Nathan's First Week (15 photos)

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Holding Steady at 38 Weeks

I had my 38 week check up last night and all is well! Surprisingly, even after a giant super salty Chinese lunch yesterday, I did not gain any weight since last week. Still hit the scale at 176. My blood pressure was 110/70. Last week when doctor measured my tummy, I was between 39 and 40 cm. Last night, I measured 38 cm. It's either a result of 1 of 2 things... or both. Nathan has dropped, which was confirmed by the doctor (YAY)... and I ate less food last week while Dan was out of town. Y'all know that I don't cook... I microwave and boil but those are about my limitations :) So, for whichever reason or both, I measured right on my due date of December 27th. I asked my doctor if he thought there was any chance that Nathan would come early and of course he dodged the question. I knew he would because this really isn't an exact science. He dodged it by saying he delivered a baby last week that was actually due on the 27th, and he thought of me. It would be nice if Nathan would come just a tad early. The 26th would be purrfect. That way my parents would be here (they are coming December 26-Jan 3) and it would be before my doctor goes on vacation to Disney World. He leaves December 27th. I would need to start contracting on the 25th for that to happen most likely so I told Dan we'll eat a big dinner and then I'll walk and walk and walk. Should be a neat next few weeks to see how it all spins out. I asked doctor about how long he lets his patients go before inducing them and he said he doesn't like to induce prior to 42 weeks. It's better for the baby as long as everything is healthy. If I don't have Nathan by 2 days past my due date, then I will be sent to the hospital twice per week to check the amniotic fluid around the baby and his responsiveness to stimuli, meaning check to see if his heart rate increases and decreases normally depending on what is going on around him. As long as both the amniotic fluid and his responsiveness are ok then the longest I'll go is 42 weeks before induction. That would put me at January 10th. The good thing is at least I am comfortable and having no complications. And who knows... my dad's birthday is January 8th so maybe Nathan has that in mind.

My next appointment is December 21st!

Remember to vote on Nathan's due date if you haven't already.

Kisses!
Toni

Could it Be? Our Youngin' may be Early?

Up until last night, I have measured right on my due date or slightly smaller at the doctor's office. So you can imagine what thoughts went running through my mind last night when my doctor meausured me and muttered 39, 40... 39 cm. Just for a point of reference, I measured 36 cm last week. This is the largest growth spurt I've had. When doc first came in the room, he even said how I looked straight out front this week more than usual. He did not seem too concerned with me measuring larger than my due date but he did say that since I'm 37 weeks, I am considered full term. Could Nathan grace us with his presence early?? Only time will tell. Early is fine... just not before Friday of this week. Dan is in San Diego!

I weighed in at 176, which was a 1 lb gain from last week. My bp was 102/70 which is great considering pregnancy usually increases your blood pressure. My swelling is the same pretty much as last week. Mostly from my knees down and my feet are the worst. So uncomfortable. I left my appointment very excited last night because my doctor was excited too, and my nurse. They were both all smiles. Doc and I talked some about the actual labor/delivery part. I've known for some time now that he is going on vacation Dec 27th (Nathan's due date) and won't return until Jan 3rd. There is a back up doctor that will be on call that has worked with my doctor for over 20 years so there won't be an issue with me not having a doctor. But of course, I'd really like for mine to deliver Nathan and so would he, especially since he will be Nathan's pediatrician. I still think the whole medical practice of "cradle to the grave" is really cool. Nathan still hasn't dropped yet but doc said that sometimes babies don't drop until right before they are delivered anyway. I'm not sure what the transition period was for my mom and sister when they had their babies but it would be a good indication for me. I asked about if there was any way to tell if Nathan would be a big baby. His guess is somewhere in the 8-9lb range. That is about what I was anticipating too.

Please be sure and vote on Nathan's due date if you haven't already!

Stay warm!
Kisses,
Toni

Tis the Season... 8 lbs in 2 Weeks

We'll call my visit to the doctor last night my post-Thanksgiving check up. I knew going in that the whole weigh in scene would be interesting but never would I have guessed comical. Since my last appointment 2 weeks ago, I have gained 8 pounds which resulted in a weigh in of 175. I looked at Dan and we both had to hold back laughter. The nurse weighed me a second time on the digital scale just to be sure and it was 175, right on the money. My blood pressure was up too... 120/80 which had to be because my sudden shock. The doctor said he could tell I had a great Thanksgiving and we all ended up laughing about it. He said not to be surprised if my weigh in next week is less. Also, my swelling has seriously increased recently. I am swollen from my toes to my knees. My hands have swollen to the point that I now can only wear my wedding band and have put away my engagement ring and other 2 bands. My face is swelling too. My doctor noticed the swelling and said I am carrying a lot of water weight. It's weird how all of a sudden the ninth month hit and bam! The water is here. I've read that the best way to control the water weight, as odd as it sounds, is to continue drinking plenty of fluids. I measured 36 cm which is right in line with being 36 weeks.

Another ninth month symptom is the constant trips to the bathroom. Geez! Nathan is just sitting on my bladder so even when I completely empty it, it's only a matter of time before I go rushing back. And it's important not to fall into the trap of waiting too long to go to the restroom. Just hope nothing makes you laugh along the way. I still walk at lunch and whenever else I get the chance but my steps are slower and softer. Any extra pounding makes my bladder feel like it needs to be emptied, even if it doesn't.

We heard Nathan's heartbeat and the best way to describe it now is it sounds like a galloping horse. Then the worst part, and most dreaded part, of the night came... THE INTERNAL EXAM. It was necessary for two reasons... doc had to do the strep B test and then he had to feel which way Nathan is turned. The strep B test was easy... I barely felt that. It was just a swab. Then... we learned that Nathan is head down but learning that was seriously painful. NO FUN AT ALL. Apparently my cervix is very sensitive right now. And since Nathan hasn't dropped the slightest bit, in order to feel the head... well, you get the idea. Doctor said each time he felt Nathan's head he would bounce up or float up. I had my eyes shut and was fighting back the tears. Dan was there and was a good boy. He could tell I was in pain and just held my hand. I was exceedingly thankful when it was over but I was happy to hear that at least Nathan is not breech. This experience just reminded me that my pain threshold is low. I guess now is the time to work on that.

My next appointment is 12/7 as I am now going to the doctor once per week.

Over the weekend, I got all of Nathan's clothes, blankets, towels, washcloths, and security blankets washed. And all the same is put away. Plus I purchased his diaper bag. Only a couple more staples remain! I feel so relieved now knowing my youngin' will have clothes on his back and a place to rest his head when he comes home.

Kisses,
Toni