39 week quiz (and belly pic)

How far along? 39 weeks

How big is baby? Probably close to 8 pounds.

Weight gain? Roughly 32.  Three of those pounds came last week, so I'm just avoiding the scale at home this week and making sure I get plenty of fluids (which oddly enough helps fight fluid retention).

Stretch Marks? Nothing new here.

Maternity clothes? I kept a few items I'm wearing the most, and sent the others home to my parents basement.  Guess that means I don't plan on staying in them too long after Karson arrives!

Sleep? Boo.  My 4 oclock waking hour continues, and the time it takes me to get back to sleep is stretching.  Also, we tried flipping our mattress to a firmer side to help me have some leverage when I'm trying to roll or get out.  I'm not sold on the change yet.

Cravings?  Yesterday while at the mall with Justin, we rounded the corner and pretty much ran to Auntie Anne's once we smelled those delicious pretzels!  YUM!  I've got to learn how to make those at home!

Nursery update? :-D  I enjoy sitting in the glider for now.  Can't wait until Karson is here to hang out in there too!

Movement? Hiccups are becoming more regular.  And the doctor told me the "foot" I keep feeling and touching is more likely an elbow.  Whoops.

High point? Being snowed/iced in without power.  Thought this would be the low point?  Well, Justin stayed home until we were sure I could get out of the house on my own should an amergency arise.  So while he was home with me we made hot chocolate on the camping stove, kept warm with a propane heater, and played cards.  It was super fun!

Low point? Total havoc being wreaked on my body!

What am I looking forward to? Karson's arrival! 

What do I miss? Warm weather!

Doctor Update: Coming on Wednesday!

Here's me at 39 weeks...

Compare to the 37 week photo here.

38 (ish) week update

Well...I had mixed news today at the doc.  My blood pressure was up, but not alarmingly so.  It was still within a tolerable range.  I had also gained three pounds in one week.  Holy Smokes!  He said it was likely water retention, and it may go away as easily as it came.  But I find it frustrating to have my biggest weight gain week to date occur during the period where many level off or even lose.  Grumble.

I also tested positive as a carrier for GBS.  That's not technically horrible news either. It's common among 30% of pregos or more according to my doc and online, and it is dealt with with a simple antibiotic during labor.  But I didn't like hearing that news in addition to the BP and weight gain.  It was a rough first few minutes of the appt!  But at least we know, and can deal with it appropriately. 

The better news...
I will begin working from home starting on Monday.
Today I measured 3 cm and 60% effaced.
My next appt is on Wednesday at 11:30. At that appt, he will check me again, then we'll discuss the potential for scheduling induction.

So the good news there is after tomorrow, I won't have to worry about going in to labor at work, or while driving.  I am still progressing a little on my own, (despite not having any big Braxton Hicks this week), AND...if I haven't gone in to labor on my own by next Wed, we will likely schedule an induction for the following few days!  In addition to that shortening the time we have to wait around, it will also make it easier for Justin to plan at work, and for family to make it in if they so choose.

I'm going to read up more on induction, and its impact on labor, the baby, breastfeeding, etc before Wednesday.  But since I'll be at least 39.5 weeks along, and likely 4 cm, I would be further along (by both days and dilation) than many who show up at the hospital in labor. And if I've thinned even more than 60% by then, it "should" be an easy induce.

Just for giggles, the doctor estimated his weight, and came up with 7.5 pounds. 

So it's safe to say...Karson will be here in two weeks or less?

37 Week Update (and a belly pic)

How far along? 37 weeks and 2 days

How big is baby? Maybe close to seven pounds?

Weight gain? Holding at 29!  .:does small premature victory dance:.

Stretch Marks? Just those same couple of small ones I've noticed the last couple of weeks.

Maternity clothes? Outgrowing a few things.  My belly is starting to stick way OUT.  See the pic below.

Sleep? Sigh.  Dear sweet sleep, I remember you old friend.  I did sleep better Monday night, and actually had a little energy on Tuesday.  A pleasant surprise. 

Cravings? Still fruit!  In addition to jello salad, a morning clementine (or 2), I've recently added Cherry pie and grapes to the routine.   And of course I had an old favorite one night this week...ROOT BEER FLOAT!

Nursery update? Nursery is DONE.  Planes are HUNG!  I am HAPPY!  Check out those links if you missed the posts.

Movement? Yes.  But it's different.  There will be longer periods of "quiet", and then his normal crazy active phases.  I spoke with the doctor about this today and he said that is normal.  For one, he is getting larger, and moving around may become more difficult.  For another...he has a more regular and peaceful sleeping pattern starting to form.   But the long quiet periods are not cool, Karson, not cool.  He's kicking like crazy as I type this though.  AND...we felt him have the hiccups for the first time Saturday night.  Too cute.

High point? Finally getting those airplanes hung!  A successful 37 week appt!

Low point?  Having a round of Braxton Hicks on Thursday afternoon and in the middle of the night Thursday...while home alone!  

What am I looking forward to? Um...having a baby soon? .:Yikes!:.

What do I miss? Having energy.  Not knowing what indigestion felt like.

Doctor Update:  My BP and weight gain, and Karson's heart rate were all good.  Today I had my first cervix check.  Visit this link if you don't know what these mean.
Dilation: 1-2 cm
Effacement: 50%
Station: -2

He said that was great progress for week 37.  In short, my body IS preparing which is a good sign.  He also pointed out that my cervix would be very "induceable", should Karson become stubborn and hold out past his due date.

What does all that mean?  Who knows!  Karson could come tomorrow, or he could hold out until past the due date.  These measurements can change in a hurry, or become stagnant.  In fact, I might have the exact same measurements next week.  But the good news is things are kicking in to motion on their own, and the stage is setting for Karson's arrival!


Here's me at 37 weeks on Monday evening.  I'll try to remember to wear that shirt for the photo from now on.  That might make it easier to compare and figure out when he's noticeably lower!  Karson looks like he's trying to escape via my belly button!

Just PLANE fun!

If you've been reading, you know that Justin and I picked out some model airplanes to assemble, paint, and hang from the ceiling in Karson's room.

What you may not know is how long we spent on these crazy things.  "Assembly required" is an understatement.  These little guys were complicated.  And painting them took lots and lots of coats, especially since we had to cover up the excessive amounts of glue it took to put them together.

Dee Dee (Mima) spotted them in Harbor Freight before we knew whether we were having a boy or a girl.  Being a bit superstitious I decided not  to buy them until we knew.  But not long after hearing "it's a boy", we started working on these.  Last night, our hard work finally paid off we as hung the little suckers from the ceiling.

The final verdict...totally worth it!  I will say they look a lot cooler in person than they do in these photos.  But nonetheless...here are the long awaited planes!



Getting ready to hang.




Up they go!




(Cords hidden) and a green and yellow guy hanging out in the upper right hand corner!




Can you spot four in this photo?




Our favorite plane!



Dear Karson - Your room is ready!

Dear Karson,

Your room is ready!  Your daddy and I are proud to present to you what we hope you will find to be a fun, loving, and welcoming environment. 

In it, you will see little bits and pieces of lots of family, friends, and other loved ones.  The crib and bedding were picked out with lots of thought and love by your daddy and me.  The rocker and ottoman where we will spend lots of time napping and reading came from Nana and Papaw.  The mattress from Grandma and Grandad.  The mobile and airplane night light from Mima and Mipa.  The crib light from Uncle Kevin and Aunt Auburn.  The coat/hat rack was made by Pop.  Your closet and drawers are also stuffed with clothes, diapers, wipes, bath supplies, blankets, and other items from your Grandparents, Great Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, other relatives, and friends of your mama and daddy from school, work, and church.  In short, there have been a lot of people who helped us celebrate and prepare for your arrival.  You are truly blessed and loved, and I pray that we help you feel that love instantly.





Your bed!  We hope you'll love the zooming airplanes!

   


The changing table.  A dresser that used to belong to my grandparents, and a propeller from a WWII target drone.

 




The "fun" corner!

  


A very special item made by Pop. 

 




Books we can't wait to read with you!

  


A warm comfy bed awaiting your arrival!

 



The photo wall.  We can't wait to replace these with pictures that have YOU in them!

 

Welcome home!

Love - Mama

36 week update

How far along?  36 weeks and 3 days.

How big is baby? Over six pounds! (We think...who knows!)

Weight gain? 29 as of the last Doc weigh in.  If Karson arrives immediately, I can say I gained less than 30!  If he takes his time...I may gain 40!  It seems I'm starting to swell a tad.  I've even decided not to put my rings back on until we're done.  Hopefully the swelling won't get worse.

Stretch Marks? I think I have a couple of small ones now.  Boo!

Maternity clothes? Nothing new to report here. Except that I look frumpy in everything.  And my plan to make both normal and maternity clothes fit in the closet has officially turned it in to a disaster zone.

Sleep? Getting much worse in a hurry.  There were a couple of crampy nights last week where I got less than four hours of sleep, and most of that came on a couch.  I now use five pillows. (What?)  I'm up at least once or twice for potty breaks, and I CONTINUE to wake up during the 4:00 am hour every night!  (What is that about?)

Cravings? Fruit!  I even made a jello fruit salad, which I don't normally have much interest in.  I bought Clementines and have been eating those at breakfast too. And I had a hankering for OJ, which of course gave me heartburn.  Also...Chinese!  Mac N Cheese!  Food in general...

Nursery update? Finishing touches are going on the airplanes now!  Everything else is done, and in fact I have the photos of the nursery uploaded and am just waiting on the right time to post.  I want ONE shot of the airplanes once we get them hung.  So I should have pics posted for you by this weekend. 

Movement? Still a busy guy, but there are fewer kicks and more rolls and pushes.   I can identify a hand on my lower left side pretty often.  Or is it a foot by his face?

High point? Getting the nursery finished, and walls decorated.

Low point? A crampy, sleepless 48 hours last week.

What am I looking forward to? Visitors this weekend!  Finally getting these airplanes hung!

What do I miss? Seeing my own feet.  Being able to put on shoes and socks without grunting.  Sleeping through the night.  Wearing contacts.  Pants with buttons.  High Heels.  Having the option to tan.  Eating spicy foods.  Mt Dew.  Ruh Roh...sounds like I'm wearing down!!!


No belly pic this week since my photographer is unavailable.  Also, I never seem to think of it until I'm in full lounge mode.  But since I'll be doing these updates weekly now, you won't have to wait very long for a 37 week pic!

Place Your Bets!!

Well, technically there are no bets, so that was a poor title.  BUT...I'd love to hear your guesses as to when Karson will arrive and how big he will be.

I weighed 8 and a half pounds, and arrived roughly four days past my due date at 3:30 in the afternoon.

My office has chimed in, and their collective guesses average out to:

February 16th
9:00 AM
8 lb 6 oz
21.36 inches long


My individual guess is as follows:
February 18th
4:00 AM
8 lb 12 oz
21.5 inches long


As for the date, I like that it's a Friday, and that he's definitely full term...and that helps us out with our family care/vacation plan for pre-day care.    And I chose the 4:00 AM hour because I always wake up during that hour.  And not necessarily for a potty break.  I've been doing that for several weeks now actually.  So I'm convinced that something will happen around 4:00 am.  Whether it's labor starting, water breaking, baby arriving...something!

Let us know what your guesses are!  For those who can't figure out how to post a comment, (which seems to be nearly everyone...) feel free to email me and I'll post it on here for you.