34 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 34 weeks 

Size of Baby:  Almost 5 lbs

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  +23 lbs

Doctor’s visits:   We had an appointment yesterday and everything is “picture perfect.”  Her weight, measurements and position are all exactly as they should be.  Our next appointment is in 2 weeks, at which point internal exams start to check for dilation and effacement on a weekly basis.   

Maternity Clothes:   Oh yes, and even started wearing maternity panties, which were given to me as a joke, and fortunately I’m still able to find the humor in them.  I decided awhile ago that if I can’t laugh at some of the strange and/or unpleasant things, it was going to be a very long road. 

Movement:  She’s going to be a boxer or yogi.   At first, movements felt like small pops.  Now, we can really feel and see her whole body moving around and stretching.     

Symptoms: 

The Good:  I internally feel the pregnancy “glow” that everyone talks about—I’ve never felt more happy or excited in my life.   I’m afraid to say this as it will probably come back to bite me, but SO FAR, I’ve not had swelling, heartburn or stretch marks.  I’ve definitely had some bad days and meltdowns, but for the most part I’m feeling great! 

The Bad:  Varicose veins, Round Ligament Pain, breathlessness, increased heart rate after eating, trouble sleeping even with sleeping pills, frequent trips to the bathroom, and just an overall lack of being able to get very comfortable.  

The Ugly:   Too ugly to post on a blog.      

What I Miss:  I miss people looking at my face when I talk to them or walk by.   However, I am grateful to be getting special treatment from strangers who open doors for me, let me cut the line, return my grocery cart for me, etc. 

Health/Exercise:  I’ve decided to hang up my running shoes.  I so enjoy starting the day out with a jog with Brice and Dakota through the neighborhood, but my round ligament pain is noticeably worse on those days.  For someone who has been running on a regular basis since high school, it is hard to imagine giving it up, but I also realize the importance of listening to my body.  I honestly never thought I could still be running this far into the 3^rd trimester, so I do feel good about what I have been able to do.  I probably will not run again for 3 months, since typically doctors don’t sign off on rigorous exercise until 6 weeks post-partum.  Fortunately, yoga and spinning are still on the table, and although challenging, are not adding to my discomfort.   And of course, I will still go on walks with Dakota. 

Belly button In or Out:   Almost out

Cravings/Aversions:  Girl Scout Cookies!  We ordered from a neighborhood girl several weeks ago, and they have not arrived yet.  I hope this 5 year old didn’t scam us!   As for aversions, I’ve developed an extremely strong aversion to BBQ sauce.  The smell made me gag when we made BBQ chicken the other night.            

Preparations/accomplishments:  

-       We attended our Infant CPR class.  It was very interesting and informative, although scary at the same time to imagine so many emergency situations.  We hope to never use the skills that we learned. 

-       We’ve made major progress on the nursery and bathroom and hope to get delivery of our couch this week.  I’m hoping to have everything set up and ready to go by mid-March and I’ll post pictures when it’s all done. 

-       We’ve started the process of looking for another car.  The lease on my car is up in May, which is perfect timing since my convertible sports car days are over, at least for the next 15 years or so.   We’d really like to get a hybrid or fuel efficient car and test drove the Prius last weekend.  We are going to look at the Honda Insight this weekend. 

-       We spoke to a dog trainer about what we can do to start acclimating Dakota to life with a baby.  She was very helpful and gave us lots of great trips such as:

1.      Starting to play sounds of a baby crying so that Dakota is used to the sound.  I actually thing this should apply to all of us. 

2.      When we come home from the hospital, give Dakota a chance to greet us (she will be excited to see us after not having seen us for a few days), then have Dakota and the baby meet each other outside and then all walk in together. 

3.      Keep a toy box for Dakota’s toys and a toy box for the baby’s toys and train both of them to only take from their respective box.  I understand this in theory, but am skeptical about how this will work in practice. 

4.      Start setting up the crib, Pack n Play, other moving/noise-making equipment now so that Dakota gets used to their existence and noises. 

5.      Establish boundaries with Dakota so that she doesn’t crowd me while I’m trying to move around or jump on me while I’m holding the baby.  I’m really not concerned about this—Dakota is very respectful and rarely jumps. 

6.      Maintain a calm and peaceful environment around the baby.  Dakota is very sensitive and will immediately sense our stress and be on edge herself. 

7.      Dakota is as much part of our family as the baby will be, so it goes without saying that we should not neglect Dakota, but try to maintain her walking and eating schedules so that her normal life isn’t disrupted. 

We are really excited about seeing how Dakota reacts to her little sister and imagine them becoming the best of friends! 

Family Shower Pics

Thank you to Bonnie who took all of these pictures from the family shower at my parents house on February 5, hosted by the grandmothers (Bonnie and my mom) and aunts (Sam and Erin).  

The amazing brunch spread: 

 

Excited (and overwhelmed?) Dad getting tips from Grandpa: 

Opening gifts: 

Barbara (Stephanie's mom) knitted this adorable bunny sweater.   Especially fitting because this is the year of the rabbit!: 

Her first Marc Jacobs outfit from Sam: 

Not one but TWO gorgeous and delicious cakes (my family knows me too well):

Our amazing 89 year old grandmother (soon to be GREAT grandmother) who came up the night before for a sleepover at our house. 

32 weeks

The last few weeks have been very special and exciting for us. 

-          We celebrated our 6 year dating anniversary at Asia de Cuba.

-          I turned 31 years old the same week that LL turned 31 weeks.   Having a baby has changed my perspective on birthdays, and I was more excited for my mom than for myself on my birthday.   I called her the day before and wished her “happy 31^st anniversary of the last day of pregnancy.” 

-          I had my family shower, hosted by my mom, Erin, Sam and Bonnie.  It was truly a special event and we were overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity and thoughtfulness.  We had so much fun we completely forgot about taking pictures once guests started to arrive, but I will try and collect some from others that were there.  The good news is that we received an SLR camera, so photo quality on this blog should be improving!  The shower was at my parents house, the house that I was born and grew up in.   My dad prepared an incredible brunch spread—everything was homemade with such love and care over the last several weeks.  The tables were set with beautiful china from my mom’s, Diane’s (Brice’s mom) and Martha’s (Brice’s grandmother) collections and stunning flowers that Sam picked out (pics below).  Not only was each place setting beautiful and one-of-a-kind, it was especially meaningful to have Diane and Martha’s presence at the shower.  And the gifts!!!  This is going to be one stylish, sophisticated and smart little baby, thanks to all of the clothes, gear, toys, products, etc. that we received.  We feel incredibly lucky to have such unbelievably loving, supportive and generous friends and family. 

-          I had my work shower- which was very unexpected.   Working from home, I am only in the office 4-5 times a year for board meetings.  I do see some of my counterparts and of course my bosses more regularly, as we typically attend trade shows or meetings together.   About 10 weeks into my pregnancy, I had to attend a trade show with Alex, who is our Product & Sales Support in the office and works closely with me.  The show was in Vegas, and on the first night, when we went for dinner at 6, both wanted to go to bed by 8, and neither of us had had a sip of alcohol, we knew something was going on.  It turned out that Alex was also pregnant and due just 5 days after me!   It has been wonderful to share our experiences/horror stories/strange symptoms/billions of questions, and our babies have been dubbed the “EvriBabies” (the company is Evriholder).   At any rate, there was a baby shower “for the EvriBabies” this week after our board meeting when everyone was in town.  It was really touching to have so many people from the office and warehouse, many of whom I’ve only met a handful of times, come to celebrate with us.   We wore “Mommy to Be” tiaras and sashes, margaritas, Mexican food and cupcakes were served, and Gary had everyone go around the room and give us their best advice and good wishes.  The graphics department designed the adorable invitation below, and our product development team might have even come up with a few new baby products to launch!       

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 32 weeks, 3 days 

Size of Baby:  4 lbs, 6 oz

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  +21 lbs

Doctor’s visits:   We’ve just returned from our 32 week appointment, and everything looks perfect!  LL’s weight was derived from measurements of her skull, femur and stomach, so is very accurate and right on track.  Based on her strong kicks and body pushing out, I’ve been able to take guesses at how she has been positioned, and the ultrasound confirmed my speculations.   We had a special guest at the appointment, Sam, who got to “meet” her niece!    

Maternity Clothes:   It’s supposed to be 80 here tomorrow which is going to throw me for a loop in terms of wardrobe selection!   I am definitely not complaining though (about the weather).     

Movement:  Her legs are on my right side, and she pushes so hard I feel like I can almost grab her knee or foot.  Her butt is up against my belly button, which protrudes during big stretches.        

Symptoms:  After dealing with sleeplessness and the frustration that followed for weeks, I decided to just go ahead and start taking (doctor approved) sleeping pills every night, and they have helped greatly.  Although I still have to get up 4-5 times a night to go to the bathroom, at least I’m not up for hours at a time.  I’m in bed for 8-10 hours a night, which I am trying to enjoy as much as possible knowing that these days are numbered.   Veins on my left leg only look like the Amazon. 

What I Miss:  Belts

Health/Exercise:  The sleeplessness and travel this week threw off my workout routine, but I’m hoping to get back to spinning, yoga and jogging this weekend.        

Belly button In or Out:   Still flat! 

Cravings:  Grapefruit   
Preparations/accomplishments:  

-          Brice finished touch-up painting on the nursery, and we are ready to start arranging and putting things away! 

-          Brice started a major paint project on LL's bathroom. 

BEFORE:

 DURING:

-          I finished my last work trip so I’m officially OFF the road now!!!  Traveling was difficult, but everyone was especially nice- especially the flight attendants who gave me extra snacks and drinks. 

My favorite products:   My bathrobe, which is often my outfit for the entire day.    

Best Moment This Week:   Between anniversary, birthday and shower celebrations, it has been an amazing few weeks!      

30 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 30 weeks!  10 to go! 

Size of Baby:  3 lbs, 5 oz

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  +19 lbs

Doctor’s visits:   We had our 30 week appointment yesterday and everything looks perfect!  Both mother’s (measured by urine sample, weight, blood pressure, amniotic fluid, length of cervix) and baby’s (measured by ultrasound measurements of head, femur, stomach, spine, positioning) health are right on track.  We got to see LL on the ultrasound and she was smiling back at us (or so we’d like to think).  She is no longer in breech position- her is head down with her back up against my belly.  I start going every 2 weeks now up until 36 weeks when I go once a week. 

Maternity Clothes:   Enjoying my fresh wardrobe immensely and still occasionally finding a pre-pregnancy outfit that miraculously still fits (an overwhelming joy for a pregnant woman).  

Movement:  We felt hiccups!  It felt like small pops at regular intervals.  It might have happened before, but this time I had just read about it so the description was fresh in my mind.  Guess she was gulping down those placenta fluids too fast!  Movements continue to be strong and frequent, some kicks even take my breath away.   I love feeling every jab, kick, stretch and hiccup.   

Symptoms:  I feel noticeably huger every day and am having a hard time getting my arms around this continuing to happen for the next 10 weeks.  Backaches and Round Ligament Pain (essentially where the leg connects to the hip) are getting more painful, especially in the morning and evening.   Sleep is becoming increasingly difficult.  I’m usually up between 2-4am.   I cannot stay awake past 9pm.  Fortunately I haven’t experienced the heartburn that most pregnant women suffer from no matter how spicy the food, but my heart seems to be racing after I eat, so my doctor suggested eating smaller, more frequent meals.   All that being said, I really am still feeling great, as happiness and excitement far outweigh small discomforts!     

What I Miss:  Getting dressed without having to sit down. 

Health/Exercise:  My normal routines continue, but running is more like a fast-paced waddle.  Some days I feel great, other days I feel like I can barely make it to the end of the class/street.  I’m just taking it 1 day at a time and stopping or slowing down when I feel the need, but then trying again the next day.   Everything that I’m doing (spinning, yoga, even running) has been cleared by my doctor up until I deliver, so long as I continue to feel up to it.  The many strange stares that I get at the gym seem to suggest that other people feel otherwise though…       

Belly button In or Out:   Still flat

Cravings:  I actually experienced my first, real, can’t-go-another-minute-without-it craving for pizza the other day.  Fortunately there’s a pizza shop 2 blocks from our house, and it was THE BEST slice of pizza I’ve ever had.   Thank goodness I only brought 1 large slice home, otherwise I surely would have devoured an entire pie. 

Preparations/accomplishments:   We accomplished a lot this week:

-       We selected a pediatrician.  She is highly recommended, extremely qualified, we liked her immediately, and her office is less than 10 minutes from our house!  With a free parking lot attached!   Definitely a nice change from Cedars. 

-       We ordered a changing table, which is being delivered tomorrow afternoon. 

-       We ordered a couch for the nursery.  After months of deliberation, we opted for a couch/loveseat so that we could both sit with her together, have the ability to recline/lay down, and all without having to position the furniture in the middle of the room to allow for rocking clearance.   We were able to custom order the exact dimensions, firmness and machine-washable slipcover that we wanted.  It will arrive at the end of February. 

My favorite products:   SO FAR, I’ve been able to avoid most of the belly itchiness and stretch marks by using a “Mother’s Special Blend Oil” every day.    And it smells like chocolate!   Let’s hope it continues to work.  I’m also loving my microwavable heating pad from Bonnie that I use every night, and the heated foot massager that spins on my feet under my desk for a few hours a day. 

Best Moment This Week:   Fulfilling my pizza craving and getting a prenatal massage—all on the same day!   

What our 2011 baby will never know...

I found the following article and added some of my notes in italics: 

Things Babies Born in 2011 Will Never Know
by Stacy Johnson
Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Huffington Post recently put up a story called You’re Out: 20 Things That Became Obsolete This Decade. It’s a great retrospective on the technology leaps we’ve made since the new century began, and it got me thinking about the difference today’s technology will make in the lives of tomorrow’s kids.

I’ve used some of their ideas and added some of my own to make the list below: Do you think kids born in 2011 will recognize any of the following?

Video tape: Starting this year, the news stories we produce here at Money Talks have all been shot, edited, and distributed to TV stations without ever being on any kind of tape. Not only that, the tape-less broadcast camera we use today offers much higher quality than anything that could have been imagined 10 years ago — and cost less than the lens on the camera we were using previously.  Agree.  We are already a digital family! 

Travel agents: While not dead today, this profession is one of many that’s been decimated by the Internet. When it’s time for their honeymoon, will those born in 2011 be able to find one?  Agree. 

The separation of work and home: When you’re carrying an email-equipped computer in your pocket, it’s not just your friends who can find you — so can your boss. For kids born this year, the wall between office and home will be blurry indeed.  Agree- this has already happened to us. 

Books, magazines, and newspapers: Like video tape, words written on dead trees are on their way out. Sure, there may be books — but for those born today, stores that exist solely to sell them will be as numerous as record stores are now.  Disagree and this makes me kind of sad.  I adore children’s books and love going to book stores—this was an important part of my childhood. 

Movie rental stores: You actually got in your car and drove someplace just to rent a movie?  Agree.  We love Netflix! 

Watches: Maybe as quaint jewelry, but the correct time is on your smartphone, which is pretty much always in your hand.   DISAGREE.  No child of Brice will be without a watch! 

Paper maps: At one time these were available free at every gas station. They’re practically obsolete today, and the next generation will probably have to visit a museum to find one.   Agree. 

Wired phones: Why would you pay $35 every month to have a phone that plugs into a wall? For those born today, this will be a silly concept.   Not sure… I need my land line for work! 

Long distance: Thanks to the Internet, the days of paying more to talk to somebody in the next city, state, or even country are limited.   Not sure, although I am seeing a lot of my international clients posting their Skype name in their email signature. 

Newspaper classifieds: The days are gone when you have to buy a bunch of newsprint just to see what’s for sale.   Agree. 

Dial-up Internet: While not everyone is on broadband, it won’t be long before dial-up Internet goes the way of the plug-in phone.   Agree and with good riddance! 

Encyclopedias: Imagine a time when you had to buy expensive books that were outdated before the ink was dry. This will be a nonsense term for babies born today. 

Forgotten friends: Remember when an old friend would bring up someone you went to high school with, and you’d say, “Oh yeah, I forgot about them!” The next generation will automatically be in touch with everyone they’ve ever known even slightly via Facebook. 

Forgotten anything else: Kids born this year will never know what it was like to stand in a bar and incessantly argue the unknowable. Today the world’s collective knowledge is on the computer in your pocket or purse. And since you have it with you at all times, why bother remembering anything?

The evening news: The news is on 24/7. And if you’re not home to watch it, that’s OK — it’s on the smartphone in your pocket.

CDs: First records, then 8-track, then cassette, then CDs — replacing your music collection used to be an expensive pastime. Now it’s cheap(er) and as close as the nearest Internet connection.   Agree.  

Film cameras: For the purist, perhaps, but for kids born today, the word “film” will mean nothing. In fact, even digital cameras — both video and still — are in danger of extinction as our pocket computers take over that function too.

Yellow and White Pages: Why in the world would you need a 10-pound book just to find someone?

Catalogs: There’s no need to send me a book in the mail when I can see everything you have for sale anywhere, anytime. If you want to remind me to look at it, send me an email.

Fax machines: Can you say “scan,” “.pdf” and “email?”

Wires: Wires connecting phones to walls? Wires connecting computers, TVs, stereos, and other electronics to each other? Wires connecting computers to the Internet? To kids born in 2011, that will make as much sense as an electric car trailing an extension cord.   I hope so! 

Hand-written letters: For that matter, hand-written anything. When was the last time you wrote cursive? In fact, do you even know what the word “cursive” means? Kids born in 2011 won’t — but they’ll put you to shame on a tiny keyboard.   Disagree and this also makes me sad. 

Talking to one person at a time: Remember when it was rude to be with one person while talking to another on the phone? Kids born today will just assume that you’re supposed to use texting to maintain contact with five or six other people while pretending to pay attention to the person you happen to be physically next to.  Another one that kind of distresses me. 

Mail: What’s left when you take the mail you receive today, then subtract the bills you could be paying online, the checks you could be having direct-deposited, and the junk mail you could be receiving as junk email? Answer: A bloated bureaucracy that loses billions of taxpayer dollars annually.

Commercials on TV: They’re terrifically expensive, easily avoided with DVRs, and inefficiently target mass audiences. Unless somebody comes up with a way to force you to watch them — as with video on the Internet — who’s going to pay for them?

Commercial music radio: Smartphones with music-streaming programs like Pandora are a better solution that doesn’t include ads screaming between every song.

Hiding: Not long ago, if you didn’t answer your home phone, that was that — nobody knew if you were alive or dead, much less where you might be. Now your phone is not only in your pocket, it can potentially tell everyone — including advertisers — exactly where you are.   This scares me. 

28 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 28 weeks 2 days

Size of Baby: Over 2 pounds.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 18 lbs

Maternity Clothes:   I had a rotation of about 5 outfits that I was quickly getting sick of until yesterday, when I received a care package from Helen with a whole fresh wardrobe of maternity clothes.   I was actually excited to get out of my pajamas today! 

Movement:  She’s an active little one!  Movements are frequent and powerful- I feel like I can almost grab an arm or foot at times.   She seems to respond a lot to chocolate and Brice’s voice.  Those are two things I can definitely guarantee in our house!  And in abundance!   

Symptoms:  I am really still feeling great, but I’m getting more uncomfortable (back and feet especially) and tire easily.  I am nearly out of breath just walking up the stairs.   Who am I kidding, I am out of breath just getting dressed or rolling from one side to the other in bed!  After running several errands on Sunday, I was so wiped out and came to terms with the fact that I really need to slow down my pace and not try to do so much. 

What I Miss:  Moving and thinking quickly. 

Health/Exercise:  Spinning, running/walking and yoga continue, and Helen also sent some prenatal workout DVDs that I will start trying as well.   

Belly button In or Out:   It’s a flattie right now.  It’s kind of fascinating. 

Cravings:  Tangerines, Indian food, Thai food, Ethiopian food, and as always, sweets

Accomplishments:   I signed up for Amazon Mom and ordered our first box of 84 Newborn diapers to have on hand….  Which I then found out will last us less than a week!!!

My favorite products:   I ADORE my Kindle.  I can’t believe I held out all this time before getting one.  I am reading so much more now and take it everywhere with me.  During my sleepless nights, I can read for awhile without getting out of bed or disturbing Brice.  I’ve just finished Cutting for Stone (which explains the Ethiopian food craving above). 

Best Moment This Week:  Getting a whole new maternity wardrobe 

The 3rd Trimester

It is hard to believe that my third trimester started yesterday.  In some ways, the time has flown by and I wish we had more time to prepare for the baby; in other ways, I feel like I’ve been pregnant FOREVER and April feels like an eternity away. 

We took advantage of being home over the holidays and tackled some major projects:

-          We vacated my office to turn it into the nursery and moved my office into the guest room.  We are really happy with how the new office/guest room/Dakota’s room looks and functions.  And we are still able to receive overnight guests! 

-          We set up the crib, a gift from Beth and Don.  We adore it—it is sophisticated, cute, functional and of course most importantly, SAFE. 

-          We created our baby registries with the help of friends with babies, emailed lists, other blog suggestions and extensive research.   

-          We’ve started setting up the nursery closet and putting away the many generous hand-me-downs (some I even handed down to myself from when I was a baby that my mom miraculously preserved in pristine condition) and gifts. 

We had our 26 week appointment with Dr. Serden last week. 

-          The baby weighs 2 lbs and is looking fantastic, with everything measuring right on track.  I’ve gained 17lbs. 

-          I took (and passed!) the glucose test for gestational diabetes, which was a relief to me considering my dessert intake.   

-          We had an ultrasound and got to see her little body.  Right now she is in breach position; however the doctor says she will most likely flip to be head down before delivery. 

-          Before we started the ultrasound, Dr. Serden pressed all around my belly with his hands and settled on one spot in particular which felt kind of like a tennis ball.  He had Brice feel too and told us it was her head.  He put the ultrasound wand down at that spot, and he was right on the money.  I’m sure he does this 20 times a day, but we thought it was pretty cool.   And we also found out that we can press on my belly 50x harder than we had been previously—however still neither of us are comfortable doing so.      

-          Our next appointment is at 30 weeks and after that we start going every 2 weeks. 

PREGNANCY BRAIN is in full effect.   I go to the kitchen with an empty glass to get more water and once I arrive there I can’t remember what I’m supposed to be doing.   I ask the same question multiple times, sometimes seconds after the first time I’ve asked.  I watch a whole TV show and can’t tell you a thing that happened.   I’ve lost/misplaced countless items—at least once a day I have a mini melt down and tear the house apart because I can’t find my phone or my shoes or my Kindle or car keys.   Brice has been very patient with me and has already looked through the trash twice just this week as a last resort (one of the times the missing item was there!).   I actually felt anxious today when the garbage was collected and who knew what else was in there that I’ve thrown away mistakenly… 

SLEEPING is becoming increasingly difficult.  I fully intended to take advantage of sleeping as much as possible before the baby arrived, but my body feels otherwise and is already training for sleep deprivation. 

HEALTH/EXERCISE is still cleared by my doctor, and so my spinning, yoga and running routines are intact.    Brice started coming to yoga with me and is enjoying it a lot.  We do all of our workouts together now, and with a jogging stroller and baby yoga, hopefully LL will get assimilated into our active lifestyle. 

DAKOTA has been a topic of conversation/questions from many people.   Like all pet owners, we have often wondered how Dakota will react to a new girl in the house.   We are convinced that she already knows that I’m pregnant.   She has not left my side during the whole pregnancy.    She has always been protective of me, but since becoming pregnant, she has been even more so.   She stays by my side ALWAYS, even during some pretty unpleasant moments of morning sickness.   We predict that she will be loving and protective of her little sister.  She’s already practicing with the empty crib!