Drew's Birth Story - Part 2

In case you missed it, Part 1 is HERE.

Where we left off, Brent had just pulled up to the hospital. He dropped me off at the entrance and went to park. Walking into the hospital was horrible. I read a sign that said 'Active labor - 2nd floor'. The lady at the information desk pointed me in the direction of the elevators and up I went. I had a contraction in the elevator and am so thankful no one was there when the door opened as I was leaning on the wall and moaning. Ha! I heard Brent come in downstairs and ask about me. The woman at information asked 'Was she wearing purple?' Yup, that was me! She pointed Brent upstairs and I shouted 'Hey' at him from the balcony. I didn't wait for him though - I went into L&D without him and figured he'd find me. I needed a room NOW!

Brent met me in L&D and a nurse got assigned to take us to a room. She asked if I wanted a wheelchair. The thought of sitting down again was absolutely awful. We got to our room, and I got changed into a gown and gave the nurse my birth plan. It was now 12:00 PM. The nurse mentioned her shift being over at 1:00 and a new nurse would be assigned to take us through delivery. Little did she know...

Just a few minutes later, doula Cary arrived. I started laboring on my hands and knees on the couch, and she began coaching me through each contraction. It was wonderful. Her voice was so calming, and she really helped keep me focused on my breathing through each pain.

A few minutes after that, Liane {midwife} made it! She came over and helped Cary get me through a contraction. I will forever love both of these women. Liane told me I needed to be checked, and I know it sounded awful, but I had to lay on the bed. Here was the moment of truth. Would I be a 2 and want to die? Honestly, the 2 minutes I was on the bed were the worst of the whole day. I had 1 contraction on my back and could barely handle it. Cary and Liane kept me together, and then Liane checked me. The way it felt, I knew she was going to say 2. She said '8 cm, 80% effaced, water bag bulging.' Holy sh*t!! Looking back, this is probably why the truck ride was so bad - I was probably going through transition.

Brent said at this point the room jumped into motion. Liane got really serious. People started swarming in, Liane got herself suited up, and I began laboring on the side of the bed. They also tried to get an IV in for antibiotics from Group B Strep, but I accidentally knocked it out during pushing. Oops! I was standing leaning on the birth ball which was on the bed. Cary and Liane kept coaching me through each contraction, and Liane said I had already been through the worst and it wouldn't hurt anymore than it already did. Those were magic words.

Liane then started discussing my water. Given Baby Gurl was 41 weeks, it was highly likely there would be meconium in my water, and if that was the case, we would not be able to delay cord clamping because we would need to get her suctioned immediately. Liane must have a 6th sense because on my next contraction, my water broke and, sure enough, there was meconium in it. 

Liane told me to let her know when I felt like I needed to push. The next contraction I started to feel the urge to push, so I climbed up onto the bed and leaned over the back of it (it was elevated) and began pushing when the urge hit. These contractions didn't hurt anymore, but the feelings were so intense. That's the only way I can think to describe them. It was overwhelming how my body took over and just made me push.

I started to lose control a little and was saying 'I can't, I can't' over and over again. Cary kept encouraging me that I could and I was. She said every time 'She is almost here. You are right there.' Brent told me {I didn't hear this or don't remember} that Liane told me to stop talking and use that energy to push. Ha. Brent said he almost got in my face at that point to pep talk me, but I got myself back under control.

At this point, Liane wanted me to turn onto my side to push to give Baby Gurl more room to come out. It took me a little bit of time to move into that position, but once I did, I looked down and half of her head was out! On the next contraction, I pushed with everything I had and out popped her head! Liane then worked her body out and she was here!!!! The time was 1:02, 1 hour after we got to the hospital.

She came out screaming which was awesome because that meant she didn't have to be suctioned and we could delay clamping her cord. Happy mama!

Wow! What a day!

We did not expect labor to go that quickly, but I'm so thankful I was able to labor at home some and wasn't at the hospital very long. We had an amazing team, Brent thought Liane did a great job too (he doesn't give out praise often).

We pretty much got our ideal birth and have a healthy, beautiful baby girl. We are beyond blessed.

Drew's Birth Story - Part 1

The plan was that if Baby Gurl wasn't here by 1/2/13, I would go back to work and life would resume from the holidays as 'normal' until she did arrive. So my in-laws kept Trent Tuesday night (1/1/13) since he always stays with them on Wednesdays. Brent took him over there, got a hamburger with some friends and came home. We talked about the plan for the next day - we wanted to go see Brent's best friend who had had a baby on 12/27, eat lunch together, run some errands and then have our appointment with the OB at 3:00 PM.

Wednesday morning I woke up a little before 7:00 and willed myself to go back to sleep. I dozed for a bit and then felt something. Hmmm... I looked at the clock - 7:24 AM. I tried to doze some more and felt another something. I proceeded to feel little surges every 5-10 minutes. They weren't painful but they were definitely something. I decided I'd give them at least an hour before I woke up Brent to make sure there was consistency. I mean, at 41 weeks pregnant, it has to be labor, right? I was sure hoping so but didn't want to get too excited. I got something to eat and sat down to read and watch the time. The surges continued.

At 9:00, I went and told Brent what was happening. At 9:30, I asked him if I should call the OB and doula group. We decided it couldn't hurt since I was still contracting less than 10 minutes apart. Things still were not painful at this point...but they were definitely there. I also texted a few girlfriends to say we might be in labor! That was fun.

At the OB's office, Liane {midwife} recommended I go ahead and go to the hospital since I did test positive for GBS. I was a little surprised by that because the OB {Dr. C} had said originally that I could still labor at home for awhile even with a positive test result. I called the doula group and Cary was the doula of the day. She agreed I could probably labor at home for a little bit since I was still feeling okay, could talk through my contractions and WANTED to be at home. She said she could meet us at home or at the hospital, just to let her know. I also talked to my mom, my MIL and my sister. Everyone was very excited!

I decided to get in the tub for a bit and I started timing my contractions with an app. I wanted to see if they were closer together like I thought or if it was my imagination/hope. I filled the tub up super full and climbed in. 2 contractions later I was OUT. I did NOT enjoy those contractions in the tub and just couldn't get comfortable. {Later Brent told me he was like WTF when he saw me get into the tub, he wanted to go to the hospital!} I started timing contractions at 10:06. They were on average a minute long and about 3 1/2 minutes apart - definitely moving in the right direction and starting to be painful. 

I got into the shower at this point because I wanted to be clean and fresh at the hospital. Brent took over timing the contractions. At this point they were definitely getting worse. I was using visualization and prayer to get me through each one. I ran the 400m in high school which is about a 1 minute race. I kept thinking about each contraction like a 400, kind of funny. I said lots of Hail Marys too and realized they were starting to get bad when I couldn't finish the prayer because I couldn't remember the words.

When I got out of the shower, I still wanted to fix my hair and make-up but Brent was really pushing me to get my bag finished so he could get it in the truck. I got dressed and realized there was no way I could get ready with as quickly as the contractions were coming and as painful as they were getting, so I pulled my wet hair back and threw everything else we needed into the suitcase and Brent started loading the truck.

I randomly remember paying for the placenta encapsulation service (Cary laughed at me about this later because she saw the email come through with my payment info) and answering an email from a co-worker (No, sorry I can't chat today, having contractions...ha). 

At this point, I was having to moan through each contraction to keep myself loose and relaxed. Scared the crap out of Brent though to walk back into the house and hear me moaning in our bedroom! Sorry, honey, it felt SO good!

I took one last bump picture, called Cary to tell her to meet us at the hospital and out the door we went!

It took me a few minutes to actually get into Brent's truck as contractions hit me. He just wanted me IN THE TRUCK so we could get going! In the truck, I called my mom and the OB to let them know we were heading to the hospital. By this point, it was 11:30 AM.

The drive to the hospital was pretty brutal (and only 15 minutes). Contractions every 3 minutes sitting were not pleasant. I remember cursing the bumps in the road. I wanted to be turned around backwards hugging the seat but was just trying to manage each contraction as best as I could until we could get to the hospital.

Finally, Brent turned onto the road the hospital was on. In between contractions, I voiced a fear that I NEEDED to be at a good number. I wasn't sure I could make it if we weren't. Brent told me to not worry about a number, we'd be where we'd be and we'd make it. Love that man.

And with that, we made it to the hospital!

Part 2 coming soon...I need to feed a hungry girl! {grin}

The Name Game

It only took Brent and me 1 day instead of 2 to name this child. Maybe we're getting better at this whole parenting thing??

We proudly introduce...

Drew Kathleen

I plan to get the birth story up by Monday and have such cute pictures of Trent meeting his baby sister. He definitely loves her! It is adorable. I always hate the long time between hearing of a new baby and reading the story of their arrival...I promise I'm not dragging this out on purpose...I just don't have free hands much right now! Thanks for all the sweet comments and love for our baby gurl. We are over the moon!

Baby Gurl Bumpdate: 41 Weeks

Our appointment at 3:00 got cancelled. {grin}

Baby Gurl Gurley

1:02 pm on 1/2/13

9 pounds, 20 inches

Pure heaven

Anticipation

We have our 41 week appointment tomorrow. I started to prep the 'standard' categories I've filled out for quite awhile in this pregnancy for a Bumpdate. And I got irritated, ha. There is really nothing new to write about in the last week.

I am nervous and excited to see what's going on with Baby Gurl. I have been having some pressure and things, but I am fearful there will be no change from the 39 week cervical check I had. Something has to be happening, right? It will definitely be fun to see what's going on in there since we'll be having several procedures... Brent is going with me to the appointment in case we do have to make some decisions.

I know she can't stay inside forever. I really think the last few weeks of pregnancy are so uncomfortable to make birth seem enjoyable! I just really can't wait for our daughter to be here!

I'm ready for the newborn smell. 
I'm ready for milk breathe.
I'm ready for tiny fingers and tiny toes.
I'm ready for babywearing and cloth diapering.
I'm ready to see Trent with his baby sister and be a family of 4.
I'm ready to figure out a name!

I'm ready!

Yes, I'm Still Pregnant. No, I Have Nothing Else to Talk About

Well, I think it's happened. I hit my wall. I'm ready for my baby to get here!!! I am 40 weeks and 4 days pregnant. At this point with Trent, we had a 1 day old, and I thought that pregnancy would never end, ha! BUT...since I've turned into such a hippie...here we are. Still pregnant.

I am grumpy.

I feel like a whale {and the scale agrees...damn holidays}.

Nothing fits. Everything is uncomfortable.

I can't sleep. But I'm tired all.the.time.

Trent is getting to watch a ridiculous amount of movies right now {I feel terrible about this...but see the previous statement.}

I want to cry constantly.

It doesn't help that people who are due after me are having their babies.

Do I love being pregnant? Yes! I think you'd all agree I'm a little nuts about it. But I am beyond ready for our baby to be here! And I could be pregnant another TEN DAYS. Lord, help us all!

I am trying to stay positive. I'm reading positive natural birth stories. I'm focusing on how good it will be for Baby Gurl to come when she's ready. I'm reminding myself she doesn't have a calendar to remind her she's 'past due'.

So if you email me, call me or text me and I'm not super pleasant...I apologize. I'm just a little hormonal at this point. {grin}

Hopefully the next time I blog, it's a picture of a gorgeous baby!! One can dream, right?

Baby Gurl Bumpdate - 40 Weeks

Just another day in this never-ending pregnancy... {grin} I had my 40 week appointment today, and as usual, Baby Gurl is perfect. Blood pressure was 125/69, fundal height was measuring exactly 40 cm, no signs of pre-eclampsia, baby's heart rate was great. Liane (midwife) thinks Baby Gurl will weigh something that starts with an 8 if she's born in the next week and 9 if I go another week. I grow big babies who like it inside apparently!

We discussed a plan for next week...if I'm still pregnant. I will have a cervical exam, a non-stress test and my fluid levels will be checked. If there are any concerns at that appointment, we'll develop a plan. Chances are everything will be fine, and we'll sit tight. The night before 42 weeks, we would start an induction (with a balloon to start to dilate my cervix). So, at the latest, her birthday will be January 9, 2013. But let's hope it doesn't come to that!

40 weeks!

Weight Gain: 37 pounds. I was shocked it wasn't more after eating non-stop for all our holiday festivities.

Maternity Clothes: It is ridiculous at what fits right now. Almost nothing. I am doing laundry constantly so the 3 shirts that fit are clean!

Movement: She is such a crazy baby. Last night she kicked me so hard my whole body jumped. I think she's getting tired of being inside...or maybe that's just wishful thinking! Lots of hiccups which are too cute.

Sleep: Better but still not great. My sinuses are still all sorts of jacked up, but I've got a routine of meds/nose spray/steam/sinus rinsing that seems to be keeping me mostly clear and helping me sleep. I am taking a nap almost every day too. Glorious.

What I Miss: A lot of the same...mainly the ease of my body. I want to use my nose and be able to get up and down quickly and play on the floor with Trent. I hate having to tell him 'Mama can't do that right now.'

Cravings: I'm honestly not ever really hungry anymore...but that doesn't stop me from eating comfort foods. 

Symptoms: This should be 'lack of symptoms'. I am still having occasional contractions but very mild and very sporadic. That's it.

Best Moment of the Week: Celebrating Christmas! I guess the best baby-related moment is just really feeling ready. There's nothing we need to do - we are as prepared as we're going to be for her arrival and that's a good feeling.

Worst Moment of the Week: B and I did realize we don't really know WHERE to go when it's time to go to the hospital. I'm just going to rely on our doula for that I guess. Ha.

Other Random Stuff: I get texts all day long asking if I'm in labor. It's pretty comical. Every time I call my parents, my mom answers the phone 'Are you in labor?' Nope.

Here's to this being the last update...but I guess we'll see!

D Day

Today is my due date! We made it 40 weeks. At this point in my pregnancy with Trent, I was DONE. Emotionally and physically DONE. I cried on and off my entire due date because I just knew our baby would be early. And he wasn't. And I was huge. And tired. And oh so ready.

Thankfully, this time around, I'm a wee bit smarter and am actually thrilled {mostly} we are still pregnant! There is SO much development that occurs in the last few weeks. Selfishly, I didn't want Trent to be a 'big baby'. Again, how silly I was! I grow big babies who like it inside their mama! And I'm proud of it!

Now, don't get me wrong...I don't want this pregnancy to last TOO much longer. I hope she's out before 12/31 (yes, as a CPA, I want that tax deduction!), but I wouldn't do anything to get her out before she's ready.

At our 39 week appointment, Brent and I discussed with Liane (our midwife) what we would do should she decide she still likes it inside at 41+ weeks. So we have a tentative plan in place, so she won't cook any longer than 42 weeks. Hopefully it doesn't come to that because I SOOOOO want to do this naturally. I feel like I missed out on a lot of the experience with Trent. I have no idea what a real contraction feels like or what early labor is like. Our experience with him was so sterile and clinical. Some people think I'm crazy for wanting to know. And they don't mind expressing their opinions to me. Lucky for them, I don't fire back too harshly. {grin}

I have a whole post in mind for WHY I want to want a natural birth and why I think it's better...but I'll save it for another day. Maybe after I accomplish my goal.  Hee hee.

I am looking forward to the end of this journey but am soaking up the last few days of Trent being our only child. We had an amazing Christmas where he got too many toys, watched too many videos, ate too much crap...and it was wonderful. My mother-in-law got me a massage as a Christmas present, so I might be trying to squeeze that in today. 

I think I should celebrate reaching my due date!

Baby Gurl Bumpdate: 39 Weeks

I either say this or think it every week, but I can't believe we're here! 39 weeks! Today is my last day of work - unless she's super late (Dear Lord, please don't let her be super late), Baby Gurl's nursery is done, we're pretty much as prepared as we're going to be.

I had my checkup today with the midwife, Liane. Brent came along which was great because he hasn't met either the doctor or midwife, and I really didn't want to be introducing them in the hospital, ha. Everything was good today. I did decide to have a cervical exam, and it was as lame as to be expected given I never dilated with Trent. I am only 1/2 cm dilated. Boo. Now I know that doesn't mean anything because labor could come on tonight, but I was hoping for something {anything}.

Weight Gain: 35 pounds - this was my goal weight gain but given next week is Christmas, I might need to revise to 40 pounds. {grin}

Maternity Clothes: 99% outgrown! I have been mostly working from home this week, so I am spending my time in yoga pants and the 3 maternity shirts that still sort of fit. Good times.

Movement: Almost all her movements are painful at this point. I don't feel like she's dropped at all, but it really hurts down low...

Sleep: What sleep? I am fighting off a sinus infection, so sleep is fitful at best. I snore so loudly that Brent is sleeping with Trent more than with me.

What I Miss: Breathing easily through my nose. Ha.

Cravings: Anything and everything fatty. At least 'pregnancy craving' is my excuse.

Symptoms: Oh so much pressure in my nether regions...but obviously not enough to accomplish anything!

Best Moment of the Week: Duh, obviously finishing her nursery! Or maybe our comfort measures class. It was a great week!

Worst Moment of the Week: Seeing how bad my stretch marks are. I could have lived without seeing that for another few weeks ever. Or the sinus issues. I am so sleep deprived and stopped up. I really think I need her to hold off a few days so I can get some rest.

Other Random Stuff: I'm going to see 'Pitch Perfect' tomorrow with Allison. Then family holiday festivities start on Saturday! We'll see how much we {I} make given I feel so crummy right now. Let's hope the Mucinex, nasal rinse, Benadryl, lots of hot showers combo does!!!

Here's to having a baby in the next 10 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baby Gurl Nursery Reveal!

Get ready! I am done with Baby Gurl's nursery (at least until she has a name)!! This is a majorly picture-filled post for a room that is really small, ha.

View from the doorway

{I got the curtains for our apartment, I love how perfect they are in her room.}

Collage wall...I LOVE LOVE LOVE how this turned out!

I hope to add onto it in the future, but I think it's perfect!

As a reminder...this was the inspiration

Close-up

GAH! Couldn't you just die over her crib?!?!

And her bedding...love it! (From PB Kids...the Brooklyn collection)

And the poms were an Etsy buy too.

Can't wait to be rocking/nursing my little gurl in that glider!

Her name will go on this wall...someday!

Attempt at a panoramic #1

Attempt at a panoramic #2

Can you believe all these clothes? Thanks, Blair, for the hand-me-downs!

I wanted to highlight a few of my favorites from her collage wall... A lot I bought at Hobby Lobby (and most 50% off too!), some came from Etsy and some was recycled from Trent's nursery.

Bought from this Etsy shop.

Perfect colors and hearts galore!

I mean, seriously, how much do I rock for making this?

Trent had a 'Sweet Baby Boy' sign like this, so I had to get this!

Totally cheesy, but I love what it says.

Bought from this Etsy shop.

My fave little section!

So there you have it! It is as done as it can be for now, and I literally walk in there multiple times a day just staring. It turned out so much better than I even hoped it would. Now we just need a baby!!! {grin}

Weekend Ramblings

We had such a great, productive weekend! I had a pretty aggressive 'to do' list, and we accomplished almost everything. With the exception of getting the car seat base installed in Brent's truck, we are pretty much ready for Baby Gurl's arrival! I'd still like to be able to work this week to get things wrapped up {although, if I'm being completely honest, my motivation is starting to slide}, but I feel just about ready!

I just had to share Trent's memorable moment from school on Friday.

Can you read it? I laugh every time.

Look! I did a DIY project!!

When you don't have a first name, we have to focus on what we can...

I even stayed up until midnight on Friday finishing this.

 Another nursery project!

I literally have 1 thing I'm halfway through with for her nursery and then it's DONE! I was painting this sign and realized I just need spray paint. So that's on my list for tomorrow!

Santa came to church! Trent has decided he wants a race car from Santa. 

We already bought him what he wanted from Santa. And it's not a race car. Um.

And just because my parents are ADORBS.

B and I also took a 'comfort measures' class today with the doula group. It hit the high points of breathing methods, labor positions, and other comfort measures. B did NOT want to go, but I think it wasn't as bad {or as hippie} as he thought.

I finished the weekend with book club at our house...so I'll be recapping our book later this week. And I think officially revealing the nursery!

Happy Sunday night friends!!

Baby Gurl Bumpdate: 38 Weeks

I honestly can't believe we're at 38 weeks. This pregnancy has flown by. At this point with Trent, I was dying for him to COME OUT. But not so much with Baby Gurl. I am loving the end of this pregnancy. Plus, I am not ready yet with my 'to do' list!!

My doctor's appointment today went great. Measuring normal and all my tests were normal.

I thought my nice camera was broken. It wasn't thank goodness!

Weight Gain: 34 pounds. There, I said it. How am I gaining 2 pounds each week right now? Why did I eat a salad for lunch? Ugh.

Maternity Clothes: It's comical at this point. I am having hissy fits almost daily about how 'nothing fits'. How everything is 'too short'. Asking Brent how big I look. Good times.

Movement: She is still pretty active. Some time between 8-11 at night is her dance party. Best part of the day. I've been paranoid this week when she's slowed down a little that something is wrong, but she always perks back up in the evening.

Sleep: Same...hit or miss.

What I Miss: Nothing new. It's all mostly manageable.

Cravings: Food in general! Hmm...maybe that's why I'm gaining 2 pounds/week.

Symptoms: Nothing new to report. Swelling a smidge but nothing bad. Still some baby contractions here or there. Back pain/foot soreness can get bad when I do too much.

Best Moment of the Week: The doula tea! So excited!

Worst Moment of the Week: See 'Weight Gain' above, haha. I get these random pains in my groin (sorry, TMI) and my heel hurts on 1 foot. Doc said groin pain is normal and heel pain might be a bone spur. Good times.

Other Random Stuff: Lots!

• Dena's Christmas gift to me was having my car detailed. So amazing. And off my 'to do' list!
• B and I cleaned both car seats. T's for my car was sick. Base for the infant carrier is installed in my car and will get installed in Brent's truck today!
• Got everything for the collage wall!! I have 2 very simple DIY projects and the mother-in-law is going to help me hang everything this weekend.
• B and I are taking a 'comfort measures' class this weekend. He is skeptical...but willing to go.
• To do list is very small which makes me happy!

Comparison...I thought I was SO big with Trent. Funny.

Do...Do...Do...What?

Today was another step on the natural birth journey. I went to a 'tea' with the doula collective I hired to meet their wonderful doulas, one of whom will help during our delivery of Baby Gurl!

What is a doula? A birth doula is a trained professional who provides physical comfort measures, emotional support, and information to help parents make informed decisions during labor and birth.

Essentially, given Brent and my's 1 experience at childbirth was medicated and very clinical, we're pretty much dumb when it comes to natural childbirth. I really felt unsure how to handle the experience without some help from someone who knew what they were doing. Ashlee and Heather, who both had natural births, talked about how key it was to have a support person. So I asked my midwife what she thought, and she agreed that it is essential to have someone whose sole job is to ensure you get the birth you want {or as much as it's possible}. She recommended Get Babied. I spent just a little bit of time on their website and was hooked, ha. They have several opportunities throughout the month to get to know them, and tonight I went to their tea. It was awesome! What was funny was I was the only mommy there without their partner. And I wasn't wearing my wedding ring. I felt so awkward, haha.

What is so amazing about a doula is their job is to help you have the birth experience you want. Whether it's a natural or medicated birth, a c-section, a hospital or home birth, their job is to support YOU!

So one more thing checked off our list!

Baby Gurl Bumpdate: 37 Weeks

Well, I'm officially full-term. Technically, Baby Gurl can safely come at any point, but I really want her to cook a little longer. If things worked out according to my plan {which I know they won't}, ideally she would come between 12/26 and 12/31. I want us to be able to enjoy Christmas and if she comes early, chances are we won't do much anything. I would feel bad because we'd be causing Trent to miss out on so much fun. And by 12/31 because I'm an accountant and want the tax deduction. Duh.

I figured since I'm going to the doctor every week, I'd start doing updates every week. I think it'll be fun to look back on this last month especially.

My appointment was great overall, but I did find out I tested positive for Group B Strep. It's really not a big deal...or shouldn't be but for some reason it bums me out. All it means is I will need to get IV antibiotics when I am at the hospital, but I was hoping to avoid being attached to an IV pole at all. Oh well, such is life!

I spent about 30 minutes talking with my OB mostly about when I actually go into labor since it will be a different experience than with Trent. Not to be a broken record, but I just LOVE my new OB and midwife! Baby is head down and everything was measuring/testing great.

Full-term mama! {These are all really cloudy...sorry!}

Weight Gain: 32 pounds

Maternity Clothes: I am seriously outgrowing what I have. A friend/co-worker said this meant I could work from home every day. I wish! And don't get me started on how uncomfortable my bras are right now!!

Movement: I keep expecting her to slow down in there as she runs out of room, but it ain't happening! I absolutely love feeling her dance parties, although they are starting to get a wee bit painful.

Sleep: I'd say mediocre at best. I am having trouble some nights falling asleep, and I'm awake pretty much from 5:00 onward. I'm also super hot, so I go to bed not under any covers which is so weird for me.

What I Miss: The ease at which my body used to work. Rolling over, bending, getting up, breathing...they are all a challenge.

Cravings: No real cravings. I just like to eat!

Symptoms: Nothing new. Still occasional, very minor contractions. Some back pain. Still minimal swelling {thank God}.

Best Moment of the Week: Going to court! I know placenta encapsulation is a really weird topic for most people, but I am beyond excited. It feels really nice to have that checked off the list. Also, my sweet co-workers surprised me with gift cards to a spa and a baby store. Such sweet peeps!

Worst Moment of the Week: I wouldn't say there's a specific moment, but I find myself having no patience with Brent and less than I'd like with Trent. I can recognize when I'm being irrational {a.k.a. a giant B}, but it's like I have no control over it!

Other Random Stuff: I'm starting to stress a little about what's not done. Nothing is critical (except probably installing her car seat), but I just want to feel more complete. 95% of her clothes are put away - which in itself was a big project. I have a few more things to buy to make me feel 'ready'. I want to get her collage wall done, which is a project for next week when I'm taking a day off. I want my car really cleaned out and scrubbed down because it's a disgusting mess. I need to finish my Christmas shopping/present wrapping. See? A little overwhelming!

Comparison {why do I have crazy eyes in both pics?}

This week I think they look almost identical!

Bumpalicious

When I saw in pictures how big my 36 week bump was, I thought it'd be fun to do a comparison. Results?

Wow.

Baby Gurl Bumpdate: 36 Weeks

I'm 90% done. I'm waddling. I'm sway-backed. I'm loving it!!

I am now going to the doctor every week. My doc doesn't do cervical checks unless asked to perform, and I don't want to have any at this point so no update on that front. We also went over my birth plan. I met with the midwife today, and she was very positive about my plan. Yippee! Baby Gurl was perfect, as usual.

Large and in charge!

{These were taken at night after my shower in my glorious pajamas. Good times!}

Weight Gain: 30 pounds. I don't FEEL like I've gained 30 pounds and I get comments on being 'all belly' {love peeps who say that}, but it's still crazy to think about 30 extra pounds.

Maternity Clothes: I hate wearing pants unless they are leggings, pants are just uncomfortable. So dresses and leggings for work and leggings and t-shirts on the weekends, ha. I am hot all the time and our mild Texas winter is not helping.

Movement: She is still a mover. I am so happy everyday when I feel her wiggle in there. She has been head down for awhile so lots of feet up high.

Sleep: According to Brent, I am snoring all the time. I would say it's normal sleep habits for 36 weeks - snoring, peeing, waking up a lot...

What I Miss: Being comfortable. I still think this has been a very easy pregnancy, but we're just at the end now, so it's hard to breathe, hard to move, etc.

Cravings: I'm not really craving anything, I am just REALLY hungry but can't eat that much before I feel full. So lots of small meals.

Symptoms: I think I'm starting to have contractions but really minor ones. 

Best Moment of the Week: I hired a doula group! I am beyond excited. They have a 'tea' in 2 weeks that I'm going to so that I can meet everyone in the group. AND I can get prenatal massages through them for $45. Signing up for next week!

Worst Moment of the Week: That moment at work on Monday when I was SO sweaty (A/C had been cutoff over the holiday due to a water leak) that I realized I had sweat spots on my dress...in more than 1 place.

Other Random Stuff: Brent and I are really making huge progress on getting all the last minute 'crap' done. We have had 2 car fulls of donations, we have Baby Gurl's carseat down from the attic, Moses basket is setup in our room, stuff like that. We do still have a lot to do {IMO}, but if she came today, we'd be A-OK. Not that I want her to come today, haha. I want her cooking a few more weeks.

Bump comparison...looking bigger again this time around!

Baby Gurl Bumpdate: 34 Weeks

34 weeks! Time is just marching by. 85% of the way through. People are starting to ask how close I am, ha.

Appointment is later today (with the doctor and not the midwife), so I'll update with details.

Everything went great at the OB. I just love my practice. They get me, get what I want out of this pregnancy and delivery and just encourage me in every way. Baby Gurl cooperated beautifully and is head down!!

I'm starting to think about when I'll go into labor. Since I was induced with Trent and plan to not be this time, it makes it all new and scary. I've talked with the families about what to do with Trent when she starts to come.

Weight Gain: 29 pounds

Maternity Clothes: Nothing new to report here. 99% of what I wear is maternity, but I've been pretty fortunate to only have to buy a few things.

Movement: It's starting to get painful. She is still super active, but I do grimace as an elbow or knee grinds into me. Ha. She also manages to push right on my bladder which makes me pee a little. Good times!

Sleep: Getting worse. Brent says I snore every night, oh well. 

What I Miss: Ease of movement. Not being hot constantly. So thankful it's finally cooling off!

Cravings: No real cravings, I'm just hungry ALL.THE.TIME. I could eat all day long, but I do fill up a lot faster.

Symptoms: I think I'm having some Braxton-Hicks or maybe some minor {super minor} contractions. Having some minor heartburn. I didn't get much with Trent so hoping it stays minor... It's harder to breathe and workouts have turned into just walking and not very often. Not really happy with myself about that but hoping to get a little better over the next few weeks. I'm starting to waddle!

Best Moment of the Week: OMG. Brent put all the nursery furniture together. Love it all.

Worst Moment of the Week: When discussing natural birth with Brent and he said 'You know you can't do it. You asked for an epidural immediately with Trent.' I could have killed him.

Other Random Stuff: Even after Brent's comment, I think he's okay with a doula. He didn't balk at the price, so I'm going to a Meet the Doula night tomorrow (hopefully) and will move forward with my plan! I also finished my first natural birth book {I love you Ina May Gaskin}. I have a lot I still want to do in the next 6 weeks that I'm starting to freak out about. (1) Tour the hospital (since we're at a new one)...this one isn't that important. (2) Take a pain management class. (3) Have B meet new OB/midwife - eek - he hasn't met them yet!

Comparison pic...I think I protrude further with BG but taller/longer w/ T??

One more appointment at the 2 week interval and then I start going every week! Yippee!