We're home!

Just wanted to let you all know that we made it home this afternoon and we're getting settled in. My goal is to have a birth story written sometime this week, so hopefully look for that soon. I'm on my own for child care this week, though, since The Husband returns to work tomorrow (he didn't have vacation time because of the new job, but he should get to take some time off in February and/or March), so it may take a few days to write.

I'll say that overall things went really well. I wouldn't call it easy, but I had a good delivery. I got the epidural (the IV was worse than that!), I pushed for 30 minutes, and I ended up with no episiotomy, just one first-degree tear, and NO STITCHES. Hooray! I'll fill in the gaps later this week. :) In the meantime, I'm sure I'll do brief updates, so I'll still be around.

Welcome, BabyB!

BabyB was born at 9:09 p.m. EST on January 27, 2007. She weighs 6 pounds, 11 ounces, and is 19 inches long. (Flat on her back, I reckon she's maybe 4 or 5 inches "tall".) Mom & baby are both doing great, though I've been sent out to retrieve some tasty treats, and spread the word.

- The Husband

Heading out soon

I think we're heading to the hospital soon. I rechecked my doctor's instructions, and if it's the weekend, we're supposed to go straight to labor and delivery instead of calling first if we think I'm in labor. My contractions are three to four minutes apart and getting more painful, plus I'm thinking my water is leaking. If it turns out we're sent home, then I'll update and let you all know...otherwise, I guess the next post will be with Baby B in this world!

A rumbling of the earthquake to come

(Warning: TMI in post)

It's quite possible that I'm currently in the beginning stages of labor.

Or, it could be a false alarm.

Last night after dinner, I had some diarrhea. I didn't automatically think, "It's the start of labor!" but I did take note of it since it's unusual for me. Around 11 p.m., I started getting what feels exactly like moderately strong menstrual cramps, mostly in my lower back but also around the front a little, as well. I've read this is how labor starts in most cases, so of course that put me on alert since I've (thankfully) not had any form of cramping during this pregnancy. Around that same time, I noticed some bloody show on my pantyliner, again an usual occurrence since I haven't had spotting except for immediately after my recent internals. My last internal was on Wednesday, so this was not left from that, and there has been no other irritation to the cervix that would be the cause of the spotting.

I went to bed around midnight last night and didn't sleep well at all, partly because of the constant menstrual-like cramping, partly because of being anxious, and partly from excitement. I'm still a little in denial that this is the real thing, but I'm sort of making myself assume it is so I can better prepare myself mentally. This morning, the cramping has morphed into what seems like are occassional contractions, but nothing yet with the frequency, strength, or regularity that I need to call the doctor about quite yet. (Don't worry, I won't hesitate when it's time. I have no designs of having this baby at home.) I had to get up this morning to take The Dog to get groomed, and we don't have to pick him up until this afternoon, so I'm going to go back to bed as soon as I finish this so I can rest up as much as possible in case this is the real thing (especially since I didn't get much rest last night).

We're scheduled to attend an open house this afternoon at a new daycare that's opening right by my work. Think if I go there in labor they'll feel sorry for me and give us a spot when we need it? :) I do hope we can attend the open house, but if not, then all we have to do is call them to schedule a tour at a better time. Believe me, I'm not going to drag myself over there if I'm not feeling up to it.

So, this could be the start of it. Or it could be nothing and we're still days/weeks away. A January baby, perhaps? We'll know before long. I'll try my best to make a quick post if we end up going to the hospital, but I can't guarantee it.

Back to bed I go!

A third look at humility (aka: A Tribute)

So, here's the story of how Serenity and I know each other. It's quite the interesting tale, and one that sometimes I can't believe myself.

Back when trying to conceive after the miscarriage, I frequented a message board that dealt with this and many other baby-related topics. I rarely posted anything myself unless in response to another post (generally just about miscarriages), but I absorbed everything I could from reading about other people's experiences. During one cycle almost exactly a year ago, I made a rare post on the message board (essentially a light post laughing at myself for taking a cheapie pregnancy test at 7 days past ovulation, knowing full well that was WAY too early to get a positive result), and Serenity was one of the two or three people who responded to the post. However, in her response, she said she thought she knew who I was because part of my screen name tipped her off, then she looked at my profile and saw pictures and definitely recognized--get this--The Husband! It turns out that she and The Husband hung out in the same circle of friends when they were in high school in New York (we currently live in Kentucky, and she currently lives in Massachusetts). To encounter a close friend from my husband's past like that just baffles my mind!

So, needless to say, I was pretty stunned. That night, I told The Husband about who I'd "run into" online, and he said, "Oh yeah? She's pretty cool." (What an understatement, I've learned!) We exchanged e-mail addresses and began to e-mail and instant message back and forth. We immediately clicked, discovering that we had a lot of things in common, yet there were enough differences to make conversations fun and engaging. She and her husband were also trying for their first child, having just passed the one-year anniversary of trying without any luck and having undergone several diagnostic procedures to determine that there were some obstacles that existed and needed to be overcome. Even though you can't possibly compare infertility like she's experienced and a miscarriage like I experienced, we both found solace in each other for having a tougher road to children than we'd expected to endure. We quickly became a support system for each other--and one that I can't imagine having gone without during the past year.

Even though Serenity and her husband still are trying for their first child after a fresh IVF cycle, three frozen IVF cycles, and a surgery for each of them just in the time I've known her, she has still been supportive once I saw that second pink line--and has been that way all throughout my pregnancy. I know she is happy for me and The Husband, but I also know that it must be very difficult for her to deal with sometimes, especially on those days when she feels like she's surrounded by pregnant people but hasn't been able to have a child of her own quite yet. This is a courageous, driven woman who pushes forward no matter what the obstacle, so this should not surprise me that she's so supportive. It's who she is.

I've not initiated talk of my pregnancy that much with Serenity in an effort to be sensitive to the struggle she still deals with daily. It's not that I keep her out of the loop and refuse to talk about it, but I've taken her cues and let her talk about it as much as she's comfortable with. Some days it's more than other days, and that's perfectly fine with me. Plus, she knows about this blog, so if she wants to read all about it, she knows she can come here to catch up, but if she needs a break from hearing about the details, then all she has to do is not point her browser this way. My pregnancy aside, we really have so many other great things to talk about, and that's not the only thing going on in my life, so it's not like we're ignoring the big elephant in the middle of the room by sometimes not mentioning my baby. It's a big part of my life, but it's not the only part of it.

The support I've received from Serenity has been amazing. And I've continued to support her during her journey to have a child. I might not understand firsthand what she's been through and what she faces in the future, but I can say that I have learned so much--both about reproductive technology and about what strength truly means--from her. The fact that she's been so supportive during my pregnancy while not yet being able to achieve her own has been humbling enough. But it gets even better.

This amazing woman is in the process of making plans to come to Kentucky to visit me, The Husband, and Baby B once she is born, probably sometime in March after her busy time of year at work has passed. I know she and The Husband go way back, so they're not strangers, and I know that she and I have gotten to know each other very well during the past year, but for her to be so eager to come down here and meet me and our baby--in the midst of her difficulties--I can't express what that means to me. To witness such selflessness is most humbling of all.

Humility, the sequel

Several of the co-workers in my department took me out for a luncheon/shower yesterday, and I am so touched by this. The service at the restaurant was probably the worst I've ever had (it shouldn't take 45 minutes for a group of 10 to get their drinks, then another 30 minutes for us to get our soup and salads, but at least we all got our meals free and will be getting multiple free entree coupons soon), but I tried to look at the bigger picture and not let that taint the experience.

My former supervisor was there as a surprise, and she got us a couple of the remaining things on our registry--in addition to a bag of coffee to help keep us awake during the night if we need it! :) My co-workers pooled their money and bought us a ton of little newborn toys (which we'd held off buying since I know a lot of people like to buy that kind of thing) in addition to a $100 gift card to Target for us to buy all those little things we may have forgotten to buy beforehand. I'm really overwhelmed with how much we got from them. I was also really touched reading the messages in the card they got me...such sweet, supportive things!

And it meant even more to me looking around the table at lunch and realizing that besides me, only one other person is married. Not implying, of course, that single people aren't thoughtful and giving, but they just might not be able to personally relate to what a big deal this is. So, even though I've complained about my co-workers in recent weeks, they really came through on this.

No progress

I went this afternoon for my 38-week appointment, and things look no different than they were last week. Still 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I still have not dropped, either (and I'm starting to wonder if she's pushing higher instead of lower each day!).

The doctor brought up the subject of when he would induce me and under what circumstances. I'm pretty anti-induction, and I was glad to hear he feels the same way in general. He said he believes that inductions tend to lead to a greater chance of a c-section, and he wants to avoid that if possible. (Me, too, Doc!) So, he said he'll let me go about half a week past my due date and then will start doing tests on the baby to make sure she's still doing okay. I'll have tests run twice a week, and after about 1 1/2 to 2 weeks past my due date, he'll talk about induction again--unless of course either the baby or I are at risk health-wise before that point, then it'll become more of a necessity. Hopefully it won't come to an induction, but it's nice to have a timeline in place in case I do go late.

A lesson in humility

In a way, I don't even know how to start this post, because I feel like I don't have the proper words to express my surprise and gratitude.

First of all, The Husband and I have been fortunate to have so many generous friends and family, and we've loved every gift we've received from them for Baby B. I do not take that for granted at all.

But I think what makes me truly speechless is the fact that we've had several people that we've known just peripherally who have given us gifts that we never expected. My mom's best friend from high school (whom I've never met, by the way), made a beautiful baby quilt for our girl. A part-time co-worker of mine gave us a Mother Goose book and a cute outfit, then another part-time co-worker brought me a cute album for pictures today. (Both of these co-workers are people that I'm friendly with, but I just don't talk to them very often.) The wife of one of my supervisors crocheted a gorgeous afghan for us that she sent to the office yesterday--and I've only met her a few times (she came in to work for me as an extra proofreader on one of our busiest days of the year back in November).

The fact that these people, who are not among our closest friends, thought of us during this time and in some cases spent long hours making these things for us--I just really can't put into words how much that means. A thank-you note seems like too little for such gifts of kindness and love.

Uncomfortable (but not miserable) at 38 weeks

I've definitely gotten more of a belly in the past week (though still have been getting comments that I don't look as far along as I am...which I don't think I'll ever get tired of), and thus I've become way more uncomfortable during that time. Mind you, I wouldn't consider myself miserable, and I'm trying to keep in mind that most people at this point are just ready for pregnancy to be over with because they're so miserable. I'm really pretty patient and calm at this point and, as of right now, I'm fine if this baby doesn't come before my due date. (Give it another week and I may be singing a different tune!)

Some of the things that have been more difficult or uncomfortable lately include (in no particular order):

*putting on shoes and socks
*leaning over the bathroom sink when brushing my teeth
*getting into and especially out of the bathtub
*drying my feet when I get out of the shower
*shaving my legs
*switching which side I'm laying on in bed
*getting out of bed
*going up stairs
*sitting up on the exam table at the doctor's office (he always has to give me a hand)
*turning my upper body to look behind me when I'm driving
*putting on my seat belt
*getting out of the car
*getting into a two-door car (since the seats tend to be lower)
*zipping up my coat (though it still does zip)
*bending over to pick up anything on the floor (or doing things like putting food in The Dog's food dish)
*sitting up straight or leaning forward, especially at work (I still have feet stuck in my ribs)

Weight loss/gain:
3w5d starting weight
5w (-1.2 pounds)
6w (-3 pounds, -4.2 pounds total)
7w (-2.4 pounds, -6.6 pounds total)
8w (-1 pound, -7.6 pounds total)
9w (-2 pounds, -9.6 pounds total)
10w (-2.6 pounds, -12.2 pounds total)
11w (+1 pound, -11.2 pounds total)
12w (+3.6 pounds, -7.6 pounds total)
13w (+1.0 pound, -6.6 pounds total)
14w (+1.2 pounds, -5.4 pounds total)
15w (+3.4 pounds, -2 pounds total)
16w (+2.0 pounds, no change total)
17w (+2.0 pounds, +2.0 pounds total)
18w1d (+2.0 pounds, +4.0 pounds total)
19w (-1.0 pound, +3.0 pounds total)
20w (-0.4 pounds, +2.6 pounds total)
21w (+1.4 pounds, +4.0 pounds total)
22w (-0.4 pounds, +3.6 pounds total)
23w (+3.4 pounds, +7.0 pounds total)
24w (+0.8 pounds, +7.8 pounds total)
25w (+0.0 pounds, +7.8 pounds total)
26w (+4.2 pounds, +12.0 pounds total)
27w (-1.0 pounds, +11.0 pounds total)
28w (+3.6 pounds, +14.6 pounds total)
29w (-0.6 pounds, +14 pounds total)
30w (+1.8 pounds, +15.8 pounds total)
31w (+2.0 pounds, +17.8 pounds total)
32w1d (+0.6 pounds, +18.4 pounds total)
33w (-0.2 pounds, +18.2 pounds total)
34w (+2.4 pounds, +20.6 pounds total)
35w (+1.6 pounds, +22.2 pounds total)
36w (-0.6 pounds, +21.6 pounds total)
37w (+0.6 pounds, +22.2 pounds total)
38w (+3.8 pounds, +26 pounds total)

Still in a delicate way

Yet another Monday that I have to work, and we're swamped on deadline, so I can't make a full post today. I know I'm at the point that people are going to start to wonder about me if I haven't made an appearance in a couple of days, so I wanted to post real quick and confirm that I'm still here.

It's raining, it's pouring

I had my shower yesterday afternoon, and it was a lot of fun! There are so many close friends I have who live out of town who just weren't able to make it (understandably), but having them there is the only thing that would have made it better. :) Plus I was left with all the food leftovers--including a chocolate cheesecake that puts most other cheesecakes to shame.

I don't work today (I'm off today and have to work tomorrow instead), so I'll spend the day washing baby stuff, putting things away, and working on my thank-you notes (which I've been good about keeping up with since I don't want to get behind on it then forget later once a baby arrives and things get more hectic).

Not much else to report. I've got a definite waddle at times (usually after sitting or lying down for a while) and my lower back aches quite a bit. But overall, I do feel pretty good, so I feel thankful for that. Next appointment is Wednesday afternoon.

Work woes

I really don't feel like elaborating (nor do I have the time)--it's the same ol', same ol' anyway--but I'm tired of work and I'm tired of my work's human resources department. These are all stresses that I don't need right now, but everyone seems to be getting great pleasure from piling it on.

I am not impressed.

Appointment update

*Negative for group B strep

*Measuring at 38 weeks (first time I've measured off from my actual date)

*1 centimeter dilated

*50% effaced

*Definitely head down

Next appointment: January 24 at 38w1d

The other side of things

This blog has been my primary outlet for complaining/venting about various things, chief among them various pregnancy symptoms and discomforts. So, I just wanted to take today to remind myself of all those things* that I'm thankful I have NOT had to deal with:

*acne
*swelling
*gas
*unexplained spotting
*round ligament pain
*stretching/cramping
*varicose veins
*hemorrhoids
*sciatic nerve pain
*unsolicited advice (well, there's been some, but not like I expected)
*unsolicited belly touches (I've just had it happen from one person)

*To the Universe: I know that by listing these things here, it may tempt your good friend Fate to bite me in the butt and hit me with all of these things at once. I would appreciate it if you could step in and not let that happen.

Full term at 37 weeks

Well, as of today, I'm considered to be at full term, so there's something reassuring--even if it's just a mental thing--about that. I'm still feeling pretty good overall, and I consider myself very fortunate to feel this good late in pregnancy when I know a lot of women become completely miserable. I've got my occasional complaints, sure, but since I really had it pretty bad in the beginning, I'm trying to appreciate the fact that things are pretty good now.

My 37-week appointment isn't until tomorrow afternoon, so I'll update after then.

Weight loss/gain:
3w5d starting weight
5w (-1.2 pounds)
6w (-3 pounds, -4.2 pounds total)
7w (-2.4 pounds, -6.6 pounds total)
8w (-1 pound, -7.6 pounds total)
9w (-2 pounds, -9.6 pounds total)
10w (-2.6 pounds, -12.2 pounds total)
11w (+1 pound, -11.2 pounds total)
12w (+3.6 pounds, -7.6 pounds total)
13w (+1.0 pound, -6.6 pounds total)
14w (+1.2 pounds, -5.4 pounds total)
15w (+3.4 pounds, -2 pounds total)
16w (+2.0 pounds, no change total)
17w (+2.0 pounds, +2.0 pounds total)
18w1d (+2.0 pounds, +4.0 pounds total)
19w (-1.0 pound, +3.0 pounds total)
20w (-0.4 pounds, +2.6 pounds total)
21w (+1.4 pounds, +4.0 pounds total)
22w (-0.4 pounds, +3.6 pounds total)
23w (+3.4 pounds, +7.0 pounds total)
24w (+0.8 pounds, +7.8 pounds total)
25w (+0.0 pounds, +7.8 pounds total)
26w (+4.2 pounds, +12.0 pounds total)
27w (-1.0 pounds, +11.0 pounds total)
28w (+3.6 pounds, +14.6 pounds total)
29w (-0.6 pounds, +14 pounds total)
30w (+1.8 pounds, +15.8 pounds total)
31w (+2.0 pounds, +17.8 pounds total)
32w1d (+0.6 pounds, +18.4 pounds total)
33w (-0.2 pounds, +18.2 pounds total)
34w (+2.4 pounds, +20.6 pounds total)
35w (+1.6 pounds, +22.2 pounds total)
36w (-0.6 pounds, +21.6 pounds total)
37w (+0.6 pounds, +22.2 pounds total)

A collection of news and notes

*My tummy finally got hard over the weekend, which makes it even more difficult for me to sit in my chair at work and lean over like I need to in order to read my magazine pages. I try to sit back as much as I can, but I can't always do that.

*Baby B is lying mostly on my right side, enough that I can tell it's lumpier and harder over there and not as much on my left side. It's not uneven enough for others to notice, really, but I certainly do.

*We saw some of The Husband's friends this weekend, and they said that I looked good and they'd never guess that I was less than a month from my due date. I have to admit: I love that I don't look as far along as I am.

*The Husband's dad very generously offered to buy most of what was left on our registry (not a ton of stuff, but more than I expected they would do) since they wanted to buy us a rocker/glider, but we just don't have the room for it. I love that they did that, but now I'm having to add a few more items to the registry because my shower isn't until this weekend! (I know a lot of people don't buy from the registry anyway, but I want there to be options just in case.)

*Most of the people in my department are men, and I've been very touched that several of them have asked me general questions about how I'm doing, when my leave starts, etc., over the past few days.

*I am so not motivated to do anything at work. And some of the crap that I've had to deal with lately there hasn't help on that front.

Still here

I probably won't be able to make a full post until later tonight because I have to work today (I don't usually work Mondays) and we have a deadline, but I didn't want a three-day absence to make you wonder if I was in the hospital. I'm still here, and all is well. Will post more later!

My long-overdue thank you

To my wonderful husband,

How can I possibly thank you for everything you've done during the past eight months or so? I know I don't say it nearly enough, but I really do appreciate all the things you've done for me in order to help make things easier during what hasn't necessarily been the easiest pregnancy at times.

You've taken over most of the cooking and kitchen-cleaning duties, especially when I was so sick, and that has really helped me out.

You took such good care of me during my morning sickness stage, running out to get me those home remedies that never really worked, taking the dog for a walk by yourself when I didn't feel like going with you all, and just lying next to me and rubbing my hands when I needed company but didn't feel like doing anything other than lying down.

All of the massages you've given me have made me so much more comfortable. And the fact that sometimes you just offer out of the blue makes it even more special.

You've listened to me complain about many things along the way, from work issues to various aches and pains, without making me feel like my complaints are invalid.

You've always enthusiastically answered "Yes, baby!" whenever I've come out sporting a maternity outfit and subsequently asked you, "Am I cute enough?"

You've put up with my occasional mood swings like a champ.

Your excitement, which you sometimes seem to show even more than I do, is contagious and so endearing and has helped me get even more excited about what's to come.

You've always been so excited to listen to the heartbeat with the doppler, or to put your hand to my belly when I'm feeling some kicks. The look on your face during these times has been precious. I'll never be able to capture that look on film, but it's something that's burned forever in my memory.

You didn't let your stress show when you were out of work and we weren't sure how long it would take you to find a job, and I know that's because you didn't want to stress me out.

You didn't even complain recently when I asked you to paint my toenails since I couldn't easily reach them.

In short, I love you more than I could possibly write here. Thank you so much for all of the above and more. You're going to be a fantastic father.

-Your loving wife

Getting some practice in

I think I had some form of contractions last night, but it wasn't anything real. It happened during that time when I'd just gotten to sleep, and The Husband was lying next to me reading. I remember getting very sharp pains at the top of my uterus for about 5 seconds at a time, and they were about every 30 seconds maybe (though, my sense of time may be off since I was mostly asleep). It's hard to explain, but when I felt it, I just KNEW that's what a real contraction must feel like...it's definitely different than the Braxton-Hicks contractions that are just tight and not painful. Now, I don't know if what I had last night really feels even close to what real contractions will feel like (I'll know soon enough to compare), but like I said, that's just what I envision it feeling like. Of course they weren't "real" because of how short they were and how close they were, but still worth noting here since it's the first time I've had something like that. I asked The Husband this morning if he remembered me making noises as though I were in pain when he was reading, because I definitely remember moaning a little when I'd feel it, and sure enough he said yes. So, I'm pretty sure I wasn't dreaming the whole thing!

I didn't see this coming

Some days I really wish I could go back to bed, crawl underneath the covers, and not come out for days. Today has been one of those days.

So, I found out today that my company has decided to switch health care plans. Well, not just health care plans, but health care providers altogether.

Effective date: February 1.

I'm sure I don't have to remind you that I'm due February 6.

NOT what I wanted to have to deal with during my last few weeks.

Enrollment isn't until next week, but obviously I have some concerns about this, so I was put in touch with our insurance broker to answer my questions. I only talked to her for about five minutes because she said she was between meetings, but she seems to think this is not going to be a problem for me. Of course, if everything happens in January or everything happens in February, then things should go relatively smoothly (aside from having to pay both my re-set 2007 deductible for my old plan and the new deductible for the new plan).

But does anyone want to place money on me having the baby on January 31, then staying in the hospital into the next month when the plan switches? Can't you see it happening, just because that'd be the biggest headache? I can just imagine the battle between insurance companies, with each of them saying, "No, we're not covering that."

I know I'm not the first person to have this happen, but it's just not something I envisioned having to deal with at this stage. And this doesn't even get into what the maternity coverage will be on the new plan, which I didn't have a chance to ask before the insurance broker had to get off the phone. I'll find out next week at enrollment. Our current plan covers 90% and we're responsible for 10%, which is better than it was on our previous plan that was 80/20. I have no idea what the new plan will be, but I'm not getting my hopes up that it'll still be 90/10 (or dare I dream 100%?) and am trying to prepare myself for it to be something worse. I mean, why would my company start looking out for me now?

At least my OB and the pediatrician group we chose are covered under the new plan, from what I can tell. That's something, I guess.

Ready (I think) at 36 weeks

The car seat has been installed, the pack 'n play has been assembled, the clothes and towels have been washed in fragrance- and dye-free detergent, the mini co-sleeper has been put together, the hospital bag has been packed, the baby book has been purchased, and we're headed to our final hospital class (newborn care) tonight. There are several other small things here and there that still need to be done (mostly things like get my hair cut), but I think I can confidently say that if I popped out this baby in an hour, we'd be ready at home. Whether we're ready in the parenting sense is something we'll find out soon enough, but I suspect we'll be just fine.

Now that pregnancy is in the waning stages, we're finally to the point of reading some books about parenting (oh yeah, that thing that happens after all the pain and stuff), including The Happiest Baby on the Block, which I've heard nothing but good things about. I think our general approach (especially at first) is arming ourselves with some knowledge from the beginning, but remaining flexible as far as how to deal with certain things since most babies aren't textbook babies. We are fortunate that there is a wealth of information available out there nowadays, and I don't think we're afraid to use those resources in order to raise our child. It's not the end of the world and I'm not a failure as a mother if I don't instinctively know the best way to burp my baby or get her to eat.

The latest belly pics, from last night at 35w6d:










Weight loss/gain:
3w5d starting weight
5w (-1.2 pounds)
6w (-3 pounds, -4.2 pounds total)
7w (-2.4 pounds, -6.6 pounds total)
8w (-1 pound, -7.6 pounds total)
9w (-2 pounds, -9.6 pounds total)
10w (-2.6 pounds, -12.2 pounds total)
11w (+1 pound, -11.2 pounds total)
12w (+3.6 pounds, -7.6 pounds total)
13w (+1.0 pound, -6.6 pounds total)
14w (+1.2 pounds, -5.4 pounds total)
15w (+3.4 pounds, -2 pounds total)
16w (+2.0 pounds, no change total)
17w (+2.0 pounds, +2.0 pounds total)
18w1d (+2.0 pounds, +4.0 pounds total)
19w (-1.0 pound, +3.0 pounds total)
20w (-0.4 pounds, +2.6 pounds total)
21w (+1.4 pounds, +4.0 pounds total)
22w (-0.4 pounds, +3.6 pounds total)
23w (+3.4 pounds, +7.0 pounds total)
24w (+0.8 pounds, +7.8 pounds total)
25w (+0.0 pounds, +7.8 pounds total)
26w (+4.2 pounds, +12.0 pounds total)
27w (-1.0 pounds, +11.0 pounds total)
28w (+3.6 pounds, +14.6 pounds total)
29w (-0.6 pounds, +14 pounds total)
30w (+1.8 pounds, +15.8 pounds total)
31w (+2.0 pounds, +17.8 pounds total)
32w1d (+0.6 pounds, +18.4 pounds total)
33w (-0.2 pounds, +18.2 pounds total)
34w (+2.4 pounds, +20.6 pounds total)
35w (+1.6 pounds, +22.2 pounds total)
36w (-0.6 pounds, +21.6 pounds total)

The First Internal

So, I had my 36-week appointment this afternoon, which included my first internal to check for progress and the group B strep test (should have those results next week). The nurse told me I was there on a good day, because everyone they'd checked today had some form of progress, including another woman at 36 weeks who was already dilated 3 centimeters. I joked that with my luck, I'd be the one to ruin the pattern for the day. And wouldn't you know it...I'm at ZERO centimeters! LOL I'm actually fine with that, since I don't want her to come quite this early (though, I know that progress at this point isn't necessarily an indicator of when she'll actually arrive). Still, I just thought it was funny that I ruined the pattern of the day!

The good news is that I'm still measuring right on target at 36 weeks, the heartbeat sounded perfect, and the doctor said she's in the head-down position (though, I already suspected that since I've gotten a lot of kicks up in the ribs). My next appointment will be on the 17th at 37w1d, where I'll have another check for progress.

The long list

Outside of this blog, I've tried to keep my pregnancy complaints to a minimum. Whenever anyone (especially a co-worker) has asked how I'm feeling, my typical answer has been, "Pretty good overall" because I know they don't really want to hear a list of complaints. And actually, despite some obvious exceptions (morning sickness and gallstone attacks), those complaints haven't really been that numerous, at least not at any given time.

But, seeing as how I'm cranky because I've been awake since 3:30 a.m. (with just a tiny bit of dozing between then and my alarm going off at 6:30), I'm in a complaining mood. So here goes:

*The obvious: I've been awake since 3:30 a.m.

*I can't lean forward at my desk (which I need to do in order to read magazine pages) for more than about 10 seconds at a time because I get a foot or some other body part jammed into my ribcage and it hurts. Well, it doesn't always hurt, but it's certainly uncomfortable.

*Walking up stairs takes my breath away--and not in that Top Gun kind of way!

*I was nauseated earlier in the week and I finally threw up this morning.

*IT'S FREAKING HOT IN MY OFFICE BUILDING!!! (Have I mentioned this before?) It was 61 degrees outside when I left for work. The fact that I'm wearing a short-sleeved shirt in January doesn't make any sense. Where's a good cold snap when I need it?

*I'm down to about four or five shirts that comfortably fit me now. A couple of those shirts I can't wear regularly because they make me too hot. I'm sure my co-workers are getting tired of seeing the same rotation of shirts every week, but I really don't care at this point. If I could get away with coming to work in PJs, I would. (Though, I felt that way about PJs pre-pregnancy, too!)

*I've had a headache off and on for the past 24 hours or so.

*Bending over to put on or take off my socks is difficult. As is getting out of the bathtub after a bath. And rolling over in bed. Or getting out of bed. (And I'm not even that big, so I know it could be worse.)

*My pelvis feels like it's going to split in two.

*I keep dropping everything--and of course bending down to pick it all up is hard.

*The acid reflux keeps hitting more and more frequently. Tums still takes care of it for now, thankfully.

I know, I know...it all could be worse...and I know there's even more in store for me in the coming month (so please, please no one say "just wait 'til it gets worse")...I just need to get out my occasional complaints. A co-worker told me she was talking with another co-worker about how stoic I've been during my pregnancy, and she pointed out that I'm the kind to generally suffer in silence or at least minimize my pain/complaints. And she's right. But it's hard to find sympathy at work when my closest departmental co-workers are three older women who've never had children, in addition to the men that make up the rest of the department.

Socks suck

I've decided that a summer pregnancy isn't ideal for me (though obviously a blessing any time it happens) since I've gotten so hot even during the first part of winter, especially when at work. It doesn't help that we haven't really had true winter weather here yet--well, not for any longer than a day or two. For example, today was in the upper 50s, which most of the time I'd be thankful for, but not nowadays.

Anyway, I decided there would be one definite plus about being late in the third trimester during the summer: slip-on shoes and no need to wear socks! Not only would my feet get less hot, but I wouldn't struggle bending over to put them on. I do wear slip-on shoes for the most part now, but going sockless isn't really an option!

Thanks for telling me earlier

I had a pretty crappy day on Tuesday, which isn't really worth going into except for one thing.

Back in August, I talked with our human resources director about my maternity leave, making sure I understood the policy, especially since it had changed right after I found out I was pregnant. As I understood it (and she confirmed), I would get six weeks paid through our disability policy, then the rest of my 12 weeks of leave would be covered first by my accumulated sick time, then by my accrued vacation hours, both of which I've been saving for this very purpose.

However, said HR director left the company at the end of October and now I have to complete all the leave paperwork with our HR director at the parent company in California since we still haven't hired a replacement in-house. I found out yesterday that apparently my understanding of the leave policy was incorrect. I will get paid the six weeks for disability (which I'm thankful that my company does, since I know that many companies don't have such a policy that's 100% paid), but I am not allowed to use any of my sick time to get paid after that since generally the woman is considered fit to return to work after the first six weeks. (The exception to this is if I have a c-section, then I'll "be allowed" to use two weeks of my sick pay for that.) So, the remaining six weeks I'll be taking off will have to be vacation time if it's going to be paid at all. Between sick and vacation time, I was going to have just enough time saved up in order to cover the second six weeks. Without being able to use sick time, I'm looking at potentially two to three weeks of unpaid leave.

Not cool.

They couldn't have told me this back in August when I initially had the conversation with HR? Not that I could've done anything to change it or magically get more vacation time, but it just would've been nice to know this sooner.

Of course, one option is to take only as much time off as I get paid for, returning to work sooner than anticipated. However, it looks like we'll be lucky if we get into a daycare center after 12 weeks of leave, let alone after just nine weeks. (That, incidentally, is one of the things that makes me nervous about delivering really early...not having daycare ready when we need it.)

I've always known that America as a whole isn't that progressive compared to other countries when it comes to maternity (and often paternity) leave, and I'm definitely seeing evidence of that firsthand (though again, I do know I'm fortunate that my company at least has a six-week paid disability policy and is covered by the unpaid FMLA). At least we should be getting our tax refund (assuming it's a refund) around the time we'll be missing out on one to 1 1/2 of my paychecks. I was hoping to put that money toward something other than making up for my salary, but looks like that won't be happening.

Splitting hipache at 35 weeks

The waddle is in full force today, as it feels like my pelvis is going to split in two pieces (at least!) at any moment. Yowza.

I'm having trouble with packing my/our hospital bag. I've read and heard from many sources not to overpack, that most of the stuff people end up taking is stuff they didn't end up using and to just keep it simple. Fine by me. So, with that in mind, most of the stuff that I'm looking to take with me is stuff that I can't pack until the last-minute anyway, since it's stuff I generally use on an everyday basis and can't have sitting in a suitcase for a month. So I guess I'll have a packing list ready instead of a packed bag. At least I'm good at packing after all these years!

Weight loss/gain:
3w5d starting weight
5w (-1.2 pounds)
6w (-3 pounds, -4.2 pounds total)
7w (-2.4 pounds, -6.6 pounds total)
8w (-1 pound, -7.6 pounds total)
9w (-2 pounds, -9.6 pounds total)
10w (-2.6 pounds, -12.2 pounds total)
11w (+1 pound, -11.2 pounds total)
12w (+3.6 pounds, -7.6 pounds total)
13w (+1.0 pound, -6.6 pounds total)
14w (+1.2 pounds, -5.4 pounds total)
15w (+3.4 pounds, -2 pounds total)
16w (+2.0 pounds, no change total)
17w (+2.0 pounds, +2.0 pounds total)
18w1d (+2.0 pounds, +4.0 pounds total)
19w (-1.0 pound, +3.0 pounds total)
20w (-0.4 pounds, +2.6 pounds total)
21w (+1.4 pounds, +4.0 pounds total)
22w (-0.4 pounds, +3.6 pounds total)
23w (+3.4 pounds, +7.0 pounds total)
24w (+0.8 pounds, +7.8 pounds total)
25w (+0.0 pounds, +7.8 pounds total)
26w (+4.2 pounds, +12.0 pounds total)
27w (-1.0 pounds, +11.0 pounds total)
28w (+3.6 pounds, +14.6 pounds total)
29w (-0.6 pounds, +14 pounds total)
30w (+1.8 pounds, +15.8 pounds total)
31w (+2.0 pounds, +17.8 pounds total)
32w1d (+0.6 pounds, +18.4 pounds total)
33w (-0.2 pounds, +18.2 pounds total)
34w (+2.4 pounds, +20.6 pounds total)
35w (+1.6 pounds, +22.2 pounds total)

Happy New Year!

I'm going to have a baby THIS YEAR.

My due date is NEXT MONTH.

Holy crap (in a good way)!