Unexpected Trip Today...

Today started out just fine. We did our morning thing and I felt energy so I decided to go do my walking in the mall where it was cool. I was there for about 45 minutes or so when I noticed that my foot was REALLY swollen. It swells up everyday but today, it freaked me out. Plus, I just felt light headed. So, I drove to my doctors office and asked if they would check my blood pressure which they did. The doctor who saw me didn't feel comfortable just sending me home because my blood pressure was normal but a little higher than what it usually is and my foot looked so rough. So, I had to go to the hospital next door to labor and delivery. They connected me to the monitors and after an hour said that my blood pressure was fine and that Sydney was fine (she rocked and rolled the whole time). The monitors did record some contractions but no patterns. The nurse said the discomfort I was feeling would subside once I drank more water. They then ran blood tests and the nurse reassured me I would be home in an hour. Well, the blood tests came back showing that I was anemic and that my platelets were low. She said the doctor almost didn't release me due to the blood work and the fact that I was having contractions; however, he did under the condition that I increase my iron immediately and that I rest and come back to see him Wed. This would explain why I have been so drained the last week or so. I take a prenatal with iron but it just isn't enough. When I was leaving, the nurse said she would not be surprised if I go into labor this week.

So, I am home and I have drank a ton of water and the contractions have actually increased in intensity over the last hour. Not sure what tonight has in mind for us...? I will keep you posted!

Remembering Mom

Today is somewhat of a difficult day for me. Four years ago today, my Mother died. In many ways, it seems like yesterday. I miss her so much, especially now as I am about to become a mommy. There are so many things I would like to have known about her as I enter mommyhood. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her and wish she were able to be physically with us when Sydney is born; to see her hold her granddaughter and to watch her joyful tears. It's difficult to give up that dream because I have envisioned it for so many years. I know my Mother will be with us in spirit but it just isn't the same. When my Mom died, a part of me died also. I hope that part of me will come back to life after Sydney is born so we can share a similar relationship as my Mother and I did.

23 years ago I remember sitting on our sofa trying to figure out a perfect Mother's Day gift for my Mother. We didn't have any money, but that didn't matter. I knew at age 13 that if I could just write her the perfect poem, it would mean more to her than anything. I loved to write and my Mother loved to read what I wrote. Well, I wrote that poem. I remember writing every word of that poem. I was so proud of it and even more proud to give it to her. I never realized how important and memorable that poem would end up being in our lives.

You Know Mom...

Out of everything you have

been through and everything

you have done, you're still

as strong as you've ever been

and for this, I love You!

You have done so much,

and have been so good,

for this there is no doubt!

You have been at my side

and have been my guide

through my entire life!

For all the above

I feel special.

I feel I am the only

person in the world

who can say and believe,

I have the best Mom in the world,

And I Love You!!

I feel like I wrote that poem yesterday, it's so surreal to me. Every word just fits! I hope and pray that Sydney will some day feel the same way about me. I will not spend my day today in grief, my Mother would not want that. Instead, I will remember all of our wonderful moments together and I will be grateful for having her in my life. I love you Mom!

Doctors Appointment

Thursday evening a really cool thing happened...I took the dogs for a walk around 7pm, once it cooled off some, and halfway through our walk, I looked up and there were 6-7 dragonfly's flying above us. They accompanied us for most of our walk. I couldn't help but to think it was my mother and her angel friends keeping us company. Needless to say, it made my walk much more bearable.

We had a doctors appointment yesterday. I finally had an appointment where I didn't gain any weight!! Everything is fine. No changes to my cervix. She said she thinks that Sydney will be around 7 pounds when she is born. She did a quick ultra sound and we learned that Sydney's head is down and her heart is strong. The nurses got a kick at how much my stomach moves when Sydney moves around! They were chasing her around trying to find her heartbeat.

One last thing, I wanted to wish my little God daughter, Ella, a happy birthday!!! Her party is today in Minnesota but her actual birthday is the 29th. I so much wish we could be with her today. We love you Ella!!!

In a Daze

Nothing really knew to report today. I had my final pedicure yesterday and my last hair appointment today. I then had to come home and take a nap!! I could not believe how tired I was just from getting pampered at the salon!! I continue to take my walks and walk up and down my stairs and sit and sway on my yoga ball to attempt to help Sydney down the birth canal. I think we need to work on our communication skills already because she hasn't dropped yet!

I can't say that I am nervous or overly excited right now. I feel like what is about to happen is just so BIG that I cannot grasp the concept of what to expect! Hopefully that makes sense to someone besides me! In all reality I spend most of my days in a daze, almost like my life is on hold.

Another doctors appointment tomorrow.

The Waiting Game

These last couple weeks have been the toughest, just like all the books have said it would be! I just feel so heavy and tired. Yesterday was a record for the size of my Shrek feet. It's actually kind of weird because my right foot always bloats up more than my left foot. I had to run some errands yesterday (DMV, Costco, grocery store, fun stuff ya know!!) and it caused my feet to really bloat. My last errand was the grocery store. I shop at the same store every week so many of the workers know me by face and are very kind. Anyways, I got done, or thought I was done shopping and realized I forgot something. My feet were so large and sore by this time that my flip flop was hardly staying on. I looked at the kid working and gave him a hopeless look and told him I forgot something and asked him to go get it for me. I was surprised as the words came out of my mouth. I would normally never ask someone to go get something for me but this is how desperate I was. The worker looked at me surprisingly as if, "Are you serious?" I then showed him my feet and he had this look of horror on his face and quickly ran off to get my product. On my way home I got to thinking, I really only have like 3 weeks to use the "pregnancy card" so I might as well use it now!! Why didn't I think of that weeks ago? Just kidding...anyone who knows me knows that I have a hard time asking for help...Miss Independent as Greg likes to call me!!

Since I am not working now, I have tried to set up my schedule so that I have at least one "project" to focus on each day, otherwise, I will go nuts! I cannot just sit here and relax all day because I get physically uncomfortable, which then effects my mood. Today, the vet. Tomorrow, new tires. Thursday, hair appointment. Friday, doctors appointment.

Lastly, Greg has been awesome with my foot rubs. He has been using the water reduction method of massage on my feet for the last few nights. This morning my right foot looked so much better than it did yesterday. So, today I will focus on eating my watermelon (a natural diuretic) and drinking my water to help keep the swelling down.

Walking Sucks!

Day two of my morning walks...I don't like this!!! I never thought a casual walk could be so uncomfortable and exhausting! Since being pregnant, mornings have been the only time of day where I actually feel energy; therefore, this is when I thought I should take my walks. I don't think it's going to work that way. The last two days I have gotten up, taken my walk, and then have come home and wanted to take a nap already because I am physically exhausted! So, I guess I am going to have to try the night thing - which sucks because my feet hurt so bad and are swollen at night. Oh well, only a few more weeks if that!

It makes me sad that my body has gotten so out of shape! Yesterday, I was talking with Greg and I was using my hands and arms as I spoke and out of the corner of my eye I saw very lose skin dangling from once hard triceps. I stopped mid sentence and said to Greg as I grabbed the lose skin, "What is this?" We both laughed. Through it all, I have totally learned to have a sense of humor about the amount of fat I have gained and the amount of muscle I have lost. I look forward to the challenge of working it all off once I get the okay from my doctor!

Doctor Update

We had our doctors appointment yesterday afternoon. Again, I didn't get to see my doctor but I will get to see her from here on out. The doctor said that Sydney has some "good growth" which in layman's terms means she is going to be a big girl!! At this point, we have three different time lines. My blog timeline says I am 36 weeks 6 days. My doctors records indicate that I am 37 weeks 6 days. And my uterus is measuring 38 inches (weeks). So, your guess is as good as mine!

After the exam the doctor said that my cervix is about 70% softened but that Sydney is still way up there. So, she said I need to take daily walks to help Sydney drop. Keep in mind people that we are smack dead in the middle of summer here. When we go to bed it's still in the 100's and when we wake up it's in the 90's!! That's hot for someone who isn't even preggo! We took our first walk this morning, OUCH!

We discussed my water gain...it's getting to be "significant" as the doctor says. At this point there are no dangers to me or to Sydney because my blood pressure is normal. She said to drink more water...Sweet, that means I can pee even more than the 5 times a night I already do!! Lastly, we schedule one more ultra sound just to make sure the baby isn't breech.

I did think of a positive swing on the whole water weight gain issue I am having right now. Even though my face looks like a blow fish and my feet and hands look like Shrek's, it's only temporary. Water weight will be much easier to get rid of once Sydney is born verses fat!!

37 Week Glamore Shot

Here is another picture. As I mentioned last time, only belly shots from here on out. No one needs to see my blow fish face!

Yes, I am still in my P.J.'s! Why get dressed. It's all about comfort folks!!

As a comparison, here is my 31 week glamore shot...

Another rough night last night. We went out for an early dinner, Indian food. We made sure it wasn't spicy; however, my stomach still didn't do well. Beyond my nightly acid reflex, I woke up at around 1:30am and was extremely nauseous for quite awhile. At this point, I am very limited on what I can eat for dinner!

We have noticed that Sydney responds instantly to our touch when we lightly touch our finger nails across my stomach. She is either telling us that it tickles or she is telling us to leave her alone! Either way, it's an awesome experience to communicate with her in this way!

Blah...

...that is the best word I can think of that describes where I am at today. I am not sad or depressed or emotional. I am just feeling very pregnant. I feel like my stomach is literally going to just tear open. I have braxton hicks daily along with acid reflex. I feel hungry but really cannot eat much because I then feel like I will throw up.

I think to myself, "Enough, let's just have this baby!"
But then I quickly hear this voice in my head say, "No, wait! She needs more time to grow"
But then I hear, "Grow!!! How much more can my stomach stretch!"

It's like I want to have her very soon but at the same time I am terrified because then it will all be real!

Okay, maybe I am just going nuts...all these voices and thoughts going on in my head!!

Another doctors appointment tomorrow!

Last Day of Work

The last few days were pretty rough! Sunday night I was up and down all night long. I was having braxton hicks contractions, acid reflex, and was nauseous! I could tell Greg felt helpless as did I. Monday, I stayed home and rested all day. I again had some strong braxton hicks throughout the day and last night. I have put on a ton of water weight, EVERYWHERE. I look like one of those blow fish in my face...I hope that goes away!! I find that sitting on my yoga ball helps relieve some of my discomfort. I now wake up with swollen feet and can no longer wear my wedding ring. Lastly, I am just amazed at how tired I am. I know these are all normal symptoms during the last month of pregnancy so I am dealing with it all as well as can be expected.

Today is a strange day for me. It is my last day of work. Greg will be taking over our Tempe store tomorrow. I am happy to get off of my feet and to not have to worry about the store anymore; however, this store has been my baby for the last three years. Having absolutely no business back ground, I am proud of myself for the way I was able to turn this store around and make it profitable.

I have had a job since I was 15 years old. I took a 2 month break from working after my mom died (thought it was best since I was a Professional Counselor and I was grieving) but other than that, I have literally worked my butt off making my own way in this world! It will be strange not going to a job. I am excited to be a stay home mom and I feel it will be my most important job ever; however, I do worry sometimes that I will get bored and not feel challenged enough. I have read over and over that this is a very normal concern for women in my shoes. Time will tell!

Doctor Update

We had another doctors appointment this morning. I am measuring 36 weeks, my cervix is 50% softened (not quite sure what that means), and Sydney is in correct position. I had to have another shot for my Rh-. The strep test came back fine from last week. I have been getting sharp pains in my cervix the last couple of days. They come and go very quickly. The doctor said this is probably just Sydney getting in position and the cervix preparing. We again went over warning signs and set our next appointment for next week. Greg still thinks Sydney will be born on Aug. 8th, which is my uncle Paul's birthday. I think she will come that first week in August. Time will tell!

I am feeling very heavy and very tired today. My body is saying, "Enough already!" My appetite is hardy in the morning but quickly tapers off by afternoon and I cannot eat much after that. I have been getting heartburn every night, thank God for Tums!! I can tell that Sydney is getting very cramped in her little temporary home because every once in awhile she gives me a really strong reminder to sit or lay a certain way so she has more room!! It's becoming more and more difficult to get up from a sitting position or to pick something up from the floor. I am very thankful that all of these inconveniences are only temporary and soon it will all be worth it!! I cannot wait to meet our daughter and to kiss her tiny little forehead!!

Foot Update

Greg rubbed my feet for me last night when he got home from work. What a guy... he gets home from an 11 hour day of standing on his sore feet and he still offered to rub mine. I love him!! I had read on a baby website that if you get your feet rubbed in a certain way, it helps release some of the water retention. So I showed Greg and he did it before I went to bed. I woke up 5 times to go to the bathroom during the night and when I woke up this morning, my feet looked so much better. I guess the foot rub worked!!

My pregnancy brain kicked in again this morning...I missed my doctors appointment. I thought I had scheduled it for tomorrow! I am so used to being on top of things and being responsible. I felt like such a dork when I called the doctors office to reschedule for tomorrow. That one cost me!

Today I have no plans to leave my house! I am going to go sit in the pool for a bit and just relax!

Ouchie!!

Where or where have my dainty feet gone? Oh my goodness, they hurt so bad right now. I worked on my feet for 5 hours today working on my GNC order and when I finally finished, my feet were actually swollen over my cushioned flip flops (these are the only shoes that fit me at this point). Not only do I not have an ankle bone anymore but there is now swelling over where the bone should be, it's disgusting!!! I don't think my feet have been this sore since Greg and I did the 60 mile Breast Cancer walk. I came home from work and took an hour nap, which I think made me even more tired! I now have some days off so I will try to rest them up!

I haven't had any contractions since Sunday and everything else seems to be functioning as it should. Everyday is a mystery!!

Big News!!

Big news....

We have officially sold our Phoenix GNC store!!! It has taken about 6 months to finish the process. At any point during that time, the buyer could have backed out and we would have had to start all over!!! Greg will spend the next two weeks (starting yesterday) training the new owners and then he will officially take over my Tempe store and we will own it out right...no business loans left!!! This is HUGE for us, something we have worked very hard for so we could afford for me to be a stay home mom for awhile. Greg and I really do make a good team! If all goes well, I will work this Wed., and next week I will work Tues. & Wed. and then I am done working and can get off of my very swollen and tired feet until Sydney is born.

Next on the list...we meet with the Realtor again next weekend to but our house up for sale. I am confident it will sell with in 3 months as it really does look good right now with all of the work we have done. This means we may have to make two moves until our new home is finished but I truly believe it will all work out as it should.

Well, I am now off to participate in a "Meet and Greet" with a potential pediatrician for Sydney. Wish me luck!

Week 35 Belly Picture

Yesterday was Jamie's baby shower. Her sister in-law did a great job putting it all together. It was suppose to be a couples baby shower but what it really was was an excuse for the boys to get together and have cold beers in the pool while the ladies were inside eating, playing games, and opening gifts. Here is a picture of Jamie and I. Again, she is exactly one week behind me as far as due dates. (Look at those chubby cheeks:)

I have been feeling very nauseous over the last week or so and yesterday was no exception. By the time we got home, around 6pm, I was feeling very nauseated. We went to bed very early but it was no use, I was up and down all night long and today I work 10 hours, not including my long drive!! It will be along day.

Got Some Rest

Wow...I was so tired yesterday. After the burger and fries episode, I tried to come home and take a nap but the damn phone... Anyways, I skipped dinner, although I did have a small bowel of peanut butter ice cream (for Sydney of course), and then went to bed at 9pm. I fell asleep right away and slept until 8am!!! That's like 11 hours of sleep. I feel so rested this morning. I better not get too used to that much sleep!!

Well, off to Jamie's baby shower.

So Sleepy!!

I could not sleep for the life of me last night because of what the doctor said in regards to Sydney's size. I do hope he is off some. I finally got out of bed and drank a warm glass of milk...it seemed to help some. I am just so sleepy today!!

My friend Jamie had a free day from her toddler so we decided to have a nice lunch and hit the cool mall for a bit. Both of us are very pregnant at this point and are experiencing a lot of the same symptoms so it was comforting being around someone who feels as wore out and achy as me!! You should have seen the way people at the mall and restaurant kept looking at Jamie and I and our bellies. We both got a giggle out of it as we wobbled past them. We shared a Z-burger and fries and felt miserable afterwards because are tummy's are so squished. That was over 4 hours ago and my stomach still hurts like heck. Plus, I am having more contractions. I had contractions until about 11 pm last night, real low in my uterus. I wasn't too concerned about them because they were not getting stronger in intensity, they were just uncomfortable!!

Tomorrow we have Jamie's baby shower. I will post more pictures!!

Doctors Visit

I had my doctors visit today. My doctor is on vacation so I had to see another doctor from her practice. He did a Strep test today and an examination. He said my cervix has softened and Sydney's head is down. He completed a physical examination of my stomach and pelvis and said Sydney is around 6.5 - 7 pounds right now!!!! I gave him a look of disbelief and he laughed and said she shouldn't get much bigger. If she does, I don't know where she is going to come out from!!! All of my pregnancy books say that a baby at 35 weeks should be about 5.5 pounds!Greg and I are not big people, what the heck?! He asked if I have had any contractions and I informed him of all of the Braxton Hicks I have been having over the last week. He said those are not Braxton Hicks but instead more likely to be real contractions!!!! What the heck...I thought I still had 5 weeks!!! Not necessarily he said!! He informed me to start recording my contractions and to call if my water breaks. WHAT...holy cow....this is really going to happen!!! I now go in weekly for exams until I go into labor.

So, it sounds like she will be coming early. What date do you think she will arrive??

Big News

Today was the first day since Monday, that I actually had some energy. Working on my feet Sunday and Monday was a killer and it really took it's tole on my body. Tuesday and Wednesday I pretty much felt like a dump truck ran me over...I was so tired and felt so heavy and uncomfortable. So, I took advantage of a "good day" and decided to run 2 errands.

I made what I think will be my last trip to Babies R Us for awhile. I purchased the last of the "must haves" as far as stuff we will need for Sydney when she comes home. The rest of the stuff on my registry I can always purchase online after Sydney is born. Now I just need to wash/sterilize everything and we are set. I was going to wait on the whole breastfeeding pump stuff but after Greg and I discussed it, we decided that it would be best to have a manual breast pump and supplies on hand just in case Sydney doesn't want to latch on right away. Hopefully my milk will come in right away and we will be able to breastfeed successfully.

Greg came home from work today with a horrible headache, poor thing. He is now resting and the headache seems to have dissipated. I am having some odd discomfort in my lower pelvic area this afternoon. I am sure it's normal but will discuss it with the doctor tomorrow during my routine visit.

And now for our big news....If all goes well, we will have our Phoenix store sold on Monday!!! Greg will need to stay and do some training with the new owner for 2 weeks and then we are done with the Phoenix store!!! Greg will then take over my store and we will be set. We have waited a long time for this to happen. Greg has worked so hard and has had to face many obstacles to make this happen (probably why he has the migraine today). I am so proud of him.

Happy 4th of July

I am disappointed ladies....Only 3 people responded to my "Mom Assignment" from the other day. I know there are more of you reading this blog than that!! Help a girl out!!! I did purchase some "grannie panties" for my recovery period. Oooh, I just cannot wait to wear those babies!!!

Another 116 degree weather day, YIPPY. I have three movies to watch today so I will not be leaving my house!

Happy 4th of July to all. Have fun, but please be safe!!!

116 Degrees!!!

I have not felt this tired and wore out since...well, I guess my first trimester!!! Let's start by acknowledging the fact that it's around 116 degrees here today! I had to run to the grocery store and it about killed me (ok, it wasn't that bad)! I feel so nauseous and our AC at home is having a hard time keeping the house cooled down. I am about ready to just take it all off (oooh, that's a scary vision)!!

I feel bad that I have not returned some phone calls today; however, that's just the way it is and that is why I keep this journal so I don't have to make several phone calls and still keep everyone posted. Believe me, you wouldn't want to talk to me today anyways:) I am off to go take a nap. I'll write more tomorrow, that is if I haven't melted away!

Your Mom Assignment

Ooofta, today is my 10+ hour day of work and I am feeling it! I have been on my feet a lot today to work with customers. It's about 3:30PM and I am now starting to get more Braxton Hicks. So, I decided to sit for a few and post on my blog.

So, my pregnancy books say that this is the week I should start putting things together to pack for the hospital. I have read that I need to pack things like: PJ's and a robe, slippers, granny panties, nursing bra, bathroom stuff, baby outfit, etc. I will need to do a little shopping for some of this stuff...which doesn't really excite me since it's not "pretty girly stuff"!

I have an assignment for all of you moms...and I EXPECT to hear from ALL of you!!!!! In regards to what to pack for the hospital, what do you suggest? What do you wish you would have packed and didn't? What could you have absolutely not have lived without during your hospital stay? I need your help!!