34w1d
Small update from doc’s appt. I gained another 2 lbs (technically 1.5 and this was after a huge breakfast, so really probably closer to 1, but whatever). And I’m now down to WEEKLY appointments. Crazy! I thought I had at least until 36 weeks before I had to worry about weekly ones. My doc says she likes to start them a little earlier. So next appointment is on Thursday.
Also, I did not take the above pic since I didn’t have a good close up lens on the camera and I was too lazy to change lenses. So it shouldn’t really count as a 365 pic, so I’m adding another one.
She decided to line up all of Mr. Silly’s shoes, which somehow led to a huge shoe pile. I plan on making Mr. Silly clean it all up.
Teeny tiny diaper
I can’t even believe I will be bringing home someone who can wear this next month. Holy crap.
Belly picture to come tomorrow. Because I forgot. The end.
How far along? 34 weeks
Total weight gain: Up 7lbs as of my last appointment- Next appointment was supposed to be today, but I rescheduled it for tomorrow since I was not in the mood to deal with snow. And I’m pretty sure I made the right decision.
Maternity clothes? Yes. Still. Forever.
Sleep: Other than being in IMMENSE pain when I try to roll out of bed for the eleventy millionth time, I’m actually sleeping ok right now. I should be napping as we type, but I just know as soon as I lay down, Mr. Silly is going to call and wake me up. So I decided to wait until after he calls to go to bed, but he isn’t calling. This is probably going to be a no nap day for me and that sucks. If I get a nap in, I can be so much more productive for the rest of the night. Without it, I am useless.
Food cravings: Ummm. I like sweets? Yeah, still nothing major. Boring boring boring.
Best moment this week: No idea.
Movement: All back to normal. I never though I would be relieved to be kicked so hard it makes me nauseous.
Gender: Boy. (Still.) Also boring question. (Still.)
Labor Signs: Normal Braxton Hicks, but by this point, I’m so used to them. Nothing going on.
Belly Button in or out? Out-ish.
What I miss: Wine. Seriously. I’m already thinking about which kind I’ll have after I’m done with this whole pregnancy thing.
What I am looking forward to: Nothing over the next week. I don’t think. I’m kinda boring right now.
Weekly Wisdom: Plan the wine selection early.
Milestones: Third Trimester! And I’ve reached the even week again, which always seems big to me.
My back is killing me. Like way. I am really really suffering this week. Please stop that crap. Far too busy to be in so much pain. Stupid back.
When I was pregnant with Smushy, I had some pretty big anxiety issues that I was dealing with. I think after trying for so long, I just couldn’t believe the pregnancy would end with a healthy baby. Like it was almost too much to ask for. I was pretty crazy and worried back then. Thankfully, my doc tended to err on the side of caution and I always felt very taken care of and looked after. At one point, I started measuring funky and we found there was a fluid issue. Nothing major, but something to check on. Even after it resolved itself, the doc still had me coming in just to be safe. I loved my doctor and she was very much what I needed for that pregnancy. (Minus the 45 minute wait just to get into a room. I could live one without that.)
This time, I am much more laid back about most things. I’ve done this before. I know there can be a healthy baby after it’s over. I know what pregnancy feels like (even though it does feel different this time-still recognizable). I don’t panic when the baby doesn’t move for a couple of days. (Two is my limit. Then I panic a little.) I don’t look forward to appointments the way I did the first time. I don’t feel like I need the constant reassurance that everything is fine and normal. It’s just different this time. My doctor is different too. She is a lot more laid back. I don’t wait long to get into the room and then I think the whole appointment lasts less than 10 minutes. Of course she still addresses and concerns I have, but I don’t have that many.
She typically has one nurse who handles all the nursely duties. I have mixed feelings about the nurse. I like her. She’s relaxed and proficient and nice. But she bugs me. I started having Braxton Hicks contractions really early this pregnancy, when I never had any with Smushy. I knew it could be normal and wasn’t too worried, but thought I should mention it anyway. I told the nurse and she told me “That’s just growing pains, not contractions.” Umm. The hell you say. I know what a contraction feels like and please don’t talk to me like I’m stupid. I let it go and contractions ever since.
Last week baby boy was having some very quiet days. He was moving, but not as much or as strong as usual. I know this happens. This happened with Smushy. It’s normal. I realize this. But when he wasn’t back to his usual kick-boxing self by day three, I started getting concerned. I knew he had a heartbeat because he was still moving-a little. Dr. Google will tell you to call your doctor when there is a DECREASE in movement. There was a decrease. So I called and spoke to the nurse. I told her I was not one to jump straight to the panic button, but I was concerned since he hadn’t been as active for so long. She kept telling me that he’s probably running out of room to move as much and it as probably fine, but I could come in and the doc could doppler me. I asked if that was it. I have a doppler. I can do that from home. She said as long as I found a heartbeat, that was it. So I said I would just do a quick check (and I knew there would be a heartbeat since he was still moving-a little.)
And of course there was.
But this is what bugs me. If there is a problem, like a cord compression or whatever, how would I know? How would they have known listening to his heartbeat for 10 seconds? As far as I know, a Non-Stress Test is usually called for in this kind of situation. Not that I particularly wanted to drag my 2 year old to the hospital for an hour while I was strapped to a fetal heart monitor. Not my idea of fun either. But what if? What if there was something really wrong? And they blew off my concerns as nothing? As relaxed as I am about pregnancy this time, I am still a better safe than sorry person. And the more I think about it, the more pissed I get.
As a patient, I expect my concerns to be taken seriously. It bothers me that I don’t trust that my baby will be taken care of. I think I’m going to have to talk to my doctor about my concerns.
I never had the nesting urge when I was pregnant with Smushy. It didn’t matter so much because Mr. Silly was home a lot more and I made him do all the nesting for me. We managed to have everything 100% ready and done before we even found out she was a girl. It probably helped that I didn’t have a toddler “helping”, so the house stayed clean for more than 5 minutes.
A clean house. I really miss that. Anyway.
This time I had one whole day of extreme nesting craziness. I washed half of the new baby clothes, organized his closet, and started packing my hospital bag. I was hoping it would last, but now I’m back to Meh. And I don’t nest in a good, productive way. All I care about are the baby things. Floor needs to be swept and there is a pile of dishes in the sink? Who cares! Must fold onesies!
Now, that’s not true actually. The house is getting to me. I would LOVE to clean it all up and keep it that way. LOVE! But physically, this pregnancy is much harder than the last time. Bending over to pick up toys gets me winded and in pain in less than a minute. Five minutes of just standing starts the contractions. Not to mention Smushy’s special kind of “help”. And when I start thinking about how much longer I have to go, I get so discouraged. Mr. Silly helps as much as he helps. Sometimes I think he thinks I’m just being lazy and doesn’t take my limitations seriously. And I do sorta get that. I am lazy. To a point. I mean, yes, yes I really really am, but even I have my limits. I just want my house to be clean and stay that way. And I would gladly do it all if my body would just cooperate. I should add, I do stuff every day. The dishes get taken care of, and the laundry never piles up too high. It’s all the other stuff I have a hard time managing.
So! A list of crap that needs to be done by me or someone like me before this child is allowed to arrive!
- Clean out the top of the laundry closet to make room for his bathtub
- Wash the rest of his clothes
- Buy a few odds and ends things
- Put baby things together such as the travel crib, bouncer, and swing
- Find a place to put all of those not yet put together baby things
- Makes sure Smushy doesn’t break the not yet put together baby things
- Make sure the cat doesn’t pee in the not yet put together baby things
- Install the infant seat
- Figure out where the heck I put the sheets for the pack-n-play
- Clean the house and keep it that way
- Consider some kinda of bubble suit for Smushy to keep her grubby paws off of everything and her toddler germs to herself so I feel well enough for more than 5 minutes so I can actually manage to get all of the above done. Check Home Depot.
And there it is. Minus whatever my pregnant brain has blocked out. Less than 5 weeks, people. Which is nestled snugly between forever from now and OMG time to panic!
How far along? 33 weeks
Total weight gain: Up 7lbs as of my last appointment
Maternity clothes? Yes. Still. Forever.
Sleep: Sleep is for the weak. (And I am one of them.) I don’t need no stinkin’ sleep! (Yes OMG yes I do.) I get up about 5 times a night to pee and the cold is always worse at night and Smushy is not big on sleeping in these days. I think I’m averaging maybe 4-5 hours total a night. On a good night. I neeeeeed sleeeeeep. Smushy was nice enough to let me sleep in for about an hour and a half this morning though, so that was nice.
Food cravings: None cravings. And I still (STILL!) have morning sickness. I don’t mention it because it’s not the worst morning sickness ever, but come on! 33 weeks? Really?
Best moment this week: That one day I got to take a nap. Yeah, not so much exciting stuff going on these days.
Movement: He has been super quiet for the past 3 days. I actually called the doctor today for the first time ever and HAD to doppler him. I know they have quiet days and that’s fine, but 3 in a row when he is usually VERY active worried me. I’m loading up on the caffeine today to try to get more movement out of him.
Gender: Boy. (Still.) Also boring question. (Still.)
Labor Signs: I have been having a ton of contractions lately and I have to work harder to get rid of them. Much more water and relaxing than usual. I’m sure it doesn’t mean anything, but it is a little annoying. It would be nice to stand up and walk to the bathroom without having one.
Belly Button in or out? Out-ish.
What I miss: Everything. Undercooked eggs, wine, normal sleep, being able to breathe through my nose. Just everything.
What I am looking forward to: The end. I haven’t wanted to rush this pregnancy along, but I’m feeling very anxious to meet this guy. I’m terrified of all the changes and adjusting to life as a mom of 2, but so so ready to see him and hold him. It makes me feel guilty since I know I want to enjoy every minute, but it’s getting harder to be patient.
Weekly Wisdom: When nothing is going right and everything is out to ruin your day, it is absolutely ok to sit on the couch eating your craving of choice and watching bad TV. Sometimes it’s actually necessary.
Milestones: Third Trimester! Still chugging along.
How far along? 32 weeks
Total weight gain: Up 7lbs total. Yes, I gained 5lbs in 2 weeks. Su-uck. The funny thing is, when I was scarfing food like nothing, I wasn’t gaining weight. Now that I get full after 2 bites, I start gaining. Figures. Also, now laying off the milkshakes and donuts.
Maternity clothes? Yes. Still. Forever.
Sleep: I have to get up a lot more often to pee these days and Smushy has been sick this week. I got kicked out of my own bed for the first time ever. Had to sleep in her room. And this is why we got her a full size bed and skipped that toddler stuff. I think we got a whole 2 hours of sleep total last night. Of course that meant Smushy fell asleep way before naptime, and since I had an appointment, I couldn’t sleep. Now it’s naptime and she’s not tired and I want to die. So, yeah, more sleep please.
Food cravings: You know. This and that. Ok, nothing really. This pregnancy fails at food.
Best moment this week: I think my special form of nesting has begun. Nice since I didn’t have any of that the last time.
Movement: Oh yes. Much movement. Sometimes it’s so much I feel sick.
Gender: Boy. (Still.) Also boring question.
Labor Signs: None. Ish. I had one night when the Braxton Hicks were time-able and super frequent, but I just needed water and rest. All fine. No biggie.
Belly Button in or out? Out-ish.
What I miss: Rolling over in bed without pain. Oh! And putting on pants like a normal person. I’ve found I can either bend down or lift my leg, not both at once.
What I am looking forward to: I don’t know exactly. I feel anxious all the time about everything. I think I’m at the point when I start wanting to be done with this whole pregnancy mess and meet this little guy.
Weekly Wisdom: Not being able to get anything accomplished sucks unless you have an extra special awesome husband to take over and cover for you. So get one of those.
Milestones: Third Trimester! And from here on, the even weeks seem like a big deal. I don’t know why.
My nesting isn’t like normal nesting. I don’t have any urge to clean anything. Dust and mess? Meh. He’s just going to have to live with it. This is our reality. However, I am obsessed with having everything ready. Lists and lists of things I need to buy. Making sure I have enough onesies in the right sizes and weather appropriate. *Side note: March due date? Not helpful with the weather related questions. I think I only get to buy one size in summer stuff. * And I have weeks (weeks!) before my c-section, but I’ve already started packing my hospital bag. Including buying a new bag that I am in love with and getting all the toiletries packed. It is so weird!
31 weeks
Bonus angles:
We shall never speak of this again.
How far along? 31 weeks
Total weight gain: Up 2 pounds total as of my last appointment. Which are every 2 weeks now. Crazy how fast it’s going.
Maternity clothes? Yes. And this question is only fun to answer the first time.
Sleep: It’s fine. Some days I’m a walking zombie, some days (like today) I wake up before the kid for no good reason and feel fine.
Food cravings: None. And lately nothing sounds very appealing.
Best moment this week: Seeing the little guy on the 3D u/s and Smushy feeling him kick for the first time and getting really excited about it.
Movement: Holy crap he had was active last night. HOURS of rolling and kicking! I actually started feeling sick because of it. Oof!
Gender: Boy. (Still.) Also boring question.
Labor Signs: None.
Belly Button in or out? Out I guess. I mean it can still be in sometimes, and flat sometimes. But lets just go ahead and call it.
What I miss: Being able to do simple things like bend down and pick up toys, drink water, and move without being in pain.
What I am looking forward to: Mr. Silly has a 4 day weekend starting tomorrow. Does that count?
Weekly Wisdom: If you KNOW you suffer from EXTREME heartburn, DO NOT run out of milk and think you’ll be fine for one night. This is probably the best tip I have ever given anyone.
Milestones: Third Trimester! La la la la la la.
Dude, the heartburn. I feel like there is a river of lava flowing in my chest and throat. Could. Do. Without. I still can’t pick things up and my house looks like shit and whinewhinewhinewhine. Poor Mr. Silly. He really has stepped up and taken over all the things I can’t do right now. I mean, it still SUCKS because I feel guilty all the time, but nice to know I can count on him. He’s not even complaining or trying to get extra points of anything. He just handles it and that’s it. I know, I’m very lucky.
We also managed to get in a hospital tour this week. I’ve been nervous about whether or not Smushy would be able to visit at all since I know several hospitals have a ban on the under 18 crowd. Which, I get. Sorta. Don’t want the babies to get sick. Except my baby is still coming home to live with my toddler. So uh, not sure putting him in a toddler free bubble for 2 whole days will do much, but whatever. My biggest concern was not seeing Smushy for that long. And I would link to my whole big I’mgonnamissmybaaaabbbbbyyyyy post, but I am too lazy. So! The very nice nurse lady assured me over and over again that siblings of any age are welcome at any time. Visiting hours Schmisiting hours. And and and! My MIL (the grandma) can come anytime too! Which is perfect! She can bring the Smush! Whee! We also saw all the other stuff like the OR and nursery. The rooms are nice and big and I don’t have to go to a separate recovery room after the c-section. Awesome. All in all, very good visit.
