Birth Story

Over the course of the week since my first unplanned L&D visit, I'd gotten used to a pattern of contractions becoming more regular over the course of the day only to disappear entirely by the following morning, so when I noticed my contractions were 5-7 minutes apart on Sunday night, I didn't think much of it. However, in getting ready for bed, I did realize that they were becoming much stronger than usual so I began timing them. By 1 :30 AM, they were 3-4 minutes apart and strong enough that I couldn't talk or walk through them so we prepared to go to the hospital. By the time we arrived, they were 2 minutes apart so the nurses brought me to a room immediately. However, I was still only 5 cm. dilated and 90% effaced when they checked me around 3 AM (I'd been 4 cm/70% on Friday) so I figured I had a long ways to go. After 5 attempts and 4 blown veins, the nurse finally got my IV antibiotics started (I'm GBS positive), and the monitoring began.

Unfortunately, my blood pressure was quite high so my doctor decided I needed to remain confined to bed for the whole of labor and dictated which side I could lie on and when. This wouldn't have been a big deal if I hadn't planned on a natural birth that required me to be able to move around, and the pressure in my back soon became unbearable as I fought the urge to push. With each contraction, I grew more unable to focus on my breathing and relaxing as I just concentrated on not pushing since I wasn't 10 cm. yet. Finally, I knew I wouldn't be able to keep fighting the urge without either getting an epi or being allowed to at least sit up, and since the latter wasn't an option, I told the nurse I wanted an epi. While C and I were really disappointed, I know that these were unexpected circumstances with not being allowed to move, and I managed to labor to 9 cm. without anything, so I feel OK about it. Getting the epi wasn't as bad as I'd expected, though I was unable to keep from pushing during contractions several times, which stressed me out because I didn't want to hurt anything. The doctor came in shortly after the epi, confirmed that I was almost 10 cm., and broke my water to help relieve some of the pressure.

It's a good thing that I did get the epi because, even though I was at 10 cm. by around 5:30 AM, I couldn't have another IV of antibiotics until 7:30 and it'd take an hour for that to be administered so I had to just labor down for over 3 hours because they wanted me to have 2 doses of antibiotics. Even this ended up working out, though, because by the time I was allowed to start pushing, the head was at +2 and the epi was weak enough that I wasn't in pain but I could still feel the urge to push and move my legs. Since they never were able to pick up my contractions on the monitors, being able to feel the pressure was crucial since no one could tell me when to push. Once they let me start pushing, things moved quickly. I had to wear the oxygen mask due to some distress from Ethan, but that was probably the most uncomfortable part because pushing wasn't that hard. After only about 40 minutes of pushing, the head was out and the doctor told me to stop pushing. I did, but Ethan had other plans, apparently, because the rest of his body slipped out on its own, much to the doctor's surprise!

We had planned on delaying cord clamping and having him on my chest for the first hour, but since the cord was so short he would only reach my lower abdomen, we agreed to go ahead and have the cord cut so that I could actually hold him. I also wanted to breastfeed in the first hour, but the nurse who had been so helpful during labor ended up being much less supportive after he was born and kept telling me he wasn't interested in nursing so I should go ahead and let her call the nursery to come check him out. I finally gave in just a few minutes shy of the full hour, but I still regret not having breastfed until a couple of hours after he was born.

So while my birth didn't exactly go as hoped, I still am happy with the experience and obviously am thrilled with the result! Ethan is such a good baby, rarely crying, sleeping very well, and latching like a pro most of the time. I had supply issues that required a formula supplement for 3 days (just 1.5 oz./day by an at-breast tube feeder) in order to rehydrate him and treat some mild jaundice, but my supply seems to be increasing with fenugreek and pumping, and he's gained back some of the weight he lost. All in all, we're doing well!

Popping my L&D cherry

Well today certainly didn't go as planned. It began as expected with me going to my 39 week appointment. I had contemplated throwing the hospital bag in the car just in case but decided that was silly and unnecessary. Little did I know... So I get back with the nurse, and she takes my blood pressure. She looked concerned and switched to the other cuff. She shook her head and finally said it was coming back high. 170/100 to be exact. Yikes! So she had me lie on my left side until the doctor came in. The doctor did the usual drill, including an internal, and discovered I'm 3 cm dilated and 70% effaced. When she took my blood pressure again, it was only down to 150/90 so she decided I needed to go to L&D for monitoring and for induction if they couldn't get it down.

As I walked over, I called C and my mom. C wasn't sure whether to come or not, so I told him I'd keep him updated. My mom was panicked, of course. I got up to the L&D waiting room and after a little while they brought me back to a room. After talking to the nurse, I decided I wanted C there so he headed over. They got me hooked up to the monitors and put the blood pressure cuff on to take a reading every 15 minutes. After about an hour or so, someone came in to wheel me down to get an ultrasound, which was unexpected. Everything looked great on the u/s, thankfully. He's definitely head down, and the tech said he was "right there" so she predicted pushing wouldn't be an issue. She confirmed the 3 cm. dilation, and I'm pretty sure she confirmed the gender. She was being sort of cryptic about the whole thing, which was annoying, but I think she would have said something if the original u/s was wrong, especially since we discussed it. Anyway, they brought me back to the room and hooked me back up, and C decided to grab some lunch, close things down at work, and get the hospital bag from home just in case. After another hour, the nurse had me turn on my left side for another hour's worth of readings. Those two hours were definitely lonely since C had left, the nurse rarely came in, and there wasn't much on TV. Plus, I had to pee horribly (TMI?) and was too shy to use the call button to have the nurse take the monitors off. I can promise I won't be that bashful once I'm actually in labor, but everything felt so weird today since it was all unexpected.

Finally the doctor came in. She was pleased that my blood pressure was coming down once I was on my left side (it got down to about 130s/80s) so she sent me home with orders for strict bed rest until I deliver. She was predicting that I'll probably go into labor in 3-4 days, even being on bed rest, but if I don't go on my own, I'm scheduled to be induced on Tuesday, so in exactly one week. I have to go back for a blood pressure check on Friday to make sure they don't need to induce earlier.

Apparently, I was having contractions as regularly as every 7 minutes, but I had no clue. I thought I noticed a couple, but it was hard to tell since I was so uncomfortable to begin with. This of course only increases my fear that I'll be in active labor without realizing it...

As anxious as I am to meet the little guy, I'm sort of glad that today didn't result in an emergency induction. Now I have a better idea of what things are like in L&D so I can better prepare. Plus, I'd only eaten a bagel for breakfast, and I cannot imagine laboring without any fuel. As it is, I still have a headache from lack of food!

So that's the plan. I can only get up to go to the bathroom and take one shower a day, which could get rough, especially around lunch time. Hopefully I'll go into labor soon on my own, but if not, I'll be induced on Tuesday. In other words, I have one week of pregnancy left, max. Wow.

39 Weeks

How far along? 39 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: No clue. I haven't been on a scale all week, and I don't go to the doctor until tomorrow.
Maternity clothes? Yup, and my already limited wardrobe is further impeded by maternity clothes that no longer fit comfortably.
Stretch marks? There aren't any new ones, but the existing ones are lengthening, for lack of a better term, and have basically taken over my belly.
Sleep: Sleep is touch-and-go. I'm having more trouble getting to sleep at night, I'm waking up earlier, and I still want to nap constantly.
Best moment this week: I don't really have one. All the days just blend together. There have been a lot more strangers commenting on my belly, though, which is always fun.
Movement: He's still wiggling around in there, even throwing the occasional punch and kick.
Food cravings: Anything and everything, especially if it's sweet or fruit.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: I'll hopefully find out about progress tomorrow. I was hopeful I might be in early labor today after we walked around the state museums for a few hours, but I suck at timing contractions so I can't tell if they're regular, increasing, or even real. I've had cramping most of the day and been in a decent amount of pain periodically, but I have no clue if it means anything or not, which probably means it means nothing. So much for going into labor on Labor Day.
Belly Button in or out? In, shallow, and slit-like.
What I miss: Not over-analyzing every twinge in my abdomen. I feel like I'm back in 1st tri again!
What I am looking forward to: Being positive I'm in labor (can you tell I'm frustrated right now?)
Weekly Wisdom: No one stays pregnant forever. View each child you encounter as proof!
Milestones: 39 weeks and still cooking!

38 Weeks (+1 day)

How far along? 38 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Yeah, I'm not answering this one this week. It's stressing me out.
Maternity clothes? Of course. And now not only are some of my tops getting tight, my pants are doing weird things, too.
Stretch marks? Yup. C claimed he got "stuck" on them last night because they are apparently "stickier" than the surrounding skin. Thanks, hun.
Sleep: Sleep has been rough this past week. And even though I slept well last night, I am beyond exhausted today.
Best moment this week: Surprisingly, the dinner with several couples from church. I was dreading it for over a week leading up to it because I'm just not in the mood to be social, but it was actually a lot of fun. I don't really have a strictly pregnancy-related one this week because the days are just blending in to one another...
Movement: He's picked up the movement some this week, though it's still mostly squirms and his daily hiccup sessions.
Food cravings: Anything and everything.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No updates here. The doctor didn't do an internal. However, I'm still having sporadic cramping and backaches. The pelvic pain has decreased some, or else I've just gotten used to it.
Belly Button in or out? Same as it's been.
What I miss: Lying on my stomach. And my back. But mostly my stomach.
What I am looking forward to: Going into labor so I can finally meet this munchkin!
Weekly Wisdom: If you think you don't like one of the doctors in your practice, give him/her a second chance. I REALLY didn't like the male doctor in the practice after my first appointment with him, but after seeing him this week, I actually like him OK. He's still not my favorite, but now I won't be upset if he's on call when I go into labor.
Milestones: 38 weeks and still cooking.

37 Weeks

How far along? 37 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Ugh. Up a ridiculous amount according to the doctor today, though I'm not sure it's correct: 25 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Yup.
Stretch marks? Indeed, but no additional ones in recent weeks, thankfully.
Sleep: I'm sleeping fairly well, but I'm absolutely exhausted today for some reason.
Best moment this week: Losing my mucus plug, even though it's much less exciting now that I've accepted that it truly means nothing.
Movement: After a few days of limited movement, he's been moving pretty well today. Still just squirms though; no more kicks.
Food cravings: I don't know. I am hungry, but nothing really seems appealing, and I don't have the energy to go to the store.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: My cervix has (disappointingly) remained stable from last Wednesday at 2 cm. dilated and 60% effaced. My mucus plug seems to be completely gone. Still having BH contractions, but no other signs other than soreness.
Belly Button in or out? In, but it's more like a slit than a hole at this point.
What I miss: Feeling like labor was so far away that it wasn't worth thinking about.
What I am looking forward to: Meeting this little guy! I'm not at the point that I'm so miserable I just want to be done with this pregnancy, and I don't think I'll ever get there, despite the pain and discomfort. However, I am anxious to have my baby in my arms and wouldn't be a bit upset if I went into labor this afternoon.
Weekly Wisdom: Don't read too much into labor signs, and don't let other people try to tell you differently.
Milestones: Full-term. Ho-ly crap!

Quick Cervical Update

I've been meaning to update since my appointment on Wednesday and kept putting it off, and, even though I don't have time for a full update now, I know it won't get done unless I go ahead and write something now. My appointment went pretty well. There were some issues with my blood pressure (using the usual cuff, the nurse was getting readings of 130-140s/90), but once she got me in a room and took it there, she got 134/80, which is still much higher than I usually am, but she wasn't concerned about it. Then the doctor couldn't find the heartbeat in any of the usual places. Finally, she found it above my belly button, where it's never been before! So of course I assumed he'd either moved really high or flipped breech. However, when she did the internal, she said he had moved down to -2 and was still head down. So I dunno what that was about.

Now on to the cervical progress. I'm now about 2 cm dilated and 60% effaced (up from no dilation and 50% effaced). Obviously, this doesn't really mean anything, but it's still exciting and has me hoping that, once I'm full term on Monday, I'll go sooner rather than later. The other prelabor sign that showed up today was the definite loss of my mucus plug. I'd thought I had begun losing it a couple of weeks ago when I noticed some globs of EWCM, and there was an even more noticeable bit yesterday, but I wasn't sure since you can have excess discharge late in pregnancy. Then this morning, it was unmistakable. That definitely seemed to be the bulk of it, but I've still been losing small bits and streaks about every other time I go to the bathroom (which is about every 15-30 minutes at this point). So once again, it doesn't really mean anything, but I can hope, can't I?

36 Weeks (+1 day)

Once again, I failed to update on the actual day. No really good reason; I just forgot!

How far along? 36 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Up 21 lbs, which is actually down from last week, I think.
Maternity clothes? Yes, and even some of my maternity tops are getting tight.
Stretch marks? Yup, and they appear to be holding steady.
Sleep: After a wonderfully restful weekend, I've been having some trouble sleeping again. I'm also getting sleepy again after having several days of energy.
Best moment this week: Seeing everyone at church on Sunday (my first time back since bed rest) and having the manager at Red Robin gush over me when we went in, telling me how beautiful I am, etc. Even if she was just being nice or trying to get a good review, it made me happy.
Movement: He's scared me a few days by not moving much, but he still moves (i.e. squirms) some every day.
Food cravings: Carbs. And fruit.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Definitely a LOT of pressure and BH contractions. I'll find out tomorrow (hopefully) if I've made any more progress or if my cervix has remained stable.
Belly Button in or out? In, but very shallow and stretched out.
What I miss: Being able to walk/get up/sit/roll over/stand without pain.
What I am looking forward to: My doctor's appointment tomorrow, C picking up the glider tomorrow (it finally came in today), and being full term!
Weekly Wisdom: If it doesn't get done, it probably wasn't that important.
Milestones: I don't know if it actually is anything, but 36 weeks just feels like a milestone in and of itself.

35 Weeks

How far along? 35 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I didn't weigh this morning, but at my appointment last Wednesday, I think I was up 18 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Yup, and I'm back in normal maternity clothes today because I'm off bed rest!!!
Stretch marks? Yes, and they are weird looking. The ones above my belly button are very vivid and intertwined, and the ones below my belly button go around and up my sides.
Sleep: I seem to sleep poorly every other night and sleep fine the rest. However, if I sleep poorly, I can make up for it with naps!
Best moment this week: Getting a good report from the doctor (I never updated after that, apparently), getting off bed rest today, and choosing a pediatrician tonight!
Movement: Yup, but it's mostly just squirms and random pressure. He's definitely less active than before.
Food cravings: My appetite has been increasing, and I'm eating a lot of cookies, which probably isn't good.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: My cervix is holding steady as of my last appointment. There's still definite pressure, and it still makes me nervous from time to time, but I'm feeling good overall.
Belly Button in or out? In, but just barely.
What I miss: Feeling Stretch being more active. Now it's just sort of uncomfortable when he's moving around.
What I am looking forward to: Being full-term so I can be wholly excited about signs of labor and cervical changes. Also, the glider should be coming in this week, which means the nursery will be basically complete.
Weekly Wisdom: Write things down. It's easy to lose track of to-dos and shopping lists when you have more important things on your mind.
Milestones: 35/35 today! Off bed rest!

34 Weeks

How far along? 34 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Up 17 lbs, I think.
Maternity clothes? Yes, but I've still been living in just yoga pants and maternity shirts.
Stretch marks? Possibly some new ones. There are four main clusters.
Sleep: Eh. It varies. Sometimes I sleep with no problems; other nights, I only sleep 4 hours.
Best moment this week: Having my parents come up for the weekend. They cleaned our entire house today, and yesterday my mom washed all of the baby linens and clothes, and we put everything away. Plus, they bought a lot of the final purchases, so we're almost set!
Movement: Yes, but it's unreliable. My mom has been trying to feel him all weekend, but he won't cooperate.
Food cravings: Nothing in particular.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: I go back for another cervical check on Wednesday, so I'll know more then. However, I definitely overdid it yesterday (just sitting up for long periods of time), and I was up last night with back pain that wrapped around to abdominal cramps, so I was debating calling the doctor. Thankfully things were better this morning.
Belly Button in or out? In, but very shallow and stretched out.
What I miss: Being able to do... anything.
What I am looking forward to: My 34 week appointment on Wednesday.
Weekly Wisdom: Accept help when it's offered, even if it makes you feel like a bum.
Milestones: Getting all the baby linens and clothes washed and ready for Stretch's arrival. Also, if Stretch was born today, he'd be late preterm.

Missed Moments

I knew going into it that this would likely be my hardest weekend of bed rest. There was so much planned for these days, and I can't do any of it. It was supposed to be my last weekend of my internship, and I was supposed to preach. However, Donald is probably preaching as I type. He called last night right after I fell asleep, which kept me up for an additional half hour because I was worried I had forgotten something I was supposed to have done. They were even going to have a reception for me between services, but that's obviously not happening. Even though I'll be going back to that church, potentially as our church, it's hard to miss these days.

After the second service, we were supposed to race off to our childbirth class, the one I scrambled to get in after screwing up the ones at the hospital. I had to email the leader last week to cancel, and thankfully she isn't charging anything since it's due to medical necessity. However, I'm back to not having a childbirth class, which means it's even more important for me to read and teach C myself. Plus, I'm not sure if I'll be able to get a tour of the birth center because I don't know for sure when I'll be off bed rest. So that combines disappointment with stress.

The biggest one is my parents being in town. They had planned this visit for a while so that they would be able to come see me preach and then help get things ready for baby. Instead, they are now doing everything without me. Yesterday, they took my list and went shopping, purchasing almost all of the final must-have items for Stretch. While I greatly appreciate their doing this, especially since they wouldn't let us pay for all of it, I hate that I had to miss out on that time of shopping with them. That excitement. Today, Mom's going to wash all the baby gear and clothes that need it, something else I was supposed to do. This also brings to mind all the other things I may not get to do: finish the nursery, freeze meals in advance, nest in general. Plus, since my parents are keeping busy doing things for me, I don't get to spend as much time with them, and it's a short visit as it is.

The whole situation depresses me. However, I've been proud of my ability to keep things in perspective. I haven't cried once about being on bed rest because rationally I know it's for a good cause. I'm trying to keep positive, and it seems to be working. Because even though I'm missing out on all these things I was supposed to do, I'm doing exactly what I should be doing: keeping Stretch an inside baby until he's ready.

Drowning in Love

Ever since a prayer request went out for me last Friday, I've been overwhelmed with cards, phone calls, emails, and offers. Everyone wants to bring us a meal, and I am having a hard time accepting any of the offers. It began with Nell, our neighbor across the street and a member of the church. She would hear nothing of my protestations and insisted on bringing over food, so she came over on Saturday. Meanwhile, she spoke to two of our other neighbors, one of whom dropped by on Sunday to visit and see if there's anything we need and the other will apparently be calling to find out when she can bring over a meal. I already told the church secretary that I didn't want her to send out a request for meals, but the offers came rolling in anyway. When I told the children's council that my parents will be coming to visit as a way to refuse the offer, they volunteered to bring meals for after they leave. One woman left a message on my cell phone offering to bring a meal, coffee, dessert, anything. Others have sent cards asking me to call if we need anything. With the exception of Nell, I've turned them all down so far. Until today. Today, one of the women who'd sent a card called and asked if she could bring me Chick-fil-A and visit with me for lunch. I decided to accept, and we ended up talking for 2 hours, which was a great way to spend the afternoon. I think I'm much more agreeable to having people bring lunch because it's not encroaching on my time with C, plus it's less likely that I'll end up with food we don't eat (like the chicken salad and potato salad Nell brought, which I feel horrible about not eating, but I just can't deal with mayonnaise). I am so grateful for the prayers and support, but I feel so guilty accepting anything. Who am I that these people would bring food? There are people so much worse off than me! I don't feel that being on bed rest makes me deserving. And yet, I know that that's not the point. These people are in ministry to me, and by declining their offers, I'm not allowing them to serve. The whole thing just makes me uncomfortable.

One gesture of love absolutely blew me away, though. My father's sister always sends cards for birthdays, etc. and has gone out of her way to connect with me about church and seminary (she gives money to a scholarship fund that supports several of my classmates). Out of the blue, I received an email this morning informing me that she sent a $25 Amazon gift card with the sweetest note about how she wants me to get some new reading material while I'm on bed rest. She doesn't have a lot of extra money, so that makes it mean even more.

I know I'm so blessed to have a family and church community that cares so much about me. I just wish I could get more comfortable with accepting their help.

33 Weeks

How far along? 33 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Up 15 lbs still.
Maternity clothes? Yes, but I've been living in yoga pants and maternity shirts while on bed rest.
Stretch marks? No new ones from last week, but the existing ones seem more apparent.
Sleep: I'm sleeping OK, but if I need a nap, it's not like I have anywhere to be...
Best moment this week: The outpouring of support from our neighbors and church. I've never received so many (quite insistent) offers to provide meals, etc.
Movement: Yup, but it's different than before. Now it's mostly just pressure as he twists around and stretches. I have finally decided that the little rhythmic pulses in my lower abdomen must be hiccups.
Food cravings: Still craving sweets.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: I feel pressure (like he's pushing down) any time I sit up too long, so I'm trying to be good on my bed rest restrictions. I got really nervous last night because I wasn't feeling well and was having a lot of pressure. I just feel like I don't know what's real labor, what's false labor, and what's just normal pregnancy discomfort.
Belly Button in or out? In, but very shallow.
What I miss: Going outside, even when it's 100+ degrees. Sitting up and walking around without worry.
What I am looking forward to: My parents coming up this weekend, even though it won't be like we planned. Also, my 34 week appointment to see what's going on down there.
Weekly Wisdom: Try to have a positive attitude, no matter what complications arise. It's all for the good of your little one!
Milestones: 50% effaced, -3/-2 station

A picture will have to wait until tomorrow, I think. (Picture taken at 33w1d and posted at 33w2d)

Bed rest

Well, this is my first non-weekly-update post in a long time, and it's not the post I expected to write. However, since I now find myself with all kinds of time on my hands, perhaps I'll finally getting around to writing those other posts I've planned for all these weeks. Anyway, to the subject at hand:

As I briefly explained on Monday in my 32 week post, last Wednesday I began having some symptoms of preterm labor, and the internal my OB performed at my appointment revealed some cervical changes and a low baby. I tried to follow doctor's orders about taking it easy, and on Monday I didn't have any issues. Then on Tuesday, I had to run all around for various meetings and errands, and since it was all in another city, an hour away from home, I didn't have any opportunity to lie down and rest. Plus, it was 100+ degrees with the heat index. Needless to say, by that evening, my legs were sore and swollen, and I was experiencing some of the same pressure I did last week, as if Stretch was trying to make his escape. I resolved to take it easy the rest of the week but knew I needed to go into work on Wednesday to let my boss know about everything and prepare for the week's activities. Before I even made it to work the next morning, the pressure was already back. I knew I needed to lie down, but I also needed to talk to my boss. He finally came in and convinced me to cancel that evening's study so that I could rest. I guiltily agreed and spent the rest of Wednesday lying down. The pressure progressed to some cramping and sporadic cervical pain, but it wasn't as bad as last week. On Thursday, I made it in for my final Thursday morning study and promised my boss and the church assistant that I'd rest the rest of the day. I called my doctor's office on my way home to update them on the pressure, and the nurse requested that I come in to be checked again that afternoon.

Thankfully, the same doctor I saw on Monday was available to re-check me, and she said that things were still pretty much stable and my cervix remained closed. However, since I'm 50% effaced, baby's head is at -3/-2 station, and I'm still experiencing a lot of pressure anytime I'm not horizontal, she wants me on modified bed rest until I'm 35 weeks. So that means I'm on bed rest for the next 2.5 weeks, which I'm none too thrilled about, though I'm certainly willing to do whatever it takes to keep him in! I know how blessed I am that it's such a relatively short time. Plus, even if the bed rest didn't work, he's still in a pretty good place if he decided to make an early entrance. And I have C's support (more on that in another post), my parents calling constantly to check on me and see if I want them to come up early, and the complete understanding of all those involved in my internship. There's never a good time for bed rest, but I'm in pretty good shape, and for that I'm very thankful.

Since this post has already turned into a novella, I'll wait for another time to post my bed rest plans, goals, and concerns. Until then, I'm just focused on keeping Stretch an inside baby until at least 37 weeks!

32 Weeks

How far along? 32 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: According to the doctor's this morning, up 15 lbs. That had been my personal goal for total weight gain ::sigh::
Maternity clothes? Indeed.
Stretch marks? Yes, and several new ones have appeared while the older ones have become more apparent.
Sleep: I'm getting up more during the night to pee and really having a hard time getting and staying comfortable.
Best moment this week: Going to the LLL meeting and beginning to read the breastfeeding and labor books. It was a slow week, I guess.
Movement: All the time. He's getting bigger and stronger, which leads to pain when he wedges his feet in my ribs or his shoulders in my pelvic bone.
Food cravings: Still have a sweet tooth.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Unfortunately, yes. After an episode beginning on Wednesday of increased pressure and menstrual-like cramps that eventually began wrapping around my back, I started to get nervous. I rested basically all of Thursday-Saturday and brought it up with my doctor today. She decided to do an internal and discovered that my cervix is softened and beginning to efface and Stretch's head is "quite low." She seemed fairly concerned, so I'm supposed to keep an eye on it and restrict myself to the couch at any signs of increased pressure/cramps. Hopefully that'll keep him in for at least the next 5 weeks!
Belly Button in or out? In, but stretched out.
What I miss: Not overanalyzing every abdominal twinge and worrying about overexerting myself.
What I am looking forward to: I'm looking forward to my parents visiting in just under 2 weeks, which also coincides with the end of my internship. As much as I've loved it, I am looking forward to having no obligations!
Weekly Wisdom: Don't second guess yourself. If you're concerned by a pain or pressure, call your doctor!
Milestones: I guess cervical softening and a low head are milestones, but they aren't ones I wanted to hit this early!

31 Weeks

How far along? 31 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: No clue. I haven't weighed myself in several days.
Maternity clothes? Always!
Stretch marks? A-yup.
Sleep: I'm definitely having a harder time getting and staying comfortable. I also haven't had time/opportunity to nap in over a week, which makes me sad.
Best moment this week: Having my grandmother-in-law spoil me with concern over resting enough. Also, hearing the ILs discuss baby names since it was the first time they really showed an interest!
Movement: Oh yeah. I had C put his hand my belly tonight to feel some, and when he pressed down, Stretch went nuts and kicked the heck out of me! His sleep-wake cycles are getting more defined, too, which is neat.
Food cravings: More cravings for ice cream and cookies. And bananas for some reason.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Nothing real, but there's been a lot of pressure, some random pains, and more Braxton-Hicks.
Belly Button in or out? In, but definitely shallower than pre-pg.
What I miss: Being able to sit and lie down comfortably. Being able to stand for more than a few minutes without my legs hurting. Just getting around in general.
What I am looking forward to: I'm going to my first LLL meeting tomorrow. I was looking forward to our childbirth classes starting this week, but I screwed that up... ::sigh::
Weekly Wisdom: Make sure you pay for the childbirth classes or else they'll cancel your reservation. I was POSITIVE I'd paid it and happened to look at the letter we got confirming the reservation only to realize the payment stub was still attached. When I called, they confirmed that they'd canceled it months ago and all the other classes are filled. So now we have no class to attend, which sucks a lot.
Milestones: 7 months!

30 Weeks (+ 1 day)

C and I spent all of yesterday sailing so I missed my regularly scheduled update. My apologies again for what this blog has become. For weeks, I've had all these grand ideas for other blog topics, but I've yet to find the time to get them written. If nothing else, at least this blog will serve as a record for me to look back on!

How far along? 30 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Oy. Up 12 lbs according to the doctor today. However, the dr. didn't seem concerned by this recent surge in weight gain, so I guess it's OK?
Maternity clothes? Yup. I'm pretty much stuck with the ones I have now because I can't rationalize spending money on things I'll only wear for 10 more weeks.
Stretch marks? Yes, and I just noticed some new ones today, above my belly button this time.
Sleep: Still getting up once a night to pee and having a harder time getting comfortable. Plus, I've been awakened by leg cramps on multiple occasions. However, I'm still getting enough, I think!
Best moment this week: Seeing Stretch moving around from the outside! And having Henry fight with the baby again =)
Movement: It's my favorite thing! I could stare at my belly for hours.
Food cravings: Still craving sweets. I guess that explains the weight gain...
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Even the Braxton-Hicks are getting less noticeable!
Belly Button in or out? In, but it's stretched all kinds of funny!
What I miss: Not having to pee all the time. I mostly missed this yesterday when we were on a 18.5' sailboat for 6 hours.
What I am looking forward to: I'm starting to look forward to bringing home our outside baby (not that I haven't looked forward to that this whole time and before that, too, but it's seeming closer and more realistic now). Also, deciding upon a name! I'm tired of that conversation!!!
Weekly Wisdom: Apply sunscreen twice as often as you would pre-pregnancy. Trust me on this one ::rubs aloe on scorched shoulders::
Milestones: Only 10 weeks to go! Also, seeing Stretch move from the outside. Oh, and I got my RhoGAM shot today, which is sort of a milestone.

29 Weeks

How far along? 29 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: *sigh* Up 10 lbs as of this morning. Not quite sure what happened.
Maternity clothes? Oh yeah. I tried to wear a normal shirt today and wound up with my belly showing.
Stretch marks? No additional ones, but I have some other odd marks.
Sleep: I'm waking up at least once a night to pee, but sleeping OK otherwise.
Best moment this week: Finally realizing that Stretch is going to be here before we know it!
Movement: Yes! However, he's freaked me out a couple of times by being less active than normal. Then he'll have wild dance parties a few hours later, so who knows what he's up to!
Food cravings: Things I shouldn't have like ice cream, chocolate, and cookies.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Nothing except for Braxton-Hicks
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Being allowed to climb up on chairs and such to reach things. Being pregnant and short is making things difficult.
What I am looking forward to: Still looking forward to being 30 weeks. And I'm also thinking more and more about doing the 3D u/s, so I'm looking forward to that possibility, too!
Weekly Wisdom: When in doubt, drink water.
Milestones: Today is our two year anniversary! No major pregnancy milestones this week, though.

28 Weeks

How far along? 28 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I haven't gotten on a scale all week so I have no idea!
Maternity clothes? Yup. And I think I may have shrank my favorite maternity top today when I forgot to take it out of the dryer =(
Stretch marks? Just the same ones.
Sleep: It's getting a bit better, but I definitely still need naps.
Best moment this week: Finding out I passed the 1-hour GTT! My blood glucose was 114, well under 140!
Movement: A-yup!
Food cravings: Ice cream. I have gone through so much in the past week...
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No, but the Braxton-Hicks contractions are more noticeable.
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Moving around comfortably. I can't even sit up without groaning.
What I am looking forward to: Being 30 weeks. No real reason except that it seems absolutely crazy that I'm already so close!
Weekly Wisdom: When people chastise you for doing things when you're pregnant (such as lifting a chair or not sitting down... cf. VBS), try to view it as an expression of love instead of just being annoyed.
Milestones: I can't think of any from this week.

27 Weeks

How far along? 27 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Up 5 lbs according to the doctor's scale, and the doctor says she's very happy with my weight gain thus far, so yay!
Maternity clothes? Yup. This week I may have to try to wear some of C's t-shirts for work, so we'll see how that goes.
Stretch marks? Just the ones I already noticed.
Sleep: I'm having a harder time sleeping lately, probably because I'm having a harder time getting (and staying) comfortable.
Best moment this week: Feeling Stretch move around while I preached. Though slightly distracting, not too many people have had that experience, and it was amazing!
Movement: Almost always. He's a very active little one, usually.
Food cravings: I definitely seem to crave carbs overall since I had a hard time finding something to eat today in preparation for the 1-hour GTT.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No, and he had better not give me any scares this week since C will be out of town.
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Cold weather. The heat index was 100-105 degrees today, and I feel like I get dehydrated just by going to get the mail.
What I am looking forward to: Getting the results of the GTT back from the doctor. If I don't hear anything by Thursday, that means my levels were normal!
Weekly Wisdom: Take time to just lie down on your side and enjoy feeling your little one, even if you have other things you "should" be doing. It'll be worth it.
Milestones: Third tri!!! Stretch has a 90% chance of survival if he was born today, and that feels pretty amazing.

26 Weeks

How far along? 26 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Up 4 lbs. That's still pretty good for 26 weeks, right?
Maternity clothes? Oh yeah, and thanks to my mom, I have some new tops and a new pair of jeans. AND I have some new dressy flip-flops since normal shoes no longer fit.
Stretch marks? Yup, those were definitely stretch marks. I have a few on either side of my lower abdomen, possibly a few on my left side above my belly button. Oh, and what appears to be a faint linea nigra. Awesome.
Sleep: Generally sleeping through the night, but my dreams are getting weirder. I'm having a lot of dreams about newborn care and labor.
Best moment this week: So many! C feeling Stretch kick for the first time, my mom feeling Stretch kick, visiting with family and ILs in Atlanta, and my Atlanta shower (most of these events occurred on Saturday, so I could have just said "Saturday")
Movement: He's moving almost constantly. I think I'm even feeling some hiccups, though it's sort of hard to distinguish them.
Food cravings: Nothing noticeable, though my sweet tooth has returned.
Gender: Boy! And if that u/s was wrong, I hope our little girl likes wearing blue!
Labor Signs: No, but some of these weird pains are starting to make me nervous.
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Feeling like I had all the time in the world to enjoy this pregnancy. Now it seems like it's just flying by!
What I am looking forward to: Being in 3rd tri (and there I go wishing time away, again).
Weekly Wisdom: Don't get behind on thank you notes. I am almost 3 weeks late on a few, and I feel horrible about it!
Milestones: C feeling Stretch kick, my mom feeling him kick, and the appearance of pregnancy badges of honor (i.e. stretch marks and the linea nigra)

25 Weeks

How far along? 25 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: It's been a few days since I checked, but at the doctor's last week, I was up 2 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Yup, and I actually went shopping this week to get some more!
Stretch marks? Still not sure about the few on my lower abdomen. Those are the only possible ones, though.
Sleep: Sleeping pretty well, but no more naps, sadly.
Best moment this week: Feeling Stretch several times from the outside. He was kicking above my bellybutton, and I could feel them very strongly!
Movement: Indeed!
Food cravings: None to speak of. My appetite is hit-and-miss of late.
Gender: All male!
Labor Signs: No, thankfully.
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Being comfortable. The leg cramps, random pains, fatigue, etc. have been in high gear this week, and I know it'll only get worse.
What I am looking forward to: Same as last week: Being able to reliably feel Stretch from the outside and C feeling him.
Weekly Wisdom: When you think you can't drink any more water, drink some more.
Milestones: Feeling him clearly from the outside.

24 Weeks

How far along? 24 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 1 lb! It took me 24 weeks, but I've finally gained weight as a result of being pregnant.
Maternity clothes? Oh yeah.
Stretch marks? I think I may have a few on my lower abdomen. I can only see them at certain angles, and I can't tell if they're actually new or not, but I think they might be.
Sleep: Yes, please.
Best moment this week: Finishing up my time with the Congregation and beginning my new internship. This is also baby-related because it meant a lot of people wishing me luck on my pregnancy and a lot of people just finding out about it, both of which are fun.
Movement: Yup! I even felt one of the kicks from the outside this week!
Food cravings: Still no cravings, but I was starving today mid-morning and mid-afternoon when I forgot to bring snacks to my new job.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Nope.
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Being able to bend over. I thought this wasn't something that happened until you were about to pop!
What I am looking forward to: Being able to reliably feel Stretch from the outside and C feeling him.
Weekly Wisdom: When you need to, just sit down and put your feet up.
Milestones: Viability! I know it doesn't really mean much, but it still provides some reassurance. Also, feeling Stretch from the outside, albeit briefly.

23 Weeks

How far along? 23 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: As of yesterday, down 1 lb since BFP, though it's been fluctuating a lot lately.
Maternity clothes? Yup.
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Still sleeping OK, but the nap is becoming an almost-requisite. I can really feel it on the days I can't take a nap.
Best moment this week: A lot of baby stuff was delivered this week (gifts from my parents and brothers), and I thoroughly enjoyed putting everything together. It makes it seem real and gives me something concrete to do in preparation.
Movement: Thankfully, yes!
Food cravings: No real cravings. My appetite has been come-and-go this week.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: No, but I'm growing more and more scared of PTL for some reason.
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: This is always a hard question because I love being pregnant, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. However, I do miss being able to wear more than a few shirts (a problem that would be fixed somewhat if I could find maternity shirts I like).
What I am looking forward to: Viability! 1 more week...
Weekly Wisdom: Try not to freak out if baby doesn't seem to be moving as much as you remember. Last night was rough because something just didn't feel right, and I felt like he'd been especially still. In the end, I was begging him through my belly and second-guessing every movement because I was so sure something was wrong. Definitely the worst moment of the week.
Milestones: First "Is he moving enough?" freakout? First swollen ankles? I feel like this period is low on milestones...

22 Weeks

How far along? 22 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I didn't weigh again this morning, but as of yesterday, down 2 lbs since BFP
Maternity clothes? Definitely.
Stretch marks? I'm still not seeing any.
Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty well at the moment, though I'm still always ready for a nap.
Best moment this week: This is pretty pathetic, but the car seat came today, and I had a lot of fun trying it out in the car, putting together the stroller, and pushing the whole assembly around.
Movement: Every single day since I felt him the first time!
Food cravings: Nothing specific though my appetite is definitely on the rise.
Gender: Boy!
Labor Signs: No thanks.
Belly Button in or out? In. I don't think I'll ever have an outie.
What I miss: Being able to comfortably bend over and move around. The belly is starting to encumber me.
What I am looking forward to: Viability. I know it's not a sure thing, but it'll make me feel a lot better.
Weekly Wisdom: Don't try to fit into a normal t-shirt at 22 weeks pregnant. It just makes you sad.
Milestones: Ummm... I'm officially 5 months pregnant!

21 Weeks

How far along? 21 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I didn't weigh this morning, but as of yesterday, I was up another pound so still 3 lbs lost since BFP
Maternity clothes? Yup.
Stretch marks? None I've noticed.
Sleep: Allergies have been waking me pretty regularly and depriving me of at least an hour of sleep a night, but last night I actually STTN for the first time in a week!
Best moment this week: The parents of the kids I work with threw me a going away party/baby shower yesterday. It was so touching, and they really went all out, going in together to get us the car seat, extra base, stroller, and some books. Incredibly sweet!
Movement: Indeed!
Food cravings: I've recently discovered olive oil-rosemary bagels, and they're the only things I can eat in the morning nowadays.
Gender: Boy!
Labor Signs: Nope, but I think I'm actually feeling BH contractions now.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Allergy medicine that actually works.
What I am looking forward to: C being able to feel the kicks. Even though he won't admit it, it's pretty obvious he's looking forward to it because he's putting his hands or head on my belly with increasing frequency.
Weekly Wisdom: When it's possible, plan ahead with the nursery. It makes things so much more real to be able to walk into the room and see the furniture with the bedding and everything. We're not done, by any means, but we have a good start!
Milestones: Last week was a big week, so I'm not sure I have any other milestones. Though this week marks me being 2/3 done with my degree, which is pretty awesome!

A picture will have to come tomorrow since I'm still in pjs... it's exam week, so cut me some slack! (EDIT: Picture added 5/4)

The Fetus Ate My Homework

It's 7:30 AM. I've been up since 3 AM due to this cold/virus/miserableness. I want nothing more than to veg out on the couch all day, drinking fluids, watching TV or movies, and napping as I'm able. Instead, I will be scrambling to complete two final papers that are due tomorrow before starting a final project and studying for a final exam. Yes, I could have started these papers quite a while ago. I didn't have to wait until the day before they were due. However, the fetus ate my homework.

How much of this is an excuse and how much of this is truth? I fell way behind this semester because I was so exhausted and sick for the first few weeks of pregnancy. I finally started to feel better shortly after midterms, but the damage had been done, both to my workload and to my motivation. I had already accepted that my grades would probably slip this term. That 4.0 of the fall semester was just not destined to be repeated. And when the BOM or whoever asked me about this discrepancy in grades, I would have a perfectly understandable explanation: I was pregnant that semester. And they would nod their heads with understanding and sympathy and not hold my lack-luster grades against me. After all, it's not like I'm expecting C's or something; I'm just choosing to be content with B's because I don't want to do any real work. And that's where the excuse part comes in. It's not that I'm not capable; it's that I don't want to. Granted, there were days in early pregnancy when I really couldn't read the hundreds of pages assigned for the next day's class. But there were also times when my body wasn't preventing me from doing work but my mind, my lack of motivation, my shifted priorities. Because if I can put in minimal effort and still get B's, why knock myself out when I may never make it back to school?

Therein lies the second issue. Even though I've denied the very suggestion that I wouldn't finish my degree because of having a baby, I know that it's a very real possibility. Because it's not like I'm in college still and contemplating not finishing my BA. And if it's possible that I won't finish my degree, why should I waste this time I could be just enjoying being pregnant by spending all of my time reading, researching, and writing? Why worry about getting good grades when it's not going to matter?

And yet I'm too proud to completely slack off. I still need to complete all the graded assignments and do a decent job with them. And if I have procrastinated so much that I would really have to push myself to get them done? Well, here comes that homework-eating fetus, again. That's right, I requested and received an extension on a paper this term on the basis of being pregnant. And, while students are granted extensions all the time for much worse reasons and there really was truth to my request, I feel ashamed, as if I am exploiting my child.

So here I am. Two papers due tomorrow (those are the actual deadlines, at least, not extensions). One worth 50% of my grade. I'm tired. I'm sick. And I'm going to churn out these papers as quickly as possible, focusing more on getting them over with than on doing them well. And when I get my final grades back, I won't blame my procrastination. I won't blame my laziness. I won't blame my lack of motivation. Instead, I'll tell myself that my grades for this term don't matter. Why? Because I was occupied with more important things. Like growing my homework-eating fetus.

20 Weeks

How far along? 20 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Only down 4 lbs since BFP as of the doctor's this morning. This stressed me out, but the doctor was happy with it and says my weight is finally back on track. So... good?
Maternity clothes? Definitely a necessity at this point. I have 2-3 normal shirts that fit, 3 maternity shirts, and 2 maternity dresses, and that is my rotation.
Stretch marks? I don't think so.
Sleep: The only thing waking me up is allergies, so that's pretty good. I've also been needing to nap more, though.
Best moment this week: Feeling Stretch move for the first time and growing more confident every time that it's really him I'm feeling.
Movement: A-yup!!! And it's fantastic!
Food cravings: Still liking the lemonade. Also, stir-fry and sushi are high on my list.
Gender: Bouncing baby boy!
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: I'm sure I've used this one before, but I miss not worrying about every little thing. Like that rash that keeps appearing on my arms that has no explanation, but that the doctor says sounds fine. Oh, and being able to take normal medicine to treat said ailments.
What I am looking forward to: I don't even know... I found out the gender, I made it halfway, I started to feel him move... I guess I'm looking forward to having more time to relax after finals are over and just enjoy being pregnant!
Weekly Wisdom: Try not to be offended if people don't realize you're pregnant even when you're obviously showing. Instead, be grateful they don't verbalize what they're apparently thinking, that is: "Wow, C has really gotten fat lately!"
Milestones: Stretch is half-baked, and I can feel him move!!!

Houston, we have movement!

OK, I'm a few days late with this post, but 'tis the season of final papers so it's a miracle I'm posting the same week it happened!

On Tuesday, at 19w1d, I was sitting in Ethics, listening to the prof. lecture on medical ethics. We were discussing from a subversive ethics viewpoint, and he raised the issue of disability rights in discussing the practice of termination as a method to do away with disability. I guess Stretch decided he need to let his feelings be known because all of a sudden there was a thump-thump-thump in my left abdomen. I gazed down at my stomach in amazement and hilarity at the timing of Stretch's kicks. It only took a few moments of certainty for me to begin to explain away the feeling. But there it was again. Overjoyed, I shared the news with C and later with my mom, but the nagging thought that maybe I had just imagined it persisted. But what else could that have been?

All day Wednesday, as I worked on my Methodism paper, I tried to pay attention to any sign of movement. Nothing. Nada. And then, as I laid in bed that night, there was a dull thud right in the center of my abdomen. And then another. The popcorn-feeling had returned, and my faith returned. While Stretch remained still in Ethics on Thursday, despite another discussion of abortion, he stirred again as I sat in a small group during my last class (last class of the term and last class at least until January!). It startled me so much that I let out a "Woah!" and clutched my stomach. Thankfully, my group members responded with excitement rather than annoyance at being interrupted, and we got back to work as Stretch lazily pushed his legs into my abdominal wall.

I still have doubt, but every time I feel that thud (and it's happened several more times yesterday and this morning), I grow more sure that I'm really feeling him. My son.

19 Weeks

How far along? 19 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Things have finally reversed and with a vengeance... I'm only down 6 lbs as of this morning. Oops.
Maternity clothes? I'm still able to wear a couple of normal shirts, but I'm basically wearing the same 5 shirts in a rotation. Not ideal.
Stretch marks? None that I've noticed.
Sleep: Allergies kept me up last night, but I'd been sleeping pretty well prior to that.
Best moment this week: Spreading the word about Stretch's boy parts and having people finally start to notice I'm pregnant by looking at me (including a lady at a restaurant who offered me her seat). Oh, and getting 4 packages filled with baby boy gear from my mom.
Movement: I don't even know anymore. Sometimes I'll think I've felt something, maybe, possibly. Other times I feel like I'll never feel him.
Food cravings: Chick-fil-A lemonade. And I learned this week that I will cry over spilled lemonade. Just ask C.
Gender: Boy!
Labor Signs: None, thanks.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Apparently I miss TTC because twice yesterday I thought to myself "God, I want to be pregnant" before looking down at my belly and going "oh yeah." Weird.
What I am looking forward to: Feeling Stretch move so that I can have the reassurance that all is well. That and making it to 20 weeks and the halfway point!
Weekly Wisdom: Naps can be your best friend, not just in the 1st tri but throughout your pregnancy. Don't fight it.
Milestones: Others realizing I'm pregnant based on my burgeoning bump.

I may add a picture tomorrow because I was too busy to look decent today. (Edit: Picture added at 19w1d)

18 Weeks

How far along? 18 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Down 10-11 lbs since BFP.
Maternity clothes? Maternity pants and a mixture of normal shirts and my 2 maternity shirts (I really need more, but I can't find any I like).
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: I finally slept better the past couple of nights after not getting enough sleep due to late night meetings.
Best moment this week: Seeing Stretch, getting a perfect health report, and finding out the gender!
Movement: I'm anxiously awaiting it!
Food cravings: Nothing in particular.
Gender: BOY!!!
Labor Signs: None.
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Not worrying about the consequences of every little thing, which I'm guessing is my new reality.
What I am looking forward to: Feeling Stretch for the first time. Also, my mom went baby-shopping crazy so I'm expecting two packages on Wednesday.
Weekly Wisdom: People react in different ways. Try not to be offended if someone's excitement level doesn't match your expectations. It may have nothing to do with you.
Milestones: Finding out the gender. That's a big enough milestone for me!

It's a...

Boy!!!

Everything looked absolutely perfect. Stretch wasn't cooperating at the beginning and curled himself up in a ball while the tech tried to get measurements. Then I started having a Braxton Hicks contraction, and he got even more squeezed up, but finally things readjusted, and the tech was able to get all the measurements he needed. Stretch is measuring right on schedule, his heart looks good (no aortic stenosis!), and there was no sign of cleft lip, which were the two main defects we were concerned about. He's weighing in at 8 oz., so half a pound already! The tech switched to 4D for some of it, which was awesome, but all of the pictures came out fuzzy.

The tech showed us one angle and said, "Imagine the baby is sitting on a glass table. Neither of the legs are in the shot. Here's the bottom, here's the top of a thigh, and here's the penis!" It took a minute for it to sink in, but then I turned to C and said, "I was right after all!" Hehe. As soon as we left, I called Marian to tell her, and she started screaming. My parents (especially my dad) are thrilled to death (Mom thinks Dad is more excited about his grandson than he was about any of his own kids). My paternal grandmother started crying on the phone she was so happy, and my maternal grandmother was pretty excited, too! Only one of my brothers has called so far to wish me a happy birthday, but he demanded the news as soon as I answered and then admitted he'd been rooting for a nephew. I can't wait to surprise C's parents with the news tonight (they are visiting for the weekend and had no idea about this appointment)!

So a healthy baby boy. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present. And even though I told C I didn't want anything for my birthday, he picked me out a gift all by himself (the first time he's done that) and surprised me this morning with a beautiful diamond necklace. I am so incredibly blessed to have such a loving husband, a wonderful family, and a healthy son on the way!

17 Weeks

How far along? 17 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I didn't weigh myself this morning, but as of yesterday, still down 10+ lbs.
Maternity clothes? Maternity pants and a mixture of normal shirts and my one maternity shirt (see picture), but I really need more maternity shirts!!!
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Sleeping pretty well, but still very tired!
Best moment this week: Scheduling our big u/s, putting together the nursery furniture, realizing that I'm beginning to actually look pregnant, and Duke making it to the Championship game!
Movement: I don't think so.
Food cravings: Still not especially hungry, but oranges always satisfy. I was craving eel rolls last night, though.
Gender: I'll (hopefully) find out on Friday!!! I'm completely torn now as to which I think Stretch is...
Labor Signs: Nada
Belly Button in or out? In but not as deep
What I miss: Having more than a couple of shirts I can wear...
What I am looking forward to: My anatomy scan on Friday!!!
Weekly Wisdom: Don't overdo it! Despite the advice of a pregnant mom at the kids' Easter egg hunt, I was still trying to move things around, carry things, and pick stuff up. I'm still paying for it.
Milestones: I'll (hopefully) find out the sex of Stretch this week! I've also reached the point where maternity shirts are becoming a necessity, but I can't find any more that I like, sadly.