Sunday, September 20, 2009

Parenting Classes

Yesterday we went to our “Baby Makes Three” and “Breastfeeding” classes. I am happy to say that my anxieties are lessoned and I really think I can handle most of the mommy duties.

The first class was 2 hours and was all about infant care. We discussed everything from what happens the first moments after the baby is born all the way to the first few weeks at home. I guess I was surprised that I knew most of the stuff. Chief was very attentive and made me giggle a few times with his sideline comments. I have to share at least two of these. The first was when the baby is born they put a blue or pink hat on them. Chief’s comment was “How about Packer green?” When we talked about the umbilical cord falling off he surprised me when he told me that one of our friend’s dog ate their baby’s cord and something about “good protein”.

The breastfeeding class was great because none of the other couples that signed up for it came. We had total one on one time with the nurse. This was good because I have no clue about breastfeeding and I needed to ask a lot of questions. We watched a video that really helped us to see what the correct positions are and how proper sucking should look. I decided that I am a bit analytical and I told the nurse that my concern is that I wont know how much the baby is eating. Knowing exactly how many ounces the baby is taking is the one thing about bottle-feeding that I wish would convert to breastfeeding. I almost wish my boobs had a dipstick for me to some how figure this out. I know I should not over think. I am so glad Chief went to this class. He knows he will need to give me timeouts when I am upset it isn’t working. I hope Nemo is a good eater!

We got home from Loyola and did yard work. It was nice to get the perennials cut back and I pulled out the annuals. I love fall and all I have to do is wait for the colors to change. After yard work and a quick shower it was off to Saturday mass. I think the parish had a rent-a-priest. We never saw this one before and he was a bit boring. My highlight had to pee during the offering and stepping out to find the bathroom. I have never needed to use the bathroom in church but my Catholic School upbringing helped I’m sure. All church basements are very similar and this was no exception. On my way back to the pew I peeked into a few rooms but nothing exciting to report. I must have been nosey today because I also peeked into a cabinet in the lobby and almost got caught. I can’t figure out where those weekly missalettes are. There are a few people at every mass that get one. I want one too! I like to read the readings for myself. One day I will win and find one.

Today we worked on house chores. I finally got the bathroom walls and baseboards washed. Then it was onto the bedroom windows. Chief cleaned out some drawers and slowly but surely we will be ready. We napped during the Packer game and will relax the rest of the night. The weeks are flying past us. Only 9 more to go and we will see our little one. I hope I get Nemo’s other blanket done in time!

Here are a few 28 week and 31 week belly shots.


Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The Icky Stuff We Don't Talk About

So far this pregnancy has been pretty swell! In the beginning I considered the nausea to be mild and only threw up twice. I did go through a spell of headaches, which at times seemed unbearable, but with ice and rest I was able to get through this as well. I have benefited these past months with less acne and a bit larger chest.

With less than 10 weeks to go I am now getting to the annoying stuff that isn’t going away and at times seems to get worse. I thought I could just list this icky stuff and if anyone has help for me please feel free to respond.

Pregnancy brain...unable to multi-task or remember anything
Swollen feet and ankles-gross!
Leg cramps (including feet, hamstring and most recently my left shin area)
Stretching belly pain
Weight gain-need I say more?
Thunder thighs
Blind shaving the bikini line (I can’t see that area anymore!)
Crotch pain – this is one no one told me about. Sometimes out of nowhere I feel like there is a 2x4 up there.
Shopping for maternity bras – I will need to blog on our shopping experience
“Tighty” whiteys
Limbs falling asleep during the night
Itchy nips
Restroom breaks every two to three hours. This includes during the night.
Easily tired with walking the boys. I can’t seem to go as fast or as far anymore.
Tiredness which can lead to crankiness
Extra stretch marks
Marathon stair climbing – it is getting hard to climb more than 2 flights of stairs
Belly in the way at a restaurant when I need to squeeze into a booth.
Feeling stuffed after only eating 1/3-1/2 of any meal and not to mention heart burn.

I have heard there is still some stuff to come. My friend gave me breast pads to use before the baby is here. Apparently, I will be leaking sometime in the near future. I hope I don’t freak out.

All of the above is tolerable. It all doesn’t really matter because having Nemo inside of me, moving and kicking is the best of all feelings. Having Chief feel the baby move is one of my favorite moments of my day. So, Nemo, bring it on! You are worth it!


Thursday, September 10, 2009

New Due Date

Well, it’s official; Nemo’s arrival date is now November 21st. Which makes me 30 weeks pregnant on Saturday. I am still crossing my fingers for him to come after Thanksgiving but I may lose this battle. The little guy seems to be measuring big. At today’s appointment (with the new due date) I should have been measuring 30 weeks. I of course measured a little over 31 weeks.

My weight was good because I lost a little bit! I was not feeling good over the weekend and I am definitely not as hungry anymore so I am sure that had something to do with it. Believe me I was shocked!

We are going to do another ultrasound in 4 weeks. They need to keep an eye on my fibroid and to keep an eye on Nemo’s growth. The ultrasound report said that the fibroid has displaced my cervix but the birth canal is open which is good.

I will have another appointment in 2 weeks with the OB and for my thyroid blood test. Everything seems to be going great. I am enjoying Nemo and I hope he decides to hang out with me until the end of November.

After my appointment I drove to work and was going through a construction zone. Unfortunately, I hit one of those barrier things and it smashed the driver’s mirror of Chief’s car. I was not so happy. I was half way through the construction and then BANG out of nowhere my mirror snaps and it is completely shattered! To be honest, I never saw and I am only assuming that is what hit me. I wonder if the car in front of me hit it first but who knows. Anyway, that really sucks!

Chief's knee is slowly trying to heal itself. He saw a sports medicine physician on Tuesday. The preliminary diagnosis is that he has medial and lateral meniscus tears. He recommended no running or twisting activities for 4 more weeks. He also has an order for an MRI which he may get if there doesn't seem to be improvement. There is a chance this may heal itself which would be great. If not his option is arthroscopic surgery to repair the damage. I really understand how he is feeling about not running. It is painful for me to watch him go through what I did.

About the baby’s baptism: it is definitely December 12th. I am so glad that I made copies of the sponsor certificates because they were lost in limbo for a few days. I guess the lady that taught the class did not turn them in right away so that when I went to make arrangements for the baptism they did not have them. After three phone calls and me faxing my copies everything worked out. I later got a phone call saying that the original certificates were eventually found and Father Ernie gave us his stamp of approval! Now we pray for good weather!

I promise to get a nice belly shot this weekend for all of you who want to see how big I am getting!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Quick Update

I will make this one quick! We had our ultrasound yesterday and little Nemo was very shy. He is head down and apparently likes to smush his face in my placenta. He was pretty laid back and did not move too much during the exam. We did get him kick a few times but that was about it. His heart rate was 153. My fibroid looks like it is behaving and really shouldn't be a problem with delivery. The baby weighs 3 lbs 4 oz which puts him at 67%. (Yes, I did the math...mommy gained a lot of the weight!) He is doing great. Everything is coming along fine with the due date at November 21st. I am assuming when I see my OB next week it will be officially changed.

Chief and I went to baptism class last night. Now we just need to choose a date. I really feel that it is important to do baptism early. With winter weather early December should be okay for travel. We could go as later in December but we are thinking about Christmas and again the potential for winter weather seems to increase later in the month. Oh, does anyone have a Farmer's Almanac?

One more thing...still didn't find out if Nemo is a boy or a girl. Does anyone want to start a pool?