The Birth of Piper Chloe

***Disclaimer, this entry contains details of childbirth so if you're not interested in reading them, I'd stop here. It's not too graphic, but I don't know how squeamish you are.....

My induction date was set for Monday, July 14, 2008 the week before since my OB's office wanted to be sure that the baby wasn't getting too big. I was 39 weeks, 1 day the morning of induction and my body was starting to show pre-labor signs, but still no labor. We were supposed to be at the hospital at 8am, so my mom came over a little after 7am to be with the kids. They had been up since about 6:30 and were already very excited. Just before we left for the hospital, my mom snapped this picture - our last picture of just the four of us. With bags in hand and a few tears in my eyes, I kissed the kids good bye and headed out to the van knowing that the next time I entered the house, I'd have three kids! Jay and I listened to Howard Stern on the way to the hospital (romantic, I know but it's always a good distraction) and laughed over the stories they were telling from being off two weeks. 

We got to the hospital right on time and they checked me in quickly and then we sat down in the waiting area ready to be called back. I remember doing this with both Caroline and Bryce and just sitting there next to Jason wondering how the day would progress. Unlike my other two times, they took me back first to triage instead of immediately to my room where they did all the initial monitoring and got my IV in. I had no idea what I was going back there for so Jason just sat there in the waiting room wondering what in the world they were doing. By the time they called him back, I was in a gown, hooked up to a monitor and my IV was about to be inserted. I had the nicest nurse, Karen, who gave me the best IV of my life. She put it on my right arm, well above my wrist/hand so I had full mobility of that arm - a HUGE deal since they usually at least leave the IV in (not necessarily hooked up) for at least 24 hours. Shortly after, my room was ready and my labor nurse, Rose, came in and introduced herself. Jason and I liked her immediately and were pleased to hear she was there until 7:30pm that night - so I had a goal for myself to deliver before she left! She got me all settled into my room and we decided at that point to let my sister, Chrissa, know that things were moving along and she could come at any time. Then my doctor, Dr. M, came in and did my first check. My cervix was 4cm and 70% effaced - way better than the 2cm and thick from just a few days before! 

While Dr. M was there, we found out that she had a 14 month old daughter that she had delivered there the year before and that Rose had been her nurse - something that told me that Rose must be one of the best nurses on the unit, which we quickly figured out was true! So we got started on the pitocin and waited for Chrissa to arrive. It was about 10am. Chrissa arrived and they checked me again and I was only about 5cm and 90% effaced. At that point, they gave me the option to get my epidural before breaking my water and I took it since they knew that the anestheisologist was available. While Jason is completely comfortable with childbirth, the notion of something going into your spine is something he cannot stomach, so Chrissa was my epidural buddy for the 3rd time while he took a walk and called home to check on the kids. The epidural went really well and the doctor was very efficient. They had this new thing to lean on while they administer it so it made it a lot easier to hold still. Probably my least painful epidural ever. Of course, a little later when I pushed the pain button for the first time, we noticed a sudden drip drip drip from my IV stand. My nurse came in quickly and found that the doctor had simply forgotten to hook the catheter in my back up to the medication on the pole. The doctor came back and apologized profusely - I was just happy that the insertion went well and we noticed the error right away before I was really in pain again. 

Then, Dr. M came back in and broke my water - nice clear fluid, which you always want to see. At this point, labor seemed to stall a little since they turned off the pitocin to see if my own. I was still at 5cm a little while later and while my body was contracting on it's own, regularly, they wanted the contractions to be a little closer together and more intense so they augmented me with a little more pitocin. I was pretty comfortable at this point and was okay just laying in bed in one position chatting with Chrissa and Jason. We turned the TV on for the first time at 4pm and caught the rerun of Dave Letterman on Oprah. As that part of the program concluded, the nurse came in to check my bladder and determined they needed to cath me to make sure my bladder wasn't interfering with the baby making her way down. Not long after she completed this, it was about 5pm and Dr. M checked me. I was at 7cm and almost completely effaced. She told me that there were 2 other women she was watching - one at 8cm and one at 9cm. It was a race! She also mentioned that people don't stay at 7cm for very long.....something I was about to find out and why I never mobile blogged this progression - things went much too quickly! They also moved me back to my left side because laying on my right side made my right leg go completely numb. 

However, pretty much as soon as she checked me, things started changing. I had Jason turn off the TV because it was annoying the crap out of me and I started shaking. I wasn't cold, I just could NOT stop shaking - a sign that I was in transition. Jason rubbed my legs and Chrissa rubbed my arm and ran her fingers through my hair which helped me to relax some. Sometime around 5:30, I started realizing the intense pressure I was feeling very low in my pelvis and we called for the nurse. Rose came in and checked me because Dr. M was next door delivering another baby. I was 9cm and she said I was completely right on in feeling like I was - I had been 2nd guessing myself. She told me that she'd let the doctor know and they'd be back to deliver this baby! The pressure was intense during a contraction, but I was okay in between, even though the epidural was keeping the pain at bay in the rest of my body. 

However, as we got to about 5:45pm, things started to get VERY difficult. The pressure I was feeling was INTENSE and it wasn't letting up very much between contractions. It was all I could do NOT TO PUSH and I started to lose it because no one was coming to help me. Jason and Chrissa continued their soothing and after repeatedly calling for the nurse, each went out to the nurse's station to summon someone. We understood why my doctor/nurse couldn't come running but why no one else did was frustrating! Jason was afraid he was going to have to deliver the baby, but Chrissa said she was ready if needed. 

But, finally just a few minutes after 6pm, in came my nurse and doctor. They broke the bed down in seconds and Dr. M got her delivery gear on. They didn't even check me, they could tell by looking at me that this baby was ready. So they had me push to 10 about 3 times and then Dr. M had me do quick bursts of pushes to get her head out. Jason and Chrissa were cheering me on and exclaiming that she was coming. Of course the thing I'll remember the most is the searing pain of the "ring of fire." (google it if you don't know what it is....trust me, it hurts!) I hadn't experienced it with either Caroline or Bryce so it was a bit of a shock, but it hurt so bad that I knew that the only thing that would make it stop was getting her OUT OUT OUT. Dr. M delivered her head and Jason said that while the cord was around her neck, it was loose and Dr. M removed it quickly and easily. Then she had me push a little more and out she came - a little purple, but just perfect!

After a quick kiss and some rubbing, they quickly moved her over to the baby warmer where they did all the usual newborn arrival procedures. She scored 8 and 9 on her 1 minute and 5 minute APGARS, respectively. Finally, after all was done, they gave her back to me and I got to nurse her right away. I was already realizing that I was feeling better than I had after Bryce. I only needed 2 stitches (1st degree tear) and my bleeding was nothing close to what it had been with him. Piper began breastfeeding right away and seemed to be born an expert! 

I just couldn't stop marveling at her and how this was the little person who had been kicking me for all those months. Most other moms I know have said the same thing - your head knows there's a baby in there, but until s/he is laid in your arms, it's just too amazing to fully realize. And then when they are here, you still have a hard time believing it. Your heart is so full and you are just amazed at the miracle of birth. I've been through it 3 times now and nothing will ever rival the awe I have felt at the birth of each of my children. Kind of makes me understand why some women keep having children! 

Shortly after getting settled again and the room cleaned up, we called the expectant grandparents and Jason talked to the kids who were at his mom's. I was bursting to see them but knew it would be until tomorrow that I'd see them. My parents, since they live so close, were on their way out the door as soon as they got the call. Finally, sometime between 8pm and 9pm (the hours after birth are amazingly fast!), they wheeled me to my postpartum room with Miss Piper. Jason made sure I was all settled and then went home to rest himself.

The rest of the stay was a bit of a blur with oodles of hospital staff bugging Piper and me every few hours and little sleep to be had. Caroline and Bryce visited on Tuesday with my IL's and from the second Caroline laid eyes on her, she was in love. She asked to hold her right away and nuzzled and cooed over her like nothing I'd ever seen. Bryce was interested at first and asked a bunch of questions, but then lost interest much like Caroline had when she visited him shortly after he was born. ("Piper" had bought each of them a big sister/brother present - a new Cars car character.) Although Bryce did continously say, "Thank you baby tister for my car!"

Finally, it was Wednesday, July 16 and it was time to go HOME! I have never wanted to go home more in my entire life. My back ached from the stupid bed and I was so tired of my room being invaded every 10 minutes. I missed the kids more than I ever imagined and I was getting stir crazy in that tiny room.  My day nurse, Lauren, on Tuesday/Wednesday had been very good - I think because she was a new mom of an 11 week old - but the rest of the staff drove me nuts. But even though it was the day of discharge, of course, I had no real hopes of getting out of there that early since it seemed to take forever. However, the resident pediatrician came in at 9am to tell me that Piper had been cleared for discharge and all I needed at that point was the okay from my OB. Jason arrived by 9:30 and Lauren came by at 10am to discharge me, take off Piper's umbilical cord baby "lojack" and go over discharge instructions. The tech wheeled me out just before 10:45am and we were pulling into our driveway at 11am. (Does anyone else remember that drive home feeling so surreal - I'll always remember it with all 3 kids!) And how happy was I to see that Caroline and Bryce were out front with my mom as we pulled up - they started jumping around at the sight of the van and I just couldn't get out of there fast enough.

Piper Chloe is here!

7lbs 13oz @ 6:07pm She is a beauty!

Progress

5cm + epidural + broken water = happy mom All is well!

4 cm

Pitocin is on & I'm starting @ 4cm. Away we go!

Bastille Day Baby

Well folks, by the time that Blogger posts this (thanks to the handy future posting option), I will be at the hospital and probably hooked up to my pitocin drip - or about to be. I've known for about a week that this was our big day, but wanted to keep it fun for all my friends in blogland.

So, it's a Bastille Day baby for us! I have no idea how long it will take given that with Caroline I was hooked up by 7am and didn't deliver until almost 10pm - of course that includes 2 hours of pushing AND it was my first baby. With Bryce, I think they got me hooked up a little after 8am and he was born closer to 6:30pm. So I'm hoping that she'll be here before 8pm. Not trying to be too wishful on her coming early since that will just bum me out.

The kids are having a jolly time on Monday with my mom likely including swimming and the usual Bertie fun time and then Nana and Big Dad are taking over for the night - which I think, in some ways, the kids are almost looking forward too more than meeting their sister. You know, good toys, cats, and all. Since I'm doubtful that baby sister will make her appearance much before early evening, I've already decided that the kids will get to meet her on Tuesday. I wanted a more quality, enjoyable visit where I've had a little time to recover rather than rushing it like I did with Bryce. Of course, Caroline wasn't even 2 yet, so it's not like she even cared that much at the time. This time will be very different.

I just know that I'm going to miss the both of them so much and will be aching to see them on Tuesday.

So keep checking in today - like I said, no direct internet access, but mobile blogging works well to convey info.

39 Weeks - WOOT!

Well, it seems all of a sudden my belly weighs about 5000 pounds, is sitting RIGHT on my legs when I sit down and I cannot get comfortable in any position. I slept okay but then we had invaders (Caroline and Bryce) at 5:40am which totally interupted any quality sleep I was getting and while I dozed back off, it was very uncomfortable and I woke up a little later with a back and hip ache.

I was reading one of the pregnancy websites yesterday about being 39 weeks pregnant and it said that it was unusual NOT to be completely uncomfortable at this point. Yeah, especially considering that it seems so many women don't even make it to 39 weeks.

We're headed over to my mom's in a little while for some swimming which to me sounds like absolute heaven right now because I'll do anything to take this weight off for a bit.

ETA: Here's my 39 week belly shot!

Not in labor, but...

I think my body is finally catching on that it's time to evict this little girl. I've been having more off/on contractions (no pattern) all evening and I'm feeling exceedingly crampy which was always the sign that I was dilating with Caroline and Bryce - albeit several weeks earlier. I remember feeling like this the entire week before I had Bryce, so it's really not an indication of early labor - just that things are finally starting to move in the right direction. I was getting worried, but 39 weeks is 39 weeks. Maybe it was that pineapple I ate today. It's something I read about recently being a possible help to dilation/effacement. Who knows? I'll have to have more with breakfast in the morning just to see.

So with that, I say good night and hope I can get a semi-decent rest. Last night was kind of weird since I couldn't get back to sleep and then I had weird dreams that added to being uncomfortable on either side I laid on. Oh well, not much longer.

Up Late & Hot

Ugh. I haven't had too many issues with insomnia this pregancy and I really can't call this insomnia since it's my own fault. I fell asleep on the couch for almost 2 hours and now I cannot go back to sleep. Add that to the fact that I am so hot and our AC is on plus I cannot get comfortable. I cannot cool off. So I'm sitting here in the dark, chomping on ice, and getting really annoyed by this fly that appeared out of no where and is buzzing all around the monitor and me. Damn fly. I'd hunt him down except I'm sure I'll miss it a few times and make a bunch of noise.

Thanks to one of my children who I'm sure let the fly in. They just cannot close the sliding door fast enough and don't see a problem letting the great outdoors inside. I hate flies.

Last Day of Work

Kind of weird knowing today is my official last day of work (until late September/early October) and that I made it all the way to 38w5d at work. Especially considering that I have not taken a single sick day the entire pregnancy on account of the pregnancy. (I took 2 sick days in April when we all had that stomach virus, but that was clearly not because of the pregnancy!) I've also had a few other sick days for the kids or personal days due to family issues, but again, no pregnancy sick days. I've left a few days early - once the day of my only pregnancy migrane - but other than that, I've made it to work every day. I'm kind of proud of that.

I think what's so weird about it is that with Bryce, I didn't make it to my last week of scheduled work because I was feeling so lousy. I had swollen up pretty badly and was just feeling rough. Not that I'm doing cartwheels and jumping around right now, but I know I have more energy and I'm feeling better than I was at this point with Bryce or Caroline. Everyone at work can't believe I'm still here but it's kind of nice to say, well, today is my last day.

So I am finishing up a few last minute tasks so I don't feel like I'm leaving any real headaches or messes behind. I've already turned my alternative voicemail on to tell people I'm out on maternity leave and before long, I'll be doing the same with my email. I've had my share of well wishers today and that's been nice too. I've also had a lot of people bring me things at the last minute because they wanted to squeeze the last bit out of me before I go.

As for the weekend, we really don't have a lot planned. Probably some swimming and just regular housework. I reminded Jason we'll have to redo our carseat configuation in the minivan as we had planned and he said he'd take care of it. All of the baby's 0-3 month clothes are washed and I've got my bag mostly packed - nothing I couldn't finish up in a few minutes. I also put the leg extenders on our mini cosleeper so it's only a few inches below the top of our mattress. (Yes, we have a VERY VERY high bed!) The top of the basinette (with the one side down) just comes to to the top of the mattress, so much higher than without the extenders and than our old basinette. It should be REALLY helpful in the months to come. Especially when we do some traveling August/September.

So now we just wait....

I'm Here

Just checking in for all you caring people out there in blogland. Made it into work on my next to last day and I'm just trying to get as many of the last things done as I can before I leave. So keeping busy, definitely helps to pass the time. My back and entire belly just hurt at this point, but as long as I'm not trying to do too much, I'm okay. Baby girl is dancing all around again so I think that means I need to get up and walk around to settle her down a bit.

I told Jason last night we should enjoy our last few nights of extended periods of sleep. I'm still only getting up about once a night to use the bathroom and even so, I barely have to rouse myself to do that. Very different story once the baby is here. I was reminding him how in the early weeks, when you get up to feed them, you usually have to diaper them, change their clothes (for explosions), and often feed and diaper them AGAIN before you can go back to sleep. Keeping my fingers crossed for a sleeper/eater like Caroline was where she'd only get up every 3-4 hours. Bryce was wanting to eat every 1 1/2 to 2 hours. (And he's STILL my thirsty boy!)

It's going to be so odd having someone so tiny in my arms again. You don't realize how big your older kids have gotten until they hand you that newborn. I remember looking at Caroline for the first time after having Bryce and being astounded at how big she was and she was barely 21 months old! Bryce is a monster compared to a newborn now but I know I'll have that same realization the first time I see him again. It will be weird that Bryce won't be my baby baby anymore.

We've had a really good couple of days with the kids and I'm soaking them up as much as I possibly can since I know once the baby is here, it will be a blur. I'm pretty sure Caroline is aware of all that is going on and having some anxiety about it. Last night we sat and played "Miss Pam" (our hair dresser) for a while and we talked like we would if we were getting our hair cut. She was pretending to be the stylist and was asking me about my kids and she told me to pretend that the baby was already here and to tell her about the baby. Of course, while I was getting my hair cut I took the opportunity to tell "Miss Pam" that we love the baby very much but that I am so proud of what a good big sister Caroline is being and how loving and helpful she is. I also told "Miss Pam" how having another baby doesn't mean I love my bigger kids any less - in fact my heart has grown bigger and is even more full of love now. "Miss Pam" liked hearing that. After we were done, Caroline asked to play again tonight - I think that can be arranged.

I just remember that after Bryce was born, it seemed like everyone wanted to help out with Caroline and were trying their best to keep her occupied and happy. Of course, that meant that even though she was home, I just felt like I barely saw her or got to do anything for her and that was really hard for me. So I'm already aware of this potential and I'm going to make sure that it doesn't happen as much this time. Even if they're just snuggling on the couch with me.

So what started out as a quick check in has turned into some kind of cathartic entry. Big surprise. And of course, I've had to stop a few time, reach back for a tissue, and fight the tears and hope no one walks into my office to see me crying. But what else is new these days?

I Think She Wants Out

Oh my gosh - this baby is feeling her Cheerios this morning. And I haven't had anything out of the ordinary to eat or drink. She is moving, pushing, kicking, stretching, and just wiggling everywhere. And you know, at this point, there just isn't much room to spare, so it's a bit uncomfortable. My belly looks like a scene from Aliens. I love how all the pregnancy books say that after 36ish weeks that babies enter a "quiet" period as they ready for delivery. Ha ha ha - I think the baby didn't read that book. I keep hoping that all this movement will cause her to break my water. No luck yet.

Had an OB appointment this morning and as usual, her heartrate was in the 160's which makes sense since she is so active. I've also only gained 1 more pound and I'm measuring on target. Also, no real dilation news either - still a solid 2cm but at least I'm not long and closed. It's something to start with, right? And of course, a good friend reminded me how quickly you can go from "nothing" to a big "something" so I can't let myself get too bummed about it. The midwife also joked that 3rd labors are usually different than the first two - either much faster or just VERY different from the others. Given how different my body seems to be handling late pregnancy this time, I'm guessing it will just be a different labor. So I'm trying not to dwell on all the what ifs and just focus on the end product. I've never really been anxious about L&D so I don't know what is different this time. I think I just want her to be here.

What made the crazy pregnant woman cry today?

A half consumed can of Diet Pepsi, that's what.

I've said before that a diet soda in the morning has been what got me through the last weeks of my pregnancy with Bryce and this baby and this morning, I really needed it. I was sipping it on my way to work and probably would have drank it all except that my bladder was already screaming and the thought of taking another sip made me shudder.

So I got to work, gathered my things and got almost the entire way into my office when I realized my trusty soda was sitting in the car. My office manager offered to go out and get it but I just felt dumb saying yes to that. And it's really not that far at all - at least to a non-38 week pregnant person. But I said not to worry about it.

I got into my office, sat down and called Jason (well after a run to the bathroom), and as soon as I told him, I started to cry. Why was I crying over a damn 1/2 drunk can of soda???? Jason laughed and told me I was like a little kid who forgot her lunch in elementary school - something that I keenly remember crying about too. And his laughing about it made me giggle and then we just checked in about the kids and how Bryce had bitten Caroline in the butt already. So another laugh there.

I seem to be over it now, although I can sense that soda sitting in my car. I wonder what else will make me cry today. It's really not hard. God forbid I get a papercut or something.

38 Weeks

Here we are at 38 weeks and in all likelihood, there will be one for 39 weeks too. Not a huge believer in spontaneous labor at this point. Although I'm continuing to have contractions off and on (some painful, some not really). My mom seems to think I've dropped some and I'd have to agree based on the pressure I'm feeling and the fact I'm running to pee all the time. But I don't think it's any kind of drastic drop.

Tonight while getting the kids ready for bed, I was laying on the floor on my left side in Caroline's room and Bryce walked in and sat down on top of my belly. Sweet. It hurt! But I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a secret wish that it would have sent me into labor. That might be a funny story, Caroline picked her middle name and Bryce sent me into labor.

Not too much else to report. This is likely my last week of work and I'm planning on making it all 5 days. I didn't make it to my last week of work with Bryce since I had swelled up so much. I noticed this evening my ankles and feet look a little swollen, but nothing like I've had before. Also, the kids go back to daycare this week after being closed for 2 weeks for vacation and I'm a little sad about that since they've had such a fun 2 weeks with my mom and my MIL and a little extra mommy/daddy time thrown in too. But, getting them back into their normal schedule is important as we prepare for baby sister's arrival. I know they'll probably spend some time and at least one overnight with a grandmother in the weeks to come, but for the most part we're going to try and keep them on schedule. Plus, we just nailed down that Caroline will officially start her new preschool/daycare program in mid-August - so she's very excited about that. I'm sure I'll be crying when I leave her given I'll just be a few weeks postpartum and that it's a big day for a mom, even if she has been in daycare for most of her life. This will be different. I'm glad I'll have a "spare" baby by then - Caroline is growing up too fast!

A Rant From a 37 1/2 Week Pregnant Woman

I pulled up at my local Babies R Us on my way home from work to get a few odds and ends that we really have to have on hand when baby girl arrives and I was instantly irritated. Now I'm normally not someone who would park in one of those "expecting mother" parking spaces, but it was in the low 90's and HOT today, the rest of the parking lot was pretty full, and did I mention I'm 37 1/2 weeks pregnant?????? This BRU has like 8 expecting mom places and I couldn't believe they were ALL filled up. ALL OF THEM. So I was thinking, damn, there better be some big old preggos in there or I'm gonna be mad.

Well, I went in and did my shopping and I didn't see ONE person that looked half as pregnant as me. In fact, I only saw a handful that were just showing. I noticed the sideway glances I was getting from other customers and knowing they were wondering when this baby was going to be falling out of me. Yes, I can still walk and do things for myself.

Yes, I know those spaces aren't exactly legal spaces and they really can't enforce them, but I know for myself I never used them when I was just a little pregnant - I was thinking about those poor souls in the last weeks of their pregnancy. I guess not everyone thinks that way. Of course, when I came out a half hour later, most of them were empty so I guess I just came at a bad time.

So this is really just a rant, not a complaint. Bad timing I guess. Oh well, at least I can still walk, um, I mean waddle. It was just so mega hot. But I did get most everything I really needed.

No News is Good News, Right?

Well, I'm back from my OB appointment. Nothing exciting. Really. Not a whole lot of change from last week - the doctor said I was about 1 to 1 1/2 cm last week and this week she said I was maybe 2cm. Maybe. So what in the world are all these contractions doing? Clearly just making it uncomfortable for ME (although I'm sure they don't feel so great to the baby).

Although I shouldn't be completely surprised given that around 37 weeks with Caroline and Bryce I had been feeling very crampy and that was my indication of dilation happening. I haven't had that at all this time...yet.

And then I wonder about a lot of different things because as this pregnancy draws to a close, things are a bit different. With both previous pregnancies by this point, my feet and ankles had really swollen. By 38 weeks with Bryce, I had to stop working b/c the bottoms of my feet were even swollen. I also was approaching a total of a 35lb weight gain by this point previously and this time I'm riding a solid 27lbs. And I've been stuck there the past few weeks. (Not that I'm complaining and not that it makes me feel the need to quit my ice cream snack that I've been having each night!) Makes me wonder since I started this pregnancy about 15 lbs lighter than with the other two. My guess right now is that this baby will be about 8 1/2 lbs. And I'm okay with that too.

I am measuring about a week ahead right now, but that's not too exciting as I kind of was with Bryce and Caroline too. So we'll see. The OB did sign off on the paperwork to ask to schedule the induction during the week of 7/14 so the office will let me know when it's done. So at least there's some progression on that front.

But from the way things are looking, I will likely work up until 7/11. Which isn't so bad since it keeps me busy and my mind occupied. Oh and I started to pack my bag last night. It's mostly packed but the biggest thing still to do is my toiletry bag which I cannot pack until I'm leaving b/c I use all the stuff daily that's in it. So I guess you can say it's about 75% packed which is better than nothing.

Too Tired to Blog

Yes, I know, being 37 weeks pregnant would put me on baby watch, wouldn't it? I honestly can't believe I'm there. Jason is in his cute nervous dad phase about me going into labor at any time but I really would be willing to put money on the fact that this baby will stay put until my induction date. I've been through this before and found that most of my pre-labor stuff I've experienced really didn't mean a whole lot in terms of me going into labor before 40 weeks.

But I finished almost all of my baby chores up over the weekend. I finished sewing the 2nd swaddling blanket, got all of her clothes washed and put away, and the nursery is pretty well stocked and ready to receive. I think about the only thing that I haven't done is pack my bag. I know, bad, right? Although I did make a mental list in my head the other night as I lay there having some sporadic contractions wondering if my water would spontaneously break. I think I'll plan to do that tomorrow night since the kids are going to spend the night at my mom's and I'll have some extra down time.

While it's difficult getting myself up every morning at 6am to come into work, at least once I'm here, I'm busy and the days go fairly quickly. I'm planning to work through next Friday but we'll take each day as it comes. I know I stopped working in my 38th week with Bryce and while it was nice to not drag myself to work, I was kind of bored at home and just had to sit and look at my swollen feet and ankles. That really will be a big determining factor in how long I work - how long before I swell up. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that maybe I'll avoid some or all of it this time. I KNOW I was swelling by this point with Bryce. I can feel it a little bit in my hands and feet, but it's barely noticeable by looking at me. Let's keep it that way - I don't need to feel bigger than I already feel.

BONK!

That is a common occurence in my house these days and it's all "my fault." I am constantly bonking my kids in the head and often knocking them down with this big belly. Of course, it doesn't help that they alwys seem to be underfoot but I can't tell you how often in the past weeks I've knocked them down or knocked them into something else in my regular walking around the house. It most commonly happens in the kitchen though since I'm walking back and forth trying to clean up or make dinner and they are right in the way.

My poor kids - they are certainly getting the worst of it, huh? Usually when it happens, they get mad at me, like I did it on purpose. And of course that frustrates me because if they weren't right under me (and their head at the perfect level) it wouldn't have happened either.

It's a weird thing being in late pregnancy. Yes, you've had this belly growing for months and yes, it is attached to you. But, it's so odd how you still have such little body awareness. I can't tell you how often I bump my belly into things (not kids) or realize I can't squeeze by a chair or something. And I also remember how weird it is the first few weeks after having the baby because it deflates so quickly and you're so used to seeing yourself with this huge belly.

So let's just hope that neither of my two non-uterus bound children sustain any terrible injuries as a result of their little sister's gestation. Only a few more weeks...

I'm NOT a Freak Show

Okay, so I will admit, yes, I'm a bit hormonal these days and I'm grumpy, so it probably amplifies this, but here goes...

I am soooooooo tired of being treated like some kind of walking freak show at work. While I never mind when the people that I know really well ask me how I'm feeling/doing, I'm soooooooo sick of people that I barely know commenting, asking how I'm doing and making pregnancy small talk. They usually see me, look down at the belly, and then ask. Ugh. I know it's just polite conversation, but I know once I'm not pregnant anymore they won't really say much other than a hello. Which is fine with me. I'm tired of answering their questions over and over and many are the same questions from the same people. Quit being nosy and move on. I'm FINE.

Like I said, from friends, family and coworkers who I have regular conversations with, it doesn't bother me one iota. We have mutal relationships aside from my pregnancy and we'll continue to have a relationship after this baby is born. I'm just so tired of the "stop and gawk at the pregnant woman" moments. I'm at the point where I hate to go to the bathroom or kitchen since it means I will probably have to engage in small talk about the pregnancy. Yes, I know they are just being nice, but I also don't think they realize how I just feel bombarded when I step outside of the main office I work in.

I'm tired of being asked "How much longer?" (too long) "How do you feel?" (like crap) "What's the baby's name?" (it's a surprise) "You're really not going to tell us?" (why would I tell YOU?) "Are you coming back to work?" (yes) "How long are you taking off?" (until you see me again) And like I said, a lot of these people ask me the same questions multiple times, so it's not like I haven't told them before.

Sorry for being grumpy about polite conversation, but my back hurts, I'm tired most of the time, and I'm just trying to get through these last few weeks without ripping someone's head off. So, the next time you see a casual acquaintance in her last weeks of pregnancy, tell her she looks great, wish her well and move on.

36 Weeks

Well, here we are at 36 weeks. Jason says my belly doesn't even look real in this one. I definitely agree it looks different than how I carried with Bryce (all over), but it is VERY real to me. Just ask my aching back and belly. Oof.

Caroline decided to help me out with this one - I wish I could hire someone just to prop it up for me all the time. And I can honestly say, we are pretty much ready for her to arrive save for a few items. We bought our first box of diapers today and the wipes and baby wash are all ready. Her clothes, except for new ones that need to be laundered are in her drawers and the bouncy seat and crib are already. We still need to put the swing we got via a hand me down together and I need to make sure the last few essential items I need are purchased. But I think we're ready. And no, my bag is not packed. I've always waited until my first OB appointment where they assess how my body is progressing toward labor before it freaks me enough to realize I better get serious. And that is this week, so we shall see.

Virtual Thank You!

I just wanted to send out a thank you to my friends who threw me a virtual shower last night online. Christine, Dawn, Andrea, Kristine, and I all got together online at 9pm EST from different places on the east coast, Minnesota and Canada to "meet up" and catch up. They also all sent me a gift in honor of baby #3. See, these girls are pretty special - we all met online 5 years ago when we were pregnant with our first kids and have been posting in a private online community together ever since. And I can honestly say, I don't know what my motherhood experience would be like without them. We've all had 2nd kids since then and a few of us have either had our 3rd or are about to so we've clearly got a LOT in common.

Last night, aside from the usual girl talk, we all spent some time venting about the way our kids are acting. It's amazing (and helpful) to hear that many of them are doing similar things. From sibling rivalry, to marathon tantrums, to BAD sleeping schedules - we all can commiserate with one another and it really helps to get you through the bad moments. Knowing that I'm not the only one with a 4 year old that acts like she's going on 16 or a 2 year old that DEMANDS everything makes me feel so much more normal. And while we all handle our stressful times differently, it's also helpful know we've all been to our breaking points and back. Sometimes it seems we're all in a bad patch at the same time and other times we take turns, but it's always nice to know that I've got a group of women who are experiencing such similar things.

I've been lucky enough to meet Christine and Dawn in person (along with their cute kiddies) and I hope that a meeting with Andrea and Kristine will happen before our kids finish high school.

So thank you ladies for a fun night, some really sweet and thoughtful gifts, and for your friendship. Even though we rarely talk on the phone and have only met in person a few times (if at all), I don't know how I'd get through this mothering thing without you!