I promise I'm still blogging!

Wow! Almost a full month since the last time I blogged! There is so much to share and so much that has happened. I promise I'm still blogging and I promise I will fill the blog in with all that's going on.

I want to share all about the birth of our baby, the wonderful addition to our family Miss Olivia, Christmas celebrations, how Thor is handling all the changes and how mommy & daddy are handling all of the new changes.

I also have pictures galore to share!!! Right now we are on the road heading to San Antonio for Christmas at my grandparents. Baby's first Christmas and also the first time she will meet alot of the family.

Keep checking in and don't give up on my blog! Soon (hopefully) things will slow down enough for me to catch up!

Merry Christmas to everyone!!! Enjoy the holidays and enjoy spending time with those you love.

40 weeks and 3 days

How far along? 40 weeks & 3 days

Weight gain? 46.3 lbs as of yesterday at 2:15pm....although I may not be, my doctor is still completely okay with my weight gain.  We had discussed in the very beginning of my pregnancy my weight gain goal, and I had expressed not wanting to gain over 35 lbs.  At the time she said that was a good idea, especially because of my height, well that goal is long gone.  Because the gainage has been consistent and as gradual as 46 lbs can be in 9 months, there are not any real medical worries.  The only worrying is on my part and how long it is going to take me to get back down to normal person size.  I know everyone says the weight just comes off, especially when nursing, but I still worry. 

Stretch marks? Yes, and a lot of them.  I was not invincible to the war wounds of pregnancy.  The worst thing has been the PUPPP that has accompanied my stretch marks.  It is miserably itchy.  I'm lucky that you can barely tell I have it, so it's not that ugly, but I'm miserable if I do not have an anti-itch cream nearby at all times for my belly.  Although I have not gotten stretch marks anywhere else, the PUPPP has started to show up on my arms, legs and hands.  The doctor said it's most likely because of the dry weather right now.  UGH. 

Sleep: I've still been sleeping pretty well.  The key is getting to bed as early as I can, even if it's 8pm.  I usually wake up anywhere from 3-5am no matter what time I get to bed, so if I can get to bed early I get much more rest.  The worst part about sleep is the need to switch positions to take some weight off one side or the other, and having to get up to go potty.  It's such a production to switch sides and get out of bed.

Best moment this week: Spending time with both of our families together at our house on Saturday.

Movement: I get such a kick, no pun intended, out of pushing my tummy and Olivia pushing me right back!  It's clear that she does not have much room in my belly anymore because the "kicks" are just more movements than anything else.  We can really see the belly moving when she is shifting in there.

Food commentary:  Every dessert or treat I have eaten lately I usually think, "This could be my last splurge for a long time."  Then I have time and room for one more dessert because baby seems to be taking her time!

Labor Signs:  Dave and I got excited over what we thought may be some real contractions on Sunday night.  In retrospect, they were just stronger BH contractions mixed with the hope and anticipation of it being the real deal.

Belly Button in or out? Still out.

What I miss:  I miss not feeling itchy.  I miss being un-pregnant.  I think because I loved being pregnant so much my baby is not ready to quit.   

What I am looking forward to: Meeting out daughter....I'm 3 days overdue, other than that I should not have to look forward to anything else this pregnancy.  Everything has been done, all the milestones have been reached and now it's time to meet her.  I'm looking forward to finally having my birth story and being able to share that with other mommas and momma-to-bes. 

Weekly Wisdom: Remain positive.  I have been so happy and positive most of the last 9 months, but I've found it is actually taking work to stay positive right now.  I'm worrying about everything (including what if Olivia is a boy and the ultrasound technician was wrong), and I can't seem to relax at all.  I literally have to snap out of a bad mood several times a day, take a deep breath and try and think happy thoughts.   

It's been quite an emotional rollercoaster at the end for me.  Everyone wants to know if I have had my baby yet, so I get frustrated having to say, "nope not yet,"  "it could be another 2 weeks or so," "we are just waiting on her,"  - all with a smile on my face and the appearance as though I am truly enjoying being 40 weeks and 3 days pregnant.  Which I still sort of do, because I have been very blessed with a smooth pregnancy, but at this point it's really hard not knowing when it will happen.  We just have to continue on with life and making plans each and every day to make the time pass. 

Also, for anyone out there that is pregnant with their first baby or plan to be pregnant one day, please know that the average woman, when left to go into labor on her own, will do so when she has reached approximately 41 weeks and 1 day.  That is the real average gestation time for first time moms.  AVERAGE.  Some will go sooner, and some will go later.  40 weeks is a cruel and inaccurate amount of weeks based on some man's study of pregnacy from the 1800s.  FYI. 

Weekly WTF:  I had my first overdue doctor's appointment yesterday.  I have been turning down the internal examinations because they really aren't necessary, in my opinion.  My doctor has been completely fine with that, and we normally just check for a heartbeat & the fundal measurement.  All along I had decided if I go overdue and have to still go to another appointment I will have my first internal just out of curiosity.  Well, yesterday I found out that I am 0 centimeters dilated, which of course also means there is 0 effacement.  (Effacement cannot even be checked if the cervix is not opened up.)  My doctor tried (OUCH) to force a centimeter of dilation in hopes of kicking things into gear, but that was a definite no-go.  

She did not seem worried that this is where I was at, and scheduled my next doctor's appointment a week and half away to give my body some more time to hopefully do some things on it's own.  An induction would not even be favorable for me because there is no dilation at all, which means my body is just not ready to go into labor.  That was a relief to hear.  If my doctor is not in a rush, and obviously my baby and my body are not in a rush, I can't be in a rush either. 

Additionally, there are many women who go from 0 centimeters to holding their baby in 12 hours, so knowing this information is not particularly helpful. 

Nesting madness: Every day a new nesting project comes up and I am very grateful for that.  Friday, most of our Christmas shopping was done, aside from a few more things I still need to pick up, which I am grateful for because I don't know when else we would have done it.  Saturday, we decorated our Christmas tree and had guests over to prepare for.  Sunday, I cleaned again and did all the laundry in the house, including all the linens. And this morning at 4am, I wrapped all of the Christmas presents we have bought so far.  I still need to work on Thank You cards for the most recent baby shower, and I'm working on a wedding photo picture project thing. 

Milestones: I've reached my "due date."  Last milestone possible.  Of course, other than having my baby.

Copeland Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving with the Copelands!  All of them!  We had a really good time this past holiday week & weekend with Dave's side of our family.  The Thanksgiving  season did not feel real to me this year, because I felt like I could not really make any plans with baby's due date so close.  I was still very much pregnant on Thanksgiving and we were able to spend a nice relaxing time at Granpa & Gammie's house to celebrate the holiday.  It was also extra special because it was Reese's last holiday as the only grandchild (on the Copeland side of the family at least.)  It's nice being without baby right now and getting to spend sometime with him and getting to know him more. 

He is so funny & so smart!  He amazes me with his speech, how he knows every animal, colors and how well behaved he is.  Reese also does this really cute thing when he is going on about something trying to explain, he will use his hands to talk.  Very cute!

Reese watching Elmo and having a little "quilt time."

Reese & Dave had fun playing with my yoga/birthing ball. 

Copeland ladies & the delicious turkey. 

The original Copeland 4 and Reese admiring the turkey.   

I don't know why Dave got to be the taste tester! :). 

Dinner table for Thanksgiving. 

Everything was absolutely delicious!  After dinner & dessert, we hung out a little longer and then we headed home to get a good nights rest before we hit the streets in the wee hours of the morning.  Black Friday!  I'm so glad that Dave, Jeani and I were crazy and decided to hit up some stores and get the deals.

We started at Kohls at 3am, then headed to Target, a quick bite to eat at McDonalds, before heading to Burlington Baby Depot, and ended our excursion at the Lakeline Mall.  Kohls and Target were the most fun and Black-Friday-like.  Lots of people and the lines were long, but we were strategic and would take turns waiting in line while each of us would do some shopping.    Dave and I got some really good deals and were able to get a majority of our Christmas shopping done.  Jeani was very glad to also be able to get some shopping in at her own leisurely pace.   

Saturday was my due date!  It was also my father in law's birthday, so we definitely had a reason so celebrate!  My parents have been waiting around for this baby to be born, and decided to come down and spend the day with Dave and I.  We went to lunch & then my mom, dad, and sister "walked me" around a couple of stores.  Dave stayed at the house after lunch and started up the grill because the Copelands were coming over for dinner. 

The Copelands came over while my parents & sister were still there so we all got to hang out and catch up! 

Crazy parents.  Poor Olivia!

So here we are, well into another work week and I am still pregnant!  Each day I return surprises my boss more and more.  We can only continue to wait until baby is ready to make an appearance.  I was able to talk to my doctor about my fear of being induced if baby decides to go really overdue.  She eased my anxiety about it and let me know that she was willing to allow me to go over 2 weeks, so long as the baby passes a couple of tests they do on overdue babies.  My next doctor's appointment is scheduled for Dec. 9th, 2010.  This gives O & I almost a week and a half to work things out. 

It's funny because all along I had a feeling that I would go overdue, and my "guess day" is even December 5, 2010.  I just had secretly hoped that I was wrong and she would surprise us by coming earlier than that!  Maybe, maybe not.....   

Dear Olivia

Dear Olivia,

Okay baby girl, it's showtime!  From the beginning of your existence I have worried about you non-stop.  I worked very very very hard to make my belly a nice environment for you to want to stay in and grow like you should.  Everyone around me has helped keep you safe and healthy in my belly.  It is now time to come out and meet all of those people!  I promise that I will do an even better job of taking care of you outside of my belly; it really is not that scary out here.  You will be held and loved by everyone that has been waiting for your arrival.  I have never been more anxious to meet anyone in my entire life, and boy, are you good at making me wait!!! 

I have slowly realized that this is just the beginning of things that will be out of my control as a mommy, so thank you for helping teach me a little bit more patience.  I can't wait to learn more lessons about life from you, but you need to get here first!  I understand that you will come when you are truly ready to come, but just know that Mommy & Daddy are more than ready for your arrival. 

39 weeks (I promise I am smiling on the inside.)

39 weeks.

Your Gammie and a dear friend of hers, Diane, just hosted your second baby shower yesterday.  When the shower was planned we had to wait for your Aunt Jeani to be in town, too, she will give birth to your 3rd cousin in January, so we didn't know if you would still be in my tummy until then.  You must have known a party was being hosted in your & your cousin's honor because you stayed put!  As soon as the baby shower was over, I told your Gammie, "Alright, she can be born now, there is nothing left to do but wait." 

This was one of the darling little outfits you were given at the shower!!!

Ruffle bottoms!  I really hope you love ruffle bottoms as much as I do :).  Your daddy was only "eh" about this outfit.  It may be girly-overload for him. 

Almost all of the ladies at the party also gave you a new bear or doll. 

This is the beautiful quilt that your Gammie made for you!!!

The colors are perfect with your room, and I can't wait till you get to have some tummy time on this quilt.

Your Uncle Mike, Aunt Jeani & Cousin Reese are in town for 2 weeks and really want to be here when you come!  We have had a really nice past couple of days getting to hang out together and I hope that you come soon so that you can get to meet and know them, too!!! 

Daddy & your cousin Reese hanging out and playing with the iPhone. 

Your Jimenez Grandma and Grandpa (and Aunt Sarah, of course) are on constant standby waiting for the word to come to Leander when we think you may be on your way.  I have to start almost every phone call to them with, "No, I'm not in labor."  I cannot wait till either me or your daddy get to make the phone call telling them that I am in labor and that we are very close to getting to meet you. 

This quilt was made for you by Grandma's old principal, Mrs. T, at the school that she works at. 

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and we will be spending time with family, watching football, playing board games, and waiting on you. 

Love, Mommy

Home Stretch

Only ten days till my due date.  She could be here sooner than that, but it could also be as long as 14 days past that date.  That's the longest my doctor will let me go overdue.  I do not want to get to that point.  One of my biggest fears is being forced to have an induction.  For this reason, we have been taking a proactive approach at getting our little one here.  Mostly just a lot of walking, sitting/bouncing on the my yoga ball, some floor exercises, walking the stairs in our house, sex, nipple stimulation (TMI, I know, but this is real talk, remember?), and relaxation & visualization exercises that I learned in our Bradley classes. 

I haven't started any of the crazier "inducing labor" techniques yet, but I'm thinking I'm about to.  Fresh pineapple & the ingredients for Labor Cookies are on my grocery list.  I've also been told a couple of other things that are out there that women swear by to help start their labor: rasberry red leaf tea & evening primrose oil. 

I know that there is not one single thing that will magically start labor if my body and my baby aren't ready.  However, I feel good about remaining active and continuing to do things that will be good for my body during labor and in recovery.

Last weekend we drove up to my parent's house in Harker Heights for my dad's birthday dinner and Dave took us in the Mazda.  The hope had been that we could drive faster and take the back roads, which are very hilly, to send me into labor. lol.  We are quite crazy and getting very anxious and ready to meet our daughter.

Mommy & Daddy & Olivia at 38 weeks.  I looked swollen & exhausted. 

Squats on the trampoline.  I never actually did any jumping, but everyone else thought it was fun to bounce me a little.

Dinner & hanging out with my folks, and Sarah and Caleb was a lot of fun.  The night before we got to hang out with Reese and Annette for dinner and to celebrate Annette's birthday.  So our weekend was fun & family filled.

Yesterday was another doctor's appointment.  Everything is going well.  I had lost a pound the week before, but gained that one pound back this week.  Towards the end losing a little bit of weight, or gaining very little is completely normal.  The belly was measuring right on, my blood pressure was good, and that was pretty much it.  I have been declining the internal examinations because 1) I don't like them, and 2) they really do not tell me or the doctor anything important, especially if everything else is going well.  

After the doctor's appointment, Dave and I were able to go home and relax for a little bit. 

 

We then headed back out to Cedar Park for a Meet the Pediatrician event at a doctor's office that we were interested in using.  I'm so glad that we went!  It was good for Dave and I to meet all of the doctors at the practice and discuss which one we were interested in appointing as our PCP.  I think we are still on the fence between two of them and which one we will pick, but the way the practice works is that Olivia may be seen by any of the other 4 doctors from time to time, depending on their availability and how soon we need to be seen.  This is fine by me because I liked them all.  They are all very pro-breastfeeding & they are also okay with a modified immunization schedule.  Dave and I aren't interested in modifying the recommended immunization schedule, especially because Olivia will be going to daycare, but it's reassuring that they allow for parents to have a level of control over their child's healthcare.  A couple of the other doctor's offices I had found will straight out say that they will not accept any new patients who were interested in a modified immunization schedule.

They gave us a little introduction, there was time for questions & answers, and then we toured the doctor's offices.  At the end there was a giveaway and I won a "Baby's First Year" book for being the furthest along there last night.  Wooohooo.  :)

This coming weekend Jeani, Mike & Reese come into Austin from overseas!  Yay!  So glad that they will get to be here for the birth of our baby!



Wordless Wednesday

37 weeks and 1 day

How far along? 37 weeks & 1 day

Weight gain? Very slightly under 40 pounds.  Apparently, I'm very good at gaining weight during pregnancy.

Stretch marks? It saddens me to say that they have finally gotten me.  They are very faint and few and only on the left side of my stomach under my belly button.  I know the real test will be seeing how many stretch marks I have gotten once my belly deflates.

Sleep: OMG, sleep has been amazing lately.  It must be due to the change of weather here, nights have been really cool and dipping into the 40s.  I get up once, maybe twice to use the potty, but have no trouble falling right back to sleep.  Thor must be sleeping better, too, because he is back to only getting me up around 4:45-5am when it's time for us to get up anyways. 

Best moment this week: Dave and I had a really nice low-key weekend at home.  He cooked some amazing meals, I did some baking, got a couple of nice long walks with Thor, and we did a lot of cleaning, organizing, yard work, and only had to run a couple of errands. 

Pumpkin Spice cookies.  Awesome & only uses two ingrediants.

Movement: Still a wiggle worm! I can see almost all of the movements through my shirt now, too.  Dave has been able see her move and he calls her our little alien.

Food commentary:  Nothing very special to report in this department. 

Labor Signs: More BH contractions!  Lots more.  Other than that, nothing really exciting, unfortunately.

Belly Button in or out? Slowly getting flatter! Yay.  It has also gotten really sensitive and itchy lately.  I truly think my skin is stretched to the limit, but yet Olivia is continuing to fatten up, so the belly keeps on growing.

What I miss:  I miss not having to take breaks when putting on socks and shoes. *SIGH*

What I am looking forward to: Dave is going to be coming to my doctor's appointments from now on! Yay.  So I'm looking forward to him being there with me this Tuesday.  We have a couple of questions about after-birth procedures done on the baby so we will be able to ask those then. 

Weekly Wisdom: Be patient!!!  I'm getting way too anxious about going into labor already, and in reality I could be storked up for another 4-plus weeks.  I'm really working on relaxing, enjoying uninterrupted nights of sleep, spending quality time with Dave and family, reading, leisurely walks, and taking long baths.  Things I know will go away temporarily once Olivia is here.

Weekly WTF:  My car broke down!!!  Usually Dave and I carpool to work, but it was on the day of my doctor's appointment so we had to drive separately.  Dave left for work before me and when I went to get in my car to leave it wouldn't start.  What also made this event even more fun was the fact that Dave forgot his phone at home.  So I cried, a lot.  Then I called my mother in law and she had my father in law come over and fix the car right up.  I am very very very lucky that we have family so close and that Reese knew exactly what to do for the car.  It was a battery issue, but he was able to jump it enough to get it running for the rest of the day.  Dave has since replaced the battery so we are hoping that is the cars only problem.

Nesting madness:   Bassinet was put up and all of the linens for it have been washed and ready to go.  Dave put together the dining room table my parents gave us.  We finally bought the comforter and pillows for the bed in Olivia's room.  I cleaned out both of our cars of all dog hair and drool so that baby can actually ride in either car.

Milestones: I am now in the 37th week of pregnancy, which means that if baby were born now, she would be considered full term! Huge deal in my book.  I turned 37 weeks, and in my mind, my job as an incubator was complete. :)  No rush though...lol, but seriously baby...you are allowed to come out now.