signs of labor?

All night long last night, I thought for sure that this was it.  I was timing contractions between 15 and 20 minutes apart from about 1130pm until about 2am when I finally was so uncomfortable I decided to get in the shower.  If it we were getting the show on the road, I might as well shave my legs and my arm pits - that's the nice thing to do, right?  Even though when I got out at 2:30, I decided a small dose of melatonin was necessary to get a teeny bit of sleep before starting my Monday.

Today has been pretty rough.  I didn't walk.  I am having often, yet inconsistent contractions.  I am pretty sure little girl has dropped because when she moves, instead of feeling it below my boobs, I literally feel it just above my vagina.  I am not sure which is worse other than the fact that I had pretty much gotten used to the higher movement.  

I thought it was only fair to text Bethany and Phillip and let them know I was struggling.  I was pretty sure, though, by that time, today would not be the day.  Even though I was still clocking contractions, my mind wasn't focused on them so if I was on meetings and such, they weren't as noticeable.  The entire day I have been struggling - just so tired.  I think that good sleep is like a miracle drug - I need it and when I don't get it, everything is off.  Thankfully, the day at work wasn't too difficult and soccer practice tonight was a nice diversion to it all.  I have to say, I am enjoying going to soccer events.  The few other moms there are so nice and the kids are such a great group that play really well together.  

I am so hopeful to get some good sleep this evening and start anew tomorrow!  Maybe I will even venture out in the 4 o'clock hour to get a walk in (not too likely).

so many suppers

I don't know what I would do without everyone rallying around us and providing meals so often.  Actually, I do know (because it happens all too often).  We will sit down for supper with bowls of cheerios or perhaps, one of my favorites, popcorn in front of the TV.  Why not?  I don't have the energy to care about a well balanced meals and the bonus is that I don't have to fight the children to eat healthy!  Win, win.  Not really, but they are fed and that is all that matters.  

Recently, Steve and Cheryl have brought over several meals.  David and Maria a couple different ones and when my aunt helped with Meade one Wednesday recently, they made supper for us, too.  Beyond not having to think about what to make or preparing it, Jacob said I am less cranky when someone else brings supper.  Win for him!  Maybe if he got in the kitchen and helped on days that I didn't have a clue of what to do, I'd be less cranky!

I really am humbled by everyone's kindness as we get closer day by day!

i just want to pee!

All week, it seems as though I have to pee all the time - every pregnant person can identify with that.  The issue is that when I try, I might only get a few drops out.  It is as if the baby is sitting on the valve that would release the urine from the bladder.  I have no idea if that make sense but that is the way my brain works.  I was up half of the night thinking I just wish I could go to the doctor and get a foley for them to empty my bladder and let me go on my way.  

I tried.  I emailed them to see if this was an option.  The nurse came back with a litany of questions to try to rule out a UTI or who knows what else.  I haven't had any pain, just the inability to go.  They asked me to come in for a urinalysis just in case, which I did.  The early indications showed no bacteria, which is great.  It did show a good amount of sugar, to which the NP that I saw asked about what I had eaten that day.  Oh, how embarrassing!  Normally, four out of five days a week I can say that I ate really healthy and even had a salad for lunch.  Well, not today!  I had to be honest.  I was mortified to tell her that I had Bojangles for breakfast and leftover Chinese for lunch.  Yep, it happened.  Not often, but today was bad.  I had to own it in case there were other issues.  Apparently, all of the carbs from that was a reason that there was a high sugar content in the little bit of pee I was able to expel.

Beyond that, there was nothing that they could do other than tell me to lift my belly when I sat down to pee.  I used to pee great in the shower, but even that hasn't worked well lately.  We shall see what lifting the belly does - I just hope I get some relief soon!

status quo

There's not much to say, other than the fact that I am tired and uncomfortable.  Who isn't at this stage of the game?  I try not to complain too much and be cognizant of my cranky level so I can turn it back a little bit.  Or, sometimes, I just say screw it and let it fly because the people around me do such stupid things it takes my cranky to a whole new extreme!

All is going well.  I can't believe we have less than three weeks left!  Even in my cranky, tired, uncomfortable state, I still smile when I think about what is to come!

quick and easy appt

Even though we waited over an hour to see Dr. C today, it was a pretty quick appointment with no issues.  I will say it was strange to hear that the GBS, group B strep, test was positive.  I have not had this with either of my children so it was a bit of a surprise.  The good news is that the bacteria really can only effect the baby if they are premature (which we are just a few days away from full term).  Also, the fact that we are planning a cesarean the baby will not go through the vaginal canal so there is even less of a chance of exposure to the bacteria.  

Apparently, this is normal in about 30% of the population. I was told that the vagina is a breeding ground for bacteria and this is one of them.  Even though I haven't experienced bit before, I am not going to stress over it.  The only thing here is that Bethany and Phillip need to let the pediatrician know that I was positive so that if they need to run tests or if there are any health issues with baby they are aware of this up front.

Unfortunately, I have gained almost 10 pounds in two weeks.  Ugh.  Another reason I want to deliver sooner rather than later.  I know this is due to several things - not walking as much, having less self control for eating anything and everything, swelling due to this stage of pregnancy, having to pee all of the time but only able to pass drops if I am lucky, etc. Dr. C is very pleased with everything at this time and we will keep trudging along!  My prayer is to go a little early, but not until next week after Bethany and Phillip move down to Chesterfield.  Once that is done, and hopefully they are able to settle in a little bit, I think it is fair game.  Although this little girl makes that decision and we will take what we can get as long as we both are healthy!

It was a little odd to go to the appointment alone today.  Bethany and Phillip were able to be there via phone, but I am so used to having someone tag along.  It was strange at first, but since they were so backed up, I literally sat there without a phone in my hand and literally just checked out.  It was really nice not having to engage in conversation and relax a little bit.  Charity, Dr. C's assistant (who is really the most lovely, upbeat, sweetest girl) even mentioned how odd it was to be there by my lonesome. It ended up being just perfect!

time away

Jacob and I had scheduled a time to go down to my parents for a night just to get a change of scenery.  Gregory did not have a soccer game this weekend so it was basically the only weekend that would work.  It stinks that the weather has been rainy and windy, but that also meant that I could take it easy.  My parents don't let me lift a finger, which is always nice. Jacob could take it easy, too, which he desperately needed as well.  

I spent hours at the dining room table puzzling - we finished a 1000 piece yesterday and started a new one this morning.  I left dad to finish it and it was probably half done when we left before lunch time.  The kids were also exceptionally good listeners this weekend too, which helps a ton!  I have been feeling pretty good.  The braxton hicks are pretty much the norm these days but nothing consistent and no additional back pain, which to me would indicate it was more of real labor.  My dad even fixed my favorite homemade macaroni and cheese and I indulged way more than I should have.

All in all, it has been wonderful and the rest of the weekend will involve more time on the couch watching football.  Can't ask for much more than this!

slowing down

Y'all, my body can't keep up with my mind anymore.  I want to go, go, go, but I literally can't.  I am so used to constantly being up and doing that it bothers me that I simply can't do it all anymore.  Beyond that, physically, my body is getting more achy and uncomfortable.  My morning walks that had been 3.5-4.5 miles each morning are now 3 miles at most.  I am giving myself the grace to let it be, but it definitely takes a toll on the unspoken goals in my head.  

I am so ready for the weekend I don't know what to do.  Typically, I don't mind the work week, but my routine on the weekends lately has involved a couple of cat naps throughout the day and boy does my mind and body need those!  TGIF!