Best Christmas Present Ever: Hannah's Birth Story

Christmas Eve I went to the hospital forreadmission  testing.  

They did some bloodwork (as you can see it took SEVERAL tries) and I finished up some paperwork.  

Christmas Day we came home from my mom's and I had to follow a whole series of instructions to shower and prep myself for surgery.  I thought I would be too worked up to sleep much but exhaustion overtook anxiety and I did get a fair amount of rest.  Ryan on the other hand was so worried he was up two hours before our 4 am alarm.

We got to Phoenixville Hospital and they got me changed and all prepped.  I felt pretty calm when I was in the maternity ward.  They got me hooked to the iv, and walked us through what would be happening. They wanted to insert the catheter for surgery right away but I pushed back and said I wanted to wait until after my spinal.  They eventually agreed. They were also surprised to see that I was having contractions, which of course, I already knew about.  C-section scheduled or not, I don't think it would have been too long until Hannah made her appearance. 

Before I knew it I was being whisked off to the OR.  I said good-bye to Ryan who went to get changed and ready.  

My anxiety level began to rise quite a bit when I got into the OR.  I was heavily sedated last time when I had Isaac and it was all sort of a blur.  This time everything seemed hyper focused and overwhelming.  I was shaking so badly that different people kept trying to give me blankets thinking I was cold.  There were so many people and everyone was talking and just confusion and commotion. It was quite scary and I really started to freak out and of course I felt all alone because Ryan was not permitted in yet.  Thankfully one of the nurses was so sweet and respectful and coached me to take deep breaths and really helped me through the worst of it until Ryan got here.  They did leave my arms loose (last time they tied them down) which helped a lot too.  I was also surprised at how much I could feel.  I was not in pain, but I could clearly feel them tugging and prodding which was unsettling at best and nauseating at worst.  Finally Ryan came in and they were ready to deliver.

If you are interested (and I don't know why you would be!), Ryan took some really clear but graphic pictures of the doctors  delivering her.  He was so interested that he kept standing up to look over the screen and they kept telling him "Sit down dad!  Sit down! You can't watch the surgery!"  Soon I felt an insane amount of pressure and then even more commotion and them saying "She's here!  She's beautiful!  She has tons of black curly hair!"  They flashed her over the drape quickly and then whisked her off.  I could hear her crying and Ryan went to take some pictures and cut her cord.  I couldn't stop crying.  The sweet nurse narrated what was happening to me.  ("Aww, your husband is holding her hand.  Your husband is cutting the cord.)

Ryan came back to be with me and I asked him to see pictures and he kept showing me the icky surgery pictures.  I just remember being like "What does she LOOK like?" 

Soon they brought her over to me.  I don't know if every mom feels this way but for me it was a rush of emotions: relief that she is here, panic because nothing about my life will ever be the same again, feeling anxious because I am seperated from the baby immediately.  I remember that I sort of expected her to look like Isaac did as a newborn and she really didn't at all.

Soon Hannah and Ryan were whisked off by the labor and delivery nurse and I was left to get stitched up and then carted to recovery.  Dr. Cantarella did call down to the nursery and told me the baby weighed 8 pounds and 7 ounces-- a big girl for barely 39 weeks! They told me I couldn't go back to maternity until I could move my legs which felt like heavy sandbags. I was bored to tears in recovery and desperate to see Hannah and try breastfeeding.  Finally the nurse decided I was in good enough shape to go back to maternity. She informed me they were just waiting for a transporter for me.  And I was again left to wait... And wait... Soon I heard the nurse on the phone asking why I had been skipped.  She came and told me it should only be a little longer.  More time passed and I heard her call and again ask why I had been skipped.  At this point I was near tears. Finally a young kid came and carted me back to maternity.

Finally I got to really meet my baby girl.  Ryan told me she was so good when they were getting her cleaned up.  She didn't cry for her bath or her shots.  I was  able to try to breastfeeding her for a few minutes but I had missed that period when she was really awake.  She spent the rest of the day beig deeply, deeply asleep.

I did feed her once for about ten minutes.  I was starving and was only given ice chips. I begged the nurse to let me try crackers and she relented.  Ryan went down to the cafeteria and ordered lunch.     Then we decided to turn the lights out and rest.

Next thing I knew there was a knock at the door and it was my brother Joe coming to visit.  He said, "I have someone else with me to visit and then in walked my sister Jennifer!  She had secretly made plans to fly in.  Joe was in on it but no one else was.  I cried.  It was the only thing that could have made a totally sweet and perfect day any sweeter.  

My parents and Isaac showed up later.  My mom was so shocked she didn't know where to run to first-- Jen or Hannah.

She didn't even get her coat off before she got ahold of Hannah.

 

Lots of people have wondered about how Isaac will do giving up almost nine years of being an only child for a new role as big brother.  He has done great but at their initial meeting he was not too sure.  He would only refer to Hannah as an "it" or a "creature".  He did reluctantly hold her but he refused to smile.

My brother Tom also came straight from work that night to meet the baby. 

Thank you to everyone who texted me, left me messages, sent gifts and well wishes.  I have been truly touched by the generosity of family and friends!

Updates

So I have fallen off the wagon a bit with my pregnancy updates.  I did have Isaac snap the picture above to at least document the bump for posterity.  Fruit and veggie scale says baby is the size of a leek.  

I am feeling ready to be done with being pregnant.  I am to the point where everyone has something to say about it: I'm waddling.  I'm huge.  When am I due?  When am I due?  I look uncomfortable.  When am I due? Did I know I am waddling?  When am I due?  Am I sure I am not overdue?  Do I know I look ready to pop? I did carline duty up until the bitter end at school and some days it felt like every car would stop and comment on my pregnancy.

Also the other standard question: how are you feeling?  I never know how to answer that either.  What do people want to hear?  That I say a quick prayer every time I sneeze that I don't visibly pee my pants?  

I honestly feel a lot better compared to last time around.  I am not as swollen and uncomfortable.  I credit that to gaining less weight and seeing a chiropractor.  I think getting a few adjustments really helped me carry the extra weight better and decreased a lot of my lower back pain.  I can't recommend it enough.  Also I think just the fact that I am carrying this baby lower.  

My feet are a little swollen but they don't look like I should be driving Fred Flintstone's car around either (see last pregnancy).  I do feel soreish and tired and uncomfortable.  I'm not sleeping well at night but I'm falling asleep all day.  A few times a day she sits right on my sciatic nerve and a blindingly hot pain shoots down my leg.  Everything I eat gives me heartburn and I suffer from a terrible combination of flatulance and constipation.  When you have a nearly eight pound human you are sharing your body with, those things are to be expected. 

 I *am* having some random pelvic pressure and also sporadic contractions but no real signs of labor.  The nice thing about a scheduled c-section is the end is neat and tidy and approaching rapidly.  I don't have to sit around in misery wondering what needs to be done to evict baby (see first pregnancy).  So I guess physically I am doing all right.

Honestly the mental and emotional part is the hardest part for me right now.  I'm officially on maternity leave for now until the next twelve weeks with literally no acknowledgement from my job.  I know it's my second baby so I wasn't expecting a cake or a shower or anything but I thought they might have routed a card for me or said SOMETHING at the faculty breakfast we had on the morning of my last day.  I was surprised at how hurt I was by that.  I am nervous to be out of the classroom for so long with the expectation of returning and finishing out the year.  Part of me is nervous my sub will be a disaster and I will have a big mess to deal with upon my return.  But another part of me is worried she will do a great job and be so much more organized and on top of things that I will look bad when I return.  These are the crazy thoughts that keep me up at night.  Also it still hasn't sunk in really that I won't be heading back after break.  So lots of emotions about work floating around.

Anyways, now I am home and bored to tears but doing anything is exhausting.  Just carrying the groceries in from the car and putting them away after work on my last day took every ounce of strength I could muster.  Living in a terribly overcrowded three story townhouse and fighting against the entropy or our daily lives has left me in tears more than once this week.  I get a little spurt of energy and I manage to vacuum something or tackle the dishes and then I just collapse.

I feel like I need a lot of attention from Ryan right now, which is rather poor timing when your husband works retail in the holiday season.  I feel bad for him because he is spread so thin.  I think he worked 28 hours between Friday and Saturday and he headed back in today due to holiday sales and a fire in his building.  I know he is exhausted too and the last thing on his mind when he finally walks in the door is unloading the dishwasher or having another conversation about how you really can love your second child as much as you love your first.  But it doesn't exactly make you feel confident about navigating a major life change like a new baby when you see your spouse for about 20 waking minutes a day and your conversations mostly consist of which leftovers he is and isn't allowed to eat and how many clean work shirts are in the closet ready to wear.  He does his best though.  At work the other day he set the DVR to tape only the C-section episodes.  He keeps gas in my car.  He assembles things.  

Isaac is hanging in there.  That is another frequently asked question. I think he has mixed feelings about his new sister which is normal for a kid who has had me to himself for nine years.  He is doing a good job of keeping himself fed and busy since I am slacking in those departments.    He finally has made neighborhood friends and will often just roam the development until he finds someone to play with for an hour or two.  He is basically spending all next week with my parents, and I know he is excited about that.

Anyways, the car seat is installed.  The freezer is filled with ready to eat meals.  I have two packages of couch cushion sized maxi pads on deck for my return. All I need is a baby!

Life Lately

 

So we had three snow storms in the past week so I guess winter is officially here.  I ended up with a two hour delay AND a snow day, so that was an exciting bonus.  It bought me a lot of much needed time to finally get the tree in order, some Christmas shopping done, the house cleaned up a bit, and of course, it finally afforded Ryan the time to assemble a million things for the baby which have taken over the house.  The pack and play is assembled.  The car seat is installed.  The fancy vibrating baby swing that a coworker gave us is set up even though we had to relocate the armchair in the living room to the garage.  We are just out of room with the Christmas tree and the swing and the bouncy chairs, etc. etc. etc!  It is a bit overwhelming.  Every time I think this townhouse can't feel smaller, we manage to squeeze more things into it. 

 

I debated even doing Christmas on any kind of large scale this year.  Getting the decorations out and up was exhausting. We didn't end up doing outdoor lights.  I was even willing to skip the tree but Ryan wasn't.  Isaac wasn't that interested in getting the tree this year, so Ryan and I ended up going during the day on the Monday after Thanksgiving.  We both had off from work but Isaac had school.  It doesn't look like Christmas cards are happening (perhaps a holiday themed birth announcement?).  Sadly, I am even debating taking the tree and everything down on Christmas evening since we leave for the hospital early in the morning the 26th.  I feel like if I don't take it all down that night that it will stay up till February.

 

The other night Ryan got to finish with work early (a rarity for a December Friday night when you work retail) and we were able to meet him at Red Robin and then we did a little grocery shopping.  (Sidenote: I remember when my siblings and I would tease my parents that their date night was always Panera and the grocery store, and now I have BECOME THEM). This was probably our last restaurant meal before baby.  It feels like everything is a milestone like that anymore.  The last date night before the baby comes.   The last day trip before the baby comes, and on and on.

 

We also managed to squeeze in a trip to the Christmas Panto, trying to keep the tradition alive.  The girls were so excited (Isaac, not so much, since he felt the show was "princess themed").  Gabby had told Ryan she had bought a new dress for the occasion.  She is ever the fashionista so we were tickled but not surprised when she showed up in this fully sequined animal print dress complimented with holographic bow.    A week out from her seventh birthday she looks so grown up all of a sudden.

The weather was not cooperative and it was looking sketchy if we would be able to make the show.  

We were able to exchange our tickets for the seven o'clock show for tickets to the two o'clock show and we had great seats in the center of the third row.  It made for a treacherous ride home but at least we still got to go. Gabby even got to go up on stage and be a part of the show, although she became a little shy once she got up on the stage.  It was a lot of fun.

So that's what's new around here...  

 

Bumpdate: 36 weeks

How far along: 36 weeks!  Nearly 37 since I am posting this late.  So close to the end!

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says "head of romaine lettuce". 

Weight gain:  I gained a fair amount this past week... oops.  Oh well.

 Sleeping:  Still hit or miss.This morning I woke up at 4:30 and never went back to sleep.     I have been back to waking up in the night and not being able to fall back asleep. My backpain has been worst at night. I do feel fortunate that I have been able to get some rest.  


Food Cravings: Hot chocolate.  And cupcakes!  I even found the energy to whip up a batch midweek.  I've also been drinking lots of lemon tea.

Food Aversions: Anything from the deep fryer still.

Other symptoms: Just a general frustration with being pregnant.  I am ready for it to be over.  Also sciatica: my back pain has been intense and has starting shooting down my leg.  The chiropractor visits have been helping a LOT but part of it can't be fixed because she is just sitting right against that nerve.  It has made getting comfortable very hard. I have heartburn after nearly everything I eat.  I have a little bit of anxiety about my impending surgery (which Ryan makes worse.  He is nervous I could die on the operating table and he will be left a single dad).  The biggest symptom as of late has just been insane mood swings.  Like, really over the top.  It makes me feel like I honestly may be crazy.  Isaac and Ryan both approached me separately and basically said that I am being unbearable and I need to get it together. I really feel like my emotions are completely out of control.  I'm either crying or in a rage. I hope it gets better once the baby is out of me.

Miss Anything? Just being able to move around.  Getting up and down is such a production.

Doctor’s appointment: Weekly visits to the chiropractor and Ob/gyn now. I had the group B strep test last week and this week I found out I tested positive for it.  It isn't a huge deal because I am having a C-section but... still...  We also stopped by the maternity ward after our appointment.  I am delivering this baby in the same hospital where I had Isaac but it has been a while and they have renovated the whole women's suite.  We were impressed with what we saw.  Ryan and the baby are able to stay with me in the room the whole time, so I like that idea. 

Clothes: Beyond bored with my maternity clothes.   They all still fit so far though, which is much better than last time around when I had outgrown half my things by this point.   

Wedding Rings: Off. I was surprised when Isaac commented that other day about me not wearing them.  I didn't think that was something he took notice of.

Movement: Lots and lots and lots and it is visible to people standing across the room. Ryan used to feel sad because it seemed like he never felt her move, and now the movements are so strong he is creeped out by them. 


Best moment of the week: I really enjoyed the breastfeeding class Ryan and I attended at Reading Hospital. I am terribly nervous about breastfeeding but I feel a lot more confident now.  There is a follow up class that is geared toward breastfeeding moms who are returning to work that I think I will take. I also had a really nice baby shower thrown by some of my teacher friends.  It ended up being a random smattering of people who all know me, but didn't necessarily know each other, which could have been awkward, but was actually really fun.  I got some great things for baby, so was much appreciated.  The surprise snow day today was a fun bonus too. 

What I’m looking forward to: Being the only one who lives in my body again.

What I did / Got for baby:  I had my baby shower this weekend and my friends and family were so generous.  We got a lot of adorable clothes, diapers, wipes, towels and other necessities.  My sister also sent a pack and play in the mail, which also doubles as a changing table.  Ryan got it all assembled today.

 

Have a great week!

NEWSFLASH

 

Grumpy pregnant teacher observes second grade assembly....

 

(this picture was from today's local paper)

Bumpdate: 35 Weeks

How far along:35 weeks ladies and gents.  On Friday when I am 36 weeks they will send my chart over to the hospital!  Crazy!

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says coconut.

Weight gain: I only gained a pound since my doctor's appointment last week, which made me feel pretty good, considering Thanksgiving, etc.  I have been having such bad heartburn and indigestion it has been curbing my desire to eat.  I also just have to eat smaller amounts-- there is not much room in there for food.

 Sleeping:  Still hit or miss.  I have been back to waking up in the night and not being able to fall back asleep.  My new thing is I am wide awake at night but then oversleeping in the am.  I am just accepting that a good night's rest is not in the cards anytime soon.

Food Cravings: Hot chocolate.

Food Aversions: Anything from the deep fryer still.

Other symptoms: Moodiness, tearfulness, crying.I have been feeling a tad on the blue side and I am already a bit concerned that I will be at risk for Post-Partum Depression.  I talked to my ob-gyn a little yesterday at my appointment about it.   Mostly I am just tired all the time, with occasional bursts of energy.  I was on the fence about even getting the Christmas decorations out and if we should even bother with a tree.  Even cooking dinner feels overwhelming some days. 

Miss Anything?Just being able to move around.  Getting up and down is such a production.

Doctor’s appointment:Every week now, which makes me laugh every time they ask if anything has changed with my insurance.  I had the group B strep test this past time, which I was panicked about but was really no big deal.  I am still on the lookout for my pertussis booster.  My ob/gyn recommends it but my doctor won't give it to me and neither will two CVS clinics I visited yesterday. The one pharmacist was like "Well, are you pregnant?"  I just wanted to shout "LOOK AT ME!"   I also saw the chiropractor a second time which has been helping with my lower back pain a lot.  I can see her again for "maintenance" if I feel like I need it. 

Wedding Rings: Off.  I am scared to put them on now.  

Clothes:Completely over maternity clothes.  And our (still broken) dryer. 

Movement: Lots and lots and lots. Some of them are really starting to be painful.

Best moment of the week: a nice, lowkey Thanksgiving with Ryan's parents and my parents. 

What I’m looking forward to:As weird as it sounds, our breastfeeding class tonight.  I am hoping it will make me feel more at ease about the whole thing. 

What I did / Got for baby:  I got a cute pink rug at Target for her room.  We also FINALLY were able to order the crib conversion kit that fixes the reason it was recalled, so hopefully her crib is squared away now.  My baby shower is this weekend, so hopefully the last few things on the list will be taken care of there.  

Have a great week!!!

So much to be thankful for

We had a lowkey Thanksgiving.  Really, is there any other kind when you are nine months pregnant?

We had big plans to go into Philadelphia for the big parade but when we heard that the weather was supposed to be extra chilly and possibly so windy the balloons couldn't go up.  So we made the executive decision to skip the parade in favor of have Isaac pile into the bed and watch the parade from under the covers while gorging ourselves on cream cheese covered cinnamon rolls.  

We picked up Ryan's parents and headed out to my parent's house.  Football was watched, pie was eaten, and belts were loosened.  

We checked in with family near and far.  Here is my cute pregnant sister in law and Ryan's brother Patrick.  It is only a few more weeks till my first nephew arrives!

We were completely stuffed and tired when we arrived home.  We had just collapsed in bed, utterly exhausted when Ryan realized we had left his keys at my parents house: keys that he would need for work the next day. Because this is our life:  missing keys.  We called my parents and my dad agreed to meet us halfway, so we didn't have to drive a whole hour back to Leola.  My parents are so kind to us.

Since the meeting spot is a Walmart parking lot and things didn't look too crazy (it was about ten at night) we decided to stop in and see if they still happened to have a deal we had seen advertised.  They were out of Disney Xfinity but they were having a great sale on another item on Isaac's Christmas list, so we snatched that up.  Isaac's shopping is officially done!

It was a good time to relax, enjoy family and to think about all that we have been blessed with.   In no particular order:

• My wonderful family.  Especially my parents who have helped me so much this year (and every year).
• My extended family and in-laws.  Ryan's family remind me a lot of my own-- we are both the oldest of four.  I have really enjoyed getting to know his siblings and parents better this past year.  
• Our cozy townhouse.  Although sometimes it seems like it is positively bursting at the seams, it is the perfect place for us to call home.   
• Two fairly reliable cars.
• Ryan's job.  It was a rough year with a few really lousy jobs.  It is nice for him to have a job where he feels appreciated, that he really enjoys, and where is making good money.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Bumpdate: 34 Weeks

How far along: 34 weeks! Actually, 35 tomorrow, because I am putting this up so late.

How big is baby: Fruit and veggie scale says cantaloupe.

Weight gain: Eh.  Fine I guess.  I feel bigger every day and this was confirmed at my doctor's appointment.  I have gained 4 pounds since my appointment last week.  I did keep my boots on when I weighed myself, so I am telling myself that is why and not because I am eating pints of icecream for dinner.   My mom saw me Thursday and thought I looked bigger than when she saw me on Sunday.

 Sleeping:  I am exhausted and have fallen asleep very early several nights this week.  I am not resting very well but it could be worse.

Food Cravings: McDonald's.  Gross I know but I want it.

Food Aversions: Anything from the deep fryer still.

Other symptoms: Pelvic pressure and achiness.  Braxton hicks contractions.  Absentmindedness (I left a ricecooker on last week and left for Scouts.  When Ryan came home the house was filled with smoke and the smoke alarm was going off.  Scary!).  Weird dreams-- I dreamed one of my parents at school stole the baby.  Moodiness, tearfulness, etc.

Miss Anything? Energy.  Bending in half.  I'm a broken record I know but that is life right now.

Doctor’s appointment: I had one yesterday.  Not too exciting.  I have also started seeing a chiropractor to help with the painful "locking up" thing that keeps happening each night.  She adjusted me and I felt instant relief.  I had some stiffness that night and the next morning but definitely improved-- no more Frankenstien walk.  I go back next week for another adjustment.

Wedding Rings: Off.  I am scared to put them on now.  

Clothes: Same boring five outfits and I don't even care.  Cuteness is no longer a consideration.  Is it clean?  Does it cover the belly?  That's really all I need.

Movement: Lots but it feels more like squirming and less like kicking.  She is cramped.'

Best moment of the week: Lots of nice moments this past week but the best would have to be getting some spa treatments as part of my Pregnant and Glowing spa treatment my sister so sweetly arranged.  It was such a surprise to open that gift card in the mail.  She is the SWEETEST.  The massage and pedicure were heavenly.  I am saving the facial for closer to the baby's arrival.

What I’m looking forward to: some time with family for the holidays and a few days off of school!

What I did / Got for baby:   I got started packing my hospital bag.  It isn't finished, but I could survive off of what I packed I think.  It made it seem a lot more real!  Baby girl will be here one month from today!

Family Blurbs

Isaac came home with this:

which I thought was adorable.  He was so excited and proud.  If I ever end up in third grade again I will be stealing that idea for sure.

Earlier this week Ryan was able to go with Isaac to his Fruit with Fathers breakfast.  It happened to fall on his day off and during American Education week when parents are invited to stay and observe classes.  I have always wanted to go, but obviously, have never been able to make that happen **insert crushing working mother guilt here**.   Isaac convinced Ryan to stay for Social Studies, gym class, and the book fair..   

 I had a nice lowkey birthday.  This was a present from Ryan:

I am still getting the hang of a Droid but I am loving having my own tablet.  We had a nice dinner at Bahama Breeze and then went to a concert.

Megan Tonjes is one of my favorite singers and she was coming through town at a little coffee shop in Ardmore.  We also had a really nice family dinner with my brothers at my mom's house and my Mom and Dad drove in one night and met us at Olive Garden.

I came back from the bathroom to find these two on their phones and talking NBA and Isaac on his iPad.  Definition of a modern family I guess.

 My parents gave me a gift certificate for People's Light and Theater to take the kids to their Christmas Panto.  So of course I pestered Ryan incessantly to figure out the schedule until we were able to book tickets for a Saturday in December.  My parents have always taken us to the theater growing up.  It is fun to keep the tradition alive with Isaac and Ryan's girls.  It does make me feel a bit better that even with me being grossly pregnant, I don't have to miss out on all of the Christmas traditions and I really am looking forward to taking Allison and Gabby.  We don't ever get much holiday time with them, and I am trying hard to think of traditions we can include them in. 

 

Bumpdate: 32 Weeks and 33 weeks

I accidently didn't hit publish for last week's bumpdate. ???   So here is a double update.

How far along: 33 weeks/eight months. I will be delivering at 39 weeks, so the end is near!, but not near enough!!

How big is baby: Nearly four pounds!

Weight gain: Still doing okay I guess.  I haven't noticed any stretch marks yet, so I am thinking I am doing okay.

 Sleeping: Sleep has been okay.  It is a big, painful production to roll over from side to side and I have to go through this whole pillow positioning routine before fall asleep.  When I get up at night I am so stiff and painful that I literally have to give myself a pep talk to get upright and across the room the bathroom.  But once I am asleep I have been resting pretty well-- I am SO tired by the end of the day.

Food cravings: ALL the sweets.  Seriously.  Halloween candy.  Icecream.  You name it.

Food aversions: I don't drink coffee so I guess it is not an "aversion" but the smell of it in the faculty room makes me want to gag.

Other symptoms: You name a symptom and I have it and most of them probably fall into the TMI category #justsayin.  The baby has all of a sudden dropped and I feel like she is seriously hanging out of my crotch-- there is so much pressure on my pelvis.  I am farty.  I have heartburn and indigestion.  I have to pee all.the.time and when I get the feeling, it is urgent but then hardly anything happens.  Lower back and sciatic pain abound and I am exhausted from carrying around all of the extra weight. My feet are swollen.  I have to get my students to pick up things I drop on the floor because I can't bend in half.  People comment multiple times a day on my hugeness and waddling.

Miss Anything? Already sort of missing some of our holiday traditions.  We have gone to DC the past few years to do a Smithsonian Museum and to see the lights at the temple.  This year I won't be able to go because I need to stay close to home in the month of December.

Doctor’s appointment: We had one Monday.  It wasn't too noteworthy.  I am still measuring right on track. I have gained a little more weight, but nothing crazy.  My blood pressure is still good. We also got me registered at the hospital, so that is all set.

Wedding Rings: Off.  I am scared to put them on now.  

Clothes: Same old, same old and I could care less.  Sweat pants?  Maternity dress?  Sneakers?  As long as I am comfortable I don't care about being stylish right now.  Ryan came home from work today, took one horrified look at me in a too small sweatshirt and leggings and was like "WHAT happened to you?".  So that's where I am at these days. Don't really care. 

Movement: Lots! Still a lot of movement up high on my right hand side, but I am not so sure it's her head.  Lots of sharp rib kicks too.  Poor thing is running out of room in there. Sometimes her movements don't feel like kicks as much as just stretching or trying to change positions.

Best moment of the week:  We had another nice Sunday dinner with my parents.  As we were pulling away Isaac said "They are so nice.  You would think they would be sick of us by now."  Made me laugh, cause it is so true.

What I’m looking forward to: My birthday this weekend!  Ryan is making secret plans, but I know I am getting a tablet of my very own, and we are having a nice family dinner at my parents with both of my brothers.  Should be a great weekend.

What I did / Got for baby:   Ryan and I did a lot of work in the nursery.  We cleaned out the closet.  We set up the second crib, that was given to us by a couple at church.  The crib I used with Isaac is missing pieces, so it is no good.  When we were googling the manual for the new crib, we discovered that this one had been recalled, because it has a drop side.  Tomorrow I can call to see if we can still get a converter kit that fixes the problem.  If not, we will probably just give in and buy a new crib, since going the frugal route has turned into a lot of trouble.  We also cleaned out the closet, got her clothes organized, inventoried and put away, and sorted through a huge bin of bottles, silverware and other baby "kitchenware" given to me by a coworker.  There is still a ways to go in there, but we made some good progress.  We also picked up a little snowsuit for her to wear home from the hospital.  

Also evites for my baby shower have gone out.  Woohoo!  It feels so close now, and yet, still kind of far off.

updates

Ryan and I went and registered at the hospital finally. We also finally got registered for a breastfeeding class: two major things that have been hanging around the to do list forever.  I watched them print off all of the bar codes for my hospital bracelet and all of a sudden it felt very real. This baby will be here soon!!

In other baby news, I receive about 4 comments a day about my waddling.  Yes, I am waddling.  I am aware.  I am carrying this baby so much lower than I carried Isaac.  With Isaac I felt like I was choking on him, he was so high, but not so with this one.  I don't know how I can be expected to walk with a four pound baby in between my legs and not have any sort of waddle.

Ryan's store was the top performer in his region again and the vice president sent out a company wide email giving Ryan and his manager a shout out.  It has been nice for him to have a job where he makes good money and his talents are appreciated. 

I started in on Christmas shopping and I am getting our Christmas cards done next Monday.  I am stuck with the annual dilemma of what to get Isaac's daycare workers.  There are about five of them, and I want to recognize them, but also don't want to spend a ton of money or just get them something silly that they don't even want.  Suggestions?

I have been having phone issues the past few weeks.  My camera stopped work completely and I went to get it replaced (I paid extra for the appleCare warranty when I first bought the phone).  After nearly three hours in the store I walked about with a new phone, and the screen stopped working TWO DAYS later.  I have really been unimpressed with the iphone and am ready to try a droid when I am ready for an update. 

It's almost my birthday weekend and Ryan is full of secret plans.  I don't think he can top last year's surprise Justin Bieber concert (and 30 was a pretty epic birthday also) but I am looking forward to him having three days in a row off from work and also a big family dinner on Sunday at my parents.  I haven't seen either of my brother's in a while, so this should be nice.

That's all for now.  Happy Wednesday!

Bumpdate: 31 Weeks

Sorry I haven't posted much lately beyond the weekly pregnancy updates.  Things have been busy, but not especially noteworthy.  Just the same old, same old--- soccer, laundry, Cub Scouts, errands, school, work, repeat, repeat, repeat.

Soccer is officially over for now, which will free up quite a bit of time.  His team took first again, which was really exciting.  Isaac's coaches have been great, and it has been a good season.  

I also don't have a preggo pic.  I look about the same as last week.  I did replace my iPhone, so going forward, none of my pictures will have those annoying black flecks on them.

How far along: 31 weeks/seven months. Getting closer and closer!

How big is baby: 3.75 pounds.  Fruit and veggie scale says a "large jicama" but I have no idea what that means!  She is going through a big growth spurt in the next few weeks, according to my app.

Weight gain: Still doing okay I guess.  I feel very large in the middle, but not especially swollen which is good.  I was so swollen with Isaac my calves had stretch marks. 

 Sleeping: Sleep has been okay.  I am up several times a night to pee, but at least lately, I have been able to get back to sleep.  

Food cravings: Icecream!!!!  And really all sweets.  I have a secret stash in my desk at work.

Food aversions: Still potato salad and anything made in the deep fryer.  The deep fryer still makes me sick. 

Other symptoms: The usuals--  mood swings, crying, waddling.    I also just feel a lot larger and it has been taking it's toll on my lower back.  I am so tired at the end of the day and several people at work have commented that I look "very uncomfortable".  I am also having some Braxton-Hicks contractions which are so weird and I am always hot.  

Miss Anything? Being able to bend over.  My students are always asking me to tie their shoes and I just look at them like, "Really?" And Ryan has been helping with my shoes and socks in the morning.  

Doctor’s appointment: Next week!  They are becoming more frequent now.  

Wedding Rings: Off.  I am scared to put them on now.  

Clothes: I bought another pair of pants and a few long sleeved tops and that should be it. The pants were supposed to be capris on super clearance, but they actually fit me like regular pants, so that is a bonus that I don't have to send them off to be hemmed.  I have enough work clothes to get me through a whole week at work, which is sufficient, even though it doesn't provide a ton of variety.  

Movement: Lots! I have been concerned because the hardest kicks have been on my right side, almost near my armpit.  The doctor says that could be her head there, but at this point she isn't concerned.  She may still flip herself around yet. 

Best moment of the week: Having Ryan home for a few days, as well as taking a few hours off to be home to help with Halloween. 

 His kids came over to show us their costumes. Allison is a vampire, Gabby was a fairy, and Justin was a bee.  Isaac was Ray Mysterio his favorite wrestler.  

What I’m looking forward to: My birthday!

What I did / Got for baby:   We went to set up Isaac's old crib and discovered it is missing LOTS of pieces.  I posted on our Relief Society (church women's group) facebook page asking if anyone had a crib to sell to us and within 20 minutes someone had offered us a crib for free.  You can't beat free!  One of my coworkers has also given us a space saver high chair too. We are definitely willing to accept any and all hand me downs!  

My aunt also sent us a huge package of clothes, shoes, and accessories, we were so pleased and thankful!  Baby H will be one well dressed baby.  

Bumpdate: 30 Weeks

How far along: 30 weeks/seven months.  So close to meeting our baby girl!

How big is baby: About 3 pounds.  Almost the size of a head of cabbage.

Weight gain: Still doing okay I guess.  Haven't weighed myself in a week or so, but I know I am getting bigger because the other day the secretary at my school told me I am looking "Cuter and cuter" and my mother in law said that I am "really blossoming".  I do appreciate people trying to think of nice ways to say "You are getting to be freakin' huge, when is that baby coming again?".  

 Sleeping: I had one morning when I woke up at 3:30 am and couldn't go back to sleep, so I just started doing school work.  Other than that, aside from several bathroom trips a night, sleep has been going okay.

Food cravings: Icecream!!!!

Food aversions: Still potato salad. Ugh.

Other symptoms: The usuals--  mood swings, crying, waddling.    I also just feel a lot larger and it has been taking it's toll on my lower back.  I beg Ryan every night for a massage.

Miss Anything? Being able to bend over.  When I drop something, if no one is around it just stays there.

Doctor’s appointment: Tomorrow!  I am hoping they will give me a birthday for this little girl.

Wedding Rings: Off.  I am scared to put them on now.  

Clothes: My mom bought me a great pair of maternity khakis.  I think I will be wearing them at least once a week.  

Movement: Lots! The other night was the first time all of her movement kept me from going to sleep.  That is one thing I remember so vividly from when I was pregnant with Isaac-- being woken up at night from being kicked and prodded.

Best moment of the week: Not a personal best moment, but Isaac had two parties this weekend.  I have really been worried for him socially, so it has been nice for him to have some extra opportunities to some play time with friends.  I also got a little bit of Christmas shopping done with my friend Jami while he was at Saturday's party, which is good too.  I want to square away gifts for Isaac's teachers, my coworkers, day care workers, etc early this year, since things will be extra crazy around the holiday with me getting ready to go on leave. 

What I’m looking forward to: My birthday!

What I did / Got for baby:   Ryan picked up our travel system that my Aunt Kathy and Uncle Darsono sent out for us.  We were so excited and grateful!  We haven't set it up yet.  I also organized all the baby clothes we have.  Lots of 6-12 months, so I am excited to look for a few more newborn and 3 month outfits to round out baby H's wardrobe.