Week 34 Appt!

We had another doctor's appointment on Monday for the Week 34 checkup! I gained about 4 lbs from the last appointment, which makes my grand total 29 so far. (But hey at least we are still in the 20's...) Heard a heartbeat of 144 bpm, and the doctor said that everything is looking as it should. Pretty uneventful.

I have had a recent concern come up which has been a severe tightening and heavy pressure sensation towards the end of the workdays/workweek. In my head, it's not exatly what I would imagine a "Braxton-Hicks contraction" being since it seems more than just a tightness. The pressure feels so heavy and abnormal and it feels like he is going to fall out of me, but who knows?! Dr. Sloan said that I need to back off work, because the so-called contractions were probably caused by exhaustion, and if I didn't make a change, that I may be at risk for preterm complications. Ugh!

So following that conversation on Monday, the heavy pressure has not only increased in frequency, but occasionally has resulted in a very painful cramping sensation! Fun times! I had to leave work early yesterday because it was so limiting. I have come to the conclusion that it is unlikely for me to last 6 more weeks at work! I'm taking it one day at a time, but anticipate throwing in the towel within a week or 2 of the due date... assuming/hoping I can even make it that long! We'll see what tomorrow brings!

On a better note, little Nico has been moving around like CRAZY and it is so fun to feel and see. We haven't been able to decipher any specific body parts poking out yet. It has been more like big chunks that protrude out of me, so it must be his head or rear end! He really gets going shortly after a meal. A week or so ago was the first time that David felt one of these major movements. The little guy must have been completely turning or doing flips in there, because it was dramatic. It freaked David out and he hasn't felt much since!

This is all definitely getting more real by the day! We can't wait to meet him!

Bring on Week 34: Work shower

We are exactly a month away from Nico being considered "full term" at 37 weeks! Yesterday our countdown until August 10th hit the big 5-0! I know these last 7 weeks will fly by!

I am continuing to get bigger and am definitely feeling the effects! It's been significantly harder to get comfortable this week. I constantly change positions at night and can't seem to find a good one. This pregnancy thing isn't as fun as it used to be!

 

Work continues to be a challenge each week with more fatigue and physical aches and pains. I've become very whiney to David at home but try to keep my complaining to a minimum otherwise! I have woken up a few mornings this week and seriously questioned how I was going to make it through another day, much less possibly 6-7 more weeks! The ankles are still looking attractive, as you can see!

We went to a Baby Care class last Wednesday which was very informative! There were a lot of helpful tips and all of the basics were covered- bathing and umbilical cord/circumcision care, diapering, feeding, swaddling, when to call your doctor, etc etc. It was nice to touch on the necessary expectations and tasks since neither of us have been around babies and are clueless!

 

We made a couple fun additions to his room: the baseball rug, bookshelf, clock, and photo frame! I'm in love with his room!

 



 

We are close to having the room officially complete! There are just a few more details that are left!

Today was a special day because it was my work shower! It was actually supposed to be a dual shower, but my coworker's wife went into labor this morning! 

 

We had a lot of food! Taco salad/nacho type food, veggies, fruit, and the cutest cupcakes!

It was so thoughtful of my work to throw a shower for us! We got a couple hooded towels, books, clothes, blankets, bath stuff, a shopping cart cover, and a bottle warmer that plugs into the car. Very nice stuff!

8 months!

Week 32's Doctor's Appointment went well! I found out that if you start crying like an emotional pregnant woman for no reason, then they give you a free sneak peek look at your baby and a nice bag full of samples to make you feel better! 

So this pic can be hard to tell what is what, but if you look from a distance, it's easier. His head is tilted towards you and the facial features are pretty distinct! You can make out both eyes, the nose, chubby cheeks, and his mouth!

Here is a profile pic from the side. He was difficult and wasn't in the mood to have pictures taken of him. He kept moving his arm to cover his head, and he also stuck his tongue out at us. Then he went to sleep!

 

Besides getting a glance at him, the other highlight is that I have not continued to exponentially gain weight over the last few weeks! Still right around 25 lbs total so far.

So my emotional little episode started when I asked the nurse what it would cost/if it was possible to get a quick ultrasound viewing. I have been feeling that all of this STILL hasn't "hit me" the way that I thought it would, and maybe that means that I'm not bonding the way I should be?! I thought that seeing him again may change my perspective, and it did! It was fun to see that we still have a growing little boy in there.

We're in the 30's!

My Week 30 Appt was quick and uneventful. The heartbeat was at 151 and everything is measuring right on target! Dr. Shimer pressed deep into my abdomen to locate his head and told me that he is all ready to go with his head in the downward position! Scary + exciting!

So I've gained another few pounds, making my total gain around 25 lbs already! I'm hoping at least a few of those are because of the recent swelling. Check out the nice thumbprint that lasts for minutes in my foot!
 

I've really started to feel the physical effects of this whole process in the last few weeks. Luckily, the rib issue has resolved (knock on wood!), but overall my back/feet aching and level of exhaustion have continued to rise.
 

David and I went to infant safety and CPR class on Wednesday night. David missed one of his playoff hockey games to go, and it was cute to see that he put this as a priority. They reviewed a million home modifications and safety tips to consider that it makes you wonder how any kid has ever survived! The most valuable part was CPR and choking practice. Even though it wasn't the most fun thing we have ever done, it was a good thing for us to do together.

The definite highlight of the week is that Nico's room is painted!!! It looks awesome!!!

 

 

 

It turned out better than we imagined! All of the colors seem to fit together. We still have quite a few things to add (especially on the bare walls), but it's a work in progress! Thanks to my parents for getting us the curtains- they really tie the room together!

 
David ordered a really cute backpack for Nico online and had it personalized. It will be useful as a diaper bag for the next few years!

 

One of my patients gave us this bouncer, because he has been looking to get rid of it! I have some of the nicest patients and have received about 10 baby gifts in the past month (a few blankets, a lot of clothes, and a piggy bank)!

 

 

Little Miss Attention has found a good napping spot. The dogs can tell that something is up.