37 weeks (yesterday ;)-FULL TERM!!!

Yesterday was 37 weeks and Eli's mommy was a little too busy to post, sorry!! I can say that I am getting more and more mentally prepared for this big day of ours coming up. Now that I am considered full term (or I should say Eli is), I think about what I would do if my water broke or contractions started wherever I may be. The grocery store? At work? In the car?? I already know about if I am at work, but places that you go daily or weekly, you kinda can't really plan for. Hopefully I'll have the "trickle" water breaking and not the "gush", which would be obvious to the whole world what is going on. So, while that is where my current anxiety lies (although not bad, more of just thinking ahead and wondering), we are very excited to finally meet our little Elijah!!

Here is what babycenter has to say:
"How your baby's growing: Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.

Your baby weighs a little over 6 pounds and measures between 19 and 20 inches, head to heel. 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 your life's changing: Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you see some "bloody show" (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.) Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before.

While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy."

Still the same stuff pretty much: tired, harder to get around, pelvic/thigh pain, etc. One day this week I was really lucky to have my pelvic/thigh pain all day! Of course, that was a day that I was more active and not just sitting at my desk, so that made it even better ;)! I also have strange, nonsensical dreams, which is pretty funny....at least after I wake up! He still is very active and I'll post some video to prove it. Love it!!

Baby pic:

This morning Eric & I planned our "maybe last date before Eli". We decided to do breakfast at Bob Evans (which is REALLY good) and see the newest Harry Potter. I only went to the bathroom once during the movie, which was amazing! We both love movies and hadn't gone in awhile, so it was good to go....especially before noon when it is the cheapest and least crowded!!

This week I go to dinner with a friend from grad school who had her little boy just couple of months ago, so that should be fun. I have already drilled her for her labor story, which is nice to hear others experiences. I also have my work shower on Tuesday and we have our 3rd childbirth class on Wednesday. My 37 week doc appointment is on Thursday where I'll find out the strep B results. I'll keep you posted about any news!

36 week doc appt. & shower

Today I had my 36 week doc appointment. This one was a sign of things to come unlike my other recent appointments that were pretty routine. I had the strep B test and then my cervix and dilation were checked. Strep B test wasn't bad, but checking my cervix was uncomfortable and actually hurt! I said to myself, wow, this is only a fraction of the REAL pain! It was also just a lot of pressure, which is never fun. Anyway, complaining aside, my cervix is softening as it should but no dilation really, maybe 1/2 centimeter or so, if that. She said his head is positioning in my pelvis, which is great! Here are some stats:

Eli's heartbeat: 153
Mommy's weight gain: 37 lbs.
Mommy's blood pressure: good!

After my appointment I drove over to Eric's work and attended a shower they threw for us. It was so nice of them! We received our Rain Forest Jumperoo, a bibbity roll bib, pacifiers, and several outfits. Oh, and always needed cash! Here a few pics:

Cute jumperoo centerpiece!

Yummy ice cream cake!!



Dinosaur outfit....for him to grow into which is great!


Sports themed outfits


Washcloths...much needed!

Thank you again, Medtrak, for thinking of little Eli and his parents....not many workplaces recognize the daddy!!

Just thought I'd post some pics....

....of the nursery and other baby things.....just for fun!!

Elijah's book shelf which has more stuffed animals than books, but hopefully we'll fill soon!

Eli's rocking, reading, breastfeeding, music listening corner

Elijah's crib and adorable monkey rug

These 2 pictures are of Eric & I at 5 months and are above the changing table....too cute!!

Changing station

Elijah's stash of diapers and clothes....while I didn't plan it this way, he has primarily blue clothing!

Eli's wheels!

Play yard where Mr. Eli will sleep for the first weeks next to our bed. It also has a fun baby gym and changing area so it will be great when we go on trips!!

That's all for now!!

36 weeks!

Okay, now it is REALLY getting close. I technically could go "anytime", but starting next week, he will be considered full term, so I hope he waits a little while longer. Our childbirth class ends at 38 weeks, so hopefully he can hold out so we can attend all the classes. Or, he may trick us and hold out past his due date, ya never know!!!!

Let's see, we've done a lot this week! Monday I had massage, which was great. Tuesday I went to my local La Leche League meeting and I definitely think I'll attend each month for support. One of the leaders informed me that she was teaching the breastfeeding class we had today, so it was great to meet her before hand. She is a dietitian, a lactation consultant AND she is from Iowa, so we got along great! I think she'll be a great resource and I'm sure I'll put in a couple calls to her for help.....maybe more!! Wednesday we had our first childbirth class and learned breathing techniques to practice at home. Next week we'll discuss labor & delivery, so that will be an important class. The last 2 are about newborns and postpartum. As I said earlier, this morning was our breastfeeding class, which was very educational and I at least feel like I know the basics...it's just applying them on little Eli!! I think my biggest concerns are just getting started and then returning to work and pumping.

Here is what babycenter says about 36 weeks:
"How your baby's growing: Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is a little under 19 inches long. 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. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

How your life's changing: Now that your baby is taking up so much room, you may have trouble eating a normal-size meal. Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier to handle at this point. On the other hand, you may have less heartburn and have an easier time breathing when your baby starts to "drop" down into your pelvis. This process — called lightening — often happens a few weeks before labor if this is your first baby. (If you've given birth before, it probably won't happen before labor starts.) If your baby drops, you may also feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen, which may make walking increasingly uncomfortable, and you'll probably find that you have to pee even more frequently. If your baby is very low, you may feel lots of vaginal pressure and discomfort as well. Some women say it feels as though they're carrying a bowling ball between their legs!

You might also notice that your Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now. Be sure to review the signs of labor with your practitioner and find out when she wants to hear from you. As a general rule, if you're full-term, your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and your water hasn't broken, she'll probably have you wait to come in until you've been having contractions that last for about a minute each, coming every five minutes for an hour. Of course, you'll want to call right away if you notice a decrease in your baby's activity or think you're leaking amniotic fluid, or if you have any vaginal bleeding, fever, a severe or persistent headache, constant abdominal pain, or vision changes.

Even if you're enjoying an uncomplicated pregnancy, it's best to avoid flying (or any travel far from home) during your final month because you can go into labor at any time. In fact, some airlines won't let women on board who are due to deliver within 30 days of the flight."

I am having Braxton Hicks, but nothing that is painful or really uncomfortable. It's just tightening of my tummy and it can feel strange and a little uncomfortable, but nothing bad. I guess I also say this since I know the REAL contractions will pale in comparison!! I pee a lot and definitely walk differently, and slower. I get lovely pelvic pains in my inner thighs when I stand or walk too long so I guess I have a built in reminder to sit down and quit moving around!

The big question is "Where and when will labor begin??" Of course, I would prefer to be at home in the evening or weekend and not at work. But, just in case, I have packed a bag with a change of clothes and towels in case my water breaks at work or heaven forbid, while I'm driving. Eric would then pick me up wherever I am at and off to the hospital we go! I've talked to Eli to ask if he would wait until the evening or weekend.....let's see if he is a good listener ;)

36 week baby pic:

36 week mommy pics:




I was so happy not to have any stretch marks but, I have found some on my sides and legs, but none on my belly??!! Oh well!!

This upcoming week holds another baby shower being thrown by Eric's work. It was scheduled the same day as my doc appointment so that I could take a 1/2 day. It's very sweet of them to throw us one, not many workplaces throw daddys a shower!! At the doc appointment I'll get my strep B test and will find out the results at the next appointment. I go every week from now until he arrives....exciting!!!

35 weeks!

Today is 35 weeks and we celebrated by having Eli's car seat installed into mommy's car. We will buy another base to put in daddy's car but we can wait on that a little. It's funny because trained volunteers do it for free at a car dealership and they saw our car seat and one of them got excited because she said it is the best car seat on the market. It fit great in the Pathfinder except that the 2001 doesn't have harness clips (or something like that) and they had to use the seat belt, which is fine, but she said the clips are much easier to use. When we get a base for Eric's car, it will be easy to install since his is newer. So, another thing to check off our list!!

We also took Shadow and Mocha to get their shots and check them out to make sure they are healthy before Mr. Elijah arrives. We took them to a new vet and were happy with them. Shadow absolutely HATES going anywhere outside of the house in his carrier, so it is always a dramatic scene to get him in the carrier and then he just huddles and sits scared the whole time. Mocha cries in the car but is more curious once at the vet. Both are healthy, except Shadow has some plaque on his back teeth. We have to try to brush or scratch it off and if we can't, then take him to get them cleaned. They told us at 7 years old (which Shadow will be next year) that they start to do geriatric visits....isn't that funny to think he will be considered an old man??

Here is babycenter 35 weeks:
"How your baby's growing: Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 pounds plus. 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 your life's changing: Your uterus — which was entirely tucked away inside your pelvis when you conceived — now reaches up under your rib cage. If you could peek inside your womb, you'd see that there's more baby than amniotic fluid in there now. Your ballooning uterus is crowding your other internal organs, too, which is why you probably have to urinate more often and may be dealing with heartburn and other gastrointestinal distress. If you're not grappling with these annoyances, you're one of the lucky few.

From here on out, you'll start seeing your practitioner every week. Sometime between now and 37 weeks, she'll do a vaginal and rectal culture to check for bacteria called Group B streptococci (GBS). (Don't worry — the swab is the size of a regular cotton swab, and it won't hurt at all.) GBS is usually harmless in adults, but if you have it and pass it on to your baby during birth, it can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, meningitis, or a blood infection. Because 10 to 30 percent of pregnant women have the bacteria and don't know it, it's vital to be screened. (The bacteria come and go on their own — that's why you weren't screened earlier in pregnancy.) If you're a GBS carrier, you'll get IV antibiotics during labor, which will greatly reduce your baby's risk of infection.

This is also a good time to create a birth plan. Using our form will help you focus on specifics — like who'll be present, what pain management techniques you want to try, and where you want your baby to stay after you deliver. It will give you a starting point to discuss your preferences with your medical team. Childbirth is unpredictable, and chances are you won't follow your plan to the letter, but thinking about your choices ahead of time — and sharing your preferences with your caregiver — should take some of the anxiety out of the process."

All is well in Eli land. He moves a lot, shifting and rotating, which is fun. I still play with his little foot when he pushes it out (at least I think it's a foot!). Still more tired in the evenings, have some digestion issues off and on, but nothing too bad. Anxiously awaiting his arrival and hope to learn a lot in our childbirth and breastfeeding classes coming up this week! Busy week for Eli as I have a prenatal massage on Monday, La Leche League group on Tuesday, Childbirth class on Wednesday, and Breastfeeding class on Saturday! Whew!! Fun, fun!!

34 week doc appt.

Today was my 34 week appointment. It was short & sweet:
Eli's heart rate: 166- WOW! That's the fastest I've heard it, but he was moving around so I guess that would raise it
Mommy's weight: I'm up to 33 lbs. now....I might reach 40 at this rate!!
Mommy's measurements: measuring right at 34 weeks!

I asked about an epidural with my scoliosis and I was told that since I never had surgery or anything that it should be fine. I was just told to talk to the anesthesiologist about it. Next appointment in 2 weeks I get my group B strep test. If it is positive all it means is I get an antibiotic during delivery. Then I start to go every week...woohoo!!

Too funny.....

Okay so I often spill on myself due to my enlarged belly, which is annoying because I have stains on a few of my shirts that I haven't been able to get out completely. Anyway, tonight we grilled on our new grill for the first time and had yummy pork chops, corn, and potato salad. I got up to put my dishes in the dishwasher and walked around a little in the kitchen for about 5 minutes doing things, and then I looked down and saw this:

Doesn't the corn look great against my green top?

So, now I can say I officially have a food catcher belly....I'll have to watch that so I don't embarrass myself!

34 weeks!

Today is 34 weeks and I'm STILL feeling really good. I'm more tired, it's harder to sleep at night, get comfortable, and definitely to bend over (I squat). I have random pelvic pain when I am standing and at night when sleeping. I would imagine this is due to the extra weight. He's still really active, more of a large shift or pressing against my belly with his butt, back, or foot. It's fun because I've started to be able to "play" with him. For example, when he presses his foot out, I rub it or poke at it and he moves it around, like I'm tickling him!! I definitely want to post a video of my moving belly, maybe in a couple weeks.

Here is my 34 week pics:



Here is what babycenter says for the week:

"How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long. 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. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

How your life's changing: By this week, fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable. Now's the time to slow down and save up your energy for labor day (and beyond). If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you feel dizzy.

If you notice itchy red bumps or welts on your belly and possibly your thighs and buttocks as well, you may have a condition called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP for short). Up to one percent of pregnant women develop PUPPP, which is harmless but can be quite uncomfortable. See your practitioner so she can make sure it's not a more serious problem, provide treatment to make you more comfortable, and refer you to a dermatologist if necessary. Also be sure to call her if you feel intense itchiness all over your body, even if you don't have a rash. It could signal a liver problem."

No itchy red bumps, yeah!!

We took a tour of the maternity floor at Centerpoint, where little Eli will be born. It was really informative and we got to see the labor & delivery room and the post partum room. All rooms are private, which is nice, and since it is a new hospital, everything is very "pretty". What will happen is if I start to go into labor during the day, I will go see my doc first (the clinic is in the hospital) and then I will be told whether or not to go home or to go to the labor & delivery unit. If it is after hours, I will go to the ER and then to the labor & delivery unit to be monitored to see if I go home or stay. They have great security as Eli & I will both wear a security device that when Eli is close to me, it will play a lullaby. If he gets close to an exit, his device will sound a ferocious sound. Also, they believe in "rooming in" which means he will be with me in my room 24/7 except for when the pediatrician sees him and if I request he go to the nursery for a couple of hours. Overall we were impressed!!

Well, we are still working on getting everything together for his arrival. Today we bought some "safety" items like a fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector, additional smoke detectors, door latches, outlet covers, etc. I also bought travel items to pack in my hospital bag that I will put together soon. We're getting so close!

We look forward to our childbirth class starting in 1 1/2 weeks and finishing up a lot around the house and in prepping for Eli's big day. Thanks for reading!!

Daycare!!!

I'm happy to announce I made a deposit on a daycare today...woohoo!! I have been looking for a daycare for the last few months (it's amazing how early you have to start!) and thought I had it in with an in home daycare provider that lives around the corner from us. But, through conversations with the provider, I got the feeling she was not really wanting to take another child and wanted to only focus on her family and friend's kids. Her daughter is having a baby in December and she asked me if it bothered me that there would be 2 infants plus her other kids. I thought it was strange that she ask me since she is the one that should be putting limits on her daycare numbers, not me!! She also said she would close down the daycare in a year or two but wasn't sure when. This made me leary because I didn't want to risk her one day saying in 6 months that she was closing up with little notice. I think she just was used to having only friends and family and the flexibility of that. I just overall felt like she wouldn't be reliable.

Anyway, my 2nd choice was Christ Early Learning Center. It is faith based, which is not why I chose it, and is also close to our house. While meeting with one of the directors and touring, it seemed very well managed and was a mid range price range. I also got a great recommendation from a friend so that made it seem even better! It was strange how it worked out because I had talked to the in home daycare lady last week and we said we would contact each other on Sunday to make a decision. I hadn't heard from her (she was going to talk to her daughter) and just kept thinking that we should go somewhere else. It's a good thing because I called Christ Early Learning Center and they indicated they would have to check with a couple of other couples who stated they would make their deposit this week (I met with one of the directors about a month ago, and since then, a number of couples also showed interest). So, after calling a few couples and one couple backing out, there was only space for 2 infants!! I got "the call" today stating that Eli could have one of the openings. Essentially, if I wouldn't have called this week, they would have been full! Just strange timing! I feel good about it (besides the $$$, although a decent price, still $$$-only the best for Eli ;) and who knows, maybe he'll attend there until kindergarten!!!

I'll post tomorrow about 34 weeks!

Rain, Rain, and more RAIN

Beginning Thursday of last week, we have had constant rain, only finally stopping today. This rain was the kind of rain that is just steady, no storms, for about 72 hours straight (maybe a break here and there, but not much). As luck had it, we just happened to have plans to go to my sister Holly's, brother and sister-in-law's home in the country in Lane, KS, about 10 miles southwest from Osawatomie, KS, for a 4th of July get together on Saturday. Here's a news story.

As we were driving in, we were told that we had to take an alternate route as the one normally taken was flooded. Then, on the alternate route, we just missed water coming over the road on Hwy 59. This was a little scary as you hear all the time of flash flooding, and this was definitely just that! We wondered whether or not to turn around and go home, but couldn't help but wonder if other roads behind us were now flooded and we would get stuck in the middle of no where! So we decided to go the next 5 or so miles and just prepare to have to stay the night (we were planning on coming back that night).

Well, it continued to rain up until around 1am or so and their back yard had a pretty wide "river" running through it, which normally wasn't there. People would come to the get-together saying such and such road was closed now. Poor Penny & Tom (Holly's sister and brother in law) had to provide sleeping quarters for 23 people, including themselves)!!! Thankfully they have a big house and had enough supplies. I got a bed (pregnancy advantages ;) and actually slept well. This morning we left and took the way we took to get there as the more direct route through Osawatamie (as in article above) was flooded. Crazy!

Despite all that craziness, it was a good time and we had fun just eating, relaxing, playing games, and mostly playing Chris' new Wii (I just watched). Today is sunny and warmer without rain (at least in KC) and I am happy for that!!! We thought for sure the premiere of "Evan Almighty" was to blame (hehe!). Thanks, again, to Penny & Tom for being such great host/hostess!!!

33 weeks

Yesterday was 33 weeks for Mr. Eli and I guess I could say sleeping and getting comfortable is a little more difficult. I'm not complaining, as I know things are going so well. My inner thigh pain seems to be returning and is most noticeable when I turn over while sleeping and when I am standing for too long. I also think I'm going to wear my maternity belt more often to help with supporting the weight of our little guy. But, feeling good otherwise!

Here is what babycenter has to say:
"How your baby's growing: This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark. 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. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) 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 your life's changing: As your baby fills out even more of your belly, lots of things might start to change: Whereas before you were sashaying, you may find yourself waddling. Finding an easy position to sit in — let alone sleep — is becoming more of a challenge. And bumping into chairs and counters is par for the course.

You may be feeling some achiness and even numbness in your fingers, wrists, and hands. Like many other tissues in your body, those in your wrist can retain fluid, which can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel, a bony canal in your wrist. Nerves that run through this "tunnel" may end up pinched, creating numbness; tingling, shooting or burning pain; or a dull ache. Try wearing a splint to stabilize your wrist or propping your arm up with a pillow when you sleep. If your work requires repetitive hand movements (at a keyboard or on an assembly line, for instance), remember to stretch your hands when you take breaks — which should be frequently."

Baby pic:

We went to our "Baby Basics" class on Tuesday night. We were one of about 15 or so couples, all first time parents. It was taught by nurses and it was pretty good. We have a nice reference book to keep which is good to have. Has some great checklists and step-by-step directions. We also got some great advice about what types of shampoos, body wash, detergent, diapers, etc. Pretty much we were told, like everything else, the really expensive brands aren't all they are cracked up to be and just to use hypo-allergenic, fragrance free, at least for the first few months. The next class is a breastfeeding class (July 21st) and we start our childbirth classes that same week for 4 weeks.

Even though we have a lot of the major needed items, there is still a lot to do such as wash everything, safety proof the house, put together items (play yard, stroller, car seat in car, etc.), and buy items we'll need off our registry we don't have yet (I have one more shower at work, so we'll wait to see what materializes from that ;). We also need to do some other things: finish the basement bathroom, stain the deck, get the cats into the vet, etc. It's funny because little Elijah's arrival seems so close, yet so far away!! We are so excited!!