3 weeks and counting

Another week has flown by... although they don't feel like they are "flying" like they used to. Still feeling pretty good though. Lots of sleepless nights, hip/back/sciatica pain, but I am starting to get use to it. Also, the amount of peeing is unbelievable! I go all night long... another big reason for not sleeping.

I finished my finals last week which means that my school break officially started over the weekend and I get until October 24th. So glad that is off my mind, but I am going to have to find a way to stay busy (without over doing it) for the next few weeks so that my days don't drag. I am so used to being busy that I want to stay that way until Jensen arrives.

Last Saturday we went to a wedding for a friend (Corey was a groomsmen) and we had a good time. I was exhausted before it even started and quickly realized I should have taken an afternoon nap! I stepped in and helped with the line, setting up, getting her dressed, etc. and although I didn't anticipate helping like that I loved it. It is my dream to be a wedding planner/coordinator and helping with those steps goes to show that I can do it... even at 9 months pregnant! Hopefully I can really focus on starting my own business after I graduate next summer. By then we will hopefully have our own house and I can run my business from there. Maybe just start small so that I can still do my full-time job and be a good mom to Jensen. Nothing like dreaming, right?

Tomorrow is 37th week appointment with Dr. B. He started to check me last week and said that although I am not dialated  I am 30% effaced. It will be interesting to see if I made any progress over the past week. I don't feel discouraged if I don't since some people are dialated for weeks and have there babies late and some woman don't make any progress and can get checked one day with nothing and be in labor the next. I am just going to take it as it comes and trust my body that it knows what to do and get Jensen out safely.

According to a bunch of the baby websites Jensen is now about 6.5 pounds and around 20 inches long. The last few weeks he has been about the same length (per the sites) but gaining half a pound each week. They say that he now compares to a watermelon for this last month. No wonder they reference pushing out a baby is like pushing out a watermelon! The size is the same!

I bought Jensen's halloween costume over the weekend! It is so cute - and simple! It is a black sleeper that looks like a skeleton in white - that glows in the dark! I tested it out last night in his room and it works! I thought something super simple since he will only be a few weeks old and will only be visiting his grandparent's house (and maybe a friend or two).

Feeling stressed out over the little things lately... I feel organized and ready but we still have some of the bigthings to do. Like install the carseat! I was hoping that Corey would have boughten a bigger car/SUV by now, but he hasn't. I wanted one car seat in each, but I guess I will just put it in mine for now since he hasn't had much luck. We also need to start a hospital bag which shouldn't take me long to do. There are a ton of checklists online that help you pack your hospital bag. A lot of stuff I am always using so I can't pack until I actually go into the hospital, but robes, baby clothes, socks, etc can be packed now. Plus, actually having a designated bag started is probably a good idea so we don't run around frantically trying to put something together.

Okay.... gotta keep busy!

4 weeks left!

So it has been a few weeks since I blogged. Although I have thought about it, life has become a little busy and I just haven't found the time.

Last week was nuts at work because of United Way Week. It is definitely my favorite week of the year and I love giving back, but it sure is exhausting! I bought a Dyson vacuum and I haven't used it yet but Corey has. I got a fabulous vacuum that I would never have gone to the store and bought and all the money goes to charity - win/win if you ask me!

This week is finals for school and once I make it through this week I get to take a break until the end of October, so I am eager to finish my finals. I finished one final for my science class and now I just need to finish my religion paper for humanities and of course do the regular posting. I should be able to wrap everything up by Thursday at the latest. Perfect timing I think!

Off to lunch... will write more later

Okay... back from lunch...

Tomorrow marks week 36 which means I am in the home stretch with only one month to go! I must say that the past few weeks have been pretty rough. I am in a lot of pain in my hips/back/legs and the pain just never goes away. I guess it will go away in a month though. I also can't sleep and part of it is because of pain and part because I am just so big. I also get up a lot during the night to pee so that doesn't help! I had my 36 week doctors appointment today and he said I am still right on track. I haven't gained any weight from the past appointment two weeks ago. I have now gained 30 pounds and luckily maintaining it so far. I now go weekly and will get internal exams each time. Today he said that I am not dilated at all but I am about 30% effaced (thinned out). At least my body is doing something to help this little man make his grand entrance.

Back to work...

Feeling Grateful

Last Saturday was the baby shower my mom hosted for Jensen and I at Trio Cafe in Cottonwood. It was absolutely perfect and Jensen got so much stuff! The setting was perfect and it was exactly as I pictured it. I wanted everyone at the same table so we could all see each other, but be seated comfortably. My mom and Marissa had gotten there early and hung a cute banner and put out favors at the place settings. I had invited just over 20 people (including me and my momma) and 19 people were there. The huge table held 20 so it was perfect!

Jensen got some great gifts! Lots of clothes, some diapers, a boppy pillow (for feeding), his travel system and another car seat, bottles, blankets, diaper bag, lots of monkey decor for his room including lamp, clock, light switch cover, totes/baskets.

Corey and I got right to work that night as he put together the stroller and I went to town on everything else. I washed all the blankets and a load of colors and I can't believe how long it takes to put such small things away! Folding little onesies isn't as easy as I expected it to be! No wonder they say to wash some stuff before baby arrives!

This coming Saturday is my shower by Mama Jill and I really looking forward to it as well. She is catering Kneaders and I absolutely LOVE their sandwiches! My mom, Marissa, and Rylee are coming with.

This week I was going to meet with a pediatrician, Dr. Omura, but I decided to cancel it. I just asked a few questions to the receptionist and then had a co-worker who referred him answer the other ones. I just want to make sure I get Jensen a great doctor that all of us like. I got a massage with Ken last night so yet again I feel like I have been hit by a truck, but I am sure I will feel better tomorrow. My next doctor's appointment is this Friday -34 weeks today! I believe I go in two weeks again, at 36 weeks and then I start going once a week! I can't believe I am approaching the final stretch!

My school break will start 9/11 and that is what I am really counting down to. Classes have been rough and I feel like I am barely keeping up. Luckily I still have an A- in both, but it definitely hasn't been easy. I guess it is preparing me for what it will be like when I go back to school in October when Jensen is here. Not easy, but worth it.

Corey and I have been talking about trying for a house (again) around January and as much as I want a home I hope I am up for it. I was exhausted and frustrated the first time looking when we were planning our wedding. I can't imagine looking in the dead of winter, while working and going to school full time, and lugging Jensen around. Oh well, everything worth having comes at a price.

If my body could talk

While I do say that I feel fabulous, because I do, I still feel a lot of aches and pains. I try not to complain about them as I signed up for this and I am trying to take it for everything it is worth. A lot of people can't get pregnant and they would probably do everything they could to feel the pains I feel now; to be where I am.
I have been extremely lucky not to have swelling, diabetes and other complications, but I still have a lot going on....

-I am getting a lot more headaches like I did in the first trimester. Not sure what causes this. Part of it may be that my posture is awful now and probably causing a lot more tension in my back/neck.
-I have some insane cramping in the front and back, but Dr. B assured me that they are BH contractions and they may become moer intense as time progresses. He also said it is due to babies growth and pressure on my hips/uterus.
-Hip pain. This one has to be one of the worst. I would think that by now my hips would stop hurting since they have become so wide already and I can't image them getting any bigger. I think it got worse when Jensen moved head-down.
-Sciatic pain. I take back the hip pain- this one is the worst. It starts in my lower back, through my butt, and down my leg. It is so sharp that I can't get comfortable and the pain won't go away. It even makes my leg numb.
-Leg cramps/Charlie Horses. These were really bad a few months ago and then calmed down, but they are back again. Luckily I have gotten used to them and they aren't happening as often as they were.

All of these pains are BEYOND worth it for getting an amazing little boy at the end. Jensen is far worth any pain I could experience to bring him into this world. I love you, Jensen, and I can't wait to meet you. 7 more weeks to go!

33 weeks

I can't believe this week marks week 33! Goes to show how time really flies
I had a doctors appointment last week and will continue to go every two weeks until 36 weeks when I start to go weekly. Last week the appointment went really well. I didn't gain any weight in two weeks, my blood pressure is still good, and baby is right on track. Dr. B and I are both very glad that I haven't experienced any swelling yet.

I am still seeing Ken every two weeks for massages and he is having to be more gentle in areas as I progress which sucks big time! The further along I get the more back/sciatic pain I get in and the less he can do to help. It is still definitely worth going! I have appointments scheduled with him until I am 38 weeks.

School is going pretty well, but very tiring. My science class (on the environment) is really boring and I am actually not doing that great in the class. I think I am avering B+ work. My humanities class (world religions) is going okay. I have no interest in these religions, but I am doing A to A- work in the class so I am not going to complain too much. I guess it is getting really hard to focus and remember things and that doesn't help for school work. Goes to show the dedication you have to have for this school! My school break if after these classes which ends on September 11th. I have four full weeks left until the break and then I plan to go back at the end of October.

My weekends have been packed with homework, family, pictures, more homework, and naps when I can squeeze them in. I haven't worked much on Jensen's room, but I plan to this week. Marissa finished his name sign and I am going to hang that this week. I also got some really cute monkey stickers to put above his crib and his dresser. I want to get those done this week as well. I think the only things I will personally need to buy/make are a tall lamp for the corner of his room and a car seat canopy to keep at the cold/wind/and creepy germy people.

This week should be pretty slow, but on Saturday is my baby shower from my mom. I am SOOOO Excited! We are doing it at the Trio restaurant by my office, which is one of my favorite places to eat. They have the best BLT sandwich and tomato soup. Right now it looks like about 20 of us will be there including me. The following week will be my shower thrown by Jill at her house and I think we are going to make a quilt for Jensen which sounds so fun and so cute!

Next week I have a doctors appt with Dr. B on Friday and that Tuesday I have an appointment to meet with Dr. Omura who is a pediatrician. Since we don't have other kids I have no idea who I want to treat Baby Jensen so I am going to interview this doctor who came recommended by a few people at the office. I figured if I don't like him now then I better find someone else because I want Jensen to get the best care and I want a doctor who will answer all of my crazy "new mom" questions.

United Way will round out August, which is my favorite week at work. I have already been working hard preparing our team basket (with Christine's help) and working on the balloon grams I do every year. I have all the ribbon at home and I am trying to cut pieces while relaxing and watching tv. I am a freak about being prepared and now that I am nesting it is even worse!

Can't wait to be one with school for a little while and have all the craziness calm down. I think it will be good for me and for Corey to relax a little more together before Jensen's arrival. I can celebrate Corey's 30th birthday without worrying about homework, etc.

I am definitely feeling anxious for Jensen to arrive, but I am definitely not wanting him to come early. I am just anxious to meet this little man who is growing and kicking me like crazy every day all day. Our son is going to be such a blessing and amazing addition into our family and I can't wait to meet him.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!

The good: There are few goods right now! The first one being that my friend Jackie had her baby last night. He is absolutely adorable and I get to meet him tonight! I can't wait! He looks absolutely perfect and it makes me anxious to be holding my own baby boy. The other good - I called the doctor and they said that all my blood work came back normal which means I do not have diabetes. M.A. Deb (that knows me by name) said that my weight is just fine too. Glad she didn't say I was gaining too much!
The Bad: I had an awful dream last night that I had gone into labor. First, let me saw that this dream probably came about because I was having really bad cramps (Dr. B says is normal) but I was in a lot of pain and it woke me up in the middle of the night... twice! Anyway, my dream... All I can remember was that I was at our apartment, it was very bloody, and I was crimpled in pain. I can only hope it doesn't actually go that way.
The Ugly: well, there isn't any ugly, but it sounded good for a title! I guess I should mention ugly people. Not ugly people in the sense of their looks, but in their attitude! People have been saying some pretty awful things to me lately like "are you having multiples" and "you look like you are about to pop". People are rude and they have no filter. I feel like throat punching these people, but my inner calmness holds back! I never anticipated receiving awful comments especially from people who I know or who I have worked for.

30 down 10 to go

Although this is referencing my week... it is also sort of referencing my weight. I had my 30 week checkup today and I gained another large amount in the past month. I weighed in at a hefty 173 pounds which means that I have gained exactly 30 pounds since the beginning and averaging 1 pound per week. This is no bueno! I was hoping to gain more than 35 pounds my entire pregnancy, but I am clearly going to be going over that mark since I have 10 weeks to go and baby Jensen is going to double in size. This week I believe he measures in at just over 3 pounds and about 16 inches long. Today I had to drink the orange sugar drink for my glucose test to check for gestational diabetes. That drink wasn't necessarily as bad as I expected it to be, but it was pretty awful for being 8 AM and that much sugar! I hope to never have to do that again. I should know my results by the end of the week and I hope everything is okay. Diabetes is fairly common during pregnancy, but can cause complications. Other than the hefty weight gain, Dr. B said that I am right on track and no swelling, contractions, and blood pressure is right where it should be. I am now going to start seeing Dr. B twice a month which is just crazy - time is going SO fast!

Last night was SOOO much fun! My mom and I headed downtown after work to see Katy Perry at Energy Solutions. We got down there early, parked right across from the arena and headed to the Gateway for dinner first. My mom treated me to dinner at Thaipoon and that was some good stuff! The best part was dessert! It was friend bananas, vanilla ice cream with caramel and strawberries! YUM! I could eat that all the time (although I don't and shouldn't). When we were done we headed over to get in line and it was about 7:30 then. Right in front of us was Elizabeth Smart and it was awesome to see her in person. She is a remarkable woman and she is absolutely beautiful. The opening band for Katy Perry wasn't very good - it was a woman by the name of Robyn. I hear he is pretty popular, but my mom and I were definitely not fans. It was so loud and the strobe light was going the entire time and she couldn't dance to save her life. Finally just after 9 PM Katy came out and it was well worth the wait! She was amazing! She had such a fun stage that was like a live Candy Land, but even better! Her stairs were super colorful  and the handle was done like a candy cane. She had super fun outfits on, including her infamous blue wig. Right at the end she got on a floating cloud (literally) and played her guitar and sang while it was floating to the back of the arena. Best idea ever! My mom and I had great seats and I felt we got to see really well. When the concert was over it already well after 11 and I didn't get home until midnight. I feel asleep around 1 and had to wake up bright and early for my doctors appointment. I am definitely exhausted today, but it was completely worth it!

Not much else going on now. I had my hair done last Saturday by Jenn Kinsey @ work and it is really dark with red in it. I love it and glad to have dark hair again. That night we were supposed to do maternity pictures but the woman was sick so we rescheduled for this Saturday. It worked out since I had a big paper to write on Saturday. School is going well and I got an A and an A- in my last classes. Hopefully I do that well with these classes before I take my break in September.

Every week in August is completely booked between our 1 year anniversary (need to figure out what I am going to get Corey), 2 baby showers, more maternity pictures, Bees game, etc. Life is busy and I love it! August is bound to go by fast and then the next thing I know I will have a month before Jensen gets here. I can't wait to meet my little man!