The 11th month of the 12th year

Its November.  Its finally baby's birth month.  No matter what, she will be born in November.  This makes me happy.  I'm an October Baby.  Along with half of my extended family.  For a period of two weeks, we have several birthdays, almost back to back. 

Deep down, the last thing I really wanted for Abby was to be clumped into that mix.  Sure its fun to celebrate with others, but your birthday should be the one time of year you don't have to share.  Lucky for Abby, there are no other November birthdays in the family.

She will be the first and she can be queen of the castle on her special day.

Which day she chooses are her special day in the 11th month of the 12th year is still unknown.  I'm ready for any day.  Pick your number Abby!

No news

No news is not good news.  Today's appointment was disappointing.  I really don't know more than I already did an hour ago.  No internal check, no discussion of labor inducing procedures, nada. 

What a difference a day can make.  Yesterday I said I wasn't ready.  But after being totally uncomfortable last night, I think I am.  She's got no room in there.  I've got no room to move around.  I'm achy and crampy all the time.  I'm tired and cranky.  I could cry at the drop of, well anything.  Just the thought of three more weeks is agony.

I know its all for the best. 

We just continue to impatiently wait.

Are you ready?

I've been asked this question a million times lately.  I'm never sure how to answer it.

Yes, her room is ready.  Yes, I have everything I think I need.  So I guess, yes I'm ready.

Physically, my back aches, my ribs are tired of being kicked, these cramps are getting annoying, so I guess, Yes, I'm ready.

Emotionally though, I don't think I'm ready at all.  I feel like I do during the holidays.  Happy, go-lucky, just enjoying the magical time.  But I know as soon as it comes and its over.... blah!  The excitement is over and its back to real life.  Although I know in this situation, life will never be the same.  I guess I'm already preparing myself for the let down, which is horrible!  I need to tell myself that life is going to get better and a little miracle is coming into our lives.

Holy Shit... a real child is going to be in our lives!  I'm petrified of caring for a child.  I'm so not ready for her to come yet.

I'm also hoping this will last as long as possible because this might be it.  This might be the only chance I get to do this and I want to savor every minute of it.  Just like not wanting to take my wedding dress off because I knew I would never wear one again.  But, eventually I had to. 

Eventually this baby will have to come out.  I'm excited to finally meet the little wiggle worm and see what she looks like.  Its like I've been staring at the big package under the tree for weeks and its finally time to open it.  I know what's inside will bring me hours of joy, but I've already grown to love the hours of joy in the anticipation.  Will one be just as good as the other? 

I guess we just have to wait and see.

Winter Melon

How far along: 37 weeks.... full term!

How big is baby:  18.9-20.9 inches, 6.2-9.2 lb-  lets hope on the side of 6.2 pounds!
Total weight gain:  Enough... plenty enough!

Maternity clothes:  Its gotten colder here.  Its harder to find things for an entire work week.  I've got three long sleeve shirts.  Thankfully I have a ton of cardi's and I can just layer up
Sleep:  Not so much anymore.  Between the heartburn and the aches and pains, its not very comfortable.

Best moment this week:  Learning that baby girl was head down!  I had a hunch, based upon my reoccurring pelvic pain, but it was nice to know she's turned herself and she's locked and loaded!
Gender: Girl, GIRL, GIRL!!!!!

Craving:  I'm back to beer.  Soon... I can wait.  I've made it this long.
Movement:  She's been playful this week.  I can clearly feel where her body parts are.  Its fun to poke at her feet and feel them move.  Or pat her back and feel her squirm.  I think she'll be a cuddler when she comes out.

Labor Signs:  I think I had my first real contractions Saturday night.  I was crampy enough that it woke me up, and my back was also killing me.  I could feel my belly tense up, but nothing was rhythmic and it faded away enough for me to go back to sleep.  I haven't felt anymore since then.  I'm eager to see what tomorrow's appointment brings.

Belly Button in or out:  Its in.  I certainly hope I don't get any bigger for it to stretch out.

Stretch marks: None! yippee!

What I am looking forward to: Tomorrow's appointment.  I was disappointed last week that there wasn't any progress.  I'm hoping for a little more this time.  Although I would really like her to wait till November to get here, but that's Thursday!

Milestones: I finally got all my shower Thank You's written!  However, they are still on the bar waiting to go in the mail!  But they are written, sealed, and stamped!

Burn Baby Burn

If the old wives tale is true, then Abby is gonna have a whole head full of beautiful hair because the constant heartburn is killing me!

Morning, noon, and night.  It seems like it always there.  And it always happens when I don't have easy access to the tums. 

I don't like feeling like my throat is on fire.  Night time is the worst.  Thankfully (knock on wood) it doesn't keep me up at night, but I certainly notice it while I am awake a night (thank you baby laying on bladder).

I've found a few things that contribute to it.  It took me a while to figure out the greek yogurt did it.  But tomato products also do it.  Like the big bowl of tomato soup I ate last night.  That was not smart, and I won't do that one again!

I can't wait to see all this beautiful baby hair!

Patiently waiting

Today started weekly check ups.  Something I wish I could have done from the beginning.  You know, being the worry wart that I am, its comforting to have an experts opinion.

So far I'm not doing anything.  Cervix is softening, but not doing much else.  Abby has flipped to head down.  Yeah!  I already knew that though.  Given the pressure that's back on my pelvis, I knew something was up.  Getting out of bed usually results in a few pain straining moments as I try to hoist myself up and out. 

7 days till another check.  In the mean time we just wait.  All is ready and set to go.  I'm paying attention to all the signs (probably too much, but that's nothing new!).  I've had a few heavier cramps, but nothing "rhythmic". 

For now we are just patiently waiting!

Honey Dew

How far along: 36 weeks

How big is baby:  17.2-18.7 inches, 4.2-5.8 lb.

Total weight gain:  Who knows!  Its gonna be a lot more if I keep eating those M&M's in my desk!

Maternity clothes:  Everything is snug.  Even shirts.  Its strange to think how baggy things were a few weeks ago.

Sleep:  I'm trying to get all I can.  Its uncomfortable.  Its hard to roll over.  It also hurts to roll over, everywhere.  Mostly my back and crotch!
Best moment this week:  My birthday was last week.  I got my first Happy Birthday Mom card!

Gender: Girl, GIRL, GIRL!!!!!

Craving:  Right now, those M&M's in my desk.  I could eat the entire bag (and its the big bag!)

Movement: She's still moving around in there.  She's still got her personal space issues.  If I lay on my left side, she will poke or kick at me.  I guess she doesn't like that.

Labor Signs:  I think my braxton hicks have increased.  I'm not sure if its that or she is pushing on me.  I've also started to feel crampy again.  I haven't noticed any rhythm to anything, but I'm paying attention.

Belly Button in or out:  Its in, and I think it will stay that way.

Stretch marks: None! yippee!

What I am looking forward to: My first internal check is tomorrow.  I'm excited to see if there is any progress.  Although I want her to cook as long as possible.  I will enjoy these weekly check ups!

Milestones: The hospital bag is packed and in the car.  I guess that means I'm ready?!?!