Braxton Hicks

My body forced me to make yesterday a rest day. I didn't even shower until well into the afternoon (I guess I should get used to that anyways). At around 10am, I started having Braxton Hicks. I called Jamie to find out what they felt like and we were able to determine that I was definitely having them. Such a strange feeling. Some of them were pretty strong and I had to relax and breath through them. Later in the day they seemed to dissipate; however, the pressure resumed most of the night in my upper uterus. I think it was probably just another growth spurt. I was able to get some relief by leaning forward over my foot stool and having Greg rub my lower back. I finally decided around 9:30pm to lay in bed with my pregnancy pillow to support my belly and back which helped a lot! By the way, I don't think Sydney slept all day long!! I think it's because I wasn't up and about all day moving around and "rocking" her to sleep like she is used to.

This morning I feel much better. Sydney, Greg and the dogs let me sleep in until 8am. I have not been able to do this for several months!

More Tid Bits

My big project today is to wash all of Sydney's new clothes and blankets, etc. I still cannot believe how many cute little outfits she already has!! I put together the new glider last night. Not bad for the price and it matches her other furniture nicely.

I had a customer walk into my store yesterday and the moment he saw me he said, "Wow, you're huge!!" All I could do was laugh! He's right...compared to my pre-pregnancy weight, I am huge!! I have learned to have a good sense of humor about my current body size and all of it's limitations.

Starting around Sat. I noticed that on the left side of my belly button my skin is numb. I think it's because Sydney is pushing up against some nerves. I have also learned that when I gently run my fingernails against my belly she instantly begins to move around. She must be ticklish!!

Long Day

Oh boy, today has been a rough day for me. I had what I think were 2 contraction like pains this morning when I was getting ready for work. I almost fell asleep behind the wheel on my long drive into work, and have been extremely tired most of the day. I am still at work with 2 hours to go. These 10 hour days are getting to be just too much! I know I only work it one time a week but it's so hard when you feel so tired. On top of the tiredness, my chest is having another growth spurt (probably water retention) and my sports bra is cutting off my circulation causing a lot of discomfort. Of course I cannot go without the bra here at work so I am stuck with this agonizing pain for at least another 2 hours and 45 minutes. Let me tell you, I will be ripping this baby off the minute I pull down my street to get home!!! On top of all of this, I am retaining a ton of water so I feel like I have a ton of bricks on my head weighing me down. DOES ANYONE FEEL SORRY FOR ME YET? I didn't think so! I know, it will all be worth it and it's almost over, blah, blah, blah. A girls just gotta whine sometimes and because you are reading MY blog, you get to listen!!

My mother in law and her sister went to Babies R Us with me yesterday to use up some gift cards from my baby shower. I used the gift cards to help with the final big purchases of a car seat and a baby swing. All major equipment is purchased and I have no idea where I am going to put it all!! Of course, Nana just couldn't resist and had to buy Sydney two more outfits. I seriously will be changing her all day long just so I can see her in all of her cute little outfits we have all purchased for her!

Greg woke me up last night (well, actually I was already awake) to tell me about a dream he had just awaken from. In his dream he saw me with Sydney. He said Sydney had blondish long hair with curls and a barrette to the side and she was laughing and running as I watched. What a beautiful image!

More Baby Shower Pictures

Here are some pictures of the quilt that Cindy made for little Sydney...these pictures really do not do the quilt justice. It's beautiful!!

Baby Shower Pictures

We had a wonderful baby shower last night. Bennett and Cindy did a fantastic job!! It was held at an Italian restaurant with lots of food, great conversations, lots of belly touching, and amazing cake!!! My Mother in-law surprised us and flew in for the shower...it was a wonderful surprise that meant more to me than she will ever know!! Cindy made Sydney a beautiful quilt. I will take a picture of it later today and post it. Everyone was so generous and we appreciate everything. It was the perfect baby shower for us!! I really didn't get many pictures but I Cindy did so when I get those developed I will scan and put them on the blog.


Sydney's first bikini!!


The two mommies!!


Everyone is chowing down!!


Sydney's first bathtub!!

Crazy Daddy!!!

Doctor Update

I went to the doctor this afternoon and all is good!! I read the scale wrong last night in class and found out that I only gained 1 pound in the last 2 weeks. The swelling is just another pregnancy symptom . The doctor said that when they swell, put 'em up!!! So, that's exactly what I am now going to do! Have a good night!

Yippee!!

Thank goodness I go to the doctor today. Last night when I arrived to class, I got on the scale to weigh myself; something I NEVER do... and for good reasons! I was surprised to see the increase of pounds. After I sat down for class I noticed how bad my feet were throbbing so I looked down at them and realized that they were pretty swollen up and discolored. I was retaining a ton of water in my feet, ankles, face and wrists. The instructor asked me if I was experiencing any additional symptoms and I was. The instructor said that my face also looked swollen. She said I really needed to contact my doctor because these were all symptoms of increased blood pressure. So, I will need to discuss this with my doctor today at my appointment. This would explain the weight gain over the last couple of weeks. I will keep you all posted.

I did buy a pregnancy body pillow yesterday and LOVE it!! I was able to get much more sleep last night. It's the best $57.00 I've spent in awhile. I am just mad I didn't do it sooner. I always feel guilty when it comes to spending money on myself and I have a feeling this will only get worse when Sydney is here. For the first time in months, I woke up with hips that were NOT sore. Yippee!!!!

More Pictures

Unfortunately, the breast feeding class wasn't so informative last night. Oh well, it gave Jamie a much needed break for a couple of hours!!!

I am exhausted...I just have not been able to sleep the last few nights. I am so uncomfortable in bed, I get heartburn, my hips kill, and I get so incredibly hot! So, today I went and bought myself a pregnancy pillow that Jamie swears by. I tried hers out and really liked it. Hopefully tonight I will sleep like a...well just sleep!!

I drove by where our new house will be and saw a house that is the same model and same color as ours will be when it is completed. I took a picture (see below). I also took a picture of the stone fireplace that is inside. Ours will be a little different..the stone will go to the ceiling and there will be a wooden mantel.

Well, I am off to make some fiber bars (yes, I am still forcing down the fiber in the hope that some day it will actually pay off) and then off to our birthing class! Wish Greg luck...we watch another video tonight!

Class Update

The Sneak Peek class last night was very informative. I am so glad I went. I had to go by myself because Greg had to work. There were over 20 couples there and I was the ONLY single person there!! I was very intimidated by this at first, wondering what people might be thinking of me, but I got over that quickly! The 3 hour class covered topics like feeding, washing, belly button care, changing diapers, swaddling, baby milestones, safety, etc. The instructor was a nurse who actually works in the labor and delivery where I will be going. Overall, it was very informative for a newbie mom like me.

We have another heat warning out today, lovely! It's definitely having an impact on myself and my friend Jamie. We have our breastfeeding class tonight. Hopefully it will be as helpful as the other classes I have attended. I really want this breastfeeding thing to work out for both of us.

I had another belly growth spurt overnight!!! A customer told me today that I have a "watermelon belly"!!! If so, I prefer it to be one of those small seedless watermelons instead of the heavy oval watermelons!! Ironically, I brought watermelon to work with me today as my snack!! Have a good day!!

Busy Day

A very busy day today and it's only half over! We got our front patio tiled in slate to match the slate in our back yard. It looks so good...I wish we were keeping the house! I purchased Jamie's baby shower gift and of course had to buy some stuff for Sydney since I was at Babies R Us!! I then continued my search for a glider for Sydney's room. I have been looking for some time now, everywhere!! The prices just very so much and the cost of shipping and handling is ridiculous for most places (most stores do not carry them in stock). So, I finally found one...it's the best deal I could find and they will ship it right to our home in a week or so. I am sure Greg will not appreciate where I got it but, oh well...he will get over it once he finds out how much money I saved...I ordered it through Walmart!! A white Storkcraft glider and ottoman with green cushions for only $158.00! It will match the other furniture in her room.

I was also able to find a beautiful frame that goes well with a print I had already bought for Sydney's room. The print is of a dragonfly in light greens with Sydney printed on the bottom. Now that it is framed, it's beautiful! I cannot wait to hang everything in her new room!

Now, I need to rest for a few because my "Sneak Peak" class starts in 3 hours!!!

8 Months!!!

Wow, 8 months pregnant this week...that really blows me away! I feel like the time has really gone by fast (accept for the bed rest thing). I feel pretty good considering that I am 8 months pregnant. I do feel myself getting tired more easily again. Our stairs at home are a killer. Before I was pregnant I was running at least 3 miles three times a week. Now, I am winded just walking up my stairs!!! Nothing some reconditioning won't cure in a few months. My ribs are truly being tested at this point and can be quite uncomfortable some days. Sydney continues to get stronger and her movements can now be a little painful. She LOVES to stretch - not so comfy for Mommy!!

Our baby shower is this Sunday. I really wish we were able to have all of our Minnesota family and friends join us. That's a big negative with living so far apart. Greg and I sometimes talk about moving back to Minnesota and how much it would mean to us to be close to our family especially with Sydney; BUT, we have so many ties here and the weather just really sucks in Minnesota!!!

I have my "Sneak Peak" class tomorrow night which is a newborn care class. It's been so long since I have been around newborns; hopefully, this class will give me some clue on what I am doing. On Wed., I have a breastfeeding class which I am attending with Jamie, and then on Thurs., we have our 2nd of 3 birthing class. I am thankful that these types of classes are offered. My next doctors appointment is on Friday.

First Prenatal Class

We had our first prenatal class last night. Greg was not enthusiastic about attending but I reminded him that this is my first pregnancy and that I needed to attend the class so I am better prepared for labor. I really didn't learn a lot during our first class. I think it's because I have watched so many episodes of TV shows like "Bringing Baby Home" and "Runway Moms" where they show labor and deliveries. Hopefully, the next two classes will be more useful. I did however, get a good back rub from Greg during the class as part of the breathing exercise...that was nice! Once we got home from class Greg said he actually liked attending it.

My friend Jamie and I took her son Jace to the new Shrek yesterday and it was very cute! And, it was very cool in the theater!! Today we have a heat warning in Phoenix. Wouldn't you know, the summer I am preggo we hit record breaking temps!!! Greg and I got a good laugh over that one this morning.

Another Glamour Shot

Greg took another picture of my belly this morning that really captures Sydney's size. I think it's cute, although it doesn't feel cute on my back! For some reason there is a shadow along side my belly - must be from the window.To capture this picture, I literally had to lift my breasts out of the way otherwise they're so damn big, they rest on my belly!!! Probably more information than you wanted to know!

Today was sooooo hot! I might have to look for a swimsuit that fits so I can sit in my pool this weekend! That will be cute!

More Humble Pie!

Thank gosh for the Internet!! I don't know what all of you mom's out there did before the Internet existed. Let's face it, some symptoms that we develop when we are pregnant are very personal, things you really don't want to have to discuss with your family and friends unless absolutely necessary. I am so grateful for the world of knowledge I have available to me at anytime and the best part is that it's anonymous! Of course, it's important to bring these concerns up at the doctors office but you only see the doctor once a month up until 30 weeks. Many of these private issues come up on a daily basis!!

I am feeling fine considering where I am at in my pregnancy. I am experiencing many of the "normal" symptoms for this stage of pregnancy...total body discomfort!! As you can see by my week 31 pregnancy picture, I am carrying much of my weight in front of me... more specifically in my stomach and boobs!! From the back, unless you knew me BP (before pregnancy) you wouldn't even be able to tell I was preggo. I was at Old Navy yesterday and some ladies about had a heart attack when I turned around and faced them in line. They gasped out, "Oh my gosh, your pregnant!" Really, I hadn't noticed!! Actually, I am not pregnant, I've just had a few too many In and Out burgers!! I guess it was a compliment but feeling as big as I do right now the last thing I need is people gasping at the sight of my bodacious belly:)

I will say it again, this whole pregnancy experience has been a very humbling experience for me in so many ways!!!

Week 31 Belly Picture

All right everyone, here it is....the belly picture! I have also included pictures from Sydney's room.

30 Week Checkup

I had my 30 week check up this morning. I gained 5 more pounds!!! That makes a total of 25 pounds since I first got pregnant, and I still have 2 months to go!!! My goal for this pregnancy was to gain between 25-30 pounds. Oh well. The doctor isn't concerned and says that I was pretty lean when I first got pregnant and I probably needed to put on the extra weight. I will get it back off. It's just frustrating though because I really do watch what I eat and I really don't give in to a lot of cravings. Everything is on track and going well with the pregnancy. I now go in to see the doctor every two weeks.

I couldn't help myself again yesterday...I bought Sydney more outfits!! They were on sale at Walmart for like $2.00 each. How could anyone resist a sale like that? Oh, by the way, don't tell Greg I was at Walmart (inside joke for anyone who knows how Greg feels about Walmart!)!!!

Rememberance

This morning, I saw a commercial for a 4th of July celebration and thoughts immediately began to flood back to me in regards to last year at this time. Greg took me to Mexico for the 4th of July last year. I can't say we were really celebrating...if anything, we were escaping reality for a long weekend.

Let me explain...last year at this time, I was pregnant for the 2nd time. I had my second miscarriage in June. We were both devastated to say the least. So many questions, so many emotions, so much emptiness. Everything just seemed so cruel and unfair. Once I was completed with the miscarriage, which was extremely painful not only emotionally but also physically, and once the doctor cleared me, Greg and I took a trip to Mexico. It was just the two of us, spending time together, appreciating each other. We were the only two people in the whole world who knew exactly what the other person was trying to cope with.

I will never understand why I lost two babies. The medical professionals say it was a "chromosome defect" and it was for the best, and maybe it was, but to me, they were already our babies. I had already bonded with them and loved them so much. I am so very blessed to be pregnant now and am very grateful to soon be a mom. A doctor once said to me after my second miscarriage, "You'll get pregnant again, have a beautiful baby, and will forget you even had to experience your miscarriages." I am sure she said this out of support; however, I can promise you this, I will NEVER forget the babies that I lost and I ask all of my loved ones to also never forget that they did exist...maybe not for long, but they did exist and I loved them.

I don't want to end this posting on a negative note. If anything, life has come full circle for us. This year on the 4th of July, we have so much to be grateful for and to celebrate. We are all truly blessed.

30 Weeks Today

Wow, 30 weeks today! I am afraid to see how much bigger my belly is going to get! It already feels stretched to the max. Sydney has started stretching in my tummy. I can tell because when one limb is pushing out one side of my body, her other limb is pushing out the other side of my body at the same time - not very comfortable!

Last night she was once again a night owl. She woke me up several times as she moved around. I have decided that I really need to get a glider for the night times since her sleeping patterns at this point seem to indicate that we will be having some long waking nights!

Well, back to work. Our list of house projects is getting smaller. We should have our house on the market this month. Still not sure when or how I will be packing everything up yet?

Baby Shower Updates

I just wanted to give everyone a heads up in regards to our baby shower. We met with Cindy and Bennett last night and they decided it would be too hot to have an outside BBQ at there home (which is true) so, they changed the shower date to Sunday June 24th. The shower will be at Buccas starting at 4:00pm. Cindy will be sending invitations out this weekend with more details.