Dear.... let's face it, you are off the charts when it comes to fruits and vegetables... it's past time to give up those descriptors and just call it like it is... predicted-to-be-surprisingly-large-baby,
We made it. It's Week 38 (almost 39 now!) and today is my last day of work. Honestly, I was hoping to not make it this long. But it's okay. It's giving me a chance to wrap things up, clean things up, provide some (temporary) closure. I have a return date set. Seems so far away now, but I'm sure it will be here before I know it. The question that remains to be answered is in what capacity I will be returning... but that can wait.
Monday we had another doctor visit. Last time she had suggested another ultrasound this week since I'm still,again,always measuring ahead. So we got to sneak another peek at you, wiggling around as usual. Everyone always seems surprised at how much moving you do in there. And, after the size prediction, I'm surprised you HAVE any room to move in there! By ultrasound measurements and some fancy calculations, the estimate is that you are 9 lbs. 14 oz. I don't know what to say to that except that I'm *really* hoping that this is an overestimate of at least one pound. Ultrasounds are known to be +/- 1 pound. Again, let's not talk about the possibility of it being off the other way...
The good news is that there is still plenty of fluid in there for you. My blood pressure and everything else looks okay. Even my swelling has gone back down. So while the doc was somewhat concerned about the size estimate, there was no immediate panic. We're just hoping that you decide to make your arrival soon, VERY soon. Or else there might be talk of forcing you out. I don't want that, little man. So, we've started to try some more gentle approaches to getting you to cooperate... Your dad has been feeding me spicy foods. We've gone for some walks. I've been bouncing on my ball like crazy. And have been trying to make use of some acupressure points that we learned in our birthing class.
I'll admit, your surprising size does have me a bit worried. But mostly because I want to try to avoid as much medical intervention as possible. If you don't come soon, I don't think that will be possible. It may be impossible already, who knows? Don't be stubborn like your momma and just come join us already! :)
Your dad and I had a strange moment last night where we realized that one day soon, we will come home with a baby and our lives will completely change. It's not like we didn't know that was coming of course. Afterall, we have spent months preparing for your arrival! It's just a strange thing... it has been just the two of us for so long. Soon we'll not only have a little stranger living with us, but we'll also be responsible for him. We'll be "parents." That is too strange!
That said, we are ready. We are ready to meet you. To bring you home. To do our very best to take care of you and provide you with all that you need/want in life. Our families too... are so, so excited.
Baby, don't keep us waiting much longer.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Full disclosure: third trimester addendum
I've now officially reached 37 weeks--full term.
Let me tell you something that no one told me: the end can be even worse than the beginning. I know how lucky I was to not have morning sickness or really significant symptoms early on. Now I'm kind of wondering how anyone does this more than once. It seems like if pregnancy doesn't get you in the beginning, it gets you in the end.
About a week ago, I started sleeping in our sofa recliner. I cannot sleep on my sides anymore. Getting up from that position causes such extreme pain--it's all in the hips and ligaments. Plus my hips pop something awful if I turn over. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I move from the recliner to the sofa for a couple hours. But even there, I am sleeping semi-upright. He says he misses me, but I bet my husband secretly enjoys having the bed to himself. :)
Swelling is becoming a more significant issue. Yesterday, for the first time, I was unable to get my wedding rings on. To this point I had had a few episodes of foot/ankle swelling, but typically only at the end of the day and it would go away by morning. This morning, my right ankle was already swollen. Why only the right? Dunno. But walking around all day on it did not help. It's puffy and sore and there's nothing I can really do about it.
All the movements that previously entertained and amused may suddenly become painful. Oh, it's still fun to see your stomach moving on its own. But, those little arms and legs are powerful enough now to hurt. And bladder and cervix kicks are fun too.
The good news is that by now your baby has probably dropped lower into your pelvis. This makes breathing easier, but sitting may be difficult because your belly is pushing itself onto your lap. You may find yourself sitting like a guy--knees spread wide. You also may be hitting your own belly with your knee while going up stairs. Fun. Maybe this is just me since I'm measuring so giant, I dunno. My belly is a network of stretch marks now. And somewhere along the lines, when I wasn't paying attention, my belly button definitely became an outtie. I'm also starting to outgrow my maternity pants. That can't be a good sign.
So, there you have it. More fun from the third trimester. I hear it's all worth it though. :) I can't wait to meet this little wiggle monster.
Let me tell you something that no one told me: the end can be even worse than the beginning. I know how lucky I was to not have morning sickness or really significant symptoms early on. Now I'm kind of wondering how anyone does this more than once. It seems like if pregnancy doesn't get you in the beginning, it gets you in the end.
About a week ago, I started sleeping in our sofa recliner. I cannot sleep on my sides anymore. Getting up from that position causes such extreme pain--it's all in the hips and ligaments. Plus my hips pop something awful if I turn over. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I move from the recliner to the sofa for a couple hours. But even there, I am sleeping semi-upright. He says he misses me, but I bet my husband secretly enjoys having the bed to himself. :)
Swelling is becoming a more significant issue. Yesterday, for the first time, I was unable to get my wedding rings on. To this point I had had a few episodes of foot/ankle swelling, but typically only at the end of the day and it would go away by morning. This morning, my right ankle was already swollen. Why only the right? Dunno. But walking around all day on it did not help. It's puffy and sore and there's nothing I can really do about it.
All the movements that previously entertained and amused may suddenly become painful. Oh, it's still fun to see your stomach moving on its own. But, those little arms and legs are powerful enough now to hurt. And bladder and cervix kicks are fun too.
The good news is that by now your baby has probably dropped lower into your pelvis. This makes breathing easier, but sitting may be difficult because your belly is pushing itself onto your lap. You may find yourself sitting like a guy--knees spread wide. You also may be hitting your own belly with your knee while going up stairs. Fun. Maybe this is just me since I'm measuring so giant, I dunno. My belly is a network of stretch marks now. And somewhere along the lines, when I wasn't paying attention, my belly button definitely became an outtie. I'm also starting to outgrow my maternity pants. That can't be a good sign.
So, there you have it. More fun from the third trimester. I hear it's all worth it though. :) I can't wait to meet this little wiggle monster.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Cloth Diapering: The Newborn Stash--AIOs and Pockets
Mmkay. Now that I've covered prefolds and covers, it's time to delve even deeper into the world of cloth diapers.
When I mentioned to my family that we would be cloth diapering, prefolds are exactly what came to their minds. Now, the prefolds may not have changed much since "back in the day" but the covers sure have. There will not be any rubber pants on my baby's tush.
There are other diapers though, "fancy" cloth diapers, if you will, that will blow your parent's minds. They are absorbent, adjustable, work just like a disposable (just throw it in the wash instead of the trash when it's dirty) and come in great colors and adorable patterns. I know when my parents first saw them, they were very impressed. They are still apprehensive about actually *using* them though. We'll have to see if we can change that...
These are the newborn "fancy" diapers that I have in my stash.
First, the All-in-ones. These diapers are the most like disposables in that all you do is put them on, remove them when dirty, wash, and they're ready to go again. The interiors have all the absorbancy you need without having to stuff any pockets. That's the theory anyway. They will be tested sometime this month... :)
This is a Grovia brand newborn all-in-one (AIO).
Isn't it cute?! And here's the interior...
That flap of material is a sewn-in soaker for extra absorbancy. It's attached on one end only so it's easier to clean, but doesn't get lost in the wash. Hurrah! I love these and hope they work well!
Next we have Kissaluvs newborn AIO dipe.
Notice the snap down on the front for the umbilical stump. The interior on these is SO soft.
Now for a pocket diaper--the Happy Heinys Mini.
Yes, I did get the skulls print, thank you. The snaps in the front are to adjust the rise of the diaper and these have the aplix (velcro) closure. As I mentioned before, I'm okay with velcro at the little baby stage--I've been warned that older babies can and will start unfastening the aplix themselves at a certain age. Which can lead to big messes. Everywhere. Anyway, this is NOT an AIO diaper, it is a pocket diaper, which means that it must be stuffed with inserts in order to bring up the absorbancy level and make it usable. Here's an interior shot...
As you can see, it doesn't look very cushy. That's because there aren't any inserts in it yet. An insert is just a rectangle of material, typically multiple layers of material, that you stuff into that pocket on the diaper. Most pocket brand diapers come with an insert made of microfiber, but you can buy all sorts of different ones. There are cotton, bamboo and hemp inserts as well. The plus to pockets is that they are completely customizable. Need a little extra absorbancy up front? You can do that. The downside is the inserts need to be removed when you wash the diapers and then you need to re-stuff them before using them again.
There are also some diapers that combine the best of both worlds. AIOs with pockets!
The Tots Bots Easy Fit Tiny Fit falls into this category.
This is an AIO diaper in that it has an insert that is sewn INTO a pocket at one end. That means that the insert agitates out by itself in the wash, but remains attached so you don't lose it, then you just stuff it back in to reuse it. But it also means that you can add another insert into that pocket if you need more absorbancy. Brilliant.
I also managed to snag a couple of the notoriously popular and hard to buy Ragababe brand Easy AIO newborn diapers.
Pretty, huh? Now these are an AIO, but they too have a pocket that can be stuffed with the included insert if you need even more absorbancy. Maybe for overnights? I love that concept.
So, there you have it. That's my complete newborn stash. I have no idea how well any of these will work yet. I have no idea how long any of these will fit either. But I do know that most of the one-size diapers I have purchased won't fit the typical newborn. Of course, I don't know if my newborn will be "typical" either. But, for now, the plan is to use these "fancy" diapers along with the prefolds and covers until our little man loses his umbilical stump and puts some weight on. And then you'll get a whole 'nother post on the One-size diapers that I've chosen to use that should carry us through potty-training.
I'm so excited to start using these!
When I mentioned to my family that we would be cloth diapering, prefolds are exactly what came to their minds. Now, the prefolds may not have changed much since "back in the day" but the covers sure have. There will not be any rubber pants on my baby's tush.
There are other diapers though, "fancy" cloth diapers, if you will, that will blow your parent's minds. They are absorbent, adjustable, work just like a disposable (just throw it in the wash instead of the trash when it's dirty) and come in great colors and adorable patterns. I know when my parents first saw them, they were very impressed. They are still apprehensive about actually *using* them though. We'll have to see if we can change that...
These are the newborn "fancy" diapers that I have in my stash.
First, the All-in-ones. These diapers are the most like disposables in that all you do is put them on, remove them when dirty, wash, and they're ready to go again. The interiors have all the absorbancy you need without having to stuff any pockets. That's the theory anyway. They will be tested sometime this month... :)
This is a Grovia brand newborn all-in-one (AIO).
Isn't it cute?! And here's the interior...
That flap of material is a sewn-in soaker for extra absorbancy. It's attached on one end only so it's easier to clean, but doesn't get lost in the wash. Hurrah! I love these and hope they work well!
Next we have Kissaluvs newborn AIO dipe.
Notice the snap down on the front for the umbilical stump. The interior on these is SO soft.
Now for a pocket diaper--the Happy Heinys Mini.
Yes, I did get the skulls print, thank you. The snaps in the front are to adjust the rise of the diaper and these have the aplix (velcro) closure. As I mentioned before, I'm okay with velcro at the little baby stage--I've been warned that older babies can and will start unfastening the aplix themselves at a certain age. Which can lead to big messes. Everywhere. Anyway, this is NOT an AIO diaper, it is a pocket diaper, which means that it must be stuffed with inserts in order to bring up the absorbancy level and make it usable. Here's an interior shot...
As you can see, it doesn't look very cushy. That's because there aren't any inserts in it yet. An insert is just a rectangle of material, typically multiple layers of material, that you stuff into that pocket on the diaper. Most pocket brand diapers come with an insert made of microfiber, but you can buy all sorts of different ones. There are cotton, bamboo and hemp inserts as well. The plus to pockets is that they are completely customizable. Need a little extra absorbancy up front? You can do that. The downside is the inserts need to be removed when you wash the diapers and then you need to re-stuff them before using them again.
There are also some diapers that combine the best of both worlds. AIOs with pockets!
The Tots Bots Easy Fit Tiny Fit falls into this category.
This is an AIO diaper in that it has an insert that is sewn INTO a pocket at one end. That means that the insert agitates out by itself in the wash, but remains attached so you don't lose it, then you just stuff it back in to reuse it. But it also means that you can add another insert into that pocket if you need more absorbancy. Brilliant.
I also managed to snag a couple of the notoriously popular and hard to buy Ragababe brand Easy AIO newborn diapers.
Pretty, huh? Now these are an AIO, but they too have a pocket that can be stuffed with the included insert if you need even more absorbancy. Maybe for overnights? I love that concept.
So, there you have it. That's my complete newborn stash. I have no idea how well any of these will work yet. I have no idea how long any of these will fit either. But I do know that most of the one-size diapers I have purchased won't fit the typical newborn. Of course, I don't know if my newborn will be "typical" either. But, for now, the plan is to use these "fancy" diapers along with the prefolds and covers until our little man loses his umbilical stump and puts some weight on. And then you'll get a whole 'nother post on the One-size diapers that I've chosen to use that should carry us through potty-training.
I'm so excited to start using these!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Week 36.
Dear Andre the Giant, pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, crenshaw melon,
Baby, you are still measuring big, but you are a wiggling man and the doctor says that means you're strong and healthy. For that I am most thankful, even if carrying you around is starting to exhaust me. :)
There has been a flurry of activity in the last several weeks. Well, mostly by other people (especially your Dad) because I'm just to darn tired lately. You now have a nursery! The furniture all arrived this past weekend. Your dad had finished painting by then, but also put up new window shades. Even your Oma andOpa sorry, not Opa, he won't go by that name, Ken! (maybe he'll be a pop-pop or something fun???) got in on the action by helping install a new ceiling fan. Once the furniture was in we were finally able to unpack all the goodies that we brought home from our two showers. I *thought* we didn't have that much clothes... boy, was I wrong!
I have been helping where I can. I've been washing your clothes and prepping the cloth diapers. Organizing your books on your bookshelf. I also built your swing and activity mat during my restless evening hours. Seriously... I don't know what it is about the hours of ~7 pm to 10 pm, but I just canNOT sit still then at all.
We finished up our Bradley classes for labor preparation. I guess that mean we're as ready as we'll ever be. :) I am hopeful that we will get the natural birth that we so desire, but also know that things are unpredictable and that plan could change. At the very least I hope to avoid induction at all costs and hope that you will make your arrival when you are good and ready. Both your dad and I feel that we are better educated and better prepared to deal with any situations that may arise. And that is a good thing.
Last night we took a newborn care class as well. It was a lot of things that we already knew, but even a few new tidbits of safety and care information made it worth while. Plus, your Dad got to drive to the hospital to practice one more time before The Big Day.
Halloween 2011 has come and gone. We did put up decorations, but didn't celebrate/enjoy the season nearly as much as we typically do. It's our favorite holiday, you see, and I hope it will be your favorite someday as well. I can't wait until next year when we can pick out a costume for you. Take you to the pumpkin patch. Carve pumpkins. You could even go trick or treating with your cousins! Oh man, Halloween is just going to get better.
This Sunday will mark 37 weeks. You will be officially "full term." We're ready to meet you, kiddo. No rush. But don't make me wait too long... those doctors can get antsy and they might want to evict you. Until then, take it easy on my bladder, okay?
Keep growing, baby! Get stronger, baby.
Baby, you are still measuring big, but you are a wiggling man and the doctor says that means you're strong and healthy. For that I am most thankful, even if carrying you around is starting to exhaust me. :)
There has been a flurry of activity in the last several weeks. Well, mostly by other people (especially your Dad) because I'm just to darn tired lately. You now have a nursery! The furniture all arrived this past weekend. Your dad had finished painting by then, but also put up new window shades. Even your Oma and
I have been helping where I can. I've been washing your clothes and prepping the cloth diapers. Organizing your books on your bookshelf. I also built your swing and activity mat during my restless evening hours. Seriously... I don't know what it is about the hours of ~7 pm to 10 pm, but I just canNOT sit still then at all.
We finished up our Bradley classes for labor preparation. I guess that mean we're as ready as we'll ever be. :) I am hopeful that we will get the natural birth that we so desire, but also know that things are unpredictable and that plan could change. At the very least I hope to avoid induction at all costs and hope that you will make your arrival when you are good and ready. Both your dad and I feel that we are better educated and better prepared to deal with any situations that may arise. And that is a good thing.
Last night we took a newborn care class as well. It was a lot of things that we already knew, but even a few new tidbits of safety and care information made it worth while. Plus, your Dad got to drive to the hospital to practice one more time before The Big Day.
Halloween 2011 has come and gone. We did put up decorations, but didn't celebrate/enjoy the season nearly as much as we typically do. It's our favorite holiday, you see, and I hope it will be your favorite someday as well. I can't wait until next year when we can pick out a costume for you. Take you to the pumpkin patch. Carve pumpkins. You could even go trick or treating with your cousins! Oh man, Halloween is just going to get better.
This Sunday will mark 37 weeks. You will be officially "full term." We're ready to meet you, kiddo. No rush. But don't make me wait too long... those doctors can get antsy and they might want to evict you. Until then, take it easy on my bladder, okay?
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