Wednesday, November 30, 2011

It’s Starting...

38 Weeks


The comments at work. “You’re still here?” “Haven’t had that baby yet?” No. I’m just barely 39 weeks people. Common folks must not know that most first-time mothers go 8-10 days past their due dates. So please stop frustrating me, I’m trying to mentally prepare myself to go at least 41 weeks! 


People also think I’m crazy to still be at work and not stay home. Well do you realize how precious those maternity days are? The US/insurance standards for paid maternity leave are dumb so I’d rather keep busy here then sit at home organizing my closets for the umpteenth time and wasting days that could be saved for March.


I’ve also been going through rollercoaster emotions; excitement followed by anxiety mainly. I probably read too much instead of following the path of “ignorance is bliss.” I’m like my father - I research! I’ve read too many books on breastfeeding and sleeping that I’m so nervous about setting a good schedule for her! And will I mess that schedule up when I go back to work? 


This will be a major lesson on many levels - I want to be able to “go with the flow” and try to be as laid back as I can for the sanity of all of us! 



Monday, November 28, 2011

Yes, I’m Still Here

38 Weeks


Nothing much to report on. Thanksgiving weekend went too fast as always. It was fun seeing family and friends. 


Saturday morning Ailo and I went on a walk and I swear The Boot dropped lower. I had eaten breakfast around 8am and Tim and I were running errands by 10am. By 10:30 I was feeling “off” - we pinned it to needing to eat again and not enough water, so we answered that. I was still feeling really strange, so when we got home I took a nap from 12:45-1:45 which is still rare for me, even pregnant. I had an overwhelming sense of my body telling me to slow down. I felt much better afterwards and enjoyed my nap.


People are surprised I’m at work today - some truly thought I’d be home with the little one by now. I wonder how many more of those comments I’ll have to endure - hopefully not another 3 weeks!







Sunday, November 20, 2011

Nursery - Check

37 Weeks


I finally feel like the nursery is put together. I pulled a “crazy” pregnant move; we had originally painted a bookshelf with some white paint for the nursery - however, the paint we used was an outdoor paint and as long as it’s been in the nursery, I could still smell the paint fumes and went paranoid that if I can smell it, there’s no way in hell I’m letting my baby inhale that. So thanks again to IKEA and cheap products, we bought a small bookshelf that looks better and leaves me have peace of mind.


We also had the carseats inspected on Thursday night - we didn’t realize how much information we’d receive. Nor did we realize how many “dangers” there are with all the gadgets the baby industry wants you to have have in the back with your baby. Projectile umbrellas, baby mirrors and baby toys - oh my! 


So now we’re really, really done with the major checklist and waiting for her arrival! November or December??







Thursday, November 17, 2011

Drop It Like It’s Hot

37 Weeks [Full Term!]


Weekly check-in today. The Boot has officially “dropped.” My Doctor felt her head and could not rotate it, so she’s locked in place! 



Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Testing, Testing...

I went to bed at 9:10 last night because I had to get up at 5:15 for a 7am meeting with a client in Singapore. Awesome, yeah?


I’ve been sleeping on my left side for months now. I woke up at 11pm in pain - just on my lower left side. It felt “uterine” - not stomach or intestine. And I was pretty sure it wasn’t a contraction - this pain was constant, not coming and going, slightly piercing if I moved a certain way. After about 15 minutes, Tim called the Doctor’s office - I told them it was a constant pain, but subsided when I walked around. They said to drink some water and Gatorade and walk it off.


I continued that for about an hour. Tim was really great and calm and was doing his best to relax me with foot reflexology.


Finally around 12:30am I just wanted to lie down and went down on my right side and the pain went away. I didn’t know what it was, but it rattled me a bit. 


Called the Doctor’s office again this morning and the office manager said the baby was most likely in an awkward position - on a nerve or round ligament which can take a while to shake out, and is usually piercing or burning - that it was! 


Last night felt like a test - I think Tim passed better than I did!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Thursday, November 10, 2011

STILL Chowing??


36 Weeks

I have been eating like a hound at lunchtime lately. I thought the massive amounts of gorging stopped around 2nd Trimester - ? 

Today:
Small spinach salad
Leftover pasta with kale
3 new potatoes
Half a piece of bread with butter 
Snickerdoodle square
5 mini candybars leftover from Halloween.

REALLY?!


Hoot!

36 Weeks


Talk about bizarre - we inadvertently created an owl theme for BGK’s arrival - sheets, trinkets, a little stuffed owl from my cousin. I’ve always liked owls - the wisest of the animal kingdom, right? 


Well last night I woke up and heard two of them very close by, hooting in the full moonlight - the first time I’ve ever heard them in the wild! It was so neat and I think I saw their silhouettes up in the very top of a tree behind the house. It was a very comforting sound and frankly, I like the New-Agey stuff, and consider it a sign that maybe The Boot in on her way? 


We’ll see!


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Continuing Traditions

35 Weeks


I saw an article about homemade Play-Doh and it reminded me of how creative my Mom was when we were kids and she entertained us with crafts - she actually made her own Play-Doh that was completely safe - so much that I remember licking it and it being very salty!


She also bought Dixie Cups with Smurfs on and we’d cut the cups up and take old computer paper [with the green and white lines!] and Stephanie and I would create homes and trails for our cut out Smurfs to walk along. 


I’m also trying to build The Boot’s library and fill it with classic books I loved - I stumbled over Richard Scarry today! 


I’ve also been trying to sing a morning song on my drive to the bus - my Mom sang us a song in the mornings that I’ve already been singing to BGK in my belly. 


It’s endearing how these memories stick with you and grow with you when you become a Mother yourself.


Monday, November 7, 2011

Creakin’ and Saggin’

35 Weeks


My body is definitely prepping - this weekend when I would get up to use the restroom, I nearly fell down because my hip joints hurt so bad! Probably a combo of a very busy Friday at work and needing more support at night between my knees. It’s been better, but my body is definitely shifting!


I also looked in the mirror at work this morning - I had at least 8 hours of sleep and for some reason I have bags under my eyes! Ack! Thank goodness Katherine has passed me some De-Puffery eye cream from Origins. 



Saturday, November 5, 2011

35 Weeks

Okay, I think I may have reached “uncomfortable” now. The belly is truly in the way and my joints are... creaky. They don’t ache, but they feel tired in a way - like after running 8+ miles. Our birthing instructor said after 34 weeks we should try not to sit back so the baby will stay in proper position - frustrating because I really want to lay back at the end of the day! I’m taking her advice with a grain of salt. 


Work has been relentless this week. My team counterpart is in Geneva for another week, so hopefully by the time she gets back I can start easing up a bit. I’ve already passed a photograph shoot off to someone else because I just can’t imagine at 36 Weeks having the energy to stand around directing a photoshoot all day long. 


We’re also starting to get in what last Pre-Baby visits we can - once Thanksgiving hits, I’m not sure how I’ll feel about going out and such. 


The Boot is still a rolly polly little being inside - I’m not sure what “normal” activity and movement are, but it feels like she doesn’t stop moving all day! Lots of feet kicks at the top of my belly.