Thursday, July 31, 2008

My Baby Girl is in position!!!!

I had my 36 week appointment this morning. My baby girl is in position!!! I had a feeling she was because I felt this big lump on the top of my stomach and I thought it was her butt and back. I guess Art was right, Little C's gonna have a big butt like her Mommy! Anyway, I had my first internal today! This is something every woman should look forward to...LOL! Just the sound of it makes me cringe, internal. Oye! The best part is I get to have one every week until the baby is born! So baby is measuring right on schedule but my cervix is still closed. She said that's pretty normal for 36 weeks. I'm officially up 20 pounds, 4 of those pounds I gained in 1 week! Dr says it's fine. It's from all the swelling and all the water I'm retaining (which has gotten worse in the last week). I told her I had some cramping on Monday night. She said what I thought she'd say, it's my body getting ready for the real thing. She told me some things to look out for that would be signs of labor that may happen in the next couple of days/weeks. I'm getting SOOO excited!

So overall a very good doctor appointment! I go back on Tuesday so we'll see if there's any progress between now and then. Probably not! I have a feeling Little C is VERY comfy in there and has no intentions of coming out any time soon =)

Monday, July 28, 2008

Happy Birthday To My Wonderful Hubby!

Saturday was Art's 31st Birthday! We had such a nice day. Art took off Saturday so he was able to sleep in. I woke up in the morning and cooked him breakfast in bed. After breakfast we just laid in bed watching TV until about 11:00. I gave Art the weekend off. I told him he didn't have to worry about doing anything except for relaxing. My Mom came over to take me food shopping and then I went home to take a nap. At about 4:00 we left to go to a BBQ. Art's friend from work was having some people over. He lives on the border of Boonton and Rockaway in a beautiful house!!! Anyway, I got to meet some people Art works with. They were all so nice. His one friend Alex and his wife was there with their 10 month old baby girl Sophia. What a cutie pie!!! We stayed until about 9-9:30. It was a really nice time. After that we stopped at Karen & John's house for a little while and then headed home for birthday cake. Art kept saying he only had one birthday wish, to have a healthy baby girl!

Sunday we met Art's parents and brother for lunch at Charlie Brown's. All his father kept doing was looking at me with the huge grin on his face saying how excited they all are for the baby. That was so nice to see and hear. This baby is bringing so much joy to so many people! And we're getting sooo close! It's 1 month to my due date!!! After lunch we stopped at a co-workers house to pick up a crib that she was getting rid of. She used it for her grandson and he outgrew it so she said I could have it. We're giving it to my Mom so Little C has a place to sleep when Art & I need a wine night and Little C needs some Nana time =)

After that we were home for the rest of the day. We put up the shelves in Little C's room. I just have to get some nick nacks to put on them now. I ordered a copy of mine & Art's baby picture to hang up. Once they get here and I put them up the room is officially done! If I buy anything else for this room Art will kill me!!! Art also put together her swing that Aunt Karen gave us. OMG it is sooo adorable! Art said he knows that she'll love it because it just looks so comfy.

Today I started my final two weeks of work! I'm so excited! I have so much crap I have to finish before I go but at least I'll be working from home for a bit so I'll still have a little more time to get things done.

I can't believe she's almost here!!!!!! I just can't wait to see her!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Holy Heat!!!!

The weather this weekend was HORRIBLE! It was so hot & humid out I couldn't do anything. I couldn't even go to the pool because I couldn't stand sitting outside for longer than 5 minutes. My Mother and I did have a very nice day together on Saturday. I booked us two massages (mine prenatal of course) at Fusion spa in Denville. I wanted to treat her to thank her for everything she did for the shower. I have to say that was the best massage I've ever gotten! Probably because I REALLY needed it! She worked out every knot I had in my back and for the rest of the weekend I felt great! I may need to get one more before Little C arrives!!! After that we went for pedicures and then out to lunch. And that was about all I did outside all weekend.


Now I'm starting to get other things prepared for my little one. I boiled and sterilized all her bottles and paci's. All her clothes, wash clothes, burp clothes, bibs, sheets etc. are washed and waiting for her. The two shelves I ordered for her room came on Friday. They're really cute! They need to be painted white though. I put one coat on them already so I just have to finish those and get them hung up. I started getting stuff together for my hospital bag. This way if I do go early everything is right there for me to pack up and take. We still have to get the car seats in though. Art's going to put the one in the truck by the end of the week but we have to wait to put the other one in the Volvo. It has to go in to get fixed so I don't want the car seat in there while it's in for repairs.

So this post is going to be LONG! I wrote the stuff above on Monday and it's now Wednesday and I have LOTS to complain about!!!

I had my 35 week appointment yesterday. I asked the dr. yesterday if it was ok if she could sign me out on August 8th. She said she can not medically sign me out unless I'm having a problem with my pregnancy (high blood pressure, bed rest etc). Simply being swollen or tired or having back aches is not a reason for them to put me out and I'd have to work up until my due date. But she said it depends on my company's policy. If I'm entitled to 2-4 weeks before my due date (which I am) and all she has to do is sign a paper saying yes I'm pregnant and yes I'm 37 weeks and that's the reason I'm going out than she's fine with that. But if she has to give a medical diagnosis she can not do it. I went to talk to my HR and she called our disability plan for me (we have a private disability firm, not state disability). They said it's basically between me and my dr. to decide when I'm "unable" to work. My dr. told me to bring the paperwork with me to my appointment next Thursday so I'm going to do that and see if she has a problem signing it. Art was soooo mad leaving there yesterday. He called the girl he works with who just came back from Maternity to find out from her what her dr's policy was. She said she was out 2 weeks before with no medical reason and she had a perfectly normal pregnancy. Well guess what...she goes to the same practice and sees the same doctor!!! I'll be sure to bring that up next week! I was sooo upset at the thought of working another month! I can't make it another month here. I'm so uncomfortable already. I left early twice last week because my back was killing me!

In the mean time I went in to talk to my boss and told him the story. He said if my dr. doesn't sign me out then he'll work it out so that I can start working from home and he'll be sure to get me out of here on the 8th. I'm really lucky I have a great boss. He's been great throughout the whole pregnancy. He laughed when I told him if my dr. doesn't sign me out I have to work until the baby is born. He said he's never heard of anything like that before and he has three kids. I guess that's why he's so understanding.

On a better note, my work shower was yesterday. It was so nice! My department got me a bucket full of goodies for the baby and a hand painted rocking bench and step stool to match. It's so adorable. My boss said it's for Little C and her first boyfriend to sit and rock in...LOL! I have to bring it back to the store tomorrow so the lady can put the name on it since no one here knows the name. The other staff got me more clothes, towels, wash clothes and a $200 gift card to babies r us. Everyone was so generous! And they invited my Mother so she was there! I walked into the room and my Mother was sitting there...LOL! That was a great surprise!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Classes are done!

So we had our last birthing class last night. Two couples from a previous class came back with their baby's to tell their birth story. OH MY GOD these two little girls were just adorable! One was a week early and almost 6 pounds when she was born and the other was 2 weeks early and almost 7 pounds when she was born. It was really interesting to hear the two stories because they were completely different. The one girl waited too long to get the epidural and had to deliver naturally! This is my biggest fear. I'm such a chicken when it comes to pain. I told Art I'm going to wait until I'm at least 5-6 centimeter's dilated to get the epi (my Dr's office will give it to you at any point). I don't want it too early but I don't want to pass a point where I can't get it any more. Like she did, the doctor came in to check her and she was already crowning so there was no time for the epi. But this girl said if she had to do it all over again she'd do it without the epi. She said it was an amazing experience because she could feel the baby the entire time and could actually feel her coming out. BUT she also only had a 5 1/2 pound baby. Knowing my luck Little C will be 9 pounds and I'll have no meds!!! I'll take the epi please! So anyway, that's it, we're done with birthing classes. We have the "Happiest Baby on the Block" class (which is suppose to be fantastic) on Monday, our Baptism class on 8/4 and then we're done with all classes! Art is very excited! I think he's had enough of them all!

I had a little bit of a scare over the weekend. My Mom came over Saturday morning to take me to BRU, Target and then food shopping. It was so hot and muggy out and by the time we got home I started shaking and sweating. I got so dizzy and just had to sit down and eat something. I did WAY to much, especially in the heat. I really need to start listening to my doctors advice and limit my activity. I spent the rest of the day and night on the couch.

Sunday a friend came over to take my Maternity photos! I was so excited to take these pics. Marino even went to get all groomed on Saturday for them! She emailed me a few pics that she put up on her blog. I love them!!! She'll send me the rest at the end of the month. I can't wait to see them all. Here is her blog:

http://aliciagouldphotography.blogspot.com/

I'm going to the doctor a week from today and I'm going to speak to her about my Maternity Leave. I think I'm back to going out on the 8th instead of the 15th. I'm done with working. I'm just so tired by the end of the day. I want to make sure I have some time to relax and take care of myself. I feel OK but I can tell a month from now I'm going to be really worn down. Plus my feet, ankles and fingers are swollen and I can't see them getting any better. So we'll see what the doctor says. Either way, I only have 3 or 4 weeks left of work! WOOOHOOO!!!

Next week is my hubby's birthday! We're suppose to be going up to Mass for the weekend but my Mom doesn't think it's a good idea to be driving 3 hours away at 9 months preggo (which I'll be next week! Can you friggin believe that?!?!?!). I'm going to talk to my Dr about that too at my appointment next week. If she gives me any reason to think there's cause for concern we'll cancel. We're not paying for it (we won it) so it won't matter too much. But it would be nice to get away for a few days and just lay by the pool. We'll see!

Saturday I'm treating my Mom to the spa as a Thank you for throwing me such a beautiful shower! I'm getting a prenatal massage!!! I don't think you understand how excited I am about this! I was going to get one earlier but I wanted to wait until later in my pregnancy. I'm so happy I did!

My little princess has been kicking up a storm! Last week I'm convinced she tried to stick her foot up my throat! I was laying in bed trying to get to sleep and she kicked so hard and so high! Her foot landed on a weird spot so I put my hand on the spot and I could feel her little foot! It was so amazing! Now I'm at the point where I can touch my belly and feel her. I'm not sure what body part I'm feeling but I can still feel her. It's absolutely amazing to me that in just a few short weeks she'll be in my arms and not my belly! Pregnancy is one of the most amazing experiences of my life. These last two months are making me complain a little but I have to say I'm loving every minute of it!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

33 week appointment

Today I went for my 33 week appointment. The doctor said the baby is measuring right on schedule and everything looks and sounds great! We got to hear her nice strong heartbeat again which always puts a smile on my face. She's a little concerned with my swollen feet and ankles though. She said I have to start limiting my activity and I should try to stay off my feet. I need to keep my legs elevated more often and make sure I watch my salt intake. But other than that I'm doing great. She asked me two very important questions:

Dr - "Did you pick a pediatrician yet?"
Me - "Yes!"
Dr - "Do you have a car seat?"
Me - "Yes!"
Dr - "Ok, then if the baby decides to come early you're all set. Those are the only two things you need. Everything else you can get later!

LOL!!! We're actually installing the car seats this weekend so we can get them checked by the police department. I go back to the doctor in 2 weeks and then I start going every week....HOLY CRAP!

Last night we had our fourth class. They talked all about c-sections, epidurals and procedures and medications you "may" need during labor. She also taught us how to push! Next week is our last class and I'm really looking forward to it. It's our party! Five couples from her previous classes come back with their baby's and tell us their birth stories. We also graduate & get certificates! I'm not really sure what the certificate will say though. "Arthur & Katie are now ready to have a baby!" LOL!!! But we both really enjoyed these classes. Art was saying he has to make a list to bring to the hospital of all the things we learned. This way he knows what to tell me to do and when to do them. I can't wait to see him in Labor & Delivery!!!

I also have my breast feeding class on Wednesday. This one I go to alone for obvious reasons! I'm also working on getting my hospital bag organized. I promised Art I would at least have a list of things that need to go into the bag. This way if I do go into labor early and he has to go home to pack the bag he'll know exactly what to get. I can't believe we're at this point already! Before you know it my DAUGHTER will be here!!!!!!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Christening - Done!

As I said in the previous post, I need to have things set up and taken care of yesterday. I had called the church a few months ago to find out the details of having her Christening. They told me to call back the first week of July to set things up. So I called today and her Christening date is all set. They like us to set it up early because Art & I have to go to a class that last about an hour. They say it's better to take the class before she's born because after the baby is born you don't have a lot of time. So we're set to take the class August 4th and November 16th is my little girls big day! Another thing to check of the to do list =)

My Baby Shower!!!

This past Saturday, June 28th, was my Baby Shower. What a wonderful day I had! My Mother put together such a beautiful day. It was at Il Michelangelo's in Boonton. They did a fabulous job and their food is always sooo good. We got so much stuff for the baby! It was overwhelming how generous everyone was. My dining room is overflowing with baby stuff. My girlfriends also outdid themselves! On top of buying her the travel system, her pack-n-play, her high chair and the extra base for the car seat, each one did something special. Auntie Alli got her the most adorable little pink wagon and filled it with lots of goodies. Auntie Brianne made her a diaper cake with tons of wash clothes, bibs and onsies. And Auntie Jill got her the cutest clothes including her beautiful outfit she'll be brought home from the hospital in. They are three amazing ladies and I'm blessed to have them in my life and my daughter will be just as blessed. I love them all so dearly.

I think we will forever be in my Mother's debt though. She threw such a beautiful shower for me. It was just the way I wanted the day to go. I had such a great time and I owe that all to her. She was so happy that day! When I show everyone the pictures from the shower they tell me my Mom has the pregnancy glow too! She is such a wonderful, caring person and she means the world to me! I have a little surprise in store for her. I'm planning a Girlee day on July 19th to Thank her ;o)

Here is the link to some pictures:
share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8KctWrNuza_8

On another note, we had our 3rd baby class on Monday. They taught us the third breathing method and we got to watch a video on the three stages of labor. Fun!

Today the last piece of furniture is being delivered that Art will have to put together so there will be no question on whether he can get it up the stairs or not! I'm really excited because I want to start organizing where to put her clothes and get her room completely done. I still have to finish her letters. I have three more to paint and then they can be hung up. But my most exciting news is the shelving unit we're getting! I've been struggling with what to put on her walls. Her letters are being hung above her crib. On the wall about the dresser I'm putting three frames. One with my baby picture, one with Art's baby picture and one frame left for her baby picture. But I've been stumped on what to do with the wall above the changing table, which happens to be the biggest wall in the room. Well I was watching an episode of A Baby Story and saw this shelving unit this couple had up in their nursery. I LOVED it! It was one big unit with a bunch of shelf in it (it doesn't sound very pretty but it was). Ever since I saw that piece I wanted one for the nursery. I've looked EVERYWHERE and I can't find anything even close to what I'm looking for. I was getting really bummed UNTIL an idea popped into my head. I could ask Brianne to ask her Mom if she could build it for me. She does all that kind of stuff. So I emailed Brianne with a little "drawing" I did in paint because I had no picture to show her and she said no problem!!!! I'm sooooo excited! So now I just have to give her the measurements and she'll start on my beautiful piece. YAY!!!

So I think pregnancy is catching up to me. I officially have cankles and sausages as fingers. I am so tired and my body feels so worn out by the time I get home from work. It's making it a little hard to get things done around the house which is really bugging me because if you know me you know I like things done yesterday. With all the stuff from the shower in the dining room it's driving me nuts! I just want to get it all organized and put together or put away. I honestly can't wait to go on Maternity Leave. 6 MORE WEEKS =)