Ginger has dropped!

All righty, I think we're officially in the end zone, as this morning I woke up and my belly is in a completely new place than it was when I went to sleep last night. I've been carrying pretty round and high all along, and this morning I woke up to find she is sitting loooow....at first I was a little scared actually, as I actually felt smaller than I had the night before, but then after much reading I've found that she has dropped into my pelvis, meaning she is almost ready to go. They also call this phase "lightening" and you know what? I really do feel lighter. I can breathe a bit better, which is nice.

Ginger also has the hiccups right now, as she just had some yummy chinese food for her New Year's Eve celebration night. Yep, Paul and I are kickin' it on the couch this evening, planning on playing a little PS3 together and having a low pro (non-alcoholic) night together.

I've been drinking a TON of water (almost 2 gallons a day) since the test earlier this week and feel that Ginger is still poking around in there, so I feel good about our test on Friday. Doc says that if my fluid drops further, I'll go in for an immediate c-section, if my fluid stays the same, they'll go ahead and induce, but if my fluid rises, we'll ride it out and test again next Tuesday. I don't really know which one I'm rooting for at this point, although ideally I'd like to have the experience of the normal "oh shoot babe we gotta go to the hospital NOW" feeling, but I'll take it any way, as long as it makes the most sense for Ginger's health.

Stay tuned!

38 week dr's appointment

Today's visit was hard to describe. I should have probably blogged about it right when I got home, as I felt less anxiety than I do now, having done too much googling and reading about other stories.

The first unusual sign was that I had lost 2 lbs since my last visit. Now, I have been cutting out the fast food and eating lots more vegatables, plus with this heartburn I can't eat anymore after 8:30pm or so. So no late night snacks.

Blood pressure is slightly elevated, same as last week (in fact, the exact same reading as last week). Doctor pulls out the ultrasound machine and says baby's heartbeat looks good, but that my fluids look low. Low enough that she sends me over to have an NST screening done.

There, they hook me up to the fetal monitors and I sit for 45 minutes while they watch baby's heartbeat. She was as active as ever, which was good and bad. Good, because we know she's doing all right in there. Bad, because it was hard to place the monitors for long enough to catch her heartbeat for more than a few minutes at a time. But she finally settled down, and they gave me the vote of confidence that she's doing well in there.

Then we went for the final part of the NST, which is an extended ultrasound where they check the the levels of fluid. Ideally, I should be between 5-25 cm's (which is called your AFI level). When my doc checked me initially, she found I was at 5.6 AFI, which is borderline low. When the NST specialists checked me, I was at 7.4 AFI, which was a little better, but they'd prefer me to be closer to 11-12 at this stage of my pregnancy.

So, I've been ordered to do no housework, no errands, nothing really at all. They want me to lay in bed or on the couch, and do nothing but relax and drink LOTS and LOTS of water. They are concerned if the levels stay low that the baby could accidentally have the cord wrap around her neck.

So, of course they now have me freaked out. I'm doing kick counts now (never had to until now, she has been so active that I would get 10 kicks in 10 minutes, at times) but they want me to make sure if I feel a sudden change in her activity, to come in as quickly as possible.

All of this is stressing me out a bit. I'm sure everything is fine, but even a small risk like this is causing me some anxiety. Luckily, we are close to the hospital and ready to go, so who knows- the next post could very well be Ginger's birth story. We'll see...

Answering the Question..."How Are You?"

(Precursor to this post- I am happy, well adjusted, and generally speaking choose not to complain about how I'm feeling during this pregnancy, as it is a blessing to be pregnant with a healthy little girl and I know I'm not unique in experiencing many of the issues I discuss below)

I don't know whether it is a blessing or a curse to be asked how I am so often throughout my pregnancy. Of course, with acquaintences, or strangers, a simple and short response usually suffices, but I have to admit I've wanted to answer this question the following way more than once...

"Hey Wendy, look how cute you are! Ready to Pop! How are you?"

In my head:
Well, if you really want to know, I have had a migraine, sinus infection, and and sore throat for the past two weeks or so. I'm usually so tired that my mind doesn't work properly, so I often appear dazed and confused. My lips have been dry and chapped since 16 weeks, and my feet have been swollen since about that time as well. I can only wear flip flops nowadays, despite 40-50 degree weather. I have to roll around to get out of bed, or off the couch, and I am a definite waddler when I'm walking. Speaking of which, that swelling in my ankles that I refer to has now progressed up my calves and thighs. I straighten my hair about 2-3x a week, if I can muster it, but other than that, you'll see those ugly not-quite-curls but not-quite-waves. I can't sleep at night, but have a hard time staying awake during the day. I can't take any meds for my whole sinus-throat problem, so I'm generally stuffy and blowing my nose during the day, to boot. I have gained more weight than I would have liked, and no, it's not "all belly" like those skinny girls. It's more like "all chin" to me, coupled with "all arms", "all ass", and "all everywhere else" including belly. I've had especially tough heartburn in this third trimester, causing TUMS to become ineffective, and now moving straight into twice daily doses of Pepsid (normal strength, cause us prego women can't take extra strength). I can't eat after about 8:30pm, making those late night cravings especially tough to get over when you have insomnia. But, otherwise, I'm doing just fine. How are you doing?

What I end up saying:
I'm doing great! Other than some minor swelling in my feet, all is well. I can't complain.

So, just in case you hear the 2nd version, you may want to know that the 1st version is probably a little bit more truthful, but for some reason, no one really likes to hear the truth from us crazy pregnant ladies!

Ready to rock

First, let me show you what the box looked like when the rocking chair arrived. Deal or no deal, I expected my new rocking chair to be delivered in good condition, and I about cried when I saw how it was handled. There is always (ALWAYS) something to be said for buying and picking up locally, despite me being an avid online shopper.





Well, after Paul came home from work, he unpacked the rocking chair (we already had received the ottoman) and all was well. Here it is- I just melt when I sit in it and imagine Ginger in my arms! I can't wait to read to her, rock her, and just stare at her from my new comfy chair and ottoman. Plus, it being such a good deal, I'm satisfied that I paid a fair price for it too. Paul thinks it's huge, but you know what, I love it. It'll grow on him :)

(PS excuse the mess- we're still figuring out where we'll put all of the other baby stuff)

Doctor's Appt- 36 weeks

All went well today at my doctor's appointment, despite a crazy morning at work, to say the least. I really can't even explain how excited I am to go for my weekly ultrasounds, to see Ginger's progress and growth. Incredible.

Today, my doctor told me that she is approximately 6 lbs., 8 oz. and depending on the next 4 weeks or so, she could gain as much as 2lbs or so (usually 1/2 lb a week is normal at this point). So she won't be a tiny baby, but as long as I don't hold onto her for more than 4 weeks (and deliver on time) than she should be about 8 to 8 1/2 lbs, which is the weight that both Paul and I were when we were babies.

We also got to see her face today, and even doc commented on what a sweet face Ginger has. You never really know if they say that to all of their patients, but I sure agree- she has the CUTEST little nose and face, and I can't wait to see her in person!

All of her organs and limbs checked out well, too, and yes, even today she gave doc a run for her money, as she was kicking and turning and moving all over the place.

My blood pressure was slightly elevated today, but considering the crazy day I had earlier, my doc wasn't surprised. She had me retested and the BP had reduced a bit by the end of the appointment, so all was good. Lots of lab work done today too, all normal.

So, even though normal doesn't make for the most "exciting" blog postings, it makes me incredibly happy! Doc officially pulled me off work today because of my swollen sausage feet, so I get to start collecting SDI right away (well, after a 1 week waiting period).

Fun new stuff...

I've been adding a few final touches to Ginger's room, and thought I'd share a few cute new things "she" has gotten :)

Here is a surfboard that I ordered from Ebay- how adorable is this? It's over 4 feet long, and it's going up on the wall above her changing table. I LOVE how it turned out!



Ginger's first lullaby CD- called Rockabye Baby- Lullaby Renditions of Led Zeppelin. We were introduced to the Rockabye Baby series at our 4D ultrasound place- they played the Bob Marley Rockabye Baby (which is our next choice!) Paul and I are big Led Zeppelin fans, and love that we will be able to sing along to Ginger (and deal with baby lullabies that we actually enjoy listening to!)


A set of new books I orderd for Ginger- I loved the Little Miss series when I was a little girl, and am totally nostalgic just putting them on the bookshelf!


Ginger's new humidifier- I couldn't resist (even though it has nothing to do with the vintage surf theme)


Ginger's new bouncer- courtesy of Tyler and David. It is SOOO cute- thanks guys!


We're still waiting on the rocking chair to arrive- the ottoman came yesterday and I love it! Once both are in place, I'll make sure to capture it as well.

Big Kicks...Still?!?!

Ginger has been quite the active little girl in my tummy for most of this pregnancy, but this past week or two has been stunning. Most of my reading is telling me that she should be sort of squished by now, and not have much room to punch and kick, thus some of the movement will feel less intense.

Wrong.

Last night, Paul and I sat in bed at about 11pm for almost an hour, blown away by what this little girl is capable of. We just watched my tummy, and she would completely react to our communicating with her. Mom called her a tough little cookie, and she immediately kicked back like she was saying "you betcha!" and we laughed, and laughed. Dad tried to comfort her, stroking my tummy and telling Ginger that this is our bedtime and she needs to start simmering down (already being a good daddy) and she calmed while he stroked. We smiled and were just so amazed.

We even pretended that she was on our bed, in between us, and are still just in shock that we'll have a child in less than 4 weeks. We have every emotion possible running through us, mostly nervousness about the unexpected. We want to get this show on the road, but know that once she's here, it's not "over". This isn't a cold, we don't go back to "normal". Our lives will be changed forever. Holy Moly.

SCORE!!!!

I am bouncing off the wall right now, thrilled at my super deal I just landed without even trying. I have been eyeing a rocking chair and ottoman for some time now, in fact I was debating between two (rather expensive) options, but felt that it would be worth it somehow to make this investment for Ginger, and our next baby.

Well my friend Jaime actually had one of the rocking chairs, and once I sat in it at her house, I knew that this was the chair I wanted. She loves it and uses it often, so I knew it was the right move.

When I called Babies R Us about a week and a half ago, they mentioned that they no longer sold it in their store, but that if I came in they could have it shipped from the distribution center to the store. I lagged on getting around to it, because I would have had to go in, pay for it, and wait 12-14 days for it to come in. I've just been busy and haven't gotten around to it.

Well, wouldn't you know- I went online tonight to Babies'R'Us website, and the chair and ottoman are clearenced priced at 50% off!!!!!! The chair is normally $400, and it was priced at $200. And the ottoman is normally $150, and it was priced at $75.

Check out how it all worked out for me:
Chair ($200) (reg $400)
Ottoman ($75) (reg $150)
coupon: $25 off $150 or more (-$25)
3 gift cards I have been storing:
(-$85)
(-$50)
(-$25)

Shipping to my home ($100)
(yes, this is a killer, but the store
couldn't offer me the clearence price)

TOTAL: ($190)

$190 dollars for the set! YAHOO!!!!!! I was seriously about to pay $550 plus tax to the store, and have to go pick it up (well, have Paul pick it up). Now it is coming TO MY DOOR for $190. And it's ADORABLE!!!

Can you tell I am one happy mommy?? I'll make sure to take a pic of the set when it arrives.

35 weeks

I like this pic the best, because all you see is my silhouette against the tree, rather than all of my glorious chins.


But, to capture the moment, I added the other one as well...


I can't be vain at this point, Ginger will be here soon enough and that is all that matters to me right now. I am SO excited to meet our baby girl, I can't even explain it in words!

34 weeks- doctor's visit

This morning I had a great doctor's visit, well, mostly great. I was able to fill out the preadmission paperwork, so we are set when the time comes to deliver- we'll get wheeled right in. My blood pressure measured great, which I was a little surprised about, to be honest. I've been so swollen and have read so much about preclampsia that I thought my BP would start travelling north. But it hasn't, in fact the doc made mention that I was in a great range, so I feel good about that. Good protein levels, another indicator of no preclampsia, so another thing to feel good about.

Ginger has rotated and is now head down, ready to go. I was able to see her on the ultrasound today, WOW she is getting big! Her head and body looked quite large, which made me a little nervous, but doc said she is measuring in right at 34 weeks, right on target. She was kicking and punching through the ultrasound, it was so fun to watch her moving around. When the doc came into the exam room, she asked how I was doing, and I was mentioning how much of a kicker she is, and I'm sure she hears that all the time. Well, it was confirmed with the ultrasound- the doc said "you weren't kidding, she is REALLY active!" and confirmed that this was a great sign of good health.

I say the visit was mostly great today, because, well, I've officially surpassed the 25-35 lb range. And I still have 6 weeks to go. And I'm not talking 36 lbs (though let's just say I'm not over 40 yet). Doc mentioned that I will want to watch my carbs through the next 6 weeks, and though I already knew I've gained a little too much, it still was hard to hear it. But it just makes me more determined to get my a$$ to the gym afterwards. Paul has absolutely no concerns about it and continues to give me props for working as hard as I do, while being as prego as I am. So I keep it in mind, but won't allow myself to get too depressed about it. It is what it is.

Check out my big ol' belly- amazing, huh?