41 weeks, 1 Day-Birth Story

Again, It has been a crazy few weeks and it took me a while to tell the story! Here it goes:

Let's do this!
I didn't sleep well Friday night. So many emotions and thoughts were going through my head. I called early to see if I should be in by 6:00 am. They informed me to not come in at that time and to call back at 6:30/6:45. I let Mom and Dad know by text  to stand by as we weren't leaving yet. I layed down for a little while but still couldn't go back to sleep. I called back around 6:45 am and they told me to come in at anytime!  It was a bright and sunny day. Dan and I got up and showered. We packed the last of our things. We took one final picture of me pregnant and also took a picture of the last picture of us at home in front of the tree.  I ate breakfast. I had Kashi Berry cereal with coffee and a banana with peanut butter. I knew I'd be starving in a few hours with not being able to have anything else to eat till I gave birth except liquids. We did one more once over of the house and left!

        41 weeks, 1 day


    Last picture of just the two of us!

Arrival
I was nervous the whole car ride there. We arrived around 8:45 am.  Dan dropped me off at the door while he parked and brought in all of our things. We went up to labor and delivery and they immediately got us to the room. The room was just like on our tour. It was very big and inviting. It had a flat screen TV with movie and music channels, a large bathroom with a shower and whirlpool tub, a couch, rocking chair and chairs. It really didn't look like a delivery room. The first thing they had me do was go to the bathroom and change out of my clothes into a hospital gown. I got into bed. Two nurses were there, one was putting in my IV, the other was asking me a ton of health questions. They also attatched 2 monitors to my belly; one to monitor baby's heartbeat, the other to monitor my contractions. They also put a blood pressure cuff on my right arm. All this is due to being induced. Had I had a normal birth, I could move around more. I felt so confined! The nurses were very nice and one was even from Franklin. She had nice conversation and made me feel comfortable.  The doctor came in and gave me a pelvic exam. He said I was "moderately favorable" for an induction. To be honest, he didn't sound all that enthused that I would be able to go vaginally. He explained the whole process of being induced and if I still consented to it which I stated yes. He also discussed pain medication with me. I informed him I wanted to go natural without medications. "Well, you don't get points in my book for bravery but it is up to you." He also gave his guess for the baby's weight, he guessed 7.5 pounds, I guessed 8 pounds, 12 ounces and Dan guessed 8 pounds 6 ounces. Dr. Hayes went on to talk about a study that was done and it proved that the Mother's were the closest the majority of the time.  We were about to see!

Pitocin Started
The pitocin was slowly started  around 10:00 am and I could slowly feel contractions. The nurse was coming in and out as well as my parents, sisters and Steve. Steve was great and went around town and bought two stress balls as we forgot the one we wanted to bring to the hospital at home.  I was feeling pretty good for a few hours. We actually was able to watch two movies. At one point, the nurse offered me juice or jello and I asked for strawberry jello. It tasted so good! At this point it was around 11:00 am and I was hungry but couldn't eat anything. Everything was great at this point. Dan even gave me a foot massage! Dan's family had come: his Grandma, Jovana (Cot's girlfriend), Vangelic and Deloise. I told him to get something to eat as I was fine. "I could do this all day" I thought. The contractions weren't bad at all. At this point, I got out of bed twice to use the bathroom, which was a pain because everything had to come with me, the IV, etc.

Annnnd the REAL contractions start
While Dan was gone, the nurse asked if I wanted to get up and sit in the rocking chair. I really was wanting to get out of bed so I did. I was up for about five minutes when Dr. Hayes came in and checked me. I was barely 3 cm. It was around 2:00 pm at this point. He stated he wanted to move things a long and break my water. Man was that painful! The nurse was nice and I held her hand as he broke my water. In the movies it is all dramatic. But really, I just felt it trickling slowly out for the next 20-30 minutes. My first contraction after my water broke was MUCH more intense. Dan came back and I told him they broke my water. Contractions continued to get more intense. Period cramps times 1,000! I tried humming, turning on Jazz music to relax, squeezing the stress ball, Dan's hand. Nothing worked. After about an hour of this, Dan was basically begging me to get an epidural. I said that I said I wanted to do this naturally. The nurse then came in and saw how much pain I was in. "Honey, there isn't anything we can do without pain medication." She explained how I was in "unnatural labor" and the Pitocin was forcing labor making contractions more intense. She said there is nothing wrong if I wanted pain medication. I told her I would think about it. She left the room and Dan and I talked for a minute and I basically said, "I surrender". I was ready for the Epidural. The nurse came back in and explained that there were two people a head of me and it would be little while. She said that there is something that I could be given in the meantime to help somewhat. It was called Stedal. I agreed and they put it in my IV. That is my one regret about this whole birth experience. All it did was make me feel drunk and loopy. It did pretty much nothing for the pain.

Epidural 
After about 45 minutes, the Anesthesiologist came in. This was probably the quickest procedure I ever had. She explained what she was doing, asked if I had any certain feelings and stuck the needle in...just as I was having a contraction! I had to stay as still as possible. I was leaning against Dan as we were face to face as she stuck in the needle. It wasn't bad, just like a bee sting. It probably took a whole 7 minutes and it was all over. It took about 10 minutes before it really kicked in and I felt a lot better. I felt some pain still on the left side but that slowly went a way.  They did tell me from here on out only ice chips, that really didn't matter to me. They also gave me a button to press when I wanted more medication, I only used it once. The next few hours, I was much more relaxed.  I really should have slept, but I was too nervous and excited. I did however start shaking and feeling nauseated for a while. My Mom gave me a bucket just in case, but I never threw up and the nausea eventually subsided as well as the shaking of my legs. It was the side effects to the Epidural.  At this point, they checked me and put in a catheter. Obviously, I couldn't get up anymore to move my legs as everything from my waist down was dead weight.

It's go time!
Everything was going really well. I was looking at the monitor a lot because I was concerned about baby's heartbeat staying okay. All day it stayed consistent and she wasn't in any stress which relieved me. I also noticed my contractions were coming more and more intense but I barely felt anything.  At around 7:00 pm, I felt the need to have a bowel movement and bare down. The nurse checked me and said I was at 10cm!!! I was so excited and relieved I made it to this point. The Epidural was actually the best thing I did as it relaxed me and was able to let me open up more. She said the doctor would be very happy. She told me to give it about 20 minutes to work things up on their own. The nurse left but I kept having an intense feeling to push. Dan called the nurse back in. At 7:30, we started to push! It was just me, Dan and the labor nurse. It was pretty relaxed. Each time I felt I had to push, Dan and the nurse would each lift my leg and I would push three times, one after the other. The nurse said that is the best way to do it since the baby tends to bob up and down and it's best to do pushes one after the other. Sometimes I would push three times, others four. After about the fifth set of pushing, I questioned whether or not I could do this. It was so exhausting. We continued this for about an hour. Dan was great and very encouraging. I was never more focused in my life than I was that hour and a half. I was on a mission!! The nurse then said that she wanted to call the doctor and the nurses in as it was almost time as I was crowning. She had me feel the baby's head and I could feel all of her hair. It felt so real!

Here she is!! 8:51 pm, 8 pounds, 14.5 ounces, 19 3/4 inches
My goal was to have her born at 8:34 since I was born at 8:34 pm on a Saturday. But, it didn't happen like that! Dr. Hayes came in and all the lights were turned on. There was about three other nurses that came in setting up a table and the scale and things they needed for when she was here. Dr. Hayes was normally joking around at all my appointments and even earlier in the day. He was all business! I remember pushing one last time and him pulling her out. Dan was crying and so was I and she was placed right on my chest. I immediately noticed she had six fingers on both of her hands! It was the most amazing feeling I ever had! My immediate thought was how beautiful she was.  Dan cut the cord and they took her to be weighed. The placenta was delivered. I just remember feeling so relieved and emptied after that! I looked at my stomach and it had already shrunk so much! She did have to have fluid suctioned out which isn't uncommon.  I had a second-degree tear so the doctor sewed me up while she was weighed. Dan wanted to confirm her name as we didn't know if we wanted two middle names or not but it was official: Cadence Kae Marie Ellis it was! There was a lot of pictures taken and Dan was there to watch everything while I was being tended to. The nurse also pressed on my stomach to push out anymore blood clots. All this happened for the next hour. At around 9:55, everyone was allowed to come in. Everyone was so happy It was then I was able to eat! The cafeteria was closed so they gave me what they could: Turkey sandwhich on white with mustard, graham crackers with peanut butter and sorbet. It was the BEST meal I ever ate. I was starving!! Once things settled down, they took me to the bathroom. The epidural almost wore off at this point, but it was still hard to move. The nurse helped me to the bathroom. They allow you two hours to recover and then send you to your recovery room. The whole labor and deliver started at about 10 am and ended around 10pm. So, it was about an 12 hour process which is pretty good! After everything was settled, they went to take us to the recovery room upstairs. Everyone left and I got to see Dr. Hayes to thank him.

Winner of Baby Pool: Nick Denny, my cousin Jill's husband. He guessed November 30 which the date is what earned the most points. He won about 52.00.

I LOVED my birth experience. I can't say enough about the nurses and doctors at West Allis. The care was wonderful and I really felt tended to and cared for. Life has been really crazy the last five weeks, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Cadence is such a blessing and so sweet and I can't wait to see what this new venture in parenting will take us. Looking back, pregnancy was just a great phase in my life. It tested my strength and was an amazing feeling to be able to carry and birth a beautiful baby girl. Dan is a wonderful Father and I am so thankful for him. This is all to be continued. There is MUCH more to come! Here's to closing one phase-Pregnancy and opening up another-Motherhood.

                                                          Crying a way! Apgar Score of 9 :)

                                                                        Proud Daddy!

                                              Cadence Kae Marie Ellis-looking like Mama!

                                                              I love this picture

Week #41-Induction date set!

Week #41
Baby is size of: Jackfruit-still the same apparently!

Final Weigh: 175.2
Change since last week: +.4
Weight gain total: 28.2

Fun Fact: as you anxiously a wait baby's arrival, she's plumping up a bit more

Symptoms: Continued stiffness in thighs, pelvis and hips, some acid reflux, sleeping getting more uncomfortable, getting full faster, still lots of movement from baby, not as many kicks, more movement. Restless legs continue every night, it's really getting annoying. It's getting REALLY hard to walk for long periods of time, Dan also says I snore really bad, this has been going on for a while, just haven't mentioned it. I'm just about ready to be done!!

Being that the last month has been crazy, I haven't had time to blog, but I remember it all like it was yesterday and don't want to miss writing it all down.

Final Grocery shopping trip!-Monday, November 25
Everyone has been wanting to babysit me since I'm overdue, but I convinced Dan to let me go shopping by myself and he would come when I was ready to load up the car. I literally bought everything in site! I wanted to make sure that we were stocked up for when the baby came. But BOY was I tired! Who knew pushing around a cart and walking around Pick N Save would be so exhausting! I had to call Dan to come help me load up the cart on the convier belt. It felt good though to know that we were stocked up. This is when I realized that I am pretty over being pregnant. It is getting way to hard to move around!

Non-Stress Test Appointment, Tuesday, November 26 2:30 pm, Dr. Dobbs
Since I am now overdue, I have non-stress test appointments. Basically, they hook me up to a fetal monitor to monitor baby movement and another monitor to watch baby heart rate. This is done for 20 minutes. Every time I feel baby move, I hit a button. She wasn't too cooperative at first, so I had to drink apple juice and water. That got her moving. This went on for about 20 minutes till the doctor said everything looked good. I then went into her office. I never met her before. She was okay, kind of dry. I have had basically no dilation so I was excited to see if anything had changed. Yep..NOTHING!! Still a finger tip. She talked with me about induction. I hate that word and really want to go naturally. She said that they would not let me go longer than the next Tuesday, which was December 3. I was okay with that considering I would be going on 42 weeks at that point. I was frustrated after the appointment but really, what can I do??

That night I had a lot of cramping on and off and I was hoping this was it! I ended up falling a sleep and woke up to NOTHING. I was so frustrated. I really want that feeling of going into labor and rushing to the hospital! I really don't want to be induced.

Work DONE!
So, Wednesday before Thanksgiving was my last day of work before my Maternity leave. Work has been so crazy and I have been just itching for it to be over with! I love my co workers but I need some much needed time off. No work officially till February 24th, 12 full weeks!

Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 28
Now, I really wanted to deliver some time in the next few days as Dan's family was in town. I felt so much pressure and really wanted them to be there! Thanksgiving was nice! We spent some time by my Grandpa Kater's apartment. My Aunt Donna was also there. We watched a really bad Packer game, they lost terribly. We also spent some time with Dan's Grandmother and family in Racine. We always eat good at his Grandma's. We visited and played a card game. I heard a lot of Dan's family's birth stories. It's funny, when you are about to have a baby, everyone wants to tell them their story too. It is interesting to hear. I can't wait to tell someone my birth story! It feels like this pregnancy is never going to end. Everyone was anxiously awaiting baby's arrival.

                                                   Me, Dan and Grandpa-Thanksgiving

                                                  Last leisurely pregnancy picture!

NST Appointment, Friday, November 29 1:15pm Dr. Lloyd
We had our appointment again for the NST. This time, the baby was really having a hard time getting to move. We then saw the doctor. I was supposed to see a nurse practitioner but given that I was so overdue, she wanted the doctor to consult with me. She checked me, I was actually 1 cm dilated!! She told me that she wanted to induce me sooner than later. She then said, "how about tomorrow at 6:00 am?" I was overwhelmed by the thought. I agreed. I then asked who was on call that day. I was so excited to hear it was Dr. Hayes! He was one that I wanted to deliver me, him or Dr. Jaglan. She said she was going to order the pitocin and I was to show up to labor and delivery the next morning! I was also told to eat a light breakfast. Dr. Hayes was there and spoke to us briefly and said he would be privileged to deliver our baby.

I called Mom and told her that November 30 was the day! She said that they want to be there the whole time. Dan called his father and sister. His father was supposed to leave Saturday but changed his flight. His sister planned to stay till Monday.

After that, we went into a zone. We were still in disbelief that we could have a baby in 24 hours. We went right to Walmart and purchased any food we thought we needed. We also purchased things we forgot to buy: a baby monitor, mattress pad for the crib. We also went to Target for a few things as well. We then were hungry so we went to Cousin's and bought subs for dinner. Labor and Delivery called around 6pm and said to call around 5:00 am tomorrow to see if they are able to still get me in at 6:00 am. They didn't want me to come and wait around so I agreed to call early in the morning. We then put up all the Christmas decorations as we knew that we wouldn't have any time once the baby was here. Nick Driver stopped over that night with a gift and him and Dan hung out for a while. I packed the rest of the things for the hospital. I was really nervous. I hardly slept that night, even though I know I needed the rest before delivery. I was nervous about birth. Induction scared me as it has a high risk of having to end up with a cesarean birth. I also wondered if I could do this birth naturally with being induced. I kept thinking how different life was going to be and about being a parent. Could I do it? No going back! It was all so overwhelming!!....

Next entry......The Birth Story!!!!

Week #40-Come on baby!!!

Week #40

Baby is Size of: Jackfruit

Fun Fact: She's continuing to grow hair and nails

Weight this week:174.8

Change since last week -2 lbs

Weight gain overall: 27.8 lbs

Symptoms: continued stiffness in thighs and hips, some acid reflux, difficulty breathing at times, sleeping is getting more uncomfortable, however, thank goodness I'm still sleeping pretty good, getting full faster, still lots of movement from baby, however, not as many kicks-more movement, Walking is like a workout now-not as easy as it used to be, oh and restless legs when I'm trying to get to sleep at night-Every. Single. Night. so annoying! Oh, and Dan says I snore really bad! It must have something to do with me not being able to breathe!

Cravings: I've been partial to apple juice/cider lately 

40 Week Appointment-Dr Raul. -8:45-Friday, November 22-My due date!!!

We did the usual, blood pressure/weight/belly measuring. Blood pressure slightly higher, well for me at least, they weren't concerned-128/82. However, I was nervous and I couldn't breathe well when I came in since it's hard to eat and drink a lot! She checked for any dilation progress-still only a fingertip. UGH! She said that there isn't much that can be done at this point and everything is really myths and she will come when she's ready. She did say that she will not let me go over 41 weeks 6 days, so, the longest they will let me go before induction is December 5. I now go twice a week for Non-Stress tests. Basically, they hook me up to a monitor to monitor's baby movement and heartbeat for 40 minutes to make sure she's okay. I go back on Tuesday, November 26 at 2:30 pm. I had a breakdown when the doctor left. I'm just so frustrated. I would hope SOMETHING would be happening! I have to respect that she will come when she's ready. I just hope it's within the next week or so!

Baby thoughts- Honestly, the majority of the things we have to do is done. We still have the car seat to put in, I just have to pack clothes in my hospital bag. I need to look for some decor for the baby's room. I did find a few pictures that I need to get frames for. I also want to get a few white shelves, a rug and a window valence, that should be good. We want to get a book shelf but we are waiting on that for a bit. I feel good about everything. The house is clean, I have some grocery shopping to do, but overall, we are ready for her!!

This blog is called 40 weeks of pregnancy! Why is she not here yet??!!

39 weeks-Lots of Nursery progress!

Week #39

Baby is Size of: Watermelon!

Fun Fact: Her nails may extend past his fingertips.

Weight this week:176.8-Work had a baby shower for me yesterday, I splurged a little!-for what it's worth, I was 174.8 2 days ago when I happened to step on the scale. My new paranoia is going into labor on a really full stomach, I feel like that would be so uncomfortable! So, I am going to watch it this next week. 

Change since last week +2.4

Weight gain overall: 29.8

Symptoms: continued stiffness in thighs and hips, some acid reflux, difficulty breathing at times, get full faster-not as hungry, still lots of movement from baby, however, not as many kicks-more movement, I'm almost to the point of "done being pregnant, but not quite there, oh and restless legs when I'm trying to get to sleep at night-Every. Single. Night. so annoying! Lots of branxton hicks contractions this past week. I also almost have an outie belly button! BUT-no stretch marks still :)

Cravings: None.

Hematologist appt, Dr. Pierce-Wednesday, November 13-3:45

I was nervous again about this one. This was the quickest appointment yet. We got in, they took my blood work and had the results quickly. It was at 101! So, I don't have to go back and I should be good to go for delivery :). She wants me to follow up with her a few months after the baby is born. I really liked her, she gave me a big hug and wished me luck. 

39 Week Appointment-Dr Raul, Friday, November 15 2:15

We did the usual, blood pressure/weight/belly measuring. It was my first appointment with the new Dr. in the practice, Dr. Raul. She was nice, but I have to say, I am just partial to Dr. Hayes and Dr. Jaglan. They are both males and both my favorite! So, cervix hasn't moved at all, still only a fingertip dilated. She offered to sweep my membranes and stretch out my cervix  which may encourage labor. She said she was 4/4 in the last week with people going into labor after she did it, I said "maybe next week." I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'm only 39 weeks, not full term. I may consider it next week, we'll see. It was probably my fastest appointment. I see the same doctor next week, Jaglan and Hayes were all booked. If I go past 40 weeks, I start going two times a week. They said they would not let me go past 42 weeks. Man I hope she comes before then and stays a November baby!

Baby thoughts- Man did we get a lot done this week! Lots of cleaning and lots of baby prep. See pictures below. All that is really left is to decorate and get a lot of cleaning done and other odds and ends. It feels good to not feel as overwhelmed as I did the last two weeks. We have been working hard to get a lot done! I am anxious to get decor in the room to finish it off. 

Dan put together the chair, I wanted it by the window so I could look out as I was rocking/feeding her

We still need to get the mattress

                   I'm glad we have a big closet! I didn't realize how much clothes she had 

                               36 Weeks                                                                                39 Weeks

Due date in 1 week???!!! EEEkK! Let's hope she is here around that time :)

Week #38-38 week appt/Baby pool

Week #38

Baby is Size of: Pumpkin

Fun Fact: She may have about an inch or so of hair :)

Weight this week:174.2

Change since last week:+1.2

Weight gain overall: 27.2 lbs-I think I'm right on track to gain 30 pounds. 

Symptoms: continued stiffness in thighs and hips-it's getting worse!, some acid reflux, difficulty breathing at times, get full faster-not as hungry, still lots of movement from baby, however, not as many kicks-more movement, I"m almost to the point of "done being pregnant, but not quite there, oh and restless legs when I'm trying to get to sleep at night-Every. Single. Night. So annoying!

Cravings: None.

38 Week Appointment-Dr. Jaglan-12:00-Friday, November 8

We did the usual, blood pressure/weight/belly measuring. My belly is measuring perfect with the week I'm on-38 inches. So, for people who have said I'm "too big or too small," I am right on track! Blood pressure still good as 103/56. I'm nervous about that going up, but since it hasn't been high but more low this whole pregnancy, very unlikely that will change. He also checked me to see if I was dilated at all. He said I may be thinning a little and still soft but no dilation. I have a gut feeling this little girl is going to take her sweet time! We'll see! My next OB appointment is next Friday, November 15 at 2:15pm. It's with a new female doctor in the practice. Let's hope SOMETHING is happening! I also have a hematologist appointment Wednesday, November 13 to retest platelets, fingers crossed I'm still good. 

Baby Pool!

Dan started a baby pool! We have 22 people in it for $3.00 each so $66.00 is at stake! G'pa Kater has me going as early as November 15 and Nick Denny has me going as late at November 30, We'll see! It's neat, you guess the date/length/eye color/hair color and it computes it. Whoever has the least amount of points, wins the pool!

Baby thoughts- I have a three day weekend. Goal is to pretty much finish the nursery and put everything a way. Also, I want to order everything we need yet.  Then we'll just have the decor in the nursery to worry about. We have a lot of odds and ends too to finish up. We plan on getting a lot done. Let the nesting begin! I only wish we would have done a lot of this stuff 2 months ago! My energy isn't what it used to be :). Pictures will be posted next week of what's accomplished this next week!

I cannot believe she'll be here so soon! Lots to do this week! On to Week #39 :)

Week #37-Baby Shower!/More appointments

Week #37

Baby is Size of: Winter Melon

Fun Fact: She's practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking

Weight this week:173.0

Change since last week:+1.6

Weight gain overall: 26 lbs

Symptoms: continued stiffness in thighs and hips-it's getting worse!, some acid reflux, difficulty breathing at times, still lots of movement from baby, however, not as many kicks-more movement, I honestly feel pretty good, it's just getting harder to move around, oh and restless legs when I'm trying to get to sleep at night-so annoying!

Cravings: Still really none!

Hematologist Appointment-Dr. Pierce-4:00-Thursday-October 31.

I was nervous again for this one again! This was to check my platelet levels. They drew my blood and we waited. It was at 93! Which is still good. She wants to see me back in about 2 weeks since she's confident it will remain stable I go back on 11/13 to retest. It makes me feel better that it's more stabilized. It seems to be bouncing between 85-105 the past 4 weeks and I hope it continues to do so and not drop anymore. 

37 Week Appointment-Dr. Jaglan-2:45-Friday, November 1

We did the usual, blood pressure/weight/belly measuring. Nothing unusual. He basically said baby could come at anytime. He did an internal check and no progress since last week. He said my cervix might be "slightly dilated" but really nothing. I'm starting to get this gut feeling that she may come later than earlier! We'll see. Every time he sees me now, "we'll see you every week unless we have a birthday! We see Dr. Jaglan again next Friday.

Baby Shower

Mom, Beck and Amanda really put a lot of thought into the shower! Jenny helped as well but was not able to make it. The food was delicious. My favorite ham and cheese sandwiches were served as well as sloppy joes, A baby carriage was formed out of a watermelon with fruit in it, there was a good salad made by Aunt Donna, noodle salad. All were very good! The desert table had different cookies and bars and there was a centerpiece of newborn diapers as the diaper "cake". There was also a table that said, "ready to pop" which had caramel corn, tootsie pops, cake pops and "momosas" and mimosas with fruit garnish. 

We played four different games. One game was taking a ribbon and guessing how big I was. Whoever's gift was opened, I would then get the ribbon to see who's fit best. Grandma won that game. We also played Celebrity game in which you had to match up the celebrities with the names of their Children-Nicole Tubeseski won that game. There was also a alphabet book made for baby which there was pages from A-Z and everyone drew pictures on the page of an object starting with that name. Lastly, Dan and I filled out a questionnaire last week and they were used for the last game. People had to guess who said it. Amanda would ask the question and they would hold up a blue heart if they thought Dan said it and a Pink heart if they thought I said it.

People were very generous with their gifts and we are very blessed. She received MANY outfits and the majority of the things that she needed. Guests were asked to provide a book instead of a card if they wanted so we literally got about 50 books. It's nice to have such a collection of books to read to her.

Baby thoughts- Nesting mode has started!! Starting on Friday, November 1, I made a list of what we have to do each day and our "to do list" ending on November 10th, Sunday. So, we have a lot to do in the next 10 days. I really want everything done and organized so I can just relax and wait for her to come. Our list is pretty extensive and we have a lot to do, but I know we can get it done :) 

I cannot believe she'll be here so soon! Lots to do this week! On to Week #38 :)

Week #36-More appointments and Labor and Delivery Class part 2!

Week #36

Baby is Size of: Honeydew

Fun Fact: She's getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on her own.

Weight this week:171.4

Change since last week:+1.4

Weight gain overall: 24.4 pounds

Symptoms: continued stiffness in thighs and hips-getting worse!, some acid reflux, difficulty breathing at times, still lots of movement from baby, however, not as many kicks-more movement, I honestly feel pretty good, it's just getting harder to move around, restless legs when I'm trying to get to sleep at night-so annoying!

Cravings: Still really none!

                                         

                                                                  33 Weeks

                                                                   36 weeks!

Hematologist Appointment-Dr. Pierce-11:30, Thurs Oct 24.

I was nervous for this one! This was to check my platelet levels. The drew my blood and we waited. It was at 95! Which is still good. She wants to see me back every 7-10 days to continue to retest until birth. It makes me feel better that it's more stabilized. It seems to be bouncing between 85-105 the past 4 weeks and I hope it continues to do so and not drop anymore. 

36 Week Appointment-Dr. Hayes-12:45-Thurs Oct 24

We did the usual, blood pressure/weight/belly measuring. Then they had to swab for strep B which I thought would be painful, but it wasn't. He then did a cervical check, I'm still "soft" but no dilation or effacement yet, so that's good. Our next two appointments are with Dr. Jaglan, our other favorite doctor. I wish I knew when they were on call, they are my two favorites!

Labor and Delivery Class

It really has been so helpful. This class has taught us all the different ways to give labor, what medications can be used and the side effects, breathing techniques and the hospital tour. It was very helpful and I feel much more prepared. I am however, more nervous about giving birth, but any way it goes, she's coming out somehow! 

Baby thoughts

We have the crib and dresser together and the wall color picked out! We finally found the right greens. It's all slowly coming together. We still need to order a bookshelf or play type shelves to put baskets in and a rocker. There's still a lot to do: get the hospital bag together, wash diapers, buy whatever we don't get from our shower. So, we're getting there slowly but surely! I know I said November 1 to have this done, but it may be more like November 7. I'm hoping she comes early, but not too early!

                                     The second green will be used, it's more of a pastel

                         Crib bought off Amazon, Dan put it together in about an hour and a half

           Matching dresser, pain in the butt to put together, took Dan 4 hours, but it is perfect!

Next week: Shower this weekend :)..then 37 weeks! Eeeek!!

Pictures-Crib and dresser