Still here



39 weeks 6 days



Yep here I am, chipmunk cheeks, double chin and all, one day before my due date.  Yes, I am still working and plan to untill I go to the hospital.  Well at least getting up, dressed and to work.  There is not much left for me to do.  Today I made some copies and them have started to study for my PE exam that is in October. 

 As of tomorrow Blueberry will be the size of a "jackfruit" (google that one!) The average baby is between 6.2 and 9.2 pounds and measures 18.9 to 20.2 inches long!  Blueberry continues to grow hair and nails.  He or she is practice breathing. 

I am guessing Blueberry will be making his or her apperance on the 5th of March, really doubting it will be a February Baby.  However, I do think it would be kinda cool if the baby came on March 2nd, which is Dr. Seuss' Birthday.  Baby watch has offically started.      

39 Weeks

Well here we are at 39 weeks.  Feeling HUGE and getting more uncomfortable.  But at the same time feeling blessed that Blueberry and I are both healthy.  I love feeling Baby kick move and stretch inside me and watch the belly move.  I had my weekly appointment this morning.  My weight, blood pressure, Blueberry's heart rate (143), and belly height (38 cm) were all looking good.  I had not made any progress since my last appointment but I Blueberry's head went from "way high up" last week to "pressing down" according to the Doctor, which mean I should start to progress more. 

And hopefully I do go into labor in the next week naturally.  I have an appointment scheduled for March 2nd, 2 days after my due date.  If I make it to the 2nd, I will have bio-physical profile ultra-sound done, a Non-stress Test and an appointment with my doctor.  At the appointment with my doctor we will talk about an induction date for Blueberry most likely between the 5 and 9th of March.  I am really hoping for a natural birth and limit the number of "interventions" required. So I am hoping, praying, walking, bouncing on my exercise ball, eating pineapple, and more to try to get Blueberry to come on his or her own. so we can skip the induction talk.     

38 weeks

38 weeks, a view from the top!

Boy or Girl?

With only 2 weeks, yes TWO WEEKS, unitl my Due Date I decided to look up Old Wife's Tales to find out if Blueberry is a Boy or Girl.  Here is what I found.

It's a boy if:
You didn't experience morning sickness in early pregnancy.
Your baby's heart rate is less than 140 beats per minute.
You are carrying the extra weight out front.
Your belly looks like a basketball.
Your areolas have darkened considerably.
You are carrying low.
You are craving salty or sour foods.
You are craving protein -- meats and cheese.
Your feet are colder than they were before pregnancy.
The hair on your legs has grown faster during pregnancy.
Your hands are very dry.
Your pillow faces north when you sleep.
Dad-to-be is gaining weight right along with you.
Pregnancy has you looking better than ever.
Your urine is bright yellow in color.
Your nose is spreading.
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves in circles.
You are having headaches.
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an even number.
Total 7


It's a girl if:
You had morning sickness early in pregnancy.
Your baby's heart rate is at least 140 beats per minute.
You are carrying the weight in your hips and rear.
Your left breast is larger than your right breast.
Your hair develops red highlights.
You are carrying high.
Your belly looks like a watermelon.
You are craving sweets.
You are craving fruit.
You crave orange juice.
You don't look quite as good as normal during pregnancy.
You are moodier than usual during pregnancy.
Your face breaks out more than usual.
You refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread.
Your breasts have really blossomed!
Your pillow faces south when you sleep.
Your urine is a dull yellow color.
You hang your wedding ring over your belly and it moves from side to side
You add your age at the time of conception and the number for the month you conceived and the sum is an odd number.
Total 8

As for the wedding ring I tried it earlier in Pregnacy and it went in circle -which mean boy but I just did it again now and it went forwards and backwards.  Which is not circles and not side to side: so inconclusive??

Boy 7 Girl 8, so pretty much it is a tie.  I guess we will find out soon enough.  I have not had any indication that I will be going into labor soon but things can change quickly.    My guess is the Blueberry will come March 5th.  Mike is sticking to his guess of February 22nd.    Next doctors appointment is tomorrow, so we will find out if we have made any progress.

PUPPPS

Well 37 weeks and 4 days into my pregnancy I get my first what I would call truly negative side effect. I have PUPPS which is described by Baby Center as:

"Up to 1 percent of pregnant women develop a condition characterized by itchy, red bumps and larger patches of a hive-like rash on their bellies. This is called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) or polymorphic eruption of pregnancy.

PUPPP usually begins in the third trimester and is more common among women carrying twins and those having their first baby. The eruptions usually show up first on the abdomen around or in stretch marks (if you have any) and may spread to your thighs, buttocks, and arms. PUPPP is harmless for you and your baby, but it can itch like crazy!"

Well I can testify that they itch like crazy!!  My Belly had been itching for a while but last night before bible study al of the sudden I had a painful itchy rash! Mike being the lovely husband that is he confirmed that I had bumps on my belly. I called the doctor’s office this morning and described it to them, they said yep that’s what you have. The doctor recommended Hydrocortisone cream and Benadryl at night. And they will re-evaluate it at my appointment on Friday.

Until then let’s hope I can resist the urge to itch.

Maternity Photos

Mike and I had Maternity Photos Taken today!  We went to Sears in Minot and had them done.  I think that they turned out great!  Only 20 days until our Due Date.  

37 weeks

How far along are you? 37 Weeks!!  Full Term!
How big is baby? The Size of a Watermelon according to one source- 6.2 to 9.2 pounds and 18.9 to 20.9 inches long.  My Doctor told me today he thinks Blueberry will be around 8 pounds
Maternity Clothes? All the time. Mike's Shirts and some maternity shirts are getting small around the belly
Weight - loss or gain? Gain...Had an appointment last Friday Doctor said it was right on.
Sleep: This weekend my hips and lower back get sore had up at least 2x a night to pee and ended up sleeping on the recliner, but the last 2 night I have only gotten up once.
Movement: When is there not movement.
Food Cravings: I had a craving for Salty and carbs this week
Food Adversions: No not really
Belly Button In or Out? In, but getting smaller by the minute

What do you miss? Being able to bend over easy, get out of bed or laying position easy, sleeping on my back, and red wine.



37 week bump picture



36 weeks and due this month!

How far along are you? 36 Weeks!! Due this MONTH!!!
How big is baby? The Size of a Coconut according to one source- 4.3 to 5.8 pounds and 17.2 to 18.7 inches long, that is a big coconut!
Maternity Clothes? All the time. Even some of Mike's Shirts are starting to get small
Weight - loss or gain? Gain...Had an appointment last Friday Doctor said it was right on.
Sleep: ugh, hips and lower back get sore, up at least 2x a night to pee.
Movement: When is there not movement. Blueberry's but try’s to get under my right ribs, but not as much anymore seems to have dropped a little
Food Cravings: I had a craving for Salty this week
Food Adversions: No not really
Belly Button In or Out? In, but getting smaller by the minute
What do you miss? Being able to bend over easy, get out of bed or laying position easy, and red wine.

Not much else is new.  We have the nursery done, our hospital bags are pretty much packed, only have to throw in last minute things like the cameras and cell phone chargers once it is go time.  It is getting more real.  We toured the Labor and Delivery area last Friday. Everyone was really nice and the labor rooms are HUGE with a whirl pool tub in each.  They seem pretty much on course with our birth plan. We were supposed to have Lamase class last Saturday but it was canceled at the last minute do to the instructor having the flu. I was a bit upset, but have gotten over it. Hopefully Mike and I will have good nurses who can help us through labor. 

Birth Plan

Here is our birth plan, Mike and I know things may change once labor actually hits but this is what we are hoping for:

We are excited to have you as part of our birth team. Below are a few general ideas of our expectation for our labor and birth experience.


Labor
- We intend to have a Natural Birth
- We know pain medication and an epidural is available, please do not offer them. We will ask if we want them.
- Please help us by suggesting natural pain relief options.
- Help us to keep the birthing room calm, quiet and as peaceful as possible.
- Intermittent fetal monitoring and a heparin lock are preferred. Megan will naturally hydrate with water.
- We would like to be allowed to progress free of stringent time limits and have my labor augmented only if necessary.
- When pushing I’d like to do it instinctively and be allowed to progress without a time constraint as long as the baby and I are doing ok. Please suggest numerous positions while pushing; if I seem to not be progressing.
- I would prefer not to have an episiotomy.

If a C-section becomes necessary we would like:
- Mike to present at all times during the operation
- the screen lowered a bit so I can see my baby being delivered
- the baby to be given to Mike as soon as s/he's dried, if appropriate
- to breastfeed my baby in the recovery room

After birth:
- Mike would like to cut the cord, if baby is healthy please wait until after the cord as stopped pulsing
- We do not know the sex of the baby, Mike would like to announce the sex.
- If a medical emergency shall arise with the baby, Mike will accompany the baby at all times
- Immediate skin to skin contact with mom is planned
- We plan to breastfeed and would like to within the first hour. Please hold all testing, weighing and bath until we have had a chance to try and bond.
- Please do not offer the baby a bottle or a pacifier
- All tests on baby shall be done in our presence, preferably in our room.

35 weeks

Not much has changed from last week 35 weeks down and 35 days until my due date!! 

Ready or not Blueberry is coming soon!

34 Weeks

How far along are you? 34 Weeks
How big is baby? The Size of a Honeydew- 4.3 to 5.8 pounds and 17.2 to 18.7 inches long
Maternity Clothes? All the time.  Even some of Mike's Shirts are starting to get small
Weight - loss or gain? Gain...Had an appointment on Tuesday Dr said it was right on.  Belly also measuring right on at 33 Cm.
Sleep: For the most part good, hips and lower back get sore
Movement:  When is there not movement.  Blueberry's but trys to get under my right ribs.
Food Cravings: Right now Mac and Cheese sound really really good
Food Adversions:  No not really although yesterday there was sauerkraut in a crock pot at work, that did not smell good.
Belly Button In or Out? In, Mike does not think I am going to pop.
What do you miss?  Being able to bend over easy, get out of bed or laying position easy, and red wine.

34 week picture

The Nursery

Crib

Dresser

Quote Wall and with Book Shelf

Crib, night stand, glider and shelf

Going Home Outfits: Boy or Girl

Window, toys and book shelf

We are getting ready for Blueberry to make his or her appearance!  Less than 50 days.  I am done traveling for work, yippee!  Diapers are almost all washed and prepped for wear.  

32 week update

How far along are you? 32 weeks
How big is baby? about the size of an Squash! 15.2-16.7 inches long and 2.5-3.8 pounds!
Maternity clothes? yes all the time, pretty much none of my clothes other than my large sweatshirts fit. 
Weight -Loss or Gain? Gain but nothing in the last 2 weeks! 
Sleep: It is getting more difficult my hips and back hurt in certain positions.  Having to get up 1-2 times a night to pee/
Any Movement? Lot of movement! I have been feeling different body parts sticking out.
Food Cravings? Not Really
Food Aversions? Nope none of those 
Belly Button in or out? in but definitely stretching, Blueberry is trying to make and escape out of it
What do you miss: the occasional glass of wine, being able to bend over easily

32 weeks along

8 weeks along

How far along are you? 30 weeks, 3/4 of the way there!

How big is baby? about the size of an Squash! 15.2-16.7 inches long and 2.5-3.8 pounds!

Maternity clothes? yes all the time, pretty much none of my clothes other than my large sweatshirts fit. I am wearing one of Mikes t-shirts today.
Weight -Loss or Gain? Gain, doctor said it was looking good and that is all I am saying...Belly definitely growing, I feel like the Grinch except it is my baby bump vs my heart that is growing.
Sleep: I love sleep currently, now having to get up at nights but still only once. It has been taking a bit long to get comfy and I MUST have a pillow between my legs otherwise my hips kill be the next day.
Any Movement? Lot of movement! Blueberry does somersaults kicks me and punches me on a regular basis.  Mike has felt Blueberry Rolling this past week too!

Food Cravings? Well with all the sweets around for Christmas Anything I can see looks good
Food Aversions? Nope none of those
Belly Button in or out? in but definitely stretching, Blueberry is trying to make and escape out of it

What do you miss: the occasional glass of wine, being able to bend over easily

Another update

I have a ton of pictures of the bathroom remodel.  I promise to post them soon.
How far along are you? almost 27 weeks
How big is baby? about the size of an Eggplant! 13.6-14.8 inches long and 1.5-2.5 pound!
Maternity clothes? yes almost all the time, none of my jeans fit. I can wear my "normal" tee shirts and sweatshirts still.  I did wear a regular pair of pants when working on the bathroom with a bella band, but not as comfy.
Weight -Loss or Gain? I think I had gained around 10 pounds at my last appointment, next appointment is Friday so we shall see.
Sleep: I love sleep currently, now having to get up most nights but only once. I also love having Mike back home to snuggle with
Any Movement? Lot of movement! Blueberry does somersaults kicks me and punches me on a regular basis.
Food Cravings? Lately Sweets but that is nothing new
Food Aversions? Nope none of those either
Belly Button in or out? in but definitely stretching
What do you miss: the occasional glass of wine, And being able to bend over easily.

update

Here is an update on me and Blueberry:
How far along are you? almost 25 weeks
How big is baby? about the size of an Eggplant! 13.6-14.8 inches long and 1.5-2.5 pound!
Maternity clothes? yes almost all the time, none of my jeans fit. I can wear my "normal" tee shirts and sweatshirts still
Weight -Loss or Gain? I think I had gained around 10 pounds at my last appointment
Sleep:  I love sleep currently not having to get up most nights.  Having the bed to myself is a plus too
Any Movement? Lot of movement! Blueberry does somersaults kicks me and punches me on a regular basis.
Food Cravings?  Not really
Food Aversions? Nope none of those either
Belly Button in or out? in but definitely stretching
What do you miss: the occasional glass of wine

24 Weeks 6 Days



Finally

A bump picture

22 Weeks 6 Days

Busy Busy

The last 2 weeks have been crazy.  The first weekend we had Mikes Dad, step mom, sister and nephew at our house.  I through a baby shower for Tasha, Mikes Sister.  She is due right around Thanksgiving with a little boy named Ayden.  It was a great time with a few games, a mashed potato bar, and of course gifts.  She got a ton of cute outfits, a bunch of bath stuff and a cute diaper changing thingy.

The day after the shower, Sunday, I took of for Bismarck.  Where I still am.  I am taking a Bridge Inspectors Class so I will be qualified to inspect bridges as required by federal law!! CRAZY!  There is so much information that I have been learning.  I have my final exam tomorrow!  Last weekend Mike came down to Bismarck for the weekend thanks to his Aunt for watching Java and Grandma O for watching Cora.  We had a great awesome weekend.  We went out to eat, registered at Target, and bought the tile, vanity, counter top and light for the bathroom remodel.  We also went and saw the movie Courageous, so good.  And had  a couple meals with our friends Sara and Adam. 

Today marks 21 weeks!! for blueberry.  Half way through.  I am finally starting to show a little.  I can feel him or her moving around in me.  Mike even felt the baby move as we were going to bed last weekend, which was way cool.  I have been feeling great too.  A little tired and stressed with the class but I can not complain.

I promise to post some pictures once I get back Home!     

Right on Track

Blueberry is measuring right on track!  We had our anatomy scan ultrasound this afternoon!  Here are a few pictures

Profile

Legs

Spine

Face

15 weeks

At fifteen weeks I am starting to show, just a little bit.  We are starting to buy a few things for the baby.  The first things we bought was a couple books for the nursery including One fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and The Lorax. And we have decided to go with the theme of One fish Two fish for the nursery.  We got this to put in the nursery 

We plan to put it above the crib.  

Then today I ordered our first two or three cloth diapers!  Yes I know some people think that I am a little crazy for choosing to use or even try cloth diapers.  I have done my research.  Not only is it much healthier for our baby's skin, but it keeps diapers out of the landfill and keeps money in our pockets.  If you are interested in learning more about cloth diapers I encourage you to look here http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/newtocloth There is a ton of information.  

The first diaper that I ordered was off of Baby Steals dot com.  It is a Bum Cheeks Diaper. It is shown on the right. It can fit babies from 8 to 35 pounds, changing the snaps from small to large as shown below.

The second diaper I ordered is a Bum Genius.  These are the diapers I know the most about I "think" we will really like them but ordered one to make sure.

The final diaper I ordered is more to make some cute burp clothes for blueberry but can also be used as diapers.  I got 6 of the traditional Indian Prefold cloth diapers.  Although these days they do not need a safety pin, there is a little devise called a Snappi that you can use.  Unlike the Bum Cheeks and Bum Genius diapers a Prefold diaper requires a cover to waterproof it, the other two diapers have built in water barriers.

Finally in baby news I had an appointment on Friday.  The heart rate was 154, my blood pressure, weight, and urine were all good!!  Our next appointment is October 6th and it is the big one!  We get our ultrasound.