Flashback Friday- Baby Journey Part 1

When I was taking my graduate course one of my professors always said sometimes you need to take a step back in order to move forward. 

One of the reasons I stayed away from this blog was because I felt like I lost the chance to share. Time went by and retelling something that happened so long ago felt wrong. I even actually thought about starting a whole new blog.

After realizing this was completely insane, I decided this is MY place and this is who I am. I can do what ever I want with this. So, for a little while I am going to jump back into time on Fridays and share some of the things that have happened over the past year.

Baby Journey

Back in November 2014 I share our story of miscarriage. Unexpected pregnancy and with unexpected loss. You can read that post here.

In January 2015, I started to write the post below...

Oh the joys of baby making or lack there of. Since mid-November we have been on the roller coaster of dealing with a miscarriage. Getting pregnant naturally was unexpected but the miscarriage was shocking. Emotionally draining, I hoped this time having a planned D&C would make coping with everything easier. Unfortunately this was not the case.

The miscarriage ended up being a little worse then we originally thought, After the D&C, I went in for a post-op. Pieces of the placenta never naturally expelled. The doctor tried to take it out right there in the office but being pretty painful decided to give it another week. 

Another week went by. At this appointment, pieces were still in my uterus and at this point had to be removed to prevent infection and damage. The doctor numbed me up, dilated me, and tried again. This time a little more aggressively. Not fun at all!! He was able to get some more out and sent it to be tested.

About a week later, the beginning of December, I received a call from the nurse. The sample tested showed inflammation. This meant another D&C would have to be done. This surgery was so much more painful than the first.

I went for another post-op. During this visit the ultrasound showed the doctor was able to get everything. He said it was very difficult and was happy he had the ultrasound machine in the operation room. D&Cs are very hard on the uterus but having more than one only weeks apart is terrible. The concern is the build up of scar tissue which could make it hard to carry a baby in the future. The doctor decided to perform a hysteroscopy. This is a test where a scope is placed into the uterus to check out the lining. It can be slightly painful and since I have a pretty low pain tolerance we decided it would be done with some anesthesia. 

For about a month, I was on estrogen, antibiotic, then on the last week progesterone only.  

Post-Miscarriage..  

After the miscarriage, I went through pretty bad depression. I struggled to be in a place that was happy and content.  I struggled to be a good mom emotionally for Harper. Many nights I held her and just cried. It was so unfair to her. Their was also wall of tension between my husband and I that Nick was constantly trying to knock down.

At a certain point something shifted and I finally had control of my heart again. I can't really explained what happened but I was able to move forward. Nick and I decided to think about pregnancy again in the summer of 2015 and move on with the embryo transfer that we had planned on doing since the beginning. In the mean time, I decided to focus on myself, my husband, and my baby.

Miscarriage

I struggled with deciding if this was a post I needed to share. It captures nothing but real life heartbreak and grief. In the end, I decided I needed to do this for myself. If you have experienced anything like this hopefully you can relate to my experience.

October 11, 2014

Isn't life funny??? You can spend years trying to do something, get something, or be someone and the moment you throw your hands up and say "screw it, I just don't care"...it happens.

Ever since I had Harper my period cycles have been irregular. One month it would be 30 days and the next I'm waiting 34-36. The longer months play a trick on your mind. During these months you think...Am I pregnant?? It would never fail, on day 35, I would take a test and every month it would say NOT PREGNANT in huge letters. Disappointed??...no not really. Although Nick and I have been trying, we are SO happy and content with our little peanut. Things are awesome and our plan is to do a frozen transfer in June.

Well, here I am, in that longer month. I decided I am not going to let this long cycle play mind games with me. I took the test early, ready to see the NOT PREGNANT, and move on with my life. Woke up Saturday, about to get in the shower, and peed on the last test. The water wouldn't warm up so I took a look at the test....PREGNANT!! (OMG!) How did this happen? I mean I know how it happened. I guess I just didn't think it was possible. I picked up two more tests, of course, just to make sure and both came out in bright blue plus signs.

Nick and I are seriously shocked...cautiously optimistic...and a little nervous. We are planners and have had the luxury of doing a lot of planning when it came to the timing of our baby girl. This is very interesting; so, as I sit here writing I am still trying to wrap my head around it.

Nick and I decided to stay with our fertility specialist for the first trimester again since we aren't sure how things are going to go. We will be monitored a lot closer here with regular ultrasounds. My first appointment was on October 13th. They did a blood test. Beta levels were 314 (the nurse said this was perfect) and my progesterone was 29.

Next Appointment: October 22nd- bloodwork and ultrasound

Still can't believe this!!!

October 22, 2014

We had an ultrasound and blood test today. I am still very shocked about this pregnancy so I went into the ultrasound pretty much not knowing what I was going to see. The nurse said based on my last period my due date would be June 17th and put me at about 6 weeks.

The ultrasound didn't show much of the actual baby but we saw the sac in the correct place (in the uterus) and the yolk was also visible. The doctor said everything looked very earlier but right where things should be. My blood test number came back HCG 5236. Our nurse said this was great.

October 29, 2014

We had another ultrasound today. I told the doctor and nurse I didn't have any symptoms SO I was having a hard time believing that I was pregnant. Well, once the doctor started the ultrasound it wasn't too long before the doctor was saying,  "well, my dear....believe it!" There, on the screen, was a little blip. It was a heart beat. Still so tiny. The heartbeat was 119 which the doctor said was great. They usually look for over 100. I was originally thought to be 7 weeks but based on the size the doctor changed my progression to 6 weeks and made my new due date June 25th.

Everything looked excellent and the doctor said to come back in two weeks for another check. : )

November 12, 2014

We had another ultrasound today. The doctor came in, began the ultrasound, and on the screen I saw what looked like a blob. In my mind I stared thinking at what was suppose to be 8 weeks. It wasn't very developed. The doctor began to do some measurements and I stared hard looking for the little blip of a heartbeat. He measured the baby and it said 7 weeks 1 day. At that point I knew.

The doctor apologizes. "I'm sorry hun. There's no heartbeat." My hearts stops and nothing really holds back the tears. He says this is natures way of of taking care of something that is not developing properly. My mind filled with a million thoughts. One being...I can't believe this is happening again. Why would God do this to us??Another being...God blessed us with a perfect beautiful baby girl. That should be enough. And yet another...how do I apologize to my husband enough about this...feeling like this was all my fault.

We went to pre-admission and set up a D&E that would be completed the following day. We had a choice of waiting or having the procedure but I had already experienced my body taking care of a miscarriage the first time and it was the most physically and emotionally painful event of my life. We also decided to go with the procedure because we wanted to have testing done to see if there was a chromosomal abnormality that would be causing the miscarriage in a natural pregnancy. 

November 13, 2014

At 7:30 we went to the hospital. Got checked in. Went into surgery at 9:00.  And all was said and done by 9:05. ...that was the end. 

What I have learned about miscarriage is, if you have never experienced it, you never understand the true feeling. Sure, people think it's really sad...they try to comfort you...give you the "awwww" but it really sounds like a gentle "better luck next time" or "at least it was still early."

This is the truth and this is what I want the reader to understand. Miscarriage f-ing sucks. I am confused, sad, frustrated, disappointed, guilty, and frankly REALLY pissed. I just had the most amazing highs and joys of being pregnant and the excruciating pain of loss in a matter of weeks. It honestly feels like I lost a piece of myself. I feel empty. And in moments when the room is quiet, I start thinking about the future. What does this mean for our family?  

I have the most amazing little girl. She is our MIRACLE! I love her with every part of my being and I thank God every single day for her. Being a mother is everything to me and absolutely nothing has changed there. There is that question, which now hangs over my head,...will this be my only child?? Time will tell but when that choice to have children is not exactly in your hands and not something you can control it changes you. It makes you realize that you can't take the miracle of pregnancy for granted and frustrates you when people do. 

Nick and I have been blessed with many people in our lives that show us amazing support and we feel incredibly blessed. Without these friends and family...support system...the healing would be so much harder. For that we are GRATEFUL!

Day by day things will get easier. We are so thankful for all of our blessings and pray that we get answers very soon. 

Non- Stress Test

On Friday, February 14th I went to the hospital for a non-stress test and an amniotic fluid check. This is a standard procedure for the doctors office when a baby is overdue.

When I arrived I was taken back to a room with monitors and a reclining chair. The nurse got me comfortable, lifted up my shirt, and hooked me up to two monitors. One which monitored the baby's heart rate and another to monitor contractions. The nurse said the test could take a minimum of 20 minutes up to 1 hour. During this time they wanted to make sure the baby's heart rate stayed within the normal range but also went up and down appropriately. If I was to have any contractions they also wanted to make sure the baby's heart rate reacting the way it should as well. The non-stress test could not have gone any better. The baby passed with flying colors and so we only had to stay on the monitors for 20 minutes. During the 20 minutes I had 1 contraction.

After the non stress test, the nurse completed an ultrasound to measure my amniotic fluid. To do this they divide the belly up onto 4 quadrants and take measurements of the fluid. Then the computer calculates the fluid. They are looking for no less than 5 and no more that 25. I was at a 9 which she said was very good.

After she took all the measurements, she showed me the baby. This was not the best ultrasound machine I have every seen so it was hard to make out everything. I was able to see the top of her head which is sitting low and down. Her spine and heart beating. Then only quickly and faintly her arms and legs. She is currently laying in a fetal position, head down.

Overall, I felt really good when I left the office. Don't get me wrong, I wish she would have made her entrance into the world days ago but I think seeing her gave me that little lift I needed.

Now....we call on Monday at 3pm to see if our reservation for the induction is good to go!!

40 Weeks 6 days- Where's Baby???

February 8th past us quickly with no baby. We woke up Saturday and did our normal grocery shopping and cleaning around the house. Based on how I was feeling I was pretty sure this was not going to be the day we met our little girl.

So...we waited...February 9th....February 10th....February 11th and still no baby.

On the night of February 10th I woke up every hour with really strong braxton hicks. It felt as if my stomach was squeezing the baby out but not a real cramping feeling. On the 11th, I woke up to a little bit of cramping (very light) and lots of pressure down below. I also had a doctors appointment the afternoon of the 11th.

As I waited to go back, I started to get very uncomfortable pains in my stomach and for a split second thought I was experiencing contraction unfortunately they were not consistent. I went back and the nurse asked me how I was doing. I completely lost it. The stress of waiting, the cramping, the braxton hicks, the nasty people I had to deal with at the doctors office the week before and people constantly asking where she was was just too much. I was officially done being pregnant. The nurse took my blood pressure and it was really high. She decided to take it again a little bit later.

Thankfully, at this appointment, I was scheduled to see the nurse practicioner. She is so nice and knew exactly what to say to calm me down. My stomach is still measuring larger which is not surprise since I am late and I have beautiful stretch marks to prove it. I was still 1 cm. and 80% effaced. She did comment however that she is really low and wondered how i was still walking. She said this week would be the end and they wouldn't let me go past Monday, February 17th. I was then given a paper about induction. At the end of the appointment she checked my blood pressure again...it was still pretty high so she sent me up to the birthplace for an observation.

I had talked to Nick before my appointment and told him how I was feeling. Thinking this was going to be the day he left work and met me at the hospital. I was shocked when I called to tell him about the observation and he was already there. (This is just one of the many reasons I love him!!) So we met at the admissions office, checked in, and went up to the Birthplace.

The nurse had me change into a gown, give a urine sample, and asked a bunch of questions. I was hooked up to two monitors...one to monitor the baby's heartbeat and one to monitor me or my contractions. I also had my blood pressure taken every 15 minutes. This lasted two hours. At the end of the observation the doctor came in and told me my blood pressure was good and the baby looked great. She also informed me that I was actually experiencing some contractions. Once again these are not the contractions that count. She explained the contractions we are looking for are the ones that take your breath away. Basically what i have experienced half of my life during my periods. She also told me she wanted me to have a non-stress test done this week as well as an amniotic fluid check. After our little consult and signing some papers, I got dressed and Nick and I were on our way.

So....we waited some more....February 12th.....February 13th....and here I sit on February 14th officially 6 days late.

Today, I am going for my non-stress test and amniotic fluid test. If we don't have anything happened in the next 3 days, I will call the Birthplace to see if there is a bed available on Monday, February 17th at 3pm.

I am not completely clear on how this induction is going to work but this is what I do know...

• I am allowed a very bland diet before going in. (ie: toast, water, gingerale, crackers, etc.)
• I will call at 3pm and hopefully they have a bed. If they do I will get to the hospital around 4pm if not they will call me with another date.
• Once I am there, I will be given a drug called Cervidil which is something inserted into the vagina to start cervical ripening.
• It is hard to say how fast the process will be and can vary. Paperwork says it is not unusual for it to take more than one day to establish adequate labor.

Baby Wood Update- Weeks 38 & 39

39 WEEKS

I think my cold has gone away but my belly is still growing. The end of this pregnancy is no joke. I am really struggling at work and ended up taking two half days later in the week. Let's go BABY GIRL!!!

Total weight gain: 156 lb (gained 36 pounds)
Maternity clothes? Yes! - Most of my comfortable clothes are packed in my hospital bag which leaves with me with a total of 5 pants and 3 total shirts I actually fit into. My maternity clothes don't even look right anymore. 
Stretch marks? Well, the stretch marks are here to stay. I made it all the way through this pregnancy without anything on my belly and in the last few weeks now have these beautiful spider looking veins and both sides of my stomach.
Belly Button: Just a little bit.
Miss anything: Nothing really.        
Food cravings: Chocolate and fruit.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing...Feeling good.
Labor signs: Braxton Hicks & cramps here and there
Third Trimester Symptoms:  4th internal exam- I was still 1cm. dilated and 80% effaced. I met with the one doctor I do not mesh with. She is young and kills me when she does the exam. She also struggles to find the heartbeat every time. I had a few different questions at this particular appointment that I wanted answered. 

• How many people can come into the labor and delivery room? 2 people will be given wrist bands
• Does she seem big to you? Yes. An ultrasound would be able to give us more information but would not be 100% accurate. The ultrasound is up to us.
• Can I get a prescription for a breast pump? Yes
• Can I get a note for stop working as of 2/4? Yes (She ended up giving me a note for the 5th and 6th. When I called back for another doctors notes since the baby had not arrived she gave me a very hard time. She ended up refilling out the FMLA paperwork and I started FMLA as of Thursday even though the baby is not here yet.)

Wedding rings on/off: Off
Mood: Feeling good! Getting very excited!!
Best Part of the Week: Celebrated Nick's 35th birthday!!! It felt good spending some time together and getting to go out at least one last time.

Looking forward to: Meeting Little Miss Wood!!!

38 WEEKS

This week was absolutely the worst. It was the first week that I felt too pregnant. I also had to deal with a terrible nose cold. It has been the one and only time in the past nine months I have been sick. Since I didn't feel great, sadly I didn't take a picture. 

Total weight gain: I didn't weigh myself this week.
Maternity clothes? Yes! - I think I wore my maternity jeans for the last time this week. This belly has really grown.
Stretch marks? I am very nervous to admit it but I have light veins which have appeared on the left side of my belly button.
Belly Button: Just a little bit.
Miss anything: Anything with Caesar Dressing...wraps, salad, etc.        
Food cravings: Chocolate and fruit.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing...Feeling good.
Labor signs: Braxton Hicks.- contractions are getting stronger
Third Trimester Symptoms:  3rd internal exam- no progression 

• What can I do if I do not want the delivery doctor to us instruments such as forceps or vacuum? The doctor introduced us to the idea of scheduling a c-section. If we decided to do this they would schedule it for the week of Feb 3rd. Factoid: A c-section is safer for the baby and more invasive for the mother while a vaginal birth is more dangerous for the baby and safer for the mother. (Nick and I decided not to do this. First, Nick was very against doing an abdominal surgery that is not needed. Second, we were both on the fence of the possibility of regretting not having a vaginal birth. I am still against using the instruments and have since decided to write a birth plan of what I want and don't want during the delivery.)

Wedding rings on/off: Off
Mood: Ugh!
Best Part of the Week: Celebrated Nick's 35th birthday!!! It felt good spending some time together and getting to go out at least one last time.

Looking forward to: Meeting Little Miss Wood!!!

Baby Wood Update- Week 37

Hello Full Term!!!!!

Total weight gain: 152 lbs.- no weight gain this week (Total of 32lbs) 
Maternity clothes? Yes! - but hardly. My favorite maternity jeans are becoming tighter and tighter and my belly is popping out of most of my shirts.
Stretch marks? Pinkish-Purple line above my belly button
Belly Button: I have a little bump on my belly button.
Miss anything: Nothing this week.          
Food cravings: Chocolate and fruit.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing...Feeling good.
Labor signs: Braxton Hicks.- contractions are getting stronger
Third Trimester Symptoms:

• 2nd internal exam- Still 1 cm. & slightly effaced...doctor said 25%, I believe I lost my mucus plug. 
• Nesting has completely set in. I have been cleaning like crazy!! 
• Baby has been very active and due to the lack of area available kicks are stronger. She feels like she is moving my whole mid section.
• The nursery is coming together, the carseats are installed, bags are just about packed, and maternity plans are set at work!!

Wedding rings on/off: Off
Mood: Feeling good! Getting very excited!!

Looking forward to: (A.) Meeting Little Miss Wood!!!

Just for fun Nick and I decided to take some belly pics.

Striking a Pose!!!- That is terrible!

Maternity Pictures

Over Christmas break, Nick and I had professional maternity pictures done. It was a great experience and I am so happy we did. Here are some of the pictures which I LOVE...

Baby Wood Update- Week 36

Total weight gain: 152 lbs. (Total of 32lbs) 
Maternity clothes? Yes! 
Stretch marks? Pinkish-Purple line above my belly button
Belly Button: My belly really popped this week. I woke up one morning and felt a little bump where my belly button is. It's not really popping out but there is a little bump.
Sleep: Sleeping with lots of pillows but sleeping. 
Miss anything: Nothing this week.         
Food cravings: Still craving fruit. I would love some watermelon!!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing...Feeling good.- Heartburn. Spicy food sends me over the edge. 
Labor signs: Braxton Hicks.- They are getting to be more frequent and stronger.
Third Trimester Symptoms: I had my first internal exam. I am a "loose" 1 cm but my cervix has not changed. She said it is still thick. The doctor also said that the baby is head down. A few people who have seen me make the comment that I have not dropped. Honestly I have no idea. I feel like I am lower but I don't fully understand what "dropping" would look like on me.
Wedding rings on/off: Off. My fingers are swollen.
Mood: Tired but feeling pretty good. 
Special Moment this Week: My kids at school had a little shower for me and so did my coworkers. My classroom shower was a surprise and held in the cafeteria. I was completely surprised. We had cake, pretzels, and chips. The kids showered me with the cutest outfits and an amazing gift card to Babies R Us.  
My friend Megan hosted my shower for work. They completely out did themselves. Lots of food and we were showered with books, onesies, and a fabulous gift card for new born pictures. It was an amazing week!!!

Looking forward to: (A.) Preparing for this little girl!!!!- cleaning the house, working on the nursery, and picking up a few last minute things. IT'S ALMOST TIME!!!! 

Baby Wood Update- Week 35

Total weight gain: 150 lbs. (Total of 30lbs) 
Maternity clothes? Yes! 
Stretch marks? Pinkish-Purple line above my belly button
Belly Button: Somedays it seems like my belly button wants to pop out a little bit but nothing serious 
Sleep: Sleeping with lots of pillows but sleeping. Around 12 o'clock I get really tired. It doesn't matter if I am at home or at work I could sleep standing up. For the first time in this pregnancy I have been napping. Only 20 minutes but it's still out of the norm for me.
Miss anything: Nothing this week.- Since I am coming to the end of the pregnancy I have treated myself to a couple cravings...chicken caesar wrap, some cookie dough, and a turkey club.          
Food cravings: Fruit. It's hard with nothing good being in season. I am getting pretty sick of the standard apples and bananas so I bought some clementines and strawberries this week.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing...Feeling good.
Labor signs: Braxton Hicks.
Third Trimester Symptoms: Swelling hasn't been as bad this week. I had a doctors appt this week....my last external exam. She felt around and guessed that the baby was head down. I feel a lot fo kicks up towards my rib cage and pressure toward my bottom.
Wedding rings on/off: Off most of the time...unless there is a special occasion I need to squeeze them back on.
Mood: Tired but feeling pretty good. 

Looking forward to: (A.) Finishing the nursery (B.) Meeting my Baby Girl!!!!!

Baby Wood Update- Week 33

Wow!! Talk about dropping the ball. For some reason I have been having the worst time keeping this dang blog updated. Life is cray-cray as always....between the holidays and little baby Wood I am lucky I can function.

FIRST....Happy 100th Post!!! This blog has been such a wonderful outlet for me. Not many people even read it today but maybe someday it will be that little found treasure for someone.With that being said and a new year right around the corner I have some plans for this little adventure. Maybe a new look...new focus....but definitely a bunch of posts involving being a mommy.

Now...big news....my belly is STILL growing. People have starting making comments that it looks like I am going to POP. I am continuing to take pictures but mostly because I don't want to regret not doing so in the future. Please forgive my face. My cheeks are changing and it's changing my smile. : (

Total weight gain: 149 lbs. (Total of 29lbs) I went to the doctors on Tuesday and the nurse weighed me in at 152lb. I refuse to believe it because it was taken at the end of the day.
Maternity clothes? Yes! I try to squeeze into some of my bigger pre-pregnancy clothes but it truly is a lost cause. Love...anything stretchy and Nick's sweats and tees.
Stretch marks? Pinkish-Purple line above my belly button
Belly Button: Somedays it seems like my belly button wants to pop out a little bit but nothing serious 
Sleep: Sleeping with lots of pillows but sleeping. I was so nervous for weeks trying to sleep on my side and not understanding why people said they couldn't sleep on their backs. This past week sleeping on my back is a NO-GO! It seriously hurts and makes it hard to breath. Needless to say...I get it now!!
Miss anything: Nothing this week.
Food cravings: Nothing major.- With the holidays and winter break I have seriously eaten everything in sight!!!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing...Feeling good.
Labor signs: Braxton Hicks...Had slight cramping so the doctor did an internal exam. Everything was fine and my cervix was closed.
Third Trimester Symptoms: Pressure has been increasing. Baby W is moving around A LOT. Somedays I feel like I am going to watch a legs come right out of me she kicks so hard. I have also starting swelling. My hands are slightly but I see a major difference in my ankles and feet at the end of the day.
Wedding rings on/off: Off most of the time...unless there is a special occasion I need to squeeze them back on.
Mood: Tired but feeling pretty good. 

Looking forward to: (A.) Finishing the nursery (B.) Maternity pictures (C.) Meeting this little girl!!

Baby Wood Update- Week 31 & 32

Week 32

Wow...Crazy week!! The snow season has hit the northeast. Nick and I have been really busy getting the house in order. More on that very soon. We are also counting down the days to Christmas. So EXCITED!!!

Total weight gain: I weighed myself Saturday morning....it said 148!! Each and everyday I am getting bigger and bigger. (Gained 28lbs)
Maternity clothes? Yes. So...my maternity clothes and the regular clothes I could stretch are getting smaller and smaller. I wear leggings everyday and a pair of Nick's pants and sweatshirt as soon as I get home.
Stretch marks? There is a dark pink/purple line above my belly button that decided to make an appearance this week.
Belly Button: I looked in the mirror the other day and my belly button was poking out a little bit. 
Sleep: Sleeping with lots of pillows but sleeping. 
Miss anything: Nothing this week.
Food cravings: Nothing major. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing...Feeling good.
Labor signs: Braxton Hicks
Third Trimester Symptoms: Besides getting bigger and bigger...I have started feeling pressure down low. I lose my breath quickly which was quite exciting when I had talk to parents over and over again at conferences. I also have this irritation on my skin on top of my belly. It feels like sunburn. Ouch!! 
Wedding rings on/off: On- Not experiencing any swelling at this point.
Mood: Tired but feeling pretty good. 

Looking forward to: (A.) Finishing the nursery (B.) Meeting this little girl!!

Week 31

This has been a pretty slow week but the weekends are filled with lots of baby preparations. This week we went to a friend's wedding so instead of a chalkboard I just took a picture all dressed up.  

Total weight gain: 146lb (gained 26l bs)
Maternity clothes? Yes!
Stretch marks? Nothing yet.
Belly Button: Still flat.
Sleep: Sleeping with lots of pillows but sleeping. 
Miss anything: Nothing this week.
Food cravings: Nothing major. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing...Feeling good.
Labor signs: Braxton Hicks 
Third Trimester Symptoms: Oh my!!! Gaining lots of weight and getting BIG!
Wedding rings on/off: On- Not experiencing any swelling at this point.
Mood: Tired but feeling pretty good. 
Looking forward to: (A.) Finishing the nursery (B.) Meeting this little girl!!

Baby Wood Update- Week 30

Total weight gain: I ate way too much this weekend! I didn't even attempt to weigh myself.
Maternity clothes? Yes. I love maternity pants and leggings but I really starting to get into dressing only for comfort. I wear leggings pretty much everyday which means with only 3 pair I do extra laundry during the week. I've also had some issues with the band of the leggings and pants irritating the top of my stomach so I now have to fold it down. 
       I finally bought a nursing bra from Target. Seems like it would be comfortable. I bought the next size up 36-D but seems a little snug around the body so I think I might get another in 38-D. 
Stretch marks? Nothing yet.
Belly Button: Still flat.
Sleep: Sleeping with lots of pillows but sleeping. 
Miss anything: Nothing this week.
Food cravings: Nothing major. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing...Feeling good.
Labor signs: Braxton Hicks 
Third Trimester Symptoms: Besides all of the other symptoms I have mentioned the past few weeks... I started to have a pain in my groin area every time I stand up. Seriously makes me walk like a penguin.
Wedding rings on/off: On- Not experiencing any swelling at this point.
Mood: Tired but feeling pretty good. 
Looking forward to: (A.) Finishing the nursery (B.) Meeting this little girl!!

Baby Wood Update- Week 29

I went for my three hour glucose test this week. It wasn't horrible but it wasn't a pleasant experience. I fasted from the night before and didn't have my appointment until 11am the next day. Needless to say me and baby were staring!!! When I arrived they took a fasting blood sample then I drank 100 fl. oz. of this sugary substance that tasted like fruit punch. From there on I had a blood sample taken every hour for three hours. By the 4th sample of blood, I was dehydrated and starving. The lady had a hard time getting my blood to come out so there was a lot of flicking the vile. Ugh!! That was not fun! I finally left the lab around 2:00 and drove straight to WAWA and had the most delicious chicken salad sandwich. The next day I heard back from the doctor. My test showed that everything was good and I was in the clear. NO DIABETES!!! Thank the Lord! Now I am ready to stuff my face on Thanksgiving!!! Gobble! Gobble!

Please excuse the no makeup and lack of creativity on the chalkboard. I was beat this weekend. 

Total weight gain: 142 lbs (gained 22lbs)
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? Not that I can see.
Belly Button: Still flat.
Sleep: As long as I have my pillows I am good to go.
Miss anything: Not really.
Food cravings: Nothing major. Can't wait for Thanksgiving dinner!!!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing...Feeling good.
Labor signs: Braxton Hicks
Third Trimester Symptoms: Tired...it's really hard to find the energy to do anything once I get home from work.
Wedding rings on/off: On- Not experiencing any swelling at this point.
Mood: Tired but feeling pretty good. 
Looking forward to: (A.) finishing the nursery (B.) meeting this baby girl

Baby Wood Update- Week 28

Oh my goodness....week 28 & officially in Trimester 3!! The home stretch!! I can't believe it. I am feeling good. This week I got the results back on my Glucose Screening. 

I failed.

Bummer. Apparently this happens a lot with this test. I believe it's because they do not require you to fast like the 3-hour test. 135 is the usual but my number was 163. On the morning of the test I had a bagel. A bagel has the amount of carbs someone should have in a week. Nice to know now. 

It turns out that I am also a little anemic. I have started an iron supplement which I take every other day. With the glucose, I am doing the three-hour Glucose Test and crossing my fingers everything comes back looking good.

Total weight gain: 141 lbs (gained 21lbs)
Maternity clothes? Yes.- Next thing on my list are some nursing bras and maternity pjs. 
Stretch marks? There is a little spot above my belly button that is turning a light purple...but nothing major.
Belly Button: Still flat.
Sleep: Sleeping with 4 different pillows and my pregnancy pillow. I start sleeping sitting up and try to elevate my bottom. I have been ready for bed my 8:30 and I am not alone. Nick is taking total advantage of going to bed early. : )
Miss anything: Caesar salad!!! Now...with the results of the glucose I have stopped my little Dunkin Donut addiction.- Missing my bagel and iced tea in the morning!!!
Food cravings: Nothing major. Can't wait for Thanksgiving dinner. Anything with mashed potatoes is delish.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing...Feeling good.
Labor signs: Nothing major. Doctor said it does sound like I am experiencing some Braxton Hicks. She said to pay attention to them because it is way too early for baby. She also said to make sure I am getting enough to drink. Apparently, at this point the baby can roll into a ball which could cause this type of contraction. 
Third Trimester Symptoms: (I am starting this new section because I feel like everyone talks about the symptoms in the first trimester and how the second trimester is wonderful but I never hear anything about the third trimester. Here is some of the "amazing" symptoms I am experiencing...please tell me I am not the only one.)  "Snissing" - oh yes ladies...peeing while sneezing, shortness of breath walking up stairs, the inability to shave anything below the belly button, and of course feeling TIRED!!!
Wedding rings on/off: On- Not experiencing any swelling at this point.
Mood: Tired but feeling pretty good. 
Looking forward to: (A.) Baby shower on November 17th (B.) Finishing the Nursery (C.) Meeting my Baby Girl!!!
Fun Facts:

• Baby Wood is the size of an eggplant.
• She is about 13.6 to 14.8 inches long and 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.
• She is starting to develop more fat.
• Her lungs are mature enough that she's probably survive if she was born now.

Baby Wood Update- Week 27

Total weight gain: 139 lbs (gained 19lbs)
Maternity clothes? Yes.- I think I might need a new winter coat before this pregnancy is over. The weather is changing and I don't have a nice looking coat that fits my belly.
Stretch marks? There is a little spot above my belly button that is turning a light purple...but nothing major.
Belly Button: My belly button is completely flat.
Sleep: Sleeping with lots of pillows and always start in a sitting up position. I have a terrible time sleeping on my side but I've really been working on sleeping on the left side. Thankfully the pregnancy pillow I bought acts as a nice wedge to prevent me from laying flat on my back. 
Miss anything: Caesar salad
Food cravings: Everything is pretty much the same week after week. I am loving sweets.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing...Feeling good.
Labor signs: NO!!- Wondering if I am experiencing Braxton Hicks. There is no pain but my belly will tighten up from time to time.
Wedding rings on/off: On
Mood: Tired but feeling pretty good. I am sure others may have a different opinion.
Looking forward to: (A.) Baby shower on November 17th (B.) Finishing the Nursery (C.) Meeting my Baby Girl!!!
Fun Facts:

• Baby Wood is the size of a rutabaga.
• She is about 13.6-14.8 inches long and about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.
• She is practicing inhaling and exhaling with her rapidly developing lungs.
• Baby has brain activity!!!

Baby Wood Update- Week 26

In a little less than 100 days we will be meeting our baby girl!!!! <3

Nick has been working like crazy on the Nursery. It is coming along and hopefully I will have some pictures to share in the upcoming weeks. Since we are working on the nursery, I've been forced to look for a new place to do my weekly pictures. This week we took a quick shot in the living room at night which didn't amount to very good light. Apologies to all the photographers out there. 

This week was absolutely crazy. I spent way too many hours at work making me extremely drained and tired. The best part of this week was my doctors appointment on Tuesday. Our little girl was a ball of energy. She moved all around as the doctor tried to get the heartbeat. 152 bpm...like a little rock star!!

Total weight gain: 138 lbs (gained 18lbs)
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? There is a little spot above my belly button that is turning a light purple...but nothing major.
Belly Button: My belly button is completely flat.
Sleep: Sleeping with lots of pillows always starting in a sitting up position.
Miss anything: Caesar salad
Food cravings: I've craved lots of sweets during pregnancy, with each week being something new, but I was trying to think of the one thing that seemed to be a constant. PUDDING. Chocolate and Vanilla. Love it.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing...Feeling good.
Labor signs: NO!!
Wedding rings on/off: On
Mood: Ugh! Getting tired and irritable. 
Looking forward to: Baby shower on November 17th...Finishing the Nursery