Peanut....Peanut butter...and BABY!

36.5 weeks!

Ultrasound....Doctor opinion....Birth canal...oh my!

Today we had our follow up ultrasound and doctor appointment.  I haven't been very stressed about it because I have been feeling really good and have gotten back to a fun workout program and just kind of letting God take control of the situation.  Clearly, it has been in the back of my mind, but the reality is that He is in control and I am not and I just need to trust Him in this case.

We brought Connor to the appointment today so he could see his little brother on the ultrasound.  He was slightly confused by the whole thing, but played it cool the whole time...mostly concerned about eating lunch afterwards.  Typical boy, happiness is directly related to his stomach.

The ultrasound went just as expected!  I am measuring at 34 weeks and 4 days, but I am actually 36 weeks and 3 days.  Baby is measuring SMALL...and not small in a bad way...just only at 5 pounds so far (we all know they can't really be sure how big he is in there but that's below average at this stage, especially for my history).  The doctor is estimating him to be in the high 6's at time of delivery.  Again, only God knows and only time will tell.  There were no apparent issues with the baby or my placenta.  My blood pressure is lower than most pregnant ladies (normal for me), I haven't gained a single pound in over a month (makes sense because I started working out consistently again), and my fluids around the baby are plentiful.  His head is measuring good and his belly is measuring good and his chest was rising up and down the entire time which ensures them that all is good. Oh and his femurs were looking long...little baby...long legs...I don't even know...but I am so excited to see this little guy soon!  Big, small, skinny, chunky...he will be mine forever! 

So what else did we find out...?!  Well...Mr. Andrew is totally head emerged in the birth canal...and my doctor told me to be ready for anything...and not to sneeze to hard.  Yeah, it's real now...time to get things loaded in the car and ready for anything.  They couldn't even get a picture of his face because it's not visible  in my belly...it is to far down.  That doesn't mean he will come tomorrow...we all know how babies do things...he will probably be a week late and just keep me feeling a ton of pressure until then :). 

Fun part!

1. Current craving: seriously do you know how good asparagus is?!  STILL CRAVING IT DAILY!  

2. Comfort level:  Definite soreness and pressure in areas that aren't really that fun to feel that way...but hey...it is all part of the process.  Each time I get up from bed and cringe I wait to see if contractions will follow it.

3. Current issue: the bathroom is my best friend...baby on bladder...you know it is bad when you sneeze and your 4 year old asks, "Mom, did you pee?" because so many times I have had to run to the bathroom when I felt a sneeze coming on.

4. Workout program: 21 Day Fix...the workouts are JUST perfect.  Not to hard, not to easy.

It's been a crazy journey....and it is NOT over just yet!

 21 weeks!

 24 weeks!

 26 weeks!

 29 weeks!

                                                                     30 weeks!

33 weeks!

Updates:

Over the past couple months Mr. Andrew has been quite the trouble maker!  I haven't posted many updates because I haven't known where we were at in this process with the things that have come into question...but today I realized that I could use some prayer warriors my way so here are the updates.

Late in the second trimester I started thinning (if you don't know what that means...look it up).  Significant issue but it stopped and I never had any contractions so life carried on as normal.  Shortly after that process I began to experience serious PAIN...in my pelvic floor/inner thighs daily/hourly/etc...so I took out the running aspect of my life (this was a big hit to my emotional state because in my career and crazy life...running is my stress relief...it is my enjoyment...my fulfillment).  I started seeing a "gentle chiropractor" and was back on track and feeling really good within a few weeks.  There has been many questions about my "size"...belly size, that is.  I carry small, I did with Connor and didn't expect much different this time around, but produce big kids...it is what it is! :)  However, this time around it is becoming slightly more serious as I am measuring about 2 weeks behind in belly growth as of my appointment today.  There are a billion things that could cause this and I will NOT google any of them because I will not freak myself out with the Internet scare tactics, I know better!  I will have a follow-up ultrasound in 2 weeks to check Andrew's growth...at this point...his heartbeat and my vital signs are all really steady and good.  If he is growing fine, life will resume as normal...which is what I am telling myself is the case because two weeks is a LONG time to stress about something that could be NOTHING.  (yeah...I am already freaking on the inside but you won't ever see it on my face because I don't play that game hence the reason no one ever knows what is really happening in my head, my husband taught me that trick ;))

I will try to keep this blog updated more frequently as the weeks dwindle down.  For now...see fun facts below!

1. Current craving: Asparagus

2. Sweets or Salty: Sweets all of a sudden (was salty before)

3. Current week: 34 1/2...CRAZY

4. Big brother: totally over the moon excited all of a sudden...he will be attending his first appointment with us for the ultrasound in two weeks

5. Daddy: calm, collected, totally chill...you know...the normal Don everyone laughs at...he hasn't changed!  That's what I appreciate so much about him...he keeps me so very grounded during stressful situations.

Over...Due...

Sorry!!!! 

I have been going like a crazy person the last few weeks and I haven't had a chance to sit down and update this blog.  And because I just took all of the pictures off my phone, I don't even have belly pictures to share.  I will post a bunch next time so everyone can see the progress in pictures!

Most importantly...we have chosen Godparents, met with the Pastor, and are even more excited to welcome this little man...oh and he is officially named!

Andrew John Billings! 
Don and I battled this one...and we don't disagree on very much in life so this was a tough one for us.  He felt like his grandpa deserved the middle name and I believed that my grandpa was worthy of the middle name.  We settled on my grandpa (happy wife, happy life, right?! ;)).  Connor is named after Don so that was my ammo on why this one was to be named after someone in my family.  He finally agreed on that.   
My grandpa...what a man he has been in my life.  Most people probably already know how different my relationship is with my grandparents than those of traditional grandparent relationships.  But a small summary of that...My grandpa filled the "dad" role in my life growing up (which was void).  He attended many of my games growing up.  He warned me about boys and always offered his opinion, whether I wanted it or not.  He gave me money lessons (Don calls me Johnny Jr.), but don't worry now I give him tax advice :).  He is always one of the first to call and congratulate me on big accomplishments in my life.  He is always looking out for new opportunities for Don and can talk to Don for hours about military, career, and hunting and fishing.  Some people are scared to disappoint their parents...I am terrified of disappointing my grandfather.  He holds me to standards that I don't always even hold myself to (and standards that neither my mom nor my grandma come close to holding me to).  He is my biggest encourager (although Connor and Don give him a BIG run for his money on that title).  I am blessed to be able to honor him in this way.  He was a true key player in my upbringing.

Next order of business:  GODPARENTS!
When I brought up Godparents to Don it was a much easier conversation...  We pretty much agreed on both of them from the first conversation...
Godmother:  Jessica Cooper
I went to college with Jess.  Jess was also a bridesmaid in our wedding.  Most importantly, Jess is a huge fan of our Lord.  A godparent must have the ability (in my eyes and our pastors eyes) to lead their Godchild to rely on their faith when times are hard, to thank God for the good times, and support their Godchild through life obstacles.  Although I have many many faithful friends who serve the Lord daily in their actions, Jess is a sure standout.  She is just something else.  The type of person I could never even describe.  Just a really special person on the inside and out...we are so blessed to have her as a part of Andrew's journey with the Lord.  No one is more deserving to be a Godmother than Jess Cooper (we prefer to call her Coop-A-Loop). 
Godfather:  Richie Murphy (although he will always be Little Richie, to me)
Richie is my (little) cousin!  He is the youngest grandchild of my grandparents and one that I have always had a special bond with.  Richie is the son of my Godmother and the brother of Connor's Godmother.  When I think about my children I can't imagine anyone else as part of their journey to remain faithful to the Lord than this family.  They are just special.  Richie has always supported us and showed his love for us.  Richie has always been there, and always offered a hug (he gives the best hugs).  Richie has a very similar personality to me, and I cherish that part of him.  I appreciate his intuitiveness and I know he will be the MOST successful of the cousins...without a doubt in my mind.  The kid is SMART!  When I think about Richie it is always as a gentle soul, a kind hearted kid (who happens to be physically bigger than me) and as a great role model for Andrew to look up to.  Richie will be off to college this fall, and I cannot even believe how fast that happened.  I know he will influence Andrew in the Lord and in life...as Andrew experiences new adventures in his life.

The rest....

Tomorrow I will be 27 weeks!  It seems ridiculous that I am that far along already.  I can barely comprehend it. 

I head to the doctor in a week so I will send a formal update about progress at that point. 

We are working on the nursery and have started our birthing/breastfeeding/sibling classes at the hospital.  It is all coming together!

General statistics on this stage of pregnancy:
Andrew is roughly the size of an eggplant but measuring on the larger end already.
Andrew kicks and punches like a maniac inside me.  Very active child.
I can't stay away from the bathroom...he chills and kicks my bladder hourly.
Andrew is sitting lower than I would like (and causing constant pelvic pain)...but they are keeping a close eye on that aspect.
Pregnancy brain...in full effect!  Sometimes I feel like I walk in circles until I realize what I was doing.
Growing...I am visibly pregnant now.  There is no denying it.  I feel it in my face, in my arms, in my legs, and of course, in my belly.

I have pictures of the last few weeks on my computer at home so I will post those this weekend for everyone to enjoy...

Have a great weekend and for those blog readers in the STL area...ENJOY THE WEATHER!  I think spring might have arrived, finally!

Looking like a cute little….?

Here we go!

The time has arrived and judging by the amount of Facebook messages and text messages I have received over the last two days…everyone is not waiting very patiently for this information…but I do feel loved that so many wanted to be involved and are following my pregnancy.  I love your love and support.  It means more now than it ever has, in my life, so please know that much!


First, and most importantly, I want to give an overview of the health of Billings Baby #2:
1. All ventricles of heart are there.
2. All fingers and toes have been counted and all looks great in that area (long long long legs on this little baby and as the doctor says "those are some really big feet").
3. All other organs are in the proper place and appear to be measuring perfectly.
4. Baby's head is measuring perfectly and baby has a profile that looks strikingly similar to Mr Connor Lewis.
5. Baby is weighing about 13.5 ounces and normal weight for 20 weeks is about 10.5 ounces….here we go!  Connor repeat?!  MAYBE! ….most likely…. :)


Follow the pictures below to see our gender reveal to the family and to Connor (we knew at the appointment but we left it a mystery for family and friends and Connor):

We will be welcoming a Baby Brother for Connor this year and we are so excited!  Connor wasn't sure about it at first, and had an exceptionally rough day with behavior.  He came around after a short nap and some one-on-one time with me last night.  He now has the following things to say about having a little brother…

"How does my little brother come out of your belly" -Connor
"I will push him out" -Mom
"We don't push people, mom, that is not very nice" -Connor

"I am going to put these presents for the baby in my room, he will be sleeping with me.  We will share toys" -Connor

"We should name him Connor, after me, because he will love me most" -Connor

"I have a good idea!  I will share my blankets with him and he will share his with me…then we will have lots of blankets to snuggle with" -Connor

"Maybe we can put his bed in the bathroom so if he pukes or poops he doesn't have far to go" -Connor

I spent much time laughing and discussing our new little arrival with Connor last night.  He is totally intrigued and I am so excited for this adventure with two boys (my DREAM team).  He will be an exceptional big brother!

The journey continues in this blessing called life…

Have a safe and happy week!

Almost halfway there....WHAT?!

18 week belly

In a couple days we will mark the halfway mark of this pregnancy.  It seems totally unreal to me to be this far along.  Time flies when you are having fun, right?  I think time goes way faster in the last half of pregnancy than the first half...so it's going to be a quick ride!

We head to the doctor tomorrow for our ultrasound.  We will reveal gender Saturday and I will post on here once we do that. 

From here on out I will post information blurbs.  I have taken a backseat to this pregnancy...meaning...I receive as little information as possible from the doctor with minimal testing and intervention.  I want this as natural as possible.  I am hoping for it to be a smooth ride! 

See below for my "blurbs":

Baby size: Mango (about 10 ounces)

Cravings: Coconut (something I actually really like outside of pregnancy but something that I have eaten daily since pregnancy...so delicious)

Desired exercise: running (everything else is not on my interest list although I plan to do Brazil Butt Lift starting SOON).  Don and I will be running a 5k together in April.  Can't wait!

Sleep: comes and goes...sometimes I sleep well...most of the time I rarely get more than a couple consecutive hours.  I am not a good sleeper outside of pregnancy, nor was I my last pregnancy, so this is no shock and something I can live with.  I don't need much to function properly.

Movement: LOTS AND LOTS... this child does not stop.  It is awesome!  By far my favorite part of pregnancy now that I can see my belly actually move and Don and Connor can feel baby move.  So so fun!

Maternity clothes:  I finally, sort of, fit into my maternity jeans from Connor.  I have to wear a belly band with them to keep them up all day but they are better than my post-training (size 0 and 2) jeans.  Still rocking my skinny jeans but I am sure that will change very shortly as I am entering prime growing stages.

Stretch marks: nothing so far!  COCONUT OIL! :)

Favorite moment of the past week: seeing Connor's face when I had him feel baby move...what an incredible experience!!

Hope everyone in the Midwest and other cold areas are staying warm and toasty! 

Have a great weekend I will post reveal picture/videos this weekend after the big reveal!

Reserved Parking....oh yes!!

One of the perks of my job....reserved parking right next to the building. 

Amdocs has surely learned how to make my life a little easier with all the hours I work for them.  HA!  But seriously, I didn't take advantage of these perks with my first pregnancy so I am more than willing to take full advantage this time!  No shame in my game!

Hope everyone is staying warm and enjoying the week of snow and cold weather! 

Happy Tuesday!

Finishing week 16...moving right along to 17!

We are entering into the mid-stretch of this pregnancy.  I am finishing week 16 today.  It seems like this is flying by faster than I could have ever imagined.  All vitals at my last appointment were right on target.  We will be announcing the gender next month.  Stay tuned for that!

I have been feeling like my normal self for the past month or so.  The tiredness has passed.  My crazy energy is back.  My inability to sit still for any length of time has returned.  All signs point to NORMAL in my life! I can't complain at all.  I have been feeling movement daily (sometimes by the minute).  I loved being pregnant with Connor and so far this one has been no different.  I love the feelings.  I love what our bodies are capable of doing.  I love everything about everything when it relates to pregnancy!  It is such a joy and blessing to have God give me such a gift.  I will forever be grateful for Him.

We are getting ready to start the baby room.  Our spare bedroom has collected various things since we moved in a few years ago.  This will be a real treat :).  We will begin the "prepare for life" phase in the next few weeks.  I will post pictures of our progress as it happens. 

My work schedule is tight tight tight until June 15 (so basically until this baby in born) so I have been trying to take it one step at a time in order to properly plan and conquer everything that needs to happen before arrival.  What a process!  This was way easier as a stay at home wife the last time I took on this challenge of pregnancy :). 

Hope everyone has a blessed weekend!  We have a full weekend of straight family and I couldn't be more thrilled for that!

-Abbie

Billings Baby #2

Don and I are excited and blessed to announce that we will be adding another baby to the family in June 2014!  I decided to break out the Billings Baby blog for Family and Friends to follow this journey and so both kids have a place to look back on to see their progress in my belly over their 9 month journey :).  Although, I am later on posting this one that I was with Connor…go figure!

We hope you enjoy this journey with us as we take on the newest challenge…LIFE with TWO kids!

Announcement photo by Jessica Boggess!

13 weeks!

9 weeks!

Connor has arrived!

Generally, it wouldn't take me this long to update my blog but life as a mom makes things a little bit more demanding at home than I ever expected.  :)

Connor was born April 22, 2010 at 5:18am.  He weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces and was 20 inches long.  We only spent one night in the hospital before we were released :).  He had a touch of jaundice but nothing that wasn't fixable on its own.  The only other issues that came up while in the hospital was that one of his testicles hadn't dropped yet, but as of today they are both there! :)

Labor:  I guess it is a good thing I didn't realize how painful the labor process was going to be otherwise I would have never been so calm about it the past 9 months.  Labor was something that didn't scare me at all, but after reaching 5cm without pain medicine I gave in and got the epidural, which didn't go as planned.  My labor process was very smooth, despite the pain.  My body did everything it was supposed to on its own without the help of pitocin.  My water broke while putting in the epidural.  Once my water broke I dilated even faster and was pushing by 3am.  After two hours of pushing Connor finally arrived!  My total labor time was 14 hours.  Not too bad for a first time baby!

Our first week home was great.  My mom was here to help and she was a life saver. 

Here are a few pictures of our baby boy!!

40 weeks!

Today marked Connor's official due date.  However, he didn't feel the need to make an appearance so we are still chugging along.  I did end up in Labor and Delivery today... thought I was leaking amniotic fluid.  They said my main water bag is still in tact so nothing to worry about (DANG!).  However, I am 2 cm dilated and 90% effaced!  I have been having pretty regular contractions today and into the evening as well!

I took pictures of my belly today but I already re-packed my camera in the hospital bag so I won't be posting those until AFTER Connor arrives unless I get ambitious before then... not seeing that happening though!

My next post should be the arrival!  HOORAY!

He seems to be pretty comfortable

My weekly doctor appointment has come and gone and Connor is still sitting very comfortable in me.  He still has plenty of fluid to move around in and doesn't appear to be making the plunge just yet.  I currently am struggling with bruised ribs from his little feet jabbing into them constantly.  You can actually see the bruises from the outside now.  It's not very nice of him!

My next appointment is Thursday, April 22.  If Connor still hasn't arrived by then we will schedule an induction.  Cross your fingers he decides to come out before then but I am just going to be patient.  I still have a book I would like to finish before he arrives that is teaching me about my job search and how to be successful at landing my dream job.  VERY IMPORTANT STUFF, YOU SEE!

I think that most of the people around me are more anxious than I am about his grand entrance into the world.  I have actually stopped answering phone calls, text messages, emails, and facebook because I am getting tired of thinking about it.  Maybe I am a little edgy from not getting much sleep...

39 weeks and still counting

I am now 39 weeks pregnant and still counting down the days.  I am wishing for the little guy to arrive very soon so the world can welcome him!  I have early signs of labor happening right now but I think we are all aware of how long these can last before he actually decides to come out.  I have been walking multiple times a day to try to remind him that he is burning out his welcome in there ;).  I realized that I am really having a hard time with the idea of not having any control over this situation.  I am such a control freak and planner and I cannot remain in that mind-set with him because he will come when he wants to... plain and simple.

Last Saturday I spent a couple hours in Labor & Delivery Triage.  I had very little fetal movement all day and was concerned that something might be wrong with him because he moves constantly.  Thankfully, after close monitoring and an ultra-sound they discovered he is totally fine; he is just not as active anymore because he is making his way out.  He still has plenty of fluid around him to move and kick, but he is choosing to be pretty subtle now with his movements.  I have to pay closer attention to my kick counter this last week or so to ensure he is still doing okay in there!

Some of my current symptoms:

• Restlessness: I have been restless for the past three months and have had some major issues with my back and with my sciatic nerve.  My back is still not in the best shape and I still don't really get any sleep at night.  People keep telling me to take advantage of him being in me because once he arrives it is a whole new world.  I do understand this, but I would rather spend my nights up with someone rather than by myself.  It's pretty boring because Don sleeps like a baby no matter what is going on around him.  Must be from listening to explosives for two years in Iraq all night.  I figure at least when he is here I will get a couple GOOD hours of sleep at night and naps during the day rather than tossing and turning and wincing in pain.  
• Nausea: The past couple days I have been feeling like I am trying to catch a cold or the flu or something.  This is a sign of labor, and I hope that is all it is for me.  I really don't need to have the flu for real.  
• Pelvic Pain: It is safe to say that it just hurts down there.  My pelvis hurts a lot and my hips sometimes give out when I walk.  When I set down I feel like I am sitting on his head, which freaks me out.  The only way I can sit comfortable is if I have very poor posture and sorta lounge on my lower back (basically like I am in a recliner).  My grandma approved of this since I am pregnant, but I wouldn't get away with that sort of posture in any other circumstance.
• Energy: I have been a bundle of energy the past couple of days.  On the weekends I have made it a habit to take a nap while Don entertains the dogs for an hour or so.  It has really worked to my benefit since I don't sleep at night much.  During the week I suck it up because I fill my days with every little things to keep me busy.  
• All of the other symptoms aren't really things that are friendly to post on a public forum... but if you want to know what symptoms come at the beginning of labor you can look it up.  Otherwise, all of the moms out there know exactly what is happening and all of those that are interested enough won't get freaked out if they do look it up :).

I will try to update this as much as possible over the course of the next week as things should take a turn to the very end of the road.  I am bringing my computer to the hospital with me and will post pictures of baby Connor as soon as I am feeling up to it after delivery.  I will need something to keep me occupied while I am stuck in the hospital... not like I won't be busy being a mom or anything...

Head Down!

Connor has finally decided to be head down!  Thank goodness for that... at least I will get to attempt a normal delivery (and hopefully be successful).  Saw the midwife today and heard his heartbeat.  Nothing makes my day more... it's such a beautiful sound!  All of our vitals (his and mine) are perfect and on track.  He is basically fully plunged into the birth canal and ready to make an appearance.  However, I have to get my husband back on track again.  Yesterday he broke his nose at work; a 100 pound steel block fell on his face while he was under a vehicle doing some maintenance.  Today he is getting a wisdom tooth pulled.  So he is going to be in all sorts of fun pain today :).  I told Connor to hold off until like Monday or Tuesday (Tuesday would be great because I really like 4/13 as a birthday) so that I don't have to take care of two babies at the same time.  Don should heal pretty fast, but we all know how men act when they are sick or hurt.  It's like the world came crashing down on them.  We shall see how his complaining fits in with my hormones :).  It could be a very entertaining day around the Billings household.

38 Weeks!!

Today marks the beginning of 38 weeks and he is still brewing.  I have a fear that he is going to be a big baby.  Hopefully, I am wrong for the sake of my body ;). 

Here are a couple pictures of my belly as of today...

I go back to the doctor on Thursday and will post an update afterwards about my progress towards the finish line.  At this point I am so exhausted from not sleeping that I can barely function anymore.  I can't make it through a day without a fairly long nap and then I am up all night, whether I take a nap or not.  It's a super fun process and possibly making me totally looney.  Oh well!

Lightning!

Connor is dropping fast!  I spent all night tossing and turning because of the pain associated with Connor dropping (or the lightning phase as it is called by doctors).  I can barely walk today and if I lay down I better find a comfortable position fast because moving is a CHORE! :)

I am hoping this helps start the process of contractions!  Say a BIG prayer! :)

Birth Plan

I thought you all might like to see what my birthing plan looks like before it is set into motion :).  If any soon-to-be mothers are looking to make one I suggest using Pregnancy Today.  It's free and super easy!  Hope you all enjoy...




Birth Plan - Abbigale Elizabeth Billings

Due Date: 04/20/2010
Scheduled to deliver at Carl R. Darnall Medical Center


03/22/2010
To Whom It May Concern:

Thank you in advance for taking care of my family during this very special time in our lives. I have included all of the most valuable parts of my birthing plan below. I have plans to do a natural childbirth, but am aware of what will need to happen in the case of needing pain relief or a C-section and have included information on those below. My husband, Donald Billings, will be my birthing coach. He can answer any additional questions that you have if I am unable to. Again, thank you for your support during such a special moment. We appreciate your care.

Sincerely,
Abbigale Billings

Labor

• I would like to be free to walk around during labor.
• I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
• I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout the first stage of labor.
• I would prefer to keep the number of vaginal exams to a minimum.
• I would like to wear contact lenses or glasses at all times when conscious.
• Other Labor Preference: I would like to use a birth ball if available when the pain gets rough

Monitoring

• Other Monitoring Preference: I am open to any monitoring necessary to ensure my baby is doing well

Labor Augmentation/Induction

• If labor is not progressing, I would like to have the amniotic membrane ruptured before other methods are used to augment labor.
• I would prefer to be allowed to try changing position and other natural methods (walking, nipple stimulation) before Pitocin is administered.

Anesthesia/Pain Medication

• I realize that many pain medications exist. I'll ask for them if I need them.
• Other Anesthesia/Pain Medication Preference: If I ask for pain medicine I would like the low dose of epidural first so that I can remain walking. If that doesn't appear to relieve pain then I will ask for the stronger dose.

Cesarean

• Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean.
• If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.
• I would like My Husband present at all times if Connor requires a Cesarean delivery.
• I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia.
• If Connor is not in distress, Connor should be given to My Husband immediately after birth.

Episiotomy

• I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for Connor's safety.
• I am hoping to protect the perineum. I am practicing ahead of time by squatting, doing Kegel exercises and perineal massage.
• I would like a local anesthetic to repair a tear or an episiotomy.

Delivery

• I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth, including squatting.
• I would like My Husband and/or nurses to support me and my legs as necessary during the pushing stage.
• I would like the chance to touch Connor's head when it crowns.
• I would like to have Connor placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.

Immediately After Delivery

• I would like to have My Husband cut the cord.
• I would like to hold Connor while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made.
• I would prefer to hold Connor rather than have (him/her) placed under heat lamps.

Postpartum

• I would like a private room, if available.
• I would like Connor with me during the day but in the nursery at night, but brought to me for breastfeeding. (Note: be sure to check the breastfeeding preferences below.)

Breastfeeding

• I plan to breastfeed Connor and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.
• Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to Connor (including glucose water or plain water).
• I do not want Connor to be given a pacifier.
• I would like to meet with a lactation consultant.

Circumcision

• I would like Connor to be circumcised before we check out of the hospital.

Photo/Video

• I would like to take still photographs during labor and the birth.

Other

• My support person(s) is/are (support people) and I would like them to be present during labor and/or delivery.

Baby Update... the final stretch!

Today I am 37 weeks!  This link will give you more information about what is happening with Connor: 37 WEEKS.  It is really kind of crazy how much he is growing daily now!  Guess I better expect a big kid because I feel like I eat NON-STOP!

Doctor appointment went well today!  Connor's heartbeat was 146; this is the first time it has been below 150 my entire pregnancy.  Obviously normal... now he is representing a true "boy" according to doctors observations about heartbeats.  They say a slower heartbeat means a boy and a faster one means a girl.  His was 170 the first appointment and in the 160s and 150s up until now.  So I guess doctors don't know EVERYTHING ;).  My vitals were also on track.  I haven't had any swelling yet and my blood pressure is still pretty low.  No signs of preeclampsia :). 

What to expect from here on out... I had a sit down visit with my midwife about what to expect from now on.  Basically she told me that I can expect him at any time, which I knew, and that I need to be very aware of his movement from this point forward.  I have to make sure he moves 10 times within a 2 hour period and if not or if I have any doubt then I go straight to labor and delivery.  Connor generally doesn't have any problems moving on a constant basis so I don't see this portion being an issue but it is something I have to keep in mind.  I also have to watch for my water breaking, but this only happens in a small percentage of women prior to going into the hospital so I am not holding my breath that mine will break.  If it does, then I must go to the hospital right away.  They want to make sure I am in active labor not long after the water breaks because once the water is broke it is time... regardless if the body starts labor by itself or not.  The final thing she told me was that I must start recording my contractions.  If they get to the point where they are 5 or less minutes apart for more than an hour then it will be time to check myself into labor and delivery.  Regardless... there should be a baby in my arms in UNDER a month! 

I also finished pre-admitting myself (and Connor) into the hospital.  I had to fill out some paperwork and turn in the birth certificate paperwork and all of the fun stuff.  So there is nothing stopping me from wanting this baby to stay inside ANY longer.  My midwife says he is welcome at any time now even though he won't be considered full term until next Monday.  She is confident in the fact that he is fully developed and ready to take on the world. 

I hope my next update is to inform everyone that I am going into the hospital but if not then I will upload 38 week pictures and information about my next doctor appointment at the end of next week.  I go in weekly now (every Thursday, starting next week) until he is born!  Say a couple prayers that he is ready to make his appearance sooner rather than later... I would rather be up changing diapers and feeding my baby instead of listening to my dogs and husband snore (which is my current nightly routine).  Sleep no longer comes easy, but that's okay because I never really got used to sleep after graduating Maryville since I started grad school right after.  I'll sleep when I am dead... plain and SIMPLE!

37 weeks!

Tomorrow marks the beginning of 37 weeks!  Next Monday I will be considered FULL TERM!  Holy Cow!  I go to the doctor tomorrow afternoon!  I will post updates after that appointment!  Hopefully I have some progression happening that will give me some signs of labor in the next couple weeks!  I don't want to be pregnant for 10 months... but I do know how common that is.  So pray that Connor comes early... for the sake of my sanity ;).

36 Weeks... and PICTURES!

His closet!

Connor's sleeping arrangements in our room!

36 weeks!

Today marks the beginning of 36 weeks. At the end of 37 weeks I will be considered "full term"! HOORAY! Just two full weeks left before I am totally okay with him making his appearance. Although, if it happens before that I am confident in the fact that all will be well.

So far I haven't experienced much swelling. My wedding rings are a little tighter than normal but they still fit so I guess that is a good sign. Otherwise, my feet are still normal and my legs don't seem to be retaining much fluid. I have been doing a lot of my feet the past week; my legs have been killing me because of it. I guess carrying around all this extra weight does take a toll on a person. More motivation to get rid of ALL of it after Connor arrives! :)

35 weeks!

This is the start of 35 weeks. Not much longer and we will officially be parents. Something very strange, yet exciting, about that. :)

This weekend we are going to put in the car seat, deep clean two of our three rooms, and I will be packing my hospital bag. I figure it isn't too early now ;).

Tomorrow I have a breastfeeding class that I am looking forward to attending as well. I will post new pictures next week when I hit 36 weeks as well as an update about Connor. I don't have an appointment again until March 30. After that appointment I will be in the doctors office weekly!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!