Just a Pair of Moms (in training)

Reminder - we have moved! If you have not received the new blog address, please email pairofmoms@gmail.com and we'll be sure to send it your way. Don't forget to update your blog reader too.

Since Blogger does not offer password protection, J and I decided a while ago that after e was born we would switch over to Word Press. Please comment with your email address if you would like to follow our new blog there. We plan to post exclusively from there by the end of the week.

Hi friends! Since we haven't had a chance to sit down and write out the birth story, we thought we would share a few of our favorite pictures from the past couple of days. Hope you enjoy!

Hi everyone! We are home with little "e" (as she'll be known here) and are just starting to get settled. We are both beyond thrilled that she's finally here and can't wait to tell you about her birth story. It was an amazing experience, and even though things didn't go as we had expected (do they ever?) we had a great team of doctors and nurses who helped bring our little miracle baby into the world.

Just got a text from B - it's been a long day for the mommies, but their beautiful baby girl is here! Moms and baby are both doing well. More to come.

Edit: Here's her first official photo!

Tonight we check into the hospital at 7:30pm. They will start with the induction gel and let me progress on my own throughout the evening. In the morning, they will start the pitocin.
Nuggette will be here before we know it!

I went to triage again today because after my nap this morning, I was doing kick counts and didn't feel her move at all. I tried all the tricks, including a shower. Nothing.
B was at work, so after I spoke with the doctor's office, I called our friend to see if she could drop me off at the hospital. She stayed with me until B arrived.
They did an NST (where Nuggette was asleep for 36 minutes, therefore did not pass until the very end), and then did a biophysical. This was my first biophysical and she passed that within the first 10 minutes. She had movement and practice breathing. My fluid levels were right in range and the CNM estimated that she is about 7 lbs 13 oz. Then came the cervical check and everything is still the same, including my posterior cervix, which makes these checks quite delightful < / sarcasm >.
After about 2 hours, we were on our way home. For a minute they considered keeping me and starting the induction early, but doc said to send me home. We will be back in 2 days on Sunday night.

Have I had the baby yet?

No reason to keep me at the hospital last night after my weekly NST. Of course she was asleep for the first 10 minutes, but after she woke up, she passed with flying colors. I only had one contraction during the entire test...and a BH at that.
Clearly I must have a very hospitable womb, because she's not really showing any signs of wanting to leave! 4 days until induction.

Except now Nuggette is at a -1 or -2 station. The doctor doesn't think I will make it until induction day. We will see.....

I have a doctor's appointment today and I am not so secretly hoping that I am dilated far enough that they send me straight to the hospital to have this baby.
Yesterday we had a glorious day, weather-wise, with highs in the 80s. It was wonderful to be able to eat on our patio and soak up some sun. We even went for a pre-dusk walk around the neighborhood. It did make sleeping quite difficult. I was so hot. Even with two fans, no covers and limited clothes, I could not get comfortable. I am so happy to not be pregnant during the summer, I am pretty sure I would be miserable.
Should we be sent to the hospital, or when labor/delivery occurs, our good friend, *, will be our substitute blogger. She's awesome. (And because I have forgotton to ask her what she wants to be known as on our blog, her name is now an asterick....kinda like Prince).
Induction date is 6 days away.

Dilation, effacement, losing your mucus plug, and fake contractions are no indication of when you will go into labor, in case you were wondering.
I'm still here, pregnant as ever.
I've started to get the daily texts/emails/facebook messages..."Still pregnant?"
Yep.
Last night the BH contractions were coming every minute or so. We thought "maybe?" real labor would start. No such luck. Once I laid down for bed, they stopped.
She's just not ready to come out and meet the world.
At least I have an end date in sight. If she doesn't come on her own, it's a week from tomorrow I go in to be induced.

Lost my mucus plug this morning! Woot!
One step closer to meeting our little princess.

Every nurse or medical person I come in contact with says, "You're almost there!" or "The end is in sight." I guess it really is, folks. My last doctor appointment is scheduled for Monday, April 11th and my last NST is scheduled for Tuesday, April 12th. If I make it that long.
Currently, I am 2cm and 80% effaced.
I've had one real contraction (around 3:30 this morning), and even though I waited for more, nothing. Such a tease.
I was guessing the cervix would be closed, so I was happily surprised to hear I was dilated at all. We all know I could still go right up until induction day, but there is a glimmer of hope for earlier.
Oh, and they switched to a non-digital scale at my doctor's office. According to that scale, I am up 18 pounds from pre-pregnancy. I want the digital one back!

*edited to add* I've also had some light bleeding/spotting since the internal exam (which is to be expected). However, there has been threadlike things in the toilet...doesn't look mucus-pluggy...but I really have no idea what it is...I'm sure she jsut distrupted something while digging around in there. Hopefully that will help labor along!

I just got home from walking up to our local fruit market/grocery store. It's right on our corner and wonderfully lovely. Lots of Michigan grown and Michigan made products. Today has been our first day that has been decent in regards to temperature (high of 63), however it has been overcast and rainy. I decided to press my luck and walk up there because I "needed" fruit and ice cream.

I bought a lovely quarter watermelon and a pineapple. When I got home, I cut it all up and had a nice afternoon snack. (With some Michigan cheese and pretzels too!)
I haven't been to the market since last fall, since it's been too cold or snowy or icy to walk up there. Walking in there today was an immediate flash back. I loved it. I can't wait to walk up there again all the time this summer (and this time, with a stroller!)

While in line, the lady in front of me and the clerk asked when I was due. "13 days." Of course, then the general line of questioning followed, but it's so nice to be able to answer...13 days. Ladies, that is less than 2 weeks. She could come at any time. Bring on the baby!

In search for a nursing bra, we walked the mall for about 2 hours (in hopes of possibly jump starting labor). Of course, that didn't work. I had two fake contractions and that was it. Last night we tried hot sauce. No luck. Tonight I'm going to try some pineapple. I know she will come when she is ready (and when my body is ready too), but as selfish as it may be, I can't help but try to urge this labor and delivery along.
I want to meet our daughter!
I did find a nursing bra at our local maternity store. We only bought one, seeing how we don't exactly know how large my bosom will grow or which I will prefer after my milk arrives.

I've put it off (which is preventing me from ordering online now)...and I want to know the best places to buy nursing bras.
Any suggestions?
Keep in mind that pre-pregnancy, I was an F cup. (No idea what I am now...could be the same...I haven't switched my bras)

37 weeks.

According to that ticker over there, we have 18 days to go.

Wow.

Ever since I got pregnant, my mom has predicted the baby will come on April 1st. I told her I do not want an April Fool's baby, but I guess we will see.

Today she hits the final stage of watermelon. Woot! What we have been waiting for and watching for all along. We are in the home stretch here.

I found out at my last doctor's appt that I am one of the 25% of women with the Group B Strep. This means I will have antibiotics during labor and delivery. Leave it to my body to be in the minority.

My BFF at school, with the help of parents and students, threw me a surprise baby shower yesterday. The kids were so excited. We had decorations and games and snacks and prizes.

Tomorrow is my last day. I was hoping (for financial reasons) to come back the week after Spring Break, but I am guessing our little girl will be here by then. Even if she is not, I don't think I would be able to go back anyway. By the end of the day, I am wiped out. I am very grateful for Spring Break and then maternity leave!

Oh, and in non-baby news-I got my first ever traffic ticket the other day. (I turned left when the light was red and there was a no turn on red sign. In my defense, I had already entered the intersection and thought I was too far into it to retreat once the light turned red.) Anyway, the officer was a bit rude at first. After he ran my license and saw that I had a perfect record, he eased up. He became quite chatty and social and then asked about my husband. When I told him I had a partner, he said, "Oh, a girlfriend?" I answered yes and he proceeded to ask me how I got pregnant. I think he was genuinely curious, but so not professional. Very awkward.

I guess she won't switch over to a watermelon until next week. Oh well.

One of my former students, (who is the daughter of one of the teachers in my school) said to her mom yesterday that I looked like a watermelon. She was referring to my pink shirt and green sweater, but it was too hilarious. Her mom almost peed herself in the hall as daughter kept backpedaling her words..."I meant your clothes, Ms M!" Too funny.

I was the fortunate recipient of some sort of cold for the past few days. Yesterday I had to cancel my tutoring after school and my intended visit to my dad (who had surgery yesterday to have more of his foot amputated), to go home and sleep. I slept for 3 hours, woke up for 3 hours, and then went back to bed. It was glorious. I am hoping today is better due to all of my rest.

B has a crazy schedule next week with inventory and a big author coming to her store. We probably won't see each other much, and I hate that. Luckily, it's her last crazy week until Nuggette arrives. (And if Nuggette happens to want to come during the crazy week, oh well for the store.)

The u/s went very well yesterday. Nuggette is measuring in the 28th percentile and is estimated to be about 5.5 pounds. My fluid level was 18 (although I don't know what that means), and the doctor said it was perfect. She's head down and ready to go.

Our daughter has the most roundest cheeks you will ever see and big lips (like her mama). Seriously-check out my baby picture off to the right. I was never a fan of my huge lips growing up, but when I look back, they make one cute baby face! I can't wait to meet our little chunker.

The appointment afterward was uneventful. I haven't gained any weight (still +13 from pre pregnancy). They did a GBS test and I'm sure I will hear the results in the next day or so. Doc said she can really come any time now and they won't stop labor.

NST was pretty uneventful as well. Of course I had to have the nurse hold the monitor for about 10 minutes because she kept swimming away right when they needed her. Oh well. Blood pressure and all that was fine. Overall, we are two healthy girls.

Last night B started packing our hospital bags. I think she pretty much has everything packed, give or take a few things. We are basically as ready as we are going to be. I am having the car seat checked next Tuesday, so hopefully we can hold off until then. =)

Tomorrow marks 36 weeks, and she turns into a watermelon. Albeit, a bit of a small watermelon, but it's her last fruit. We've come a long way, baby!

Lately I have been experiencing:

• BH contractions
• Mild swelling of my hands and feet at the end of the day
• Pelvic floor pain
• Waves of exhaustion
• Some difficulty moving around, especially getting up from a lying down position
• And of course the constant trips to the bathroom

Now I wouldn't change any of this for the world, and I am so very grateful. There are 32 days left until our scheduled induction. I have 15 days left of work. I can do this. In fact, there are only 10 days (not including today and tomorrow when I am at a conference) before Spring Break. Then I get a week off before returning for 5 days.

I'm getting more and more people asking, "How much longer?" or "You're getting close, right?" I'm definitely slower around the school halls and have a distinct walk, that I refuse to call a waddle. =) I spend a good portion of my day teaching from my chair in the front of the room (not something that is very typical for me), and by the end of the day I am in the chair and have my feet up on a stool.

I am happy to be out of the classroom today and tomorrow to attend a huge technology conference downtown. I am not looking forward to all of the walking, but I will be sure to take plenty of breaks and drink lots of water. (Last night during grocery shopping, it was like one giant BH contraction-clearly I hadn't had enough water and was walking too much!)

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all and may the luck of the Irish be with you!

We visited a pediatrician's office yesterday and fell in love.
First of all, it is decorated in a very calm, but bright way. The waiting room has a few bean bags on the floor and some fabric covered I.kea chairs. Patients do not wait in the waiting room at all, instead, they wait in the exam room.
Let me tell you about the exam rooms....they don't have exam tables. They have leather couches. Right. They make the rooms look more like living rooms, because the children tend to be more relaxed.
The doctor who started this wellness center (who happens to have a comically Irish name), believes in trying alternative ways to wellness, while still following AMA guidelines. They always have 2 doctors in the office (unless one is sick or on vacation). One doctor is strictly for well-child check-ups, while the other is there in case of sick visits. There is also a nurse practitioner on staff.
Both doctors and the office manager are available after hours via email. We love this.
The energy of the office fits perfectly with our family and we look forward to bringing our daughter there (for well visits!)
They also gave us a free book.

I made some reusable baby wipes this weekend. It was my first batch, so I didn't really care how they turned out. I used leftover baby flannel from the stool I recovered for the nursery and a towel that came damaged from our registry that the company replaced. I made them in 4 different sizes and will probably stick with the medium sized one.

We went to the dollar store yesterday and picked up some hand towels. I will be cutting them up to use on the opposite side of the flannel that I already have (and some super cute flannel that I couldn't resist when we went to the fabric store to buy zippers.)

As you might be aware, we are keeping Nuggette's real name a secret until after she's born. As a result, we have had a lot of fun with friends and family who have been trying their darndest to guess her name. We've handed out clues here and there, and a few people have actually guessed correctly. We aren't mean enough not to tell them they are right, but it's been really fun to watch them struggle with their guesses, lol.

Those who wish not to guess have also come up with their own names. Some in protest over the fact that we aren't telling, and some just out of convenience and laziness because they don't want to call her Nuggette. Here are some of the interesting nicknames she currently has:

1. Edna. As in, "creepy Aunt Edna". My boss has named her this in protest. His philosophy is "If you don't tell me, I'm naming her the worst name in creation." He has also been encouraging my co-workers to call her Edna as well. He's a trip.

2. Phyllis. My good friend and co-worker decided she didn't like Edna, and that my child sounded more like a Phyllis to her. See also: Charley.

3. Charley. Same good friend and co-worker equally enjoys Charley, as in the Charley perfume commercials circa 1972. I think she secretly hopes Nuggette will be born wearing a satin jumpsuit. Youtube it. It's hilarious!

4. Wee Baby Seamus. I'm not even sure I'm spelling this correctly. Another one of my co-workers recently watched a raunchy, cartoon sitcom in which a hooker's baby was named this and told me that is what he has decided to call my child. Great.

5. Nu__er. J's mom, confusing Nugget for another, much less PC word. We are HORRIFIED. Fortunately she has yet to use this darling name in a public place.

6. La Nuggetta. Runyon, one of our closest and dearest friends. She lives in Texas, so apparently being surrounded by such strong Mexican vibes has turned her slightly hispanic. We've heard rumors that she is also hand knitting a tiny sombrero and poncho for Nuggette as a gift. Fantastic!

We have also had a plethora of FB comments from friends with their many guesses. Just call us Rumplestiltskin! Any of you dare to guess?

There is a lot of talk today about the next 40 days (Lent). However, I'm a bit confused, because my ticker says that I have 40 days left until induction (on Palm Sunday). Don't these Lent-celebrating people really have 47 days then? I've never really counted the days. (Growing up Catholic, you just learn to believe what they tell you and not question anything.) However, now....

Anyway, NST was...well..hmm. They kept me hostage in the antepartum testing unit until my doctor called back. I knew something was up when they let my NST buddy leave before me. (Since I was hooked up a few minutes before her.) Apparently there was one abnormality in the very beginning, but then I was having contractions every 3-8 minutes. They were lasting 30-45 seconds. Of course, I wasn't feeling a thing. B was in the car (last week's appt only took 25 minutes, so she just waited outside for me and knitted.) She kept calling and texting, but my phone was off. I was finally able to call her and give her the update. I told her to just wait in the car and I would update her after the doctor called. No dice there. She was parked and up those elevators fairly quickly, just in time for me to get the go ahead to go home and eat and drink. Both the doc and the nurse are guessing the contractions were due to dehydration.

We were late to our childbirth class because of this, but the first session was on monitoring, so she fit us right into her lesson.

Once we got home, B filled me with enough water that I felt like I was floating away. I was up several times last night to use the bathroom. I will be sure to space my water out during the day.

I'm wondering if the doc will call me today to ask me to come in for any reason or if she will just wait until my next appointment in 2 weeks. Should I call and ask?

I also found out last night that my superintendent will not let my BFF give me her sick days. Bummer. Looks like I'm working until April 15th, or until baby comes....whichever comes first. Moneywise, I really need to make it until the 15th. It will be cutting it close, but with a week off for Spring Break, I think I can do it.

Our next peek at Nuggette will be March 22nd. I will be 35w5d. We haven't "seen" her since the 20 week u/s, so we are very excited. This is basically a growth scan to see how big she is and to determine if my April 17th induction date is accurate.

I do have full confidence in my body and in my daughter that she will come before the induction, because that's just how we roll in this house.

Yesterday's appointment was quick (+13 lbs so far this pregnancy). Today I have my weekly NST and we will attend our second child birth class. Tonight is the video watching. Oh joy! /sarcasm.

I am still waiting on a response from my superintendent about the possibility of my BFF giving me a few of her banked sick days. I should hear back from her today or tomorrow. She didn't say "no" though, just, "let me think about it." To me, that was a bit promising. If she allows the sharing of days, my last day of work will be April 1st instead of April 15th. I hope she allows it! Keep those positive thoughts and prayers coming. =)

The office is now completely rearranged and I love it. There are just a couple of house-keeping things that need to be done and this room can be crossed off the to-do list. B also completely cleaned and organized the linen closet, so that is pretty awesome too.

We bought two new vacuums...returned the first one and ended up with a Hoover Windtunnel. We. Love. IT. I didn't even realize our carpets could look like this. Pretty awesome.

Yesterday, we spent the day:
Putting things away in the nursery
Doing more baby laundry
Putting her linens on her bed
Putting away our own clean laundry
Cleaning out/organizing the linen closet
Straightening the kitchen
Doing dishes
Cleaning/Rearranging the office

We are not done, but man, do I feel so much better about the state of our house. I know we are getting to the point where people are going to be stopping by, and I want it to always be in "visitor-ready" shape. I know once the bambino arrives, people won't even notice the state of the house (and if they do, they will be quite forgiving), but as for pre-baby, I want to get as much done as possible.

Everything looks so much more organized, and I love it!

Just found out the breast pump is covered under my insurance, as long as it is "medically necessary."

WOOT!

My favorite number has always been 33 since I was a teenager. I don't know why I didn't realize it sooner in this pregnancy that I would "turn" 33 weeks on March 3rd. 33 on 3/3...how cool is that?

Last night Nuggette did some major moving. I think she may have shifted to the head down position, actually (all while using my insides to get her where she wanted to go). I used to be able to feel her little rump right under my right rib and her head diagonally down above my left hip. Things are different this morning. Now everything seems more in the center.

I'm still trying to figure out my time off. If I work right up until my induction date, my last day of work will be April 15th. (Induction scheduled for the evening of April 17th) However, Spring Break is April 4th-9th. I would love to just not come back to school after that. But HR has told me that it will cost me approximately $300/day off. I'm not sure how this math works (since I know that is not what I make) and I have requested a meeting with her to discuss this, but I haven't heard back yet. My super generous BFF has offered me as many of her sick days as I need, but apparently my district doesn't allow this. I am also going to double check on that. I currently have 29 days of sick/personal time saved. I will need to take either 38 or 43 days off. If I can make it until April 15th, then it won't be as big as a deal, but I really don't want to. I guess it would beat having to come back for the last week of school though.

My first NST was just great and the childbirth class afterwards was good as well. We practiced pushing...lol. The nurse who is running the class is also a labor and delivery nurse at the hospital. She asked about my NST nurse and said she is one of her best friends. Childbirth teacher also said that our practice of OBs is highly respected by the hospital staff and many of the nurses and doctors use them to deliver their own babies.

Now I will leave you with a list of names I have been called lately:

Mother duck (one of the teachers said I look like the mother duck walking my students down the hall)
Mother Waddles (by two separate people-one was my dear wife!)
Oompah Loompah (another one by B!)

Since today is March 1st, I can officially say that we will meet our daughter NEXT month!
Today is my first (of weekly) NSTs and our first (of three) childbirth classes. The class is from 7-9pm. I sure hope I can stay awake!

The shower was amazing. Being surrounded by such love from our family and friends was wonderful. People were more than generous. We are so blessed. Once I get some pictures uploaded, I will share a few. Some hard work went into this and it truly made us feel special. Of course, I broke down and started crying in front of everyone as I was trying to thank my mom and sister. =/

After the shower, B and I came home and sorted everything. We received some duplicates of things, and some extras of things we already had (really, how many tub thermometers does one family need?) , so we made a "keep" and "return" pile. Then we went through the return pile and separated by store and if we had a gift receipt. Both Target and BabiesRUs will not return items without a gift receipt. Sooooooo...we have some things that will be kept for future gifts or donated. I can understand not taking back items that could have been purchased elsewhere, but if it has your tag (or is your store brand), why wouldn't you take it back?
Anyway, now I know to always get a gift receipt when giving a gift. =)

Last night, we were so tired, we were both asleep by 9ish. I woke up 3 times to go to the bathroom and never fell back asleep after 3. I just kept thinking of all we have to do before she arrives. I figured I'd make a list and then feel better. So here is my list, for our benefit (feel free to skip).

In no particular order:
Finish making/write out/send thank you cards
wash bedding/put on
buy a new vacuum (We bought one, but when we got it home it had already been used. We tried it anyway and it was not good. We need to take it back)
clean out cars
install car seat bases
put together bassinet
laundry...it's already never ending (Getting there, but I'm guessing this will never fully get crossed off the list)
buy cloth diapers (anyone selling any used?)(We bought 4 so far and we bought a couple packages of newborn disposables)
rearrange office
put all the gifts away
return gifts
try to figure out loss of pay for 3 weeks off (if anyone understands this, please message me. Payroll clerk told me what I make per day, but clearly, that is not what I bring home)
pay bills
buy a Boppy cover
investigate buying/renting breast pump
get pumping supplies
buy new checks with our new address (yes, we have been living here for almost a year now)
upload pictures to facebook
update blog with new bellyshot

I'm sure there is more to this list, but that is all I can think of right now. I'll be happy to see some things crossed off that list by this weekend. =) Oh, and it's the end of the trimester-so I have a ton of things to do for school as well! Eek. Deep breath.

32 weeks.
You know how you have those imaginary dates in your head..."well if I can just make it to x."
Today, X marks the spot. 32 weeks was a big one for me. I think from now until she is born, I will be living my life in 2 week waits. My next imaginary milestone is 34 weeks. Then 36. Then 38. Luckily, I have a lot going on. including a shower this weekend, weekly NSTs, bi-weekly ob-which will soon switch to weekly, and childbirth classes. Not to mention, the end of the card-making is approaching next week, so everything that comes with that at school as well. Oh, and IEPS. 'Tis the Season. Throw in a couple more snow days (and boy am I done with this snow!), and Nuggette will be here before we know it. I have full confidence she will come in perfect time (and without the induction!).

My work shower was on Friday and it was absolutely perfect. There were just the right amount of people (around 20) and some pretty awesome food. (including pickles and buckeyes!) Again, people were more than generous and we received our travel system. B and I were worried we were going to have to purchase it ourselves, since it was such a big ticket item, but we got it! BFF said they didn't have it in the color we registered for (green), so she got it in pink. =) If the store by our house doesn't have it in green either, than we will just keep the pink. It's cute! We received an abundance of clothes and blankets, and we actually received some diapers! (Not cloth, but that's ok...we will use the disposable ones too!) Handmade gifts are super special and one of my coworkers made a shelf for the nursery. It is already hanging up and you will be able to see it in the pictures below. I love it. Overall, it was a wonderful party. I am so grateful for my friends.

I'm starting to get a bit uncomfortable. This belly seems like it weighs a lot more than the weight I have gained. I'm pretty sure it's just the pressure on my insides.
I saw a picture of myself that was taken on Tuesday night. I'm large. We haven't taken a belly shot in a couple of weeks, so we will have to do one this week. She's definitely growing in there!
B is sick with some sort of upper respiratory cold. She can't breathe out of her nose, her body aches, she's tired, and she gets hot flashes. I hope she feels better soon (she's on day 3 or 4 of this), because I hate to see her so miserable. She went to work late yesterday and they sent her home early too.
Saturday is our hospital tour. If she is not better by then, I will reschedule. I don't want her to infect anyone else!
Tomorrow is my work shower. I'm so excited. =) My BFF told me there are close to 30 people coming! Wow. I wasn't expecting that! I'm glad it is at a co-workers house and more laid back. Everyone will be in Friday jeans and relaxed. The weather is supposed to be nice too, over 50 degrees!

I updated a couple of the tickers so they reflect the current induction date of April 18th. For those that would change the development, I left with the original due date. Now, when I look over to the right, I see an accurate countdown. =)

65 days OR LESS! before we meet our sweet baby girl.
I can't believe it.
Nursery is pretty much set up, her clothes and blankets/sheets are washed.
We do not have any bottles or diapers, but I am not too concerned about that, given we have two showers in the next 2 weeks. If we don't get any then, we will go out and buy some.
Our childbirth class starts in 3 weeks. It is 3 weeks long and is in our ob/gyn's office.
We had already picked a pediatrician, based on doctor and friend advice, but now we are rethinking our choice and have placed an inquiry at another practice. The other practice just seems like a better fit for our family. It's a few more miles away, but they seem to have an awesome staff and better hours. (Plus, you can email the doctors!)
We should probably schedule a hospital tour soon. Even though we have been there twice before to see a friend after she delivered her girls, it will still be good to go look around and see the nursery, nicu, etc.
We've had some major bills in the past month....new glasses, car repairs, prescriptions, HEAT (my goodness on that one!), so our flexibility with spending is not quite where we would like it to be. Luckily, it looks like in 2 weeks, we should be in the clear. We just need to make it 2 weeks. (and hope and pray that nothing else major comes up!) I was hoping to get a new outfit for the shower (and I think B should be able to get a new one too), but that would mean dipping a bit into the savings. I'm not sure about that. What do you guys think? It's not like it would be a lot...maybe $60 total? I can be persuaded either way. =)

Friends, it's B here. And I have a question for you.

Our due date is supposedly April 21st, right? We have been tracking weeks since practically before Nuggette was conceived, but now I'm thinking that we missed something along the way because yesterday marks 30 weeks. When I pull out my calendar and continue to count weeks, I show our due date as actually being April 7th.

Heh? I know I'm bad at math, but am I missing something here? Is this baby coming even sooner than we thought?

EDIT, 2 seconds later:
Friends, when you are counting weeks on a calendar, please make sure that if they filled in the next month's worth of days in the last week of the current month, you are not doubling up and counting that week twice. *facepalm*

Something about making it to 30 weeks makes me feel great.
Overall, I have loved every minute of being pregnant. People ask me all the time how I am feeling and the answer is usually an honest "Great!"
The last few days I've been pretty tired, and even took a 2 hour nap yesterday. I'm not sure if that is due to my schedule or this pregnancy, but if that is all I can complain about, I'll take it!
We are in the home stretch now and the websites say I should start to gain about a pound per week. So far, I have gained a total of 9 pounds this pregnancy. If I gain a pound a week until the end, that will put me at 18 pounds-ish. If it's more, no biggie. Whatever she needs to be healthy!
My card club friends threw me a surprise mini-shower. So amazing. We got lots of cute clothes and blankets. And gift cards. We are saving the gift cards until after our other showers to use them to fill in the holes.

So we have a tentative induction date.
Apparently, at our ob/gyn practice, if you have not delivered by 39 weeks, they induce you (if you have gestational diabetes). The PA told us today that it is in the best interest for mom and baby.
It was still a bit of a shock to us. Luckily, our lovely TTC/mommy community is surrounding us with positive induction stories. The main goal is a healthy baby, by whatever means necessary.
So I will be admitted on Sunday, April 17th in the evening and hopefully have Miss Nuggette the following Monday, April 18th. That is, unless, she chooses to come earlier on her own. On April 18th I will be 39w4d (I get the extra days because I want my last day of work to be Friday, April 15th and they don't do inductions on the weekend). So, it's pretty close to her actual due date, and who knows, she may choose to make an appearance even earlier.
Next regular doctor appointment is in 2 weeks and the appointment after that is our 35 week u/s. We finally get another peek at the little miss.

Happy 29 weeks to us!
77 days left.

A couple people have commented in the past week saying I "have popped." To me, it's still the same ole big belly. In fact, I had two people today tell me they didn't even know I was expecting. HUH? Just thought I was getting fat?

My work friends are planning a nice low-key work shower and my sister is working on our big shower. I am so blessed.

We have done oodles of itty bitty laundry over the past two days and its all folded and put away. We have folded baby clothes in a nursery with a crib, for OUR BABY. Who would have thought? This journey started in 2007, but in my heart, I have been planning for this moment since I was a wee girl.

I am loving every minute of it. Even the parts when my back hurts or I have to run to the bathroom lest I wet myself, or when I can't put on my socks and shoes without help.

I am blessed.
Thank you God.

New pics are up right over here. Enjoy!

We spent today getting the nursery ready. Before we moved to this house (about 7 months ago), we sold over $800 of our stuff. We got rid of sooooooooo much stuff. It felt wonderful. Somehow, we still have a lot.
Today we went through our books and found some to list on half.com. I am sharing the listing with you guys, in hopes you could pass it on to people that may be interested. I listed everything lower than the lowest listed price. We just want to get rid of it and make a couple bucks for some cloth diapers.
We also have a huge stack of books to donate to friends and our church.
I love getting rid of stuff!

I know y'all might think that you have some pretty awesome partners. However, I have to argue that mine is at the top of the awesome list.
You see, since Saturday night, I have been sick. The not fun kind of sick where it hurts to move and your nauseous and don't want to eat or drink and you just want to sleep all day. I tried to brave work yesterday. Bad idea. She ended up leaving her work, coming to pick me up at my work (total, about an hour out of her way) and then drove me right to the doctor. Doc said it was just a bug and I should start to feel better soon. I did get my Rho-gam shot while I was there and my bloodwork which will determine if I am becoming anemic. Lost another pound, but doc said it was to be expected given my condition.
B has pampered me like no tomorrow, and even though she got a little pushy with the water (doc said that if I didn't drink it I would have to be admitted for IV fluids), she did it all with love for me and Nuggette.
Thankfully, today, I feel human. I took the day off from work (which turned out to be an excellent idea because last night was by far, my worst night ever) and have been lounging around the house. I have already drank 32oz of water and had a bowl of oatmeal. I may even eat some lunch today. This bug was horrible. I am no longer nauseous, but now I have a sore throat. Last night, it hurt to breathe. I will take the tiredness and sore throat over what I was feeling the past few days. It was horrible. Horrible. Horrible.
Today, B is bringing home EIGHT bags of baby clothes from one of her coworkers. EIGHT GARBAGE BAGS. Everything from newborn to 2T. I can't believe people's generosity. I'm so excited to go through all of them. Now, we just need to find some room to store them!

We are now at 27 weeks. Third trimester. 3rd DUDES! Can it really be true?

98 days left in this pregnancy, give or take a few.
26 weeks along.
Wow.

Yesterday, my sister emailed me at work and asked what I was doing after school. Apparently, with the snow, my parents couldn't get out of the house for their podiatrist appointments. Mom was having a skin graft done (has to be done the day the graft is flown in) and Dad was having a re-check from his appointment on Monday.

I rushed there after school, shoveled a bit so mom could ride the scooter down the ramp and over to the car. Played the car shuffle. (They can't get into my van and the city had declared a snow emergency, so I could not park on the street.)

We finally got to the doctor at 5. I got the walker out of the trunk for my dad and sent him on his way inside. I went inside got the office's wheelchair and then brought mom in. We proceeded to wait in the waiting room for over an hour. All the while with my parents bickering like 5 year olds with each other.

After 6 I wheeled mom back and got her in the exam chair. Then I sat in the lobby with dad. Finally they called him back and then it was just me. I was getting hungry, but eh. I couldn't really leave.

After all was said and done, my mom received some good news. Her wound is healing nicely and she is off the wound vac until her next appointment at least.

Dad, however, has to get to the hospital. They didn't know if I was going to have to take him last night or if he could go in the morning. After I finally got them home, around 7:45ish, I did the car and parent shuffle, dad called the on-call cardiologist (who will have to admit him) and I made my mom some dinner.

I got them all settled and then headed home. Thank G for B, who had dinner waiting for me, which I finally was able to eat at 8:45. What a long day.

I have no idea how long my dad will be in the hospital and he has been the caretaker for my mom since she returned from the hospital. He has gangrene in his toe and it may need to be amputated if the cardio-vascular doc cannot get circulation to the infection. He had a PAD procedure done a week or two ago which was supposed to get rid of the 80% blockage in that leg...but I'm guessing it did not work. My guess is they will try some high dose antibiotic therapy and do something to help the blockage. (For a day or two). If that doesn't work, they will take the toe off. In the meantime, we have to figure out what to do with mom. She only has a nurse come to the house on MWF and he is only there for an hour or so.

She can't walk, but she can get around fairly well in the wheel chair. She can't get into the bathroom though, so she uses a commode in her bedroom. This may be a lonnnnnnnnng few weeks.

She's finally an eggplant! WOOT!
How amazing that each of us started as microscopic cells and we turn into walking, breathing, talking, thinking, humans. AMAZING.

I have a little cognitively impaired munchkin in my class this year. She is smaller than everyone else and she functions about like a 3 year old. (I teach 5th grade-10/11 year olds). Anyway, I have been spending a lot of one-on-one time with her lately because I have a student teacher in the afternoon. Since I have to be out of my classroom, I will go hang out in my bff (special ed teacher)'s room during her math class and then pull my munchkin during social studies time and hang out with her around the school. Yesterday, we were at a table and she says to me, "You have baby in your belly?" It was adorable. Typically she asks very simple questions or always on the same topic, "What's that?" "You be here tomorrow?" I told her yes and that was why I was so tired at the end of the day, since the baby takes my energy away. She looked at my stomach and said firmly to Nuggette: "Baby, you take nap!" LOL. Too cute!

Last night B and I watched Mr. Holland's Opus on tv. I hadn't seen that movie since I was in HS and way before I was ever a teacher. Cue the tears. Meanwhile, while Mommy was laying down watching the movie and crying, Miss Nuggette was going nutso. Dancy Dancerpants. Of course, after the movie, I could not get to sleep. Here's to 4 hours of sleep! (And I know in about 3 months, I will give anything for a stretch of sleep like that!)

You know what question I hate..."Is this your first?"
As my growing belly is noticeably pregnant, often times, the first question is:
When are you due?
Then comes: Do you know what you are having?
After that: Do you have a name picked out yet?
And then sometimes I get: "Is this your first?"
In the beginning, I would take the time to explain about Sprout, but now I just say "yes." It beats having to deal with awkward conversation. I know in my heart, sweet Nuggette is not our first, technically, so what does it really matter.
Do any of you have experience with this?