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