Greatest Wife Award

I'm giving myself the greatest wife award this week. 

Last week was Gene's birthday.  As a gift, I gave him tickets to the Carolina game that weekend.  I got three so we could make it a family deal.  He worked out plans to tailgate with some of his friends.  We got up Saturday morning, loaded up and headed to Columbia.

We knew when we got there that we would have to park in general admission parking.  We tried to get as close to the tailgate as we could.  I told the boys I can walk as long as they need me to, I just don't walk that fast anymore.  We weren't in any hurry, so that was good.

We hung out at the tailgate for a while, till it was time for the game to start.  We headed with the crowd to the stadium.  Again, not going very fast, but moving.  I let them wander ahead and I kept my eye on them.

Then it came time to go into the stadium.  I knew we had upper deck tickets (I was the one who bought them), so I knew of the upcoming suffering.  The security guard at the gate complimented my organized bag and took the time to tell me about the First Aid services they have and that if I needed anything at all I should stop in. 

Our tickets were scanned and thus began the uphill climb for the 31 (almost 32) week pregnant lady.  Stair after stair, I climbed my way up.  Not moving fast, but getting there.  Holding on to the handrail and looking at each step as I took it.  I tried to block everything else out and just focus on the task.  I did hear a boy tell a girl he was with that if I could do this, so could she.  8 flights later, I made it to the landing. 

At this point I'm completely out of breath and I have to pee.  I make a bee line to the bathroom.  There is no energy to hover.  I take a good look, ok, all clean, and plop.  I sit for a few minutes to catch my breath.  The huffing and puffing must have sounded interesting from outside the stall. 

I shimmied up my sweaty maternity shorts and set out to climb to our seats.  (row 26).  I knew once I was up there, I wasn't coming down until we were done.  I was excited to get to our seats and sit for a while, but as soon as we got there it was time to stand for the prayer, and the national anthem. 

I did the right thing and I stood up.  It was parents day, and the prayer included mentions of family and parenthood.  Gene gave me big side hug, and let me lean on him. I wanted to tear up, but I was too exhausted too.

We survived till the 4th quarter and then we started to make the trek back.  Going down stairs is much easier than going up!  8 flights down was a breeze, I just had to fight the masses back to the tailgate. 

We hung out long enough to give my legs a rest and then we made it the rest of the way to the car.  Then I did the nice thing and I drove home (you know, since I was sober!).  I was exhausted, but it made Gene the happiest man in the world. 

Once we got home, I showered and immediately collapsed in to the bed. I don't know if going to a college football game at 31 weeks was my smartest decision, but I'm glad we got to go.  We haven't been to a Carolina game in years, and who knows how hard it will be next year.  I certainly wouldn't do it again this year! 

Just seeing Gene at his Alma Mater, happy as a clam, sharing the experience with his family made it all worth it.

Squash

How far along: 32

How big is baby:  The size of a squash now.  Some round, orange looking thing.  I don't really know my different squashes.  15-16 inches; 2.5-3.8 pounds!

Total weight gain:  I'll find out tomorrow at my check up!
Maternity clothes:  Ugh.  I think my elastic waist pants are giving up the fight.  I'm fighting crackage every day.  They don't want to stay up around the belly.  My tank tops are also not quite long enough, so they don't stay tucked.  Its gonna be a long 8 weeks.

Sleep:  Its harder to roll over now.  Its becoming a production to switch from side to side!

Best moment this week:  Seeing Abby again at the ultrasound.  She still wasn't the most cooperative, but the tech was so nice to keep trying.  I wanted to bust out in the ugly cry, but JJ was there and I didn't want to scare him.  She's precious in every way.  I can't believe that's my miracle.

Gender: Girl, confirmed once again.

Craving:  Nothing has changed there.  Sweets, ice cream, doughnuts.  All the stuff I probably shouldn't eat.

Movement: She must have been going through a growth spurt because she's been quiet lately.  Yesterday was the first day in a few that she was bopping around.  I try not to worry, but its very hard.  As long as I feel a little something, I tell myself its ok.  I will clarify tomorrow with the doctor what I should expect and when I should be concerned.

Labor Signs:  I don't know if I've had anymore Braxton Hicks.  I've felt like my tummy got firm, but its centralized, usually around where her feet are, so she might just be pushing outward.

Belly Button in or out:  Its in.  I think its gonna stay in.

Stretch marks: None!

What I am looking forward to:  My shower is in two weeks!  My mom is coming up too, so it will be good to spend some time with her.  This will be the last time she sees me before Abby arrives.

Milestones:   The 4D ultrasound was this weeks milestone.  I'm so glad we did it.  Just to see her little face.  Her eyes, nose, mouth.  I can't wait to see it in person.  I just want to kiss those little cheeks. I'm getting more and more excited as the days go on.  I need it to slow down though because its all happening way to fast.  I can't believe I just have 8 more weeks to go!

Making memories

I love to bake.  I think I like the mixing and concocting.  Its like a science experiment.  And I like science.

Last night JJ and I hit the kitchen to bake Gene a birthday cake.  JJ loves to bake as much as I do.  I have to remember that.  I use it as my outlet sometimes, and sometimes I have to remember that its as much about being with him as it is being for me. 

I showed him the recipe and we began gathering the ingredients. He would name it and I would tell him where to find it. 

Then we started reading the instructions.  Line by line he would read to me what it said.  We would find the ingredient.  Then I would ask him how much of it we needed (while looking over his shoulder to make sure he said the right thing).  Then he would measure.  We enjoyed the math lesson.  Dividing 3/4 into a something we could use with the cups that we had.

He's still skirmish about breaking the eggs.  I still do that part. 

He got a good giggle when the dry ingredients puffed up into his face.  Then we scrambled to clean up the floor before Gene could see the mess we made.

He decided that he wanted to invent a beater that the batter wouldn't stick to.  I thought that was a genius idea.

He watched me carefully spoon the batter in to the pan.  And when I asked him to help me by opening the oven, he proclaimed that it was hot and he wasn't going to touch it! 

I love taking the time to stop and see things how they see it.  I know its going to be so much fun when Abby comes along.  I'm new to all this baby stuff.  JJ was 4 when we started hanging out, so I've got a few years to go before I feel comfortable knowing what I'm doing.  Although I don't think you can ever know what you are doing when it comes to parenting!

Take 2

Mt. Dew isn't all that bad.  Not my drink of choice.  It did seem to get Abby moving a little, but I really think she's in a growth spurt and she's just content to be still.  I guess highly active to me, is not much by the standards.

She's still breech.  And she still has her hands and feet up at her face.  The sonographer theorized that her hands are most likely there to protect herself from her feet.  She doesn't like the kicking, so she is guarding herself.  I think that's pretty ingenious of the little one. I wouldn't like getting kicked in the face either! See exhibit A below.  Foot in Face.

The sonographer gave us more than the time we should have gotten.  She was very patient.  She tried her hardest, but Abby just wasn't into it.  I'm happy with the photos we got.  You can see her face.  Her eyes, her nose, her little lips.   (Gene is concerned that she will have a huge nose.)

I loved seeing her taking breaths and moving around (even though it was just a little bit). It was just surreal to lay there and look at her.  I watched the DVD replay of it this morning and I'm still in awe.  I think she's the most beautiful baby in the world. 

I can't wait to meet her.  I just hope she can get her act together and turn around.  Although, I am worried that she won't.  The sonographer explained that the uterus is like a balloon.  So right now, she's content with her head up because there is more room.  She suggested acupuncture and a chiropractor to help turn her.  She said a chiro can adjust the pelvic muscles, giving her a little more space.  I already know my pelvic muscles are extremely tight.  She might be hiding out in this position because she just won't fit any other way. 

We will have to wait and see.  I'm ok with her coming out any way she can.  Although I always imagined a vaginal delivery.  But I guess one more trip to the OR can't hurt me.  I just want her to be healthy, so we can all be happy.

I'm on breech baby watch now.  8 weeks and 5 days to get it together.

Is it just me

Gene and I attended the Prepared Childbirth Class this Saturday.  It was a one day class to go over the expectations of labor and delivery.

I feel like I have a lot of knowledge about what's going to go on during the process.  I've done my fair share of reading.  Both books and the Internet. I do have some extra time on my hands during the day, but I feel that even if I didn't, I would still be all over researching what's going on.  Its just my nature.  I need to know, and I need to know now.  And thankfully, technology has given me that!

It amazed me that most of our classmates hadn't really done any research.  They seemed to be clueless in the entire process.  I tried to bite my tongue.  When the teacher asked a question, I tried not to seem like the know it all.  (Even though I knew all the answers).  It was also frustrating to go in circles with questions, and listen to the same ones being asked again and again.  I credit the instructor for her patience with these questions. 

I did get some things out of the class.  It was good to go over what a birth plan is and what the doctors and nurses really need to know. I was most looking forward to the tour, which of course happened at the end.  But I now know where to go when we get there and what types of rooms we can expect to be in. 

We've got two more classes to attend.  A breastfeeding class and a "What to do with the baby when you get home" class.  I'm hesitant, but excited to see how these classes go!

Parental Sacrifies

You would do anything for your child, right?  This afternoon is take 2 of the 4D ultrasound.  The tech suggested I drink from Mt. Dew before I come.  I had Mt. Dew once, back in 90 something, I didn't really care for it.  I haven't had it since.  But given that she highly recommended it, I thought I could give it a try.

After all, I drank that glucose drink twice!

I start drinking soon.  I'm afraid to time it wrong.  I don't want to over stimulate her and then have her crash, but yet I don't want her to be not stimulated yet.  This all feels so weird to do to get some pictures.

If she's anything like me (which we already know she can be), she will be hyped up.  In high school, my friends thought it was fun to watch me drink something call, Surge.  It was Mt. Dew like.  Pretty much all caffiene and sugar.  I would be bouncing off the walls.  My usual quiet and complacent behaviors were gone when I drank that.  I haven't had Surge since high school, and I haven't had full caffeine and sugar since I got pregnant.

This could be an interesting experiement.  I just hope I can be at home when its time to crash and burn!

Wish us luck.  Hopefully we'll get some prettier pictures this time.  I'm nervous!

Carry On

My new favorite song is one by the group Fun.  Its called Carry On. 

Fun reminds me a lot of Queen.  Its not popish, but not totally rockish, its somewhere in between.  It makes me want to dance around in my seat.  Its got great vocals with lots of added instrumental sounds.  I grew up listening to Queen, so I guess that's what draws them to me.

I love the chorus of the song. 

If you're lost and alone
Or you're sinking like a stone
Carry on
May your past be the sound
Of your feet upon the ground
Carry on
If there is one thing I can pass on to Abby (and JJ), its not to give up on your dreams.  No matter how low you are or how far away you feel from them, do not give up.  Just keep going.  I think that chorus reminds me to do that.  You have to keep pressing on. 

Its not always an easy thing to do.  Both Abby and JJ wouldn't be a part of our lives had we not carried on.  I could have easily given up at any point and said it just wasn't meant to be.  But I knew it my heart it was, and I wasn't going to stop until my heart told me otherwise.

There were many times were I felt lost and alone.  Many many times where I felt like I was sinking like a stone.  But I'm very proud to have my past be the sound of my feet upon the ground.

Pineapple

How far along: 31 weeks.  Eeek- just 9 more to go.  Less than all my fingers!


How big is baby:  The size of a pineapple now. 15-16 inches and 2.5-3.5 pounds

Total weight gain:  Too much, I'm sure!

Maternity clothes:  I'm liking the new pair of jeans.  Much more comfy for sitting down.  So glad I went ahead and got another pair.


Sleep:  Its getting uncomfortable to sleep on my back. When I roll over my back hurts from the added stress.


Best moment this week:  Being told I passed the 3 hour glucose test!


Gender: Girl, Girl, Girl!

Craving:  Still sweets.  Gah.  Its horrible at times.  Its it really a craving if you know you have it and you just can't resist it.


Movement:  She's been pretty busy this week.  We played some the other night, and that was so much fun.  She really enjoys the glider.  I thought that would put her to sleep, but instead it gets her going.
Labor Signs:  I noticed a few Braxton Hicks the other day.  After the doctor explained what they felt like, I could tell when I was having them.  I hadn't had much to drink that day, so once I chugged some water they stopped.

Belly Button in or out:  Its still in, I think it went back in some.

Stretch marks: None!

What I miss:  I think I'm going to remove this question.  There isn't anything I miss.  I'm so grateful to be at this point that I'm enjoying even the unpleasantness of it all.

What I am looking forward to:  The follow up to the 4D ultrasound is tomorrow.  I think she has moved, but now I'm afraid she's using the placenta as a pillow. I'll give her a good talking to tonight and get her in gear for her big day.


Milestones:  We completed our birthing class this Saturday. It was all day and it was so frustrating at times.  I guess I'm just to over educated.  I do spend a lot of time researching and learning about what's going to happen during pregnancy and childbirth.  I think I was in a class full of opposites of me.  They really seemed clueless.  But, I'm glad we did it.  It was good to know what options there are available to us, and what to do, and where to go when labor starts.

What they don't tell you.

I've had a lot of people warn me about the uncomfortable things about pregnancy.  The tiredness, the backaches, kicks to the ribs.  But I believe I have discovered something that no one warned me about.

Its called extreme crotch pain!  Like, when I walk I feel like my pelvis is the wishbone from last years Thanksgiving turkey.  I really feel like its going to split into two sometimes. 

Its not pressure, its just uncomfortable bone pain.  In the groin area.  All the time.

I know its just my body getting ready to push the little turkey out.  But somebody could have warned me that my who-ha would hurt like this.  I see now why pregnant women waddle.  Its not from the baby weight, its because your crotch hurts so bad!

Surprise!

The girls I work with threw me a surprise shower last Friday.  I can honestly say that I was completely surprised!  They did a great job at keeping it a secret.  (Although they confessed they didn't give themselves much time to plan, so they didn't have long to hide it).

I was overwhelmed to have people care about me.  I've been at my job almost 10 years.  I've seen the ups and downs.  I've seen people come and go.  I'm quiet and I do my job, so if people don't know me, it doesn't bother me.  It felt special to be recognized. 

There was cake.  Which was decorated with an owl on it.  Flowers, balloons, and punch.  There were presents for Abby. 

I can tell you one reason I was shocked and surprised is earlier that day I have gone over my Babies R Us registry.  I look at it periodically to see if there is something I'm missing or if I change my mind about things.  It just so happens that I didn't scroll far enough to see that something had been purchased.  Most of my other gifts came from Target, which I didn't check that registry that day.  I told myself I would do it later.  Ha!  That was a sign.

I have another shower coming up in a few weeks.  This one is for all the church ladies and friends.  Your traditional southern shower.  I'm getting more and more overwhelmed as that time gets closer.  That means shes closer to being here.  I'm not sure if I'm ready.  I thought this time would take forever, but it really hasn't.

I break into tears periodically thinking about how far we've come for this.  I sit in Abby's room and stare in awe. I cry in the car.  I cry at work.  I cry buying pampers.  I smile when I pat my belly and she kicks back.  I smile bigger when Gene pats my belly and she kicks back.  I think I've disembarked the emotional roller coaster and gotten on the emotional merry go round. 

I'm ok with that.  Small bounces up and down are ok.

Treetrunks

Everyone gushes over how little I look.  I feel like a house.  I've certainly expanded.  I've gained the appropriate amount of weight.  I'm thankful that my face and upper body hasn't blown up.  Which, I think is what people are noticing.

They forget to look below the belly.  To my hips and thighs (aka, my treetrunks).  My legs have blown up!  Its not even funny anymore.  I feel like all my pants are sausage casings.  Wearing dresses are out of the question.  I have to get down on the floor too much at work. 

I finally broke down on Saturday and bought another pair of maternity jeans.  I just couldn't take how the other pair felt tight around my legs.  They were fine for dressing up to go out to dinner, but to sit around the house in, they were awful!  Fall is fast approaching and I needed to do something.  There was no way to survive with just that pair.

I have a small problem though, I'm small.  I'm short. I always have trouble finding pants.  Also, I live in a small area, finding maternity clothing is not easy.  And, most of those places don't sell short or petite length things.  I did the Internet route and it got me the first pair, I wasn't ready to do that again.

I got lucky at Kohl's.  They had one pair of petite pants.  In a size I would rather not share.  I tried them on and they were perfect.  Now, they aren't sexy, but they are comfortable.  And, that's all I care about right now.  I know I will use them for many weeks after Abby gets here, and I don't expect to be putting on any fashion shows at that time.  I'll just be glad to not be in a pair of fat pants (aka pajama pants) everyday.

Hopefully the treetrunks are not here to stay.  Although, I've never had chicken legs.  I would just not to feel like I'm squeezing into my shell every morning when I get dressed.

Bitterly Hopeful

This morning, after my check up, I took a ride up the elevator back to the 4th floor.  That familiar door.  I had emailed Meagan that I was going to stop by.  After all, she was our biggest cheerleader, I felt the need to keep her updated. 

But I also had apprehensions.  I remember what it was like sitting in that office.  Watching pregnant woman come and go.  Although I know they were all high risk patients, it still stung.  I didn't want to be like that to someone.  But I wanted to whisper to them to not give up hope.  Its ok to feel bitter and angry, and hate me all you want.  But please just don't give up on yourself.

I think that desire can be overshadowed with feelings of bitterness and guilt.  I know it often got hidden deep inside of me.  But I'm convinced that I never let it go.  It was hard to bring it back to the surface sometimes.  To think about all the good things that you wanted, when all life what handing you was bad.  Then life changes.

There was only one couple in the waiting room when I got there.  And when Meagan came out to see me, they were at the reception counter.  I was glad that they were right there.  By the time they came back, we were done oohing and ahhing over the ultrasound photo, and we both needed to get back to work. 

I'm not one to flaunt anything, ever. I'm grateful for where we are and how far we've come.  You just can't give up hope.

She's definitely mine

Saturday was her big day.  4d ultrasound day.  I was excited, Gene was excited, JJ was beyond excited.

I followed the instructions and drank something sweet on the way.  Caffeine free Coke.  I thought the real sugar would help her.  I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach, but I tried to shake it off.

We got there, got situated in this big room.  Gene and JJ got comfy on some couches.  I explained that we were having a girl, but additional verification would be great.  She was able to tell us that (and show us that) right away.

Then she started to move around.  First thing she said, "Well, the baby is breech".  Great, ok.  She said its normally not a problem.  Then she said "She's curled up in a tight ball."  She showed us how her hands and feet were up near her face.  She did some pushing around to see if she would move.   Nope!

She then suggested I get up and bounce around.  Ha!  I did some moving and bouncing.  I tried eating a chocolate covered granola bar.  She suggested I bend over and touch my feet, that sometimes that can help stretch them out.  Really?

We started to try again, but she was still balled up.  We gave it a few more minutes and then we pulled the trigger.  She just wasn't into it. 

Thankfully, they agreed to let us come back another time and try again.  I'm just hoping that this time she's more cooperative.  But, I don't blame her.  I like to sleep curled up.  I spent my time in the womb just like that.  I'm a deep sleeper and I'm stubborn like a mule. 

We did get a few print outs and a DVD of everything captured.  Gene has already stated that he's going to show the picture to every boyfriend she brings home.  (Showing him while he's cleaning his gun!)

Lets just hope she gets her act together by next Tuesday!

Cucumber

How far along: 30 weeks

How big is baby:  The length of a cucumber!  15-16 inches long!  That's a big cucumber.  She's also 2.5-3.5 pounds now!

Total weight gain:  Just the right amount

Maternity clothes:  Still getting snug.  Shirts are starting to hang open at the bottom.  I don't like that at all!  I feel so exposed.  I've been wearing camisoles underneath.

Sleep:  The weekends seem to be the worst!  And the crazy, crazy dreams have returned!

Best moment this week:  Watching her dance to music for JJ.  He got such a kick out of that.  Its fun to seem him interact with her.

Gender: Still a girl!  I made sure of it.

Craving:  Sweets, sweets, and more sweets.  I hope I don't rot her teeth before she has any!

Movement:  Minus the scare she gave me last week, she's been moving around.  I was wrong about her placement though.  She's currently breech, with her feet and hands up at my face. 

Labor Signs:  The NST showed that I had one contraction during that time.  I didn't feel it.  The nurse said it was a Braxton Hicks.  I don't know how many of those I'm having, I can't tell.

Belly Button in or out:  Still in, its still got 10 weeks to pop!

Stretch marks: So far, so good.

What I miss:  Sleep would be all right now.  She's not keeping me up.  I think I'm keeping myself up.  I just can't shut my mind off at night.

What I am looking forward to:  Returning to the 4d ultrasound.  I really hope she can cooperate this time to get better photos.  She was so stubborn and I was so mad.  I guess that's parenting.

Milestones:  Still waiting to see if I passed the 3 hour glucose test.  That would be a great milestone!

Here she is, complete with stuff in her face. She's cute though

Tomorrow

Tomorrow I get to see my baby again.  I'm excited and nervous all at the same time.  I nervous that 1) they will tell me she is a he.  Which is ok, but I've already worked so hard on the room.  And 2) that something is wrong with her.  I had a pretty scary dream last night that she wasn't ok.  I remember getting some type of blood vessel scan, and lead levels, and I was given all these pamphlets on how to raise a severely handicapped child. 

I was never so happy for the alarm to go off this morning. That dream followed the dream where I left her unattended on my desk at work and she rolled off and hurt her neck.  She did not die, but she was severely handicapped.  I think my job is getting into my dreams. 

But, I'm mostly excited.  Its been 8 weeks since we've seen her.  JJ will get to be there to see her "in person" for the first time.  He has talked about this all week.  I'm hoping she cooperates.  I know we will get to see something, but I just want it to be the best experience it can be.  I'll drink something sweet beforehand to get her going (although that proved unreliable the other day). 

We get 30 whole minutes with the ultrasound.  I can't wait to see fingers and toes.  To see her face, and nose.  Maybe some hair.  I want to know how she is laying.  (I have an idea, but I want some reassurance that I'm correct).  We should get a bunch of photos to take home with us.  I'll proudly show them off as soon as I can.

Hopefully tonight I can think happy things and have an exciting day tomorrow.

Argh!

I just survived the three hour glucose testing.  I arrived on time.  Ready to be stuck and drink the goo.  When researching doctor google I discovered that the 3 hour test has a higher level glucose drink.  I would still drink the 10 ounces, but it would be 100mg of glucose instead of 50.  And yes, it was like drinking two at one time. And yes, it was just as nasty as the first time.

I chugged that sucker as fast as I could.  I had 5 minutes, but I think it took 2.  I only stopped because I didn't want to gag, or spill it on my shirt.

Then I got to sit in the waiting room for an hour.  At least they had a tv and I brought the ipad.  I entertained myself while the sugar did its thing.  I could feel it.  Having been fasting since dinner time (ok dessert time) it wasn't pleasant to sit there while another pregnant woman down an egg bagel and a Starbucks. 

I also decided to do a little experiment of my own.  I brought along my glucose meter.  I knew that they would be drawing my blood and not be able to tell me anything until it was done at the lab.  I'm too impatient for that.  I checked my fasting level at home, 76.  Not to bad, just what one might expect.

I checked it again at the one hour mark.  198!  Yikes.  No wonder I wasn't feeling well.  I just thought it was scrolling through pinterest that was making my nauseous and dizzy.

I still had to sit and wait.  And people watch in the waiting room.  Lots of pregnant ladies coming in and out.  Some with fresh ultrasounds in there hands.  Some with their spouse.  Some were annoying as crap because they talked too loud and shouted questions at the tv.  (If you would pay attention dumbass you wouldn't have to ask it?!?!)  Some gave more than one of us a chuckle.  (These people have or want to reproduce!)

Hour 2 done.  This time my number was down to 125.  That's better, I guess.  More time with the ipad and words with friends (thanks mom!).  I'll never get off level 20 in Bubble Witch, but I tried my hardest.  I pinned a ton of crap to my pinterests boards.

Finally its hour 3.  My arms are sore, my head is sore, my back is sore.  Level is now just down to 120. Its time to leave the office and get some lunch. 

If Dr. Google was correct, you need to pass 2 out of the 3 hour marks, under 140.  So, technically, if my meter was correct, I should be ok.  But I won't know until they call.  Which probably won't be until Monday, or maybe I'll have to wait till Tuesday at my appointment to ask. 

Either way it doesn't look like I should have any lemonade this weekend!

She's my child

Abby gave me a bit of a scare today.  She wouldn't move.  She was very, very active yesterday morning.  But later into the night, when she's normally active she was quiet.  And then she was quiet this morning.  She normally moves a little while I'm getting ready, and then in the car ride to work.  This morning, nothing. 

So, I bought some OJ from the cafeteria and tried to see if that would arouse her.  Nope.  I laid down on the exam table.  Nothing.  At this point, I had to do some work, so I thought I would monitor it.  I didn't think I felt anything during that time, so I called the nurse.

She told me I could come right over.  Which is the one perk of working next to your doctors office.  The brought me back.  Had me pee in a cup (even though I had just gone, I didn't expect that!).  Took my weight and BP.  Then they took me back and hooked me up to a machine.

 

The nurse carefully wrapped these two blue sensors around my belly.  She turned the machine on.  Silence.  My BP is going up.  She moves the sensor around.  Still silence.  BP is getting higher now.  She moves it again, and voila, we have a heart beat!  This machine monitors the heart rate for twenty minutes.  I'm reclined and given the remote to the tv.  I'm also given a button to push each time I felt movement.

Of course, she moves right away and I feel like a dumbass.  She continues to move for the next twenty minutes.  The nurse periodically checks on me.  When we're done, we see the doctor and she says everything looks normal.  Its ok at this time if I don't feel movement regularly.  They say to start kick counts at 32 weeks.

Ha!  That's not what your book says.  Everything says start counting at 28 weeks.  Its better to be safe than sorry. At least the nurse was sympathetic.

So, Abby is ok.  She was either stubborn, lazy or just quiet. All of those she could have gotten from me.  And really Gene too.  That's the kind of people we are.  We have our moments.  I guess she had one of hers too.

Ahhh! 

Squash

I'm a day late, but yesterday was a holiday and I spent the day on the boat with the family and then taking a nice afternoon nap!

How far along: 29 weeks 1 day

How big is baby:  The size of a butternut squash.  When I saw it was squash this week, I had to remind myself that the little crooknecks we get out of our garden is not what its talking about.  Baby is now 2.5 pounds and 15 inches!

Total weight gain:  Plenty in the hips and thighs

Maternity clothes:  Yes please.  Things are getting kinds snug.  I still have 11 weeks to go, and a lot of growth left.

Sleep:  Two words, Tylenol PM.  That stuff works wonders.  I took some the other night because my back was killing me.  I had the most amazing sleep!  Heaven!

Best moment this week:  Watching the boys put the crib together.  JJ was so excited to help and see it come together.  He is really enjoying this.  I'm glad.

Gender: Girl!

Craving:  Still cereal.  And Sweets.  Although after failing the 1 hour glucose test, I probably shouldn't eat either of those.
Movement:  She's getting pretty active.  Its fun to feel her moving around.  It helps comfort me and lets me know that she's alright in there.

Labor Signs: None, yeah!

Belly Button in or out:  Still in, but stretching out.

Stretch marks: So far, so good.

What I miss:  Again, I really don't miss anything.  I'm so grateful to be at this point.  Every day is a blessing and an enjoyment (even the minor aches and pains).

What I am looking forward to:  The 3D ultrasound is this weekend.  I'm really hoping she cooperates.  I'm also really nervous that they will tell us that she is a he.  Although, the tech was very certain before.  We haven't seen her in almost 10 weeks, so it will be fun to see how much she's changed.  I also can't wait for JJ to see her.  He's going to love it.

Milestones:  I got a lot done in her room this weekend.  The crib and glider are assembled.  The crib skirt is in.  Curtains were hung.  I unpacked and loaded the diaper organizer.  Now I just need to wait till the shower (Oct 6) to finish loading up the room.