Stress Testing and More Fun!

Apparently I get to have stress tests twice a week starting the end of this month.

So now I get to go every week, and then twice a week for another 45 min each time!

All this scheduling is making my head spin. I guess the stress test is something my MFM group does on all the AMA's. What fun. I didn't have this with DD.

I'm hoping to go to work until the day before my c-section, but with all these new appointments, it's going to be interesting maintaining full time.

Plus... if the stress test goes poorly, up to L&D I go! Not sure how we're going to work that all out. We have one car. I'm doing all the driving right now and DH hasn't been coming to routine appointments because of time constraints with his temping and new job.

So if I drive myself to the apt, and they don't let me leave, how am I going to get DH there? And who's going to get DD???

Okay, a friend can get DD, and DH can take a cab. But I'm thinking I really need to get those bags packed and stored in the car, just in case. More now then ever.

My prenatal's are taking about an hour now, and the stress tests are anticipated to be 30-45 min. I foresee lots of hanging around the OB waiting room in between. Boring and nothing I can do about it. I can see why so many people just take the month before the baby comes off. It's a logistic headache trying to get DD, DH, and myself to/from work and daycare with this added "to-do" list.

Look at this crazy schedule:
6/22 prenatal
6/29 prenatal, wait there for 1 hour, then stress test. 1/2 my day gone.
7/3 stress test
7/6 stress test, then right into prenatal. less of my day, but still a chunk.
7/10 stress test
7/12 have the baby!

And the scheduler was on a role, she kept trying to get me more stress tests up to my EDD. I said to her if she really wanted to hear my baby's HB after the 12th, she could just use a stethoscope, since he'll be out.

TODAY'S APT STATS:
BP 110/78
WEIGHT - Up 24 pounds total.
IRON LEVEL CHECKED - NORMAL

My Body This Coming Week

My Body This Coming Week
You will probably now see your doctor or midwife once a week.

Now that the baby has settled lower in your abdomen, you may find breathing to be easier again. However, because your baby is now putting even more pressure on your bladder, you will have to urinate more frequently.

You may have gained up to 30 pounds or more by this point.

You are probably starting to get tired of being pregnant and you are probably focused on the birth ahead of you.

It may feel like you have been pregnant forever and you just want the baby out.

My Baby This Coming Week
Your baby weighs about 6 lbs (2750g) and measures about 20.7 inches (46cm) in length. Crown to rump measurement is about 13.5 inches (34cm).

Your baby now feels lower in your pelvis.

Your baby continues to grow, kick, and move about.

Your baby's face has filled out and the cheeks now look plump and full. Fat baby cheeks are caused by fat deposits, but also by powerful sucking muscles which your baby has been honing by sucking her thumb.

Your baby's skull is firm, but it is not hard as it needs to give a little when it is passing through the birth canal.

Your baby's head is probably down by now, but about three percent of babies present in a breech (bottom down) position. Your doctor may try to turn your baby around if it is in a breech position by putting pressure on your abdomen. This is called external cephalic version (ECV) and is effective in about 50% of cases. If your baby is in a breech position, ask your doctor about what your options are for the birth. You may or may not require a cesarean delivery.

Parenting... Why It's Worth It!

With anything in life there is good with bad. BUT... the good so outweighs the bad. 


Parenting is one of the most challenging things you'll ever do, but also the most rewarding. 


The first time your baby clings to your finger. The first time your baby naps on you. The first time your toddler successfully uses the potty and the pride is overflowing off them and you. The first time your toddler says I love you and gives you an unprovoked hug... and so many more things to come. 


I'm still so in love with my daughter. And she can be a handful. At the end of the day, I still love our snuggle and story time. I love that she loves us and wants to be a part of this crazy thing called life. 


With all the ups and downs, having a child, and now two, really makes it all worthwhile. 


Won't sugar coat it... it is going to be a change. Sometimes a very challenging change (to put it mildly), but a worthwhile change. 


Your childless years are now over, on to the next great chapter... Parenthood! 

I have amazing friends!

So yeah, I'm stressed OUT! Why wouldn't I be? This baby is coming, ready or not. And I'm not ready. But out of no where a wonderful co-worker surprised me with pack n play sheets, and a bath gift set.

I'm overwhelmed.

I'm humbled.

I'm thrilled!!!

Thank you SHARON! :)

Circumcision/Bris Headache!

Back to square one. I spoke with our Rabbi and the MW Mohelet. She's perfect. Done hundreds of these in the last few years alone, and even teaches how to do them out of Tufts University. I'm on board. Let's do it.

The Rabbi is available on the date the bris would need to happen. The Mohelet is not. Asked if I changed my c-section to the 16th instead of the 12th would that work for everyone? Answer is "NO" from both.

So now what? I'm kind of mad actually. I listened to all they said and advised. I researched. Finally got to a place where I'm comfortable with this decision and nothing. I feel like I'm failing my son before he's even here. Maybe it's just my hormones, but I'm really upset now.

Craig is going back to talk to the Rabbi on our behalf to see where we go from here.

Last night when I found all of this out I was in tears. It's just all too much for me. So for now the circumcision discussion is back on "pending" and I don't know what we're going to do. I just know we need to figure it all out and soon.

34w OB check in

Had a good uneventful OB appointment today.

BP 116/72, fantastic.
Baby's HB 155 BPM.
Weight up a total of 22 pounds.

Next apt on 6/22 at 9am with Dr. Young. Will have the strep-b test done. (boo)

C-Section and Tubal scheduled for 7/12/12!

It's OFFICIAL!!!

Here's me today at 34w0d:

My Body This Coming Week

My Body This Coming Week
You have probably gained between 20-29 lbs (9-13 kg).

You may have continued backache as you relax the muscles supporting the joints in the small of your back.

You probably feel cramped and heavy.

You will probably find it easier to eat a little bit, but often, rather than eating large meals since your stomach is compressed.

Your ankles may be swollen and you may be having a hard time moving around. You may be able to avoid or reduce the swelling of your ankles by getting extra rest and changing positions frequently.

You are probably experiencing emotional changes along with your physical symptoms of pregnancy. If this is your first birth, you are probably becoming increasingly concerned about labor and childbirth. There's no doubt about it, though: You can do it. Knowing what to expect though can help you to feel prepared and can help you have a better birth experience so read, talk to your friends and family, your doctor and your childbirth educator about your concerns.

My Baby This Coming Week
Your baby now measures about 20.25 inches (45cm) in total length and weighs around 5.5 lbs (2550g). Crown to rump measurement is about 13.2 inches (33cm).

He continues to grow and fatten up, especially in the shoulder area, and kicks regularly.

The fine lanugo hair that covered your baby is shedding, though some may still be present when your baby is born.

Your baby's eyes are blue, though this may change soon after birth or much later after birth.

Your baby's fingernails are growing. They already reach the tips of his fingers and they may even look quite long and pointy by the time he is born. Your baby may even have some scratch marks from scratching his face with his fingernails.

Your baby is probably feeling quite cramped right now and his movements are restricted by his growing size.