Kathryn, all the websites or books that I've used to update your growth, top out at 40 weeks. Frustrating, seeing as the average first time pregnancy, when left to develop naturally, will last an average of 41 weeks and 1 day. Anyway, today is your due date and you are comfortable where you are. I still feel you moving around (mostly trying to stretch out your feet) and the midwife at our appointment Monday said you were in prime position for delivery--finally, straight up and down. Your heartbeat was good at 140, and you are measuring just fine. We love you very much.
My blood pressure is good and I've gained 30 pounds now--more than what I hoped, but only by 5 pounds. I will not have another regular appointment with the Birth Center. If I remain pregnant, the next time I'll go will be next Friday, for an ultrasound at UNC and then a non-stress test at the Birth Center, to make sure that it is okay to keep waiting.
Since I don't have much news to share, here's an awesome (and foul-mouthed, just a warning) blogger and her great tips for being a new dad. I've also included her suggested comebacks for folks who ask, "Have you had that baby yet?/When are you having the baby?"
http://www.pregnantchicken.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/2010/6/7/new-dad-survival-guide-8-essential-tips.html
Comebacks for the question, "Have you had that baby yet?"
1) I'm trying to hold it in so I can finish this novel I'm reading.
2) Oh, I had it, I just left it in the car today.
3) Jerkthatstatestheobvioussayswhat?
4) Don't worry, you'll know when your husband starts paying child support.
5) I had it yesterday but I'm trying to shoplift this basketball so could you leave me alone?
6) Sure I did, I just love maternity clothes so much that I duct-taped a bowling ball onto my belly and carry on like usual.
And lastly, the top 5 things I've learned from pregnancy and the top 5 things I've appreciated/enjoyed about pregnancy. Just for some levity and because I'm probably going to be too tired to remember much about it once Kathryn does arrive.
Top Five Things I've Learned:
(1) Give your husband just a tad more grace than you usually do. Your hormones are making you into even more of a stereotypical crazy woman than normal. He honestly does NOT get it, even though he's trying. Try to be patient.
(2) Accept that there are still insanely inappropriate people out there who will say all kinds of things that should never be said to pregnant women. But don't feel you have to let them get away with it.
(3) Everyone has advice. Be open, listen to it, nod your head. But don't feel like you have to do what they say, no matter who it is. This is YOUR pregnancy and YOUR baby. YOU know what's right for you and yours.
(4) Start early in your preparation for baby--including everything from building a registry, to figuring out what you want your nursery to look like, to exercising and eating right, etc. You will not have the energy or patience or time to do all of this in the last trimester.
(5) Babies cost a lot even before they arrive. While Jared and I have held to our original ban on frilly-butt clothes and have kept only a limited amount of pink "stuff", we have accepted any and all offerings from people. If we decide we can't use part of it, we use it to bless someone else who's expecting.
Top Five Things I've Appreciated/Enjoyed:
(1) For once in my life, it's okay to have a belly!
(2) The majority of this pregnancy has been easy--moderate morning sickness (but only at home, I never got sick at work or elsewhere), no complications, manageable aches and pains.
(3) Several people in my life have given me the back-handed compliment that I have "childbearing hips/hips meant for making babies." I actually do--my thickly built frame has done me many favors during pregnancy.
(4) I have gotten to know Jared in surprising new ways in the last ten months, and love him more and more. He is such a great daddy already.
(5) We have been so blessed by friends and family who have given us bags of gently used items, thrown us baby showers, gifted us at baby showers, and shared in our happiness. Thank you.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Thursday, June 20, 2013
39 full weeks and starting week 40
Kathryn, you will definitely be here sometime in the next three weeks! This week, more lanugo (downy hair) is falling out, and you may still be shedding vernix (white, greasy substance). You are most likely done with putting on pounds and inches. The average newborn weighs 7.5 to 8.3 pounds and is 20-21 inches long. Your lungs, brain, bones and reflexes are all developed--around this point, it is up to your little body and my body to agree on when you come out!
I still feel movement every day, even if it's just a little bit. Mostly, Kathryn is pushing her feet up the top of my belly, or she has hiccups. At our weekly visit on Monday, I got another good report on my blood pressure, my weight (I LOST half a pound), my belly measurement and Kathryn's heartbeat. I still enjoy pregnancy and don't feel the need to complain about it. After miscarrying Angel, I feel blessed to be able to carry this child. And, I know women who would give the world to have the most miserable pregnancy, if it meant being able to grow and then raise a child of their own.
There is a fun website called "When To Expect" that uses birth data and statistics to make guesses about your birth. Their calculations are based on the 2009 and 2010 public birth certificate data from the CDC's Division of Vital Statistics. There were something like 8 million US babies born in those years, and the website extracts the average data for matching pregnancies, based on your answers to a few questions. Keeping in mind that way too many of those pregnancies were probably scheduled inductions or c-sections, the website says I have a 48% chance of delivering this week (6/20-6/26), and a 32% chance of delivering the week after (6/27-7/3). It also guesses Kathryn's weight at 7 pounds, 11 ounces.
Anything left on our "to-do" list could be done before or after the birth, so we're pretty much good to go now. We're good to wait, too. :)
I still feel movement every day, even if it's just a little bit. Mostly, Kathryn is pushing her feet up the top of my belly, or she has hiccups. At our weekly visit on Monday, I got another good report on my blood pressure, my weight (I LOST half a pound), my belly measurement and Kathryn's heartbeat. I still enjoy pregnancy and don't feel the need to complain about it. After miscarrying Angel, I feel blessed to be able to carry this child. And, I know women who would give the world to have the most miserable pregnancy, if it meant being able to grow and then raise a child of their own.
There is a fun website called "When To Expect" that uses birth data and statistics to make guesses about your birth. Their calculations are based on the 2009 and 2010 public birth certificate data from the CDC's Division of Vital Statistics. There were something like 8 million US babies born in those years, and the website extracts the average data for matching pregnancies, based on your answers to a few questions. Keeping in mind that way too many of those pregnancies were probably scheduled inductions or c-sections, the website says I have a 48% chance of delivering this week (6/20-6/26), and a 32% chance of delivering the week after (6/27-7/3). It also guesses Kathryn's weight at 7 pounds, 11 ounces.
Anything left on our "to-do" list could be done before or after the birth, so we're pretty much good to go now. We're good to wait, too. :)
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Week 39 is Starting
Hello, Kathryn! You keep building up a layer of fat this week to help regulate your temperature once you're out, but there's no real telling anymore how much you weigh or how long you are. Most books would say you're about the average this week, at 19-21 inches long and seven or eight pounds. Boys tend to be a little heavier than girls at birth. Your head has dropped a little bit into my pelvis--not enough to really hurt or affect my walk, but it's a sign that you're getting yourself ready. You still move every day, but the peak of your movement was several weeks ago, when you had more room. Your brain continues to grow and your pink skin is turning more white. We love you very much.
Several people now have asked me if the midwives have changed my due date. I figure I will take advantage of my little soapbox here to inform folks that one's due date is usually only changed within the first trimester (three months). In fact, my midwives originally thought my due date was June 18th, based on when I *should* have ovulated, which was based on my last menstrual cycle. However, once I had my first ultrasound, the technician was able to measure Kathryn and, with a higher degree of certainty, say that Kathryn was not big enough to be due on June 18th, and that, more likely, she was a week behind and would come around June 27th. So, no, my due date will not be changing any. (And if you've read some of my other posts, you know the due date is fairly meaningless, anyway!) Speaking of, here's a link to a great article that one of my friends shared with me today. http://voices.yahoo.com/the-lie-edd-why-due-date-isnt-you-1958162.html?cat=25
I'm feeling uncomfortable, but not miserable. I ask Jared to do a lot of things that require bending down or lifting, and he's great about helping. I take some Tylenol each night to relieve my pelvic pain and help me sleep. I go to the Birth Center on Mondays for check-ups and to the chiropractor once or twice a week to help with keeping my pelvis aligned and my ligaments nice and loose. I do keep busy, and still have a couple of things I'd like to get done before Kathryn arrives. This week I have made chili and sausage balls to keep for meals, received the last few things from our registry that we wanted to have before Kathryn comes, washed baby clothes and put away items in the nursery, bought nursing bras, had the car seat bases inspected, had my hair cut and nails done, and stocked up on paper and toiletry products so we don't have to worry about running out in the next few weeks. I still feel like this pregnancy has flown by and feel very grateful that I've had no complications, drama or terribly unpleasant symptoms. God is good to us and I try to be mindful to give thanks each day.
Several people now have asked me if the midwives have changed my due date. I figure I will take advantage of my little soapbox here to inform folks that one's due date is usually only changed within the first trimester (three months). In fact, my midwives originally thought my due date was June 18th, based on when I *should* have ovulated, which was based on my last menstrual cycle. However, once I had my first ultrasound, the technician was able to measure Kathryn and, with a higher degree of certainty, say that Kathryn was not big enough to be due on June 18th, and that, more likely, she was a week behind and would come around June 27th. So, no, my due date will not be changing any. (And if you've read some of my other posts, you know the due date is fairly meaningless, anyway!) Speaking of, here's a link to a great article that one of my friends shared with me today. http://voices.yahoo.com/the-lie-edd-why-due-date-isnt-you-1958162.html?cat=25
I'm feeling uncomfortable, but not miserable. I ask Jared to do a lot of things that require bending down or lifting, and he's great about helping. I take some Tylenol each night to relieve my pelvic pain and help me sleep. I go to the Birth Center on Mondays for check-ups and to the chiropractor once or twice a week to help with keeping my pelvis aligned and my ligaments nice and loose. I do keep busy, and still have a couple of things I'd like to get done before Kathryn arrives. This week I have made chili and sausage balls to keep for meals, received the last few things from our registry that we wanted to have before Kathryn comes, washed baby clothes and put away items in the nursery, bought nursing bras, had the car seat bases inspected, had my hair cut and nails done, and stocked up on paper and toiletry products so we don't have to worry about running out in the next few weeks. I still feel like this pregnancy has flown by and feel very grateful that I've had no complications, drama or terribly unpleasant symptoms. God is good to us and I try to be mindful to give thanks each day.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Week 38 starts today
Kathryn, we start week 38 today! It really has gone fast. You'll grow to about 6.8 or 7 pounds this week. The average newborn weighs 7.5 pounds (that number is skewed because of inductions and C-sections that happen before the baby is ready or even "due"), and is about 20 inches long. You've got a firm grasp and organs that are now mature enough for outside living. Most of the hair (lanugo) and greasy covering (vernix) is disappearing. You're plumping up your fat cells and taking in more antibodies to grow your immune system. You're squirming and pushing, but not kicking anymore. If your eyes are brown when you're born, they'll most likely stay brown. If they are grey or blue, they may stay blue, or they may turn hazel or green.
We have anywhere from a day to five weeks left. Jared and I aren't anxious--we know Kathryn will come when she's ready, and we don't want to hurry her. She is still "floating"--her head hasn't actually rested into my pelvis. So, that right there tells me it'll probably at least be 3 more weeks. I still have acid reflux and some leg cramping, and swelling in my legs and feet. Jared says my stretch marks remind him of a red watermelon--so charming. :) It is difficult to sleep, and painful both to lie still and to turn over. Sometimes I take Tylenol before bed, to try and help it.
Jared and I took this morning to have our "new parent" pictures taken at the Preston Woodall House in Benson, where we were married almost five years ago. It was fun, and we're glad the rain held off! I'll have weekly appointments at the Birth Center on Mondays, until Kathryn decides to arrive.
We have anywhere from a day to five weeks left. Jared and I aren't anxious--we know Kathryn will come when she's ready, and we don't want to hurry her. She is still "floating"--her head hasn't actually rested into my pelvis. So, that right there tells me it'll probably at least be 3 more weeks. I still have acid reflux and some leg cramping, and swelling in my legs and feet. Jared says my stretch marks remind him of a red watermelon--so charming. :) It is difficult to sleep, and painful both to lie still and to turn over. Sometimes I take Tylenol before bed, to try and help it.
Jared and I took this morning to have our "new parent" pictures taken at the Preston Woodall House in Benson, where we were married almost five years ago. It was fun, and we're glad the rain held off! I'll have weekly appointments at the Birth Center on Mondays, until Kathryn decides to arrive.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
36 full weeks...full term!
Kathryn, this week you are "full term", but you still have growing to do. You are 6.3 to 6.5 pounds this week, and have most likely finished your growing lengthwise. Your lungs are mature enough, or almost enough, to function on their own outside of me. You continue to practice blinking, sucking, breathing and turning from side to side. Your head is down, and I can feel your hiccups in my left hip--that's still where your back is. So, I get a lot of kicks/pushing against my right side. We love you very much.
I'm having a lot of Braxton Hicks, which are annoying but not painful. And getting comfortable is tricky. Good sleep is hard to come by, too. But, I don't have bad swelling, trouble breathing, high blood pressure, or any other clinical issues that would make me high-risk. And I've gained 27 pounds. A healthy weight gain for a whole pregnancy is 25-35 pounds, so I'm good with that. I feel blessed that this pregnancy has been such a "non-event", after losing Angel. I'm a mother to two, now--one in my womb, one in my heart.
Jared and I aren't accepting pelvic checks for effacement or dilation--all it tells us is that we're making progress, which we know is happening anyway. Some women stay dilated at 3 centimeters for three weeks. Others are completely closed one day and fully dilated the next. We'd rather not have the possibility of bacteria/infection, or for someone to strip my membranes without my consent or knowledge. We know Kathryn will come when she's ready, and she'll let us know when that is!
I'm having a lot of Braxton Hicks, which are annoying but not painful. And getting comfortable is tricky. Good sleep is hard to come by, too. But, I don't have bad swelling, trouble breathing, high blood pressure, or any other clinical issues that would make me high-risk. And I've gained 27 pounds. A healthy weight gain for a whole pregnancy is 25-35 pounds, so I'm good with that. I feel blessed that this pregnancy has been such a "non-event", after losing Angel. I'm a mother to two, now--one in my womb, one in my heart.
Jared and I aren't accepting pelvic checks for effacement or dilation--all it tells us is that we're making progress, which we know is happening anyway. Some women stay dilated at 3 centimeters for three weeks. Others are completely closed one day and fully dilated the next. We'd rather not have the possibility of bacteria/infection, or for someone to strip my membranes without my consent or knowledge. We know Kathryn will come when she's ready, and she'll let us know when that is!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Appointment and Fun Facts
Good news at our appointment today! Kathryn's head is in the right place now. Her back is now laying in my left hip, instead of her head. Maybe she's just sliding down there a little at a time? There was finally someone available to do the ultrasound and confirm it, so I feel much more at ease now.
My iron level was good, Kathryn's heart rate was good, and I should hear back about some blood work and the GBS test by the end of the week. I have gained 27 lbs here at week 36--average weight gain is 25-30 pounds right now, so I have finally caught up with everyone. It was nice while it lasted!
Some fun facts:
If Kathryn's born in June, her birthstone will be the pearl and birth flowers are the rose and honeysuckle.
If she's born in July, her birthstone will be the ruby and birth flowers are the larkspur and water lily.
Regardless of month, she will most likely be a Cancer in the zodiac, and her Chinese zodiac animal is the Black Water Snake.
She'll be old enough to drive a car in 2029, finish high school in 2031, and graduate college in 2035.
On her due date, in history:
Helen Keller was born in 1880
Bell Laboratories announced the successful transmission of television signals in 1929
Moscow opened the world's first atomic power station in 1954
The first seat belt legislation was passed in Illinois in 1955
My iron level was good, Kathryn's heart rate was good, and I should hear back about some blood work and the GBS test by the end of the week. I have gained 27 lbs here at week 36--average weight gain is 25-30 pounds right now, so I have finally caught up with everyone. It was nice while it lasted!
Some fun facts:
If Kathryn's born in June, her birthstone will be the pearl and birth flowers are the rose and honeysuckle.
If she's born in July, her birthstone will be the ruby and birth flowers are the larkspur and water lily.
Regardless of month, she will most likely be a Cancer in the zodiac, and her Chinese zodiac animal is the Black Water Snake.
She'll be old enough to drive a car in 2029, finish high school in 2031, and graduate college in 2035.
On her due date, in history:
Helen Keller was born in 1880
Bell Laboratories announced the successful transmission of television signals in 1929
Moscow opened the world's first atomic power station in 1954
The first seat belt legislation was passed in Illinois in 1955
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Starting Week Thirty-Six
We are 35 full weeks, one more week until Kathryn is considered full-term. We are starting month nine...Jared and I are very ready, and yet don't feel ready. There are still some items to buy, food to prepare, and Jared has some reading to do. Kathryn, this week you may be about 6 pounds and 20-20.5 inches long. Most of your systems are well-equipped for life now. Your brain is developing a lot this week and you practice your blinking. You're shedding your downy coat of hair and the waxy vernix that has covered you. We love you very much.
This week, you may drop lower into my pelvis, preparing for birth. I can only hope that you're head down, now. I've been to the chiropractor twice and have been doing exercises to encourage you to get in the right position, but won't know if you've complied until our ultrasound next Tuesday.
I have a constant achiness and pressure in my pelvis, and it is very difficult to get truly comfortable. I am fatigued really easily, and that still kind of bothers me--I feel like I should be able to accomplish more each day. Kathryn squirms and turns, but there are very few kicks or jabs these days. Braxton Hicks contractions are pretty frequent, but easy to ignore. That's really about it--no drama or big complaints here! I'll try and update again on Tuesday regarding our next appointment.
This week, you may drop lower into my pelvis, preparing for birth. I can only hope that you're head down, now. I've been to the chiropractor twice and have been doing exercises to encourage you to get in the right position, but won't know if you've complied until our ultrasound next Tuesday.
I have a constant achiness and pressure in my pelvis, and it is very difficult to get truly comfortable. I am fatigued really easily, and that still kind of bothers me--I feel like I should be able to accomplish more each day. Kathryn squirms and turns, but there are very few kicks or jabs these days. Braxton Hicks contractions are pretty frequent, but easy to ignore. That's really about it--no drama or big complaints here! I'll try and update again on Tuesday regarding our next appointment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)