Perry 9-10months

Week 35

As we all know by now, I think I'm farther than they say.

I am HUGE. I am uncomfortable. My hips hurt every morning when I wake up, and often feel like they're popping out of joint partway through the night. I drink a ton of water, and am not sleeping well again.

I am EXHAUSTED as a constant state of being :/

I worked a lot this week and had an exam yesterday. My Braxton Hicks contractions are lasting forever and happening much more frequently than they used to. Heartburn is kicking my butt... I wish Josh were home. I tried taking belly pictures yesterday, but the cat tried to check out the wrist-strap on my camera.... then got all involved in the photo shoot.

 35 weeks

I got my first stretch mark on my hip, and found it depressing. I can't believe that there are really 6 weeks left. As a point of reference, my boobs are now a very full c-cup, almost a d-cup. That gives you an idea of proportion...  43 lbs gained thus far. Incredibly uncomfortable and tired. I slept through an alarm this morning, so I was up at 630a instead of my normal 5am. Then took a nap from 2-4pm, and already feel exhausted again...

Plans

As many of you know, though some may not... I plan to birth naturally. Unmedicated. We plan to go as "natural" through the entire parenthood experience as we possibly can. This includes cloth diapers, glass bottles, breastfeeding, and homemade baby food. Let me tell you, it's not been easy to reveal this fact to many of my peers. I almost always get the "You're crazy" look or someone voices their opinion. I cannot tell you how often I have been informed that I will change my mind when the moment comes. 

These opinions are usually followed by horror stories of the pain, the complications, and the benefits of drugs. Well, I do not buy into the overly medicated opinion of the majority. I have spent most of my life living naturally, and am HEALTHY because of it. My pregnancy has been completely uncomplicated, and pretty comfortable for the most part. I do miss the support I could have had living back in Missouri. (Especially Liz and her Mom-- some of my primary natural-living supporters and teachers...)

I am opting for cloth diapers and I realize the work that goes into them. I realize that I will have to empty poop and soak and wash them, then reuse them. I understand that many people today are not interested in that extra work, however I also understand that I cannot-in good conscious- put so many non-biodegradable disposable diapers. I do not like to consume products myself out of plastic containers-- so why would I use plastic for my child? Therefore, we are opting for glass bottles. 

I believe that pain is a perceived thing. I believe in mind over matter, and will utilize what I've learned through my birthing plans and instructions and education. I believe in my body's ability to safely deliver the baby with minimal discomfort and without complications.

The purpose of this note is not to rub my beliefs into anyone else's life-- everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and decisions. 

I do wish to ask everyone around me to be supportive and respect my choices. I am grateful to have wonderful friends and family, and would like to include them throughout my birth process, however I intend to only include positive thinking and encouraging minds into the relaxed, natural birth and lifestyle I plan. 

33 weeks, so they say

I feel like we are MUCH closer to having this kid than the doctors predict. I think she'll be here the last week of March. She's already hanging MUCH lower than she was, and I am having way more Braxton Hicks contractions than I used to. Nesting has begun-- I steamed the carpets today, and rearranged our spare room, cleaned Josh's man-cave, and the kitchen.
The baby shower is Sunday, I'm stoked about it right now, though nervous. It'll be my first "about-me" get together in my life... I'm excited though.

2 weeks ago...

Last week...

This week...

She was initially much higher in my abdomen two weeks ago than she is this week. I have developed a rash on my belly, it's WAY worse at night when I'm sleeping... olive oil and lotion helps a little bit.

I'm seeing the midwife again on March 2, I'm apprehensive though. I'm tired of hearing that I'm putting on too much weight. Honestly. 

Josh is gone almost the next whole three weeks, I hope he'll be home for the birth. I've had horrible dreams lately about him missing it and being resentful as a result. I hope not. 

Well, off to work on homework. Wish I had some orange juice....

31.5 weeks, midwife visit.

My next appointment is in 3 weeks, then another 3 weeks after that... then every week.
Down to the last two months before our due date and still SO MUCH TO DO. I'm starting to feel anxious and overwhelmed by some of the stuff I see that still needs to be done. At least Josh comes home this weekend and will help me clean and organize some. (Plus, maybe I can get him to vacuum out my car :) He's more thorough than I am...)

The midwife said my glucose tolerance test was great, blood work is great, urine test is great, blood pressure and heart rate are great, baby's heart sounds great, but she is still unhappy with how much weight I've gained. I put on 36 pounds total so far. I started out at 122lbs. I don't think I'm putting on too much-- it's all baby and boobs.

She asked me this time to stop drinking milk and to significantly cut my carb intake. Won't happen though, the baby is healthy and I am too according to their tests. I feel fine, I have not put weight on all over my body, and am almost done. Not changing it up now.

I walk the dogs daily now, though for shorter walks. It's on average about a mile-long of a walk, but we all enjoy the fresh air. I'm so glad it's nice outside again.

I got all the baby clothes that I got in a load of stuff off craigslist washed/folded. Tonight I'm going to sort them out and put away the heavy winter ones she will never wear because she'll be too big by the time she needs them. I painted one of two nursery paintings... I like how it turned out.

BIRTH PLAN

I avoided homework for most of the day today. I felt like I get ONE day off each week, and I wanted to focus my energies on making myself feel good. So, I dressed up-- cleaned a bunch of baby clothes/blankets/etc that we got second-hand, cleaned the baby swing and vibrating chair, edited our baby registry, and typed and finalized our birth plan. While my mom thinks it's foolish, I believe in grabbing the bull by the horns, so here it is:

We have chosen to give birth to our daughter at this hospital because of their wonderful midwifery program and modern birthing center. We have also heard wonderful reviews of this establishment and their labor and delivery unit through friends and neighbors. We realize that every birth experience is different, and it is our desire to have the most memorable and happiest birth possible. We have listed our preferences below. These decisions have been made after a great deal of research, personal consultations with friends and relatives, and thoughts and discussion between ourselves. Therefore, your help in ensuring and attaining these goals is very much appreciated. Please be assured that in the unlikely event of complications, our full cooperation will be rendered after an informed discussion with the doctor and/or midwife executing the change of plan has taken place, and adequate time for private consideration has been given to us.

I plan for my husband and one friend from the following to attend my birth:

<Names omitted for their privacy>

Check-in Preferences

-I wish to enter the hospital walking, instead of assisted by a wheelchair.

FIRST STAGE LABOR

-          I request that there be no internal fetal monitoring, however I do not mind FHR monitoring intermittently as necessary.

-          Vaginal exams only as absolutely necessary and upon consent. As few as possible, preferred, and as gently as possible to prevent premature membrane rupture.

-          I prefer no time limits on my laboring so long as the baby is tolerating the labor well. I would like labor to be allowed to progress without augmentation such as Pitocin or stripping of membranes.

-          I wish for my labor support person(s) and my husband to be present at all times.

-          I do not want an epidural, regardless of the delivery or emergency procedures take place.  I prefer no analgesia or anesthesia, so long as I am able to deliver vaginally. Use tub/shower as desired and able to for pain management.

-          I prefer to first try to maintain hydration through drinking clear fluid before being administered IV fluids.  If an IV is deemed necessary, I would prefer a saline drip over a heparin lock.

-          I want to move around and position myself freely, as my instincts, body, and learning dictates. I.E, I prefer mother-directed pushing.

-          Dim lights, soft music (preferably of our choosing, if possible.); No extraneous hospital staff, please.

Second-Stage Labor

-          For birthing, I would like to be allowed to freely position my body and not required to lay on my back in stirrups.

-          Perineal massage with oil and hot compresses by husband or labor assistant preferred to be used instead of an episiotomy.

-          Husband should be given the option to cut the umbilical cord at the appropriate time.

-          Husband does NOT want to “catch” the baby or touch her head as she crowns.

-          If assistance in delivery is necessary, please use suction rather than forceps.

Please immediately place baby on mother’s abdomen.

-          I would like to breastfeed immediately to assist in the natural delivery of the placenta. No Pitocin to assist with placenta delivery.

-          No bright lights during bonding, please.

-          If the perineum needs stitches, please use a local anesthetic.

After Birth

-          The newborn is to stay with parents at all times; no nursery visits please.

-          Please delay routine exams as possible to allow as much immediate bonding as possible.

-          Please perform all physical exams and procedures in room with mother, or with the baby being accompanied by mother or father at all times.

-          If warming is required, I would like to keep the baby against my body with extra blankets.

-          Breastfeeding only; pacifier is acceptable however I prefer absolutely no bottles of formula or water.

Birth Plan, if a Cesarean becomes necessary:

I would like for as much of the baby care that is instructed with the vaginal delivery birthing plan to be possible post-cesarean. However, below are the considerations on which I feel able to comment on my preferences.

Prenatally:

-          Mother encouraged whenever possible to go into labor naturally before a cesarean is performed.

Delivery:

-          Husband allowed in the operating room at all times.

-          I do not want anesthesia through an epidural.

-          Anesthesia choices to be discussed, including any potential side-effects for the baby and time should be given for private consideration of preferences.

-          Parents given the option of viewing the birth (by mirror or lowering the screen).

-          If general anesthesia becomes absolutely necessary, father to remain during the birth in order to greet baby upon birth.

After Birthing

-          Immediately after the birth: as soon as the baby’s systems are stable: the healthy baby is to be held by the father and placed against mother’s cheek.

-          I wish to breastfeed and bond with the baby as soon as the suturing is completed.

-          Unless the baby requires special medical care, the baby is to remain in the recovery room with the mother. The father, attendant, and nurse are to supervise baby and help position baby for breastfeeding if necessary.

-          Any care given to the baby outside of the recovery room should be accompanied by the baby’s father or the delivery attendant I have brought.

-          Mother should have the option to refuse routine, immediate post-operative medications.

-          IV and catheter should be removed as soon as possible after birth.

-          Parents and healthy baby to remain together in recovery and postpartum where breastfeeding can become established. 24-hour visitation allowed for husband and/or other helper.

-          If mother develops a noncontagious fever, the baby should be allowed to remain with mother and continue breastfeeding.

-          No formula or water should be bottle-fed to the baby.

We thank you in advance for your support and kind attention to our choices, and look forward to a wonderful birth experience. 

30 weeks, already

Well, 30... technically halfway through the 30th week. Approximately 10 weeks to go. I am sooo ready to be done being pregnant. I can't walk the dogs more than half a mile before I feel her pushing down and my hips feel like they're disjointed. I miss being able to do all sorts of fun stuff. So, with that said... I guess it's the new photo update:

Just realized, I wear pink in almost all of these pictures. As someone who DOESN'T like pink, it's a little ironic.

I have my 1 hour Glucose Screening tomorrow, which I am NOT looking forward to. I'm supposed to eat a "light" breakfast, work, take the test, and get my rhogam shot. We'll see how it goes. I'll keep you posted.

Side note: I have been trying to race through homework, I really would like to have it all done by the time I have this kid-- who, by the way, LOVES to keep her toes warm in my ribcage.

I really can't wait for Josh to come home mid-February. Seems like time is barely moving right now, while I also feel it's speeding past. The girls at work are throwing a baby shower on  Feb 27, it's sort of exciting. 

Well, I ought to head out for now-- more homework, housework, and other miscellaneous things to accomplish before bedtime... Especially since I have to crash super early anymore, I can't seem to EVER get comfortable :/

30 Weeks

As of today we hit 30 weeks. TEN TO GO!

Josh and I are getting along better than ever most of the time. When we're not though, it feels like the end of the world. I think that's the hormones making me feel so sad about any little disagreement.

All of a sudden this past week, I feel so very pregnant. Worse, I often feel even more isolated now. Josh had to head out of town for part of his training until mid-Feb, our baby shower is on Feb 27. I feel exhausted!

I just took the dogs for their customary 2-mile walk. We did it by way of little loops though, since I have to stop and pee a couple of times. Before the two miles was up, I was feeling pressure and feeling like my hips were dislocating (uncomfortably, not painfully.) Yay Progestin! I think I will have to limit the walks to shorter walks and maybe go twice a day instead of their once a day walk. Coming home from the walk I feel worn out beyond repair, though. I feel like I've gotten HUGE in a matter of days, and others at work and the few friends I do see notice it too. It's crazy to think about. 2.5 months to go. It seems like such a long time, but such a short time simultaneously. I want to be more active. I wish I was better at focusing on homework... which is what I should be doing right now, but instead I will type this. Nap. Then finish up this weekend's goal on the homework front.

My stepdad wants to visit around the time of the birth, which is cool, I think Liz may be more actively planning her visit up here. The rest of my family has not announced anything. My stepdad's in Afghanistan until April 3, so he'll come sometime later in the month, I'm sure.

Well, that's all for the update I guess. There's nothing super special to report just yet. We do the glucose screening on Feb 3, and the next Midwife appointment is Feb 9. At that appointment, I will be providing my birth plan. Should be interesting.

28.5 weeks...

28.5 weeks

I have put on 35 pounds, all in boob and belly. 

Almost 21 weeks...

So we're nearing the 21 week marker. (Well, we're a couple days off, but still super close.)

Josh was home tonight-- and we totally were able to see the baby kicking just watching my stomach. I'm pretty sure she's a natural-born athlete. My back pain is unfortunately worse and today was the first day I had swelling in my knees :/

Today, also, was highly hormonal. I am normally a coldish, stoic person-- however the hormones turn me into a crybaby. I found someone who is willing to take the foster dogs in if her husband will allow her, but if not she has offered to donate all heartguard necessary for his heartworm treatment plus $100 towards vet expenses. Way, way cool. She and I hit it off REALLY well, and ironically she is friends with the wife of someone Josh knew back in Sniper days.

So, as a comparison, this was taken at our last midwife appointment on 11/17/10:

These are today. Literally, just taken and uploaded. 12/3/10. Growing too fast to even consider the fact that I'm only HALFWAY. Uggghhhhh.... 

Side note: It's bedtime. Sweet dreams.

Baby bumps

Over Thanksgiving, the baby seemed to move way stronger and more frequently when Josh would talk to her.

He's back in training now, so I played a video I have of us... and anytime he would talk in the video, she would move around and kick strong. To the point that I was able to see her move a couple times. When Josh stops talking in the video, she stops moving. It's crazy. She knows her daddy.

Post-Turkey day....

Currently, I am beyond OVERFULL.... I made hodge podge for supper, and sent some and some cinnamon rolls with Josh back to work.

Josh came home Tuesday night. I go to sleep and wake up middle of the night... wide-awake... then my laptop and Josh's computer turn on, mine was playing music. The light in the living room that I leave on in case of going to the bathroom... began flickering. I went to turn the laptop off, as it was in the other bedroom. Tristan would NOT come into the room. It was creepy as can be. The cat then laid on my belly until I got ready for work at 5pm.

Wednesday, we had our second Ultra Sound, and our baby is healthy. As of today, we are 20 weeks and 1 day pregnant. The development is completely healthy, heart rate of 158.

We got to see the facial profile more than anything else this whole ultrasound. The tech said this was the most active baby she'd seen in her entire career. I do believe I have a soccer player in my abdomen.

The front of the face is creepy, but the hands and feet are so meticulous now!

IT IS A GIRL: Perry Georgette Fletcher. I'm so ready for the remaining 20 weeks to finish up and to have my abdomen to it's original size and a kid waking me up every other hour... Josh is excited too, I think.

"Aunt" Lizzie gave us our first official "Perry" baby gifts... a couple of super cute beanies that she crocheted for her, some initial hangers, a personalized diaper bag, and a growth chart :) They're fantastic-- AND NOT PINK, woo hoo. I'm not a huge fan of pink on baby girls- at least not mine. Personally, I do not like the color by itself... unless it's LOUD.

We had turkey day in Kansas City, which was nice. Josh's folks got to meet my folks and I think everyone got along pretty well. Josh and my dad got along really well.

Almost 19 weeks

Josh has been gone to training since mid-October just about... almost a full month. I haven't spoken with him in over four days. I'm going crazy. Most of the days he called, we didn't have much to talk about of any importance... just chatted like we would over breakfast. I feel like there's so much I should tell him now though.

...for example, the fact that one of my stray dogs is heartworm positive and it breaks my own heart to know it. He's such a sweet boy. Fortunately, he's going to be treated and *should* be okay, but they're just such good dogs I hate that they'll have to experience it. For those unfamiliar with the parasite: Heartworms are transmitted via an infected host mosquito. The microfiliae (eggs) and larvae enter the blood stream, and as adults enter the heart and other organs. They generally classify infection level as Class 1-4, with Class 1 being the earliest stage and Class 4 being a goner. Carter is only Class 1 so far, but it still frustrates me that such a good dog has to deal with this. Treatment starts with regular Heartguard administration-- this kills the larvae and microfiliae, and sterilizes the adult parasites-- effectively breaking the breeding cycle. However, they then have to kill the adult parasites-- since they will still grow and complicate things. This treatment is arsenic-based and is delivered directly into the spine and is EXTREMELY painful for the dogs.

Side Note: While you may find it humorous... I currently do not: I tried to make Freddy wait to go outside til I finished submitting my paper which only meant I was scanning it into the computer, had to attach and send it with an email. He warned me he had to go, so he wet and messed simultaneously. Peed on himself: Needs a bath. While this was happening, I yelled out... and Carter happily obliges by lifting his leg ON Freddy. I need a dog-nanny :(

We had another midwife appointment yesterday. Josh, naturally, was not there. However, it all went well. I forgot my list of questions for her, but the baby seems healthy with a strong heartbeat of 150 beats per minute. The midwife was surprised when I told her I've been feeling the baby move for about a month now, she says it was probably gas bubbles... I say I'm farther than they think. They scheduled our next ultrasound on Wednesday November 24. This made my mom angry because it delays me and Josh leaving by a day, but at least Josh SHOULD be able to attend, which he'll love. The other option was to have an ultrasound towards the end of December, which was their next earliest appointment. Mom's angry because she feels I should've waited, since "the baby will come when it comes and be a girl or boy regardless when you do the ultrasound. You knew you were traveling. Dinner will be no later than 4pm on Thursday. That will give you 4 hours of screw around time considering your drive." It's a 20-hour drive. I don't even honestly want to go to Thanksgiving anymore. It's frustrating.

So we'll know how big the baby is, that it is developing properly, and if it's a boy or girl (as long as it's not modest...) next week. In time for the holidays. I have taken new pictures, we're almost 19 weeks:

It's hard to imagine I used to have abs...