37 Weeks: Group B Strep Test

Well, with the week starting off VERY non-eventful, I have decided to work on something fun to take my mind off of the waiting game.  OF COURSE I could be doing some nesting (believe me, I have a notebook paper FULL of things I would like to get done before baby arrives), but I saw this idea and loved the thought behind it.

In honor of my 37th week being pregnant, let's celebrate by going through 37 things pregnancy has taught me: (Um...yeah right.  I got to 10 and called it quits haha)

1.  Maternity clothes are the best invention EVER! No buttons, zippers, AND elastic waistbands!!!
2.  Babies need A LOT of stuff!  Holy baby equipment overload!  And I'm pretty sure every mom-to-be cries when registering.
3.  Cravings are for real, but husbands will not rush out the door at 3 AM to get them for you ;)
4.  Those baby calendars where they compare your precious little one to a fruit make no sense...but it's something fun to add to the pregnancy chalkboard.
5.  Pregnancy chalkboard updates are cute, but get ready for a weekly commitment of figuring out how the hell you're going to pull that off week after week when feeling like you drank an entire bottle of tequila the night before.
6.  On that note, morning sickness is real...but it can be all day long; and just because your not puking your brains out does not mean you have it any easier or worse then any other mother-to-be.
7.  If you haven't done so already, you will know where EVERY restroom in every store or restaurant is, and exactly how many steps and how long it will take you to get there from any corner of that place.
8.  Ice cold fruit is THE BEST!  From smoothies, to Popsicles, or just keeping the fruit bin stacked in the fridge; I can't get enough of the stuff!
9.  Naps are amazing, take full advantage.
10.  Your pets will undoubtedly know you're expecting and start giving you more and more attention.  My never cuddly cats are constantly by my side while I'm at home and I LOVE it!

Okay, now onto the pregnancy/baby updates:

 Friday we had a doctor's appointment and I'm so happy my grandmother was able to come with us.  She was able to sit in and listen to the baby's heartbeat; once again I loved seeing her face light up to the sound just as our parents have in the past.  We're going to the doctor on a weekly basis now, and I was anxious to see if I had made any progress since our last appointment.

I had totally forgotten about the Group B Strep test the doctor had done last week, so I was completely blindsided by the results. 

First let me explain what Group B strep is. Only about 25% of  of pregnant women carry group B strep. It's a bacteria that may come and go in people’s bodies without symptoms.  If it is present during labor, it can be passed on to the baby and make the baby very sick.  So they give the mother antibiotics during labor to kill the bacteria so the newborn doesn't get it.

I was so shocked by the positive test result so much so  that I immediately started to cry.  Testing positive for Group B Strep is NOT that big of a deal.  The reason I got so upset was because I really didn't want to be hooked up to an IV during labor.  I didn't prep myself very well for this visit, and when what you have planned for your labor all of a sudden is changed, it was hard to hear.  (For all of those mom's out there, I realize this is only a taste of what is to come, and I think I'll be able to prepare myself a bit better for changes in course of treatment later on).  Of course I'm okay with everything now.  I fully understand that whatever needs to be done to keep the baby safe is what we will do, it was just a bit of a shock at first.

Other than these test results, not too much has changed.  The doctor said I'm still at 1 cm dilated, about 85-90% effaced (cervix has thinned out) and still a -2 station.  I have been feeling practice contractions nearly every day, anywhere from just 1 to a handful throughout the day.  I know they're just practice because they don't hurt, just a tightening of my belly.  Baby is still moving around a lot and we have discovered that Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream creates a dance party in my belly, baby goes nuts over it!

Saturday was also a special day.  It was my best friend Erin's bridal shower.  She invited me and our friend Shaina to a dry bar when they wash, blow dry, and style your hair.  It was great spending time with these two and getting a bit of pampering in before the party.  I HIGHLY suggest getting this done if you are getting professional pictures done, or are going to a wedding or fancy party.  Well worth the time, effort, and money... I mean, look at our hair!!

I will do an extra post this week about Erin's bridal shower, so stay tuned.

Also, if you haven't done so already, please visit our Baby Hunch website to submit your guesses for Baby Rials.  Remember, whoever is closest will win a prize!!! Just click here to submit your guess.  You will have to enter in your email address, but this is just so we can contact you if you have won, you don't have to sign up for anything, promise :)

See you all next week!

36 Weeks: 9 Months!!

4 weeks left until our little one arrives!  This was one of the first tough lessons I had to learn when I became pregnant, you are not pregnant for 9 months, you're in it for nearly a full 10.  It didn't bother me so much the previous 36 weeks, but now that we're here, I'm ready for this baby to come!  Well, half of me is; the other half of me is currently making another list of last minute things we need to get done.

This weekend we put up the birch tree wall decals in the nursery.  We ordered them from In An Instant Art Schop on Etsy.  They turned out SO cute, I absolutely love them!  There are a few more DIY projects that I'm trying to complete before posting a full nursery reveal.  I found a foot stool for the glider and a decorative wall display shelf at an antique mall that need to be recovered and painted.  I'm also putting a cute tiered basket on the dresser/changing table that needs to be repainted.

My parents and brother came into town Wednesday after I got out of class just in time to join us for our final birthing class.  Mostly it was my mom who sat in, but I'm really glad she was there to get a sense of what we want our birthing experience to be like. 

Thursday we went to the new Chicago Cubs spring training site to see them play the Mariners.  It was a little overcast, but still a beautiful day.  The facility reminds me a lot of the Diamondback Salt River Field.  I heard it was supposed to replicate Wrigley Field with brick, but there was hardly any.  I was a bit disappointed in that.  Everyone drank ice cold beers while I noshed on chocolate ice cream.  It was delish, but I miss beer!!

Friday morning my mom and I headed to Target to get a few things for the delivery and after the baby comes home.  It was nice to just spend some alone time with her.  I loved walking through the baby isles with her as she gushed over how cute this was and how cute that was.  Jeremy never does that!

Now onto the good stuff!

Update on baby and I.  I thought a couple of weeks ago I had strained my right groin muscle.  It hurt every now and then, but nothing too bad.  Well, I got home Tuesday and I could hardly walk I was in such bad pain.  Every time I took a step it was like an ice pick stabbing me in my groin.  I, of course, had a bunch of stuff planned for that afternoon to get ready for my parents coming into town.  Instead, I curled up on the couch with tears streaming every time I changed positions.  I was also experiencing some pain in my low back, more like surges; not like a back ache - different.  I tried timing them, but they were so inconsistent.  Still worried, I called the nurse triage at my OBGYN office and they explained I was experiencing round ligament pain probably because the baby has dropped further into my pelvis.  Since I had an appointment a couple of days later, she saw no need for me to come in.

So, my mom, dad, Jeremy, and I drove into Ahwatukee for my doctor's appointment on Thursday.  I was anxious to hear what the doctor thought of my symptoms.  My parents were able to come into the room to hear the baby's heartbeat.  I love how their faces light up every time they hear it.  Once they left, the doctor did an exam.  She explained that I was 1 full centimeter dilated, 80% effaced, and a -2 station.  An alarm sounded in my brain, "I'M IN LABOR, I'M IN LABOR, I'M IN LABOR!!!"  But, as calmly as I could, I asked, "so what does that mean?"

She explained that this could mean I go into labor the next day... or in 3 weeks (pretty big time frame, huh?!).  But that the baby has definitely dropped down.  We need to get the cervix to 100% effaced (so we're not far from that) and when the head is crowing I'll be at a +5 station (still far from this number).  So, in other words, the process has started, but there's no telling when I'll go into full on labor.

I'm paying much closer attention to my body and any signs it gives me, but so far things seem fairly normal.  My groin pain has become much better the last couple of days, and I'm nearly walking without any pain.  I've been doing pelvic tilts and cat/cow yoga positions to attempt to help.  I'm feeling the surges in my back every now and then, but nothing consistent.  We are packing the hospital bag this weekend and car seat base is in the backseat.  I'd love for this little one to grow a bit more before entering this world (plus I have a group presentation next Wednesday that I really need to attend).

So, for now, we'll continue on as normal.  See you in a week :)

OH!  One last thing.

I decided to use BabyHunch.com to put together a Baby Pool where you can guess certain things such as Baby's Birth date (date and time, Baby's Sex, Baby's Weight, etc, etc.).
If you'd like to play, simply click the link provided below to submit your guess!
Once you visit the page, click 'Enter New Hunches' to submit your hunches...Who ever is the closest may just win a prize!  (It's free, you don't have to sign up for anything)
Just click here--> Tess and Jeremy's Baby Pool

35 Weeks

It's been a busy week!  Tuesday we put the pack-n-play together and also received the video monitor.  Those pack-n-plays are NOT easy to assemble!  Directions were terrible, and I was constantly having to go back a step or two to re-do and switch things around.  No wonder people like the 4moms Breeze playard so much, one step and it's ready to go!

We also went to our first baby class.  It was a baby care class where we learned baby care skills, safety information, feeding, diapering, bathing, and comforting a baby.  We also learned about symptoms of illness and when to call/see the pediatrician.  In addition, we received info on what happens the first hour of the babies life and what tests/procedures to expect.

We had to bring a stuffed animal to practice on and I absolutely LOVED seeing Jeremy put a diaper on a teddy bear and then swaddle it, haha.  I have to admit, I thought I knew a good amount about babies, but I learned a TON at this class!

Then, I got a bit of a surprise on Wednesday.  (this may be too much info for some, so skip onto the next paragraph if you don't want to read more detailed pregnancy issues :)) I believe I lost my mucus plug late Wednesday morning.  This was the one and only time I wish I had one of those "What To Expect When Expecting" pregnancy books.  I had no idea what this meant, was I labor?!?!  I immediately called my doctor's office to talk to the nurses on call.  She explained that it's not necessarily a precursor to labor, and gave me all the signs and symptoms of labor to look for that would indicate me coming into the office before my next appointment (next week) to get checked out.  I'm not leaking any fluid (my water hasn't broken) and I don't believe I'm experiencing any contractions.  So, we're just at a wait and see what happens stage.

But what a wake up call!  So this weekend we will definitely be tying up lose ends, purchasing the rest of the necessities, hopefully finishing up the nursery, as well as the big one: PICKING OUT NAMES!

Friday we started our birthing classes.  We are doing hypnobirthing.  Every time I work on my relaxation techniques...I end up falling asleep!  I immediately felt comfortable with our instructor Sara, and knew this is exactly who we were supposed to be working with and the way we are supposed to bring our baby into this world.  Here is more info on Sara and hypnobirthing: http://www.saravaughanetc.com/   Our session lasted nearly 3 hours, she came to the house and it was like having a friend on the couch to talk to.  It was so refreshing to talk to someone about this birthing technique who completely understood why we chose this route and to hear her stories, tips, techniques, and really discuss everything about our labor from nearly top to bottom.  We have some homework to accomplish over the next week, and I'm feeling more and more comfortable each day with the though of bringing this little one into our world.

Update on baby:  The baby is the size of a coconut and over 5 pounds.  Hearing is fully developed and Jeremy and I have started playing lullabies for the baby.  They say the baby will be able to recognize these songs once the baby is born.

I've received quite a few comments that it looks as though the baby has dropped.  This little one is also getting stronger by the day.  There have been a couple of nights where the baby has kicked my ribs so hard it takes my breath away!  This definitely happens more often when I am laying on my right side, which is my favorite side to sleep on!

Well, this post has gone on and on!  We have another busy week ahead of us, my parents will be visiting, we have a doctor's appointment, and another spring training game.  We also added some to the nursery that I will post next week.  See you then!

34 Weeks: Hospital Tour

First up, update on my baby shower post with more pictures!  My wonderful friend Heather Ratliff once again outdid herself and captured some amazing shots at the shower.  Thank you Heather!

This week was far from fun.  I came down with a terrible cold, had to cancel all of my work appointments, didn't go to school, and was basically in bed all week.  I started feeling crummy over the weekend, and by Monday I knew I had to get in to see the doctor.  I was able to reschedule our already booked appointment from Wednesday to Monday afternoon, where the NP diagnosed me with "just a bad cold."

A BIG thank you to my wonderful friend Liz who came over with some magical oils (doTERRA essential oils), which almost instantaneously made me feel better.  I applied them to the bottoms of my feet throughout the day, and for the first time in a three nights I was able to sleep completely through the night without waking up with coughing fits.  I am convinced in the power of these essential oils and have started incorporating them into my daily routine, especially at bedtime with lavender to help with my insomnia, and hope to use them during labor and delivery as well.

Update on baby: Baby is weighing in at +/- 5 pounds and can recognize and react to familiar songs or sounds.  Continuing to grow stronger and stronger every day.

We also visited the hospital this weekend.  I am so glad that we booked this tour, it definitely put me at ease knowing exactly which way we will take to get to the hospital, where to park, which floor to go to, and where to check in.  I didn't realize how often they would be moving me once inside the hospital either.  First I check in, go to triage (which is like the maternity ER), then we go to a labor/delivery room, and 1-2 hours after the baby is born we go to the postpartum room, where we will stay until discharge.

Last but not least, here is a picture for this week, I am looking...VERY pregnant haha, and remember, I was sick! 

Here is Hops in his latest "crash pad"

33 Weeks

Well, I'm on the verge of a terrible cold.  I've gone 8 months without getting sick, and then BAM...outta nowhere.  We have a doctor's appointment this weeks, so we'll see how I'm doing then.  So, there will be no chalkboard pic this week :(

We had a wonderful weekend.  We bought a few more baby items, getting the major gear checked off the list.  This included our car seat, and a STEAL of a deal on our 4moms mommaRoo baby swing.  Can't wait to get all of these out of boxes and set up in their final resting places.  We also had a great lunch at Cornish Pasty Co. with Jeremy's family, and went to a spring training game on Sunday.

Jeremy with some Tabasco Bloody Mary Mix

Bloody Mary bar at the Leonard's before the Giants vs DBacks spring training game

Baby update:  The baby is the size of a durian fruit...which is what???  Here's what one looks like, no idea what it is.  Baby is now over 4 pounds and continuing to do aerobics and have dance parties at all times of the day/night.  One day this past week the baby had the hiccups 3 times in one day, still continues to be one of my favorite feelings.  Baby could grow up to one inch just this week!  Can we say growth spurt!  With all of this new growth, the baby has moved right underneath my rib cage...not so comfortable.  More fun facts, baby is now keeping eyes open while awake, coordinating breathing and sucking and swallowing (which I am assuming is leading to the hiccups), and bones are starting to harden.

Momma-to-be update:  Other then feeling sick, things are going well.  I'm definitely starting to feel overheated at times, which is due to my metabolism going through the roof.  Continuing with shortness of breath, especially when climbing stairs.  Pregnancy brain for sure.  What was I just going to say....???  Jeremy has taken over with finishing my sentences and stories, where would I be without him?  Stammering, that's where!  Definitely bumping the belly into more things as well, haven't quite got the hang of judging whether I'll fit through a snug space or not.

Jeremy and I have also started our Hypnobirthing relaxation DVD/CD.  Since we decided to go down this route, I've struggled with telling people about it.  I'm not sure if I'm just being sensitive about it, but I find more often then not, that I'm being judged about our decision to go down this road.  It's as if right behind their comments of, "Well that sounds interesting," they're actually thinking, "there's no way she'll be able to do it."  I understand that birth is so different with everyone, and each person has their own story, so it's hard to plan something that can turn at the drop of a hat.  But I think that this method will not only help me through bringing our child into this world, but these techniques will stay with us far beyond that, helping us get through big events in the future.

Anyhow...onto more fun things.  If you're pregnant, go buy some maternity underwear.  That's right, they sell maternity undies!  Can't believe I waited so long to purchase some, and I have not looked back since!  That's it for this week.  We'll be hitting the 6 week countdown in the next post!!! (freaking out behind the keyboard right now)