Home stretch...

Today was my 39 week appointment because she had to reschedule me from Tuesday morning. I had lost 0.2 pounds--I'll take it. :-) However, my blood pressure was up to 138/80, which did not concern the doctor at all. Given the swelling I've had in my feet and now my hands (and also a little edema on my lower abdomen which sucks!!), I was a little nervous about pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension, which is a pretty common but dangerous pregnancy complication). However, my doctor indicated that there has not been protein in my urine (including today) and she really doesn't worry unless the diastolic BP is above 100. I should also note that I was running late for my appointment and had to climb stairs and they took me straight back so that might have inflated it a bit so I had them take it again and it was 125/85. The doctor just said to really take it easy this weekend and to not do too much running around. So, that's the plan. I also continue putting my feet up (which will be easier when I'm not at work) and will not eat as much fast food. I do really well with drinking water already.

Otherwise, things are good. Alaina's heart rate was in the 130s which is normal. I was measuring around 41-42 weeks. I was almost 1 centimeter dilated, still about 50% effaced, and Alaina is not engaged. I haven't been having real contractions or anything. My doctor will not be on call this weekend so I'm hoping she doesn't come before Monday (unless she comes tomorrow afternoon...). There's no reason to think she'll come in the next couple of days. However, I'm much more prepared for her to come now. I was really just hoping to make it through tomorrow and it looks like that is going to happen so I am really happy! No matter what though, by this time next week, you should get to see a picture of Ms. Alaina! I will try to post a picture on Facebook as soon as possible; it's harder to update the blog from my phone, though. But I'll probably update from the hospital if the recovery is going well.

It's been a little stressful to try to get everything done by tomorrow and I'm not sure I'll get everything but I hit a lot of the really important things that others can't take over for me. Nothing new on the baby list because I've been focused on finishing for work--yay, productivity!

• Revise and resubmit NSSI manuscript YES!
• Review manuscript for Psych Assessment
• Finish grading midterms (the students said they don't care if they ever get them back! haha!!)
• Grade reports and feedback sessions for class
• Write 3 lectures
• Create grading rubric for graduate presentations
• Enter grades
• Sign clinic notes twice weekly
• Review assessment report
• Review 3 intake summaries
• Review my graduate student's thesis proposal
• Review undergraduate thesis and poster presentation
• Help undergraduate revise IRB application
• Read graduate student thesis (finishing it tonight)

Updated Survey:

How far along: 39weeks, 4days
Total weight gain/loss: +38
Maternity clothes: I've been wearing stretchy non-maternity dresses and such lately. 
Stretch marks: Nothing new. But the little pocket of edema looks yucky.
Sleep: My sleep has actually been better the last week! I mostly have been trying to convince myself I don't need to get up more than once a night and it's working pretty well.
Best moment this week: So funny! My sweet cousins had sent Chad and me a box of size 3 diapers and I put them in the closet with our other diapers. I got a message from Tori explaining things that were in the box...and we realized they weren't diapers! Instead, it was an entire box of adorable clothes, headbands, hairbows, shoes, etc. So cute! And hilarious. Thank goodness she sent us the message because we totally would have wasted all those cute little baby clothes by the time we opened that box!
Movement: Her movements have slowed down a little bit in the mornings but she still packs a punch in the afternoon/evenings, though!
Food cravings: I've thought about hamburgers a few times (which I almost never eat because I'm allergic to them) but I haven't had a strong need to eat one. Today I wanted a snickers bar but didn't get one. Still not cravings but I'm tired of having nothing to say here. I did have a bit of an aversion earlier this week though when Chad made spaghetti and I really just did not want tomato sauce. Possibly an aversion or possibly just protecting myself from reflux later that night. 
Labor Signs: I still have trouble telling the difference between contractions, braxton hicks, and stretching. But I feel like I would have to know if they were real contractions, right?
Belly Button in or out: It looks really weird; I guess it's starting to pop out a little Just a little. 
What I miss: Other than turning over in bed, I've been thinking about things I haven't eaten due to pregnancy--like pineapples and lunch meat. 
What I am looking forward to: Finally....Meeting Alaina! I am excited to see what/who she looks like, how she smells, and how cute she's going to look in all these clothes we have!
Milestones: Tomorrow is my last day of work and that's a huge milestone!

39 weeks!

Just to start--I know some people thought it would be funny for me to play an April Fool's joke that Alaina had come early but I really just couldn't do that.

So we are one week away from the official due date, or 11 days from the induction date. Either way, whew, that's coming soon! Chad is fully convinced that she'll be here within the next couple of days. I still don't think so. But I guess we'll see whose side Alaina's on from day one, right? ;-) My friend and colleague who was due April 12 had her baby on Saturday (and at 10 pounds and 2 ounces--two weeks early!). So truly, yes, any day now. But not before tomorrow...I need to watch the Cats win their 8th National Championship tomorrow night!! Alaina definitely was enjoying the win against Louisville last night! I had to keep reminding myself to breathe so that she got plenty of oxygen. We were careful to not turn any cars over or burn any couches following the epic win in the "battle for the Bluegrass" "state championship" "basketball armageddon". We do what we can to set a good example for her.

As you can see from my ticker above, Alaina is now "launch ready." The ticker also says that her legs are against her chest and knees against the nose. I just think that can't be true--I'm just starting to get kicks in my ribs and punches in my pelvic bone. So, it seems she's still flailing around in there.

The most exciting thing this week was going to the consignment sale I've talked about on the blog previously. I was so overwhelmed and surprised at how well it was done! I ended up spending only $60 but got so many of the remaining "necessities" that were still on my list. This week I also decided I wasn't happy with what I was planning to bring Alaina home in so I got a great deal online for an adorable dress and cardigan set. I can't wait for you all to see her in it. Hopefully it arrives before she does...and it fits! :-)

Below is my 39 week picture. She is still sitting a little high but I think she may have dropped a smidge. Either that or she was just positioned differently from last week.

Having the list for work is clearly helping me. Tonight I told myself I couldn't update the blog until I had finished more things off this list! :-) 

• Revise and resubmit NSSI manuscript (almost finished...which is good since it's due tomorrow)
• Review manuscript for Psych Assessment (due April 4)
• Finish grading midterms
• Grade reports and feedback sessions for class
• Write 3 lectures Finish1 lecture
• Create grading rubric for graduate presentations
• Enter grades
• Sign clinic notes twice weekly
• Review 2 1 assessment report
• Review 3 intake summaries 1 intake summary
• Review my graduate student's thesis proposal
• Review undergraduate thesis and poster presentation
• Help undergraduate revise IRB application
• Read graduate student thesis 

Most of my focus has been on work stuff but we're continuing to slowly cross things off the list (plus laundry just continues to need to be done, my goodness!):

• Find a pediatrician 
• Finish decorating the nursery
• Launder and organize the baby clothes
• Decide on a bring home outfit
• Make meals to freeze
• Write "birth goals"
• Determine what necessities we still need to buy (like um, diapers...)
• Pack our hospital bags
• Install the car seat
• Find and schedule a photographer for newborn photos
• Finish thank-you cards
• Talk to dog sitter
• Get more house keys made
• Buy curtains for front door
• Find part-time child care for the summer

Updated survey + lists

How far along: 38weeks, 3days
Total weight gain/loss: +38
Maternity clothes: I really don't have any spring clothes. This is becoming a problem. 
Stretch marks: Nothing new. 
Sleep: Yea, really not happening. I wake up every hour (almost on the hour, which is interesting). I guess there really is something to the body preparing you for being up all night with a newborn...
Best moment this week: Definitely finishing the nursery!
Movement: She is still going strong. 
Food cravings: Nope. 
Labor Signs: Nothing.
Belly Button in or out: Almost flush. And very sensitive. 
What I miss: I don't think there's anything I could miss more than turning over in the bed without waking up. 
What I am looking forward to: Ugh, it's so bad that all the things I can think of are work-related.
Milestones: I've hit all the milestones now except my due date. :)


Nothing new on the baby list but I am making progress at work, thankfully! 

• Revise and resubmit NSSI manuscript (due April 2)
• Review manuscript for Psych Assessment (due April 4)
• Finish grading midterms
• Grade reports and feedback sessions for class
• Write 3 lectures 1 lecture
• Create grading rubric for graduate presentations
• Enter grades
• Sign clinic notes twice weekly
• Review assessment report
• Review 3 2 intake summaries
• Review my graduate student's thesis proposal
• Review undergraduate thesis and poster presentation
• Help undergraduate revise IRB application
• Read graduate student thesis

To be evicted no later than April 12

Today we had our 38 week appointment. My blood pressure had gone back down a little (128/68) but I had gained 3 pounds (silly girl scout cookies and brownies!). We listened to her heartbeat, though it took the doctor a bit to find it since Alaina was moving around all over the place! However, it was a nice healthy 150. We didn't get to see her today, though. The doctor also checked and saw that I wasn't dilated at all and Alaina was not "engaged." If she was engaged (i.e., dropped), that would mean that her head was 'locked into place' and she really wouldn't be able to move it very much. However, she's still moving her head around and such and likes to run from the doctor. My fundal height had stayed at approximately 40 weeks. In combination, these things gives me a ray of hope that she won't come this week. I know...I'm still one of the few pregnant women who is not ready for the baby to come, at any cost, this late. I've read online about women who do all kinds of crazy things to start labor (e.g., drinking castor oil--yuck!). Not me. I don't even want to bend over and pick up a piece of paper in case my water breaks. ;)

I also talked to the doctor a bit about what her recommendations would have been if she had not seen our birth goals. In general, she suggested that she probably wouldn't vary them much. However, she did schedule us for an induction on April 12 (40 weeks, 4 days), if Alaina hasn't arrived by then. The doctor indicated that it's possible that Alaina hasn't dropped because she's just too big. When I asked if she was thinking I would need a c-section, she basically said she always keeps that in the back of her mind when she is dealing with a big baby. But that it isn't something we need to schedule, or even decide on, for another two weeks. She said she won't really want to suggest it unless we get to April 11 and I've not made any progress in labor and they do another growth scan and it looks unlikely to be delivered naturally without complications. While I am not thrilled at the idea of having a c-section, I have come to terms with it in the last couple of weeks (I was never adamantly opposed to it; just a preference). I am really at peace with it either way. My doctor said something along the lines of "you all went through so much to have this baby and we just want her to be as healthy as possible." Chad and I completely agree. While it would be great if I didn't have to have one, I won't be upset about it.
No matter what though, Alaina should be here within 16 days. Interestingly, this is the same day that my sister, Andi, has been scheduled for her c-section of her little boy, Sam and the same day my colleague, Lana is due with her little boy, Ben!
One of our graduate students is fully confident Alaina is coming Thursday, April 5. A coworker reminded me that April 6 is a full moon so she expects Alaina's birthday to be next Friday. That would be too bad for the student whose thesis defense I'm sitting on at 3 pm that day!

Along those lines, a few have asked me how long I plan on working. My plan is to work through next Friday, April 6. We'll see how well that goes! It would be a lot easier if OSU hadn't chosen this month to take away all of the parking near our building, forcing us to hunt for spots and walk further! That's a pretty sore subject for me. I start summer supervision on June 4 and plan to go in 2-3 days per week, depending on child care (which is yet to be determined).

Anyhow, things are going well! Still lots of work to wrap up but it is what it is. This is my list for work...to help me with accountability (the other list seems to be working really well in that regard).

• Revise and resubmit NSSI manuscript (due April 2)
• Review manuscript for Psych Assessment (due April 4)
• Finish grading midterms
• Grade reports and feedback sessions for class
• Write 3 lectures
• Create grading rubric for graduate presentations
• Enter grades
• Sign clinic notes twice weekly
• Review assessment report
• Review 3 intake summaries
• Review my graduate student's thesis proposal
• Review undergraduate thesis and poster presentation
• Help undergraduate revise IRB application
• Read graduate student thesis (that I may not be able to attend if I'm in labor!)

Tonight we're making the last freezer meal (I gave up on the baked ziti) and yesterday I booked a newborn photographer. Yay for crossing things off the list...even if I didn't get to finish grading the graduate students' midterms...

• Find a pediatrician 
• Finish decorating the nursery
• Launder and organize the baby clothes
• Decide on a bring home outfit
• Make meals to freeze
• Write "birth goals"
• Determine what necessities we still need to buy (like um, diapers...)
• Pack our hospital bags
• Install the car seat
• Find and schedule a photographer for newborn photos
• Finish thank-you cards
• Talk to dog sitter
• Get more house keys made
• Buy curtains for front door
• Find part-time child care for the summer

14 days to go!

Two more weeks until my due date! Again, some data suggests that only about 5% of babies are born on their actual due date. Most babies are born within 10 days on either side. A friend recently told me that the median length of pregnancy in healthy first time moms is 41 weeks, 1 days (April 16), which has been found in some studies. Epidemiological data suggests the average first time mom in the United States had her baby at 39 weeks, 5 days (April 6) and 57.7% of first-borns are delivered on or before their due date.

With that in mind, we've been on a roll in crossing things off the list! I've still got lots to do at work but it's getting better. Today was fantastic in terms of baby preparation! I bought a number of things today to finish packing my hospital bag and organize all the amazing clothes we've received in the last couple of weeks. I actually had to box all clothes that were 6 months and above because we ran out of room in the closet and dresser, with just newborn, 0-3 months, and 3-6 months! Chad got the car seat installed in my car. Then, my lovely friend Ricki came over and helped us to finish decorating the nursery. Chad and I can't stop peeking in there. I would tell you how amazing it looks but instead, I'll let you see for yourself. Below are pictures and a video (again, it always photographs/videos more "neon" green at night than during the day--so weird)!

We will be going to the big consignment sale I mentioned in a previous post. We have most everything we need (...and then some...) but will be looking into things like a swing, high chair, towels, gowns, and burp cloths. All the work we did tfeels great and yay, this list stresses me out a little less this week!

• Find a pediatrician 
• Finish decorating the nursery
• Continue laundering and organizing baby clothes
• Decide on a bring home outfit
• Finish thank-you cards
• Make meals to freeze {2 more to go...still}
• Write "birth goals"
• Determine what necessities we still need to buy
• Pack our hospital bags 
• Install the car seat
• Find and schedule a photographer for newborn photos {I have contacted 2 and am waiting to hear back}
• Talk to dog sitter
• Get more house keys made
• Buy curtains for front door
• {New this week} Find part-time child care for the summer

Also, I would be remiss to not mention today's awesome game! UK to the Final Four! I realized at the end of the first half that I had chosen an unfortunate outfit for wear running errands. Eeek, I was in the Baylor Bears new 'highlighter' colors! However, we were on a 16-0 run when I realized that and, anyone who knows me knows that I'm pretty superstitious about silly things (especially sports!) so I was afraid to change. I'm not saying I'll wear red next Saturday though (blasphemy!). Speaking of, I'm pretty nervous about that game. I think Kentucky can beat (and dominate!) any team out there but Pitino does know how to win championships so it's a little scary. But I can't wait! I can only imagine the craziness in Kentucky this week, gearing up for the next step in the Big Dance!

Here I am, dressed like a highlighter for my 38 week picture, along with a picture from 33 weeks in the same outfit, for comparison purposes.

...or that's a big baby!

So you all may remember that at my last appointment, my doctor announced that either Alaina was a big baby or I am just really short. After today's visit, it appears both of those statements are true!

This afternoon was super busy for us! I had my 37 week appointment and growth scan as well as pre-registration at the hospital. Our ultrasound was the first thing we did.  Unfortunately we couldn't get any pictures or video today as it was mostly just measurements and she was super squished in there. The tech kept trying to get a profile shot but Alaina was wedged under my pelvic bone, making it virtually impossible to even see her profile. We did get a glimpse of a super chubby cheek, though. It was very, very cute. I still couldn't tell if she has my nose or Chad's.


So, yea, what we learned today--Alaina is a little fatty. :) She was measuring at 7 pounds, 11 ounces at 37 weeks. Now it's important to note that ultrasound measurements can be off by a half to a whole pound. However, she also still has about 3 more weeks to pack on another 1.5-2.5 pounds. Yikes. Her head was already over 11 cm, measuring at 40w1d. Most of her measurements were around 39 weeks. We also saw that she has quite a bit of hair! That was pretty exciting.  


Chad and I met with the doctor afterward. My weight was the same as last week (which surprised me a little given the boxes of girl scouts we purchased last Monday!). My blood pressure was up just a little more (134/76) but nothing that causes the doctor concern. In other good news, my Group B Strep test was negative. The doctor said everything looks great. Alaina is still head down and quite low. My amniotic fluid was on the upper side of normal (still well within the normal range but she did say I may be one of the 30% of women whose water breaks on their own). I sort of had this feeling that she wasn't saying it but she was thinking Alaina will come early or that we'll have to do a c-section. However, it's more likely that I am just being paranoid--she wanted to wait until next week when she checks me before moving forward with a plan. We briefly discussed possibly inducing between April 9 and 16 (between 40w1d and 41w1d) but are waiting to decide this next week. I told her that if things continue to go well and there is no medical reason to induce sooner, I didn't want to go later than the 16th and preferred to not go before the 6th. All of this makes it sound like we actually have some control around this. It's like the Woody Allen quote "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans."  


After that was the hospital tour and pre-admission. Talk about information overload!! When I left the hospital, my anxiety was through the roof. That definitely made it more real. Still coming down from that. 


Everything else is going pretty well! Continuing to do laundry and sort baby clothes and I've started making the meals to freeze (4 down, 2 to go!). Our house is a wreck though and no progress on the nursery. In work news, I was able to finish signing all my clinic notes yesterday (an all-day affair!) so I think this would help me sleep better at night, if I was able to sleep better, that is. I'm finishing one of the reviews tonight and hope to get a lot accomplished tomorrow. Yikes, the countdown clock just doesn't stop. 

• Find and meet with a pediatrician 
• Finish painting and decorating the nursery
• Continue laundering and organizing baby clothes
• Decide on a bring home outfit
• Finish thank-you cards
• Make meals to freeze {2 more to go!}
• Write "birth goals"
• Determine what necessities we still need to buy
• Pack our hospital bags {I am slowly working on this} 
• Install the car seat
• Find and schedule a photographer for newborn photos
• Talk to dog sitter
• {New this week} Get more house keys made
• {New this week} Buy curtains for front door

Survey says...

How far along: 37weeks, 2days
Total weight gain/loss: +35
Maternity clothes: I am starting to have to rotate these a bit. I recently did get to wear a pair of capri pants I hadn't worn yet.
Stretch marks: None new, thankfully. 
Sleep: I really don't understand this idea of "banking sleep." First, I know the body doesn't really work this way. Second, even if it did, the last few weeks of pregnancy seems to be the last time one could bank sleep. I am not tired before midnight and going to bed is aversive. I sleep best from 8 am to 10 am. Unfortunately, that's harder to do when working!
Best moment this week: We sold the elliptical that has been in our living room for quite some time. Yea, pretty boring week, I'd say. :) I did was a bunch more baby clothes and start prepping meals to freeze.
Movement: Yup, still feel her regularly. Sometimes it tickles. :) Other times it hurts!
Food cravings: Still nothing! Come on, just one good craving before she arrives!
Labor Signs: Not really sure about this. As I mentioned in a previous post, it's hard to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and her stretching and pushing her spine and butt as far out as they'll go.
Belly Button in or out: Still in but barely. It's been very itchy! 
What I miss: Being able to turn over in bed without waking myself up and/or having to make a big production. 
What I am looking forward to: Tomorrow's ultrasound. Getting the nursery finished.
Milestones: Sunday was 37 weeks, which means I am "full-term" by most standards. And as people keep reminding me, she really could come any day now...