partners would oversee my care for the remainder of my pregnancy. This was the final piece that helped our decision become clear. Starting this week, I will be going in for weekly appointments with the Minnesota Perinatal Physicians until Nugget arrives.

I will not be delivering any later than 40 weeks. Induction was discussed in the event that I haven’t started labor on my own. My apologies to those of you who guessed I’d deliver after my due date of July 15th. Feel free to make another prediction.

We had an ultrasound today to check on Nugget’s progress. The nurse said Nugget’s measurements and stats are “textbook.” We took that is a great sign that things are progressing as they should.

My amniotic fluid is in the normal range, but at the bottom of this range. Nothing to be concerned about at this point, but I wanted to make a note of it.

According to Nugget’s measurements, they estimated that s/he is 5 lbs 1 oz., give or take 12 oz. I’ve heard these estimations can be totally off. That’s a big baby considering s/he has another 6 weeks to bake. I’m just relieved to have a healthy baby that is growing at a good rate.

Last but not least, Nugget’s head is so low that the nurse had a hard time measuring it. It’s literally in my pelvis. Another positive check that Nugget is positioned well for delivery.

Belly Button Status: Barely an innie