Well, we finally made it to week 40!! Its so hard to believe that I am due in a few short days, and STILL pregnant. I have to say that we were not expecting this at all. All of our doctors and midwives have been concerned that I would actually give birth before it was safe, even. Well, look at me now! Mila is fully formed and ready to join the outside world, and I'm the size of a baby whale.
This past week has been hard, but not nearly as hard as the rest of the pregnancy. I actually think its been the easiest part aside from the first 5 weeks. The weeks your body hasn't had time to acknowledge the shock its going to go into. I have been sleeping on average of 3 hours per day, and my pelvic bones feel like someone has gnawed them in half. My back aches a little when I move. Oh, and the peeing. Every ten minutes. Its fun!
It doesn't sound as if I should feel as good as I do, but really I would take these little pains any day over the hyperemesis and horrendous contractions my body had no business having. I look at the sleeping issue as the worst of the bunch and I actually think it will help me when Mila gets here. I'm already getting used to very little sleep, so it wont be so bad when she has me on an every 4 hours schedule. I may actually get MORE sleep when she comes. Imagine that!! All the other stuff I know will go away within weeks of delivery, so I'm not worried at all.
Its amazing how your body naturally gets prepared for the huge life change you are about to undergo. Its also amazing that a baby can live upside down suspended in water for months on end. Maybe she is a bat.
No pictures this week. After hearing how freakishly gigantic I look, I don't think I can handle it. And I haven't really changed any from last week, so you get the idea.
Monday is my due date. Lets hope I have something to tell by then!!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Still waiting...and waiting...and waiting!! Week 39
Ok so Im in the middle of week 39 and STILL waiting. Starting to get frustrated, but only because Mila has decided to hang out in the sciatic nerve area and cause me hours of fun filled pain.
What I thought was my water breaking was just some fairly uncommon outer membrane rupturing. Now I get to wait for the real thing. Then maybe the real delivery. Geez.
So in a nutshell, Im no longer enjoying all the sleep I was, Im in loads of pain and Im SO anxious to meet my little sweetpea! I finally met my new midwife yesterday, and she was pretty nice. She is getting a TENS machine for me to use to help with the pain now and in delivery. Cant wait for that!! My blood pressure is back to its low-ish normal and my iron count is back to normal, so I dont have to take the supplements anymore. Hooray!
I know it sounds crazy, but I am almost glad for the pain because it reminds me of what is happening and it proves Im getting closer. Her head is so low that midwife couldnt feel it yesterday, and her heartbeat is just above the pubic bone area. Thats LOW folks! And thays why I can hardly walk. But its so worth it. And surprisingly, I feel better these days than I have in months. Pain and sleeplessness and all of it!
I havent taken many belly pics in this pregnancy, but finally decided to indulge since its almost over. That and I havent slept more than 4 hours in 40. I also took one of my face to show that, as my mom pointed out, even my lips are swollen!! Hahah. I look like a pufferfish. And, yes, those are stretchmarks you see on my belly. Loads of them. (not the upper center one, its a scar) Enjoy the (freak) show! (sorry for the lighting, its a webcam and the only lamp I have up here is BRIGHT)
What I thought was my water breaking was just some fairly uncommon outer membrane rupturing. Now I get to wait for the real thing. Then maybe the real delivery. Geez.
So in a nutshell, Im no longer enjoying all the sleep I was, Im in loads of pain and Im SO anxious to meet my little sweetpea! I finally met my new midwife yesterday, and she was pretty nice. She is getting a TENS machine for me to use to help with the pain now and in delivery. Cant wait for that!! My blood pressure is back to its low-ish normal and my iron count is back to normal, so I dont have to take the supplements anymore. Hooray!
I know it sounds crazy, but I am almost glad for the pain because it reminds me of what is happening and it proves Im getting closer. Her head is so low that midwife couldnt feel it yesterday, and her heartbeat is just above the pubic bone area. Thats LOW folks! And thays why I can hardly walk. But its so worth it. And surprisingly, I feel better these days than I have in months. Pain and sleeplessness and all of it!
I havent taken many belly pics in this pregnancy, but finally decided to indulge since its almost over. That and I havent slept more than 4 hours in 40. I also took one of my face to show that, as my mom pointed out, even my lips are swollen!! Hahah. I look like a pufferfish. And, yes, those are stretchmarks you see on my belly. Loads of them. (not the upper center one, its a scar) Enjoy the (freak) show! (sorry for the lighting, its a webcam and the only lamp I have up here is BRIGHT)
Monday, September 17, 2007
Monday Sept 17th
Ok well, I'm still waiting. Ive been to the delivery ward 2 more times and still no progress by Saturday. I went Friday because of contractions, and got the scare of my life. Milas heart rate was really high and wouldn't come down after two plus hours of resting on the monitor. She was pretty active, so they let me go home and said I had to come back Saturday to monitor it again. Naturally, I was up all night crying and worrying (certainly helping the situation!), so we decided it would be best if I could sleep a bit while Marcus went to work for his half day. We went to the hospital when he got home and things were much better. However, they had noted that my normally very low blood pressure had been a little high the night before, and wanted to re-check that as well. Well, it was still high. I was calm and lying down, but it was high. I don't have any protein in my urine, so its not pre-eclampsia, but I'm still being watched.
I finally got an appointment with the damned midwife out of it, though. We see her tomorrow morning at 7:45 am. Hopefully all is well and baby will be here soon.
I did make some progress Saturday and Sunday, but stop reading now if you don't want to hear icky stuff. I started losing my mucous plug Saturday night. It was one of the grossest things I have ever seen. It was alot, too. I thought that one time was it. Oh, no. There was far more to be found Sunday. If you Google Mucous Plug, you get a picture that someone actually took of theirs. It was a much smaller amount, but still. Who does that?? Well, obviously she does. Hehe. I also have started to lose some fluid, my belly is getting smaller even.
So those two things usually mean alot but I'm not having any of the contractions Ive grown so used to. Hopefully things will get going here soon. I'm very ready to meet my beautiful little baby! I'm scared, too. But I know that's normal and it will be wonderful!
Hopefully within the week I will have an update that includes a birth story!!
I finally got an appointment with the damned midwife out of it, though. We see her tomorrow morning at 7:45 am. Hopefully all is well and baby will be here soon.
I did make some progress Saturday and Sunday, but stop reading now if you don't want to hear icky stuff. I started losing my mucous plug Saturday night. It was one of the grossest things I have ever seen. It was alot, too. I thought that one time was it. Oh, no. There was far more to be found Sunday. If you Google Mucous Plug, you get a picture that someone actually took of theirs. It was a much smaller amount, but still. Who does that?? Well, obviously she does. Hehe. I also have started to lose some fluid, my belly is getting smaller even.
So those two things usually mean alot but I'm not having any of the contractions Ive grown so used to. Hopefully things will get going here soon. I'm very ready to meet my beautiful little baby! I'm scared, too. But I know that's normal and it will be wonderful!
Hopefully within the week I will have an update that includes a birth story!!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Finally an update!
I know, I know, its been a long time since I updated and you're all on pins and needles waiting... haha. Well, I finally have my computer on a desk instead of the floor and our internet is now stable. So here goes.
Much has happened in the non baby life since week 35. We moved into our house on the 25Th. Its great. We really love it and it already feels like home to us. It needs alot of updating and spiffying, but its coming along nicely. We started out by painting and completing the entryway. It was the least daunting and fastest fix. I cant find a before picture of it, but it was gray and had this white thing on the wall that looked like a fence and had big gold hooks. It was very country. We aren't. It was also very old and falling apart. I wanted to be bold and also have a warm entry.
We have also finally nearly completed the baby's room. It was a nightmare! First of all, there were about 7 layers of wallpaper to contend with. We tried to sand and paint over them, which is what a professional advised us to do. Well, it was great until the bottom layer decided to bubble up under our paint. So Marcus had to scrape it all off, plaster, sand and repaint the walls. Then there is the problem of firewalls. In Sweden when you have a fireplace, your outside walls have to be fireproof. Concrete. It has been so difficult hanging anything on any outside facing wall. But we were finally able to install things that we needed to be on those walls. In her room it was mainly the curtain rod that took for-freaking-ever. Nothing else will be going on THAT wall! The inspirations for the room were plentiful, and it was hard to choose just one design. But I decided I didn't want it overly feminine, but still wanted to use pink and birds. I chose the green to offset that and I am really happy with it. We still have to paint the ceiling, put switch covers on, and paint and install the baseboards/mouldings. I will also be putting a chair in that empty space next to the table. We just have to find an acceptable one that we can afford. That's tricky.Oh yeah, and put doors on the changing table. It looks really junky now, but it wont for long!
OK so that's what I have for house pictures as of now. We have done some other stuff, but nothing is picture ready yet! The living room is close, but we have all these shelves up and nothing on them!! It looks ridiculous. The kitchen is supposed to be done weekend after next, we will see. I'm guessing by then we will have baby pictures to share anyways.
Speaking of that. I am in week 38 now and am so grateful to be! Mila can now be born full term. That means so much to us both.
I was actually at the labor and delivery Monday, I didn't think I was in labor, but I was having possible infection signs so they wanted me to come in. Well, I'm fine, no infection, but I'm in early labor. I was so excited and figured it would be the next day or something, as the nurses were all saying they'd see me soon. Well, it turns out early labor can last up to a week. I didn't feel any progress Tuesday, but finally started to feel stronger contractions yesterday and by about 11 pm last night I could really feel her moving even further down. Its quite painful at times, but I'm sure that pain is just the beginning!! Now I'm just waiting for something big to happen so I can get the show on the road! I can hardly believe that within a week I will have my baby in my arms and not my belly.
Sometimes I wonder if I will miss feeling her in there. I think I will. Its a nice feeling that you really get used to. Its odd, and indescribable, but wonderful. I'm sure I wont be able to miss it too much though, as Ill be busy enjoying my little sweetie. I will keep everyone posted as to whats happening and when it happened and Ill probably give a nice long birth story for you all to enjoy..hehe. Hopefully that will be soon!
Off to get the rest Ive been warned I will no longer be getting very soon!
Much has happened in the non baby life since week 35. We moved into our house on the 25Th. Its great. We really love it and it already feels like home to us. It needs alot of updating and spiffying, but its coming along nicely. We started out by painting and completing the entryway. It was the least daunting and fastest fix. I cant find a before picture of it, but it was gray and had this white thing on the wall that looked like a fence and had big gold hooks. It was very country. We aren't. It was also very old and falling apart. I wanted to be bold and also have a warm entry.
We have also finally nearly completed the baby's room. It was a nightmare! First of all, there were about 7 layers of wallpaper to contend with. We tried to sand and paint over them, which is what a professional advised us to do. Well, it was great until the bottom layer decided to bubble up under our paint. So Marcus had to scrape it all off, plaster, sand and repaint the walls. Then there is the problem of firewalls. In Sweden when you have a fireplace, your outside walls have to be fireproof. Concrete. It has been so difficult hanging anything on any outside facing wall. But we were finally able to install things that we needed to be on those walls. In her room it was mainly the curtain rod that took for-freaking-ever. Nothing else will be going on THAT wall! The inspirations for the room were plentiful, and it was hard to choose just one design. But I decided I didn't want it overly feminine, but still wanted to use pink and birds. I chose the green to offset that and I am really happy with it. We still have to paint the ceiling, put switch covers on, and paint and install the baseboards/mouldings. I will also be putting a chair in that empty space next to the table. We just have to find an acceptable one that we can afford. That's tricky.Oh yeah, and put doors on the changing table. It looks really junky now, but it wont for long!
OK so that's what I have for house pictures as of now. We have done some other stuff, but nothing is picture ready yet! The living room is close, but we have all these shelves up and nothing on them!! It looks ridiculous. The kitchen is supposed to be done weekend after next, we will see. I'm guessing by then we will have baby pictures to share anyways.
Speaking of that. I am in week 38 now and am so grateful to be! Mila can now be born full term. That means so much to us both.
I was actually at the labor and delivery Monday, I didn't think I was in labor, but I was having possible infection signs so they wanted me to come in. Well, I'm fine, no infection, but I'm in early labor. I was so excited and figured it would be the next day or something, as the nurses were all saying they'd see me soon. Well, it turns out early labor can last up to a week. I didn't feel any progress Tuesday, but finally started to feel stronger contractions yesterday and by about 11 pm last night I could really feel her moving even further down. Its quite painful at times, but I'm sure that pain is just the beginning!! Now I'm just waiting for something big to happen so I can get the show on the road! I can hardly believe that within a week I will have my baby in my arms and not my belly.
Sometimes I wonder if I will miss feeling her in there. I think I will. Its a nice feeling that you really get used to. Its odd, and indescribable, but wonderful. I'm sure I wont be able to miss it too much though, as Ill be busy enjoying my little sweetie. I will keep everyone posted as to whats happening and when it happened and Ill probably give a nice long birth story for you all to enjoy..hehe. Hopefully that will be soon!
Off to get the rest Ive been warned I will no longer be getting very soon!
Friday, August 24, 2007
YAY! Week 35!
This is a week of stressful, but great things!!
Marcus started his new job Tuesday and by Thursday had already made a big sale. That's a pretty great start if you ask me. He seems to really like it and to really like his coworkers. He has let his direct supervisor know that we are expecting, which we were a little scared about. It was totally fine. He said "its an amazing thing, becoming a parent" so I'm guessing he is fine with it!!It doesn't hurt that he has 5 kids of his own.
Next big news is that we are finally moving tomorrow. There is still a lot of work to be done, mostly painting, but we are so glad to finally get to live in our own home! We ordered our kitchen today and will pick it up tomorrow while moving. We aren't sure how long it will actually take to take out the old one and install the new one, but at least we know its coming! When we are done with the paint and the kitchen install, that place is gonna be like brand new! The bathroom needs updating still, but I'm so over trying to get it all done right away. I think our bank account is, too.
And the final big news is that I am still pregnant. Hehe. She wants to come out, but I've made an executive decision that it ain't happenin! I saw my midwife yesterday and everything is perfect. Her head is way down low, but will get even lower before birth. Her heartbeat is great. She is in the same position she has been for like 3 months. Head down, back angled on my left side. I know she has been in this same position because she always was when checked, but more because she likes to stick her butt out and its always a big ole lump on my left side..its hilarious!
I guess she found a place she liked and decided to stay.
The midwife also gave me the green light to bring myself out of full rest next week. She says that is when the doctors take you off sick leave if you re working, because the baby is fully developed, just gaining fat under the skin. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to have her early, but I'm pretty happy to have permission to do something for more than a few minutes, and even more so to know that she will be fine IF she decides to come this early. I'm still gonna be resting when I feel the need, just not as worried. Believe me, we are NOT ready for her to come. But I have also accepted the fact that she will come when she comes. No matter how easy I'm taking it, if my body is ready its gonna happen.
I'm 34 weeks 4 days now, and feeling 38 weeks. Hard time sleeping, hard time moving around. Stretch marks have really started to show up. And I'm having a lot of contractions daily, even on rest. Some days I'm not sure how much longer I can take it, but I try to remember that it could be so much worse.
So that's this week in a nutshell. I wont have internet for a few days, so I cant update on anything new happening.
As soon as I get the internet back and anything happens, I will update again and hopefully have some house pictures to share! Yay for before and afters!!
Marcus started his new job Tuesday and by Thursday had already made a big sale. That's a pretty great start if you ask me. He seems to really like it and to really like his coworkers. He has let his direct supervisor know that we are expecting, which we were a little scared about. It was totally fine. He said "its an amazing thing, becoming a parent" so I'm guessing he is fine with it!!It doesn't hurt that he has 5 kids of his own.
Next big news is that we are finally moving tomorrow. There is still a lot of work to be done, mostly painting, but we are so glad to finally get to live in our own home! We ordered our kitchen today and will pick it up tomorrow while moving. We aren't sure how long it will actually take to take out the old one and install the new one, but at least we know its coming! When we are done with the paint and the kitchen install, that place is gonna be like brand new! The bathroom needs updating still, but I'm so over trying to get it all done right away. I think our bank account is, too.
And the final big news is that I am still pregnant. Hehe. She wants to come out, but I've made an executive decision that it ain't happenin! I saw my midwife yesterday and everything is perfect. Her head is way down low, but will get even lower before birth. Her heartbeat is great. She is in the same position she has been for like 3 months. Head down, back angled on my left side. I know she has been in this same position because she always was when checked, but more because she likes to stick her butt out and its always a big ole lump on my left side..its hilarious!
I guess she found a place she liked and decided to stay.
The midwife also gave me the green light to bring myself out of full rest next week. She says that is when the doctors take you off sick leave if you re working, because the baby is fully developed, just gaining fat under the skin. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to have her early, but I'm pretty happy to have permission to do something for more than a few minutes, and even more so to know that she will be fine IF she decides to come this early. I'm still gonna be resting when I feel the need, just not as worried. Believe me, we are NOT ready for her to come. But I have also accepted the fact that she will come when she comes. No matter how easy I'm taking it, if my body is ready its gonna happen.
I'm 34 weeks 4 days now, and feeling 38 weeks. Hard time sleeping, hard time moving around. Stretch marks have really started to show up. And I'm having a lot of contractions daily, even on rest. Some days I'm not sure how much longer I can take it, but I try to remember that it could be so much worse.
So that's this week in a nutshell. I wont have internet for a few days, so I cant update on anything new happening.
As soon as I get the internet back and anything happens, I will update again and hopefully have some house pictures to share! Yay for before and afters!!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Week 34...Brang it On!!
Week 34:
Fetal Development:
The baby responds as a newborn with its eyes open while awake and closed while sleeping. S/he is developing immunities to fight mild infection. Those sharp little fingernails are at the ends of the fingertips already, and you might need to clip them during the first few days after birth.
Ok, so not much going on as I am still stuck in bed. But we are very grateful that I am a full week further. Contractions have really slowed down while on rest, so that's good. I am getting bored and would LOVE to go for a walk, but that can wait. I'm also having a hard time getting comfortable and sleeping. Otherwise, things are going pretty great.
We went to the first meeting of the parenting group this morning. It was nice, but I felt really weird being a foreigner and having to leave after 25 minutes so as not to break my half hour orders. Hopefully they all understand. I will continue to go weekly, but keep it as short as I can. I must admit, though, it was really nice getting out of here. I haven't had any repercussions from it yet, and its been 7 hours, so I feel better about going to the midwife Thursday.
Hopefully I will have another positive posting for next week!!
Fetal Development:
The baby responds as a newborn with its eyes open while awake and closed while sleeping. S/he is developing immunities to fight mild infection. Those sharp little fingernails are at the ends of the fingertips already, and you might need to clip them during the first few days after birth.
Ok, so not much going on as I am still stuck in bed. But we are very grateful that I am a full week further. Contractions have really slowed down while on rest, so that's good. I am getting bored and would LOVE to go for a walk, but that can wait. I'm also having a hard time getting comfortable and sleeping. Otherwise, things are going pretty great.
We went to the first meeting of the parenting group this morning. It was nice, but I felt really weird being a foreigner and having to leave after 25 minutes so as not to break my half hour orders. Hopefully they all understand. I will continue to go weekly, but keep it as short as I can. I must admit, though, it was really nice getting out of here. I haven't had any repercussions from it yet, and its been 7 hours, so I feel better about going to the midwife Thursday.
Hopefully I will have another positive posting for next week!!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Normal
Normal is a word I have come to hate. Especially in this pregnancy. Everything, it seems, is considered normal, and if its not normal its horrible. But that's because they wait until its so far from normal that its horrible. I am also sick of the attitude you get when you have "problems" and your doctor finds out you re a first time mother. As if we are just idiots who know nothing about our bodies. And nothing about what is normal.
So with that intro, I guess we all know where this is going. I'm back on bed rest. I had my ultrasound last week, after a non normal measurement that freaked us out, but everything was fine. As of Tuesday (Aug 7), Baby weighs 1945 grams, or 4.28 pounds. Her body measures perfect, brain looks great, head is right size, legs long enough. She is perfect. I was so overjoyed to hear all this. But before leaving, I had a few questions. Mostly I just wanted to know how to make things calm down in the Braxton Hicks department. And for the first time, I got a midwife with a braincell and she asked me for details about the contractions and what I had already tried. When I told her she was a little concerned and made an appointment for me. She also said if they got really bad I should go to the delivery ward. About midnight, they got really bad.
I ended up in the delivery ward that night and finding out that the contractions I am having are real, and are doing some not so good things. My cervix has become mature, ripe in English, and is so soft she could touch the baby's head!! Since its the contractions causing it, I'm on bed rest to try to stop them. I am also supposed to be on the lookout for any fluid loss, pink mucous, or worsening of the contractions. So far, the rest has made a noticeable difference. I have the contractions at night still but much less in the day time. Its a real relief.
I know that my baby would survive if I had to have her now, but I don't want her going through the pain of all the needles and wires and tubes. I rather her wait, just a few weeks even. I am almost through week 33 now, and I will feel much safer if I deliver at 36 weeks. Obviously I'm still holding out hope for 40, but have accepted that it may not happen.
Sorry this isn't on such a positive note, but its whats going on this week. Other than these things, though, I feel really good. No leg cramps or headaches. I'm really happy not to have other difficulties.
And we are also getting some work done on our house. BY we, I of course mean Marcus. He is painting floor boards and crown moulding and getting baby's furniture painted before we move in. Its oil paint so the fumes need to be gone before I get in!! We got new tiles and counters for the kitchen, and will be getting our new sinks next weekend. We got latex paint for all the walls. Now it all just needs to get done! As soon as it is, we will share pics!
Ill try to update early next week when I start week 34!!
So with that intro, I guess we all know where this is going. I'm back on bed rest. I had my ultrasound last week, after a non normal measurement that freaked us out, but everything was fine. As of Tuesday (Aug 7), Baby weighs 1945 grams, or 4.28 pounds. Her body measures perfect, brain looks great, head is right size, legs long enough. She is perfect. I was so overjoyed to hear all this. But before leaving, I had a few questions. Mostly I just wanted to know how to make things calm down in the Braxton Hicks department. And for the first time, I got a midwife with a braincell and she asked me for details about the contractions and what I had already tried. When I told her she was a little concerned and made an appointment for me. She also said if they got really bad I should go to the delivery ward. About midnight, they got really bad.
I ended up in the delivery ward that night and finding out that the contractions I am having are real, and are doing some not so good things. My cervix has become mature, ripe in English, and is so soft she could touch the baby's head!! Since its the contractions causing it, I'm on bed rest to try to stop them. I am also supposed to be on the lookout for any fluid loss, pink mucous, or worsening of the contractions. So far, the rest has made a noticeable difference. I have the contractions at night still but much less in the day time. Its a real relief.
I know that my baby would survive if I had to have her now, but I don't want her going through the pain of all the needles and wires and tubes. I rather her wait, just a few weeks even. I am almost through week 33 now, and I will feel much safer if I deliver at 36 weeks. Obviously I'm still holding out hope for 40, but have accepted that it may not happen.
Sorry this isn't on such a positive note, but its whats going on this week. Other than these things, though, I feel really good. No leg cramps or headaches. I'm really happy not to have other difficulties.
And we are also getting some work done on our house. BY we, I of course mean Marcus. He is painting floor boards and crown moulding and getting baby's furniture painted before we move in. Its oil paint so the fumes need to be gone before I get in!! We got new tiles and counters for the kitchen, and will be getting our new sinks next weekend. We got latex paint for all the walls. Now it all just needs to get done! As soon as it is, we will share pics!
Ill try to update early next week when I start week 34!!
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