"And I lost my faith, in my darkest days,
But she makes me want to believe." - Parachute, She is Love
So this quote has summed up the past couple days for me and because this will be a part of Braelyn and our little families story I will blog about it. I finalized all of my dates for maternity leave with HR this week only to be told yesterday by my boss and HR team that after my maternity leave I will not have a job unless we decide to pack this little family up and move back across the U.S. to Chicago or New York. Talk about having the wind knocked right out of your sails... The last thing I wanted to do was bring a newborn into the world feeling anything other than completely stable but what's a gal to do! I will continue to update the situation as we go but as of now we are just processing and trying to stay calm so little girl will stay right where she is for another 5 (give or take) weeks!
We haven't done much else this week but we did take our baby class last weekend and are feeling lots more prepared for delivery. We practiced not hyperventilating, lots of labor positions and found out all the wonderful risks/rewards for the medications I can be given. If nothing else we are more informed than before, especially Danny who kept saying, "did you know that before" :)
Baby is measuring at the size of a (fatter) Honeydew Melon this week!
"Baby can recognize and react to simple songs...time to start practicing your lullabies! In fact, baby will recognize frequently sung tunes after birth and probably find them soothing. Less cute news: She now urinates about one pint per day. Get the diapers ready"
How far along? 34 weeks and 5 days.
Maternity clothes? Yep, still in 'em!
Stretch marks? Still no worse, lots of cocoa butter lotion. I know it doesn't really help but I smell yummy!
Sleep? This week hasn't been so great, but I used some PTO and have everyday next week but Monday off so I am going to try to sleep in and get some more sleep!
Best moment this week? Ha, wellllll ;) The best moment of this week has been feeling the support from my husband and family. Knowing that you have amazing people that care about, love you and are there to give you the support you need has made this week so much better!
Food cravings: I am boring in this category, still none. Danny thinks apple juice may be, but I think I just like apple juice.
Movement? This is starting to get a little painful, we are having lots more twisting, turning and I am pretty sure she has some sharp weapons in there that she is using to try to escape!
What I miss? Well this week the only thing that even comes to mind is missing that security I had for little miss about 48 hours ago.
What I'm looking forward to: I am really trying to look at this in a positive light, so for this I will answer with that side. I am really looking forward to the maternity leave and getting to know my little girl, I am also very excited to get a change to release the familiar and look inside at where it is I really want and need to be. I am also looking forward to THANKSGIVING with our family!
Milestones: After this week they won't stop labor if that should happen, but I am crossing my legs and my fingers that she will stay in till her due date :)
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
33 Weeks
We had our 33/34 week appointment this week and came out of it with an A+, after the past couple crazy ones that was a huge relief. Our little one is measuring right on track, her heartbeat was still at 140 and little to no Braxton Hicks this time! We also talked about birthing classes (check- doing them Saturday), Infant First Aid/CPR classes (check- Dec. 10th class) and Pediatricians (check - I already interviewed and decided on Brae's Dr), so we were all set and ahead of schedule!
We also put everything from the baby shower away in her room, started washing clothes and set up the travel system. We are planning on getting the car seat installed after the Holidays and the hospital bags are being packed, just about finished just some last minute things to pick up. I started on my birth plan but I go back and forth on what's really important to include when all I really want is my little girl out safe and sound. The lists are getting smaller and smaller, YAY!
Baby is measuring at the size of a Honeydew Melon this week!
"Things are heating up inside as well: Baby may grow up to a full inch this week alone, and her brain is developing like crazy. Pretty soon, she'll be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Also, her bones are hardening, and she's started to keep his eyes open when she's awake"
How far along? 33 weeks and 5 days.
Maternity clothes? Still squeezing into the ones I bought before, on a more fun clothing note - we have started washing teeny tiny baby clothes!
Stretch marks? We haven't gotten any worse on this but no better either, hoping to stick with the small hip marks.
Sleep? Getting a little worse with the bouts of insomnia, I just cannot shut my brain off!
Best moment this week? My shower was the best, but since I am devoting an entire post to this soon I won't give anything away. The second best was going to Babies R Us with Danny and picking up the rest of the necessary supplies to bring our little girl home!
Food cravings: Still none, my Midwife suggested some tea (I was trying to go caffeine free, I wasn't thrilled) to curb the headaches so I have been having a glass most mornings.
Movement? Her little limbs are getting bigger and bigger and I can feel them pushing harder. She is still head down, YAY, and hopefully won't move before the big day. Her back is around my left side and her little feet are up near my ribs (ouch!), or so says Wendy the midwife :)
What I miss? I have been really missing sushi and wine again this week, I blame it on Danny because he keeps talking about sushi!
What I'm looking forward to: I have been thinking more and more about actual life with her and I think this week I have been getting more excited than nervous. Don't get me wrong, still pretty terrified, but I just imagine all the little moments we will have together as a family and it makes me feel way better!
Milestones: I just found out that they won't stop labor after the 34th week but since she isn't considered full term yet that milestone almost makes me more nervous that excited!
We also put everything from the baby shower away in her room, started washing clothes and set up the travel system. We are planning on getting the car seat installed after the Holidays and the hospital bags are being packed, just about finished just some last minute things to pick up. I started on my birth plan but I go back and forth on what's really important to include when all I really want is my little girl out safe and sound. The lists are getting smaller and smaller, YAY!
Baby is measuring at the size of a Honeydew Melon this week!
"Things are heating up inside as well: Baby may grow up to a full inch this week alone, and her brain is developing like crazy. Pretty soon, she'll be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Also, her bones are hardening, and she's started to keep his eyes open when she's awake"
How far along? 33 weeks and 5 days.
Maternity clothes? Still squeezing into the ones I bought before, on a more fun clothing note - we have started washing teeny tiny baby clothes!
Stretch marks? We haven't gotten any worse on this but no better either, hoping to stick with the small hip marks.
Sleep? Getting a little worse with the bouts of insomnia, I just cannot shut my brain off!
Best moment this week? My shower was the best, but since I am devoting an entire post to this soon I won't give anything away. The second best was going to Babies R Us with Danny and picking up the rest of the necessary supplies to bring our little girl home!
Food cravings: Still none, my Midwife suggested some tea (I was trying to go caffeine free, I wasn't thrilled) to curb the headaches so I have been having a glass most mornings.
Movement? Her little limbs are getting bigger and bigger and I can feel them pushing harder. She is still head down, YAY, and hopefully won't move before the big day. Her back is around my left side and her little feet are up near my ribs (ouch!), or so says Wendy the midwife :)
What I miss? I have been really missing sushi and wine again this week, I blame it on Danny because he keeps talking about sushi!
What I'm looking forward to: I have been thinking more and more about actual life with her and I think this week I have been getting more excited than nervous. Don't get me wrong, still pretty terrified, but I just imagine all the little moments we will have together as a family and it makes me feel way better!
Milestones: I just found out that they won't stop labor after the 34th week but since she isn't considered full term yet that milestone almost makes me more nervous that excited!
Friday, November 4, 2011
32 Weeks
It has been a pretty slow week so I can update you on last weeks midwife appointment. Braelyn is measuring right on schedule, no more false labor pains, heartbeat was perfect and we talked labor for a bit. Our perfect little girl checked out right on track for 32 weeks, YAY!
We had a lovely dinner with Alex and Diana on Sunday at the Melting Pot, we went for a 1920's murder mystery dinner. We had a great time and decided we are for sure doing it next year! After that it has been a lot of relaxing, cleaning the house, finishing things up around the house and getting very excited about Braelyn's shower this weekend! I am sure there will be lots of pictures for that so I will try to make that its own post, I also promise to do a nursery post as soon as we have a few more things done in there.
Baby is measuring at the size of a (fatter) Squash this week!
"Ready or not, baby's getting ready to emerge. She's probably in the head-down position by now, with her bottom facing up. This is the comfiest way for her body to fit in your increasingly cramped womb and will make her eventual exit (only a couple months away now!) much easier."
How far along? 32 weeks and 6 days.
Maternity clothes? Now I am starting to pick up nursing and hospital clothes.
Stretch marks? Well we have crossed over to the inevitable, unfortunately I have two on each side by my hips (which are killing me). Stocking up on bio oil and cocoa butter lotion but I think I lost this battle.
Sleep? Still moving in the direction of some long nights but I am getting some rest.
Best moment this week? She has been pushing body parts against my tummy and seems to REALLY be growing, I think her knee (or tush) is getting much bigger ;) I love knowing she is growing big and strong!
Food cravings: I think I am a lost cause here, I do still really like sweets but they make my tummy hurt so I don't eat many.
Movement? Her kicks, pokes and jabs have turned into full rolls and shifts. We are adjusting to this routine but my tummy is hard almost all the time now from her pushing.
What I miss? Still missing the comforts that once were, last night we went on a walk and I tried to put a bulky coat on.. it zipped but sure was snug and uncomfortable.
What I'm looking forward to: The countdown is on, 8 more weekends (give or take) without our little girl. Every day gets more exciting and Danny says the cutest things, my favorite is when he woke me up with, she will be here NEXT month! His big smiles and constant support make me look forward to seeing him be the best Daddy to our little girl!!
Milestones: The next milestone I am looking forward to is 37 (FULL TERM) weeks, I can't believe that is only 4 weeks away!
We had a lovely dinner with Alex and Diana on Sunday at the Melting Pot, we went for a 1920's murder mystery dinner. We had a great time and decided we are for sure doing it next year! After that it has been a lot of relaxing, cleaning the house, finishing things up around the house and getting very excited about Braelyn's shower this weekend! I am sure there will be lots of pictures for that so I will try to make that its own post, I also promise to do a nursery post as soon as we have a few more things done in there.
Baby is measuring at the size of a (fatter) Squash this week!
"Ready or not, baby's getting ready to emerge. She's probably in the head-down position by now, with her bottom facing up. This is the comfiest way for her body to fit in your increasingly cramped womb and will make her eventual exit (only a couple months away now!) much easier."
 |
| 32 weeks at The Melting Pot |
How far along? 32 weeks and 6 days.
Maternity clothes? Now I am starting to pick up nursing and hospital clothes.
Stretch marks? Well we have crossed over to the inevitable, unfortunately I have two on each side by my hips (which are killing me). Stocking up on bio oil and cocoa butter lotion but I think I lost this battle.
Sleep? Still moving in the direction of some long nights but I am getting some rest.
Best moment this week? She has been pushing body parts against my tummy and seems to REALLY be growing, I think her knee (or tush) is getting much bigger ;) I love knowing she is growing big and strong!
Food cravings: I think I am a lost cause here, I do still really like sweets but they make my tummy hurt so I don't eat many.
Movement? Her kicks, pokes and jabs have turned into full rolls and shifts. We are adjusting to this routine but my tummy is hard almost all the time now from her pushing.
What I miss? Still missing the comforts that once were, last night we went on a walk and I tried to put a bulky coat on.. it zipped but sure was snug and uncomfortable.
What I'm looking forward to: The countdown is on, 8 more weekends (give or take) without our little girl. Every day gets more exciting and Danny says the cutest things, my favorite is when he woke me up with, she will be here NEXT month! His big smiles and constant support make me look forward to seeing him be the best Daddy to our little girl!!
Milestones: The next milestone I am looking forward to is 37 (FULL TERM) weeks, I can't believe that is only 4 weeks away!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
31 Weeks
This week has been pretty slow there won't be much of an update, after the past couple weeks this is a welcome change. We do have our 32 week appointment tomorrow, Friday, so I will update if we hear any news from that. We had our first winter storm of the year, it started late Tuesday night and wrapped up last night leaving us with about 10 inches. We are supposed to get back into the high 50's and low 60's for the rest of the week/weekend so hopefully it will all melt. I do have to admit it made me pretty excited, knowing that winter is here and Braelyn is right around the corner.
Last night we did a little work on the nursery and are hoping to get the remaining pieces this weekend so we can finish it! We also have our maternity pictures on Saturday with Brittney :)
Baby is measuring at the size of a (fatter) Squash this week!
"Baby's going through major brain and nerve development these days. Her irises now react to light, and all five senses are in working order. (She won't pick up anything from her nose until after birth, though -- smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid.)"
How far along? 31 weeks and 5 days.
Maternity clothes? I got some new stuff for the maternity pictures and dinner out with the neighbors we have this weekend.
Stretch marks? Still none yet, keep 'em crossed!
Sleep? I go back and forth on this but for the most part it doesn't look too good for the next 18+ years :)
Best moment this week? Working on some parts of the nursery, we are just a few steps away from being DONE!!
Food cravings: None still, it isn't looking like I will really have any. Morning sickness is for sure making a come back...
Movement? I feel like things have slowed down in this department but I still feel her all day everyday so I think maybe she's just growing and running out of room in there!
What I miss? I think just being comfortable - you know, being able to breathe, put on socks, sleep through the night without peeing 5 times ;)
What I'm looking forward to: We can't wait to meet our little girl for the first time but last night Danny and I were counting and we have NINE (give or take) weekends together. We are going to relax and take advantage of the free time and I am really looking forward to that!
Milestones: The next milestone I am looking forward to is 37 (FULL TERM) weeks, I can't believe that is only 5 weeks away!
Last night we did a little work on the nursery and are hoping to get the remaining pieces this weekend so we can finish it! We also have our maternity pictures on Saturday with Brittney :)
Baby is measuring at the size of a (fatter) Squash this week!
"Baby's going through major brain and nerve development these days. Her irises now react to light, and all five senses are in working order. (She won't pick up anything from her nose until after birth, though -- smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid.)"
How far along? 31 weeks and 5 days.
Maternity clothes? I got some new stuff for the maternity pictures and dinner out with the neighbors we have this weekend.
Stretch marks? Still none yet, keep 'em crossed!
Sleep? I go back and forth on this but for the most part it doesn't look too good for the next 18+ years :)
Best moment this week? Working on some parts of the nursery, we are just a few steps away from being DONE!!
Food cravings: None still, it isn't looking like I will really have any. Morning sickness is for sure making a come back...
Movement? I feel like things have slowed down in this department but I still feel her all day everyday so I think maybe she's just growing and running out of room in there!
What I miss? I think just being comfortable - you know, being able to breathe, put on socks, sleep through the night without peeing 5 times ;)
What I'm looking forward to: We can't wait to meet our little girl for the first time but last night Danny and I were counting and we have NINE (give or take) weekends together. We are going to relax and take advantage of the free time and I am really looking forward to that!
Milestones: The next milestone I am looking forward to is 37 (FULL TERM) weeks, I can't believe that is only 5 weeks away!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
30 Weeks
We had quite the week with midwife appointments, flat tires, hospital tours, picking up curtains from Pottery Barn Kids, Blackhawks game and we ended the week with a bang at Sionna's gymnastics meet. The hospital tour was short and sweet but pretty surreal, we couldn't believe that was the place we would meet our little girl for the first time (we can't wait!).
I also started listening to Jack Johnson's My Little Girl and I think we have our first lullaby for Brae, if you've seen the registry you probably saw the lullaby CD's aren't traditional. I have a big love for music, it's always held a huge spot in my heart and Danny and I's relationship together so no reason not to start her off on the right foot :)
Baby is measuring at the size of a (fatter) Squash this week!
"As baby's skin smoothes out, her brain just keeps getting more wrinkled. All those grooves and indentations increase surface area, meaning more room for that oh-so-essential brain tissue. She's also adding some brawn -- her grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger."
How far along? 30 weeks and 7 days.
Maternity clothes? I think this will be another given over the last 10 weeks.
Stretch marks? Still none yet, keep 'em crossed!
Sleep? I had a couple nights in our 59 degree house but Danny and the dogs aren't enjoying the temp changes as much as I am!
Best moment this week? Finding out we shouldn't have to worry about this little lady making an appearance in the next two weeks.
Food cravings: I was hoping these might pick up but it seems like the dreaded morning sickness is making a slow comeback instead...
Movement? She is back to her active little self and we love it!
What I miss? Missing not having constant fears but I don't see this stopping ever again :)
What I'm looking forward to: Danny and I have talked a lot lately about holiday and family traditions and I am so excited to have those with our little family. I have been getting more and more excited about all the things that will happen after she makes her debut!
Milestones: Past 30 weeks now, loving being in the final stages.
 |
| Sister's been to Blackhawks and Cubs game in Utero! |
I also started listening to Jack Johnson's My Little Girl and I think we have our first lullaby for Brae, if you've seen the registry you probably saw the lullaby CD's aren't traditional. I have a big love for music, it's always held a huge spot in my heart and Danny and I's relationship together so no reason not to start her off on the right foot :)
 |
| 30 weeks - on our way to the hospital for the tour! |
"As baby's skin smoothes out, her brain just keeps getting more wrinkled. All those grooves and indentations increase surface area, meaning more room for that oh-so-essential brain tissue. She's also adding some brawn -- her grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger."
How far along? 30 weeks and 7 days.
Maternity clothes? I think this will be another given over the last 10 weeks.
Stretch marks? Still none yet, keep 'em crossed!
Sleep? I had a couple nights in our 59 degree house but Danny and the dogs aren't enjoying the temp changes as much as I am!
Best moment this week? Finding out we shouldn't have to worry about this little lady making an appearance in the next two weeks.
Food cravings: I was hoping these might pick up but it seems like the dreaded morning sickness is making a slow comeback instead...
Movement? She is back to her active little self and we love it!
What I miss? Missing not having constant fears but I don't see this stopping ever again :)
What I'm looking forward to: Danny and I have talked a lot lately about holiday and family traditions and I am so excited to have those with our little family. I have been getting more and more excited about all the things that will happen after she makes her debut!
Milestones: Past 30 weeks now, loving being in the final stages.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tests! - with an update
So a little mid-week post is in order after the end of the week last week and the beginning of the week this week! Last week Braelyn decided to take some time off from her frequent movements and had us a little on edge at our appointment, after talking to the Midwife she decided we should do an NST (non-stress test) just in case. I reclined back with monitors on my tummy waiting for my little girl to pick it up from the apple juice box sugar rush...no go. After the normal 20 minutes in came the nurse to check our results, "uhm let me go get Wendy" (the midwife). Danny and I looked at each other a little nervous at this point but in came Wendy to reassure us, she brought me another juice box and a peppermint to give this little girl an even bigger sugar rush. 40 minutes later Wendy came back in, still not great results but she chased her down with the doppler and made sure we got her moving...she hasn't stopped since (continuing to prove her point :)).
On Friday I started getting some cramping and the usual braxton hicks contractions that lasted through the weekend but not with any regularity until Sunday when I started having some sharp pains during our walk. This also led to some stronger BH contractions that we had to stop for. I called the nurses line Monday and they scheduled another appointment for me to come in and check up on little girl. We met with a student and she got all our symptoms and took to the midwife, in they both came to discuss pre-term labor with us. Danny stepped out and I got a full exam along with the pre-term labor, fetal fibronectin (fFN) test. Everything looked just fine, her head is down but still high enough for them not to worry and now we wait for the results of the fFN to decide if she is coming (possibly) in the next two weeks. After that they will determine if the bed rest they put me on last night needs to last longer than till this afternoon. My blood pressure also was a little higher than they liked so we will be keeping an eye on that as well. Looks like the princess is ready to assert herself and Mommy couldn't be happier as long as she does it from the inside :)
We also found out my car has a FLAT tire due to a lovely screw, pretty sure from our construction zone of a neighborhood. Danny changed the tire to the spare yesterday but not really the way we wanted our week to start out! Good thing we have the hospital visit tonight and the Blackhawks game Thursday to turn this week around!
*Update: I got a call back late from the office, test came back...NEGATIVE!! Baby Brae is in for the long haul, YAY!*
On Friday I started getting some cramping and the usual braxton hicks contractions that lasted through the weekend but not with any regularity until Sunday when I started having some sharp pains during our walk. This also led to some stronger BH contractions that we had to stop for. I called the nurses line Monday and they scheduled another appointment for me to come in and check up on little girl. We met with a student and she got all our symptoms and took to the midwife, in they both came to discuss pre-term labor with us. Danny stepped out and I got a full exam along with the pre-term labor, fetal fibronectin (fFN) test. Everything looked just fine, her head is down but still high enough for them not to worry and now we wait for the results of the fFN to decide if she is coming (possibly) in the next two weeks. After that they will determine if the bed rest they put me on last night needs to last longer than till this afternoon. My blood pressure also was a little higher than they liked so we will be keeping an eye on that as well. Looks like the princess is ready to assert herself and Mommy couldn't be happier as long as she does it from the inside :)
We also found out my car has a FLAT tire due to a lovely screw, pretty sure from our construction zone of a neighborhood. Danny changed the tire to the spare yesterday but not really the way we wanted our week to start out! Good thing we have the hospital visit tonight and the Blackhawks game Thursday to turn this week around!
*Update: I got a call back late from the office, test came back...NEGATIVE!! Baby Brae is in for the long haul, YAY!*
Friday, October 14, 2011
29 Weeks
So the "hormones" have finally hit, after thinking I may have gotten out of this pregnancy relatively breakdown free. I also haven't been sleeping very well so that isn't helping things! I got sent a blog to read (I do not recommend this to anyone pregnant and hormonal) and as much as I loved it, I spent two days balling my eyes out...what an AMAZING story: http://www.mattlogelin.com. I ordered the book, "Two Kisses for Maddy" but I may hold off on reading till little lady makes her appearance.
We also had our 30th week (early I know) appt. yesterday, including the dreaded flu shot (my arm is still sore). Wednesday and Thursday morning/afternoon I had noticed a change in Braelyn's movement, I wasn't feeling her as much and she didn't seem so active. The Midwife thought just to be safe we would do a quick stress test, Braelyn wasn't interested in cooperating so our 20 minute test turned into a 40 minute test. After two juice boxes and a peppermint she woke up and decided to be extra active just to prove a point. Everything looks just perfect and we are measuring at 30 weeks with her in a head down position.
Baby is measuring at the size of an Squash (yay we changed) this week!
"Baby's energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath her skin. And since she's growing so fast (weight will triple by birth), things are getting kind of cramped in the womb. What all this means for you: Get ready for some more kicks and jabs to the ribs."
How far along? 29 weeks and 6 days.
Maternity clothes? Yep still in them, not much has changed.
Stretch marks? Still none yet, keep 'em crossed!
Sleep? As I mentioned above sleep has not been happening for me. I don't seem to be actually sleeping just teetering on the edge, I can't turn my brain off or find a comfortable position. Hoping it gets better but not making any bets!
Best moment this week? Hearing little ladies heart beat for so long this week was amazing!!
Food cravings: Nada really, trying to lay off the sugar.
Movement? Things picked back up after yesterday's test and haven't stopped since, I love it!
What I miss? Not crying all.the.time, my poor poor husband :)
What I'm looking forward to: So many things but mostly having my baby girl here with us!!
Milestones: Almost to 30 wks and passing our stress test.
We also had our 30th week (early I know) appt. yesterday, including the dreaded flu shot (my arm is still sore). Wednesday and Thursday morning/afternoon I had noticed a change in Braelyn's movement, I wasn't feeling her as much and she didn't seem so active. The Midwife thought just to be safe we would do a quick stress test, Braelyn wasn't interested in cooperating so our 20 minute test turned into a 40 minute test. After two juice boxes and a peppermint she woke up and decided to be extra active just to prove a point. Everything looks just perfect and we are measuring at 30 weeks with her in a head down position.
 |
| Guanella Pass for our fall outing :) |
Baby is measuring at the size of an Squash (yay we changed) this week!
"Baby's energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath her skin. And since she's growing so fast (weight will triple by birth), things are getting kind of cramped in the womb. What all this means for you: Get ready for some more kicks and jabs to the ribs."
How far along? 29 weeks and 6 days.
Maternity clothes? Yep still in them, not much has changed.
Stretch marks? Still none yet, keep 'em crossed!
Sleep? As I mentioned above sleep has not been happening for me. I don't seem to be actually sleeping just teetering on the edge, I can't turn my brain off or find a comfortable position. Hoping it gets better but not making any bets!
Best moment this week? Hearing little ladies heart beat for so long this week was amazing!!
Food cravings: Nada really, trying to lay off the sugar.
Movement? Things picked back up after yesterday's test and haven't stopped since, I love it!
What I miss? Not crying all.the.time, my poor poor husband :)
What I'm looking forward to: So many things but mostly having my baby girl here with us!!
Milestones: Almost to 30 wks and passing our stress test.
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