Biggest fear staring me in the face, Woo-saaah.

It is Friday, 9 days away from D-Day, with a couple of incidents of "is this it" moments already under our belt. One thing that bothered me about last weekend's visit to OB Triage was learning that my Doc was on call last weekend, clearly indicating he would NOT be this weekend (he is a private practice that shares On Call time with 3 or so other OB/GYNs).  Let me describe the importance of this fact.

Doc M has been my only "lady" doctor. I have seen him for 12 years since I was 16 years old.  He is both my mom and my gramma's Doc and performed my mom's hysterectomy when I was in high school.  In fact, I believe I first started seeing him the same year he took over my mom's OB/GYN's practice who happened to be the doctor who delivered me back in 1985!

He is an incredible doctor, arguably the best in our area. Even with the underlying FSU/UF opposition (he's a UF grad), there is a mutual respect (which doesn't happen too often between FSU/UF rivals). Kevin has become comfortable which, before meeting Doc M, he was not exactly thrilled about regularly spending time at a Lady's doctor's office. Obviously over the last couple of months it has felt like a second home. As uptight and anxious of a person that I am, Doc M has the uncanny ability to ease my nerves, which Kevin has made sure to verbalize that he wish he knew how to do.

These next 2.5 days will absolutely drag by. I told Kevin I will not be doing ANYTHING! NOTHING!  I would be absolutely devastated if Doc M is not there for our little one's birth. I keep trying to tell myself that as long as Baby is healthy all will be ok, but it's certainly tough to ignore.

Woooo-saaaah.  Time to start some relaxation techniques. 68 hours to go.

Chief Osceola's 6th Birthday!

Little Man's 6th birthday was Sunday and unfortunately a rather uneventful day. Typically we get them Mickey-Dee's ice cream cones and sing Happy Birthday, but we ran out of time. This was his last birthday as the Baby of the family.  To boot, the poor guy got his vaccinations on his birthday!

 

But I did throw together a birthday crown for him to wear, inspired by Little Blue Olive. I use the word "inspired" very loosely because I literally stapled this crown together, while LBO's little celebration crowns are hand sewn, one-of-a-kind art pieces.

 

Amusingly, this disposable crown will likely be used for Chief and Chief Osceola's birthdays from here on out!

 

I wanted to share a few pictures of our handsome man on his Big Day!

 

Jealous big brother, Chief.

 

I love this one because of how little Black Bear cares about what's going on in the background.

 

 

 

Happy 6th Birthday to our [current] Baby! We love you, Booger Bear!

Five yard Penalty -- Hospital visit

Kevin issued me a 5 yard penalty this weekend..... False Start.

Around 7:30 Friday night I started having serious back pain. When I say serious, I was having difficulty standing up straight and couldn't breath in fully.  We did our best to distract me from the pain by watching a movie (Captain Philips, which if I recall correctly was a great movie, but my memory is foggy. I was up using the bathroom every 20 minutes or so due to a pinching sensation). Heating pad, cold compress, nothing was alleviating this pain, which felt like it was getting more severe.  I was beginning to feel contractions (likely brought on by my discomfort). We had both been on the computer reading about back labor, which was my biggest fear.  We discussed going into the hospital but I refused.

Hours went by and we decided to try getting to sleep around 2 AM.  I was moaning and groaning and having a difficult time breathing because my back was hurting so much.  Kevin got me up around 3AM and had me pacing the living room, adamant that if the pain didn't subside we'd be going into the hospital.  He went ahead and packed the bags in the car, and the dogs were in a commotion seeing the luggage. Again, I refused and agreed that if I didn't feel better after a warm bath that we would be going in.  After the bath, I was still in pain, but told Kevin I wanted to try going to sleep. Somehow I was able to pass out for a couple of hours.

When Kevin got up the next morning and I was still in pain, we discussed the hospital again. It had become more of a "OK, now we just need to make sure nothing is seriously wrong."  So he called my parents and asked them to come pick up the dogs, I was still hesitant to go, but we needed to see what was going on. My parents spent a little time with me while Kevin had to run and do some work. 

I kept praying the pain would subside because I really didn't want to go to the hospital unless we were CERTAIN it was labor. I wasn't certain, but I didn't know what this back pain was.

After my parents left with the pups, I attempted to take another nap. Around 2PM on Saturday Kevin and I made the executive decision to just Go.  I knew I'd be sent home, I even verbalized it, but what if this back pain was something serious? I'm not a doctor!!

It was an anxiety-provoking 30 minute drive. I was still in pain, and was having difficulty walking. As directed earlier in pregnancy, Kevin popped out the phone to take a video on the way to the hospital.  I can't imagine what I look like in it, but I know one day we will look back and laugh.

We got all checked in and I got strapped up to the monitor.  They ran some tests that all came back clear. I had read about kidney problems in the area my pain was radiating from, so I was happy nothing was wrong there.  Strangely the Braxton Hicks I was having earlier in the day had subsided (isn't that how it always goes?), though my back was still in pain.  Luckily that wasn't showing up as contractions, which was my main concern.

We did get to spend time listening to our baby living in there.  It was crazy watching Baby P's heart rate constantly. We hear it every week at our appointments, but only for a brief moment. We knew she was active, but seeing her compared to other rooms' babies made it clear just how active she really is!!  Her heart rate would go anywhere from the 130's up to I believe it topped out at 192!! 192! Hill, valley, hill, valley, what in the heck was this little one doing in there?! Even the nurse seemed to think it was active. Then she got the hiccups, which was crazy to hear on the monitor... it sounded like she was flicking a microphone. Oh this little one is going to give us a run for our money, I just know it.

Everything came back clear. I was having mild contractions but nothing to admit me. I was offered the possibility of pain meds for the back pain, which I declined.  After the nurse touched base with my doc, we were sent on our merry way. 

Overall it was definitely quite the experience.  Kevin got in a practice run with packing the bags and 
getting us to where we needed to go. He seemed pretty put together, which is comforting.  The whole experience has definitely made the waiting game a bit more daunting, and it has definitely made having a baby even more of a reality! Holy shit we're going to have a daughter within the next two weeks!

Week 38: 2 weeks to go....

We're at 38 weeks! 2 weeks to go until that fateful due date, but she could be here any day and the suspense is killing me! Our little pumpkin is the size of a Pumpkin!

Boy am I looking more and more tired every week.  I've sure let go of myself! lol

Here's a pic of me working on this week's chalkboard.

I love crafting, but I hate drawing. So these Chalkboards are a Complete Labor of Love.  Only two 2 left.... MAX.

Worst part of the week:  Kevin and I spend a little time in OB Triage this weekend. Everything's ok!  I'll get to that in a separate post.

And last night Kevin decided to randomly walk into the bathroom and just shave his head out of nowhere.  This momma ain't pleased!  We're about to experience the most momentous day in our lives and you just go and dramatically change your appearance... without even consulting your hairstylist (me) and your extremely emotional and moody pregnant wife?? Big no-no.

Pain: Sciatic pain & back pain mostly. Braxton hicks have gotten more uncomfortable too. I'll get into the back pain more in my hospital post.

Movement: Holy Cow this little lady is a mover and a shaker.  Still.

Sleep: awful, awful, awful.

Exercise:  Not much the last few days.  Still trying to walk the dogs with Kevin, but life's been hectic and this mommy is tired!

Cravings:  Yes, transition through the seasons.... It is now Valentine candy time, but I cannot for the life of me find the Valentine lollipops that I love to get every year! They are the basic red cherry lollipops shaped as hearts with imprints on the front.  They are the most basic lollipops out there and I can't find them :-(.

Looking forward to: The Big Day! With less than 13 days to go, I think it's officially ok that that's really the only day I am looking forward to from here on out.

Daddy-to-be Assembly Montage

There is just something so endearing about a first time Daddy-to-be putting together his baby's gear.  It's like the guy version of nesting.

Kevin always wondered why I would randomly snap pictures of him, and you can see it in his face in the pictures. I only wish I got more during the process. Though, I do recall distinctively thinking it was NOT a good idea during the Pack-n-Play assembly in particular.  There was a whole lot of grunting, and harrumphing, and bleeping.

AND OF COURSE, and incredibly important to me, Daddy-to-be has dedicated a few minutes every Sunday morning to draw the fruit for our Chalkboard Updates since his Wifey is drawing-challenged.

I cannot wait for Kevin to become a Daddy.  He is just so incredibly excited and ready to meet his little princess, it makes my heart melt.  He has become sexier and sexier to me throughout this pregnancy and from what I hear it only gets better for new mamas!  There is no one else I could imagine sharing this journey with.

Week 37: Hallelujah full-term!

We are officially FULL-TERM!!!! How surreal is that?!  This week Baby Pick is the size of a Winter Melon. Our usual source for produce size had her as Swiss chard, but Kevin didn't fancy drawing Swiss chard.

It's incredible to think how few of these we may actually have left to do!!! EEEEEKKK.

Best moment of the week: Aside from actually hitting full-term, it would be making my first TuTu!!!

I didn't take pictures while I did this one because I had absolutely no clue how it would turn out.  I still don't know what it will look like actually ON, but hey, at least it looks perfect now!  I'll take pics as I make the next one and share :-).

Pain:  She must be getting lower because a couple of nights ago I woke up in agonizing pain in my sciatica ON BOTH SIDES. I had no clue what to do, nothing helped. I just kinda rolled around moaning until it eased. Braxton Hicks are getting a bit more uncomfortable, and her kicks are too!!

Movement: As we draw closer and closer to D-Day, I am doing my best to relish in all of her hiccups and movements because I know I will be the type to really miss having her safe in there.  One of the most incredible things about her movements is when she moves when Daddy talks directly at my belly.  It is distinct and clearly purposeful, it makes my heart flutter.

Exercise:  Now that I've hit the 37 week mark, I am able to resume my low-impact exercise routine.  So this morning I did the pre-natal workout DVD I have. The pups still look at me longingly in my workout clothes, but I think it's been a tougher transition on me than it has been on them to not be able to go out for walks every morning.

The pups wanted in on the action during my cool down.  It was pretty awesome. So first, Chief Osceola decided to join.

Then Chief decided to join in on the workout and slid up into my straddle position to cool down.

But, apparently Chief Osceola felt he needed to be closer than Chief so he got closer.

And finally, Chief Osceola decided to end my workout officially, and get comfy for this heart-melting moment.

Yes my belly looks like it's going to explode!!! It reminds me of Winnie the Pooh's rear-end when he got stuck in the tree at Rabbit's house.

Stretch mark "Busters"

I'll be the first to tell you that I fully believe stretch marks are hereditary.

But I also firmly believe that it's important to keep your Baby Bump healthy and moisturized (and as un-itchy as possible!).  And even believing that stretch marks may or may not be inevitable in your future doesn't mean you should give up hope. Hell, why not give it a shot? You've only got one chance! Give that bump a good rub down!

I was blessed with the news that my mother did not get stretch marks during her 3 pregnancies (one of which she gained 60 pounds!). Now at just under 37 weeks I can say that I do not have any belly stretch marks to speak of, but that doesn't mean they aren't coming or that I may not get them in subsequent pregnancies.  But there are potentially 3 more long weeks for my skin to do plenty of stretching. To that end, lather away I go.

Though, sharing the creams/oils I'm using is not to prove or disprove their effectiveness, but to share my experience with them.

BIO OIL
I've read so many dramatic positive and negative reviews for Bio Oil. And here's my take, and it's pretty obvious. You'll only ever believe it worked if you didn't get any stretch marks throughout your pregnancy (obviously). You get stretch marks, you blame it on the oil not doing its job.  You don't get them, you can either attribute that to the oil OR to heredity. What's most convenient for you? It's self-fulfilling.

One comment I've read consistently was how little you get for how much it costs, several people saying one bottle only lasted them a month.  They must have been running around like greasy pigs all day long. I apply a "generous" portion (enough to rub in) to my belly and midsection twice a day (after I shower), and it took me roughly 4 months to get through a bottle. And that was even after this used bottle was "gifted" to me from my Momma that wasn't using it. 

I have been using quite a bit more as I've gotten bigger... I don't know if it's because I've gotten more liberal with my application or my surface area has grown that much!!!

To the cost, I found it most cost-effective at Sam's... You get this double pack for $21.68.

Here's the back so you can see what they say for themselves:

I like the smell of it, it's very gentle and soothing. And while it is OIL, it really isn't all that greasy feeling. Wash your hands with soap and water and you're good. After I apply it, I usually have a naked dance party long enough to let it soak in before getting dressed. It doesn't seem to cause drag or anything on my clothes.

And I love, love, love the sheen it gives my belly.  It makes my belly look like a professionally edited photo all day long.

Here's a link to the Bio Oil site.


PALMER'S BELLY BUTTER
This was what I originally began using. 

And I actually started slathering this stuff on months before we even started trying to conceive.  I love its texture: it's thick, creamy, and dense.  The scent is even better, the delicate scent of cocoa butter.  Makes me want to eat it. The stuff is pretty thick to rub in so it takes a while. I seemed to work through this stuff pretty fast too when I was using it everywhere (everywhere meaning belly, butt, hips, thighs, and breasts). Either way, I enjoy using it, though I use it more now for my thighs and heiny and let Bio Oil take on the major areas.

Here it is at Target, though I cannot recall the price... somewhere in the $8-10 range I want to say.

I use all sorts of regular lotions for the rest of my body, usually whatever Philosophy or Bath & Body Works scent I'm in the mood for.  Though my go-to is the cheap stuff, Suave's Smoothing Cocoa Butter and Shea lotion.

If you had something that you particularly enjoyed using during pregnancy or after, I'd love to hear about it!!

Week 36..... NINE MONTHS???

Holy Cow.... It does not feel real to say that I am in my 9th month of pregnancy. Not many more chalkboards left to draw!!!  Baby is the size of a head of Romaine Lettuce.

Pain: I think it would be easier to bullet point physical ailments than describe them! LOL. Back. Feet. Muscles. Joints. Hoo-Ha. Sciatic pain is kicking in again, likely due to her getting lower and lower. Though strangely I'm feeling it on the opposite side than I was earlier in the pregnancy.

I must say though, I feel extremely blessed thus far to have only experienced minor nuisances and have not had any major concerns.  I guess I should really wait to say that until I reach full-term because it seems to be pretty important to try and make it to that point.

Sleep:  I want to punch the next person who tells me to get sleep now before she gets here!! (Sorry if you're guilty....). I haven't slept well in MONTHS, we're talking almost back to 1st trimester.  I have had lucky nights in there where I was just so incredibly exhausted I slept like a dead person, but other than that I am tossing, turning, getting up to pee, sweating, Charlie horses, tossing, turning, grasping my lower ab muscles in pain.  Those pains are a major culprit. Every time I roll over I have to rearrange the pillows to rest my belly appropriately so I'm not feeling an agonizing pull (OK, agonizing is a bit dramatic, but you get the point).

Nursery: Nearly done! Having it completed is such a huge relief. The things that are left to do could go undone and I wouldn't be upset. It's funny that it has weighed on me so much to get it done when we likely won't be spending much time in there for the first few weeks or months even. Nesting at its finest, I'm sure. But now I feel like if I am up for trying my hand at headbands or tutu's I have the ability to craft at a more leisurely pace.... though I'm kinda ready to put the craft bins away for a bit and just R-E-L-A-X (or browse Etsy for said creations).

Movement: She's still an incredibly active Baby, and I love it! It is the most comforting and miraculous feeling in the world. I don't care that it can get uncomfortable at times feeling the rubs up and down my rib cage like a xylophone. I know I'm going to miss it when she's not in there anymore. And I'm not sure what she was up to today, but her heart rate clocked in at 173 when it's usually in the 130's. She must've been at the Mousercise again.

Weight: still right at 24 pounds on the pregnancy.  Dying to exercise or get some movement, but I've been put on "chill" mode til Sunday.... when I'm full-term! Then I can delicately get back to at least some neighborhood walking. This whole limited mobility thing sucks major ____.

Looking forward to: Making it passed the Full Moon tomorrow night!

Week 35: We are the champions!

I am WAY behind this week! I have had quite the distractions going on, so it's understandable :). But the picture was taken Sunday when I hit 35 weeks. This week Baby is the size of a honeydew melon.

We attended my cousin's wedding this weekend, is was an absolutely wonderful event.  It was the last big event we'll be attending before Baby P gets here, and now I can confirm that.  I was EXHAUSTED! I love dancing at Weddings, and was too tired to dance even once.  Yup, no Cupid Shuffle or Macarena for us. But I did love the DESSERTS!!!!

 

 

And of course I had to mention it...... THE SEMINOLES WON THE BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!! Oh, the wonderful feeling.  It feels like we won the lottery, or I was just told that we are going on a surprise trip to Disney tomorrow. Hopefully Baby P will appreciate a couple of these photos when she hangs them in her dorm at FSU her freshmen year ;-).

 

This week's appointment: I've been having a lot of contractions recently, so Doc checked my measurements for the first time. While she could come and be completely healthy, we need Baby P to hang on for at least another week or so until 37 weeks otherwise there may be a chance she'll have to check-in at NICU.  Worries me with a Full Moon on the calendar for next week on the 15th.  Let's hope she wants to percolate a bit longer. While Doc didn't prescribe bed rest, he did tell me to chill out a bit, at least until 37 weeks, so I've been doing a lot of work from the couch. It's kinda making the whole Labor & Delivery thing a bit more real.

Hospital Bags: Sorta packed.  They need to be packed.  We have majority of our stuff laid out on the guest bed.

But then, snapping this picture made me realize Kevin has nothing laid out. But I'm not worried about him.  I remember when my brother and his wife had one of their  babies he was in the same clothes for 2 days!

Pups:  I have become rather emotional spending time with my Chiefs attempting to accept the fact that our relationship will change dramatically. Ok, I should be honest, I'm specifically talking about Chief (Black Bear). I think Chief Osceola will be totally fine since he still thinks and acts like a puppy.  But I already feel like they hold it against me we no longer take regular morning walks, just imagine how I will feel when 100% of my attention is placed on a new little breathing and noisy human.

Wedding Rings: Still loose! I hope I'll be able to wear them to the hospital!

Movement:  This baby has the biggest feet ever.  Literally it was just pushing out just under my ribs last night and Kevin and I were in awe. I didn't realize a baby could have such big feet! I argue she'll be a tap dancer, Kevin says she'll be a soccer player. And she likes to hang out perpetually pushing her heels upward. Literally. This picture is poor quality but I snapped it this morning. 

You can't make it out very well, but that bump on the right side of my belly is her heel. And this isn't even as dramatic as it usually is.  Constant.

Oddities:  This sounds strange, but I have been so cold. Yah, Yah, I know, we live in Florida and 40-50 degrees is "not" cold. I have been taking the longest showers in the world.  I feel like I'm back in high school when you'd be half dead taking showers in the morning just letting the water run on you.

Weight: The holidays had me dramatically fluctuate, from before the holidays to after I had gained like 5 pounds within 2 weeks!  But then from last week to this week I didn't gain anything.  So cumulatively I am up 23 pounds on the pregnancy.

Looking forward to: Finishing all of the little odds and ends.  I've been super anxious to get them all done because I know that those are the things that will NEVER get done when she gets here. Hopefully I'll be able to share some pics of the nursery here soon!