35 Weeks!

I'm still feeling pretty good! My only main issue, is that I have developed a pregnancy rash I think. I have these little bumps on my chest, some on my abdomen, and on my back. They look like I'm breaking out with acne, except that they ITCH like the dickens. I'm fortunate so far that I haven't gotten any stretch marks! I do have a very faint Linea nigra on my abdomen. Lot's of contractions too! Nothing regular though, and they aren't painful. Yesterday, when I was out for my jog, I felt some "leaking". It actually only happened one time. I was a little nervous that it was amniotic fluid. I was thinking that as much as I'd love to see my baby, he/she needs to cook at least a few more weeks. I determined, it must have been urine, since it only happened one time. I think baby has dropped, I feel "lower" and everyone keeps telling me I look "lower". Lot's of pressure.

Last week I mentioned that I thought I was starting to lactate! I definitely am! I have felt the "let-down" sensation several times. It feels like a tingling sensation in my nipples. Once I felt it in the shower, and was able to express some milk out of my breasts. It's amazing how God has created our bodies to support another life. What a gift!

So much to do still! We need to pack our bag, set up our hospital tour, and decide on a pediatrician. This is actually the hard part, since Michael and I are VERY undecided about certain kinds of vaccinations. We definitely DO NOT want the Hep B vaccine when the baby is born. I for sure want to delay it, and may not want it at all. So, we need to find someone who will be more flexible about the medical model of vaccines. There is quite a bit of controversy over the Hep B vaccine given right after birth, as the baby has not yet full developed their central nervous system. The ingredients in the vaccine have been linked to autism (thimerisal) and Alzheimer's (aluminum).

Back to the Hospital!
So, after SEVERAL hours on the phone with our insurance company, and 6 different answers and being transferred who knows how many times, it was finally decided that there was no way to determine if they would cover the actual birth at the birth center. UGGGG.... this was SO frustrating, as I thought I had all my ducks in a row. I'm a naive girl I guess. Anyway, we are back with our previous Midwifery group and will be delivering at the North Suburban Medical center after all. They were very gracious and understanding about our attempts to go to the birth center and took us back, no questions. I guess I was afraid they wouldn't take us back or something (hahaha... Christmas baby with no room in the inn)! We just don't want to get stuck with a $1600 bill after baby is born (which was a possibility at the birth center) and for sure everything is covered at the hospital.

Well, I think that is it for this week. I can't believe how fast all this is going. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

34 Weeks!

I had another midwife appointment yesterday. Everything looks good with baby. I gained 3 more pounds and am measuring right at 34 cm. "Chunk" was moving around quite a bit. The heart rate was 165 this time! The last 10 weeks it has been in the 130s and 140s. This baby keeps us guessing, but that is fine; we want that SURPRISE!

I do have a yeast infection. YUCK. I'll spare you the details. I thought I did, but wasn't sure. Turns out the swelling down there is in part due to this. This makes me feel better, knowing I will have some relief, as I getting treated for it.

We had our last Bradley class on Tuesday. I'm kind of sad the classes are over, even though I know it means baby will be here soon. That was such a great time for me and Michael! We watched a couple really cool videos on breastfeeding. Speaking of, I think I might be starting to lactate a little. I've had some feeling of wetness the last couple of mornings around my left nipple, and then found a spot on my shirt. I still can't fathom that my body is creating milk. So amazing.

I found out some good news with work. For my last month I will be orienting another nurse! This means NOT as much running around and an extra set of hands to help. So much LESS stressful and more likely that I will be able to keep working up to my due date! I was so thankful to hear this news.

We did a few prego pics this last week. Here is a sneak peak:

33 Weeks!

Getting more and more uncomfortable! Actually, it's mostly when I'm laying down or sitting. So I try to keep moving. That actually helps. I'm still jogging, and that actually gives me more energy. I am starting to have other "issues" though: CHAFFING! That hurts! Plus my girly area is pretty swollen, which I am told is normal. I'm definitely waddling now! Only 7 more weeks to go and 6 more work weeks left. But, who's counting! ;)

32 Weeks!

Here is a pic of a baby boy at 32 weeks. It's amazing to think that "chunk" looks like that right now. I can't wait to meet my baby. Eight more weeks to go! Let's see, anything new??? Just going to the bathroom about every 2 hours at night now. I guess, It's preparing me for waking up that much after the baby comes. ;) I do feel lots of pressure at times on my bladder and pelvis. I think the baby is head down.

We have only 2 more childbirth classes to go. Last night we had our "big" labor rehearsal with 10 different stations to try labor positions and practice timing contractions. I learned a few things about Mikey. He kept timing the contractions like we were at a sporting event, counting the seconds down at the end of a game. hahaha... I had to tell him to use different words besides "numbers" to tell me how much longer the contraction was going, and only to tell me half way through and nearing the end of one. He is so funny, but SO wonderful and SO supportive. I love him so very much! Last night he got up to get me water, to get me an extra pillow for between my legs, and I think he did some sort of relaxation technique with me that we learned in class. Must have worked, cuz I fell asleep fast! He is SUPER excited to be my "birthing coach". I'm blessed!

We have our first appointment with Mountain Midwifery Birth Center. Here's the link to the site:

http://www.mountainmidwifery.com/

I know some people have had concerns that we are not delivering in a hospital. The website might answer some of your questions.

That's all for now!

31 weeks... Baby, it's cold outside!

I've been up since 6am on a day I don't have to work. My last potty break won the battle of keeping me awake. So, I decided to take a gander at our first 2009 BLIZZARD. Yes, it's true, SNOW, SNOW, and more SNOW. In fact it's been snowing since late Tuesday night and not supposed to stop until tonight (Thursday). I'm sure we have gotten well over a foot! Check this out!

Move over FALL... Winter is here already!

Aside from the excitement of the weather, everything else has been mostly uneventful. We were supposed to have our first appointment at the birth center today, but it was canceled due to the weather, so I will update next week. I'm hitting the potty quite a bit, and feel pressure down yonder! Baby is moving a lot, and I can feel funny sensations right below my stomach - tingling at times. Definitely noticed myself to be a little more short of breath as well. "Chunk" is getting chunky! I'm so glad.

We finally finished decorating the nursery. Here are the latest pics:

I'm glad I don't have to work today! Michael will probably be driving me to work tomorrow. But for now, I will just enjoy another day of being snowed in with the hubby! Funny, I thought our first "real" snowfall would mean baby is around the corner. I hope "chunk" doesn't think this means it's time to come yet. Stay in there little one, it's much much warmer!

30 Weeks!!!!

30 weeks! I really feel like it's count down time. I am getting super excited about being a Momma! I've got the prego dreams "going on". I was watching "House" the other night with Michael, and I had a dream that Dr. House delivered my baby. The baby was a boy and just kept smiling, which of course made Dr. House a "new" man! hahaha... This baby is changing lives already.

I'm feeling pretty good. Baby's butt is bulging out quite a bit. If you look at the pic on the left, that's how "Chunk" is positioned right now. His/her butt was WAY bulging out the other night when I got up to go potty. I felt this very hard bulge on my right upper abdomen! hahaha... Baby is getting bigger!

We have decided to switch care providers. I had nothing against our previous Midwifery group, but we found a birth center in Englewood, CO that focuses on natural birth. It is 100% in line with our birth plan, and I won't have to worry about constantly voicing our preferences in light of the typical medical model of giving birth at a hospital! We are super excited, and will have to option to have a water birth if we want to do that. We will be able to move around during labor, eat and drink, bring in music, candles, and whatever I want to feel relaxed! We go to our orientation of the center tonight. Their rate of natural childbirth is 90%. And if there are complications, Swedish Hospital is only one block away.

Here's a video clip of one of the labor rooms!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPWStQEzXcw

Still got it! 29 weeks!

It's a BEAUTIFUL day here in Colorado! Sunny, clear blue skies and 60s out! I must admit, that I was a slug though, most of this day. I woke up at 3am to hit the potty, and couldn't get myself back to sleep. "Chunk" was kicking, hubby snoring and my tummy growling. I decided to go downstairs and get a bowl of cereal. I ended up camping on the couch with a lovely fireplace and 1930s movie called "Three's Love", (I think that is what it was called). The movie was so funny that I didn't get myself back to sleep until 4:30. Slept until 8:30, potty break, slept until 10:30 and finally got myself up. I was justifying my need for sleep from the last three 12 hour work shifts. I had every intention of getting myself outside, but then around 1pm I felt tired again and decided to lay down for another nap. I was thinking how maybe, I should just skip running today. Maybe it's time to stop. But, it was SO nice outside, that I thought I was at least attempt it, and maybe just walk if I felt too uncomfortable. HOWEVER, I guess a run was just what the doctor ordered. I ran over 5 miles, when I was only hopeful for 3. YAY! I guess I needed the rest this morning, and now I feel refreshed. It was a good run too. I felt comfortable through most of it, except for having to pee. :)

Here's a link to one of my favorite running videos!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAF_5XxOKg4#watch-main-area

Congrats to my sister Tracey for running her first marathon! She ran the Chicago Marathon for me and Chunk this past Sunday and averaged 11-12 minute miles running the whole time!!! Hoping to join her next year!