Final Week!

This week has brought so many different emotions!  I had my regular OB appointment on Thursday.  My doctor did the first exam to see my progression.  I was 1 cm dilated, 75% effaced, and she could feel his head.  He was in place!  I had been having pretty regular contractions, at least one an hour, for the past week.  We were talking about my due date, Dec. 26, and how she would be out most of that week.  She then mentioned inducing and we discussed the pros and cons.  She said that I was a prime candidate based on my progress and she thought the control would be helpful for me so we scheduled it!  Holy Cow!  She said that there was still a good chance that he would come on his own but if not, I would check into the hospital on Dec. 19 at 8pm and he should be born sometime Thursday afternoon!  Holy Cow!  So has been the final week!  On Friday, my work threw a lovely baby shower for me and Tadpole.  It was nice and low key and wonderful.  Then, I went to the Christmas play that my church put on.  My good friend Adele was one of the narrators.  It was a beautiful production!  I met up with Adele and her parents for breakfast on Saturday morning.  Thankfully they accept me as family and let me crash regularly!  The rest of Saturday involved a lot of rest.  After church on Sunday, I went into baby room final prep!  I got the gifts organized and put away and the last few items put up.  I made sure that the changing area had diapers, wipes, etc.  I was nesting in full force because it was the last weekend before Bebe!  I went to a lovely Mary Kay Holiday Party on Monday.  The gift exchange stealing game is always a blast!  I got my teeth cleaned on Tuesday.  One more thing to check off the list.  Dolce got the stitches out of her tail and the vet said she was doing really well from her partial tail amputation.  Dan and I spent the rest of Tuesday night cleaning and prepping for Bebe.  The side room/den now has the Pack N Play (which has the changer/napper and diaper supplies) and is ready!  Everything felt really real as I got ready for bed.  I realized that this was the last night I could take a long shower without worrying about a baby.  It was the last night I would get a decent night's sleep.  It was the last night at home before Tadpole joins us in person!  Everything became so real!  Today has flown by as I have made last minute final arrangements at work.  I am headed home after this post to get ready to check into the hospital tonight...oh my!   

Spoiled girl dogs!  This is what I left as I headed off to church!

The last belly shot!

Week 39

Baby Size: a watermelon!  He weighs over 7 pounds and is about 20 inches long!

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth...The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

How I feel about being pregnant: excited and terrified!  He is coming this week!

Symptoms:  heartburn in the middle of the night, fat feet, not wanting to eat, lots of contractions, big lips, and dehydrated. 

Cravings:  WATER!  I have been so thirsty this week!

What I am most excited about:  Getting to meet this little guy and not having to share share my body!  I have loved all the movement but this momma is one tired girl and ready...I think!

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  We had a great talk last night.  He calmed my fears and reminded me that I can and will make it through labor, I will be a good mom, and how excited he is for our family.  He also got to feel lots of baby movements!

Funny moment:   Baby kicks and movements that the dogs saw and were very concerned about.  Rose kept tilting her head from side to side with perked up ears trying to figure out who my stomach could move on its own!  Dolce kept smelling my belly to figure it out.

Special moment:  1) Finishing the baby's room and knowing it is ready for him.  Also, knowing our house is ready for him.  2) Adele and I went to brunch after church on Sunday.  We had a lovely time and I so appreciated the girl time.


 

Thoughts for My Baby Boy

My Dear Little Love,

I can hardly believe that I will soon meet you.  These 10 months have flown by!  As I await your birthday, I keep thinking of the things I want for you and who I want to help you become.  I know you will be your own unique individual but I hope I can help guide, encourage, show, and mold you towards being a good man.

First, I want you to always remember that you are uniquely created by God with purpose and love.  Never forget that!  You are your own person and I am so excited to see who you become.  Whenever you are in doubt, seek God and ask for help.  One of my biggest desires for you is that you grow strong in your faith and fall deeply and passionately in love with God.  He made you after all.  Your father and I are just happy to be along for the ride and know the trust God placed in us and the deep responsibility of being your parents.

Secondly, I want you to always remember how loved your are.  I am constantly amazed, even now, how much I love you and I have not met you yet.  There are so many people, family and friends, who already love you.  You have a whole group just waiting to meet you so that they can love on you.  I am constantly amazed by the outpouring of love for you and our family.  As your mother, I will always love you for who you are, unconditionally.  There is nothing that you can do or say to break that bond of love.  Please don't tempt or test that statement but remember it always.

Lastly, my wish for you is to be a good man.  A man who is strong and caring.  A man who is giving and compassionate.  A man who defends those in need and loves deeply.  A man of honor and integrity.  A man like your father and many other men in our family.  Strength comes in many forms.  Sometimes the strongest, most courageous thing you can do is to love and help someone in need.  Be strong in your beliefs and in who you are.  Be a caring man.  A man who is not afraid to show any emotion.  Feel your feelings but know how to process through.  You cannot help what you feel but you can control your actions and reactions.  Life will knock you down and it is okay to cry, to be mad, to be upset; however, when it is time, pick yourself up and start again.  I will always be here to support you.  Ask for help when you need it.  Be giving and compassionate.  Giving back is not optional in our family, it is a great obligation.  You can give of your time, talents, and resources.  You will always gain more by giving back and helping those in need.  Serving others is a great responsibility with unmeasurable joys and gifts.  Be a compassionate man.  A man who helps those in need and looks past first appearances.  Be quick to forgive.  Trust me, it is a lot harder to hold the anger and will only hurt you in the long run.  Be quick to apologize.  A simple "I'm sorry" goes a long way to mend a relationship and heal wounds.  Like giving is an obligation, defending and helping those in need is also an obligation.  A strong man defends the weak and helps the needy.  Correct the problems you see in your community, state, country, and world.  You can and will be the difference!  A true man loves and loves deeply.  In our family, we end every conversation with "I love you" even if you are extremely mad.  I want you to know love and to give it freely.  You cannot be strong, caring, giving, or compassionate without love.  Love people for who they are and not who you want them to be.  Love deeply!  Be a man of  your word.  Live your life with honor and integrity.  Be proud of your family history and continue the legacy.  Learn from the great men in our family.  Learn from others' failures so that you do not have to repeat them and learn from the successes.  I know your father will be a great example to you.  My wish for you is to be a good man, a man like your father.

My unborn son, there are so many things I want to share with you; experiences, traditions, celebrations, books, laughter, and lessons.  I hope to be the mother you need and I look forward to meeting  you and loving you.

I love you,
Your Mother

Two Weeks Left

Week 38 went by quick!  I had a lovely Eugene baby shower which reminded me, yet again, how loved our family is and how loved this little guy is already!  I can't wait to meet him!  I had a quick appointment on Thursday but nothing new to report.  She said that mom and baby are progressing nicely.  I celebrated my 30th birthday on Friday...wahoo!  Dan was a funeral all day on Saturday so the dogs and I relaxed and worked on the baby's room.  The Cascade Manor Resident and Employee Holiday Party was on Sunday.  The Directors work so that as many employees as possible can enjoy the festivities.  Adele and I worked the drink table which was hopping the entire party!  After being on my feet for 5 hours at the party (prep, party, clean up), I got home and decorated the Christmas tree.  Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were back to normal.

Our pretty Christmas tree

Week 38...WOW!

Week 38

Baby Size:  as long as a leek or the size of a pumpkin!  He weighs 6.8 pounds is is over 19.5 inches long!

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

Your baby has really plumped up...She has a firm grasp...Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.  Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

How I feel about being pregnant: tired...it's hard work being pregnant!

Symptoms:  big/plump lips, heartburn in the middle of the night, leg cramps, and being tired!  My energy is definitely dropping again!

Cravings:  Chocolate but that's not unusual for me, especially this time of year!  I also have really been wanting juice.

What I am most excited about:  The baby's room is closer to being ready for him.  I just need to sort and put away the new gifts.

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He brought home a tree for Christmas!

Funny moment: I am not sure how it happened but my right ankle rolled under me and I went down on my left tushy side while taking presents to the car on Thursday night.  It just amazes me how clumsy I am on a good day and then throw in pregnancy!  I was not hurt at all and the baby was unaffected. 

Special moment:  The baby shower that Adele organized and Georgeanne hosted was wonderful.  I so appreciate that Dan's family came and good friends were there to support our growing family!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

The Claric Home is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  I love this time of year!  The holidays bring so much joy to my soul, time with family, and being thankful.  This year, I felt in the Thanksgiving spirit most of the month of November but my Christmas spirit did not kick in until this past weekend.  Usually, I am bursting at the seams to start playing Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving.  I have just been in a bit of a mental fog and trying to wrap my brain around this little guy coming and all the new aches and pains and tiredness that come with the near end of pregnancy.  However, I got the decorations out and put on Christmas movies as I got the house ready for Christmas and that switched on my merry Christmas attitude!  I am just so thankful and excited for this time of year and can't wait to see Bebe Claric celebrate it with us next year!  I am still hoping he comes before Christmas but it is really up to him and when he is ready.

My little trees.  The silver one is the 12 Days of Christmas and the purple tree is for Advent.

 The last week has been hectic and full of the unexpected.  Wednesday was fairly calm.  Thursday brought sad news,  a dear friend of ours lost one of his closest friends.  They had grown up together and were more like brothers.  I had to fight every urge on Friday to go over and give him a huge hug.  It breaks my heart to see him hurt.  Friday went quickly and I am not sure how Saturday started December!  Once I got home on Friday, my ribcage was causing so much pain I could barely move.  That pain continued all day Saturday...so not fun!  I noticed on Friday and through the weekend that Bebe Claric's movements were a little further down and more pressure was in my lower abdomen.  My breathing has also been a little easier so I am pretty positive he has dropped!  Dan went up to Washington to be with our friend as he mourned over the weekend.  I stayed home and set up Christmas decorations and watch Christmas movies!  I love when the house is decorated with this joyous season.  I just need to finish my two little trees, one for Advent and one for the twelve days of Christmas, and get the actual tree decorated.  Monday brought love and joy from my Soroptimist group who held a Baby Shower for us during our annual club Holiday Party.  I am constantly amazed at how loved our growing family is and how excited everyone is for this little guy!  On Tuesday, Dolce went to the vet and had part of her tail amputate because we could not get the Happy Tail wound to heal.  She looks a bit funny with half her tail but she is recovering well.  Now we just need to make sure that she does not lick the sutures! 

Week 37

Baby Size: a stalk of Swiss chard or a winter melon!  He weighs 6.33 pounds and is over 19 inches long!

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb...Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

How I feel about being pregnant: Panicked and excited!  The reality has hit that this kid could come anytime now.  He is showing signs of getting closer to delivery and there are still things that MUST be done, like installing the car seat and packing a hospital bag and arranging for dog care while at the hospital!  

Symptoms:  New pressure that is lower were it almost feels like this kid is going to fall out!  Plus his movements are lower in my belly.  I can breath better so that's nice!  My ribcage has been painfully tender on the left side.  I wonder if the pain is only from the previously broken ribs or if muscle is now involved. 

Cravings:  Fruit!  I want berries and/or citrus over the weekend in the worst way!  I am also craving squash (winter squashes and zucchinis) and spinach salads.  I really have been wanting fresh and healthy food.

What I am most excited about:  Tadpole is considered full term now!  Also, I am pretty sure he has dropped and that's super exciting because it means we are that much closer to the main event!

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He was going to stay with me during the weekend to make sure that I was taken care of.  I insisted he go to Washington to support our grieving friend.  Dan was very hesitant and concerned to leave me alone for the weekend with the dogs and the responsibility of the house.  Our friend needed him more than I did so I am glad Dan could be there for him!

Funny moment:  My assistant said, "The battle of the wills has already started" as I continued to push his feet back into my belly!  He was really active this afternoon and kept kicking me and hard!  I would get a sudden kick and then he would keep his little leg extended.  There was the sharp pain from the initial movement and then painful pressure from that little foot sticking out of my belly so I would push back.  The little guy would just do it again in a slightly different spot or continue to push back!  The battle of wills was a very appropriate comment!

Special moment:  The Baby Shower that my Soroptimist sisters threw for my little family!  Everyone was so thoughtful!  Our little family is truly blessed!

Week 36

As typical, the last week flew by in a whirlwind.  I ventured to Medford after work on Wednesday.  I enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving at my Mom's with family friends, my grandmother, my brother, and my cousin.  I loved getting to catch up with wonderful people!  I enjoyed a second lovely Thanksgiving at my Dad's with my brother, little sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, and mass chaos.  Thanksgiving was a busy day and my stomach was stuffed, even more than usual!  My good friend Leslie stopped by with her little guy.  He prepped me for motherhood by puking on me.  It certainly wasn't the first time I have been puked on and definitely will not be the last!  I went back up to Eugene on Friday to be with Dan.  He spent Thanksgiving at his Aunt and Uncle's in Eugene.  On Saturday, Dan's parents came to our home for a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration.  Dan roasted a duck and it was marvelous!  We had the Civil War on the radio because we did not get the televised station.  The Ducks pulled off a win so that was exciting.  Sunday was filled with relaxing and errands and getting to be with each other.  Monday was filled with work, a doctor appointment, and a Mary Kay meeting.  My dr. apt. went very well.  I learned the super tight belly was actually a contraction, go figure!  I have had that feeling for a while were my belly just feels hard when touched and some pressure but no pain.  I do get painful contractions but not ofter.  At this point, the contractions are not at regular so my body is just practicing for the event to come.  Tuesday was the day from Hell!  I did not realize it was a full moon but that explained so much!  I was running late to work and passed an intersection with last gas station for a few miles when my gas light turned on.  I got gas.  Walked into work late.  Sat my stuff down when Dolce started to pace and whine.  I thought she just needed to calm down and went to soothe her when she started to squat.  I put the leash back on and grabbed the plastic bag for a quick dart outside.  She made it to three feet in front of the entrance doors, next to the Front Desk, when she had spastastic diaheria....  Not exactly a good impression!  Thankfully, Facility Services cleaned up the mess quickly and thoroughly but I am still incredibly embarrassed.  No more Dolce at work!  She continued to have a bad butt 4 more times that day, all outside!  She also puked in my office which is how I learned she had eaten the gauze from her tail which created the lovely situation...  The joy of dogs...  The rest of the day was terrible with work chaos and I just wanted to crawl under my desk and cry.  Thankfully I made it home to a wonderful and loving husband.  Wednesday was significantly better.

Week 36

Baby Size: a crenshaw melon or honeydew melon!  He weighs almost 6 pounds and is 18.5 inches long!

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day...She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.  At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term...Most likely she's in a head-down position.
How I feel about being pregnant: Excited!  Only four more weeks left, unless he listens to me and comes two weeks early.  The week of Dec. 10 would really fit my schedule better!  Somehow I doubt he cares...

Symptoms:  Pressure and achiness in my girl parts so I think he is dropping.  My ribs are still pretty sore.  The line down my belly is getting darker.  My stretch marks continue to grow.  I have to pee every 90 minutes now.  My breasts are tender and getting larger. 

Cravings:  Nothing really.  I was able to enjoy wonderful pies over Thanksgiving and yummy cranberry sauce! 

What I am most excited about:  The last month has begun!  

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He was super supportive and caring on Tuesday.  He took care of dinner and the dogs!

Funny moment: Showing off my weird belly button bump!  My belly button is still a very shallow dent but now the top has a little bump sticking out!  I think if I did not have the surgery scar from my gallbladder that my turkey timer would have popped when the bump showed up!

Special moment:  The outpouring of love for our little guy and our growing family.  It was a joy to be around family and friends who are family!  Dan, Bebe Claric, and I are very loved and it's neat to see the joy and excitement that people have for Tadpole.  We are blessed and loved!

T Minus 5 Weeks

I can't believe there are only 5 weeks left...FIVE!  The last week has flown by.  I feel like I state the every week...

I had a doctor appointment on Friday which went really well.  So far I have gained 25 pounds so I am on the low side of normal weight gain.  For the last month, I have gained about a pound every two weeks.  Dr. Reilly said that everything is looking really good.  Tadpole is in the head down position.  She is not concerned about my contractions and says that might be a good hint that Bebe may decide to come early.  I got my Tdap vaccine which gave me a sore arm from Friday through Monday.  I am not sure how but my cold hung on solidly for two full weeks and is now almost gone, just the tail end of it left.

Dan played all day Saturday by brewing with a friend and then going to the Duck game.  The dogs and I had a very relaxing time by ourselves.  I became impatient and tired of staring at boxes so I assembled the Pack N Play and the stroller and I took the car seat out of the box.  I am sure I was the sight to see putting the Pack N Play together with my giant belly.  The stroller was amazingly easy!  I also was able to work on two more quilt blocks over the weekend.  Sunday was nice and calm with church, football, napping, and sewing.

I finally made it to a Mary Kay meeting on Monday which was awesome and much needed!

On Tuesday, my ribcage started to revolt.  I have previously broken three ribs that are NOT happy right now because the coughing fits from the cold and Tadpole stretching my ribcage.  They are not broken but it hurts whenever I cough, sneeze, laugh hard, breath deeply, twist wrong, or sleep on them.  They are ribs so there is really nothing to do except for grin and bear it.

I am super excited to head down to Medford for a quick Thanksgiving this afternoon.  I will get to see a lot of family and friends that I have not seen in a long time so I am really looking forward to getting down there.  I wish someone would hurry up and develop teleportation! I will go up to my Mom's in the late morning on Thanksgiving, stay up there until the late afternoon, and come back to Dad's for dinner part two.   Sadly, Dan cannot make it because of Dolce's tail and he has to work on Friday so I will be coming back on Friday.  He is going up to his Aunt and Uncle's with the dog for actual Thanksgiving and then we are going to do our own celebration with his parents on Saturday.   I think I am going to be one tired girl after this weekend!

Week 35

Baby Size: a honeydew melon or a coconut!  He weighs 5.25 pounds and is over 18 inches long!

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
How I feel about being pregnant: It hurts! 

Symptoms:  My ribs are super sore and tender, my joints are loosy goosy, and I can't get a good nights sleep.

Cravings:  Nothing...except for Thanksgiving food but that's just because the holiday is tomorrow!

What I am most excited about:  Getting to see family and friends that I have not seen in a long time.  One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is getting to visit and catch up with people.  My trip to Medford will be quick so I have a lot of people to see in a short amount of time.  Then, Eugene Thanksgiving will be on Saturday.

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He rubbed my back and shoulders because they were so tight and irritated.

Funny moment:  Dan laughed when I said "My belly button has probably never been this clean before" because it is so shallow.

Special moment:  Sleeping with a full bed all weekend!  Dan and I had both dogs sleep in the bed.  I was feeling really sad for Rose who gets crated during the day and at night when her sister has been sleeping on the couch or bed and going to work with us because of her tail.  We let both doggos sleep with us all weekend and my Rose was a wonderful dog!

Darn Cold

My darn cold has hung on all week.  On Nov. 4, I had a sore throat and an evil cough that progressed to being stuck in my face on Nov. 11.  I really do not think it is fair to be sick while pregnant!  It was hard enough to get a good breath of air with the growing tadpole invading my upper abdomen so adding gunk to my lungs made it that much worse.  Then there is the constant coughing which taxes the already stretched-to-the-limit stomach muscles and ribcage.  The coughing also puts extra pressure on the already squeezed bladder which made for fun little surprises.  I felt like a fool, a grown woman coughing to the point where a little pee would sneak out but such is life.  I have been told that that is only a precursor for post-baby.   The sore throat stripped my voice so I sounded like an old man or a dieing frog.  The sore ears filled with fluid made the ability to hear more difficult.  And as if being in the third trimester wasn't tiring enough, there was the complete lack of energy and lightheadedness.  By Sunday, my chest cold migrated to my face.  At least the cough and sore throat were less painful; however, the congested, stuffy, sore nose got old quick!  My poor sinuses were so tender that I almost bought the baby's humidifier just to try to get some relief at night.  I spent most of Friday and Saturday with a scarf or shirt over my nose in hope that my breathing would add some moisture and heat to help.  I went from a completely clogged nose to gushing nose at the drop of a hat which was stellar at church when the flood gates opened.  Thankfully, someone handed me a tissue.  I sincerely do not believe that a woman should be able to get sick while pregnant.  Pregnancy is taxing enough on the body!

The last week was pretty boring and dull due to an evil cold!

Week 34

Baby Size: a cantaloupe or a butternut squash!  He weighs 4.75 pounds and is almost 18 inches long.

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well.
How I feel about being pregnant: Pregnancy is hard and not for the faint of heart! 

Symptoms:  In case you were wondering, practice contractions are not fun!  I had them very inconsistently throughout the last week and usually in pairs.  I would get two in a row and then nothing for the rest of the day.  I have also been experiencing a tender tummy.  It just feels off so I really have not wanted to eat.  Plus, it has been a bit tender to touch on the outside.  Tender tummy on the inside and outside!  My hips have been sore and the muscles involved in the area (pelvic, hips, upper leg, lower back, etc.) are feeling strained and tired.  I also noticed a big drop in energy!  On a final note, my breasts are definitely growing and changing while preparing to feed this kiddo.

Cravings:  Nothing.

What I am most excited about:  Being mostly done with Christmas shopping.  All but two gifts have been purchased.  Now I just need the energy to wrap!

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He takes good care of me!

Funny moment:  Realizing that the belly bump is a food magnet!  I am not the cleanest eater in the world but my goodness does food seem to gravitate to my belly!

Special moment:  This may seem lame but taking a nap on Friday was the best.  I was sick and left work early.  I let Rose out of her crate.  I had had Dolce at work so I let both the girls go potty.  I let the dogs back inside and put a movie on that I knew I would fall asleep to because I have seen it so many times.  I was out within the first 10 minutes of the movie with two cute girl dogs cuddling with me.  I slept for a solid 3 hours and it was MUCH needed.

Week 33 with 7 Left

Only 7 weeks left...CRAZY!  

Halloween was fun.  We actually had a good showing of tricker treaters.  It was so fun to see the costumes and watch Dan pass out candy.  I organized all the gifted baby clothes into sizes on Wednesday night to see what we are really in need of.  Turns out that we have a TON of socks and bibs!  We are also set on newborn and 0-3 sizes so that's a nice relief.  Thursday was a All Saints Day, aka a holy day of obligation, so I went to the noon mass.  Father Bryce asked if he could give my baby a blessing during communion and I almost cried.  Bebe Claric got his first blessing!  Dan went off to camp for the weekend with his family as they hunted.  He was a scout looking for herds.  I enjoyed a lovely weekend full of busy work!  I cleaned the kitchen, cleaned my bathroom, cleaned the bedroom, packed summer maternity clothes away, got out fall maternity clothes, got the laundry ready, went grocery shopping, took out two loads of trash, baked a quiche, and made spaghetti carbonara...phew!  I had an awesome surprise visit from my brother on Saturday evening.  He was in town for a hard cider and craft beer festival that K Fall Brewing was in but the event was volunteer run so he was not pouring.  After a good three hours with him, I took him to the festival and crashed!  My poor feet were done!  Sunday greeted me with a lovely sore throat and evil cough that stuck around for the rest of the new week.  Dan came back on Monday evening and the rest was calm after that.

Week 33

Baby Size: pineapple or durian!  He weighs over 4 pounds and is over 17 inches long!

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal...These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.
How I feel about being pregnant: Tired...being sick and prego is not fun!

Symptoms:  No new pregnancy symptoms.

Cravings:  Nothing.

What I am most excited about:  Getting ready for the holidays.  I have been thinking about what traditions I want Bebe Claric to grow up...I love this time of year!

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He went to the store after coming home late to get candy for the cute tricker treaters!  He is such a good man!

Funny moment: Dressing up my belly for Halloween.

Special moment:  Bebe getting his first blessing.

Showered with Love in Medford

On Wednesday evening, I met with a pediatrician that my OB doc highly and enthusiastically recommended.  He will be a great match for our family!  He was very calming and soothing.   He is a really good listener and great with first time parents.  He said his favorite part of the job was getting to play with kids during the day and watch them grow.  He has two small children so he also gets the parent side!  Another item crossed off the list!

A friend of mine referred me to an awesome consignment sale that is put on twice a year.  I went just to check it out and get an idea of what to expect in spring, especially because my first baby shower was just right around the corner.  I was amazed at the selection of clothes, shoes, bedding, blankets,and maternity clothes that were in one large area and how well it was organized!  The other area was even more impressive with toys sorted by age, strollers, car seats, car seat bases, bouncers, swings, books, movies, furniture, and everything else kid and/or baby oriented!  I ended up scoring the exact bouncer/swing combo that I registered for for half the retail price.  It was barely used!  I also bought a cute sleeper sack, 10 pairs of socks, 5 hats, 1 pair of newborn mittens, a cute outfit that still had tags on it, and an awesome blanket still in the store packaging with the tags and ribbon bow!  I will definitely be going back to the  Itty Bitty Boutique!  It was amazing!

 

The weekend came and went too quickly!  I rushed home after work on Friday and bolted down to Medford.  My mom and step-mom planned and hosted a lovely baby shower.  Dan was unable to come with me because of Dolce and his grandmother's memorial.  I was happily surprised that my aunt from Portland and my aunt from the Bay Area were able to come.  My good friend Leslie was the photographer and I cannot wait to see the pictures!  Check out her business blog, Any Occasion Photography!  Dan, Bebe Claric, and I are truly blessed and loved.  I was blown away by the creativity, love, and generosity that poured out during the shower.  Adam's Deli catered which meant that I got to get hugs from my Papa Rich who owns the deli.  Rich and Joanne have been long time family friends who I consider another set of parents.  My mom made the cutest and yummiest owl cake.  She is one talented lady!  Pictures to come!  It was a quick visit in Medford but I was able to visit my step-grandpa who had a hip replacement earlier in the week.  He is recovering extremely well!  My brother came over from Klamath Falls on Saturday so I got to see him for a few minutes before the shower and before leaving town on Sunday.  I made a quick stop by Leslie's to pick up baby clothes she gave to us.  I honestly am amazed that everything fit in the car back to Eugene.  I got back Eugene and was going to go over the memorial but Dan said not to come.  I stayed home and doggy sat.  He got home just as I headed out the door for church.  It was a packed weekend!

Monday and Tuesday flew by.  I had a terrible headache that turned into a migraine on Monday evening so I did not make my Mary Kay meeting.  I had my ultrasound and OB check on Tuesday afternoon.  I was relieved to find out that my placenta is not covering the cervix so no placenta previa here!  We were able to see the tadpole move and squirm...and he is getting big!  He is also in the head down position.  My doctor said that he is growing well and everything looks really good.  She said that Bebe Claric is about 4 pounds 8 ounces!  He is about a week more advanced in development but my due date is going to stay the same.  Ultrasound pics to come later!  Over the weekend, I was able to get ideas for Christmas presents and made the first venture out on Tuesday after work.  I was able to cross a few off my list and found some killer deals for the Tadpole.  He needs Christmas presents, too, right?

Pumpkin Patch

Costumed Belly

Week 32

Baby Size: a large jicama or a squash!  He weighs 3.75 pounds and is 16.7 inches long!  According to the ultrasound yesterday, he is 4lb 8oz!

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

(He) is taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

How I feel about being pregnant: Relieved!  The ultrasound revealed the my placenta is not covering the cervix!

Symptoms:  Just the usually tossing and turning at night and using the restroom every two hours. 

Cravings:  None.

What I am most excited about:  Getting everything put away in the nursery!  I have wonderful and generous family and friends who spoiled Bebe Claric this weekend!

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  1) He has slept on the couch with Dolce while her tail heals specifically so I can get the best rest possible at night.  Have I mentioned that he is Superman?  2) He loaded the car so that I could leave right after work on Friday...seriously, her is Superman!

Funny moment: Someone told me to "toughen up and grow a pair".  My response was, "I sort of already have..." while pointing to my belly!  I made myself laugh and the other person, too!

Special moment:  The baby shower that my mom and step-mom hosted was extremely special, touching, and lovely.  I feel so blessed to have wonderful friends and family who helped celebrate and love our growing family!  

Toes...What Toes?

I miss my toes!  I never thought I would say that but it's true.  There are times when I don't feel huge until I look down and am reminded that I have not toes, unless I bend over.  I miss being able to do simple things like getting off the couch and out of bed.  I miss being able to shave my legs.  Again, I never thought I would say that.  I miss being able to paint my toenails.  I miss being able to cut my toenails.  I guess that means more pedicures are in my future...darn!  I miss wearing cute heels.  I miss most of my shoes!  Most of the time I don't notice these missed items until I am reminded in the bathroom/shower that I have no toes.  Here is the bird's eye view of what I see when I look for me feet:

 

I knew it would happen so I am not surprised, worried, or saddened but am glad of the reminder that this little guy is coming soon!

This past week brought a lot of fun and a lot of crazy to our lives.  Princess Pinhead (aka Dolce) has needed 24 hour supervision to ensure that her tail stays wrapped so that it can heal.  Dan stayed home with her on Wednesday evening when I went to the last birthing class.  I still can't believe that we did 5 weeks of birth classes...seriously, where in the world is time going?!  We learned about the what will happen during a vaginal birth in more detail.  We also we informed of the aftercare in the hospital for mom and baby; including, the eye ointment, the Vitamin K shot, the Hep B vaccine option, and vaccines for moms.  Dan has slept on the couch with Dolce to watch her tail since Tuesday night.  I took her to work after Rotary on Thursday.  Dan took her on Friday.  I had my OB check on Friday and everything looks really good including the results of the glucose test and my blood count.  Not that I was too concerned but I am relieved to know that I don't have to worry about gestational diabetes.

My office visitor with the Cone of Shame and a tail helmet.

Saturday was a relaxing day for me with some cooking.  Dan visited his grandmother who was in the hospital and family who were there.  My cooking was for a chilli feed that a group of us had planned for Sunday.  I got home from church and we had some down time before heading over to the hosts' house for chilli, cider, and sugar cookies. On the way over Dan informed me that his grandmother had passed earlier in the afternoon.  Dan had Dolce in the back of the Jeep so that we could keep an eye on her.  The plan was good until she busted the back mini window on the driver side.  Thankfully it was the plexi window that Dan had repaired and not an actual glass window!  That darn dog!  Dan took her home and put the mussel on her with the cone and crated her in hopes the tail cast/bandages would stay on.  He stayed for a couple hours before heading over to be with family that had gathered for his grandmother.  I enjoyed that good food, games, and company for another hour before getting ready to go over there but he said that he would be leaving soon so I went home to check on doggos.  Princess Pinhead had in fact taken the cast and bandages off and nibbled on the blue bottle (aka cast) but did not break it!  She could be a magician's best friend!

The rest has been pretty calm.  Dan took her on Monday.  I took her on Tuesday.  Dan took her today.  I am meeting with a highly recommended pediatrician this afternoon to see if he will be a good fit for our little family.  The memorial for Dan's grandmother will be this coming Sunday so he is unable to come to Medford with me for the baby shower.  I am really looking forward to the shower but it is bitter sweet with the mourning of Dan's grandmother.  Keep Dan and his family in your thoughts and prayers!

Week 31

Baby Size: 4 navel oranges or a pineapple!  He weighs 3.3 pounds and is over 16 inches long!

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up... All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
From another source, all five senses are in working order!

How I feel about being pregnant: Excited.  I definitely feel pregnant but not overwhelmingly so.  I working on trying to stay calm and relaxed!

Symptoms:  The only new item is that morning sickness seems to be coming back a bit.

Cravings:  None.

What I am most excited about:  The upcoming baby shower in Medford.  I am really looking forward to getting to celebrate this little guy with family and friends.

Something sweet your daddy did for me: He is sleeping on the couch with the dog so that I can get good rest.  That man is so thoughtful and sweet! 

Funny moment:  1) My OB and I had a chat about our favorite mystery authors and TV mystery shows.  Turns out we have very similar taste!  2) Dolce making a break out of Dan's Jeep!  I still have not idea how she got the cone and her body through such a narrow opening!

Special moment:  Spending time with a great group of friends, eating chilli, playing games, and the good conversations that occurred on Sunday.

Holy Cow!

Holy cow...only 10 weeks left...holy cow...where did the time go...holy cow...!

I cannot believe that I have finished 30, THIRTY, weeks of pregnancy and now it is down to the final countdown.  (Que theme music!)  I am now in the single digits for the weekly countdown!  While I am super excited, I am also mixed with anxiety.

• Do we have everything we are going to need?  
• What if we don't get the items we need from the baby showers?  
• What do I need to do for the baby showers? 
• Will I be a good mother?
• How will I know what to do with a newborn?
• When do we install the car seat?
• When should I have my hospital bag ready to go?
• Is everything at work prepped for when I am on maternity leave?
• When do I start washing sheets/towels/clothes for the tadpole?
• What are we going to name this kid?
• What will he look like?
• Will he have all his toes and fingers...and no extras?

Those are only a few of the ongoing questions that keep rotating through my head.  I know realistically that everything will sort itself out.  I know that Dan and I will figure it out.  I know that we have strong, supportive friends and family who will be there to help.  I know this whole thing is a gift from God and I am just excited to be along for the ride.  I know ultimately that this whole process about God and this new little life that will be coming into the world.  I just can't wait to meet him and to love on him.

This past week flew by.  Seriously, how is it already October 17?  We had birth class last Wednesday and it went really well.  We learned about interventions that will help and/or prevent complications and the process for a c-section.  I felt a lot better about talking about the different possibilities that may need to happen and options that are available.  I felt better getting to see pictures and learn the process of a c-section.  God forbid we need any intervention but it's nice to know what will happen if we do.  Tonight is our last class and again I can't believe how quickly 5 weeks have gone!

We went up to Washington for the weekend because one of Dan's friends got married.  We arrived on Friday and stayed up way too late.  It was fun and scary to see Dan with his Roseburg friends and, dare I say, natural habitat.  After sleeping in, Dan went off to help with wedding prep.  The ceremony was lovely and love from the couple radiated through the evening.  It was simply beautiful!  On Sunday, we helped with wedding cleanup details and drove home.

Things were pretty calm until last night when we noticed that Dolce had whacked the heck out of her poor tail.  Her tail is the worst it has ever been.  We just have not been able to get the open wound to heal and she keeps cleaning it which makes it worse.  Last night we were sure that the vet would amputate it but thankfully we have one more attempt to get it healed.  Poor Dolce suffers from a chronic case of Happy Tail.  I kid you not, that is the actual diagnosis!  She will not be so happy with her new mussel which will prevent her from messing with her tail, her tail bandaged up with a hard plastic pill bottle to protect it, and her tail tied to her leg to prevent her from wagging it.  This poor dog is going to look absolutely pathetic but if this is what it takes...so be it!

Week 30

Baby Size: a head of cabbage or a cucumber!  He weighs almost 3 pounds and is 15.7 inches long.

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)
How I feel about being pregnant:  I am now more focused on being a new mother than being pregnant.  I love feeling the little guy move around so that is always exciting! 

Symptoms:  Nothing new.  The line down my belly is getting a little darker.  Stretch marks are continuing to show up and grow.  I have a hard time eating a full meal and catching a full breath of air.  I have to use the restroom every two hours.  My legs are cramping, mainly as I stretch first thing in the morning.  My breasts are huge and tender.  My back aches.  My ankles and lower legs swell a little by the end of the day if I don't keep them up, get enough water, and/or don't move enough during the day.  My joints are loosey goosey so I am off balance and clumsy most of the time.  I have times when I just want to cry...yay hormones!  My poor nose does not know what to do with the extra fluid in my body so it goes from being runny to super dry in 5 seconds flat.  When I cough, I pee a little and feel like I am going to throw up.  I don't sleep well during the night because I am tossing and turning which I am sure resembles a beached whale.  I have absolutely no short term memory.  I am in complete nesting mode.  But, even with all of that, I get to feel my baby more and more as he grows and gets stronger which makes up for all the rest!  The "joys" of pregnancy really are joyful when I feel my little guy and nothing else really matters!

Cravings:  Nothing out of the ordinary.  I want chocolate but I don't NEED IT NOW.  I want fall smells around me all the time like apple pie and pumpkin pie and mulling spices but that's typical for me this time of year.

What I am most excited about:  Completing week 30.  Bring on the single digit countdown!

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He took great care of me while we were in Washington.  He made sure that I had a good breakfast each morning.

Funny moment: Getting pregnancy, breastfeeding, and parenting advise from Dan's friends who are new parents!  Simon in particular had a lot to share about how swelled I would get and ways of dealing with that, how wonderful the benefits of breastfeeding are, and the awesome joys of being a parent.  He also provided advise on pain management during labor.  Simon was sweet to share his knowledge and it's always great to see a passionate father but it still cracked me up!

Special moment:  This is not necessarily pregnancy related but I had a special moment/realization on the drive home from Washington.  I realized that this was the first trip in about two years, maybe longer, that I did not have anxiety with!  I did not have anxiety during the week while prepping and packing and getting the house in order and organizing the details.  I got home late so we left later than planned on Friday but that did not stress me out.  I did not stress out when we hit bad traffic.  I did not stress out while packing everything up to leave from the hotel.  My stress/anxiety were under control the entire time.  This was so exciting to not feel the pent up energy of anxiety and not to have an actual panic attack related to travel!  On a second special moment note, Dan and I had great conversations in the car on the way up and back!

Fall Is Here

Fall is in the air!  There is a buzz, an excitement in the air, with preparing for the coming winter.   I love this time of year with the cool/crisp mornings, warm afternoons, sweaters, boots, tea, cider, harvest, pumpkins, and the excitement for the upcoming holidays.  I love that school is back in session, even for the college students.  I love football season and the end of baseball season.  I love the colorful leaves that will later fall.  I even love the returning rain.  I love breaking out my fall shoes, accessories, and jackets.  I love the warmth in the house and the baking smells.  I love the sunsets.  This is just a magical time of year when I am reminded of what I am thankful for which will only build as the holidays come around.  Don't get me wrong, I love the other seasons, too, but I am especially excited for fall and especially this year! 

Dan in the corn maize.

This past week went by to quickly!  We had the third birth class on Wednesday night where we watched three birth story videos and practiced breathing techniques.  Dan's anxiety and worry came down by watching the videos but mine went through the roof!  At the end, I kept having thoughts like "Can we go back 7 months?"  "I have to do WHAT?!"  "Not going to do it...can't make me...I don't want to!" and "What the hell did I get myself into?"  The instructor did not show the video for the shock of live births but instead to help us figure out what we as individuals want our birth experiences to be.  Each birth is its own experience and adventure.  I felt a lot better about the world once Dan and I drove back and talked about it.  I know I can do this...but I can I get the epidural catheter now?  Just to be prepared?  Thursday and Friday were nice at home evenings.  We went to two of the local farms on Saturday that are just up the road from where we live.  We did the corn maize at Lone Pine Farm and bought some pretty pumpkins.  For the last 11 years, I have always done the haunted corn maize at night.  I had so much fun doing the maize during the day!  We are definitely starting a new family tradition!  We bought more produce over at Thistledown Farm.  After we rested, we went over to watch the Ducks vs Huskies game at the Shannon home with good friends.  The Ducks won by a landslide!  Sunday was full of church, nap time, and sewing.  I went to my weekly Mary Kay meeting on Monday.  I have not been consistently making those meetings so it felt really good to be back on Monday!  I filled out a lot of paperwork on Tuesday evening and read some of the preggo/parenting books.  All in all, it was another good week!

Week 29

Baby Size:a butternut squash or acorn squash!  He weighs 2.5 pounds and is over 15 inches long from head to heel.

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain...And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

How I feel about being pregnant: All sorts of mixed emotions!  I am getting more and more terrified about labor/delivery but am so excited just to meet our new little guy.  I am nervous about the financial impact love feeling him kick and move around.

Symptoms:  line down the belly and a lack of sleep.  It's not fun to need to flip over in the middle of the night, multiple times, because a shoulder or hip are sore.  I can't just "flip" over but need to wake up just enough to prop myself up with my elbow, lift my chest enough to get the momentum to switch sides...seriously makes me feel like a beached whale and I know it is only going to get worse!

Cravings:  No cravings but I did have a hankering for an old college favorite last week.  I had Kraft creamy macaroni and cheese with a cut up hot dog and ketchup.  It sounds so gross but it pretty darn tasty!

What I am most excited about:  Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!  I can't believe there are just three months left until I finally get to meet Bebe Claric...now we just need to figure out a name!

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He came to the farms with me this weekend!  We had so much fun doing the corn maize and being together.

Funny moment:  There are two moments!  1) I was reading on the couch with a dog on my hip and my legs curled up under me.  I could feel the tadpole practicing his swimming when all of a sudden there was a really sudden, solid kick to the dog's jowl which was resting peacefully on my help and belly!  She jerked her head up in shock and gave me a look that said, "But Mom, what did I do to deserve that?  I am being a good, cuddling doggo who was just resting."  The poor thing had been in a dead sleep and was rudely awakened!  I could not stop laughing and realized, again, that he is his own little person already and I can't control him.  He did it!  2) Towards the end of the game, after a good chunk of friends had already left, tadpole started to really move and groove.  I told Dan who instantly, without hesitation, asked the whole room if they wanted to feel the baby move.  He quickly looked at me with apologetic eyes and said, "Is it okay for our friends to touch your stomach?"  His excitement was sweet and his consideration cracked me up when it came a few seconds too late.  Of course, it was okay and they did get to feel our little guy.

Special moment:  Seeing our friends react to the baby's movements.  It was special to get to share that with them!