39 Weeks

At 39 weeks ...

- my ring got stuck on my finger for several days. Scary. I'm done wearing it until the swelling goes down! I've since replaced it with a plain silver band purchased from American Eagle circa 2001. Snazzy.

- I finally got a copy of The Happiest Baby on the Block (in DVD format). My sweet husband was such a trooper and watched it with me (after some begging). Next up: Dunstan Baby Language.

- I was a little nauseous on Tues/Wed but I think it was mostly in my head. I got a little grouchy with that and the extreme heat but when Rob complained I politely quickly reminded him that many pregnant women are like this for all 9+ months. Pizza sure changed my mood though! Weird.

- it's sinking in more and more that we will soon have a little person that we're fully responsible for. And that's a little daunting!

- in an effort to get this baby movin' (down and out), I've stepped up my efforts in the exercise department. Of course that's not difficult to increase when you're at zero, but it's been so nice! We've been walking the mall (indoor and outdoor), Heritage Park, and the path to our secret sneaky lake. I love the time I get to spend walking with Rob, even if he laughs that it's serious exercise for me at this point.

- I'm so relieved that I'm not working right now. I would be such a bear if I had to wake up early, get myself ready, and be "on" all day long. Round of applause for relaxation, people!

- I still have yet to find a stretch mark. Fingers crossed...

- Rob's latest strategy to entice baby to come out is to sing happy birthday to him! I about peed my pants laughing the first time but desperately held it because he would've just claimed my water broke.   He also sang in Spanish, just in case. Yesterday his tactic was reverse psychology: he didn't mention (to babe directly, at least) anything about him being born. Today he's accusing baby of making him look foolish. Oh, it's only the beginning...

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful ...

- we've done a little more packing. Every box is one less thing we have to do when baby is here!

- for our pool. It's so beautiful and refreshing. Unfortunately, the people there do not match the landscape.

- that I'm pretty talented at shuffleboard. It feels good to beat Rob even after he extends the game to best of three and then best of five.

- for reruns of one of our favorite shows: Giuliana and Bill. I can't wait for the new season!

- for time to watch TV and go to movies. Have I mentioned how much I love the month of June?!

- to be so happy. I know I've said it a lot, but I'm just in a really good place right now. And I'm savoring every moment because this is the only time in my life where I'll have a month with nothing on the calendar, unable to travel, and no responsibilities. 

- for a husband who knows just what I need. All the time. 

- to live in such a beautiful city. It's going to be so hard to leave!!!

- for a $350 bonus check I received from work for my unused sick days. Seriously, we're RICH! Ha.

- that Rob loves going to movies enough that he was willing to be the only couple in the theatre without kids in tow. Two thumbs up for Monsters University!

- that I can appropriately use the 's. Come on! Rob gives me a hard time for getting so worked up about it, but I found numerous grammatical mistakes yesterday. One was on the "Mother's to be parking" sign, a couple were in the What to Expect book, and another was in the booklet that comes with a DVD. I do find an incredible amount of joy in correcting mistakes which is probably why I'm a language teacher. That being said, I don't edit my blog so feel free to send any corrections or suggestions my way. :)

39 Week Appointment

Today was my 39 week appointment! It was pretty routine which is a good thing, I guess. She thought he was between 7 and 7 1/2 pounds but if he waits til the 10th, he could be up to 8. I'm still dilated to a one but she thought his head had dropped further than it was last week. I've been carrying so low this whole time I thought if he dropped any lower he'd pop out! Ha.

Anyway, next Wednesday is my last appointment since the week after is my scheduled induction! AHHHHH

Weekend Wrap-Up

Boy, did we have a fun-filled weekend! My parents came down to visit and we had a great time talking about and shopping for baby. We also did lots of walking - to our secret sneaky pond AND at Heritage Park where we also had a picnic. We even got a little crazy and all four of us went swimming at 9:00pm. My mom's not a big swimmer so this is particularly noteworthy! Of course there was also lots of eating too. :) And, at the end of the weekend they took off with a car jam-packed with boxes to alleviate some pressure for moving day. Thanks again for a great weekend, guys!

We showed them around the hospital and snapped some silly pictures

These pics aren't funny when the husband doesn't have a big belly too... He was trying to push out! 

Next time we're here it's BABY TIME!

We look a little tired, huh? You wouldn't guess we've spent a month relaxing and resting!

I REALLY hope he's here by the Fourth to wear this! And I hope it fits...

I found this in my stash of baby clothes - I can't wait to see him in it! 

What used to be our entertainment center, AKA Baby Central. 

38 Weeks

At 38 weeks ...

- baby still has the hiccups all the time.

- his movements have gotten more powerful. And more visible! Wednesday evening I had Rob take a video of my belly and you can totally see his foot giving me a swift kick in the ribs. I hope to get a few more clips before he makes his grand appearance.

- we still don't have an outfit to bring him home in. Our #1 option is probably going to be too big so we're still searching for something special. I'd love for it to be something red, white, and blue since I'm crossing my fingers that he'll be born on the Fourth of July.

- I keep receiving gifts! Last weekend Rob's fam brought two cute onesies, a ball, a fun cupcake/cookie/crazy snack cookbook, AND a baseball nightlight. I'm honestly shocked by their generosity time and time again. Then yesterday Kristen, the best theme gift-giver ever, gave me this little bag filled with a magazine, socks, snacks, a toothbrush, and a bottle of water.

- I've felt a little more uncomfortable lately, but I guess that's par for the course. BUT, it's not terrible and I'm not necessarily ready for this to be over yet! Rob had a great idea and I switched the items in our kitchen cabinets around a bit. Now our everyday stuff is in the upper cabinets where I don't have to bend over to get them ask Rob to get them for me.

- I've had a couple of nights where I'm wide awake around 4:30. Thankfully I've fallen back to sleep after about an hour but I'm definitely not used to it! I don't know how Rob deals with this and keeps his sanity.

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful ...

- for our Wheel of Fortune competitions. Rob is pretty impressive and I think we he could give anyone a run for their money!

- for lunch with friends. Today I'm headed to Ricco's with Barb and Vicki, two coworkers from SMW. Rob thinks it's funny that my friends are two generations older than me, but I love it! We talk about different things and they really broaden my horizons. Plus, they're two of the funnest ladies I know - always up to something!

- for people who can bake. I love goodies from the ladies in my family and try as I might, I'm just not on their level. This week I made these and a double batch of chocolate chip cookies. The brownies were pretty good but definitely not a home run. The cookies, however weren't even a single. More like a bunt if I'm honest.

- that Rob is as excited to meet this little guy as I am. Maybe even more so! Ha, as if that's possible. He asks me every half hour or so if I'm in labor. I keep telling him it's going to be the longest three weeks of his life if he doesn't cool it.

- for every box we get packed.

- for championships. (Heat & Blackhawks) It's not like we're bored, but it definitely gives us something to look forward to. And I must say they're 10x more interesting than regular season games!

- for family who can come visit. We had a great time with Rob's fam last weekend and I'm looking forward to my Mom and Dad coming down this weekend! Again, we're not bored, but it certainly does help pass the time! Plus, I love to entertain. :)

38 Week Appointment

Today was my 38 week appointment and things are still going well!

There was a little hiccup at the beginning since Dr. Bauer Holthus got called out to a delivery but I ended up seeing her and only had to wait a couple minutes (no more than normal).

Everything was same old, same old, except ... I'm dilated to a 1!! Of course this doesn't mean baby is coming soon, but it does mean things are starting to happen!

I asked about induction again and Dr. Bauer Holthus had some more definite information for me now. She doesn't let patients go two weeks past their due date, and for sure will induce me before that since she's on vacation the week of the 15. She's on call Wednesday, July 10 so she went ahead and sent the order to the hospital in case I haven't delivered by then! I'll be admitted Tuesday night, started on some medication then get Pitocin first thing Wednesday morning. Baby has a birthday!!! Unless he comes sooner of course. :)

37 weeks

At 37 weeks...

- I found out I tested positive for group-b strep. I was pretty worried at first but it turns out it's pretty common and I'll just have to have an iv of antibiotics during labor/delivery. I hope I'm not allergic to penicillin! Other than that news, my weekly checkup was a breeze, per usual.

- Rob still loves to talk to, rub, and tap on my belly. And baby responds like no other! It's unbelievable how strong their bond is already.

- I'm H.O.T. Summertime in Kansas officially kicked in this week with temps in the mid-90's and whoa, buddy I could tell. There were numerous occasions where I used my beloved ice pack to cool down but it got warm in a mere few minutes. We've also been hitting the pool and going to movies, but  the daily dose of ice cream is where it's at. :) I can't help but picture the scene from Father of the Bride II where the two pregnant girls are sprawled out on the couch, fans blasting, and Steve Martin comes in all bundled up saying something about how their home is the only igloo in the city. I would kill to sprawl out in an igloo right now. 

- Baby Simms is still moving all around! He really reacts to sound (especially at the theatre), touch (when Rob coaxes him into my ribcage), and what position I'm in.

- we're registered at the hospital and almost getting closer to being ready to go. I've packed and repacked all our baby stuff and finally convinced Rob to start thinking about what he's going to bring. I'm finishing up some of my baby reading material and I've officially checked insurance off my to-do list. FINALLY.

- Baby is in the head-down position, confirmed by my OB and chiropractor. Phew!

- I'm still feeling really good. I've really enjoyed being pregnant and I'm thankful it's been a fairly easy ride for me. I guess my biggest complaint (other than the heat) is my SI aka lowest part of my spine hurts. But, my insurance covers 40 chiro visits per year so I've used them to the max. I think if I were working all the way up to delivery I would be much more grouchy. I would be way more tired and the little things like some heartburn now and then would be bother me more.

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful...

- that Rob received his Iowa license and contract in the mail this week! A weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

- that I received my updated contract in the mail from Ankeny and it was over $1000 higher than the pre-negotiations amount I was quoted, which makes it about $5000 more than what I was making in Shawnee Mission.

- for all my annoying phone calls. The hospital, insurance company, pediatrician office, etc. must hate me, but I've finally determined and confirmed that we will pay WAY less than we were originally planning for everything. As in, $2500 less than Rob budgeted for!

- for all this extra money! Rob has already been scheming ways to spend it ... UH OH.

- that all this time together has strengthened our marriage. I was honestly worried that the incredible stress and close proximity would add extra tension to our situation but the month of June has really turned out to be a God-send. I love having (almost) nothing on the calendar I'm savoring every minute I get to hang out with my best friend!

- for going 5/5 on the newlywed game. I caught a few minutes on TV and when Rob came back in the room I asked him the questions. I already knew my answers and we wiped the floor with those fools! He says it's credit to the fact that I'm so opinionated and aren't shy about letting everyone know. Yep, I do have an opinion about everything. A strong one at that! Either way, we kicked their butts. :)

- that Rob's latest secret surprise came from Etsy. Yes, you read that correctly. He later told me he had to google it to find out what it was and I was relieved. He can be pretty trendy and up-on-things but I think if he knew all about Etsy I would have to be a little worried. You'll all just have to wait until baby's here to find out what it is! Muahahaha

36 Weeks

At 36 weeks ...

- my Snoogle has been so great. It's going to be tough to sleep without it in the future! Just like it's going to be tough to go back to pants with zippers and buttons...

- we're getting geared up for our preregistration appointment at the hospital.

- babe is still growing! I really can't believe any of the length and weight calculations my books and emails give at this point. I'll just have to be patient to find out myself pretty soon!

- I think I've been experiencing "lightening" where the baby has dropped. However, I'm probably a victim of just feeling what I read about to some extent. I did just finish that chapter in my book. Placebo or not, it's very refreshing and I feel like I can move around much more easily!

- we're getting closer and closer to being "ready" (whatever that means...) to having this little guy! I've been sanitizing pump parts, filling the diaper caddy, packing the diaper bag, making a zillion phone calls, folding freshly washed baby clothes, etc. I love checking things off my to do list - best.feeling.ever.

- his name is starting to feel a little more natural to us. I'm not sure I'll really be 100% sold on it until I can see him, and I would probably still prefer our backup name, but I'm content for the time being.

- I downloaded 4 folders of apps. It's no joke when people say, "there's an app for that". It's unbelievable the variety and DETAIL in the ones I found for tracking contractions, feedings (of all types), sleep, diapers (color, consistency, blow-out or not, etc.), medicine, growth, etc.

Helicopter Dad

Me: "You're probably going to be a helicopter dad."
Rob: "What's a helicopter dad? Sounds like fun!"

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful ...

- for my first uneven sunburn of the season! It happens every year and I inevitably spend the rest of the summer trying to even it out. I think it's going to be a little more difficult this year since I can't lay on my stomach.

- for some amazing news on the health insurance front. I certainly didn't expect to be saying that!

- for time to get stuff done. I'm truckin along on my to-do list and it feels good!

- that I didn't overdose Rob. He's been under the weather for quite a while now and I thought some allergy medicine might help. Well, it knocked his socks off and he was pretty immobile for the better part of Tuesday. Whoops!

- that babe has moved out of my ribcage. It's quite a nice relief for my lungs.

- to not have to do my hair or makeup on a daily basis.

- for the cool weather. I have been much warmer than usual through the end of the pregnancy and having the windows open has helped!

- for a nice little date last Friday. Pizza at our favorite joint in downtown OP, a stroll around the quaint little neighborhood, and great conversation made for a lovely evening. There aren't a lot of times left where it will be just the two of us!

- for my beautiful fingernails. I also wouldn't have expected to be saying that! As a former fingernail biter, I was thrilled when something changed in my adulthood that created long, white, strong nails. I'm guessing it's due to healthier eating, but the prenatal vitamins certainly haven't hurt things. :)

- for lunch at Ingredient with my friend Laura W. It's always good to catch up with old friends, especially over delicious food while sitting outside and feeling super downtown-y.

36 Week Appointment

My appointment today was fairly routine which I'm very thankful for. Still healthy overall and no issues! I had the strep-b test which I should get results for by Monday.

Baby Simms was moving all around when she was trying to listen to his heartbeat. It was nice to hear her chuckle and say, "since you're slender it's easier to see and feel his movements" and not "wow, it looks like you have an alien in there distorting your midsection to some pretty wicked shapes".

As of tomorrow I'm one month away from D(delivery)-Day! Most of the time that sounds so soon but there are times when it's light-years away. From here on out my appointments are weekly. This baby will be here before we know it!

:D

35 Weeks

At 35 weeks ...

- the little angel is supposedly between 4.2 - 5.8 lbs and 17.2 - 18.7 inches. (Roughly the size of a coconut?) There is such variation between babies at this point that every daily email is different, but it's crazy to think he's almost full size! It's also crazy to think he could still grow quite a bit - I'm pretty sure he's out of room. :)

- I still look forward to my chiropractor appointment every week. I feel so much better when I leave!  This week she felt my belly and was able to tell where all his body parts are.

- babe has been kicking like crazy lately. He was particularly excited during the movie we went to see. He's also had hiccups multiple times a day!

- I'm still looking forward to lying on my back!

- we have almost all the necessities purchased, opened, washed, installed, etc. Yippee!!

- I feel incredibly blessed to have experienced such an easy pregnancy so far.

- Rob enjoys resting things on my belly. His arm, a cup, and a cell phone have all made their way to my "shelf" lately.