Thirty Five

Family portrait, take 23...of nearly 40 takes!

Poor kid. The flash just confuses him.

Today's my birthday.

And despite great expectations that I live it up and celebrate, it is the big 3-5 after all, we stayed in. Even better than staying in on your 35th birthday...we had tacos for dinner .... that I prepared. Leftover tacos. With stale shells. Ordinarily that might be enough to send a 35 year old woman over the edge on her special day, but I am really too tired to notice or even appreciate a fine dining experience.

We talked about this time last year. I had spent the day on the couch wondering if that little UmBabay was really there with a beating heart. (Oddly enough, we had spent Charlie's birthday last year in the ER waiting for a blood test to confirm pregnancy and call off the IVF scheduled in a few weeks.) Seeing our Bug was how I began the 35th year of my life. Wow. What a difference a year makes.

Happy birthday to me.

40 Weeks

Well, dear boy, you've got about 19 hours left to make it here on your due date. One more day before Dr. M takes off for a week and a half. If you keep this up I'm going to have to get another pedicure. I'm getting tired of shaving the legs everyday, and the bag we're taking to the hospital is growing each day because I keep stuffing in outfits for each of us.

So enough already, show yourself!


Charlie is amazed that FCS is inside. Hello, have you looked at this belly? There's got to be a *huge* kid in there. It is amazing to think he's been growing inside me for 40 weeks.

Later this afternoon I'm going for monitoring. Perhaps he will tap out his arrival date when the monitors are on.


After feeling so terribly Monday and Tuesday, I've felt better, with the exception of my digestive tract. My body would rather run on empty, but I am trying to get in those last fatty, guilt free meals. Which, by the way, must be why my weight continues to creep up a pound or so each week.

I'm pretty worried about my ability to handle no sleep in the coming weeks. I don't function when I am not sleeping. Charlie should be able to handle me, especially since the guy thinks my emotional rants have been par for the course thus far. It will be interesting to say the least.

We're ready, Freddie. We promise.

This makes me happy

The rocker arrived today. I love it.

Um Ba-bay Update

At 39 weeks 3 days:

Blood pressure: 124/78
Weight gain: +29 (+27 at home)
FCS heart rate: 130s (same as last week)
Fundal height: 37 (same as last week)

Dr. M: How are you?
E: Crabby. Cranky. Crampy. I am not feeling well at all today. (said with tears in eyes)
Dr. M: Perfect! That's great news.

Well, I thought last night might be the beginning. And maybe it is. I felt exceptionally crampy and I was having some pretty good contractions, but nothing regular.

After a night of no sleep, my crampy feeling returned gradually throughout the day before my afternoon appointment. For feeling so rotten I would have thought I'd made more progress. The cervix is soft, but dialation is still minimal at 2 centimeters.

Deep breath.

Friday is my due date. I need to go in for monitoring. Then I'll find out who will take over for Dr. M if necessary. More monitoring on Monday. After that there will be more monitoring, other appointments, and an induction is scheduled to begin the evening of March 3rd.

Dr. M did say he is very surprised my body is holding on, or that Freddie is holding on, this long. He'll be around for another 6 days, so maybe FCS will meet Dr. M face to face before then.

Something not related, or so I think, is this lump that I've developed under my arm that has had me in a state of panic for a few days. I was so distracted trying to focus on what he was telling me about monitoring, the new OB, and what the next few days will look like, I failed to even show it to him. I suppose having something else to fret over is a good distraction.

No 5 mile walk today. Hope tomorrow I can fit it in somewhere.

Next appointment: Monitoring on Friday, February 20th, D-Day.

Um Ba-bay Update

At 38 weeks 4 days:

Blood pressure: 128/78 (same as last week)
Weight gain: +28 (+26 at home, same as last week)
FCS heart rate: 130s (same as last week)
Fundal height: 37 (same as last week)

Same as last week is the theme here. Maybe not completely, because he did say my cervix was looking better than last week with some effacement and a fingertip dilated. But my bishop score is still not looking favorable for labor any time real soon. I know that can change at a moment's notice so I am holding in the heavy sighs.

We talked again about induction, and his really not recommending it, particularly if the cervix doesn't have some major changes in the next week. He told me he wants to deliver FCS, but would rather see my body figure things out and get FCS here all on its own. Because if there isn't some radical change in the cervix, the chances of cesarean are high, especially with this being a first pregnancy.

On top of that he said he discovered earlier in the day that getting me in for an induction next week is going to next to impossible. Labor and delivery is booked as far as inductions are concerned with doctors scheduling inductions 3 weeks in advance. He seemed miffed by his colleagues doing this, but told me that if I was adamant about an induction he'd do what he could to get me in there.

So we talked some about risks of being overdue. None, he said. Absolutely none. Monitoring would be just a precaution.

And then we talked about what other doctors on the floor would be capable of "handling" me, the self proclaimed "hot mess." (While he didn't agree I was a hot mess, he didn't disagree either!) He said he thought we could arrange for another OB to take over for appointments but he wasn't sure about the delivery part of the deal.

So, as of today, we are on for another appointment next week, to reevaluate and discuss again.

Next appointment: February 16th.

Ready or not..The Nursery

Still not done, but I think this is just about what it will look like when III arrives and so it'll probably look like this for quite some time!

It's not overwhelmingly a baby room. It's stuff I like and I think he'll like too.

The doggie gate welcomes you.


I can hardly fit through it these days, and we're yet to keep the dogs out of here, hence the dog hair tumbleweeds. Both pooches have taken to rolling in the sunshine on the rug. I hope the boy doesn't mind sharing.

He's got some books that I've been saving for some time. I used to have so many children's books but have slowly let them all go except for a handful.


The photographs have been up there for a while. Just some flowers in my garden. Not what I planned for the space, but I am yet to find something else I like.

Inside his very organized closet are lots of great hand me down baby clothes and a handful of new outfits. I hope I can manage to keep these little things organized by size and type of outfit the way Jessica set it up and taught me.


The room has been this shade of green for a while, and when I painted it I was too lazy to do the closet. I don't think he'll mind. I know someone out there who has a thing for unpainted closets...I bet I hear it from her real soon!

The butterfly is a silk kite. Not "oh so baby" but again, I really like it.


I want a little rocking chair for under the floor lamp where my packed bag is currently residing. The shade on that lamp is pink gingham. I was going to trade it out for something else, but Charlie asked me to keep it, so there it stays.

And the crib. No quilt yet. Still on back order. But he's got a blue blankie hanging on the end courtesy of Cindy's crocheting talent!


The ottoman is here, but still no rocking chair. It's currently being shipped from Houston. The chair will go between the crib and side table. I'd like a mobile for the crib and something for the walls, but haven't found anything just yet. Maybe that swing still in the box will get put together tonight! And a few people have told me the rug is too feminine, but I think the boy will deal with it just fine.

The lamp I had to have, and the tree relief print was a wedding gift.


He's even got a few coins in his football bank.

The crib and dresser were Charlie's and his grandmother used it with his mother and his sister used it with his nephews. Someone mentioned they have a family crib and a plaque is added with each name of the baby who used it before it is passed on to someone else. We may have to do that with this crib too.

Nope, no changing table. I'm sure we'll manage without. Don't see myself hiking upstairs (25 stairs) to change diapers anyway, although I'll have to make a trip upstairs to deposit the cloth diapers in the bag.


Aren't they cute?!? We're getting quite the collection and I can't wait to see them on. And a few outfits hang inside as well.


The room makes me happy. It's been a "baby" room since we moved into this house 3 years ago. I'm happy it will be Freddie's room real soon.

Um Ba-bay Update

At 37 weeks 4 days:

Blood pressure: 128/78
Weight gain: +28 (+26 at home)
FCS heart rate: 130s
Fundal height: 37

Dr. M told me he was proud of me today! Charlie told me that a few weeks ago and it put me into full on schwoon mode, and now hearing it from Dr. M makes me excited as well...not quite schwoon mode, but it does make me smile to think about.

He complimented my hard work and good attitude. He admitted that things seemed a bit touch and go early on, but he is confident that we'll have a healthy boy very soon.

Fetal activity is something he wants me to keep close tabs on in these final few weeks. He'll get me in for a NST (non stress test) at a moment's notice to check things out if I am feeling unsure or uncertain about what the little man's up to in there.

The cervix is still closed and long. No signs of impending labor. Good thing says Dr. M because he wants me to be the first to try out the new labor and delivery set up which won't open until February 11th. He's quite excited about it. So, plan on looking for me on the 8th floor at main campus.

We talked about the due date and the option of induction. I'm due on the 20th. Dr. M leaves on the 22nd and doesn't return until 10:30 pm on March 3rd, 11 days after the due date.

He doesn't like to do inductions and doesn't recommend them, especially when the cervix isn't showing signs of being "favorable" for delivery, i.e. the current condition of my cervix. He explained an induction under those conditions would mean a high probability of cesarean, and although that's a perfectly safe way to bring the boy into the world, it isn't ideal.

BUT...at the next appointment we can talk about induction on or around due date if we should so desire if having Dr. M there to deliver is something I need/want/would feel more comfortable with.

He did say that after 40 weeks he'd request regular, several times a week, monitoring of the baby, but he has no concern with going to 41 weeks with that monitoring. After 41 weeks he'd start looking for a reason to induce. I didn't ask for an expanded answer, although next week I may.

Although picking a birth day seems perfect for me because it seems like a measure of control (even though I am well aware that he could show up before the day we pick!), I have reservations about induction and the potentially difficult labor to follow.

So Charlie and I have a lot to talk about before I see Dr. M again next week. Who knows....all of this could be moot and he'll be here tomorrow, right?

And I suppose I'll have to close the baby pool soon, because we may have more information, so get your guesses in today!

Next appointment: Febraury 10th

Um Ba-bay Update

At 36 weeks 4 days:

Blood pressure: 110/60 (much better than last week)
Weight gain: +26 (No change from last week, +25 at home)
FCS heart rate: 140s
Fundal height: 36

No changes from last week really, except the blood pressure is back down and the fundal height is more on target with the due date. Group B Strep was negative.

The boy is still head down, and the cervix is still holding. I would have liked for him to say I was dilating and the cervix thinning, but it is just as well because those numbers can be misleading at this stage of the game with "progress" not really meaning much.

He did say he thought UmBabay was "a good size" and then quickly followed that with a "you can handle him" after my eyebrow raise. We talked some about labor and my fears and he relayed his delivery experiences today (just today he delivered twins, a singleton, and was heading down for a cesarean) and the variety of laboring that goes on. Wish I could say I felt better about it, but nothing really is going to help.

He again talked about contractions, leaking, and ruptured membranes and reminded me to call with the slightest concern or feeling of uncertainty.

The swelling was noted and he assured me it wasn't bad, and I still looked great and was doing a perfect job. Yay for me. I'd say I deserve a shrimp loaf from Casamento's and a big swig of Charlie's beer!

And he also told me about the feeling of leaving the hospital with a newborn, from his perspective. He didn't know exactly if it would match what I'd experience because he's not a mom and his wife hadn't given birth to his girls (each is adopted), but he felt there'd be many similarities. He's really a dear, and I am so thankful to have him and his crew each time I'm at the office.

Next appointments: February 3rd and February 10th

Um Ba-bay Update

At 35 weeks 6 days

Blood pressure: 112/78
Weight gain: +26 (+24 at home)
FCS heart rate: 147
Fundal height: 34

Cervix still closed, and the boy is head down. Tested today for group B strep and hoping for normal results.

Hefty weight gain for 2 weeks. I know some of it is fluid, with sausage fingers and Vienna sausage toes (even more so than the usual stumpy feet), and some of it is the holiday weight making it's way on. Hoping to hold steady there over the next few weeks, but Dr. M told me not to worry, have my last hurrah which will come in the form of a sausage biscuit once a week until birth!

The fundal height is measuring behind but within normal range. I hope that is indicative of his dropping and not of my due date being later than thought or his growth slowing, even though I am hoping he comes in under 8 lbs.

Dr. M gave me the run down on what I need to be aware of in the final stretch, which pretty much boiled down to contractions and fluid leaking. He was also very firm about our needing to be in close contact over the next few weeks. He was heading down to do a cesarean on a woman whose membranes ruptured yesterday but she decided to wait until her appointment today to talk to him about it. Please call me, for anything, he said. Not to worry there. I have a feeling the crazy Erin he dealt with early on is about to make herself known again as I am starting to feel a bit amped up and pretty nervous.

We talked about work, and he told me he would write a note for me when I was ready, suggesting that I slow it down. He said working until FCS is crowning may not be the best idea, but as of now he won't tell me I have to stay home.

Next 2 appointments: January 27th and February 3rd.

Weekend Roundup

Sammy the Seal, one of Charlie's childhood lovies, awaits UmBabay

• I didn't vacuum, clean the tubs, or dust and we had a weekend guest. And amazingly, I didn't care the house was a wreck. Now that's friendship.
• UmBabay just about has a finished room. Jessica got things set up. She took charge and accomplished complete room organization in a matter of hours. This would have taken me days, several frustrating days.
  
• The rocker (to be delivered soon) and some things on the wall will just about complete the nursery. Pictures soon!
  
• After my third $300+ trip to Target this week, Jessica still told me she "didn't think I had enough stuff" for the boy. Sadly, she may be right. I still have a list going of things I need to buy. I don't think anything is urgent, but it'd be nice to feel settled.
• Jessica and I spent every morning in our pjs....at least until noon. Aaaahhhhhh....what a good influence she is on me.
  
• Charlie has made some considerable progress on the bathroom project. Updates to come.
• We ordered the vanity for the master bath.
• Dinner at Bistro Daisy was spectacular! The three of us enjoyed a night out, the company of each other, and another yummy meal in our city.
  

Um Ba-bay Update

At 33 weeks 5 days:

Blood pressure: 1o0/70
Weight gain: +22 (+19 at home)
FCS heart rate: 140
Fundal height: 34

Last night FCS was *very* active and lots of his movements were exceptionally painful and uncomfortable. There was also a point in the night were I felt my belly had all but disappeared. Ok, maybe not "disappeared" but it was flatter for sure.

And wouldn't you know after much feeling around and pushing on the cervix, Dr. M told me he thought the boy's was head down! Wow, just like that. He better remain that way. Now the little hard head I've been palming is replaced with what Dr. M thinks to be a round bottom.

Dr. M tells me all looks well, and the cervix is holding up nicely, remaining closed. He did say at 34 weeks he would not prevent delivery if FCS should decide he wants out, but NICU time would be needed. He talked to me about statistics of babies born at 34 weeks being on average curve for growth and development despite early delivery, so hence no attempts to stop labor from here on out.

I asked about pediatricians and he was very frank in his opinions about some names, although still very professional. He gave me some recommendations for pediatricians nearby, a few within the same hospital as himself, his daughters' pediatrician, and those he considered to be the best in the city.

We also talked about induction and cesareans. He's not a fan of either, but is willing to do either if that's the course I wish to take. My body, my pregnancy, my child he says, but as the date gets closer we will go over some statistics and have a more in depth conversation about it and come to a decision.

I also asked about his presence during delivery if this wasn't a scheduled birth. He gave me the items on his calender in the 4 weeks surrounding my due date. He's working on his MBA and has a weekend class in early March. He's not thinking that's a problem. But, he is going to be out of town with his family for a week beginning February 22nd, two days after my due date. Gulp. He told me it is important to him to deliver all of his patients' babies (rattled off that of his 180 pregnant patients last year, he delivered 173 of the babies!) and very much wants to deliver FCS.

Do you hear that FCS?!?! I sure hope he considers Dr. M's schedule.

Next appointment: January 21st. And then we're on for every week.

Getting our act in gear

I've been busy spending money today. I've literally spent all day reading descriptions, reviews, safety specifications, comparing, noting differences and ordering.

Some decisions were made, and what feels like a big dent has been made in getting things ready for the boy's arrival.

What did I order???....

• A co-sleeper. It's a bassinet and a pack and play type thingy.
  
• A convertible car seat
  
• An infant car seat and stroller combo on clearance because it is the 2007 model. The infant seat will work with our jogging stroller until FCS is big enough to be buckled right in and the stroller is a great alternative to the jogger.
  
• Bedding, Yes, it's in the "girls" section but it looks pretty gender neutral to me. I've had my eye on it for a while and wouldn't you know this weekend the status switched to back ordered until April! I ordered it anyway and hope it's here before FCS, but if not, no biggie.
  
• Book case
  
• Lamp
• The rocker and ottoman (in oat everydaysuede) we picked so long ago.

Haven't totaled the damage, but it's a ton of money spent.

Diapers and bottles are the only other items I feel (and something tells me this feeling may change!) are a must have before his arrival, even though I have a laundry list of items on my "to get" list. I'm sure there are some opinions out there on what we'll really need...go ahead, bring 'em on.

Prenatal Monitoring

Of course he told me to come in, although he felt confident everything was ok, but he didn't want me to have any reason to lie awake at night, other than my usual bathroom trips and tossing fits to get comfortable.

Nurses in the monitoring unit were wonderful. Patient, kind, helpful. They hooked me up to the monitors and told me to relax.

Um Ba-bay passed his screening right away, kicking and his heart rate increasing with his movement as it should. Whew.

The monitoring of me, however, was extended as I had a contraction not long after I was hooked up, and I was showing some uterine "irritability". Those words pushed my heart rate way up. Things did settle down and I was told to monitor any cramping and to head in if I was having contractions or cramping more than 4 times within an hour.

To be clear, I am *not* in labor. This happens in some women, and isn't necessarily a sign of preterm labor. I am to listen to my body, stay hydrated, and remain emotionally and physically stress free.

Oh boy.

"Roll over!" he shouts

Um Ba-bay was up to his antics last night, having a strong reaction to each of my attempted sleeping positions. It made me feel better, but I would say his overall activity patterns are different. He's moving less and his movements are different.

I haven't had a full blown case of hysteria in the doctor's office in a while, and honestly I really have no qualms about doing it. Dr. M doesn't make me feel like that patient and he handles me quite well. Who knows what is said after I leave the office.

But, for some reason I feel this need to be able to roll with things a little better and act like the pregnant masses of the world...accept that babies change, positions change, and the boy is just fine. Some sleep and flutters have done wonders for clearing my head and calming me down.

Calling the doctor is on my unspoken, unwritten list of things to do today, just to touch base with him. Hoping I'm able to keep my emotions in check and FCS gets back to rockin' out when I turn up the radio.

Um Ba-bay Update

At 29 weeks 5 days:

Blood pressure: 1o0/66
Weight gain: +19 (+16 at home)
FCS heart rate: High 130s
Fundal height: 31

He's still breech and high in the uterus. Still not worried about that though, he tells me. I imagine things will be getting pretty tight in the boy's room real soon and he'll settle into a position, preferably away from my ribs he seems to cling to.

Cervix is closed and long enough not to worry.

He gave me a note to travel, and allowed me to forgo another cervix check before traveling, confident I'd remain his star patient. And no, he wasn't even being sarcastic!

Next appointment: January 7th.

Showered

Yesterday there was a baby shower in my honor. Or Um Ba-Bay's honor I suppose.

A group of coworkers slipped it in to our monthly meeting without my even having a clue or being able to do anything to stop them. Evidently they didn't get that memo that Erin doesn't take well to attention and has a hard time accepting help and gifts. Or more liekly they just disregarded that memo.

There were ribbons proclaiming "It's a boy", booties, miniature hangers, onesies, books, a chocolate cake and cake recipes printed on lavender paper, blocks, favors of itty bitty bottles filled with baby blue candies, and family journals and ornaments. And there were lots of "awwww" and "ohhhhh" and "ahhhhhs"...so sweet, all of it.

The piles of gifts and and bows and cards are now sitting in his room. I looked at them for a while this morning and felt the urge to ready his room with clothes in drawers and on hangers, books on shelves, and toys in bins. I also wondered how many times I'll change his outfit to make sure he gets to wear each of the sweet little coats and shirts and socks. What fun!

Um Ba-bay Update

Today I went for my hospital preregistration and pre op appointments before meeting with Dr. M. Everyone had something to say about a pregnant woman wearing boots.

Said boots in the waiting room...


And if they only had one iota of an idea of what it is going to take to get them off tonight.

Signed a bunch of consents at the pre op appointment, watched a movie staring pregnant woman in brightly colored spandex obviously filmed in the 80s getting their anesthesia questions answered, and met with an anesthesiologist. That got my blood pressure going. Anesthesia makes me nervous and anesthesia pumped into a catheter hanging out of your back is a bit freaky. So now my fear of child birth may have been trumped but my fear of anesthesia. We'll see when it comes down to it how this will all shake out. But for now, I'm scared.

And I got the skinny on labor and delivery at my preregistration appointment:

• 30 days to add Um Ba-bay to our insurance
• 4 nights in hospital for cesarean
• 2 nights in the hospital for vaginal
• $100 per day copay for hospital stay with a max of $300
• 1 person allowed in operating room if a cesarean delivery
  
• 2 people allowed in delivery room if a vaginal delivery
  
• Delivery will happen on the 3rd floor
• Hospital stay will be in a private room with the boy on 6th floor
  

And then at 26 weeks 6 days I met with Dr. M.

Stats for the visit:

• Blood pressure: 110/70
• Fundal height: 27 cm
• Weight gain: +16 (I'm getting +12 at home, sans cute boots)
• FCS heart rate: 144

Dr. M didn't make me take the boots off, probably because he didn't want to be the one yanking on the boots. He did warn that every appointment from here on out I would have my feet in the stirrups for a cervix check so I should dress appropriately. And the appointments will be every two weeks after this next appointment which is 3 weeks away.

He gave me the news that my I can kiss goodbye the full nights of sleep because the "discomforts" of pregnancy are here for the duration, and then after that it's a whole new world. So, "rest and sleep whenever you can get it."

He thinks the boy is still breech but we won't worry until 34 weeks. And the darling is nestled in the left hand part of the uterus to get far away from the placenta on the right hand side. Kick counting should begin more formally for us in the next few weeks. The contractions are happening, will get stronger, and they'll hurt, but not something to fret over, especially since Dr. M's checking the cervix for any change very regularly now.

Next appointment: December 9th.

Um Ba-bay Update

At 23 weeks 5 days:

Blood pressure: 125/70
Weight gain: +12 (I'm wearing winter woolies today being 63 degrees out! The at home, sans clothes, gain is +10)
FCS heart rate: 150s
Fundal height: 23.5

Met with Dr. M this morning. He's always so full of compliments about what a good job I'm doing. He congratulated me for making it to viability, but let me know we want to keep things cooking for at least 10 more weeks. So, at least 34 weeks is the goal, but since we're greedy we're going for the full 40 weeks to let the boy grow as much as possible before he makes his debut.

We chatted for a bit about the contractions I've been feeling and the spotting. He did an internal exam and the cervix is closed and appears to be holding up. The cervix isn't showing any current bleeding and I don't appear to be in active labor. He wants me to monitor the contractions, most likely Braxton Hicks practice contractions, and let him know of any further bleeding. He'll check me again before we leave for NYC the week of Thanksgiving.

Activity is something I should do as I feel able, but as much as I'm tempted, don't push myself. Listen to my body, rest whenever able, and generally begin slowly transitioning into more periods of relaxation.

And the big question Charlie sent me with was presented: "Will I be able to travel in late December/early January?" I explained the trip would be more of a change of scenery for me, no skiing, no hiking. He warned against all the cold weather evils for me, a clumsy southern woman, such as altitude, dehydration, slipping on ice. After a deep breath, and many warnings, he advised, "Travel at your own risk" as I will be on the cusp when travelling is generally not recommended. He thought the biggest issue being I could begin laboring and while it is perfectly fine to happen in Colorado, he will not be there to come off the mountain, hold my hand, and help me through. We'll talk more about it in early December and make a more informed decision then based on how things are looking.

Glucose screen set for November 4th. Next appointment with Dr. M November 19th. And if being nearly 24 weeks hasn't already pushed me into the "we're really having a baby" mode, I set appointments for hospital preregistration and preop clearance in November. We also got a notice from the insurance company that they've approved a hospital stay for me in February.

Unbelievable!

I've been thinking...

We are strongly considering calling Frederick Charles III, better known as UmBa-Bay, Freddie.

I am also feeling that after a good year of baldness UmBa-bay will eventually end up with a head of red, perhaps strawberry blond, curls. Don't worry, I'll be in charge of haircuts and he'll never be mistaken for Ronald McDonald's boy.

So does the having the name Freddie compounded by the possibility of a red mane of ringlets guarantee we'll have a class clown in our future? I've already got a strong feeling that Charlie's teen years have won us a spot as regulars on parent teacher conference days and I'm not sure I need anything else to tempt fate.

Fashion Show

The baby boy clothes have begun to trickle into the house, and Charlie's a good model. UmBa-bay's now got his collection of Saints' hats going. I bet we'll soon have both an LSU and an OU hat to add to the collection.