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!

Beginning of the End

I can't believe that I am officially into my third trimester.  It feels like just yesterday we found out I was pregnant, the anxiety of anticipations, and the all day sickness.  The second trimester treated me well.  My nerves calmed down, I felt better, and I had more energy.  The house motto was, "We still have 5 months so we can figure that out later."  Now the reality has set in that we are going to meet this little guy in just three short months...only 90ish days away!  WOW!  The anxiety is back but in an exciting, pent up sort of way.  I just want to meet him!

The last week was fairly calm and uneventful.  We had birthing class on Wed. night and learned about the various stages of labor...yikes!  On Thursday, I made it to the women's church group which I have been missing dearly.  It felt wonderful to be with other caring women in various parts of life.  Dan was gone for the weekend so I got a lot of sewing done.  Billy stopped by on Friday to store some empty kegs while he was at a workshop all weekend.  I got to see him Sunday afternoon when he picked them up.  That was a lovely visit.  Nothing noteworthy on Monday.  On Tuesday I had an OB appointment that went well.  Doc says that the baby and I are doing really well.  I am now on an every other week schedule for my appointments.  At the end of the month, I have an ultrasound scheduled to see if the placenta has moved to a better spot with the follow up OB check right afterwards.  I am anxious to get the results but just want to know.

Week 28

Baby Size: a Chinese cabbage or eggplant!  He weighs two and a quarter pounds and measures 14.8 inches from head to heel.

Baby Development: According to BabyCenter.com:

She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.
How I feel about being pregnant: big!  I have to lean over to see my toes in the shower! I just can't wait to actually see and hold our little guy.

Symptoms:  I am now sporting the line down my belly.  I really want a good night's sleep.

Cravings:  Nothing.  I want ice cream each night but I wanted that before I was preggo!

What I am most excited about:  I just want to see him.  I wonder what he looks like, how he will smell, will he have hair and how much, how soft will he be, etc.  I am so ready to see his beautiful little face and to love on him!

Something sweet your daddy did for me:  He takes care of groceries and dinner...enough said!

Funny moment: We were greeted with a visiting flamingo flock on Thursday night!  This is the second year in a row.  I always enjoy the looks and reactions as people pass by!  I added a picture of my favorite guy above.

Special moment:  Feeling this little guy get stronger and more active! The doctor was trying to listen to his heartbeat and he kept moving on her.  He is one active swimmer!