Week 39 - Nursery

Well still preggers but feeling good. hopefully things will progress with as I'm 3 days from my due date.

Here are pictures of the nursery. Most of it is done except for the changing table/dresser. The real one will be delivered in November but for now we'll improvise. Once the new dresser is here I have a shelf and an adorable reclaimed wood picture to put above it. To go with the purple and butterfly theme I purchased glass drawer nobs that match the finials of the curtain rod. I plan to cover the dark wood of the mirrors with decorative paper...just need to go find something that works. I also have 3 throw pillows for the couch but have yet to find the perfect covers for them.

38 Weeks... Still Cookin'

Here's an update with how things are going. My appointment frequency has been set to weekly since week 35. I had my Group B Strep test which ended up as negative and an ultrasound! They said she's head down, hanging on the left side, and about 51/2 lbs which will estimate around 71/2 lbs at full term.  Then appointments at 36 & 37 weeks were pretty uneventful - she didn't even check me in fear of disappointing me that Baby P will not be here any time soon. My last appointment on Tuesday I finally had the breakdown.... I know I've mentioned the back pain I've been due to lack of space issues. Well its been getting worse and as Baby P moves down so does the pain. Chiropractor appointments and massage I think have helped control it not become excruciating pain but the relief it provides is minimal.In good news she did check me and things do work down there.... ha! Although this really gives no indication of when I will go into labor I am 1cm dilated and 50% effaced.

Mentally I've had my days. Last week was tough as I had it in my head I was going to go early.... well nothing happened. This week I'm more positive about things. I know the longer she is hibernating the healthier she will be at birth. Everyone says get your sleep now - I feel like its the guys saying this to me.... because if it was their wife they would know sleeping at the moment is not as easy said than done.


Also, I don't believe I'm the nesting type. First off we have a cleaning lady and since I know what she does bimonthly is better than what I could do, even if I spent 2 days straight cleaning, I see no need to scrub out my fridge at the moment. I do have a list of things that need to get done before baby arrives and feel this is about as 'nesty' as I can get. If hubby wakes up tonight and I'm scrubbing the toilet with a toothbrush then we both know its time to pack our bags.

Maternity Pictures

Here are my favorites from our Maternity photo shoot. The session was done by Gretchen Kelley Photography. I am so lucky to live in a big city with great opportunities to take advantage of good deals. Originally I was debating a maternity photo shoot because it can be expensive. Well, one day I received a 'daily deal' from YouSwoop (think Groupon) and it was $50 for an hour photo session and 25 images on CD ($100 value). I checked out the photographers website and liked what I saw. Enjoy!

Week 35 - Pictures!

Just a bunch of pictures......

35 Weeks - SideView

35 Weeks - Front View

Mama Court and Baby J at the Lake

Believe it or not there are 7 'people' in this picture!! The one in black had her baby girl 10 days after this was taken.

The cake topper from my shower. Some how they thought she is going to be a brunette like her dad

6 Weeks to Go!!

It's been a while since I last updated the Prego Blog. Up til that point I have had quite an uneventful pregnancy which I am truly grateful for. I have now entered the last stage of...lets call it... DISCOMFORT so I don't scare all my friends who one day plan to have children of their own.

The issue with my back is not getting any better. I am still seeing the chiropractor twice a week and getting massages every other week. I expect to work up until I go into labor but if my back pain increases it may be the thing keeping me at home. I am really only comfortable laying down on my side. It mostly hurts when I am sitting which is what 99% of what my job requires. I try to stand, take short walks (loops around the cube farm), and sit reclined in my seat.

While on vacation I went through a rite of passage that seems to happen to a lot of pregos - I Broke a Toe! Yes, fell, went boom on my bum, and foot went into wall. I've broken a toe before and ran on it 3 days later. Its now been over a week and I am still very gimpy, just put on a tennis shoe for the first time last night since I was determined to work out, and have given up on wearing the boot and am back to flip flops. Having a broken toe when preggers is not fun, although I am grateful it was just my toe and not my foot.

We've finally settled on a name... but we're not telling. I did go to Esty.com and order a monogrammed hat!

Fat feet, stiff hands..... Luckily I removed my rings in time. I haven't worn my engagement ring in months but was still wearing my wedding band. At 32 weeks the band had to go. I had a bit of a panic because I couldn't get it off. So I waited til I felt the least swollen, stuck my hand in ice water to help in shrinking the finger a bit more and was able to remove the band. I NEVER take off my wedding band thus was having these feelings of panic when I was washing my hands in a public place thinking the ring fell off. So I bought a $20 replacement. I bought it while on vacation and there were not many options. Its pretty ugly but oh well, I feel much better wearing it. The ring I bought was a size 7 and my band was a 5!

The nursery is coming along. The parents were in town this past week and Dad drove his truck so we could make a trip to Ikea. We've decided to put a sofa bed in the room so hubby can get some rest since Baby P will be sleeping in the Pack-N-Play for the first few months. We still can't paint due to issue out of my hands. The bedding has arrive so I am going to spend this weekend finally putting things away and getting it somewhat set up.

Sorry I don't have any pictures, I keep forgetting the memory card at home. I will try to remember (although my brain is oatmeal) and post some this weekend.

30 Weeks - Tennies and Tutus

My Hometown shower was this past weekend. Baby P got the most adorable outfits and lots of fun stuff for the nursery. I can tell she's excited sine she's really picked up the movement in my belly. I think I'm running out of room since her favorite place is to kick right into my ribs. I am experiencing a little back pain and sometimes heartburn during the night. Overall things are well - she was measuring right on target at the last appointment. Here's something else to mention - my due date is also a full moon!! I take that as a good thing - hopefully this means we might go into labor around the due date. I'm not looking forward going over my date because that increases my chances of possibly needing to be induced - so Yay for fullmoons!!

Here are some pictures from my shower. The theme was Tennies and Tutus - hosted my aunt and two close friends of my mom. I'm so blessed to have all the people who attended the shower in mine and soon to be Baby P's life.

The Cake

The Cake Topper

Me at 30 Weeks

The glasses wore Tutus

More Cute Decor!!

HELLO Week 29 - Third Trimester

This week we have completed through T2 and making our way along the final leg - The Third Trimester. Now, not to complain too much here but is anyone else aware that nausea returns the during the third trimester. Well I wasn't. Starting around week 26 through 27 I thought I was having very ill effects due to the heat. Everyday I got on the bus was worse, I even had to get off one time, grab water from 7-11, and just chill for a bit. I was convinced I was going to puke and pass out every morning. First I blamed the heat, then I blamed motion sickness and stopped reading while on the bus/train, then I was certain it was my blood pressure. Not yet ready to surrender and call the doc (with a week left until my next appt) I did my favorite google search "Pregnancy and...... third trimester nausea". BINGO! Due to increasing hormones and less room for the tummy nausea can return during the third trimester. I went back to wearing my seaband bracelets and everything if fine. Reading on the train still gets me a bit but the bracelets really help combat the nausea and I think it helps with my acid reflex too.

TAKE THAT GLUCOSE TEST

At my 28 week appointment I took my glucose test. Dr. G said it would taste like orange Fanta...never had the stuff so still not sure what I was in for. The office I go to has a rule that they do not give out "the drink" ahead of time-that's city living for you. They do this because you have to get your blood drawn exactly 1 hour after drinking and a lot of women ending being late because of a delayed train or traffic. So unless you have a really good excuse - bring a book. Ok, now back to my experience. I go in, tell them I'm there for a glucose test, girl brings me my drink. ..... It's red, Doc said orange, I like orange, not sure I can stomach red. Since I also had a scheduled appointment that day she showed me to a room, told me I had 5 minutes to drink it and to note the time once I finished. I am able to chug a little over half the drink when the other nurse comes in to take my blood pressure.
Nurse: "Oh you're taking the three hour test today?"
Me: "No, the one hour."
Nurse: "STOP! Who gave you that"...she goes into the hall "Who gave her this?"

She takes the red drink from me and explains that I was given the 100 bottle and not the 50 bottle. Luckily I was only able to get a little over half down. Thus Doc said that its ok, they will do the test and if it comes back normal thats double good since I drank extra. Guess what - I kicked that glucose test in the booty - NORMAL!!

I'll post some belly pics later this week. 

Unsolicited Pregnancy Advice

Yesterday I was at McDonalds. I had a later appointment, some time to kill, and Micky D's was the closets place with a bathroom. As soon as I'm in line an older man moves closer to me then says "Have you read the book What Not to Eat While Expecting"? He continues to tell me all the names of the chemicals in food preservatives and dyes. He said it will give me and my baby cancer. Thanks dude! But I have a reply, I tell him I'm pretty sure I got a dose of radiation from the subway, stood in front of a microwave this morning, and tell him its a bit late now to watch what I eat. He continues his little rant then I get to order "Bottled water, please" - really that's all I wanted.
"Order #203, Big mac and large fry". The preacher goes to get his food.

The Skinny and not so Skinny - 26 Weeks

Here's a bit of a catch-up on what's been going on the past few weeks. Over the Fourth of July weekend hubby and I went up to my parents cottage on Walloon Lake in Michigan.

Last year on July 4th I had Coach G telling me to do a 90 mile bike ride with a 4 mile run off. I did this in the hills of Michigan between Boyne City and East Jordan. What a difference a year makes - I now have a new coach - my birth coach.

Hubs and I met with Coach H this weekend. She is a certified Doula who will assist us with the birth of Baby P. A Doula helps us through the birth to postnatal care. Although she is certified, she does not take place of the doctor, but is there to help me follow the birth plan and make informed decisions. Obviously, this being our first, hubs and I are clueless on what will or could happen but having Coach H there will bring us peace of mind and make the process a better experience(hopefully!!).

I had an appointment this morning, I've gained 5 pounds since last time which is a total of 18 lbs so far. I also learned that as of last Friday I now weigh more that 95% of the riders currently participating in the Tour de France.

Things I'd Never Thought  I'd Do When Preggo

1. Stop Running - I had stopped around 20 weeks and although I miss it, I'm coping. Its really too hot to run outside and I can't force myself to run on a treadmil

2. Wear a Bikini - Yes on 4th of July I wore a Bandu Bikini, not sure if there will be a repeat showing next time I'm at the lake

3. Wear Skinny Jeans - Yes, I bought a pair of skinny maternity jeans from Gap. I don't even own a normal pair so what would make me want some now? Well at a certain point in pregnancy you start loving your legs - Why? Because they now have become the smallest part of your body, or at least they appear smaller since my tummy is HUGE!

4. Not able to wear ANY of my shoes - this is two parts
A) In the summer I wear flip flops to work then slip on a pair I kept stored at my desk - Ok, I store about 10 pair here and none of them fit so I've been strolling my office in Rainbow flip-flops for quite a while now. I do plan to buy a new pair or two today.
B) I can't tie my own shoes thus I can't go work out at the gym unless hubby is home to tie my shoes for me before I leave

Here's two pictures - My 26 weeks belly shot and the Skinny Jeans (not  a fan of the picture, i feel stumpy)

 

23 Weeks

Here are TWO belly pics. I've not been afraid to post a naked belly it just hadn't reached that point.... until now.

 Hubby says it looks like I'm pushing it out, trust me, that's the last thing I want - it looking bigger. I learned this week that Baby P is the size of a large mango and my uterus is the size of a soccer ball..... I'm pretty sure my belly looks bigger than a soccer ball. Either way back to why it looks like I'm pushing out the belly - notice how much my back curves. Yes, I have a shelf butt, always have, always will and that's why I've been going to a chiropractor these last couple of weeks. Not only do I have minor curvature in my lower spine but it causes my pelvis to rotate forward. I was like this before pregnancy and have attempted therapy to help correct the problem. Now with the added belly weight its tilting even more and putting more strain on my hamstrings, lower back, and hips.

So as I did with my previous ailment to Google I go. I researched chiropractic therapy for pregnancy. There are a number of great benefits of chiropractic therapy during pregnancy. Since our bodies are getting pulled every which way it helps bring our bodies closer to that original state and allows our bodies to grow a little more pain free. There are also benefits during early stages of labor - getting an adjustment during early labor stages can help put the hips into better position for birth. Luckily I had another prego friend recommend an office. So I had an assessment and learned that I can receive chiropractic and massage therapy - all covered by my insurance (i pay a $15 co-pay per visit). I did look into other prenatal massage but its expensive to go often so key reminder to pregos - its possible to get your massage covered by insurance.

Like I said, I've been going for a couple of weeks now and the pain in my lower back and hips is becoming more manageable. The massage is not a glorified lotion rub its what I expected from a trained massage therapist - mostly deep tissue incorporate with sports massage techniques. I still haven't been going to the gym as much as I would have liked but the temp is Chicago is pretty cool at the moments so I've been taking afternoon walks at work. I'm starting to hit the 3 o'clock slump thus taking a walk helps get the blood and brain juices flowin' so I can stay on task....otherwise I'd definitely be face down on my keyboard.

For those wondering - Yes that's a tattoo on my hip and its actually starting to stretch.....yikes!

22 Weeks - The Registry

Is it fall yet...No Joke - I'm cooking here and its just starting to get over 90. Chicago gets HOT in the summer even with the wind - ick Hot Wind, creating HOT dust storms - its just gross. Beside that things are starting to heat up I'm progressing along quite well. Had an appointment today with Dr. G. Just a little check up and to discuss the ultrasound where everything was normal. Heartbeat is around 156 and Belly size is right where it should be. According to online sources Baby P weighs about a pound and from here on out gains 1/4 lb per week.


This weekend hubby and I decided to start our registry. I already had the stroller, car seat, and high chair picked out. Initially I didn't want a high chair because it'll take up too much space and not be used for the first few months. So we loaded into the car and drove out to a Babies R Us which is right on the city border, its stop and go the whole way - it was not a fun drive. Unfortunately I was highly disappointed when we arrived. All the items I planned to go view were all online orders only so not even demos were available. We did go around and scan some other needed baby items like a play mat, nursery items, and bath time fun.Warning to all moms - don't let dad run off with the gun - the next day I checked the registry online and hubby had scanned legos and anything with kitties on it.

Leaving in a disappointment we decided to check out baby row in Lincoln Park. Baby row is actually an area in LP that happens to have a number of baby stores in a quarter mile radius. The stores are Land of Nod, Bellini Baby, Baby Gap, Galt Baby, and Pottery Barn kids.  So we headed for the intersection of North/Sheffield/Clyborn streets. First we went to Land of Nod and although they carried the brand we were looking for they also did not stock it in store - they carried the very high end strollers. Next was Bellini - mostly I went there to get an idea of the cribs they carry.

Finally I got dragged we went to Galt Baby. Praise Baby Jesus for Galt Baby, not only did they carry the brand (PegPerego) in store but they have every single item I wanted and knowledgable staff to explain everything I needed to know. Also something important to know about Galt Baby - they will professionally install all car seats purchased and have an in-store service department which most store items receive free service for a year (might be 2).

Back to the high chair - at GB my first pick got trumped by the grand daddy of high chairs. Now first I must say I understand that even decent high chairs do not have to cost an arm. My goal of items we are selecting for our registry are to be multi use - our condo is not that big, meaning, I can't get a high chair, a Bumbo chair, and a swing....it needs to be one item that sufficiently has the purpose of those items.

Here comes this!!!! It starts as an infant high chair thru toddler, its got wheels so I can put Baby P in there, and move her around with me throughout the condo - to the bed room, nursery, even right outside the shower door. Here's the kicker - its also a swing!!! Thats right, it converts into a swing.... It is a very awesome item in my book but the price screams NO! So we'll have to research some other items and make a decision but for now its staying on the list.

21 Weeks and Counting

First off BIG NEWS - Its a Girl!!!! We had our midway point ultrasound last week and its was a very exciting experience. All I knew was the appointment would take around 30 mins and we would be able to find out the sex of the baby. What I didn't expect were the 150+ different types of measurements taken. It was breathtaking to sit there for 30 minutes and see our little baby girl - I wish I could have an ultrasound every week.

On the Workout Front

Well I'm done running. I thought the belly support band would help with the lower abdomen pain and provide some stability in my hips but unfortunately my body just wasn't made to run prego. The support band will come in handy for walks where I still get some pain and soreness but its not nearly as bad. I signed up for a new gym membership this week. Since the move we've canceled our other gym to switch to something a bit closer. I'm not a huge fan of the new gym since they pack all their cardio equipment into one small space and the weights area seems 'meaty'. Since I'm no longer in triathlon training mode I now workout with everyone else at peak times. Yesterday I went for the first time and did the elliptical for 20mins and the reclined bike for 20. The equipment was nice, the ventilation was not so nice.... and I totally blame the ventilation, not the fact I've gained 15 pounds, am slowly becoming out of shape, and refuse to wear anything less than a t-shirt!

What I've been eating

*kid cereal-Crispix, Coco Krispies(whole foods brand), and Frosted Flakes(whole foods brand)
*fruit - every night I have a fruit bowl before I go to bed - strawberries, blueberries, peaches, & apricots
*yogurt & pudding - Activia fruit yogurt and can't have enough tapioca pudding
*pancakes - especially the pancake delight from victory banner!!!
*pie - mostly apple but any seasonal fruit will due. i went through 2 a week my first trimester
*pulled pork - i dream daily of pulled pork sammies and baby back ribs

What used to be my staple foods

*oatmeal - mostly oatbran w/ pumpkin butter
*eggs - i loved restaurant omelets w/ feta and asparagus
*protein fruit smoothies
*my leafy greens - spinach & brocoli
*chocolate - which is a huge surprise i can't stand the stuff now

 The Sunburst Crew

Baby P's First 5k

This weekend I ran a 5k in back in my hometown. Leading up to this event I've been running 2-3 times a week and getting in 30 minutes to 3 miles. In the past two weeks the tempertures have been rising so my runs have turned more into a walk/jog. I have a feeling this will be my last week running outside and inside the gym I will go to swim and do the ellipitical.

I've noticed a lot of changes while running when prego. First off its ALL about listening to your body and doing what you can do. I read blogs of other women who still S/B/R all week long and others running half marathons. Of course I thought I would be able to do that as well but things change and I've really come to an acceptance of how much I really can do. In my first trimester I became very sick and could not exercise for three weeks. When I started to run again it felt like I haven't ran in a year. I went from marathon training at 8:00 pace to a 3 mile run at 10 min pace. I can swim up to 45 mins but with plenty of breaks between sets and on my own time (not at masters). Then I got sick again, during the beginning of my second trimester, with a 2 week exercise break. Getting back into it wasn't as bad this time.

The weather at the 5k was very warm and I was nervous I might have a lot of walking ahead of me. Due to the heat my HR was much higher that usual and I had to take it very easy. I finished in 36 mins which is a bit slower than my past runs. Afterward my hips tighten up very quickly and I had pain in my lower abs. My belly is just popping out so the running motion is causing it to pull up on those muscles. To help control the motion and hopefully allow me to continue running (or at least use the elliptical) I ordered a belly support band. It has yet to come in but I will post a pic modeling off the contraption.

8 days left til the ultrasound!

18 Weeks and Counting

I think I popped but then in a few weeks I'll say that again. My pudge is a bit rounder and I feel like I am filling out the maternity shirts a bit more. I spent this last weekend in Las Vegas for a girls weekend. It was short and much needed (but now I need a nap from my vacation!). I was worried before I left that the headcold I had been dealing with may come back stronger with the dry air and allergies.

Luckily before I left I had a second appointment with the acupuncturist. I am definitely a fan. The appointments last about an hour and I had needles in my feet, forearms, collarbone, one in the back of my head, and a number in my face. It doesn't hurt at all, I barely feel it. The needles are to stimulate blood flow and release toxins. That definitely happened after my first appointment because afterward I met a friend for dinner and had to excuse myself for a major nose blow. The next day my nose was much more runny but the pressure in my head and face were gone. The second appointment seemed to just finish off the remaining bits. I could continue to go but I've decided to wait again until my sinus's flair up (which I sure they will).

On Monday I attended my second event hosted by Bump Club Chicago. This one was a dinner at Quarintino's,
a representative from Giggle was there to talk about registering, a rep from Stokke was there to talk about their high end strollers, and then there was a raffle. The event coordinator does an AWESOME job of getting companies to donate (advertise) items for the raffle and goodie bags. At this event everyone got to go home with an item which could be a Stokke Stroller ($1000), a Stokke Tripp Trapp highchair ($250), a Bumble Ride Stroller ($800), or a Mamaroo Bouncer (this is what I was eyeing). The drawing started with lower priced items and worked its way up. I wasn't called during the first half of the drawing so I knew I was going to get something nice! I ended up going home with this beautiful sling. I'm not gonna lie, I was nervous at first about it. There recently have been some infant deaths reported in news in which the baby suffocated in slings similar to this one. I do understand that slings may not be suitable for newborns but today on the bus a lady was using it to help support a toddler on her hip while she lifted her stroller onto the bus. Also the lady at Giggle told me to bring in the sling - pre or post baby and she will teach me how to properly use it!


In home news - the couch and dining room set have arrived!!! A Blinds consultant comes this weekend - things are coming together!

18 Week Appt with the Doc went well. HR was at 154. June 10th is the day we find out if its a Girl or Boy!!

Easter Recap

I know, these are old but I draft this post a while ago and thought I should at least get some more pictures up!

Here's a recap from Easter and those pictures of Baby J I said I was going to post  

 Laura's a natural

Auntie Mal getting some practice

Papa Vern - sooo cute!!

The Easter Spread



Mal and Sara being goofy

My Favorite Easter Goodie

15 Weeks - Sinus Infection

Sorry no picture this time, not much has changed in the belly size department. Actually I've been a bit under the weather with a sinus infection. It started last week and through the weekend. The doctor recommended I take an antihistamine since it could be allergy related, so I did, and it did nothing. I've always struggled with sinus infections growing up, mostly due to literally running myself into the ground, and weakening my immune system. In the past year I thought things were finally turning around for me in that department as I wasn't getting as sick as I usually did. This also contributed to the fact that despite all the allergy and decongestant medications out there, I realized Nasonex was the best remedy for me. Well unfortunately when you're pregnant there is no Nasonex, no Claritin D, and no Mucinex. All weekend I resorted to the steam from the shower and the Nedi Pot. This provided some relief but I wasn't really feeling any better.

So to the internet I go for some digging. I checked out a few articles on the Baby Center website. There I found information about Acupuncture therapy during pregnancy and from there I checked out the website Acupuncture.com. Of course both sites discussed sinus relief from acupuncture therapy and how it is helpful for pregnancy since there is a limit to medications. So what do I do first thing Monday morning?? Give Dr. G a call to see if its okay...and it is! Next I called an Acupuncturist both my parents have visited and recommended.  I call the office and first off asked if the therapist (not sure to call a therapist or a dr?) if they treat or have treated pregnant women. I asked this because the websites mention that certain pressure points provide sinus relief can also can induce labor...and we don't want that yet! I was notified the therapist does treat and currently treats pregnant women. So my consultation is tomorrow to determine if the therapy will provide the relief I am looking for and if so I get to have my first session the same day. Hopefully all goes well!!


A few good things to note - we got our bedroom furniture and can continue to unpack the remaining clothes boxes. Word on the street is our couch and dining room furniture will be delivered by mid-may - cross your fingers!

Our Monthly Wake Up Call

Currently we are scheduled on monthly visits with the doctor. Yesterday we had our third appointment since finding out we were pregnant. These visits are very short - pee in a cup, take my blood pressure, ask some questions, and talk about how I am feeling. (the key is to schedule these first thing in the morning so there is less wait) Then the end of the appointment is the best part - we get to hear Baby P's sweet little heartbeat on the fetal monitor. Besides my slow growing bump I find myself at times denying that fact there is a little person growing inside my belly.  That is until I hear that rapid little beat - it was at 161.


Our next appointment will be around 18 weeks which is too early for an ultrasound so we will be able to schedule our it separate from the monthly visits. Thus around 20 weeks we fill find out if Baby P is a lil Miss or a Mister. Start the count down, 6 weeks til we know!

Bump @ 13 Weeks

Here's the delayed 13 Week bump picture. But don't be deceived - its mostly food!

Welcome!!!

Mike and I have decided to start this blog to keep our family and friends informed of all the new happenings in our life. We recently moved into our new condo, which is getting a new coat of paint, and Baby Sweet Pea is due October 23rd. I'll post up some before and after pictures of the condo and I think Baby P is starting to make a little bump so I'll post up a 13th week picture soon.

Love,
Mike & Kelli