32 weeks & Childbirth Preparation

Yesterday was my 32-week check up. No new news. I'm still measuring big, but we all know it's because I have a big baby. I asked the doctor how accurate the ultrasound estimate is: she said it can be 20% off in either direction. It gets more inaccurate the further along I am in my pregnancy. So, I'm just hoping that he's going to be a deliverable weight later next month. Next ultrasound is in 4 weeks.

Speaking of delivery, Evan & I had our first of 6 childbirth preparation classes on Monday. We saw a few videos which we handled with no problem. The guy next to me on the other hand, whose name was Rocky, couldn't bear to watch. ha. Anyway, the main points were the importance of relaxation and the importance of letting my body do what it knows to do. We did some breathing exercises and Evan even got a back rub when we had to show our coaches the rubs we enjoy. Of course, he liked that!

We have 5 more sessions, 1 of which is the tour of the birthing facility at the hospital. I'm fortunate that the hospital I'm delivering at has a brand new facility, so I know it will be very nice.

Well, my first baby shower is this weekend. Though I'm not a fan of being the center of attention, it will be fun to finally get started preparing for the baby's arrival. I still need to make room for all the things we'll be receiving, but I'm excited. We still need to buy the crib mattress, but otherwise the nursery will be on it's way to being complete.

It's been crazy hot and humid here, almost unbearable. Thank goodness for air conditioning! Though, I haven't been able to go on walks in the evening due to the heat. Hopefully it will cool off soon?

Our little guy...or should I say big guy?

Today was my ultrasound to make sure everything is ok with our little one. I was measuring a little big at my last appointment (as you may remember) so I was anxious to see what's going on.

Our guy is healthy in every way. Everything looked good: his heart, bones, brain, bloodflow to all the important areas, etc. All the measurements were normal...and then she measured his belly. Her question to me was if I passed my glucose test. I said "yes" and knew the reason she was asking was because he is a big boy.

Then she asked if I've been eating a lot of carbs. To which I replied "yes". I can't seem to avoid those darn carbs (anything containing sugar or flour). She suggested less carbs, more protein. yippee.

So I was brave enough to ask: "So, how much does he currently weigh?" Keep in mind, his daddy weighed 9lbs. 9oz. when he was born (yikes!) and I'm hoping my 7lbs. 4 oz. would even it out. Anyway, the technician replied: He weighs 4lbs. 14 oz. That's right, at 31 weeks my boy weighs nearly 5lbs already. Yikes (again)! He's about 2 weeks ahead of where he should be.

So, I'm going back for another ultrasound in 5 weeks to make sure he's not getting too big for me to deliver. I'm getting the feeling that he's going to be making his appearance earlier than his Sept. 29 due date.

Well, here's a couple shots of our munchkin: his foot and his face (his eyes are open!) Enjoy!

Another ultrasound coming soon!

Yesterday was my 30 week check-up. For once I didn't gain any weight! Granted, it had only been 2 weeks since my last visit, but since my gaining seemed so rapid before, it was a welcome change.

The Dr. measured my belly as usual and I asked if I get to have another ultrasound (just anxious to see the little guy again). She said that I could go ahead and schedule another ultrasound because I'm measuring a little big. Apparently I'm measuring 33 weeks when I'm only 30 weeks. She didn't seem at all concerned, so I guess I shouldn't be either.

After doing a little research on the internet, I'm finding that not only are those measurements somewhat inaccurate, there are so many factors that can play into it. The baby could have been positioned funny yesterday, I could have a little extra amniotic fluid, etc.

So anyway, I'm still doing great (blood pressure is still excellent) and have scheduled another ultrasound for July 30. Hopefully I will be able to post some really cool 3D images!!

Another check-up

Well, today was my 28-week check up. Again, my weight has taken another significant jump. The doctor and myself can't quite figure it out. My blood pressure is excellent, I'm not completely swollen, my belly measurements are normal, and my glucose test was normal. So, I'm just going to keep trying to cut out extras where I can and hope for the best. I'm sure the multiple helpings of homemade ice cream this past weekend at my parents' house didn't help the cause, but it just tasted so darn good!

My appointments will be every 2 weeks from now until 36 weeks. I also am to start doing "kick counts". This involves counting the baby's movements within an hour. Once I've counted six movements, I can stop. This shouldn't be a problem as it seems he is growing more active each day. It's interesting to watch my belly contort as he gets comfy. I'm getting more anxious to meet this little guy!

In other happenings, we are going camping for one night this weekend in Columbus with our church group. This should be interesting. I wasn't born a camper, but I try to be a good sport. This time, I'm pregnant and use the restroom quite a bit. So, finding my way in the dark to the facilities could be fun. We're taking our double-high inflatable mattress with plenty of pillows (which are important these days) to make my one night of "roughing-it" somewhat tolerable. The forecast is saying mid to upper 70s which makes me happy. This 94 degree weather does not work well for me.

OK, that's my news for now. Glad you liked the coconut poofs, Kris. We wouldn't steer you wrong!

Below is a photo taken at the beginning of my 27th week of pregnancy.

I passed!

Well, after not hearing from my doctor's office all last week, I thought I better call to see if the results of my glucose screening had come in. I was hopeful that no news was good news. Sure enough, my results we normal! No 3-hour glucose test necessary (3 blood draws would put me over the edge).

Feels good to be normal! Oh, I thought everyone might enjoy the beginning of the clip from Tommy Boy when Tommy passes his test with a D+. I thought of this immediately when I passed my glucose test.

Interesting start to the week

We're off to a great start this morning. At about 5:45 am I looked out the window to see we had been vandalized overnight. The side of our white garage had been spraypainted with graffiti. I'm guessing it was a few satanic symbols with the motto of some wannabe gang members. Who knows. Oh, and 1 of our landscaping lights was also stolen. Last summer 3 lights were stolen in one night. Guess these kids weren't as brave this summer and only took 1.

Anyway, the police officer was at our house by 6:05am and he took photos and even measured a footprint I saw in our garden (smashing a lettuce plant).

The guy that lives across the street had an old white van parked in his driveway. It got the same graffiti as our garage. Also, Saturday night, the elderly people across the street got eggs and a can of Coke thrown on their house. Apparently our relatively quiet section of the street has become a new target. Hopefully the police will see that they need to patrol our area every hour during the night.

Maybe I'll try to snap a photo of the damage tonight, but I have other things I need to do. We'll see.

Hope everyone else's Monday is off to a better start than ours!!

Tipping the scales

Well, yesterday was my 24-week check up at the doctor. I knew I had gained another 7lbs. (was hoping for 4) and the scales confirmed it. I have now gained a total of 22 lbs. Evan says I weigh as much as him now (thanks Evan!). I am frustrated because I have been drinking water, eating salads and fruit, going on walks, choosing low-sodium and low-sugar options of foods. I let myself have treats, of course, and the dr. said that I definitely should. I'm pregnant after all!
So, she gave me a diet plan if I want to try to be even more careful. I'm thinking it may be all about portion control. Hopefully my 28-week weight won't be as much.

I also have to get the glucose screening done. I plan on doing this on Saturday to get it over with. I don't like getting blood drawn, so the quicker the better. This tests for gestational diabetes and involves drinking a very sweet orange drink before getting your blood drawn. Should take an hour they said. Fun! Let's pray that everything is fine, because I don't want to have to go back for the more extensive blood work or have to go on a strict diet.