Nesting?

So these past couple weeks, I've had the urge to organize stuff at home. Things having to do with getting ready for Peanut in particular. Is this the so-called 'nesting' thing that comes near the end? It's interesting, the things that I feel I need to do. Honestly, we've done a fair amount of preparation already, so if Peanut was to come right NOW, we'd be ready....gear and organizational wise anyway. That being said...this afternoon I felt like I needed to accomplish something....something that wasn't of the routine nature....again, felt like it should be Peanut oriented, but there really wasn't anything to do at this point in that area. So, what did I do? Vacuumed, cleaned the bathroom, cleaned the kitchen, did the laundry.....and alphabetized my spice rack. Seriously....alphabetized my spice rack? Where has my mind gone?

Child Birth Prep Class #2

We attended the second of four 'Child Birth Prep' classes last night. We reviewed the stages of labor, watched another couple of movies, which showed a lot of different ways of coping with the labor process and a couple of births. The whole process seems pretty amazing. The body can do some insane things. After that, it as the portion of the class that Dan and I dreaded. Yes, it was time to learn how to "breathe." We must have not been the only ones to feel a bit weird with this....I think the only one 'shushing' with her breath was the nurse teaching the class. She handed out clothes pins to us all to put on our fingers during a 'contraction' yep, even the guys). That...was really cheesy, but what else are you going to do I guess. Luckily, that part of the class is all over now...this next Monday we get to talk about the DRUGS! HA! I know a lot of women who swear by the epidural, and many who say it's a natural thing and to just go with it. Honestly, I can only lean one way or another until I get there. Right now, from what I've learned, I'm leaning towards the natural way simply because I don't want to be stuck on my back in bed just because I've had an epidural, being on your back is one of the most inefficient ways to deliver, I'm not too crazy about the cath thing, and the last thing I read a couple of nights ago said that the epidural does cross the placenta. I don't know if I like that idea. Anyway, we'll learn all about those things next Monday. Having never been in labor, all we can do is gather as much info as possible, and the only conclusion that I've drawn so far is that labor and delivery is different for everybody.

OB Appointment #10

Another checkup with the doc today! All the usual things apply. Heart rate was a slightly slower 146 BPM, Peanut is still head down, and he/she decided to kick at Liz when she applied the Doppler to listen. So enthusiastically, in fact, that Liz saw that whole side of my abdomen move. I commented to Liz how no one told me how much it sucks to lose all of your mobility and to make sighing and groaning noises every time I get up or sit down. Her reply, "What, no one told you about the 'beached whale' syndrome?" Ha ha, I love my doc, it just gets easier and easier for me to talk with her. I told her about my fall last week (yep, yet another graceful moment in my pregnancy...ended up flat on my back and up to my ears in snow). I told her I didn't worry because I fell on my back/hip and while I was driving to work shortly after that, Peanut was up to their 10 moves in a little over 10 minutes like usual. She said there was nothing to worry about since movements were normal and there were no signs of distress to either of us....which is what I kind of figured. However, I think I would have panicked a little had I fallen forward. This time when she asked me if there had been any contracting going on, I could give her a more definite answer. I think I've been having a few of these so-called 'practice' contractions in the evenings at the end of the day when I'm tired and just trying to get the house stuff done, but nothing that has really concerned me or stopped me in my tracks to this point. I was the last scheduled patient that Liz was going to see this afternoon, another of her patients came in last night when her water broke....so after seeing me, she was off to welcome someone else's Peanut! She lit up a little when she told me that, it's obvious she loves her job.

My next appointment is on March 20th, and after that, it's every week. It won't be long now...

Child Birth Prep - Class 1

Yep, it was that time yesterday. The time to face the first of the 4 classes that would teach us about the upcoming appearance of Peanut. We learned about the signs of labor, the stages of labor, positioning of the baby at birth, learned some exercises that might help before and during labor, and got to watch a couple of nifty videos of natural labor and birth....um....yea. I don't think any of the information in the class really surprised either Dan or I...but some of the things the couples in the video were doing...well, let's just say we won't be doing those. I'll keep it at that in case there are some younger readers about. It sounds like, though, that each class throughout the month will approach different topics, and it isn't going to be the "Lamaze" classes that we were afraid that it might be, so that's a relief. On a side note, there were roughly 13 couples in the class, and our due date was the CLOSEST. Now THAT was kind of an eye opener.

Party Time, Part 2

This weekend Dan and I made the trek back to IA for what will probably be the last time before Peanut arrives. Dan took some time and hung out with his family and met up with some of his buddies from college, while I went on to Waterloo. One of my roomies from college is due April 14th, and some friends threw her a shower there. I was happy to get the invite! Another gal that I met in college thru Jen is also pregnant, due 2 months after we are. It is a great experience to be able to discuss the ins and outs of the things that are happening with us....the similarities and the differences. There's a lot of information out there, and every class, doctor, and article has at least a slightly different take on things, so it's really awesome to be able to share and discuss these things with friends who are going through the same process.

It's customary sometimes to bring a package of diapers to a gal's shower to help the new parents prepare for the upcoming needs of an infant. For some reason, I decided that instead of just bringing a package of diapers for Jen, that I would make her a diaper cake. This is a pretty girly concept, and a bit out of my comfort zone, since I usually consider myself a non-girlie girl but....if I have to tell the truth, it was kind of fun to build. Who knew a Size 1 diaper could be a used as a structural member?

Here is a picture of the finished product:

Party Time!

Today, a friend of mine threw a shower for me in West Bend. This was an unexpected offer, and it really touched me. Since a good portion of my friends are male engineers, I never expected such a surprise. She did a wonderful job with everything, and knowing some of what her schedule entails, I know it couldn't have been easy to get everything lined up for the day. I can't thank her enough for thinking of me in this way and being a valued and trusted friend throughout quite a few discussions and events. Buddies like this are hard to find.

The group of women that came to the shower, too, were awesome! Some I hadn't seen in too long! Two of my college buddies even made the trek from IA, one of which is due 2 days before I am! We had a good time talking about kids, parenthood, the changes that happen throughout this whole process, and miscellaneous other things which, like things in Vegas....will stay at the shower. ;)

I want to truly thank everyone that came, and everyone that took the time and trouble to bring or send gifts and diapers to the Peanut. He/she appreciates each and every one, and will soon be here to thank you him/herself! Everyone has been so generous! It wasn't until about two years ago that I really appreciated how special having a baby is, and why people would want to celebrate this with you. I hear that once Peanut comes, I will truly appreciate what joy a baby can bring and that will help me better understand why everyone is so happy when those they know come to expect their own Peanut.

Here's a pic from the shower of me opening a 'survival kit' for the changing table. Note that I am holding ear plugs....I'm sure that we will use them too!

OB Appointment #9

Today marked my 8 month appointment to the doctor. Earlier this afternoon the nurse called me to let me know that Liz, my doc, had gone home with the stomach flu that's been making the rounds up here. Luckily, the PA in her department (whom I'd never met) was able to fit me in this afternoon. I didn't mind since it was just a routine appointment, and she seemed nice. Baby and belly were both growing as they should. He/she is still head down, but now all the limbs and pointy equipment is on the left, which makes my right kidney breathe a sigh of relief! In the last 5 or 6 appointments, the baby's heart rate has been pretty consistent. This afternoon, however, they must have been excited about something! Heart rate was up a few BPM to 169. I'd had a swig of soda on the way to the appointment, so I'm not sure if that had anything to do with it or not.

I've been noticing a difference in the movements of Peanut lately. Not in the amount of movement, they are as active as ever, rarely resting more than a half hour or hour or so at a time. Instead of so many kicks and wallops though, I get more and more sliding and wriggling movements...which are totally weird. There must still be enough room in there to get a few good swipes in though....I still get a good wallop from time to time. These days, however, they make my whole belly move. Dan has finally felt a couple of these monsters. It's hard to believe someone so small can cause that much movement!

After my appointment today, I filled out the paperwork to pre-register at the hospital so I wouldn't have to worry about it when I go in April. As I was sitting in the waiting room and filling the sheets out, Peanut was having a wonderful time making my Brooks Stevens polo shimmy, dance and shake. There were a couple of older kids (5 and 7 or so) waiting for their mom to see her doc watching the tv. The younger one caught my belly movement out of the corner of his eye and nudged his sister. They both watched my shirt dance and started giggling, then the younger one asked his sister if mom's tummy would start doing that too. I winked at them and nodded as I got up to turn in the paperwork.

It's been a rough couple of weeks for me here. Not with the pregnancy and Peanut so much...all is good there....but with work stuff, how I've been feeling and a few other misc. things. One of my sisters knew this, and decided to brighten my day. Yesterday in the mail, I received a box. Upon opening the box there was a detailed letter telling me how to proceed thru the box and all it's treasures. To brighten my day/week....one of my sisters had sent me a "shower in a box." It was so clever (it came complete with confetti!), it made my week! I told her that she should start an Internet site making different 'parties in a box' for people to order and customize! What a fun product line that would be...think of the possibilities! :D

Insomnia and Infant Class

Last night, Dan and I attended a 2 hour class for newborn care that supposedly took us through the first six weeks of their lives. It was a good class, certainly nothing earth-shattering was covered, but there were some things that I hadn't thought about before....like not burping a newborn on your shoulder until they have some head control because their little heads can bop around too much. The slides of what NEW newborns actually look like were good to see, and much more realistic than anything you'd see on any tv drama. Each couple also had a doll, which we got to diaper, swaddle, toss around (just kidding), etc. I didn't remember how small actual newborn diapers were! So there's one more thing to check off the list as being done. The next class.....a series of 4 that I start in March, I'm not looking forward to as much. It's the childbirth preparation class. I'm sure I'll see all SORTS of videos in that class.... :P~

The other thing that's been going on lately with me (besides an inner ear thing that allows me to recall the delightful feeling of being unbalanced from being buzzed....without the hangover) is raging insomnia. Why oh why does this happen? I haven't slept decently in about 2 weeks from lower backaches, a fidgety baby, and who knows what else? I know that once my mind starts going once I'm awake, on work or baby or whatever it chooses to latch onto, it's all over for a few hours, there's no getting back to sleep for awhile. Unfortunatly, this week, it seems to have spread to Dan too. I try to be quiet and not shift around, but he claims that most of the time, it isn't me waking him up. Are we in training or something? Is this a common thing?

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Give your loves a squeeze today. :)

OB Appointment #8

Today marked my 30 week appointment with the doc. All the usual things took place. I talked with her about some concerns that I have regarding the upcoming events, as well as the leave I will take once Peanut decides to arrive. Her 'million dollar question' to me today was "Have you thought about birth control for after the baby has arrived?" Honestly, this is the last thing on my mind, but she's just putting it out there so we don't accidentally have 2 children that are really close together. I'm not convinced that I need to worry about that JUST yet, as there are other pressing matters weighing more heavily on my mind...things like labor, delivery, and what will happen in the days immediately following.

Anyway, all was well...Peanut is growing as they should, despite my not having gained any weight since my last appointment (yay). Heart rate still thumping away at 152 BPM. Since my appointment was in the AM, I mentioned that I was surprised that the 'Nut wasn't kicking at the Doppler since it was prime kickboxing class time. She responded that she was listening to his/her heart rate thru their back, where they didn't have a way to kick at the sensor. His/her BACK! I asked her how she could tell one part from another, or have an idea of the orientation. I don't know exactly WHAT I thought....I guess I just figured Peanut was swimming around in there, doing flips and somersaults with no real defined position....never really thought about orientation. Lately, though, I have noticed that the movements have changed. Not in the time or frequency so much, but where they are....these days I'm getting more kicked in the ribs instead of the bladder or cervix, which is a relatively new development. Anyway, back to Liz explaining position. She explained that if you press gently, you can tell. The long firmer spot is the back, and the emptier, more bumpy places are feet, knees, elbows, etc. From my asking the question and being interested, she felt for Peanut along my belly a bit, and we determined that Peanut is now mooning me with their head down and facing my right side, which is why I am starting to feel stretches and kicks to my ribs and right side. He/she can still move and flip if the mood strikes, so this isn't any indication of an early delivery. I must admit though, my bladder and kidneys are enjoying the break from the boxing!

A pal of mine sent me a link to an article that I really identified with. Here's the link:
http://lifestyle.msn.com/familyandparenting/raisingkids/articlemc.aspx?cp-documentid=6141899&GT1=10921
Those of you that know me well will understand. ;)

Pregnant Women and Motorized Machinery

Hi Everyone. Thought I'd check in now that the snow has finally stopped here. Today was an interesting day! Dan is in Virginia for work and was supposed to return tonight, but due to the lovely snowstorm, he's stuck there...checking out the BEACH. :P~ Anyway, before he left, we'd heard it was going to snow, so he left me the truck, and I'm very thankful he did! I probably should have stayed home today, but like the bull head that I am, I went to work anyway, despite the warnings and projected totals. However, you know what? The driving wasn't all that bad.....because I had 4wd and a road to travel where there was very little traffic. It's been a long time since I've seen it snow like this. The latest total that I've seen locally was reported in Jackson (a town a few miles south of West Bend) reporting in at 8pm this evening with 20 inches, with 2-4 foot drifts. Fun eh? Anyway, the weather and me being single for the evening led to a different kind of necessity when I returned home.....teaching myself how to use the snow blower! Now before you get worried, our snow blower is the single stage kind that helps to pull itself along when engaged. It wasn't hard to figure out if you'd ever used a push mower. The amusing part to me was how it must have looked to have a 7.5 month pregnant woman with a winter jacket barely zipped trying to figure out how to clean off the driveway without getting a face full of snow (which I couldn't avoid, by the way). Oh how awkward I must have looked! I'll never take the ease with which Dan seems to push that thing around and clean off the driveway for granted again. I should also mention that at some point during the day, one of Dan's co-workers stopped by and cleaned out the driveway for me once, so I only had a partial accumulation to deal with thankfully!! Thanks, Jim!!!

Below is a current belly shot taken tonight. I am currently 30 weeks pregnant, so 7.5 months. Peanut's movements are no longer the cute little flutters and taps they used to be. This little nut can really haul off and pack a wallop! I've read articles where little 'nuts have cracked ribs, bruised organs, and caused internal bleeding in the expectant moms. Nothing like that has happened here thankfully, but I can see where it could! I swear when I'm sitting in meetings, or have some point that I'm trying to make, Peanut will take that as his/her cue to launch into some elaborate dance choreography that makes my torso appear as if it's being pummeled. I'm probably the only one that notices this, but it still never seems to fail!