Baby Bump Series: Week 36

Let the countdown begin...

Everyone at work has be asking me, "how many more days?, how many more weeks?" I've been answering with, "I don't know, I'm not counting."

Well, now I think it's ok that i start counting. I didn't want to be counting down the days when there were so many still left to go; but now that we are into the last month until the due date I'll allow myself some increased anticipation.

This past Monday we had our first of the weekly OB appointments. I was told that I was a "finger tip" dilated. I had to bring myself back to reality because that is only between 0-1cm dilated. I potentially could be that way for another few weeks... But I still can't help to get excited with the little bit of change that was noticed.
I was told by the OB, "just try and keep him in there for another week and a half so he's full term."

10/28/11 We have plans to attend Chase and Dani's wedding. Nick is one of the groomsmen. I want to go. So anytime after Friday, I am ready for baby to arrive :-)   (I know, I know...it is what it is, and what is meant to be will be)

So, since my appointment on Monday, I have been having more pelvic pressure, more braxton hicks contractions, AND I am running to the bathroom what seems like every 30 minutes. I also have been having weird shooting sensations of numbness that starts in my groin and runs down to my knee, lasting 30-60 seconds. (either left or right side, but not yet both at the same time).

Wednesday is or next OB appointment and marks 37 weeks.

Baby Bump Series: Week 34 & 35

We're down to the home stretch. Hard to believe that about 4 weeks from now, we will be holding our baby boy.

Material/supply wise; we are prepared. The house is ready, the baby room is ready. All clothes, blankets, etc have been washed and folded and given a home.

Mentally, Nick is ready. I am ready for the 'after hospital' experience. It is the laboring and delivery that I can't seem to get passed at the moment. It's the fear of the unknown, I guess, of the labor. I'd really like to go without an epidural. I'm well aware that I may change my mind, but at the moment, my fear of the needle in my back is greater than my fear of the laboring pain.

Over the past week, week 35, I've been experiencing an increased sensation of pelvic pressure. My hips are sore. My thighs are sore. I've also been having an increased amount of Braxton Hicks contractions. Once I find a comfortable position in bed with my body pillow, sleep is pretty good. Rolling from side to side can cause some discomfort. I can tell that baby Hinman has very little room to move around at this point.

This Monday starts our first of the weekly OB appointments.

Baby Shower 9.25.11

Thank you everyone for making it such a fun and memorable day! Your time and thoughts are appreciated!


(please excuse the teeny video. i couldnt seem to make it bigger, so i gave up )
-click on the lower right side for full screen viewing.

Baby Bump Series: Week 31, 32 & 33

The past three weeks have been rather busy... as you can see I'm a week behind on my blog posts.

Here's what we've been up to:
-Started and completed our 3 week course of birthing classes
-Took a trip to the Poconos to visit some family one last time before baby arrives
-Washing, folding, and re-organizing baby clothes, drawers and the closet
-A girl's weekend with some friends that ultimately led to my surprise baby shower :-) --pics to come

I'd like to say that I still feel rather energetic. Some days are more easily tiring than others, but we all experience that regardless of pregnancy.

This past Thursday, I had two meetings in center city, so I took the train out and spent the whole day there, doing some walking around and met my sister for lunch. By the time I got home I felt like I had walked a marathon and my ankles were a little puffy.

Baby Hinman continues to be quite active, although some of his acrobatics have slowed down. He must be running out of room. It's funny, sometimes I try to get him to move if he's been still for a while. I try to bounce him or nudge him, yet he doesn't respond as well as he does to Nick. All Nick has to do is simply place his hand on my belly and say baby's name and there is immediate response.

*My most recent tactic to get him to move: while relaxing on the couch I'll place my cold bowl of ice cream on my belly (now used as a lap tray)= instant movement.