Planning Ahead

Seems that Avery is a bit like me - she likes to plan ahead, like -- way -- ahead.  She has been mentioning that she will turn 4 at her next birthday as of late.  Yesterday it shifted and she said she wanted a reeeeeally big cake for her birthday, one with monster trucks.  She also indicated that I will make it, but she will help.

Bathroom Safety

I picked up our first toilet seat lock from resale - it was a style I had looked at on Amazon, but couldn't decide.  I figured for $2.50 (instead of $7) it was worth giving one a try.  We decided to put it in downstairs in the half bath, but obviously have plans to procure for the other bathrooms too - once we know if this is a design we want to stick with.

Now that it is in place I hope one of my next posts isn't about me wetting myself because I failed to get into the lock fast enough after returning home.  It's hard to use public facilities w/ the little one in tow - and sometimes you get home REALLY needing to go!

Crawling Pro

It is safe to say that Avery is now a pro at crawling.  She was headed into the computer room earlier tonight and towards the kitchen and hall.  Go go go.  Then up up up as she pulls up constantly to standing.  I guess the one good thing is that we'll soon be done with a few larger items that are hogging up space in the living room (the swing and the exersaucer), but I'm not ready as it's just another sign that she's getting so big!  In the mean time, I snapped the exersaucer up to the last/tallest setting.

We are once again snotty all of a sudden.  Teeth?  Is that you?

Since my last report, Avery has added spinach, pineapple, and beets to her list.  Beets were way too fun, talk about Halloween in June - from the first bite she looked like a little vampire and quickly looked like a freshly fed zombie.

I also discovered another baby-proofing item that I didn't know existed - power strip safety covers that.  I ordered a couple of those and I plan on lifting some of the wires that run in front of my fireplace (since it isn't an option to get conduit run to hide them more eloquently at this time).  I also ordered some little stoppers that prevent the doors from closing onto little fingers.

Starting Christmas Memories Now

We purchased the artificial Christmas tree that Avery will grow up with!  I guess in my head I someday see her looking at the tree, rolling her eyes, and asking if we can get a real one or a new one.  Then someday years later wanting to have the tree because it's the one she knew all those years.  Maybe I'm too nostalgic and sentimental.  I also have a tree skirt and new personalized stockings on the way.

I'm really hoping the stockings get here this week.  We have her Christmas photos on Saturday, I'd love (if she fits) to put her in her stocking for one of them.  Once I get those done it'll be rush rush rush to print photos and stuff them in family Christmas cards so those can go out.

A few other things of note:  we are now making more tones when we coo.  She also has a much more robust and angry cry she deploys at points.  Wheew.  Yesterday was rough until she crashed out for an afternoon nap.  On Saturday, as we sat on the bed for a little while I turned on Alton Brown.  She immediately craned her head to try and look at the TV.  When I turned her body so she could see the TV she stared intently with a big smile on her face.  I think we might have a foodie on our hands.  At least she has good taste!  She also watches us a little differently than she did when we are eating in front of her.  I think she'll be wanting what we have pretty fast.

Baby's on fire!

Two nights ago I got the 0-6 month pacifiers sterilized and ready to go.  I know some say to not introduce the paci until you've got breastfeeding established, but I wanted to have them ready in case they are what I need to soothe... plus there is those that say using a paci helps prevent SIDS.  I was not ready to tackle all of the bottles however as more reading materials say to wait a while on those.  One thing at a time I guess.

Yesterday I had a weekly appointment.  My doula was to attend.  I hate to admit it, but I anticipated it would not happen.  Still when I got the text she wasn't coming it put me in tears.  I had to tell her we need to sever the contract, and I talked to one of the leads for their group.  She is going to see what other doula options I have, but I still don't think there is much time to build that relationship.  I'm so torn.  For the past few months I didn't think this was going to be something we were going to do alone, but I sure don't want it with a stranger either.

Last week's doctor's appointment had a slight dip down in heart rate to the 140s, but we were back in the 150s yesterday.  My group b strep results also came back negative, so yay!  No need for antibiotics in labor, which means I might be able to get them to just do a hep-lock instead of needing to drag the IV around while I labor.

Baby also had her first concert this evening!  I couldn't resist the desire to go see Die Antwoord (hence this post title).  A friend from out of town decided to join me and we headed in on the T (how incredibly convenient).  It was nice to realize there are general admission seats upstairs, which is where I ended up staying the whole time, so I still feel a-okay today, despite a little swelling my ankles had from sitting there for hours.

By the way how are we down to 19 days and counting until my due date?

First weekly appointment

We're to the weekly appointments, today being the first at 36w.  Today we did a group b strep swab, which I'll find out the results to next week.  The doctor also went through their recommendations for when to call etc etc.  The little one's heart rate remains nice and strong in the 140s.

One more boring visit and then in two weeks we start checking effacement, dilation, and station!

Last night I tried to pull everything from the Saturday shower out of the bags and get things into piles that will be easier to show to my guy.  From there we can make decisions on what is going to try and get returned if in a size we have too much of or duplicates of and then move on to washing and putting away.

He did get the car seat bases installed, but the one in my car feels awfully loose.  I've been watching some additional videos and will play around with it a bit before I make an appointment to get it inspected at the local fire station.

The countdown is on

A couple of days ago it settled in that we had one month left, oh man... and now today, it's August, the actual month she is due in (even though chances may be good she'll wait til September).  I feel like there is a giant countdown clock that just lit up.

My weight did start to go up again, so that tick downward might have been water, or it could be because of the cooking.  With my sister visiting she took to the store to gather more supplies and got cooking yesterday while I finished up my work afternoon.  I joined her after work and all in all we ended up with:  kale lasagna roll ups, squash casserole, crispy chicken and rice casserole, chicken and cauliflower casserole (a la Slippy's recipe modified from broccoli), "incredible" chicken, a tray of honey lime chicken enchiladas that are amazing(!), and two loaves of banana bread following the recipe I pulled together a few weeks ago.  We were so whooped last night.

Once again overwhelmed

My guy's Mom and sister put on quite the over the top to do/tea time/shower for us this weekend.  It was crazy to see how many people were there and how she converted her whole downstairs to put the focus on us.  Every detail was attended to.  The food and drink was amazing, the decorating touches were beyond, her fine china was out for tea, everyone was all there in one room!

It rained pretty hard leading into the weekend and was steady on our drive their way, but things cleared and the sun prevailed - making it an even more lovely day.  We came home with another very full vehicle - making our previous stockpile of diapers look tiny.  There is another mound of goodies to be sorted through upstairs in the baby's room awaiting my attention.

More from the registry completion order has also arrived, so with a quick load of laundry now the pack and play with its new mattress is also ready for action in the living room.  I was able to complete one set of thank you cards for my side of the family this morning, which are now ready to go in the mailbox.  Also off of the list this weekend is getting the car seat bases installed, now I need to stop in and get mine inspected.  I'm hoping these few things being off of the list will give me rest tonight.  I was once again restless last night from all of the excitement and new additions to the list.

Trying to wrap things up and unwrapping more gifts

I did not get the items cleaned that I had hoped this past weekend, but I did get the cover off of the swing ready for the washer and the rest ready for a scrub down.

The gifts from the second shower that took place a few weekends ago were delivered to me on Sunday - so we sat down tonight and opened gifts.  I am pretty surprised by how many little outfits are totally my taste and something I would have picked out.  They also wrote on notecards name suggestions - many focused on rehashing my mother or grandmother's name.  I have videos to watch from their gathering still so there may be some more suggestions on there.  Best gift?  Sorry I have to give it - hands down - to the little bench Uncle Ronnie made for us.  I had one he made for me when I was little.  I sat in front of the tv with that thing propped in front of me for much of my younger years... and I probably ate a ton of peanut butter sammies on it.  To see it brought a huge smile to my face and a tear to my eye.

Side note there is officially nothing left of my belly button.  It is no longer concave in any capacity.  Looking at it straight on it looks a little like a sideways pig nose (two little divots).

I also finally caved and made a call to the nurse line today.  My weight gain has slowed...and even comparing to last Monday - I lost two pounds.  Sure, my ankles aren't as swollen, but after reading those other articles I just had a moment and wanted to hear some reassurance from the doctor's office that I shouldn't worry as long as I continue to feel her moving at a normal pace.  Believe me, not gaining more weight is NOT something I intend to complain about.

Go go go!

I headed out early today and used the completion discount at Target to get a few more items from that list.  I also found a cute little sleeper w/ hedgies on it that I couldn't resist and a clearanced soft white dress that is perfect for her baptism.  I also stopped for a pedi.  Getting the foot and calf rub was so nice.  I'm hoping the pretty purple polish lasts until we're ready for kiddo to come.

Now it's time to do some prep work - yay for weekends.  Today I made a batch of stuffed shells (with kale), a chicken broccoli casserole, and pasta sauce - with meatballs - to freeze.  I'm also making a batch of stuffed peppers (fresh goodies from the farm basket) for dinner, but the leftovers are intended for the freezer.  My hope is that my stamina will hold and I can get all of the dishes dealt with this evening.

Tomorrow I'm making a pork roast in the slower cooker... that however will be tomorrow's eats and leftovers for early in the week. I do have a few used items I wanted to get cleaned up this weekend (the bottom of the pack n play - I did clean the other parts, the ones that were submersible the week before last, but I don't know if I mentioned that here - and the swing).  I am also expecting the mattress tomorrow, so maybe I can wipe that off and get the crib made.

A few more boxes checked

The mattress (and a bunch of other items) are ordered from the Amazon completion discount and on the way.  It will be nice to get the crib made up and ready to go!

I also purchased a few things to prep some meals to put in the freezer this weekend.  Fingers crossed that the freezer in the basement is still up for the task.

I think the next time Daddy is here I'll have him put the car seat in my car so I can go get it checked.  Everything I read sounds like every seat protector does damage and/or is a problem to use with the car seat.

Mentally I don't think I'll go early, but I did just read an article on early signs of labor which has me thinking.  So I guess it's good if I get a little nesting in over the next week.

1).  Baby drops:  head down at least... perhaps not 'dropped' but it's possible.
2).  Cervix dilates:  haven't been checked - dunno.
3).  More cramps and back pain:  I've had some cramps in the front low and pains in my back sleeping - which compared to earlier one when I felt none.
4).  Joints feel looser:  I can't check this one, but I am needing to move a bit slower after I roll out of bed.
5).  Diarrhea:  It's definitely been looser, but not diarrhea.
6).  Stop gaining weight:  Well, it's been a few weeks since I've had a major leap.  I guess I attributed that to the swelling and water gain that then passed, but I'm swelling again and still not up more than a half a pound.
7).  Extra tired:  Check, but this is probably because I'm not sleeping as well in the first place.
8).  Discharge changes:  Nope, not this one.
9).  Stronger/More frequent contractions:  I haven't had any braxton hicks to my awareness, so... saying no here doesn't really sway me either way.
10).  Water breaks:  Definitely not yet... who needs this on a list to tell them it's coming soon?

Overwhelmed with love and hyper stimulated

Yesterday not just one, but TWO showers were held for our little girl.  We drove back to Johnstown to attend the one thrown by friends as it was on the schedule earlier and another was underway with my aunts another hour away.  They videotaped the second one, so I will at least get to enjoy watching - and I'll have that tape to rewatch even after my memories start to fade thanks to baby brain.  The day would have been beyond perfect if only I could have been at two places at once.

I can't believe how many people came in to share the afternoon with me.  I'm so blessed.  It was good to see everyone, it feels like it has been forever since I've seen some of them.  The food was good, the cake even better!  We left with a full SUV and now the floor in the baby's room is full again.  *smacks forehead*  I thought I had that room mostly in order, what a fool I am... and to think I probably have another full sized load coming from the second gathering too!  If that doesn't inspire you to hustle and nest I don't know what will.

There is one more shower on the horizon with his side of the family.  I'm so incredibly overwhelmed with the outpouring thus far, to think there is more coming our way?!  This little girl is beyond loved.  I pray we are able to convey to her just how much.

Putting me as the center of attention tends to get me all riled up.  As such I was up a little late last night and my eyes popped open too early today.  Fortunately I have tomorrow off so I can sleep in a little (I hope) and we can do some sorting, putting away, and get that pile of thank yous well underway.

I said we drove, and that is true.  From there he was off sweating it up outside while I enjoyed my afternoon in the air conditioning.  He then returned to help load up and drove us home to allow me to keep my feet moving to avoid some swelling.  He's definitely a keeper.

Am I becoming that woman?

Today the box containing my dark purple Ubbi diaper pail arrived and I was excited!  Who would have ever thought?  I think part of it was the good deal in my opinion.  Sure Amazon had other colors for close to the price I paid, but in the dark purple they wanted nearly 2x as much.

I'm feeling girl moving stronger and stronger each day.  The one thing I'm still waiting for are hiccups.  This is one of those things that reminds me there are lots of 'milestones' to look forward to.

One purple wall!

Mum W came today and painted the one wall in the nursery for me today.  I so appreciate her getting this done for me and allowing me to stay out of the paint fumes.  I think it looks pretty nice - but I'm eager to see it with the decal, but I will wait a while to allow the paint to dry fully and avoid any issues when the decal would get peeled off down the road.

Seeing where it will all go down

Yesterday felt like it was all about baby.  First the furniture I ordered for her room was delivered.  I'm very pleased with the sizing and the color - it matches QUITE well with the crib and the changing topper.

Last night we the headed north to the hospital for a tour of the facility.  Once again I am pretty sure I was the least far along of the mothers there.  I don't know what I was expecting, but I had a few moments while there.

First, I could clearly see their agenda painted on things.  I don't mind a hospital saying "we recommend" or "we encourage" but I do not like hearing "here at ... we always" or "required".  Mmm, no.  This makes me instantly want to resist because I know my opinions/concerns won't be received much less considered.  I'm stubborn, this I know.  There are some things I can waffle on - like their view of bedding in vs having a little bit of quiet time w/ the kid in the nursery and there are some things that I will dig my heels in on.

Second, I was ready to cry a little - maybe nerves?  It didn't feel more real, but it definitely feels more imminent to be there and see where it will all go down.  It was pretty quiet there, only a few doors closed which I presume contained mothers who recently gave birth.

Finally, it was nice to see the security measures they have in place to protect your baby, but at the same time it was also a little unnerving to even think about that being a necessity - which then gave me the wee bit of panic that leads me to say I am willing to waffle on the bedding in vs nursery thing.  With all of the things they "require" testing your child on I kind of don't want them taking my child from my sight for fear they'll be assessing and sticking her with needles unbeknownst to me.  Well hello there overprotective mothering instinct.

Little one on the other hand has been exceedingly peaceful the past day or so.  Time for me to get up, move around, and get her moving a little bit too.

Nursery Progress

Last night we got things moving along.  The crib is put together and the new light fixture is up.  I need to pick up some light bulbs to really see how it looks, but I'm happy so far.  We also received the decal for the wall, giving me an idea of what color paint I need to buy, so the shopping list is growing.

My last weekend

Even if nothing comes of my attempts, my life will be different from this weekend on. Today the sample should have arrived at my doctor's office (hopefully, they didn't call, not that I expected them to).

I picked up some calcium supplements today and a basal thermometer. I feel a little stupid as I almost assumed it was different in terms of use than a regular thermometer. It still goes in your mouth, it just takes a reading to more significant digits. I probably should have started tracking this sooner, but I might see an increase in the near term to help my confidence in when ovulation occurs. So, tomorrow morning (first thing - that's another difference with this type of thermometer) I'll take my first reading.

In addition to the vitamins I've found myself having a salad for dinner last night, fish and corn tonight, not eating fantastically, but good by comparison to my norm. I even pulled out a bottle of water today at work in an effort to start getting my fluids as is recommended to increase my chances.

It was quite strange to leave work today knowing that the next time I walk in there I could be in the process of becoming pregnant. I say could be since the appointment is tentative based on the arrival of an LH surge.

More checkboxes complete!

I also hit the dentist and got that out of the way, nothing remarkable to say there other than that it is done.

Today I faxed my information to Fairfax Cryobank and signed up for three months of access to everything on their site with the exception of adult photos and Keirsey tests, so let the hunt truly begin!

My doctor's office called back saying I could try as soon as three weeks from now, providing my ovulation wouldn't fall on a weekend, and that they would be willing to do two inseminations per ovulation. Talk about things seeming immanent.

First Doctor Appointment

It's a new year and the first new step came about... today I had my first doctor's appointment, meeting my new gynocologist, talking to her about my intentions, and, yes - heading to get blood drawn as the next first step.

Go figure I had to go to a blood draw office where I knew someone, and yes, she is the one that checked me in, so I got to shock someone else with this "news".  7 vials of blood and several hours later I finally got to head to work.  Even if I don't go all the way with this I'll know what my blood type is.

The other first steps I need to start up on is tracking my ovulation, taking prenatals, and taking some folic acid.  My next appointment is set for Thursday the 13th, and we'll do a sonogram.  Talk about a seeming whirlwind.

Wanting to bring someone along for the ride

I've got a friend that I know has considered this option, but has since cast it aside considering the scenario too much for her on her own.  As I sat across the table from her today at lunch I just wanted to spit out what my game plan was and beg her to consider diving into it too at the same time.

The next questions that started to occur to me, which I hope will be addressed in some of my reading, is when to start preparation.  I know I need to be off the pill for a little while, and should probably see the doctor in advance.  This last piece is especially important since my gyno is leaving!  I need to pick a new office where I'd feel comfortable, and hopefully one where they're comfortable with my plans.